Trouble with Windows? You have help choices
Where you flip in case of issues with Windows is dependent upon which model you are operating, whether or not it entails a piece pc or one at dwelling, and whether or not you will have IT assist otherwise you’re by yourself.
So, you lastly acquired round to putting in a Windows replace from Microsoft, and there’s an issue. Where do you go for help and help?
Short reply: it relies upon.
If you’re an Enterprise buyer and have a difficulty together with your work pc — whether or not within the workplace or distant — there must be a delegated IT administrator or assist desk for you. You both name the assistance desk or open a hassle ticket and somebody will get again to you. Often, they’ve instruments to remotely connect with your pc and see what’s happening. If the difficulty is so severe your machine can’t be fastened, they’ll deploy a brand new pc or reimage your PC utilizing instruments reminiscent of Autopilot to deploy a recent copy of Windows for you.
If you’re an IT administrator working for a big firm with a Premier help contract with Microsoft, you seemingly have a longtime course of for opening a help ticket with the corporate. You would possibly also have a devoted contact on your points.
But for these of us with out such devoted sources, what are your choices? That is dependent upon what model of Windows you’re operating.
Recently Microsoft Program Manager Aria Carley tweeted the next:
#FunFact Commercial prospects within the Release Preview Channel get **FREE SUPPORT**
(whether or not deploying by way of #WUfB, #WSUS, #AzureMarketplace, and so forth.)
Windows has a number of releases. If you’re a Windows Insider, you take part in a public beta course of. This launch preview channel is particularly what she is speaking about that will get particular remedy.
As Carley outlined it, “commercial customers” refers to any group with an IT admin managing units by way of Microsoft Endpoint Manager or one other administration answer or any premium license (Pro+).
She famous that any concern with Windows 11 22H2 which is now thought of to be the discharge preview can open a help case. (Note: despite the fact that these are thought of betas, they nonetheless obtain safety updates; so whereas I don’t suggest operating your whole agency on preview releases, it’s a good suggestion to have a few of your computer systems trialing beta variations.) I’ve additionally seen some Managed Service Providers run all their machines on these insider variations to be able to keep one step forward of the releases.
When operating these preview variations, it’s a good suggestion to enter the Windows suggestions app and search for — and upvote — a bug you discover in there. This will be sure that Microsoft obtains extra details about the variety of prospects impacted.
If you wish to watch a wonderful primer on managing Windows updates utilizing WSUS or cloud replace administration, I extremely suggest this recorded session by Carley: “Managing Windows updates in the cloud.”
What if you’re merely operating the official, launched variations of Windows 10 or 11? First off I’d skip utilizing the suggestions app to report any bug you discover after a safety replace that causes issues. This utility is geared towards beta testing, not points with launched variations of Windows. Rather, you’ll wish to both open an official help case, or verify on-line to see whether or not others are reporting points. It’s essential to recollect neglect to evaluation areas the place Microsoft formally acknowledges points.
For Windows, that location is each within the Windows Health launch dashboard in addition to the Microsoft 365 model of the dashboard. For Office, you’ll wish to verify the sources on the recognized points website on Office. And to evaluation whether or not others are experiencing the identical points you’re having, I like to recommend a number of places.
First, I’ll admit to having a desire for the next two sources: PatchManagement listserve, which is hosted in a Google group listserve and contains many IT directors from firms starting from small to giant (I’m a volunteer moderator) and Askwoody.com, the place many particular person customers submit about patch points. Another useful resource that Microsoft displays for stories of negative effects is within the rWindows 10 discussion board on Reddit. Every month there’s a thread posted the place customers and IT directors report in on points they see. (You may also submit in Microsoft’s personal reply boards for Windows and Office, or strive different help choices, together with wizards and chat.)
If you possibly can open a help case with Microsoft, bear in mind that if a bug is because of a safety patch — and Microsoft later fixes the difficulty —you’ll have to supply a bank card to open the case; Microsoft will refund the fee, as soon as it acknowledges the difficulty.
Finally, if a trusted colleague or buddy can remotely entry your pc to help you, there are a number of instruments they’ll use. One of the simplest methods is to make use of Microsoft’s built-in Quick Assist for Windows 10. It now requires that you simply replace it by way of the Microsoft retailer, so it’s essential to have a Microsoft account now, however it’s nonetheless a straightforward strategy to get and obtain assist from others you belief.
Bottom line: assist and help with Microsoft points is accessible whether or not you’re a enterprise buyer or particular person person. Review your choices earlier than you need assistance, so when hassle arises, you’ll know the place to go first.