Windows administration tools

Microsoft administrators will learn to use native management tools, including System Center and its associated components, as well as the cloud-based Operations Management Suite, in this topic center. Other topics covered are automation through PowerShell scripts and uses for open-source and third-party administration tools.

September 26, 2018 26 Sep'18
Windows Admin Center unlocks Server 2019 features

Not just for troubleshooting, Windows Admin Center helps admins unlock the full potential of the latest Windows Server offering.
September 12, 2017 12 Sep'17
DHCP server exploit highlights September Patch Tuesday

Microsoft patched 76 vulnerabilities on September Patch Tuesday, but Windows Server administrators only have a few critical updates that require immediate attention.
August 31, 2017 31 Aug'17
PowerShell Core's march ahead gives pause for IT admins

As Microsoft's PowerShell Core open source project progresses, some question the future of Windows PowerShell in the company's cloud-focused strategy.
June 13, 2017 13 Jun'17
Microsoft stitches up Windows Server 2003 on busy June Patch Tuesday

A month after Microsoft issued updates to protect unsupported Windows systems from the WannaCry ransomware, the company repeats the act to protect these systems from a new threat.

Bring yourself up to speed with our introductory content

SCCM driver management strategies for the modern world

Now that more users work remotely, administrators should evolve with the times and understand the range of options to deploy device drivers more efficiently. Continue Reading
Cut coding corners with return values in PowerShell functions

In certain instances, a return keyword is a good option to exit the current scope of a function and to reduce the bloat from a PowerShell script. Continue Reading
Learn to use a PowerShell call function from another script

Don't use the same lines of code in several places in your scripts. Learn how to use functions and reap the benefits of a more streamlined approach. Continue Reading

Weigh the pros and cons of technologies, products and projects you are considering.

SCCM peer caching matters more now than ever

The three peer-to-peer technologies in System Center Configuration Manager smooth out traffic over the network, but one might be a better fit for your organization than the others. Continue Reading
SCCM vs. Intune: A closer look at the capabilities of each

Microsoft Endpoint Manager packages the two well-known administration tools, which have grown closer in functionality but still have some unique capabilities. Continue Reading
5 WSUS alternatives for patch management

Compare the features and functionality of five prominent patch management tools for Microsoft and third-party applications to find the right option for your organization. Continue Reading

Learn to apply best practices and optimize your operations.

Explore the benefits behind SCCM tenant attach

When you plug your System Center Configuration Manager into the Microsoft cloud with this feature, you add more flexibility to your device management capabilities. Continue Reading
PowerShell Move-Item examples for file, folder management

You can take the pain out of regular administrative tasks, such as migrating and organizing data from your users, with these advanced automation scripts. Continue Reading
Try default values in PowerShell parameters for flexibility

When you lock down your code to work in specific conditions, your automation efforts can fall flat. Try these techniques to add more versatility to your PowerShell scripts. Continue Reading

We’ve gathered up expert advice and tips from professionals like you so that the answers you need are always available.

Increase PowerShell security with help from AppLocker

Learn how to curb the native abilities of the expansive scripting tool in the Windows OS to prevent your users from being unwitting participants in a cyberattack. Continue Reading
Build a PowerShell logging function for troubleshooting

A basic administrative skill is checking over logs to find out why something broke. Learn how to build a proper logging mechanism to catch errors for diagnostic purposes. Continue Reading
How to locate privileged accounts in Active Directory

IT administrators must be able to identify privileged accounts in Active Directory for a more secure enterprise; two methods can make the task easier. Continue Reading