Andrew ArmstrongAndrew Armstrong

Andrew Armstrong is a UK-based IT professional with 26+ years of hands-on experience in Windows, Windows Server, SCCM/ConfigMgr, Active Directory, PowerShell, and enterprise infrastructure. He founded TechyGeeksHome in 2010 and has published over 1,500 practical guides covering real-world IT problems and solutions. When not solving IT problems, Andrew develops free Windows utilities including Ultimate Settings Panel, which has been downloaded over 850,000 times.

How to Audit Microsoft Defender Antivirus Exclusions with PowerShell and Identify Their Source

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Audit Microsoft Defender Antivirus

Microsoft Defender Antivirus is a cornerstone of endpoint protection, but exclusions—whether for performance, compatibility, or policy reasons—can introduce risk if not properly managed. As IT admins, we need visibility not just into what exclusions exist, but where they originate: local policy, Group Policy (GPO), Microsoft Endpoint Manager (Intune), or Configuration Manager (SCCM). In this post, … Read more

Manually Installing a Monthly Windows Update on Windows Server

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Manually Installing a Monthly Windows Update on Windows Server

Overview In some cases, Windows Updates may fail to install via Windows Update or SCCM Software Center. This document provides a step-by-step guide to manually installing a monthly cumulative update (CU) by extracting and installing the relevant CAB files using DISM (Deployment Image Servicing and Management Tool). Prerequisites Step 1: Download the Windows Update Package … Read more

How to Set Up Cloudflare to Stop Spam on Your WordPress Site

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How to Set Up Cloudflare to Stop Spam on Your WordPress Site

Spam can be a nightmare for WordPress site owners—whether it’s comment spam, fake registrations, or bot-driven form submissions. Fortunately, Cloudflare offers a free and effective way to block spam while keeping your site fast and secure. In this guide, I’ll walk you through setting up Cloudflare to protect your WordPress site from spam using firewall … Read more

Overcoming the “No vmknic tagged for management” Error During ESXi 8.0.3 Installation with a USB NIC

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Overcoming the "No vmknic tagged for management" Error During ESXi 8.0.3 Installation with a USB NIC

While building a VMware ESXi 8.0.3 host with a USB networking controller, I hit a snag that’s likely familiar to anyone venturing into this setup. The installation process threw up this error: Exception: No vmknic tagged for management was found. This halted my progress, but after some trial and error, I found a reliable fix … Read more

How to Enable Remote Desktop (RDP) Between Two Windows 11 Enterprise PCs on a Home Network

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Enable Remote Desktop

Setting up Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) between two Windows 11 Enterprise PCs on a home network can be incredibly useful for managing multiple machines. However, if you’re using local accounts without a domain, you might run into errors when trying to connect. This guide walks you through the steps to configure RDP on a home … Read more

DHCP Server Configuration: Windows Server Mastery

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DHCP Server Setup and Configuration

Configuring DHCP Servers on Windows Server Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) is critical for automating IP address allocation within Windows Server 2022 environments, ensuring reliable network connectivity. This guide offers a comprehensive, professional approach to installing, configuring, and managing a DHCP server, incorporating PowerShell automation, troubleshooting techniques, and optimization strategies. Tailored for IT administrators maintaining … Read more

Active Directory Tools: Installation, Management, and Automation

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Active Directory Tools

Effective Management with Active Directory Tools Active Directory Users and Computers (ADUC) remains a cornerstone for managing Active Directory (AD) environments on Windows Server 2022 or Windows 11 systems. This guide provides a comprehensive walkthrough for installing, utilizing, and enhancing AD tools through Remote Server Administration Tools (RSAT), PowerShell, and integration with Azure AD. Designed … Read more

How to Fix Windows Update Errors (Step-by-Step Guide)

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How to Fix Windows Update Errors

Common Windows Update Errors Solution 1: Run the Windows Update Troubleshooter Solution 2: Clear Windows Update Cache Solution 3: Use the System File Checker (SFC) and DISM Commands Open Command Prompt as Administrator and run the following commands: If the issue persists, run these commands: Solution 4: Reset Windows Update Components Run the following commands … Read more

How to Reinstall .NET Framework on Windows Server 2022

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How to Reinstall .NET Framework on Windows Server 2022

If you’ve accidentally removed the .NET Framework feature from your Windows Server 2022 and need to reinstall it, follow these steps to get it back up and running. Step 1: Download the Installation Media Step 2: Install .NET Framework Using DISM Step 3: Verify Installation Step 4: Install .NET Framework 4.0 (If Required) If you … Read more

Windows Remote Desktop in 2025: Group Policy & Beyond

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Remote Desktop GPO 2025 - Deep purple gradient with white Windows logo, monitor, and key icon.jpg

Mastering Remote Desktop with Group Policy Precision Remote Desktop (RDP) is your lifeline to Windows machines, and in 2025, Group Policy (GPO) on Server 2022 or Intune on Windows 11 is how you lock it down and roll it out. This guide’s your full-on playbook for enabling, securing, and managing RDP across fleets—whether it’s a … Read more

Top 10 Surprising Alternatives to Paid Software and Websites You Didn’t Know Existed

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top-10-surprising-alternatives-to-paid-software

We’ve all been there—staring at a pricey software subscription or website service, wondering if there’s a better way. The good news? There are incredible, lesser-known alternatives out there that can save you money without sacrificing functionality. Forget the usual suspects; this list dives into hidden gems that might just shock you with their capabilities. Whether … Read more

Windows Server Core – Command Line Only Administration

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Windows Server Core 2025 - Steel gray gradient with white Windows Server logo, terminal, and gear icon.

Mastering Windows Server Core with Command Line Power Windows Server Core 2022 strips the GUI fat, leaving a lean, mean machine that thrives on command-line control—and in 2025, it’s your ticket to lightweight, secure server management. This guide’s your deep dive into running Server Core like a pro, from setup to daily ops, role installs, … Read more