Blog
How to Uninstall Windows Store on Windows 11
Author(s): Louis Ouellet
With the release of Windows 11, users have experienced a host of new features and a revamped interface. However, not all components may be necessary for everyone. The Windows Store, while a useful portal for apps and updates, may be something you wish to remove, especially if you're looking for a more streamlined or controlled software environment. Whether for personal preference, to reduce resource usage, or for a corporate setup, uninstalling the Windows Store can be done swiftly using PowerShell. This guide will walk you through the steps to remove the Windows Store from your Windows 11 system.
How to prevent user from signing into a Microsoft Account on Windows 11
Author(s): Louis Ouellet
With the integration of Microsoft accounts into Windows 11, users have the ability to sync settings, files, and preferences across devices. However, there may be situations where an administrator needs to restrict this capability for security or policy compliance. Whether you're managing a corporate environment or you simply prefer to use local accounts, Windows 11 provides a way to disable the ability to sign in with a Microsoft account. This article guides you through the steps to configure your system and ensure that users adhere to account policies.
How to disable the Cortana app
Author(s): Louis Ouellet
Cortana, Microsoft's virtual assistant, is integrated into Windows 10 and Windows 11 to help users with tasks like setting reminders and answering questions. However, not everyone finds Cortana useful, and some may prefer to disable it to increase system performance or maintain privacy. This guide will walk you through the steps to disable Cortana on your Windows device, giving you control over your computing experience.
How to skip the network setup during the initial setup of Windows 11
Author(s): Louis Ouellet
Setting up a new Windows 11 computer is an exciting process, but not everyone has immediate access to an internet connection. Whether you're in a remote location, having network issues, or you simply prefer to set up your computer without connecting to the internet, Microsoft has included an option within Windows 11 to bypass the network setup during the initial configuration. This can be particularly useful for users who wish to have control over their network settings or who need to install Windows 11 without being forced to update or sign in to a Microsoft account. In this guide, we'll walk you through the simple steps to skip the network setup and continue with a limited setup.
How to Check a Hard Drive Health from the Command-Line
Author(s): Louis Ouellet
Monitoring the health of your hard drive is a crucial aspect of maintaining your system's integrity and performance. On Linux, the smartmontools package includes the smartctl utility, which allows you to inspect your hard drive's SMART (Self-Monitoring, Analysis, and Reporting Technology) data to predict drive failure and perform checks.
Fixing CrowdStrike Issue on Windows
Author(s): Louis Ouellet
Recently, there was a significant issue involving CrowdStrike and Microsoft Windows. On July 19, 2024, CrowdStrike released a routine configuration update for their Falcon sensor software, which led to unexpected system crashes and blue screens of death (BSOD) on Windows systems. The update caused a logic error that corrupted essential system files, triggering widespread outages across various sectors, including healthcare, finance, and critical infrastructure.
Approximately 8.5 million Windows devices were affected, representing less than 1% of all Windows machines globally. The issue primarily impacted systems running the Falcon sensor for Windows version 7.11 and above that were online between 04:09 UTC and 05:27 UTC on the day of the update. The problem was particularly severe for devices with Windows BitLocker encryption enabled, as recovery required an encryption key often stored on servers that were also affected.
To mitigate the issue, users were advised to boot into Safe Mode or the Windows Recovery Environment and delete specific corrupted files from the CrowdStrike directory. CrowdStrike has since rolled back the problematic update and provided manual remediation steps to help affected users restore their systems. They are also conducting a thorough root cause analysis to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Enhancing DokuWiki with an Email Script for the Bureaucracy Plugin
Author(s): Louis Ouellet
Enhance your DokuWiki experience with a powerful email script for the Bureaucracy Plugin. This script streamlines communication, ensuring efficient data management and user interaction within your DokuWiki.
How to Build a Simple Ticketing System in DokuWiki
Author(s): Louis Ouellet
Ticketing systems are invaluable tools for managing tasks, issues, or support requests in an organized and efficient way. Whether you are running a help desk or just need a way to track internal issues, a ticketing system provides a centralized method to manage communication and resolve problems promptly. In this tutorial, we will guide you through building a simple ticketing system using DokuWiki and the Bureaucracy plugin. This approach allows you to leverage DokuWiki's flexible content management capabilities while offering an easy way for users to create and track tickets.
By the end of this guide, you will have a working ticketing system with pages for creating, viewing, and managing tickets. Let's get started!