You didn’t start a business to spend your evenings renaming files or copy-pasting numbers from PDF invoices. Yet, for many small-business owners, these repetitive administrative tasks eat up valuable hours that could go toward strategy or client relationships. Fortunately, Microsoft’s Copilot Actions is a new feature designed to handle these mundane chores for you.

What is Copilot Actions, and how does it work?

Most AI tools we’ve seen so far are conversational. You ask a question, and they give an answer. Copilot Actions is different because it can do things. It uses advanced processing to understand what is on your screen and interacts with your apps just like a human would.

Using it is straightforward. You simply upload a file — perhaps a batch of unorganized photos or a dense PDF report — to the Copilot chat window. Next, you select “Take Action” from the menu. Finally, you tell it what you need in plain English. You might type, “Fix the rotation on these photos and save them to a new folder,” or “Summarize the totals from this invoice.”

Behind the scenes, the software opens the necessary applications, scrolls through the content, and clicks the right buttons to complete the job. It’s like you’re assigning the work to a capable teammate.

Practical Copilot Actions use cases

You might be wondering exactly how this feature helps your daily operations. Automation becomes truly valuable when it handles specific, repeatable headaches.

• Document clean-up: Site visits or product shoots often result in dozens of photos that are sideways or have messy, duplicate filenames. Copilot can rotate them to the correct orientation and rename them instantly, saving you from opening each one manually.
• Information extraction: Vendor invoices often arrive as PDFs, requiring you to manually type figures into an email or spreadsheet. You can ask Copilot to “read” the PDF and draft an email containing only the key totals and due dates.
• File organization: The Downloads folder on a business PC is often a chaotic mix of client contracts, receipts, and temporary files. Copilot can sort these items into specific subfolders based on their file type or content, keeping your digital workspace tidy.
• Routine emails: Standard follow-ups take up unnecessary mental energy. If you have a document that needs to be sent to a client with a standard cover note, Copilot can draft the email and attach the file, leaving you to simply review and hit send.

Is Copilot Actions safe?

Handing over control of your mouse and files to software can sound intimidating. Microsoft has anticipated these concerns and built the system with a safety-first philosophy.

First, the feature is disabled by default. You must explicitly choose to turn it on. Second, Copilot has limited access. It can only interact with specific, safe folders such as Documents, Desktop, and Downloads unless you grant it permission to go elsewhere.

Most importantly, you remain the boss. The system acts transparently, often asking for approval before finalizing major tasks. If you ever feel the agent is going off track, you can interrupt it immediately and take back control of your mouse and screen.

When can you use Copilot Actions?

Copilot Actions is currently an experimental feature available in Copilot Labs. It is rolling out to early testers known as Windows Insiders first.

Like any new intern, it might make mistakes in the beginning. Microsoft is releasing it slowly to gather feedback and refine the technology. If you are tech-savvy and eager to try it out, keep an eye on the Windows Insider program updates. For everyone else, it will likely arrive in a standard Windows update once the testing phase is complete.

Ready to reclaim your time?

Automation is no longer just for massive corporations with expensive IT departments. Tools such as Copilot Actions are bringing that power to small businesses, allowing you to offload repetitive chores and reclaim your time. Even saving just one hour a week can have a meaningful impact on how you run and grow your business.

If you want to learn more about Copilot Actions or other tools that can streamline your business, reach out to our experts today.

The post Meet your newest employee: Windows Copilot can now do the boring stuff for you appeared first on 360 Networks.

Windows 11’s latest features demand a solid foundation. However, simply upgrading from an older version of Windows can drag old problems into a new system. Starting fresh with a clean installation may be better, and there are several compelling reasons why you should.

Better performance from day one

Upgraded systems often inherit unnecessary files, software settings, and outdated drivers that quietly slow things down. This can lead to odd glitches, unexpected crashes, or strange system behavior that wastes time and frustrates users. With a clean install, your machine sheds all that weight. You get faster boot times, quicker app launches, and fewer system slowdowns, especially on active machines that have gone years without a reset.

Full access to AI features (for Copilot+)

Copilot+ PCs are specifically designed to take full advantage of Windows 11 AI features such as real-time live captions and auto super resolution. But these tools work best on systems that meet certain requirements and don’t have legacy software clashing in the background. Clean installs help avoid compatibility issues that might hinder AI features, letting your organization take full advantage of the productivity boost.

Removes bloatware

Most business PCs ship with trial software, manufacturer utilities, and other unnecessary extras. Over time, as systems are upgraded repeatedly, even more unwanted programs can pile up. A newly installed Windows 11 OS wipes the slate clean, giving you complete control over what software is installed.

Stronger security from the ground up

Windows 11 includes powerful protections that help defend your business data from modern threats, such as:

• Secure Boot: Blocks untrusted software from running during startup
• Core Isolation: Separates critical processes from the rest of the system to limit what malware can access
• TPM 2.0 (Trusted Platform Module): Securely stores encryption keys and login credentials on a dedicated hardware chip

Unfortunately, these protections are not always enabled and configured correctly during an upgrade. Installing Windows 11 from scratch activates the latest security features right away, giving your business a stronger security baseline with fewer vulnerabilities and compliance concerns.

Longer battery life and energy savings

Newer versions of Windows 11 offer advanced power management settings, particularly for laptops and energy-efficient desktops. Clean installs properly apply these settings and utilize the most recent drivers. That translates to longer battery life, less fan noise, and lower energy bills for businesses managing a fleet of PCs.

Better foundation for future updates

Finally, clean installs prepare your systems for tomorrow’s updates. Microsoft continues to roll out improvements to Windows 11, and having a stable, uncluttered base prevents any conflict with these updates.

Whether you’re rolling out new hardware or refreshing existing machines, starting fresh with Windows 11 can set your business up for long-term success. Contact us today to learn how we can help you seamlessly transition to a faster, safer, and smarter system.

The post Why a clean Windows 11 install is best for business appeared first on 360 Networks.

Microsoft will officially cease support for Windows 10 in October 2025, marking the end of an era for one of the most widely used operating systems. But there’s no need to worry just yet, you still have plenty of time to prepare. To help you navigate this transition, we’ve put together a straightforward guide to explore your next steps.

What happens when Windows 10 support ends?

Your computer won’t suddenly stop functioning after support ends. You’ll still be able to access your files, browse the web, and carry out everyday tasks as usual. However, there’s an important drawback: Microsoft will no longer provide security updates, bug fixes, or technical support. Over time, this could leave your system increasingly vulnerable to security threats and performance problems.

Why won’t Microsoft support Windows 10 anymore?

You might be wondering, “If Windows 10 still works so well for millions of users, why is Microsoft ending its support?”

The short answer is planned life cycle management. Technology evolves quickly, and continuing to support older software takes up significant resources. Microsoft typically provides support for its operating systems for about a decade, and Windows 10, released in 2015, will reach its 10-year mark by October 2025. This timeline aligns with industry standards and ensures a predictable transition for users.

But there’s another big reason: Microsoft wants to shift focus to Windows 11, their newest and most secure operating system. Windows 11 is designed to take advantage of newer hardware, enhance data security, and integrate innovative tools such as AI-powered assistants. These advancements require a more sophisticated foundation than what Windows 10 was designed for. By encouraging users to move to Windows 11, Microsoft can prioritize enhanced security, performance, and cutting-edge features while streamlining the infrastructure behind the scenes.

While switching over to a new operating system might seem inconvenient at first, it represents a broader shift toward a future of safer, more efficient, and highly capable computing.

What are your options after the Windows 10 end of life?

To stay protected, it’s important to plan your next steps well before the support window closes.

Option 1: Buy a new PC with Windows 11 preinstalled

If your current device is getting a little sluggish or outdated, this might be the perfect opportunity to upgrade. Most new computers now come with Windows 11 already installed, giving you the latest features, security updates, and a more modern interface.

Some retailers even offer trade-in deals or discounts if you hand over your old Windows 10 device, which is a great way to offset the cost.

Option 2: Upgrade your current operating system to Windows 11

You may not need to purchase a new device to experience Windows 11. Many Windows 10 PCs are eligible for a free upgrade, provided they meet the necessary hardware requirements. 

To find out if your device is compatible, download Microsoft’s PC Health Check Tool. This tool will quickly scan your system and confirm whether it’s ready for the upgrade. If your hardware passes the test, the upgrade process is straightforward, allowing you to access the latest updates and features without missing a beat.  

However, if your PC doesn’t meet the requirements, don’t attempt to force the upgrade, as this could lead to stability issues. To ensure a smooth transition, it’s always best to follow Microsoft’s official guidelines.

Option 3: Keep using Windows 10

Yes, you can keep using Windows 10 after 2025, but it comes with risks. Without official support or updates, your system will become increasingly vulnerable to malware and security threats. 

If you decide to stick with Windows 10, consider installing strong third-party antivirus software and exercising caution when downloading files or clicking on links. Microsoft may offer extended security updates for a fee, but the details for everyday users are still developing at this time.

Option 4: Explore alternative operating systems

If you’re open to exploring something new, consider switching your PC to a completely different operating system such as Linux. Known for its security, flexibility, and frequent updates, Linux is a favorite among tech-savvy users.

However, it’s important to note that Linux comes with a steeper learning curve and may not support all of your current apps and programs. Before making the switch, back up your data and do thorough research to ensure it’s the right fit for your needs.

While your device may still run Windows 10 smoothly today, October 2025 — the end of official support — will arrive sooner than you think. Planning ahead can save you from making rushed decisions later. If you have further questions, reach out to our IT experts. We’re always happy to provide guidance.

The post Windows 10 is nearing its end of life — here’s what you need to know appeared first on 360 Networks.

Microsoft and other tech companies have been integrating artificial intelligence (AI) into their products to make tasks easier and more efficient for users. For example, Microsoft’s Copilot is now a central feature of Windows, and Google’s search engine often displays AI-generated answers. While these tools can be helpful, they’re not always welcome, especially if they interrupt your workflow. If you prefer a more traditional, AI-free environment, here are five ways to limit or avoid AI in Windows and on the web.

Disable AI features in Microsoft Copilot on Windows

Microsoft Copilot, an AI-powered assistant built into Windows 10 and Windows 11, is conveniently pinned to the taskbar by default, making it accessible with a single click. But if you want to remove it from the taskbar, you can simply right-click the Copilot icon and select Unpin from taskbar.

Copilot remains inactive until you open it and ask a question, meaning it won’t affect your PC as long as it stays closed. However, you can choose to uninstall it entirely. Just open the Start menu, search for Copilot, right-click on the shortcut, and select Uninstall.

Many modern laptops now feature a dedicated physical Copilot key on their keyboards, designed to quickly launch Microsoft’s AI chatbot. However, its placement makes it prone to accidental presses. The good news is that you can easily disable or reassign the key to better suit your needs. Go to Settings > Personalization > Text input and adjust the Copilot key settings to launch a different app or perform a different function.

Adjust AI settings in web browsers

Web browsers, such as Microsoft Edge and Google Chrome, now come with AI features by default, but these can also be disabled. For Edge, you can remove the built-in Copilot function by:

• Clicking the menu button (three dots) in the top-right corner of the browser.
• Selecting Settings > Copilot and sidebar from the left-hand menu.
• Turning off the Show Copilot option.

In Google Chrome, you may encounter AI-generated answers in search results. You can avoid them by:

• Adding “-ai” to your search query to filter out AI results
• Installing the Hide Google AI Overviews Chrome extension, which hides AI answers from your search results
• Creating a custom search engine in Chrome to avoid AI-enhanced results entirely

Disable AI-driven features in apps

Many Windows applications also offer AI-powered tools. These tools are typically optional and easy to avoid if you prefer not to use them. Simply refrain from clicking on AI-related options such as the Image Creator feature in Paint. You should also consider uninstalling apps with unwanted AI features, especially if you don’t use them.

Manage privacy and AI settings in Windows

Most AI features on Windows remain idle unless actively launched, but the Windows Recall feature is an exception. Running quietly in the background, Recall captures snapshots of your PC’s screen, allowing you to review and search your activity later. This feature is exclusive to the new Copilot+ PCs and is disabled by default. What’s more, your Recall data stays private — it’s processed entirely on your device and never sent to Microsoft.

As of January 2025, Recall is available only on Insider builds of Windows 11. However, it’s expected to roll out to all Copilot+ PCs later this year.

To check if the Recall feature is active on your device, follow these steps:

• Open the Settings app.
• Go to Privacy & security > Recall & snapshots (if available).
• Turn off the Save snapshots option.

If you don’t see this feature in your settings, your device likely doesn’t support it. 

Choose non-AI tools and alternatives

Sometimes, the simplest way to avoid AI is to use alternative tools and workflows that don’t rely on artificial intelligence. Here are some suggestions:

• Use non-AI search engines such as DuckDuckGo for a more traditional web search experience.
• Install lightweight apps that focus on basic functionality, free from AI-driven enhancements.
• Stick to manual processes for tasks, such as editing documents or creating images, instead of relying on AI-powered tools.

By opting for simpler tools, you can avoid the distractions and complexities of AI altogether. 

For more tech tips and guidance, feel free to reach out to our IT experts.

The post How to disable AI in Windows and your browser appeared first on 360 Networks.

This article explores the lesser-known features of Windows 11’s Task Manager, offering valuable tips and tricks for optimizing system performance, troubleshooting issues, and gaining better control over your computer.

Unlocking Task Manager’s potential

When you launch Task Manager with Ctrl + Shift + Esc, there are several features you might not be using. For example:

• Deploy efficiency mode – Prioritize foreground applications by throttling background processes, boosting performance and battery life on resource-constrained devices.
• Enter command line view – Gain deeper insights into process behavior by revealing the specific command used to launch them, which can be helpful for troubleshooting purposes.
• Create a memory dump – Generate memory snapshots for specific processes, invaluable for diagnosing software crashes and application errors.

Fine-tuning performance monitoring

Task Manager goes beyond just displaying CPU and memory usage. For instance, you can do the following:

• Per-core CPU view – Gain insight into the performance of each individual processor core, identifying bottlenecks and optimizing resource allocation.
• GPU temperature monitoring – Keep an eye on your graphics card’s temperature, crucial for gamers and users working with demanding rendering software.
• Drive media type identification – Quickly determine whether your storage uses serial AT attachment, nonvolatile memory express, or other technologies, aiding upgrade decisions.

Network analysis and startup management

Get a comprehensive picture of your network activity with Task Manager:

• Detailed network information – Uncover more than just sent/received data throughput. View network utilization, state, and specific data types for troubleshooting and monitoring.
• Startup app management – Control which applications launch automatically at startup to prevent unnecessary resource consumption and improve boot times.

Advanced troubleshooting techniques

Task Manager offers powerful tools for resolving system issues. Some examples are:

• Boot time analysis – Identify potential boot bottlenecks by viewing the time it takes your system’s basic input/output system (BIOS) to initialize hardware.
• Real-time drive monitoring – Gain insights into how processes interact with your storage devices, helping diagnose issues like 100% hard drive utilization.
• Analyze wait chain – Unravel the root cause of application freezes by visualizing the chain of processes waiting for resources.

Managing user accounts and processes

Here are some user account management tasks you can accomplish via Task Manager:

• Log off other users – Sign out other users who are logged in, freeing up resources and regaining control of your account.
• Process identification (PID) – Locate and manage specific processes using their unique PID, useful for troubleshooting and command-line operations.
• Run apps as administrator – Grant administrative privileges to applications directly from Task Manager.

Tailoring Task Manager to your workflow

You can also optimize Task Manager for your specific needs. Here are some examples:

• Always on top – Keep Task Manager visible on top of other windows for easy monitoring while working in full-screen applications.
• Customizable default startup page – Open your preferred tab (like Performance or Network) by default when launching Task Manager.
• Keyboard shortcuts – Utilize keyboard shortcuts for faster navigation and efficient process management.
• Real-time monitoring via widgets – Double-click any performance graph (e.g., CPU, memory, etc.) to create a floating widget to monitor your desktop performance and resource usage in real time.

By mastering these hidden features, you can transform Task Manager from a simple monitoring tool into a powerful system optimization companion. Follow the tips above to effectively troubleshoot issues, optimize performance, and gain deeper control over your Windows 11 experience.

The post Things you didn’t know you could do on Windows 11 Task Manager appeared first on 360 Networks.

With the rise of remote and hybrid work, many business leaders and managers face the challenge of ensuring their teams have access to essential tools and data, no matter where they are. Enter Windows 365, Microsoft’s innovative cloud-based operating system that promises to revolutionize how businesses operate.

What is Windows 365?

Windows 365 is a subscription-based service that allows users to access a fully functioning version of Windows from anywhere, using any device. Unlike the traditional desktop or laptop setup, where all your data and applications are stored on the local hard drive, Windows 365 runs entirely in the cloud. This means that you can access your personalized Windows environment on any internet-connected device with ease.

Windows 365 is powered by Microsoft’s Azure Virtual Desktop technology, making it a secure and reliable option for businesses.

Different Windows 365 versions

There are two versions of Windows 365 available: Business and Enterprise. Windows 365 Business is designed for small and medium-sized businesses with up to 300 users. It offers a straightforward setup process and simplified management tools, making it an excellent choice for businesses without a dedicated IT team.

On the other hand, Windows 365 Enterprise is tailored for larger organizations, providing more control over the management of virtual PCs via Intune, as well as integration with Microsoft apps such as Entra ID and Defender for Endpoint.

There are two variations of the Enterprise edition: Windows 365 Frontline and Windows 365 Government. Frontline is designed for organizations with shift and part-time workers, allowing up to three employees to share a single Windows 365 license as long as they access the virtual PC at different times. The Government edition, meanwhile, is for US government agencies and contractors with access to Government Community Cloud (GCC) or GCC High, featuring stricter security and compliance standards than other versions.

How much does Windows 365 cost?

Microsoft charges a flat monthly rate per user for Windows 365. The pricing is based on virtual machine configurations, which means you can choose the level of performance and features that best suit your requirements.

There are 13 virtual machine configurations available. The most basic option (two cores, 4GB memory, 64GB storage) costs $28 per user/month, while the most advanced option (16 cores, 64GB RAM, 1TB storage) is $315 per user/month. These rates are for Windows 365 Enterprise customers, while Windows 365 Business customers pay an additional $4 per user/month. However, there’s a $4 per user/month discount if accessed via a device running Windows 11 Pro or Windows 10 Pro.

Benefits of using Windows 365

More and more businesses are turning to Windows 365 as their preferred computing solution primarily because of these benefits:

• Flexibility and accessibility – Windows 365 allows your employees to access Windows programs from any device, which is especially useful for remote or hybrid work.
• Scalability – As your business grows, so do your computing needs. With Windows 365, you can easily add or remove users and change configurations to meet your evolving requirements.
• Enhanced security – Windows 365 runs on Microsoft’s secure Azure cloud platform, providing advanced security features to protect your data and infrastructure.
• Simplified IT management – Windows 365 allows your IT team to automate many complex tasks associated with virtual desktop setup and maintenance, freeing up time for more pressing responsibilities.
• Cost savings – Windows 365 eliminates the need for expensive hardware upgrades and maintenance, reducing your overall IT costs.

The future is here with Windows 365

Windows 365 represents a significant leap forward in business computing, offering a flexible, secure, and efficient solution for modern organizations. With its easy setup, simplified management, and familiar Windows experience, it’s no wonder that businesses are embracing this innovative technology.

To learn more about how Windows 365 can transform your organization’s IT infrastructure, reach out to our experts for a personalized consultation.

The post Experience the future of work with Windows 365 appeared first on 360 Networks.