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If Microsoft can pull this off, it’ll change your workflow forever

20th January 2025
If Microsoft can pull this off, it'll change your workflow forever

Wouldn’t it be great if your Windows 11 computer could handle tasks just like a real-life assistant?

That’s exactly what Microsoft wants to achieve with Windows Agent Arena, its new AI project.

The goal is to create smart virtual assistants, known as AI agents. They will be able to complete tasks on your computer. They could save time by doing repetitive tasks for you, such as managing apps or organising files.

So, what exactly is an AI agent? And how could it help your business?

An AI agent is a type of artificial intelligence designed to interact with your computer. Instead of only giving you information, AI agents can perform actions for you.

For example, you could train an AI agent to run your morning routine. It would open your calendar, launch your email app, and check the news. When you begin your day, the agent would know what info to share with you, like a virtual assistant.

Imagine having AI agents that update your software, or even edit documents for you. They could enable privacy options in Microsoft Edge, install extensions or update settings. This saves you time and hassle, so you can focus on bigger things.

The project is open source. That means developers around the world can contribute to help these tools evolve. Although they’re still in development, the potential for businesses is exciting.

For now, one of the best ways to see how helpful AI can be for your business is to give Copilot a try. Need help getting started? Get in touch.

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Windows Hello gets a new look and improved security

13th January 2025
Windows Hello gets a new look and improved security

Do you dream of never having to remember another password ever again?

That’s what Windows Hello, Microsoft’s biometric sign-in tool is all about. It helps you log in to your Windows 11 devices quickly and securely – with just a glance or a touch.

Now, Windows Hello is getting a makeover, bringing not only a new look but also enhanced security features that are perfect for busy business owners.

If you’re not familiar with Windows Hello, it lets you skip traditional passwords and sign in using:

  • Facial recognition
  • Your fingerprint
  • Or a simple PIN

This means faster access, better security, and a lot less frustration.

Windows Hello is invaluable for businesses, allowing employees to securely access their apps and devices without the risks associated with weak or reused passwords.

The refresh will improve the design of Windows Hello, so it fits right in with the sleek, modern look of Windows 11. The whole experience will feel smoother and easier, whether you’re logging in to your computer or accessing the Microsoft Store.

Microsoft have also made it easier to use passkeys – another secure, password-free login method. With Windows Hello’s new passkey experience, you can choose your preferred sign-in method and switch effortlessly between devices.

These updates are currently in testing, but we should see a rollout soon.

Want to give Windows Hello a go? We can help, get in touch.

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Here’s how to fix that Windows 11 File Explorer glitch

6th January 2025
Here’s how to fix that Windows 11 File Explorer glitch

If you’ve installed version 24H2 of Windows 11 for your business, you might have noticed an annoying glitch in File Explorer.

File Explorer is that familiar window you use to browse your files and folders. Normally, it’s straightforward – but some people are running into issues with the “See more” menu after downloading this update.

The menu, which is marked by three little dots, usually pops up below your mouse cursor, giving you options like “Select All” or “View Properties”.

But thanks to a recent bug, the “See more” menu is flying up to the top of the screen, often disappearing out of sight. And if you’re using File Explorer in full-screen mode, some menu options might not even be visible.

Frustrating, to say the least.

Whats the work around?

Luckily, there’s a simple workaround: Just make sure you’re running File Explorer in windowed mode where it shares the screen with other applications. To do this, click the square icon in the top-right corner (next to the “X” you’d click to close it).

You can then resize the File Explorer window, allowing you to use the “See more” menu, even if it’s still misbehaving.

The good news is that Microsoft are aware of the problem. They’re working on a fix.

Little glitches like this can be a nuisance when you and your team are trying to get things done.

Can we help you squeeze more productivity out of your applications? Get in touch.

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Beware that “support call” – it could be a ransomware scam

30th December 2024
Beware that "support call" – it could be a ransomware scam

If you get a call claiming to be from Microsoft Teams support, think twice before doing what they ask.

There’s a new trend for scammers to pose as “help desk” staff, with the aim of tricking employees into letting them take over their devices.

This is part of a larger ransomware attack, where you’ll be denied access to your business data unless you make a hefty payment to get it back.

Recently, a notorious cyber crime group has taken this scam to a new level.

What happens?

First, they’ll flood an employee’s inbox with so much spam that it becomes unusable. Then they swoop in with a phone call, pretending to be from IT support, offering to “fix” the problem.

They may ask your employee to install remote desktop software like AnyDesk or use built-in tools like Windows Quick Assist. Once they have access, they can move around your network, collect sensitive data, and launch ransomware on your devices.

Be warned – they don’t only reach out over the phone. They’ve also started setting up Teams accounts to make employees think they’re part of IT support.

They do this by choosing usernames like “Help Desk” and using fake Microsoft tenant domains such as “securityadminhelper.onmicrosoft .com”. Then they send one-to-one messages to employees, saying they need access to their device.

Ransomware attacks are serious business. Along with locking you out of your data, they can also shut down your operations, disrupt customer service, and potentially leak confidential information.

Recovering from a ransomware attack can be expensive, both in terms of paying the ransom and dealing with the aftermath. It can cause loss of revenue, damage your reputation, and it could even have legal consequences.

Make your team aware of this scam and encourage everyone to be cautious with any unsolicited support calls or Teams chats. And make sure everyone knows to check with your actual IT department first, if someone is asking to install software or gain access.

Also, if you use Microsoft Teams in your business, make sure it’s set up securely. Only allow external chats from trusted domains, and make sure chat logging is enabled.

If you want extra help safeguarding your setup, we can do that. Get in touch.

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Can’t find what you need in Teams? This makeover will increase your business’s productivity

16th December 2024
Can’t find what you need in Teams? This makeover will increase your business’s productivity

Ever feel overwhelmed by the maze of chats, channels, and notifications in Microsoft Teams? Well, here’s the good news: Microsoft’s rolling out an update to help streamline things.

The update will create a simpler workspace that’s easier to navigate – grouping everything in one location under the Chat menu. Think of it as a central hub where all your key conversations and notifications live.

The update also includes a new “@mentions” view that gathers all your direct messages and important mentions in one place. This will make it easier to catch up on messages you’re tagged in, helping you to make sure important notifications don’t slip through the cracks.

Teams will also be getting improved filters and controls. This will let you do things like filter out less urgent notifications, as well as create custom sections to keep your chats, channels, and meetings organised by project or topic.

Another great feature being introduced is a new “favourites” section, allowing you to pin your top chats and channels for quick access.

Also, threaded conversations are expected to arrive some time in mid-2025. This will mean that replies get grouped together in the same thread, making it easier to follow discussions without losing track of previous messages.

All these improvements are coming to desktop, Android, and iOS – so your team will be able to stay on top of things no matter where they are. If you’re not already using Teams to keep communication flowing in your business, now’s a great time to start. We can help with that, get in touch

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Security alert: Does your business have old logins for ex-staff?

9th December 2024
Security alert: Does your business have old logins for ex-staff?

When someone leaves your business, you might be so wrapped up in the rush of everyday tasks, you forget to delete their login details.

It’s easy to overlook. You’ll get around to it later, right?

But unused login details could be a ticking time bomb for security breaches, leaving the doors wide open to cyber criminals. It can also be an unnecessary drain on your budget if you’re paying for old subscriptions you no longer need.

A recent report found that almost half of businesses had accounts that were no longer actively managed.

If you’ve forgotten about an account, you’re not monitoring it. And this leaves your business vulnerable to attacks.

These risks aren’t just hypothetical, either. Many cloud security breaches happen because unused login details and accounts have been compromised.

So, what do you need to do?

Take the time to audit all accounts and login details used by your business. Make sure you no longer have accounts open for ex-employees (and check that their access has been fully revoked, not just left inactive).

The same goes for any software or service that you’ve stopped using in your business. You might not realise you’re still paying for a service you haven’t touched in months – or even years.

Going forward, make sure you have a clear process for when people leave, and regularly review the applications and services your business uses.

If you’re not sure where to start, let us help you perform a security review and make sure you’re not leaving your business exposed to unnecessary threats. Get in touch.

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How future-ready is your business’s IT?

2nd December 2024

How do you feel about the technology you use in your business? A recent study found that 90% of business leaders felt confident that their IT systems today are “best in class”.

But how about tomorrow?

The same study showed that:

  • Only 39% of business leaders felt confident that their current IT system was future-ready
  • 64% worry that their technology might be getting outdated
  • Around half the tech used by businesses was at its end-of-life.

When technology is no longer supported by the manufacturer or software creator, it’s like driving a car that hasn’t had a service in years. Sure, it might run fine for now – but sooner or later, it’s going to break down (and it’ll probably happen at the worst possible moment).

When it comes to business IT, cyber security is another big concern. The study found that 65% of business leaders worry about cyber attacks, and 56% admit that they find it a challenge protecting their business from these attacks.

Nobody can control whether their business comes under attack – but you can make sure your business is prepared. And the best way to do that is by keeping your IT systems up to date and investing in the right security tools.

So, how can you make sure your business’s IT is future-ready?

Take a good look at your current setup. Is your tech starting to slow down? Do you need to start replacing your hardware or software?

If your business tech does need updating, don’t wait until things have stopped working. Think ahead and start planning for upgrades now.

And while you’re at it, make sure your team is trained up on how to use the latest tools and systems.

If you need help building a technology strategy for your business’s next few years, that’s what we do – get in touch.

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New phishing scam is smarter than ever… here’s how to protect your business

25th November 2024
New phishing scam is smarter than ever… here's how to protect your business

Microsoft is warning business owners about a new type of phishing scam (where cyber criminals pose as a trusted source to trick you into giving away login info), which uses popular cloud services like SharePoint and OneDrive.

Although these platforms are usually safe, scammers have figured out how to trick privacy settings to get past security checks.

The scammers hack your cloud storage by stealing your login details or buying them on the black market.

Once they get inside, they upload a file that is designed to look authentic – like a fake Microsoft 365 login page. They set the file to “view-only” or limit access to specific people, such as you and your team.

Opening these files or following any links inside the emails could cause serious damage to your business. Scammers can use your information to access your systems, or they can install malware (malicious software) that lets them cause disruption and steal information.

Recovering from these kinds of attacks can be expensive and time-consuming – not to mention the damage it could do to your business’s reputation.

Make sure your employees are aware of this new threat and know to be cautious when opening emails, even if they appear to come from a trusted service.

Before opening any shared files, double-check the sender’s identity. If something feels off, contact the sender directly to verify it.

Make sure you use multi-factor authentication (MFA) across all your team’s devices. This adds an extra layer of security by requiring a second piece of information (like a code sent to your phone) along with your password.

Also, keep your security software up to date so that it’s always ready to block the latest types of attack.

Would you like our help protecting your business with added security, training, and monitoring? Get in touch.

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Start it on your phone… finish it on your PC?

17th November 2024
Start it on your phone... finish it on your PC?

Microsoft is once again finding ways to make life easier for your business with Windows 11.

If you ever work on your phone as well as your PC, you’re going to love the new “Hand Off” feature that’s being tested right now.

The idea is this: Let’s say you’re in a meeting or on the move. And you start working on something in Microsoft Word or another app on your phone. Once you get back to your PC, a notification will pop up asking if you want to keep working on the document – allowing you to switch between devices seamlessly.

This feature is made possible through OneDrive’s syncing function. It’s already compatible with Android phones, and it’s likely to work for iPhones too, although that’s not yet been confirmed.

Being able to jump between devices without losing track of work could be a great benefit, especially if your team works remotely.

Although it hasn’t been rolled out just yet, “Hand Off” has clear potential to be a valuable tool for businesses. Ready to find out more ways Windows 11 could boost productivity in your business? We can help, get in touch.

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If it ain’t broke… Windows update makes signing out simple again

11th November 2024
If it ain't broke... Windows update makes signing out simple again

Microsoft recently made changes to the Windows Start menu – and it caused a bit of an uproar.

Here’s what happened: Microsoft tried to streamline the Start menu by grouping related settings together. But they tucked the sign out option behind a three-dot menu, creating confusion for people trying to log out of their accounts.

Thankfully, Microsoft has listened to feedback and is now testing an update to put the sign out button back to where it was before.

This is good news for teams that have multiple profiles set up on one computer, making it easier to switch between accounts again.

These changes are part of a broader update to Windows 11 that’s currently being tested. The update will also bring in new features like media controls on the lock screen for when you’re playing music or videos, as well as the ability to share files directly from your search results.

These updates are great examples of small changes that can have a really positive impact on how your team works. Is it time for you to move your business to Windows 11? We can help get you started, get in touch.

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