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Microsoft has acknowledged a critical issue causing some Windows Server domain controllers to enter repeated restart loops after installing the April 2026 security update (KB5082063). The problem impacts both existing environments and newly deployed domain controllers, which complicates recovery and rollout efforts for IT administrators. This problem is caused by crashes in the Local Security…

In this episode of First Ring Daily, Brad Sams and Paul Thurrott discuss a recent report suggesting that Nvidia could acquire a leading PC maker. They also talk about Microsoft raising the price of all Surface devices due to increased memory costs.

Microsoft has introduced a new Backup and Recovery feature in public preview in the Entra admin center. This new built-in solution helps organizations restore critical Entra directory objects after accidental changes or security incidents. “Microsoft Entra Backup and Recovery takes backups of supported objects automatically, once a day, retaining up to five days of backup…

Microsoft has committed to providing security updates for all old versions of Exchange Server and Skype for Business. This new phase of the Extended Security Update (ESU) program is designed for customers who need more time to migrate to supported versions of the products. Microsoft’s Extended Security Update (ESU) program is a paid option that…

Microsoft has just released the April 2026 Patch Tuesday updates for all supported versions of Windows 11. This month, Microsoft fixed 163 new vulnerabilities in Windows, Office, Microsoft Edge, Azure, Hyper-V Server, BitLocker, and the Windows Wallet Service. On the quality and experience updates front, Microsoft released a new patch that brings several new features…

Active Directory (AD) sits at the center of most on-premises Windows environments, powering identity, authentication, authorization, and access control. Because AD effectively governs who can do what across the estate, it’s also one of the first places attackers try to gain a foothold. Active Directory auditing won’t replace good security hygiene, but it can give…

Enterprise-scale Active Directory management now involves Microsoft Entra ID, Microsoft 365, and cloud workloads, making native tools insufficient and increasing operational risks. Organizations use advanced AD management platforms to boost efficiency, delegation, and auditing while maintaining security. This article reviews the five most widely used enterprise Active Directory management tools, highlighting how they improve efficiency…

Microsoft has launched a new monitoring and reporting platform for Windows 365 in public preview, aimed at simplifying Cloud PC management. The solution unifies health, performance, and configuration insights into a single Microsoft Intune experience. Windows 365 Cloud PC monitoring data has been fragmented, hard to access, and inefficient to use, which makes it difficult…

Non-human identities, service accounts, and AI agents are exploding across modern environments, and security teams aren’t keeping up. As organizations hand real access and autonomy to non‑human identities, attackers are exploiting the gaps, often by simply using trusted credentials rather than breaking in. The SANS 2026 State of Identity Threats & Defenses survey gathered input…

Microsoft has notified its channel partners that prices for Windows 365 Cloud PCs will drop by 20 percent starting on May 1. The move is aimed primarily at making cloud-based desktops more attractive and affordable for small and medium-sized businesses. Windows 365 is a cloud‑based PC service that lets users stream a full Windows desktop…

In this episode of First Ring Daily, Brad Sams and Paul Thurrott discuss Microsoft’s multiple OneNote apps, Ray Ozzie’s stint at the company in the 2000’s, and more.

The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) has issued an urgent directive ordering federal civilian agencies to remediate a critical vulnerability in Ivanti Endpoint Manager Mobile (EPMM). The move comes after confirmed evidence that the flaw is already being actively exploited in real-world attacks. Ivanti Endpoint Manager Mobile (EPMM) is a mobile device management (MDM)…