Ignite Solutions Group

Do you use Windows Hello, Microsoft’s secure sign-in tool? If so, you’ll be happy to hear there’s a fresh, streamlined experience coming your way soon. Windows Hello is the feature that lets you log in using your face, fingerprint, or PIN - no passwords needed. This upgrade will make the sign-in process even smoother and fit perfectly with Windows 11’s modern design. The new look will appear on the Windows sign-in screen, the Microsoft Store, and any place you use Windows Hello. Microsoft are also adding easier passkey options, so switching between devices and authentication methods will be simpler than ever. The update will roll out to everyone soon, though it’s only available to Beta Channel Insiders (who test out early builds of Windows 11) at the moment. For business owners like you, I’d say it’s better to hold off on the Beta version. Wait for the fully polished rollout, to make sure everything runs smoothly. Are you looking forward to seeing what it looks like? #Microsoft #WindowsHello #CyberSecurity

Ever heard of 'password spraying'? Probably not. But it doesn’t sound great, right? Although not many people know about it, password spraying is an increasingly common type of cyber attack. And, as a business owner, it’s important that you are aware of it. In a password spraying attack, scammers try the same easy-to-guess password on a wide range of accounts (instead of trying multiple passwords on one account). This can help them avoid detection, making it a popular tactic for breaking into business systems. Password spraying can give cyber criminals access to all your business data, slow down your operations, and even damage your reputation if they manage to get hold of customer information. What can you do to protect your business? Make sure you and your team use strong, unique passwords and consider extra layers of protection like two-factor authentication. Better yet, use a password manager tool to create better passwords that you don’t have to remember. Taking a few steps now to strengthen your security can make a big difference. And if you need help keeping your accounts secure, get in touch. #PasswordSpraying #DataSecurity #CyberCrime

Microsoft aims to lead the way in every aspect of tech, from productivity tools to how they build data centers. Their latest experiment? Building data centers using something called cross-laminated timber (CLT), instead of traditional steel and concrete. It’s estimated that using wood in the construction process will reduce Microsoft’s carbon footprint by 35%. That’s a big shift towards sustainability. Microsoft are also thinking ahead with alternative power solutions, preparing for the heavy demands of future developments in AI. Why should this matter to you, as a business owner? Because what Microsoft are doing isn’t just about reducing emissions – it’s about innovation. It’s a reminder that every part of a business (even the data centers we don’t see) can be optimized to make a difference. As a business owner, staying competitive means adapting all the time. What can you think about changing today to make a big difference in the months and years to come? #Microsoft #BusinessChange #BusinessInnovation

Remember this one? (I’m going to take a wild guess and say probably not…) On this day in 2006, Microsoft launched Zune – their answer to Apple’s iPod. Back then, Zune was touted as the “iPod killer”, aimed at winning over music lovers. But despite Microsoft’s mighty brand power, the Zune never really took off. Instead, it quietly flopped and was retired less than five years after being launched. So, why didn’t Zune make it? Mainly, the iPod already had a strong fanbase, a sleek design, and an easy-to-use iTunes store, making it hard for Zune to compete. And its failure hinted at a bigger challenge that Microsoft would come to face, as Apple started taking over the tech world with the iPhone and iPad. For business owners, Zune’s story is a useful reminder that even big brands can struggle when they’re late to market or face a highly successful competitor. It also shows how quickly the tech landscape can shift, and how important it is to keep up with changes. Have you heard of Zune, or have you been Team iPod all the way? #TechHistory #Microsoft #Zune

If you or your team use Microsoft Outlook and notice it freezing when copying text, you’re not alone. Microsoft are aware of the issue, and they’re actively working on a fix. The problem has been reported in recent versions of Outlook when using the keyboard shortcut Ctrl+C to copy text. So you might be affected if your business is running the latest updates. Until the fix is rolled out, here’s a quick workaround: Instead of using Ctrl+C to copy text, try right-clicking the selected text and choosing 'Copy' from the menu. This seems to avoid the issues with freezing. If you or your team run into any issues, or if you need advice on workarounds, we can help. Get in touch. #Microsoft #Outlook #QuickFix

If you’re still using Windows 10 in your business, you’ve probably heard that official support for the product ends in October 2025. But Microsoft have announced an option that lets you get security updates after this point. This comes via the Extended Security Updates (ESU) product, which will allow you to buy an extra year of security protection for $30. While this means you’ll be safe to continue using Windows 10 for now, keep in mind: No new features will be included. So, although the ESU extension might sound appealing, it’s worth considering the benefits of upgrading to Windows 11 instead. Windows 11 is designed with business productivity in mind, offering faster performance, more robust security, and new features that help you streamline your work. From improved multitasking capabilities to smoother cloud integration, Windows 11 could boost your team’s efficiency in a big way. Starting the upgrade process now can save time and avoid disruption later down the line. Essentially, the extended support option is a short-term fix, whereas switching to Windows 11 now makes your business future-ready. If you’re ready to upgrade, my team and I can help make it a smooth transition. Get in touch. #Windows10 #Windows11 #Microsoft

There's talk online about Microsoft’s AI assistant, Copilot, potentially being rebranded as “Windows Intelligence”. Although the name change hasn’t been made official, some people are suggesting that Microsoft wants to follow the trend that Apple has set with Apple Intelligence. If you don’t already use Copilot in your business, it’s more than just a chatbot. Copilot is an AI assistant that helps you get things done across apps you probably use daily, like Word, Excel, and Teams. Microsoft seem to be set on putting AI at the core of your Windows experience, making Copilot no longer just a separate “assistant” but part of Windows itself. If the rebrand does happen, Windows Intelligence could become a hub for all the smart features built into tools you already know. This could make it second nature to use AI for everyday work tasks like jotting down notes, writing emails, and creating spreadsheets. The shift in how AI is used in Windows could bring big benefits to your team in terms of boosting productivity. Features like Click to Do (which suggests actions based on what you’re working on) are just the start. Whatever Microsoft decide to call it, there’s no doubt that AI will continue to become an integral part of Windows, helping your business to work smarter. What’s in a name anyway, right? But I’m curious – which do you think sounds better: Copilot or Windows Intelligence? #Microsoft #WindowsIntelligence #Copilot

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