​The way we work has changed massively over the past few years, hasn’t it? The global pandemic created a huge shift towards remote working. And now businesses are divided on the right way to move forward. 
 
Some businesses are eager to bring everyone back to the office. But others are keen to keep things flexible. If you’re wondering what’s best for your business, it may be time to look at the big picture: What works, what doesn’t, and what do you need to keep an eye on?
 
Let’s face it, working from home has its perks. No commute, fewer interruptions, and a chance to keep up with laundry between meetings. For many employees, it can boost productivity, improve work-life balance, and reduce stress. 
 
Remote working isn’t just about employee happiness, though. 
 
Businesses forcing staff back into full-time office work are losing people - particularly their top talent. A recent study found that companies with strict Return to Office policies saw a 14% jump in employees quitting... and these aren’t the ones you can replace in a snap. We’re talking about senior staff and highly skilled workers who take a lot of knowledge with them.
 
On top of that, finding new people to fill those roles is taking longer (23% longer, according to the report). And it’s not cheap to hire replacements, either. Today’s employees want flexibility. And businesses offering remote or hybrid roles are getting a recruitment advantage.
 
Where things get difficult is around the issue of data security. Although working from home or a coffee shop might sound great, public Wi-Fi can be like an open door for cyber criminals.
 
Your business data could also be at risk if your employees work from their personal devices (which might not have seen a software update in months). Or if they work from a home PC they share with their partner or kids. 
 
The good news is that there are some simple ways to protect your business while allowing your employees to work flexibly. 
 
Extra security measures like multi-factor authentication (that extra code you’re asked to enter when you log in) can help to keep things locked down. And a little training to teach your team how to spot email scams can also make a huge difference. 
 
So, should you bring your employees back to the office or embrace remote working? There’s no “one-size-fits-all” answer. 
 
Some businesses thrive with everyone in the office, while others find that giving people the choice brings out the best in their employees. The real trick is finding what works for your team.
 
Just remember: If you’re letting people work from anywhere, don’t skimp on security. A flexible approach with strong protections can give you the best of both worlds - happy employees and a secure business.
 
If you’d like advice on how to keep your business data secure while supporting flexible working, we can help. Get in touch. 

Imagine this: Your business grinds to a halt because your critical files are locked away by scammers. And they’re demanding a ransom for their release. 
 
This is called a ransomware attack, and it’s a growing threat to businesses all around the world.
 
Ransomware is a type of cyber attack where criminals break into your systems and encrypt your data, making it unusable. They’ll then demand payment (often in cryptocurrency) for the key to unlock it. 
 
Even if you pay the ransom, there’s no guarantee you’ll get your data back. This is why a strong backup system is one of the best safety nets you can have. 
 
Backups are copies of your important files and systems, stored separately from your main network. If something goes wrong (like a ransomware attack or even accidental deletion) you can use your backup tools to restore your data and keep your business running.
 
Backups are essential for businesses of all sizes. But here’s the catch: Not all backup systems are created equal. Recent research shows that many businesses are using outdated backup technology, leaving them exposed to risks even if they think they’re protected. 
 
Older backup systems weren’t designed to handle today’s sophisticated ransomware attacks. And they leave businesses vulnerable in three main ways: 
 
1. Backup data is a target 
Ransomware attackers are getting smarter. They know that backups are your last line of defense, so they target them directly. If your backup system isn’t designed to protect against these attacks, your safety net could be cut away when you need it most. 
 
2. Lack of encryption 
Encryption is a way of scrambling your data so only authorized people can access it. Without encryption, scammers can tamper with your backup data - yet nearly a third of businesses report that their backup data isn’t encrypted.
 
3. Failed backups
It can be difficult to restore lost data with older systems, and this is the point where they often fail. Imagine finding out that your backup didn’t work just as your business is trying to recover from an attack. It can mean long downtimes and expensive repair efforts, which many businesses simply can’t afford.
 
So, how can you fight back against ransomware threats? 
 
Rethink your approach to backups. Modern solutions like immutable storage are designed to offer the strongest protection against ransomware attacks. Immutable storage makes sure your backup data can’t be altered or deleted, no matter what.  
 
This technology is built on something called Zero Trust, a security model that assumes nobody and nothing can be trusted. Every access request is validated, and permissions are strictly limited, ensuring your important business data stays safe even if an attacker breaches your system.  
 
Ransomware attacks are not going away. If anything, they’re getting smarter and even more common. Now is the time to make sure your backup system is solid. 
 
Not sure where to start? This is what we do. Get in touch. 

​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 organizing 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.

​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.
 
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.

​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.

​Whether you’re drafting emails, writing reports, or creating presentations, spelling mistakes and typos can easily be missed. This means you run the risk of looking unprofessional, especially when communicating with clients or business partners. 
 
Here’s the good news: Windows 11 comes with built-in spell check and autocorrect tools that can put an end to embarrassing spelling mistakes. 
 
These tools are easy to set up. And once that’s done, you won’t need any extra software to make sure your text always looks clear and professional.
 
Want to know how to use them?
 
First, open Windows Settings. Then select Time & Language and click on the Typing page. From there, you can turn on options like ‘Autocorrect misspelled words’ and ‘Highlight misspelled words’. 
 
These features will work across most apps, fixing errors and flagging possible spelling mistakes.
 
You can even get word predictions as you type by enabling text suggestions.
 
Does your business run in multiple languages? Be sure to switch on the ‘Multilingual text suggestions’ feature. This will bring up word suggestions in whatever language you are using.
 
While the spelling tools built into Windows 11 will work across most apps once enabled, some apps (like Notepad and Outlook) need a little extra set up. 
 
For example, in Notepad, you’ll need to click the gear icon for settings to switch on the spell check feature. 
 
Your team probably spends a lot of time in Outlook sending emails, so it’s well worth switching on grammar tools here. Go to Editor Settings under the Options tab. From there, you can turn on features like autocorrect, text predictions, and even tone adjustment. 
 
And if your team uses Microsoft Edge for browsing, you can set up spell check and grammar tools there as well. Just head to Settings, click on Languages, and turn on the grammar and spell check options.
 
By setting up spell check and autocorrect in Windows 11, you’re not just avoiding small mistakes - you’re helping your business run more smoothly. 
 
If you need a hand with this or want more advice on how to save time in your business, we can help. Get in touch.

​Imagine having an assistant by your side that never gets tired, never misses a detail, and can help with everything from drafting emails to organizing meetings. 
 
Sounds great, right? 
 
Well, that’s what Microsoft Copilot is. It’s a smart, AI-driven tool built into the Microsoft apps you already use, like Word, Excel, and Teams. It’s designed to handle time-consuming tasks that slow your team down. 
 
But how exactly does it work, and why should you care? 
 
In simple terms, Copilot is AI embedded into the Microsoft Office suite. It’s always there to assist you, whether you're typing up a report, analyzing data in Excel, or even planning your next big meeting. And the best part is, you don’t need to be tech-savvy to use it. If you can use Word, you can use Copilot.
 
So, how can it make a difference in your business?
 
First off, one of the most exciting things about Copilot is that it’s seamlessly integrated into the software you already know. There’s no need for complicated installations or training sessions. And because it’s built into Microsoft 365, your team can jump right in with minimal disruption. It works across devices too, so whether you're in the office or travelling, Copilot is always there.
 
One area where Copilot really shines is how it simplifies your daily grind. Think about how much time gets wasted on things like sorting through emails or organizing meetings. We’ve all been there, spending way too long combing through endless email chains or trying to figure out who said what in a meeting. 
 
Copilot tackles this for you. It can summarize long email threads and even suggest responses, so you can get back to what really matters. It’s like having someone do all the heavy lifting while you focus on the more important tasks.
 
Speaking of meetings, Copilot is a big help when it comes to collaboration. Let’s say you’re wrapping up a Teams call. Instead of manually taking notes or worrying about missing key action items, Copilot will summarize the entire meeting for you, highlighting decisions and tasks. It listens in, captures the key points, and even helps you plan the next steps.
 
But Copilot isn’t just about cutting down on admin work, it’s also a creativity booster. You know that moment where you stare at a blank document, unsure how to start? Whether it’s drafting a client proposal or putting together a presentation, sometimes the hardest part is getting the ball rolling.
 
That’s where Copilot comes in. Give it a few prompts, and it’ll generate a first draft or outline to get you started. You don’t have to be a creative genius to produce something great. Copilot takes care of that early-stage work, freeing you up to fine-tune and add your personal touch. 
 
All this leads to a more productive, efficient, and creative workplace. That’s what makes Microsoft Copilot such a powerful tool. It not only takes care of the little things but also helps you unlock your team’s full potential. 
 
Want to find out what Copilot could do for your business? We can help, get in touch.

​If you’ve ever had the misfortune of seeing the dreaded Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) on your computer, you know just how frustrating it can be. It’s that moment when your screen turns an ominous shade of blue, and you’re left wondering what went wrong and how much work you’ve just lost. 
 
For businesses, these crashes are more than just annoying – they can be disruptive and cost money.
 
Recent research highlights just how common BSODs have become, with one in 200 devices crashing under normal use. And it gets worse. During the recent CrowdStrike outage, that number shot up to one in ten devices. 
 
While the tech industry seems to be hit the hardest, with more than 15% of devices affected monthly, even sectors like healthcare and retail, which are less prone to these crashes, still get about 8-10% of devices displaying the dreaded blue screen.
 
So, what’s causing all these crashes? And more importantly, how can you reduce the risk of them happening in your business? 
 
The good news is that about half of these incidents are avoidable. 
 
The bad news is that many businesses simply don’t have the tools or strategies in place to prevent them.
 
One of the key takeaways from the study is that many BSODs are linked to a few common issues. Problematic hardware, poorly managed Windows updates, and misconfigured drivers for things like graphics cards, networks, and audio systems are among the top culprits. 
 
When these aren’t working properly, it can lead to system instability, which often manifests as a BSOD.
 
For business owners, this means taking a proactive approach to IT management is crucial. 
 
Instead of waiting for something to go wrong and then scrambling to fix it, businesses should focus on identifying potential problem areas before they lead to a crash. By monitoring the health of your devices and making sure that updates and drivers are properly managed, you can significantly reduce the likelihood of BSODs disrupting your operations.
 
The research suggests that with the right preventative measures, businesses could cut the number of BSOD incidents in half, reducing the occurrence to about one in 400 devices. This not only minimizes downtime but also frees up your IT team to focus on more strategic tasks rather than constantly putting out fires.
 
Unfortunately, many businesses lack the necessary tools to identify these risks early on. In fact, most companies don’t even know which of their devices are at risk right now, let alone which ones might crash in the future. 
 
To move from a reactive approach to a proactive one, invest in tools that can provide insights into your IT systems. These tools allow you to make data-driven decisions, which can reduce costs, relieve employee stress, and ultimately increase productivity.
 
Better still, get experts to do it for you. Our approach is proactive IT management. This prevents problems before they can interrupt your work. 
 
Let us keep your business crash-free. Get in touch.

​Microsoft recently announced that all Azure sign-ins will soon require multi-factor authentication (MFA) to boost security. Even if you don’t use Azure, a cloud computing platform, this is something you should pay attention to. Because MFA is one of the simplest and most effective ways to protect your digital assets.
 
What is multi-factor authentication? Think of it like adding an extra security measure to the door of your business. 
 
Normally, you log into your accounts with just a password. But passwords aren’t as safe as they used to be; cyber criminals are good at cracking them. MFA adds another layer of security. It’s like saying, “OK, you have the key, but I’m going to need to see some ID too.”
 
After entering your password, you’re asked to verify your identity a second time. This could be a code sent to your phone, a fingerprint scan, or a quick tap on an app like Microsoft Authenticator. It’s an extra step, but an important one. Even if someone manages to steal your password, they’d still need this second form of verification to get into your account. That’s a massive roadblock.
 
Yes, adding another step to your sign-in process might sound like a hassle. But the reality is, it’s a small inconvenience that can save you a lot of trouble down the road. Imagine the fallout if someone gained access to your sensitive business information. The cost of a breach, in terms of both money and reputation, is much higher than the few extra seconds it takes to use MFA.
 
There are a few different ways to set up MFA. Some people prefer getting a one-time passcode via text message, while others like the convenience of a push notification on their phone. Biometric options, like fingerprints or facial recognition, are also becoming more common. And for those who want something extra secure, there are physical security keys that plug into your computer.
 
Microsoft’s push for MFA with Azure is just the tip of the iceberg. The truth is this kind of security measure is a business security basic.
 
Need help setting this up and making it easy for your business? It’s what we do. Get in touch.

​If you’re like most people, you probably find system updates a hassle. They take ages and those big downloads eat up precious bandwidth and storage. 
 
Good news then: Microsoft is about to make your life a whole lot easier with the upcoming Windows 11 24H2 update. 
 
It’s introducing something called ‘checkpoint cumulative updates.’ That might sound a bit technical, but don’t worry – it’s simple and very beneficial.
 
Normally, Windows gets its updates every month. These are known as cumulative updates, which bundle all the latest fixes and enhancements together. These bundles can be large and take a while to download and install.
 
The new checkpoint cumulative updates change this process. Instead of downloading a big update every time, your system will now receive smaller updates more frequently. These are tweaks to the last major update or checkpoint. 
 
So, what does this mean for your business? It’s great news… you’ll spend less time waiting for updates to finish so you can get back to work.
 
And, if you have a limited internet connection, smaller updates are a blessing. They use less bandwidth, so less chance of interrupting someone else’s video call.
 
The best part? All of this happens automatically through Windows Update. You don’t need to do anything differently. Your system will keep running smoothly, with most updates happening in the background. This seamless experience ensures that your work is not interrupted.
 
This isn’t the first time Microsoft has streamlined updates. When Windows 11 was first launched, Microsoft used new compression technology to reduce the size of updates by 40%. With the 24H2 update, they’re taking it a step further to ensure that your experience is even more efficient.
 
It’s also worth noting that while this new update system will be standard for Windows 11 and the upcoming Windows Server 2025, it’s less likely to be implemented for Windows 10, as that version is nearing its end of life. This means there’s even more incentive to upgrade your business to Windows 11 if you haven’t already.
 
Want to migrate to Windows 11 with zero hassle? We’re the people to talk to.