​So, you’ve gone ahead and upgraded to Windows 11. You’re ready to explore the fresh design and all the new features. But instead of smooth sailing, your computer slows to a crawl… random errors start popping up… and you can’t install any security updates…
 
That’s the nightmare faced by businesses that try to run Windows 11 on unsupported hardware.
 
Hardware requirements are a checklist you should use to make sure your business devices can handle an upgrade. 
 
Think of it like a recipe: If you’re missing a key ingredient, the dish won’t turn out quite right. And while you might like to improvise in the kitchen, it’s better not to risk it with your business tech. 
 
Windows 11 brings a leap forward in both performance and security. If you want to make that jump, you need a solid foundation in the form of modern hardware that can support its advanced features. 
 
One of the key requirements for Windows 11 is something called TPM 2.0. This is a small chip that acts like a security vault for your PC, locking away passwords, encryption keys, and other sensitive data. TPM 2.0 is also essential for preventing certain types of cyber attacks. Without it, your system is more vulnerable. 
 
Other requirements – like enough memory (RAM), sufficient storage, and a compatible processor – help to make sure your device can run Windows 11 smoothly.
 
Microsoft has warned that forcing Windows 11 onto unsupported hardware is a risky move. Sure, you can do it – but you’ll be on your own if things go wrong. Your device won’t receive updates, including critical security patches that keep your systems safe from cyber attacks and other threats. Without updates, your business’s devices become an easy target.
 
So, you might be thinking – why not just stick with Windows 10? 
 
Here’s the thing: Microsoft is ending free support for Windows 10 in October this year. After that…
 

• No more updates
• No more fixes
• And no more free security patches. 

 
There is an option to pay for extended security updates, but it’s not a permanent solution. Upgrading to Windows 11 helps to make sure your systems stay secure for the long haul, without extra costs and headaches down the line. And beyond the security benefits, Windows 11 comes with loads of productivity tools designed to make your business run more smoothly. 
 
If upgrading your hardware feels like an unnecessary expense, think of it as an investment. Modern devices don’t just meet Windows 11’s requirements; they run faster, last longer, and reduce the risk of downtime. 
 
The bottom line is that hardware requirements aren’t just suggestions – they’re there to protect your business and give your team the tools they need to succeed. 
 
If your devices don’t meet Windows 11’s requirements, now is the time to plan your next steps. Don’t wait until Windows 10 support ends or your systems become a security risk for your business. 
 
We can help you upgrade without the stress. 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.

​There's an exciting new feature coming to Microsoft's Edge browser that’s going to make your life - and your employees' lives - a whole lot easier. 'Draft with Copilot' is an AI-powered tool that can instantly write text on any topic you need. 
 
When you're in Edge and you find yourself staring at an empty text field (like the body of an email or a comment box), just right-click. You'll see an option to 'Draft with Copilot.' 
 
Click on it, and a window will pop up. You just enter the subject or topic you need text for, hit 'Generate,' and watch Copilot do its thing. In a few moments, you'll have a piece of text on the topic you specified. 
 
You can then change the tone and length of the generated text to suit your style. Want it to be more formal or casual? Need it longer or shorter? No problem. 
 
We all know time is money, ’Draft with Copilot' can help save you both. Imagine how much time your team spend on writing everyday text. With Copilot, drafting a quick email or coming up with a social media update becomes easier. 
 
And Copilot not only helps you write faster but also makes sure the text is grammatically correct and well-structured. This is especially helpful if you're writing in a language that's not your native one.
 
Right now, this feature is only available in US English, but Microsoft is working on expanding it to more languages. 
 
One warning: It's important to review what it produces. Critics of AI-generated text sometimes say it can feel a bit generic. You might want to add a personal touch or specific details to make it more engaging for your audience.
 
This feature is currently in the Edge Canary preview build, which means it's still being fine-tuned. 
 
Microsoft is steadily integrating Copilot into more Windows apps, making these AI tools more accessible and versatile across different platforms. It's clear that the future holds even more convenient AI-assisted features that will make our digital lives easier.
 
Not tried Copilot in your business yet? We can help you get started. Get in touch.

​Microsoft has issued an important update: If you’re using Windows 11, you need to upgrade to version 23H2 before October 8th, 2024. After this, older versions will no longer receive essential security updates, putting your systems at risk.
 
Why is this important?
 
Because Microsoft will stop supporting older Windows 11 versions for business accounts. This includes stopping security updates, which are vital for protecting your systems against the latest cyber threats. 
 
The latest version includes advanced security features to protect against new threats, making sure your business data remains safe. But updating to Windows 11 version 23H2 brings other benefits beyond security.  
 
You’ll also notice performance improvements, making your systems run faster and more efficiently, which is great for productivity. Plus, new tools and features are continually added, helping streamline your workflows and improve overall efficiency. Staying updated ensures compatibility with new software and technologies, maintaining smooth business operations.
 
Delaying the update could leave your business vulnerable to cyber attacks. Without security updates, your systems will be exposed to potential exploits, risking data breaches and financial loss. 
 
Microsoft typically enforces updates post-deadline to keep people safe, especially for business devices not managed by IT departments. While this is helpful, it’s better to update proactively on your own schedule.
 
Updating to version 23H2 is straightforward. 
 

• First, check your current version by going to Settings, then System, and selecting About. 

 

• Before updating, make sure to back up all your important files to prevent data loss. 

 

• Navigate to Settings, then Update & Security, and select Windows Update. 

 

• Click on "Check for updates" and follow the prompts to install version 23H2. 

 

• Once the update is complete, restart your computer and verify the new version in Settings, System, and About again.

 
Making sure your systems are up to date will keep your business secure and running efficiently. Don’t wait until the last minute… upgrade to Windows 11 version 23H2 now. 
 
Keeping businesses protected and productive is our top priority. So, if you need any help with that, get in touch.  

​Picture this: You're on an important video call with a client, confidently presenting your latest project updates.
 
Suddenly, a notification pops up on your screen from your significant other, reminding you (not so discreetly) about the damage your child did during their temper tantrum this morning. Or worse, a message from your gym reminding you of your long absence.
 
Embarrassing, right?
 
We all know the struggle of trying to maintain professionalism during video calls while secretly battling the fear of embarrassing pop-ups stealing the show. But Microsoft is on it. They're reportedly working on a much-needed feature that could save us all from these cringeworthy moments.
 
Imagine being able to hide specific apps entirely while you're on a Teams call. No more worrying about intrusive notifications stealing your thunder. This means you can say goodbye to awkward interruptions from messaging apps, or reminders that you'd rather keep private.
 
How does it work? According to reports, Microsoft's new feature won't just minimize apps to the taskbar like the current workaround. Instead, it'll completely hide them from sight, sparing you from any unexpected surprises (and blushes).
 
And the best part? It's not just about saving face. This feature could also help boost your device's performance. By keeping those apps in the background, you free up valuable computing power and resources.
 
If you've ever found yourself frantically closing apps and browser windows to ensure a smooth video stream, this could be the end of that struggle. With the new feature, you can focus on what truly matters during your calls without worrying about technical hiccups or embarrassing distractions.
 
While we're excited about the potential of this new feature, we'll have to wait and see if it becomes a reality. We'll be keeping a close eye on the official Microsoft 365 roadmap for any updates and will keep you informed.
 
In the meantime, if we can help make your business’s video calls run more smoothly, get in touch.

​Are you tired of juggling a multitude of passwords like a circus act? You're not alone. According to a recent report, around 1 in 4 of us feel the same. But it's not just the sheer number of passwords that's causing headaches – it's the security risks they pose.
 
Let's face it, when it comes to setting passwords, most people aren't cyber security experts. From weak and easily guessable passwords to the cardinal sin of reusing passwords across multiple accounts, human error is everywhere.
 
Another study revealed that, on average, people use the same password for five different accounts. And don't get us started on classics like '123456'… used on a mind-boggling 23 million breached accounts.
 
But here's the thing: Cyber criminals don't need any extra help. They're already pros at cracking passwords, and our lax habits are like an open invitation to wreak havoc. And let's not forget the staggering stats – a projected $434 billion loss to online payment fraud globally between 2024 and 2027, with 90% of data leaks attributed to stolen login details.
 
So, what's the solution?
 
Password managers.
 
These are essential software tools that take the hassle out of password management by generating and storing complex, unique passwords for each account. No more '123456' disasters. Just robust security.
 
And the best part? Password managers not only beef up your security defenses but they also streamline your digital life. With one-click logins and autofill features, you'll wonder how you ever lived without one. And with the right password manager, you can rest easy knowing your sensitive data is under lock and key.
 
A password manager makes your life easier and business safer at the same time. Want to know which one we recommend? Get in touch.

​Google has unleashed a powerful new tool to make your Gmail inbox a safer and spam-free haven, and it's called RETVec.
 
But what exactly is RETVec? 
 
Well, let's break it down in simple terms. RETVec stands for Resilient and Efficient Text Vectorizer. Fancy. In plain English, it's a tool that makes Gmail even better at spotting annoying spam emails that try to sneak into your inbox.
 
Did you know that the people behind spam emails can be very smart to try to avoid detection? Some use invisible characters, something called LEET substitution (like "3xpl4in3d" instead of "explained"), and intentional typos to get past our defenses. But RETVec is trained to be resilient against all these tricks.
 
Google explains it as mapping words or phrases to real numbers and then using these numbers for further analysis, predictions, and figuring out word similarities. In short, it's like giving Gmail a supercharged spam radar. 
 
How does this benefit you? Gmail's spam detection rate shot up by an impressive 38% with RETVec on the scene. Plus, Gmail's false positive rate dropped by nearly a fifth (that's 19.4% fewer false alarms). 
 
I know that some of you might be wondering if there’s a catch. Well, there's a tiny caveat you should be aware of, especially if your business sends promotional emails. 
 
With RETVec's increased vigilance, some legitimate emails might get caught in the crossfire. It's a good idea to keep an eye on your email analytics to ensure your messages reach their intended recipients.
 
RETVec isn't just about better security. It's more efficient too. Google reports that the Tensor Processing Unit (TPU) usage of the model dropped by a whopping 83%. Smaller models mean reduced computational costs and faster delivery, which is a game-changer for large-scale applications and on-device models. So, it's a win-win situation.
 
Spam is a go-to weapon for cyber criminals and now RETVec can help keep us better protected. It blocks malicious emails, keeping our data safe and our inboxes clutter-free.
 
If you don’t use Gmail, don’t feel too left out. It’s likely we’ll see other email providers including Microsoft bringing similar protection in the future. 
 
In the meantime, if you’d like us to review your business’s email security, get in touch.

​If you use Google Chrome, you’ll love this. Google has just rolled out a game-changing update that's going to make your browser more powerful than ever. 
 
It’s the revamped Chrome Web Store, featuring a fresh design and exciting new features.
 
Now, if you're like me, you've probably spent more time than you'd care to admit sifting through the Chrome Web Store in search of the perfect extensions for your browser. Those days of endless scrolling and hunting for that elusive add-on are officially over. 
 
First off, they've introduced new categories to help you quickly find what you need. Whether you're shopping, looking for productivity tools, or are just in the mood for some entertainment, there's a category for you. And the cherry on top? There's now a dedicated section for AI-powered extensions. 
 
These AI-powered extensions are not to be underestimated. Many of them integrate popular chatbots and even some of the best ChatGPT extensions available. Imagine having your own virtual assistant right in your browser, ready to answer questions, provide recommendations, and assist with various tasks.
 
And it doesn't stop there. Google has also included a 'suggested extensions' section that tailors recommendations based on what you've previously downloaded. 
 
There’s an 'Editors’ spotlight' section which promises to showcase up-and-coming extensions you might have otherwise missed.
 
Navigating the Chrome Web Store has become even more intuitive. The search bar has moved to the top-right corner of the screen, and Google has enhanced its capabilities. You can filter by all items or focus on featured extensions and themes, making it a breeze to find exactly what you want.
 
In the top-left corner, you'll find the Extensions tab to dive deeper into add-ons for your browser. Fancy changing the look of Chrome? Simply navigate to the Themes tab. Customization has never been this easy.
 
While this new Chrome Web Store update is undoubtedly exciting, let's not forget about the importance of staying vigilant when it comes to browser security. Here are a few reminders:
 
1. Monitor downloads to make sure they’re safe and relevant
 
2. Never download extensions from third-party websites
 
3. Make sure everyone in your business is aware of and follows the correct security measures. 
 
4. Regularly update Chrome and your extensions and educate your team about the importance of strong passwords and safe browsing practices.
 
If you’d like help finding even more productivity-boosting tools for your business, get in touch.