Tech Advisory

Technology Advice for Small Businesses

powered by Pronto Marketing

Recent Posts

Switching from PC to Mac? Here’s how Windows Migration Assistant makes it easy

Editor July 24, 2026

Moving from a Windows PC to a Mac involves more than getting used to a new operating system. It also means bringing your files, applications, contacts, and account settings along with you. To make that process as seamless as possible, Apple created Windows Migration Assistant, a purpose-built tool that handles the heavy lifting, so you don’t have to move files one by one or rebuild your settings from scratch.

What can Windows Migration Assistant transfer?

Windows Migration Assistant can move a wide range of data from your PC to your Mac, including:

  • User accounts (with their associated login credentials)
  • Files and folders
  • Compatible applications
  • Email accounts and their contents
  • Contacts, calendars, bookmarks
  • Photos and other media files

The destination depends on the type of content. Outlook and Windows Mail information can appear in Apple’s Mail app, appointments can move into Calendar, contacts can go to Contacts, and browser bookmarks can be added to Safari. Documents and photos are generally placed in folders within the transferred Mac user account.

One important limitation to remember is that this feature does not convert Windows applications to Mac applications. Programs created for Windows usually need to be replaced with their macOS versions or suitable alternatives. Before retiring the PC, create a list of important software, confirm Mac compatibility, and locate any license information you may need.

How to successfully migrate from PC to Mac

Follow these steps to ensure a smooth transition from PC to Mac:

Prepare both computers before migration

Start by updating both Windows and macOS to their latest versions. Close any open programs and pause anything that could interrupt the process. Apple also recommends temporarily disabling third-party antivirus, firewall, and virtual private network software during the transfer. Remember to turn those protections back on after the migration.

Position both computers close to each other and make sure Wi-Fi and Bluetooth are enabled on each. If your PC doesn’t support Bluetooth Low Energy, you’ll need a USB Bluetooth adapter. For Macs running macOS 13 or earlier — or if you’re unsure which version is installed — connect both devices to the same network or use an Ethernet cable for a more stable connection.

Before you begin, check that your Mac has enough free storage to accommodate all of your data. If your PC holds more data than your Mac can handle, delete any unnecessary files or move large archives to an external drive first. It’s also worth keeping a separate backup of any important personal or business files, just to be safe.

Install the correct Windows Migration Assistant

The Windows Migration Assistant must be installed on your PC. It’s important to download the version that matches the macOS running on your destination Mac.
For transfers from Windows 10 or later to macOS Tahoe 26, Sequoia 15, or Sonoma 14, Apple provides Windows Migration Assistant 3.0.2.1. Separate versions are available for Macs running Ventura, Monterey, Big Sur, and earlier.
To confirm which version of macOS your Mac is running, go to Apple Menu > About This Mac before downloading.

Run the transfer

If you’re setting up a new Mac, you’ll be prompted to transfer information during the initial setup process. If your Mac is already set up, open Migration Assistant via Spotlight or navigate to Applications > Utilities.

Choose From a Windows PC and proceed. Your Mac will generate a code. Open Windows Migration Assistant on your PC, follow the on-screen prompts, and enter the code when asked.

Once both computers are connected, your Mac will scan the PC and calculate the storage required for each category of data. Choose the accounts, folders, and files you’d like to transfer, then start the migration.

Large transfers can take several hours and may occasionally appear to stall — this is normal. Keep both devices plugged in and avoid using them until the process is complete.

Once your Mac restarts, sign in using the password you created during migration. If your PC has multiple Windows user accounts, you’ll need to sign in to each one separately and repeat the transfer process for each.

What to do when the PC to Mac transfer fails

If your migration doesn’t go as planned,recheck your software before trying again. Make sure you have the correct version of Migration Assistant installed, and check that your security software isn’t blocking the connection. A simple restart of both computers can also resolve many common issues.

If drive errors are causing the problem, Apple recommends running Windows’ Check Disk utility before attempting the transfer again. Should the automated process continue to fail, you can still move your important files manually using an external storage device or through file sharing.

For businesses transitioning multiple employees to Macs, a little extra preparation can go a long way. Working with an IT provider beforehand allows you to take stock of existing software, safeguard company data, set up user accounts, and ensure that any critical Windows-based tools have suitable Mac alternatives — all before the old machines are decommissioned.
Get in touch with our IT experts to make your PC to Mac migration as seamless as possible.

Windows Migration Assistant: How to move your files from a PC to a Mac

Editor July 24, 2026

For many businesses, the biggest obstacle to switching from Windows to macOS is safely moving their existing data without losing anything important. Windows Migration Assistant is Apple’s solution to that challenge: a free tool that connects your PC and Mac over the same network and transfers your digital life across in a single, streamlined process.

What can Windows Migration Assistant transfer?

Windows Migration Assistant can move a wide range of data from your PC to your Mac, including:

  • User accounts (with their associated login credentials)
  • Files and folders
  • Compatible applications
  • Email accounts and their contents
  • Contacts, calendars, bookmarks
  • Photos and other media files

The destination depends on the type of content. Outlook and Windows Mail information can appear in Apple’s Mail app, appointments can move into Calendar, contacts can go to Contacts, and browser bookmarks can be added to Safari. Documents and photos are generally placed in folders within the transferred Mac user account.

One important limitation to remember is that this feature does not convert Windows applications to Mac applications. Programs created for Windows usually need to be replaced with their macOS versions or suitable alternatives. Before retiring the PC, create a list of important software, confirm Mac compatibility, and locate any license information you may need.

How to successfully migrate from PC to Mac

Follow these steps to ensure a smooth transition from PC to Mac:

Prepare both computers before migration

Start by updating both Windows and macOS to their latest versions. Close any open programs and pause anything that could interrupt the process. Apple also recommends temporarily disabling third-party antivirus, firewall, and virtual private network software during the transfer. Remember to turn those protections back on after the migration.

Position both computers close to each other and make sure Wi-Fi and Bluetooth are enabled on each. If your PC doesn’t support Bluetooth Low Energy, you’ll need a USB Bluetooth adapter. For Macs running macOS 13 or earlier — or if you’re unsure which version is installed — connect both devices to the same network or use an Ethernet cable for a more stable connection.

Before you begin, check that your Mac has enough free storage to accommodate all of your data. If your PC holds more data than your Mac can handle, delete any unnecessary files or move large archives to an external drive first. It’s also worth keeping a separate backup of any important personal or business files, just to be safe.

Install the correct Windows Migration Assistant

The Windows Migration Assistant must be installed on your PC. It’s important to download the version that matches the macOS running on your destination Mac.
For transfers from Windows 10 or later to macOS Tahoe 26, Sequoia 15, or Sonoma 14, Apple provides Windows Migration Assistant 3.0.2.1. Separate versions are available for Macs running Ventura, Monterey, Big Sur, and earlier.
To confirm which version of macOS your Mac is running, go to Apple Menu > About This Mac before downloading.

Run the transfer

If you’re setting up a new Mac, you’ll be prompted to transfer information during the initial setup process. If your Mac is already set up, open Migration Assistant via Spotlight or navigate to Applications > Utilities.

Choose From a Windows PC and proceed. Your Mac will generate a code. Open Windows Migration Assistant on your PC, follow the on-screen prompts, and enter the code when asked.

Once both computers are connected, your Mac will scan the PC and calculate the storage required for each category of data. Choose the accounts, folders, and files you’d like to transfer, then start the migration.

Large transfers can take several hours and may occasionally appear to stall — this is normal. Keep both devices plugged in and avoid using them until the process is complete.

Once your Mac restarts, sign in using the password you created during migration. If your PC has multiple Windows user accounts, you’ll need to sign in to each one separately and repeat the transfer process for each.

What to do when the PC to Mac transfer fails

If your migration doesn’t go as planned,recheck your software before trying again. Make sure you have the correct version of Migration Assistant installed, and check that your security software isn’t blocking the connection. A simple restart of both computers can also resolve many common issues.

If drive errors are causing the problem, Apple recommends running Windows’ Check Disk utility before attempting the transfer again. Should the automated process continue to fail, you can still move your important files manually using an external storage device or through file sharing.

For businesses transitioning multiple employees to Macs, a little extra preparation can go a long way. Working with an IT provider beforehand allows you to take stock of existing software, safeguard company data, set up user accounts, and ensure that any critical Windows-based tools have suitable Mac alternatives — all before the old machines are decommissioned.
Get in touch with our IT experts to make your PC to Mac migration as seamless as possible.

A guide to using Windows Migration Assistant for PC to Mac migration

Editor July 24, 2026

Switching from a PC to a Mac can feel like a big undertaking, but Windows Migration Assistant makes it far more manageable. Rather than copying files one by one or reentering account details by hand, the tool transfers your data — including files, email, contacts, and select applications — directly from your PC to your new Mac over a shared network connection.

What can Windows Migration Assistant transfer?

Windows Migration Assistant can move a wide range of data from your PC to your Mac, including:

  • User accounts (with their associated login credentials)
  • Files and folders
  • Compatible applications
  • Email accounts and their contents
  • Contacts, calendars, bookmarks
  • Photos and other media files

The destination depends on the type of content. Outlook and Windows Mail information can appear in Apple’s Mail app, appointments can move into Calendar, contacts can go to Contacts, and browser bookmarks can be added to Safari. Documents and photos are generally placed in folders within the transferred Mac user account.

One important limitation to remember is that this feature does not convert Windows applications to Mac applications. Programs created for Windows usually need to be replaced with their macOS versions or suitable alternatives. Before retiring the PC, create a list of important software, confirm Mac compatibility, and locate any license information you may need.

How to successfully migrate from PC to Mac

Follow these steps to ensure a smooth transition from PC to Mac:

Prepare both computers before migration

Start by updating both Windows and macOS to their latest versions. Close any open programs and pause anything that could interrupt the process. Apple also recommends temporarily disabling third-party antivirus, firewall, and virtual private network software during the transfer. Remember to turn those protections back on after the migration.

Position both computers close to each other and make sure Wi-Fi and Bluetooth are enabled on each. If your PC doesn’t support Bluetooth Low Energy, you’ll need a USB Bluetooth adapter. For Macs running macOS 13 or earlier — or if you’re unsure which version is installed — connect both devices to the same network or use an Ethernet cable for a more stable connection.

Before you begin, check that your Mac has enough free storage to accommodate all of your data. If your PC holds more data than your Mac can handle, delete any unnecessary files or move large archives to an external drive first. It’s also worth keeping a separate backup of any important personal or business files, just to be safe.

Install the correct Windows Migration Assistant

The Windows Migration Assistant must be installed on your PC. It’s important to download the version that matches the macOS running on your destination Mac.
For transfers from Windows 10 or later to macOS Tahoe 26, Sequoia 15, or Sonoma 14, Apple provides Windows Migration Assistant 3.0.2.1. Separate versions are available for Macs running Ventura, Monterey, Big Sur, and earlier.
To confirm which version of macOS your Mac is running, go to Apple Menu > About This Mac before downloading.

Run the transfer

If you’re setting up a new Mac, you’ll be prompted to transfer information during the initial setup process. If your Mac is already set up, open Migration Assistant via Spotlight or navigate to Applications > Utilities.

Choose From a Windows PC and proceed. Your Mac will generate a code. Open Windows Migration Assistant on your PC, follow the on-screen prompts, and enter the code when asked.

Once both computers are connected, your Mac will scan the PC and calculate the storage required for each category of data. Choose the accounts, folders, and files you’d like to transfer, then start the migration.

Large transfers can take several hours and may occasionally appear to stall — this is normal. Keep both devices plugged in and avoid using them until the process is complete.

Once your Mac restarts, sign in using the password you created during migration. If your PC has multiple Windows user accounts, you’ll need to sign in to each one separately and repeat the transfer process for each.

What to do when the PC to Mac transfer fails

If your migration doesn’t go as planned,recheck your software before trying again. Make sure you have the correct version of Migration Assistant installed, and check that your security software isn’t blocking the connection. A simple restart of both computers can also resolve many common issues.

If drive errors are causing the problem, Apple recommends running Windows’ Check Disk utility before attempting the transfer again. Should the automated process continue to fail, you can still move your important files manually using an external storage device or through file sharing.

For businesses transitioning multiple employees to Macs, a little extra preparation can go a long way. Working with an IT provider beforehand allows you to take stock of existing software, safeguard company data, set up user accounts, and ensure that any critical Windows-based tools have suitable Mac alternatives — all before the old machines are decommissioned.
Get in touch with our IT experts to make your PC to Mac migration as seamless as possible.

Identifying and resolving phone infrastructure breaches

Editor July 22, 2026

Unexpected spikes in network traffic or international charges usually indicate that bad actors are exploiting your communication tools. Knowing what to watch out for and how to respond enables your IT team to isolate threats and restore reliable voice services quickly.

Signs of a compromised phone system

Cybercriminals frequently target Voice over Internet Protocol tools to run toll fraud schemes, eavesdrop on confidential discussions, or hijack bandwidth for malicious campaigns. Recognizing the subtle indicators of an active intrusion enables organizations to lock down their systems and mitigate financial losses.

Unexpected spikes in international and off-hours call volume

Unusual calling patterns are one of the clearest signs that an outside party has accessed your phone system. Bad actors often gain control of system extensions to make high-volume calls to expensive, premium-rate international numbers, generating massive fees for the business. These unauthorized calls typically occur during weekends, holidays, or late at night when office staff are absent. Regularly reviewing call logs for unfamiliar locations or surges in after-hours activity helps detect signs of account compromise early.

Unexplained billing charges and premium rate fees

Surprise line items on your monthly telecommunications invoice frequently signal an unaddressed security breach. In many cases, toll fraud operates quietly in the background until unexpected charges — sometimes totaling thousands of dollars — appear. Tracking month-over-month expenses helps identify unusual increases early and trigger immediate investigation.

Sudden degradation of call quality and network performance

Unexpected drops in call clarity should not be ignored. When hackers exploit a phone system, their background processes consume significant amounts of bandwidth. This network strain often results in noticeable audio delays, frequent call disconnections, or choppy conversations. Investigating persistent performance issues helps determine whether the root cause is a simple local hardware fault or a malicious intrusion.

Unauthorized configuration edits and account creation

Attackers may modify system settings to maintain access to your phone system. Changes to administrative credentials, unexpected call-forwarding rules, or unfamiliar user profiles may indicate unauthorized administrative access. Cybercriminals can redirect internal extensions to external numbers to intercept incoming client calls or harvest sensitive corporate data. Conducting routine administrative audits helps identify unauthorized changes before they lead to more serious security incidents.

Abnormal bandwidth consumption across the network

Unusual spikes in network traffic at your firewall can point to a compromised phone system. Hackers may use a compromised phone system to exfiltrate company records or launch secondary attacks against other networks. Monitoring firewall activity and network traffic allows IT teams to isolate suspicious data streams from devices and block malicious connections before they impact core operations.

Executing an immediate containment and response strategy

Discovering a security breach requires swift, decisive action to prevent further compromise. Immediately disconnecting the affected voice hardware or server from the local network stops unauthorized connections from making external calls. System administrators should promptly reset all administrative passwords, enforce multifactor authentication, and update device firmware to patch known software vulnerabilities. Notifying your service provider allows them to trace malicious routing attempts and block calls to suspicious or unauthorized numbers at the carrier level.

Maintaining a secure communications environment requires continuous monitoring, proactive patch management, and strict access controls across your network. If your organization requires assistance securing your business phone system, configuring multifactor authentication, or establishing robust cloud security policies, please reach out to us for professional IT assistance.

Protecting corporate voice networks from unauthorized access and intrusion

Editor July 22, 2026

Sudden performance drops and unexplained routing changes often point to an active intrusion within your digital phone environment. Learning to spot these red flags helps organizations respond rapidly to secure their communication channels.

Signs of a compromised phone system

Cybercriminals frequently target Voice over Internet Protocol tools to run toll fraud schemes, eavesdrop on confidential discussions, or hijack bandwidth for malicious campaigns. Recognizing the subtle indicators of an active intrusion enables organizations to lock down their systems and mitigate financial losses.

Unexpected spikes in international and off-hours call volume

Unusual calling patterns are one of the clearest signs that an outside party has accessed your phone system. Bad actors often gain control of system extensions to make high-volume calls to expensive, premium-rate international numbers, generating massive fees for the business. These unauthorized calls typically occur during weekends, holidays, or late at night when office staff are absent. Regularly reviewing call logs for unfamiliar locations or surges in after-hours activity helps detect signs of account compromise early.

Unexplained billing charges and premium rate fees

Surprise line items on your monthly telecommunications invoice frequently signal an unaddressed security breach. In many cases, toll fraud operates quietly in the background until unexpected charges — sometimes totaling thousands of dollars — appear. Tracking month-over-month expenses helps identify unusual increases early and trigger immediate investigation.

Sudden degradation of call quality and network performance

Unexpected drops in call clarity should not be ignored. When hackers exploit a phone system, their background processes consume significant amounts of bandwidth. This network strain often results in noticeable audio delays, frequent call disconnections, or choppy conversations. Investigating persistent performance issues helps determine whether the root cause is a simple local hardware fault or a malicious intrusion.

Unauthorized configuration edits and account creation

Attackers may modify system settings to maintain access to your phone system. Changes to administrative credentials, unexpected call-forwarding rules, or unfamiliar user profiles may indicate unauthorized administrative access. Cybercriminals can redirect internal extensions to external numbers to intercept incoming client calls or harvest sensitive corporate data. Conducting routine administrative audits helps identify unauthorized changes before they lead to more serious security incidents.

Abnormal bandwidth consumption across the network

Unusual spikes in network traffic at your firewall can point to a compromised phone system. Hackers may use a compromised phone system to exfiltrate company records or launch secondary attacks against other networks. Monitoring firewall activity and network traffic allows IT teams to isolate suspicious data streams from devices and block malicious connections before they impact core operations.

Executing an immediate containment and response strategy

Discovering a security breach requires swift, decisive action to prevent further compromise. Immediately disconnecting the affected voice hardware or server from the local network stops unauthorized connections from making external calls. System administrators should promptly reset all administrative passwords, enforce multifactor authentication, and update device firmware to patch known software vulnerabilities. Notifying your service provider allows them to trace malicious routing attempts and block calls to suspicious or unauthorized numbers at the carrier level.

Maintaining a secure communications environment requires continuous monitoring, proactive patch management, and strict access controls across your network. If your organization requires assistance securing your business phone system, configuring multifactor authentication, or establishing robust cloud security policies, please reach out to us for professional IT assistance.

Spotting the early warning signs of a compromised corporate phone system

Editor July 22, 2026

Corporate voice systems are a major target for cybercriminals seeking free long-distance routes and sensitive operational data. Identifying subtle shifts in call volumes and billing details allows your team to stop active intrusions before minor security gaps become major financial liabilities.

Signs of a compromised phone system

Cybercriminals frequently target Voice over Internet Protocol tools to run toll fraud schemes, eavesdrop on confidential discussions, or hijack bandwidth for malicious campaigns. Recognizing the subtle indicators of an active intrusion enables organizations to lock down their systems and mitigate financial losses.

Unexpected spikes in international and off-hours call volume

Unusual calling patterns are one of the clearest signs that an outside party has accessed your phone system. Bad actors often gain control of system extensions to make high-volume calls to expensive, premium-rate international numbers, generating massive fees for the business. These unauthorized calls typically occur during weekends, holidays, or late at night when office staff are absent. Regularly reviewing call logs for unfamiliar locations or surges in after-hours activity helps detect signs of account compromise early.

Unexplained billing charges and premium rate fees

Surprise line items on your monthly telecommunications invoice frequently signal an unaddressed security breach. In many cases, toll fraud operates quietly in the background until unexpected charges — sometimes totaling thousands of dollars — appear. Tracking month-over-month expenses helps identify unusual increases early and trigger immediate investigation.

Sudden degradation of call quality and network performance

Unexpected drops in call clarity should not be ignored. When hackers exploit a phone system, their background processes consume significant amounts of bandwidth. This network strain often results in noticeable audio delays, frequent call disconnections, or choppy conversations. Investigating persistent performance issues helps determine whether the root cause is a simple local hardware fault or a malicious intrusion.

Unauthorized configuration edits and account creation

Attackers may modify system settings to maintain access to your phone system. Changes to administrative credentials, unexpected call-forwarding rules, or unfamiliar user profiles may indicate unauthorized administrative access. Cybercriminals can redirect internal extensions to external numbers to intercept incoming client calls or harvest sensitive corporate data. Conducting routine administrative audits helps identify unauthorized changes before they lead to more serious security incidents.

Abnormal bandwidth consumption across the network

Unusual spikes in network traffic at your firewall can point to a compromised phone system. Hackers may use a compromised phone system to exfiltrate company records or launch secondary attacks against other networks. Monitoring firewall activity and network traffic allows IT teams to isolate suspicious data streams from devices and block malicious connections before they impact core operations.

Executing an immediate containment and response strategy

Discovering a security breach requires swift, decisive action to prevent further compromise. Immediately disconnecting the affected voice hardware or server from the local network stops unauthorized connections from making external calls. System administrators should promptly reset all administrative passwords, enforce multifactor authentication, and update device firmware to patch known software vulnerabilities. Notifying your service provider allows them to trace malicious routing attempts and block calls to suspicious or unauthorized numbers at the carrier level.

Maintaining a secure communications environment requires continuous monitoring, proactive patch management, and strict access controls across your network. If your organization requires assistance securing your business phone system, configuring multifactor authentication, or establishing robust cloud security policies, please reach out to us for professional IT assistance.

Windows 11’s July 2026 update: What’s new and why it matters

Editor July 20, 2026

Microsoft’s monthly Windows 11 updates are typically straightforward: you install them and move on. However, the July 2026 Security Update, which began rolling out on July 14 for Windows 11 versions 24H2 and 25H2, is worth a closer look. It introduces a useful new recovery feature, gives users more control over when updates install, and delivers a handful of reliability and accessibility improvements that add up to a meaningful upgrade.

Point-in-time restore: The headline feature

The most significant addition is point-in-time restore, a new recovery mechanism that automatically creates snapshots of your system, including settings, files, and installed applications. If something goes wrong after an update, a driver installation, or a software change, you can roll back to a previous working state without manually managing restore points or relying on a full backup.

The feature is enabled by default on Home and Pro editions, which means most users get it without having to configure anything. There is one practical catch: point-in-time restore requires at least 200 GB of free storage to function. Devices with smaller or nearly full drives won’t be able to use it, which is why it’s worth checking your available storage before assuming this safety net is in place.

Better update controls

Windows Update’s pause functionality has historically been limited and confusing. The July update overhauls this with a calendar-based pause control that lets users select a specific end date for deferred updates, with a maximum pause period of 35 days. Crucially, pausing is now indefinitely renewable: users aren’t forced back onto the update schedule after a fixed window expires.

For individual users, this helps avoid updates during busy periods. For IT administrators managing multiple devices, the structured pause controls make scheduling easier and reduce update disruptions during critical hours.

Accessibility and usability improvements

Also included in the update is Screen Tint, a new accessibility feature that overlays a customizable color across the entire display. It’s designed for users who experience eye strain or visual sensitivity, offering an additional layer of display customization beyond the existing Night Light feature.

The Magnifier tool receives a related upgrade: rather than cycling through preset zoom levels, users can now type in an exact percentage value — a small change that meaningfully improves precision for users who rely on magnification regularly.

Location settings in Privacy & Security get a usability fix as well. When location services are turned off, options that depend on location, such as Default Location and Allow Location Override, now appear greyed out rather than remaining active-looking, eliminating a source of confusion about whether those settings are actually doing anything.

Under-the-hood improvements

File Explorer launches faster following this update, a change that’s easy to overlook in a changelog but immediately noticeable in daily use.
Bluetooth reliability also sees improvements, reducing the frequency of disconnection issues that have been a recurring complaint, particularly for users relying on wireless headphones, keyboards, or touchpads.

Printer setup gets a quiet modernization: Windows will now default to installing compatible printers using the Internet Printing Protocol (IPP) rather than older methods, resulting in cleaner and faster printer setup for most devices.

A note for IT and business users

As with all Windows updates, Microsoft is using its Controlled Feature Rollout process, meaning not every device will receive every new feature on day one. Business users and IT administrators should test the update in a controlled environment before broad deployment, particularly if the environment includes older software, VPNs, or specialized hardware.

Have questions about managing Windows updates across your organization or evaluating the July release for your environment? Our team is ready to help you plan a smooth rollout.

Point-in-time restore, better update controls & more: Inside Windows 11’s July 2026 update

Editor July 20, 2026

The July 2026 Security Update for Windows 11 landed on July 14 and covers both versions 24H2 and 25H2. Beyond the usual security fixes, it brings a notable recovery feature, improved update management, and a series of smaller but practical changes to accessibility, File Explorer, Bluetooth, and Widgets. Let’s take a closer look at these changes.

Point-in-time restore: The headline feature

The most significant addition is point-in-time restore, a new recovery mechanism that automatically creates snapshots of your system, including settings, files, and installed applications. If something goes wrong after an update, a driver installation, or a software change, you can roll back to a previous working state without manually managing restore points or relying on a full backup.

The feature is enabled by default on Home and Pro editions, which means most users get it without having to configure anything. There is one practical catch: point-in-time restore requires at least 200 GB of free storage to function. Devices with smaller or nearly full drives won’t be able to use it, which is why it’s worth checking your available storage before assuming this safety net is in place.

Better update controls

Windows Update’s pause functionality has historically been limited and confusing. The July update overhauls this with a calendar-based pause control that lets users select a specific end date for deferred updates, with a maximum pause period of 35 days. Crucially, pausing is now indefinitely renewable: users aren’t forced back onto the update schedule after a fixed window expires.

For individual users, this helps avoid updates during busy periods. For IT administrators managing multiple devices, the structured pause controls make scheduling easier and reduce update disruptions during critical hours.

Accessibility and usability improvements

Also included in the update is Screen Tint, a new accessibility feature that overlays a customizable color across the entire display. It’s designed for users who experience eye strain or visual sensitivity, offering an additional layer of display customization beyond the existing Night Light feature.

The Magnifier tool receives a related upgrade: rather than cycling through preset zoom levels, users can now type in an exact percentage value — a small change that meaningfully improves precision for users who rely on magnification regularly.

Location settings in Privacy & Security get a usability fix as well. When location services are turned off, options that depend on location, such as Default Location and Allow Location Override, now appear greyed out rather than remaining active-looking, eliminating a source of confusion about whether those settings are actually doing anything.

Under-the-hood improvements

File Explorer launches faster following this update, a change that’s easy to overlook in a changelog but immediately noticeable in daily use.
Bluetooth reliability also sees improvements, reducing the frequency of disconnection issues that have been a recurring complaint, particularly for users relying on wireless headphones, keyboards, or touchpads.

Printer setup gets a quiet modernization: Windows will now default to installing compatible printers using the Internet Printing Protocol (IPP) rather than older methods, resulting in cleaner and faster printer setup for most devices.

A note for IT and business users

As with all Windows updates, Microsoft is using its Controlled Feature Rollout process, meaning not every device will receive every new feature on day one. Business users and IT administrators should test the update in a controlled environment before broad deployment, particularly if the environment includes older software, VPNs, or specialized hardware.

Have questions about managing Windows updates across your organization or evaluating the July release for your environment? Our team is ready to help you plan a smooth rollout.

The July 14 Windows 11 update is one of the better ones — Here’s what changed

Editor July 20, 2026

Most Windows updates are security patches and bug fixes that most users never notice. The July 14, 2026 release is different. It includes a new automatic system recovery feature, real calendar-based update controls, and several quality-of-life improvements that address complaints users have been raising for a while.

Point-in-time restore: The headline feature

The most significant addition is point-in-time restore, a new recovery mechanism that automatically creates snapshots of your system, including settings, files, and installed applications. If something goes wrong after an update, a driver installation, or a software change, you can roll back to a previous working state without manually managing restore points or relying on a full backup.

The feature is enabled by default on Home and Pro editions, which means most users get it without having to configure anything. There is one practical catch: point-in-time restore requires at least 200 GB of free storage to function. Devices with smaller or nearly full drives won’t be able to use it, which is why it’s worth checking your available storage before assuming this safety net is in place.

Better update controls

Windows Update’s pause functionality has historically been limited and confusing. The July update overhauls this with a calendar-based pause control that lets users select a specific end date for deferred updates, with a maximum pause period of 35 days. Crucially, pausing is now indefinitely renewable: users aren’t forced back onto the update schedule after a fixed window expires.

For individual users, this helps avoid updates during busy periods. For IT administrators managing multiple devices, the structured pause controls make scheduling easier and reduce update disruptions during critical hours.

Accessibility and usability improvements

Also included in the update is Screen Tint, a new accessibility feature that overlays a customizable color across the entire display. It’s designed for users who experience eye strain or visual sensitivity, offering an additional layer of display customization beyond the existing Night Light feature.

The Magnifier tool receives a related upgrade: rather than cycling through preset zoom levels, users can now type in an exact percentage value — a small change that meaningfully improves precision for users who rely on magnification regularly.

Location settings in Privacy & Security get a usability fix as well. When location services are turned off, options that depend on location, such as Default Location and Allow Location Override, now appear greyed out rather than remaining active-looking, eliminating a source of confusion about whether those settings are actually doing anything.

Under-the-hood improvements

File Explorer launches faster following this update, a change that’s easy to overlook in a changelog but immediately noticeable in daily use.
Bluetooth reliability also sees improvements, reducing the frequency of disconnection issues that have been a recurring complaint, particularly for users relying on wireless headphones, keyboards, or touchpads.

Printer setup gets a quiet modernization: Windows will now default to installing compatible printers using the Internet Printing Protocol (IPP) rather than older methods, resulting in cleaner and faster printer setup for most devices.

A note for IT and business users

As with all Windows updates, Microsoft is using its Controlled Feature Rollout process, meaning not every device will receive every new feature on day one. Business users and IT administrators should test the update in a controlled environment before broad deployment, particularly if the environment includes older software, VPNs, or specialized hardware.

Have questions about managing Windows updates across your organization or evaluating the July release for your environment? Our team is ready to help you plan a smooth rollout.

Web hosting explained: How to choose the right plan for your business

Editor July 17, 2026

Every business website needs somewhere to live. Web hosting is the infrastructure that makes that possible — the servers, storage, and software that keep your site accessible around the clock. Choosing the wrong type of hosting doesn’t just cost money; it can slow your site down, limit your ability to grow, and leave you scrambling when traffic spikes. Here’s what the different types of web hosting offer and how to choose the right option for your business needs.

What is web hosting?

When you purchase a web hosting plan, you’re essentially renting space on a server where your website’s files, databases, and email accounts are stored. The hosting provider handles the hardware, keeps the servers running, and ensures your site remains reachable.

Hosting types explained

What varies between hosting plans is how much of that server you’re sharing, how much control you have over the environment, and how easily it can scale. Below is a breakdown of the most common options.

Shared hosting: The starting point

Shared hosting is the entry-level option and the most affordable, which makes it the default choice for new or small websites. Shared hosting is similar to the setup of a multitenant office building. Your website occupies its own designated space on a shared server, but the underlying hardware and resources (e.g., processing power, memory, bandwidth) are divided among all the tenants on that machine.

For low-traffic sites, simple business websites, or blogs, shared hosting is usually more than sufficient and costs a fraction of other options. The tradeoff is that if another site on the same server experiences a traffic surge, your site’s performance can be affected. As traffic grows or as your site’s requirements become more demanding, shared hosting tends to show its limits.

VPS hosting: More control, more headroom

Virtual private server (VPS) hosting partitions a physical server into separate virtual machines, each operating independently. The analogy shifts to a multitenant office complex where each business occupies its own dedicated floor with independent systems. You’re still sharing the underlying hardware with others, but your allocated resources are reserved for you alone, and other tenants’ traffic spikes don’t affect you.

VPS hosting is a natural next step for businesses that have outgrown shared hosting but don’t yet need an entire server to themselves. It offers greater configurability, better performance under load, and more room to install custom software or adjust server settings.

Dedicated hosting: Maximum performance

Dedicated hosting gives your website exclusive use of an entire physical server. There are no shared resources, no neighboring sites, and no performance variability caused by other tenants. For businesses generating significant online traffic, such as high-volume eCommerce websites, subscription-based platforms, or any operation where uptime and speed are revenue-critical, dedicated hosting provides the performance headroom to handle it.

The tradeoff is cost. Dedicated servers are significantly more expensive than shared or VPS plans and typically require more technical expertise to configure and manage. Most small and midsized businesses won’t need dedicated hosting until their traffic and technical requirements clearly justify it.

Cloud hosting: Scalability on demand

Cloud hosting distributes your website across a network of interconnected servers rather than tying it to a single machine. If one server experiences a problem, another picks up the load automatically. More importantly, resources can be scaled up or down in response to real-time demand, which makes cloud hosting well suited for businesses with unpredictable traffic patterns, such as seasonal spikes, campaign launches, or rapid growth phases.

Cloud hosting is generally billed on a usage basis, aligning costs with actual demand rather than requiring you to pay for a fixed capacity you may not always need.

Matching the plan to the business

The most common mistake in choosing web hosting is selecting a plan based on price alone without thinking through what the site actually needs. A simple brochure website for a local service business has very different requirements from an eCommerce store processing hundreds of daily transactions. Evaluating your expected traffic, the technical complexity of your site, your budget, and how much room you need to grow over the next two to three years will narrow the field considerably.

Not sure which hosting setup is right for your website? Our team can assess your requirements and point you toward a solution that fits your performance needs and budget without overcomplicating things.

Website Management for Small Business Owners

Full-service, pay-as-you-go WordPress websites, from design and content to SEO and Google Ads management for an affordable monthly price.

Learn more about our website management services for small businesses.

Search
Archives