Connecting the dots

Learning to crawl when everyone else is running

August 11, 2026 by Jesper Nielsen • 7 minutes to read SERIES

Everyone is running with AI. But what happens when you skip the part where you learn to crawl?

Over the past year, I have shared posts about Vibe Coding and using AI as a superpower. I have been written about building instruction files for GitHub Copilot and creating Microsoft Copilot Cowork skills. All of those posts share a common theme: AI is most powerful when you teach it how you work.

But here is the thing nobody tells you - you cannot teach AI how you work until you understand how it defaults. And understanding the defaults means slowing down enough to notice them.

Devices are not a commodity - they are a strategy

August 3, 2026 by Jesper Nielsen • 12 minutes to read

What if the biggest risk to your endpoint strategy is not a security breach - but the device itself?

Over the past months - for years really - I have been talking about Windows in the cloud with customers, partners, and public sector organizations. This post is primarily about Windows devices - and Windows 11 specifically - because that is where the vast majority of enterprise endpoints sit. macOS has its place in the mix, and I will touch on that. But the strategic pressures I am seeing - pricing, supply chain, architecture shifts, provisioning debt - are most acute in the Windows ecosystem.

Exploring Microsoft Copilot Cowork skills management

July 25, 2026 by Jesper Nielsen • 13 minutes to read SERIES

What if the skills you built are not as good as you think they are?

I built four custom skills in Microsoft Copilot Cowork before it occurred to me to ask whether any of them were actually good. They worked, mostly, so I assumed they were fine. Then I asked Cowork to score them, and the numbers told a more honest story than my own reading ever could. In my Exploring Microsoft Copilot Cowork skills post, I covered how to build skills - the format, the structure, the journey from GitHub Copilot instruction files to portable Agent Skills. This post picks up where that one left off. You have created your skills. Now what?

Learning to maintain a healthy speaker profile

July 12, 2026 by Jesper Nielsen • 14 minutes to read SERIES

When was the last time you looked at your speaker profile and thought, “This actually represents who I am”?

For years, I have been speaking at conferences, user groups, and community events. I submitted session proposals, stepped on stage, refined my talks, and moved on to the next one. But somewhere along the way, I neglected the one place where my speaking identity lives publicly - my Sessionize profile. If you have read my earlier posts about exploring public speaking and submitting session proposals, this post is the natural next step: what happens after you build the habit of speaking and submitting - and how do you keep your speaker profile alive and honest.

A newbie's guide to the galaxy - part 4

July 6, 2026 by Jesper Nielsen • 29 minutes to read SERIES

What happens when ambitions are higher than your current skill set, but you keep building anyway?

This is not a guide, it is merely a continuation of my blog-ramblings, a collection of things I found useful while building this website from the ground up. If you have been following this Building my blog series, you know the pattern by now: I start with something I want to build and run headfirst into the limits of what I know - struggle - learn - and come out the other side with something I am genuinely proud of.

Exploring Microsoft Copilot Cowork skills

June 25, 2026 by Jesper Nielsen • 28 minutes to read SERIES

What happens when years of refining AI instructions meet a completely new way of working with AI?

In my previous post, I covered what Copilot Cowork is, how it works, and why the personalization model - personal instructions, memory, and custom skills - is what sets it apart. This post goes deeper into the skill format itself and the journey of translating years of GitHub Copilot instruction files into Copilot Cowork skills.

Your phone is already a Windows 365 workstation

June 18, 2026 by Jesper Nielsen • 13 minutes to read

What if your phone could replace your PC in an emergency - not as a compromise, but as a genuinely usable workstation?

For years, I have been demonstrating how Windows 365 can be accessed from almost anywhere - previously through the Remote Desktop client and now through the Windows App. One of my favorite setups involves connecting a phone to an external monitor, adding a keyboard and mouse, and showing people that their Windows 365 Cloud PC delivers the same familiar desktop experience regardless of the device in their hand. The reactions are always the same - surprise, followed by “wait, how is this possible?”

Exploring AI actions in Windows 11 - Semantic Search

June 7, 2026 by Jesper Nielsen • 19 minutes to read

Have you ever spent minutes searching for a file you know exists somewhere on your PC - but you cannot remember the exact name, folder, or even what you called it?

Finding files has always been one of those friction points in daily work. Traditional search requires you to remember exact file names, specific keywords, or at least which folder you saved something in. When you are juggling dozens of documents, presentations, and images across local storage and cloud services like Microsoft OneDrive, that approach breaks down quickly. I have been in that situation more times than I care to admit - searching for “that document about the deployment plan” by guessing file names until something sticks.

How to manage PowerShell versions

May 23, 2026 by Jesper Nielsen • 14 minutes to read

Do you know which version of PowerShell is running when you open a terminal window - and does it matter?

It matters more than most people think. Windows ships with PowerShell 5.1 preinstalled, and that is the version that runs by default when you open Windows Terminal, launch a script through Microsoft Intune, or execute a scheduled task. PowerShell 7 is a separate installation that runs side-by-side. It does not replace PowerShell 5.1, and it does not automatically become your default shell.

Exploring Microsoft Copilot Cowork

May 12, 2026 by Jesper Nielsen • 17 minutes to read SERIES

What if your AI assistant could do more than answer questions - what if it could actually do the work?

Most AI assistants stop at the chat box. You ask a question, you get an answer, and the rest is up to you. Microsoft Copilot Cowork goes a step further - it brings a working assistant into Microsoft 365 that can read your email, draft your decks, prepare you for your meetings, and follow your personal way of working. The part that makes this interesting is not the chat. It is the ability to act across your entire Microsoft 365 environment and a personal skill system that teaches Cowork how you work.

Building instruction files for GitHub Copilot

May 6, 2026 by Jesper Nielsen • 27 minutes to read

What if the most impactful thing you could do for your coding workflow was not writing code at all - but teaching your AI assistant how you think?

Most people start using GitHub Copilot the same way: open a file, type a comment, accept a suggestion. It works. But after a while, you notice the output does not quite match your standards. Variable names are wrong. The script structure is off. Terminology is inconsistent. You spend time correcting GitHub Copilot’s output instead of building on it.

Exploring the UniFi Travel Router

April 29, 2026 by Jesper Nielsen • 14 minutes to read

What if your network could follow you - same SSID, same security, same devices - no matter where you land?

For years, I have relied on my GL.iNet travel router  to bring my own network with me on the road. Whether visiting customers, running demos, or traveling with the family, a travel router has been one of those tools I simply do not leave home without. It solves a fundamental problem: connecting multiple devices to unfamiliar networks is tedious, unreliable, and insecure. A travel router lets you authenticate once and put everything behind your own private network.

Learning to build a LinkedIn posting strategy

April 21, 2026 by Jesper Nielsen • 18 minutes to read SERIES

Have you been telling yourself for years that you should post more on LinkedIn?

For as long as I can remember, I have known that being visible on LinkedIn matters. I have read the advice, seen others do it well, and nodded along to every “you need to build your personal brand” article that crossed my feed. And yet, for years, I did almost nothing about it. Not because I disagreed with the idea, but because I kept overthinking it. What should I write about? How often? What if nobody cares?

How to set up PSScriptAnalyzer beyond the editor

March 22, 2026 by Jesper Nielsen • 15 minutes to read

Why does Invoke-ScriptAnalyzer fail in the terminal when Visual Studio Code is linting your code just fine?

If you followed my earlier post on how to validate and improve your PowerShell scripts, you know that the PowerShell extension for Visual Studio Code uses PSScriptAnalyzer to provide real-time code analysis - squiggly underlines, Problems panel entries, and quick fixes as you type. That part still works. The extension bundles its own internal copy of PSScriptAnalyzer for editor integration, and it continues to lint your code in the background.

Learning to focus in a world of distractions

March 14, 2026 by Jesper Nielsen • 11 minutes to read

Have you ever finished a workday feeling completely exhausted, yet struggled to point to what you actually accomplished?

I have worked long hours and long days, and I can guarantee it did not enhance my life. It became harder to focus on single tasks, I became worn out, and it did not really enhance my career either. When I eventually had some “free time,” I found myself walking around in circles without a clear path forward - ending up with more unfinished things than when I started. This is my journey of learning to focus, and discovering that the principles I needed were hiding in plain sight.

Exploring AI actions in Windows 11 - Click to Do

February 28, 2026 by Jesper Nielsen • 12 minutes to read

Have you ever wished you could instantly act on anything you see on your screen without switching between applications or manually copying content?

I have been fortunate enough to be using a Copilot+ PC on ARM64 for some time now - it is the Surface Laptop 7, and it is awesome in so many ways. But one thing sets it apart - the access to the AI features in Windows 11. There are many new capabilities and they are often overlooked. One of these capabilities is Click to Do, which I have started using all the time. So, if you, like me, have a Copilot+ PC, I highly encourage you to enable Click to Do.

How to set up a well-configured repository

February 18, 2026 by Jesper Nielsen • 25 minutes to read

What is the first thing you do when you create a new repository?

Before I get into the details, let me demystify the term repository. A repository is just a folder, it is as simple as that. A folder on your computer where you keep your project files. The word “repository” sounds fancy, but strip away the jargon and you are left with something you already know how to create. The magic happens when you add a few configuration files that help tools understand your project - and optionally connect it to Git for version control.

Exploring Vibe Coding as a Superpower

February 7, 2026 by Jesper Nielsen • 14 minutes to read SERIES

Do I use AI to create code, write scripts, and draft blog posts? Absolutely, and I encourage you to do the same - if you are ready to use AI as a learning companion rather than a shortcut.

In my post 5 reasons you should explore vibe coding, I introduced the concept of Vibe Coding and why it matters for IT professionals. Since then, I have noticed a recurring debate: some argue that using AI to generate code is “cheating,” that it diminishes the value of traditional coding skills, or that developers who rely on AI are taking shortcuts that undermine their credibility.

5 reasons you should submit a session proposal

January 27, 2026 by Jesper Nielsen • 10 minutes to read SERIES

What is stopping you from hitting that submit button?

If you have ever considered sharing your knowledge at a conference, user group, or community event, you have probably felt that familiar knot in your stomach. The fear of rejection, the imposter syndrome whispering that you are not ready, and the vulnerability of putting yourself out there - these feelings are universal. But here is the secret: submitting a session is where the real growth begins, long before you ever step on stage.

Exploring code signing for Microsoft Intune

January 4, 2026 by Jesper Nielsen • 31 minutes to read

Code signing is a fundamental security practice that validates the authenticity and integrity of executable code. In enterprise environments managed by Microsoft Intune, code signing becomes essential for ensuring that only trusted, verified scripts run on your managed devices.

5 reasons you should explore Vibe Coding

December 3, 2025 by Jesper Nielsen • 12 minutes to read SERIES

Have you heard about Vibe Coding?

If you have been anywhere near the tech community lately, you have probably stumbled upon the Vibe Coding term. It is one of those concepts that sounds almost too casual to be revolutionary, yet it is reshaping how you approach coding, scripting, and automation.

5 reasons you should explore public speaking

November 6, 2025 by Jesper Nielsen • 15 minutes to read SERIES

Public speaking might seem intimidating at first - whether you are presenting to a new client in a meeting room or stepping up on stage - but it can become one of the most fulfilling experiences you will ever have. It does not matter if you are an introvert, a skilled communicator, or somewhere in between; exploring public speaking brings rewards that go far beyond the spotlight.

How to reset or wipe Windows devices using Microsoft Intune

October 9, 2025 by Jesper Nielsen • 16 minutes to read

Managing Windows devices with Microsoft Intune  means having the right tool for every situation. Whether an employee is leaving the organization, a device needs to be repurposed for a new user, or a laptop has persistent performance issues that require a fresh start - knowing which remote action to use can save time and prevent data loss.

Windows Autopilot device preparation - bridging the gaps

September 29, 2025 by Jesper Nielsen • 8 minutes to read SERIES

Windows Autopilot device preparation represents Microsoft’s next-generation approach to device provisioning, offering improved reliability and real-time reporting. However, the current implementation lacks four key features that many organizations depend on. This post introduces a device preparation script I’ve developed to bridge these gaps until Microsoft expands the native capabilities.

How to name your PowerShell scripts and functions

August 18, 2025 by Jesper Nielsen • 12 minutes to read

Have you ever spent more time naming a script than actually writing it?

If you are anything like me, you know the feeling. Summer is here, and I could probably spend the entire holiday just finding the perfect name for my computer - let alone a PowerShell script or function. There is something about naming things that triggers a unique kind of stress. You want the name to be clear, descriptive, and professional, but you also want to move on and actually get work done. Add to that the constraints you face in other contexts - Azure resources that require lowercase names, unique identifiers, and strict character limits - and naming quickly becomes one of those small decisions that feels unreasonably difficult.

Exploring Microsoft Intune Config Refresh

July 28, 2025 by Jesper Nielsen • 11 minutes to read

Have you ever deployed a configuration policy, only to discover a user or rogue application changed the settings hours later? With traditional MDM, you might not even know until the next sync - and those syncs happen far less frequently than you might expect. Config Refresh gives IT administrators a way to automatically restore policy settings at regular intervals, closing the gap between when drift occurs and when it gets corrected.

How to validate and improve your PowerShell scripts

July 9, 2025 by Jesper Nielsen • 35 minutes to read

If you write PowerShell scripts, whether for automation, system administration, or any other purpose, writing professional code means more than just getting it to work. It means validating your code, documenting it properly, ensuring compatibility across environments, and following standards that make your scripts maintainable and portable.

Mastering Git - check and update your Git version

June 18, 2025 by Jesper Nielsen • 5 minutes to read

Git  is a powerful and popular version control system that allows you to track changes in your code and files, collaborate with other developers, and works great with e.g., Visual Studio Code.

Git has become an indispensable tool for developers around the world, enabling teams and individuals to efficiently track, manage, and collaborate on codebases - large and small. Whether you’re working solo on hobby projects or contributing to the code powering your favorite apps, mastering Git can greatly enhance your productivity and ensure you’re following modern development best practices.

Exploring Microsoft Intune Terms and Conditions

May 22, 2025 by Jesper Nielsen • 14 minutes to read

Looking for a way to present legal disclaimers and compliance requirements to users before they enroll devices or access protected resources?

As organizations adopt modern device management and Zero Trust approaches, one question frequently arises: how can we maintain legal and compliance requirements during the enrollment process? This is where terms and conditions policies come into play.

A newbies guide to the galaxy - part 3.5

May 7, 2025 by Jesper Nielsen • 20 minutes to read SERIES

What happens when your ambition consistently outgrows your competence - and you keep going anyway?

This is not a guide, it is merely a continuation of my blog-ramblings, a collection of things I found useful while building this website from the ground up. If you have been following the first and second installments of this series, you know the pattern by now: I start with grand ambitions, run headfirst into the limits of what I know, struggle, learn, and come out the other side with something I am genuinely proud of.

Mastering Windows Autopilot device preparation

April 28, 2025 by Jesper Nielsen • 17 minutes to read SERIES

Are you still waiting for hardware hashes to sync before your devices can complete provisioning?

Windows Autopilot device preparation changes the game entirely. After months of previewing this technology, I am convinced this is the direction every cloud-native organization should be heading. If you have not started exploring Windows Autopilot device preparation yet, now is the time.

5 thoughts about the Microsoft Intune security baselines

April 3, 2025 by Jesper Nielsen • 17 minutes to read

Should you apply the Microsoft Intune security baselines because Microsoft has already decided which settings are secure?

I do not think the Microsoft Intune security baselines are bad. They contain valuable recommendations and can help you understand how Microsoft approaches a secure configuration. However, I do not fancy using them as the foundation of my device configuration strategy.

A friend of mine says, “They are great if you do not know what you are doing.” I see it differently. If you do not know what you are doing, you should not apply a large collection of security settings that you cannot explain. A baseline does not remove the need to understand each setting. It makes that understanding even more important.

5 reasons Microsoft Edge is the preferred corporate browser

March 19, 2025 by Jesper Nielsen • 7 minutes to read

In the dynamic and fast-evolving world of Corporate IT, the choice of browsers plays a pivotal role in ensuring productivity, security, and seamless integration with enterprise systems.

Microsoft Edge, the modern browser, offers a host of features that make it an ideal choice for IT professionals tasked with managing and securing corporate networks.

Mastering Git - configure Git Bash in Windows Terminal

February 3, 2025 by Jesper Nielsen • 10 minutes to read

Have you ever wanted a unified terminal experience that combines the power of Git with the modern features of Windows Terminal?

If you work with version control, scripting, or development on Windows, you have probably encountered both Git Bash and Windows Terminal. While each is powerful on its own, combining them creates a seamless workflow that enhances productivity and brings the best of both worlds together.

In this post, I will explain what Git is, why you should add Git Bash to Windows Terminal, and provide a step-by-step guide to configure it manually - giving you full control over your setup.

How to configure Microsoft Intune Enrollment Notifications

January 29, 2025 by Jesper Nielsen • 12 minutes to read

Microsoft has introduced a series of updates and features to enhance the functionality and security of Microsoft Intune, and Enrollment Notifications are one such feature.

Released as an integral part of the Core Microsoft Intune, Enrollment Notifications provide a seamless way to inform users about newly enrolled devices.

Despite its effectiveness, this feature is often left unnoticed. I highly recommend configuring Microsoft Intune Enrollment Notifications to ensure your organization stays informed and secure.

How to allow non-admin users to restart Windows 365 Cloud PC

January 16, 2025 by Jesper Nielsen • 6 minutes to read

Microsoft aligns Windows 365 Cloud PC reboot behavior with Windows Server, restricting restart capabilities to administrators for security and stability. While this prevents unauthorized disruptions in enterprise environments, it can frustrate non-admin users who need to restart their Cloud PC from the Start Menu or during software deployments.

This issue occurs because the local Users group is not a member of the “Shut down the System” User Right Assignment on Windows 365 Cloud PCs.

Mastering RunDLL32 commands in Windows 11

December 28, 2024 by Jesper Nielsen • 12 minutes to read

Windows includes a rich set of built-in utilities that empower IT professionals and power users to automate tasks and streamline system management.

Among these tools, RunDLL32 stands out as a particularly versatile command-line utility. It enables you to load and execute functions directly from 32-bit dynamic-link libraries (DLLs), bypassing the need for dedicated executable files.

From creating custom shortcuts to automating administrative workflows, mastering RunDLL32 commands can significantly enhance your productivity and system control.

Why I abandoned Twitter and moved to Bluesky

December 9, 2024 by Jesper Nielsen • 8 minutes to read

In recent years, Twitter has become a shadow of its former self. Once a bustling hub of real-time news, vibrant communities, and genuine interactions, it now feels more like a platform dominated by bad marketing and controversial decisions. The “rocket man”, seems to be running Twitter to the ground, pushing away many of its loyal users. This decline in the quality of experience prompted me to seek a new digital home, and I found it in Bluesky.

Setting up a dev environment with VS Code & Windows Sandbox

November 23, 2024 by Jesper Nielsen • 18 minutes to read

If you’re writing PowerShell scripts for Microsoft Intune, you know that testing is everything. One wrong script deployed to thousands of devices can ruin your day - or your week. That’s why I’ve built my development workflow around Visual Studio Code and Windows Sandbox. This combination gives me a secure, isolated environment where I can break things without consequences, test scripts on a clean system, and validate that everything works before it hits production.

How to allow non-admin users to configure network settings

November 12, 2024 by Jesper Nielsen • 6 minutes to read

For many organizations, the removal of local administrative privileges from client computers has been recommended and pursued as a long-term goal. Nevertheless, there are scenarios in which non-administrative users, including personnel in network departments or mobile technicians, need access to configure network settings for various purposes such as troubleshooting, testing, configuring, and other related tasks.

Due to the removal of their administrative privileges on their computers or the target machines, these tasks have become challenging for these users. One solution is to assign them membership in the Local Network Configuration Operators group.

This blog post provides a guide on solving the challenge by enabling these capabilities while addressing key considerations and potential security issues.

New job and new chapter

November 4, 2024 by Jesper Nielsen • 1 minute to read

I am excited to share I have started a new chapter in my professional voyage and have joined Microsoft as a Cloud Endpoint Technical Specialist.

This opportunity represents a significant step in my professional journey, and I am eager to contribute to a company that is renowned for innovation and its commitment to empowering every person and organization on the planet to achieve more.

Here, as the second day comes to an end, I have to say I am blown away, these first days have been a wild ride. Despite having visited Microsoft in Copenhagen many, many times as a guest, it is a privilege and a nice feeling to walk into the Microsoft office as a Blue badge.

New job and time to say goodbye - again

October 31, 2024 by Jesper Nielsen • 1 minute to read

Today marks the end of an (unfinished) chapter of my professional career. Despite not being quite finished with my work at Atea Danmark  I have handed in the many different devices, my badge and phone and tomorrow starts an all-new chapter.

This new chapter of my professional career also involves leaving a long relationship as a Microsoft MVP , however I will still be working and focusing on Windows and the whole eco-system around Windows management.

5 reasons you should start a blog

October 15, 2024 by Jesper Nielsen • 8 minutes to read SERIES

Have you ever thought about starting a blog?

Do you have a passion for cooking, gardening, or photography? Do you want to share your insights on personal development, productivity, or wellness? Do you just want to document your daily life and connect with other people who share your interests? Starting a blog might be for you.

Whatever your motivation, blogging can be a rewarding and fulfilling hobby. It can also help you develop valuable skills, express your creativity, and build a supportive community. In this post, I will share with you five reasons why you should start a blog and how to make it a success.

5 reasons you should promote yourself

September 12, 2024 by Jesper Nielsen • 7 minutes to read SERIES

If you are a tech professional, you know how competitive and fast-paced the industry is. You need to constantly update your skills, learn new technologies, and adapt to changing customer needs. But you also need to promote yourself because no one else will do it for you.

Promoting yourself is not about bragging or being arrogant. It is about displaying your value, sharing your vision, and building your reputation.

5 reasons you should share your code

August 22, 2024 by Jesper Nielsen • 8 minutes to read SERIES

Have you ever thought of sharing your code on GitHub?

You might think, “No, I am not a programmer”. But you do not need to be a programmer, and if you have written some scripts to automate tasks, solve problems, or create something cool you might be missing an opportunity.

I imagine you have a folder full of scripts that you use for your own purposes, but you never thought of sharing them with anyone else. Or you are hesitant to share your code because you think it is not good enough, or you are afraid of criticism.

Well, I am here to tell you that sharing your scripts can be one of the best things you can do for your personal and professional growth. Here are five reasons why you should share those hidden treasures with the world.

5 reasons you should join a user group

August 8, 2024 by Jesper Nielsen • 5 minutes to read SERIES

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to be part of a user group? A user group is a community of people who share a common interest or passion, such as technology, software, or hobbies. User groups are a fantastic way to learn new skills, network with like-minded people, and contribute to the community.

How to remove trailing spaces in Visual Studio Code

July 29, 2024 by Jesper Nielsen • 3 minutes to read

I really do not like trailing spaces. Trailing spaces are any extra spaces or tabs at the end of a line of code or text. They may seem harmless, but they can cause real problems - and they somehow burn my eyes :)

Microsoft MVP award 2024-2025

July 11, 2024 by Jesper Nielsen • 3 minutes to read

Since 2016, July 1st has been an important date for me, this year was nothing less, however this year I had to wait until July 10th, waiting for that e-mail and I might have been a little edgy for the last couple of days.

In the afternoon, I received the great news, I was re-awarded the Microsoft Most Valuable Professional (MVP) status for yet another award cycle. I am immensely honored and humbled; Microsoft has once again recognized my community contributions and re-awarded me with the Microsoft MVP Award for the 9th time in a row.

Exploring Microsoft Intune Tenant Lockdown policy

June 24, 2024 by Jesper Nielsen • 11 minutes to read

How do you ensure a reset device returns to your organization instead of becoming a personal device?

In enterprise environments, maintaining control over devices throughout their lifecycle is a critical concern. The TenantLockdown Configuration Service Provider (CSP) addresses this challenge by forcing Windows devices to connect to a network during OOBE (Out-of-Box Experience) after a reset - preventing users from skipping network connectivity.

Learning to swim while teaching others to dive

May 26, 2024 by Jesper Nielsen • 6 minutes to read

What happens when you jump into the deep end before you have fully learned to swim?

In my previous posts, I shared 5 reasons AI will transform your future and how to use Microsoft Copilot to write better documents. Those posts were about what Helge Dommerby  and I learned during our time working with Microsoft Copilot. This post is about what happened when we were asked to share our experience - and discovered that sometimes you will have to learn to swim in the process of jumping in.

5 ways to find the serial number of a Windows PC

May 12, 2024 by Jesper Nielsen • 14 minutes to read

If you own a Windows PC, you might have encountered the term serial number, also known as product ID or service tag. A serial number is a unique alphanumeric code that identifies your device and its specifications. It can be useful for various purposes, such as checking the warranty status, requesting technical support, or registering your device with the manufacturer.

One of the scenarios where you might need to find the serial number of your Windows PC is when you want to use Windows Autopilot . This feature allows you to set up and configure new devices without the need for physical access or manual intervention. You can use a cloud-based service to create a profile for your device and assign it to your organization. To do this, you need to provide the serial number of your device, along with other information such as the manufacturer and model.

But how do you find the serial number of your Windows PC?

5 reasons you should join the Windows Insider Program

April 21, 2024 by Jesper Nielsen • 13 minutes to read SERIES

Have you ever wanted to be among the first to experience what’s next for Windows?

The Windows Insider Program is a community of millions of Windows enthusiasts who get to be the first to see what’s next. Windows Insiders run previews of the platform, called Windows Insider Preview Builds, then give feedback and engage directly with Microsoft engineers to help shape the future of Windows.

Joining the Windows Insider Program offers a wealth of benefits, opportunities for learning, and it can be an incredibly rewarding experience. Whether you’re an IT professional wanting to prepare for upcoming changes, a tech enthusiast eager to explore cutting-edge features, or simply someone who loves being part of something bigger, the Windows Insider Program has something for you.

How to use Microsoft Copilot to write better documents

March 11, 2024 by Jesper Nielsen • 24 minutes to read

How do you turn a year of AI experimentation into practical guidance anyone can use?

In my previous post, 5 reasons AI will transform your future, I shared reflections from nearly a year working with Microsoft Copilot. Together with my AI wingman Helge Dommerby , we spent countless hours exploring what Microsoft Copilot can do for knowledge workers - testing prompts, discovering capabilities, and figuring out how to integrate AI into real workflows.

Now it is time to share what we learned. This post is the practical follow-up: a hands-on guide to writing effective prompts and getting the most out of Microsoft Copilot for Microsoft 365.

5 steps to become Windows 11 ready

February 20, 2024 by Jesper Nielsen • 9 minutes to read

Support for Windows 10 is ending on October 14, 2025, and you might have started wondering whether your devices are ready for Windows 11. While Microsoft has released new hardware requirements for Windows 11, they are not dramatically different from Windows 10 requirements.

However, here is the critical insight many organizations miss: before you can be Windows 11 ready, you must first be Windows 10 ready.

5 reasons AI will transform your future

January 25, 2024 by Jesper Nielsen • 7 minutes to read

What happens when you get early access to technology that feels like it is from the future?

Since early 2023, I have had the privilege of being part of the Microsoft Copilot private preview program through my employer. Together with my AI wingman Helge Dommerby , we have been laying the tracks while the train is moving - exploring, experimenting, and discovering what Microsoft Copilot can do for knowledge workers. Now that Microsoft Copilot for Microsoft 365 is generally available, I want to share five reasons why I believe AI will fundamentally transform your future.

How to apply a Windows Desired State Configuration package

December 22, 2023 by Jesper Nielsen • 13 minutes to read SERIES

Deploying Windows devices in an enterprise environment has evolved significantly, especially with the rise of cloud-first strategies and zero-touch provisioning. Windows Autopilot streamlines device setup, but IT admins still face the challenge of ensuring every device meets organizational standards right from the start. This is where a Windows Desired State Configuration (DSC) package comes in.

By applying DSC packages during Windows Autopilot enrollment, IT admins can baseline deployments, remove unnecessary apps, configure essential settings, and deliver a consistent user experience across all Windows devices.

How to configure Microsoft Intune Enrollment Status Page

December 14, 2023 by Jesper Nielsen • 6 minutes to read SERIES

The Windows Enrollment Status Page is an integral feature for ensuring devices are configured correctly and securely during the Windows Enrollment process. Despite always recommending enabling and configuring the Windows Enrollment Status Page, I have experienced 9 out of 10 failures happening in the last phase of the Windows Enrollment, the User Account phase, which is why I always recommend disabling this phase.

3 ways to optimize any Windows Autopilot scenario

December 11, 2023 by Jesper Nielsen • 9 minutes to read SERIES

I learned that every Windows Autopilot scenario has its own differences and has its own goals and solutions for the deployment scenario needed. However, most Windows Autopilot scenarios can be improved and enhanced by some small, yet very effective, optimizations.

In numerous Windows Autopilot scenarios, we have successfully optimized and achieved more reliable deployments with fewer errors, ensuring an optimal user experience.

Mastering Git - configure username and e-mail address

August 23, 2023 by Jesper Nielsen • 6 minutes to read

Git  is a powerful and popular version control system that allows you to track changes in your code and files, collaborating with other developers and works great with e.g., Visual Studio Code.

One of the benefits of using Git and GitHub, or similar platforms, to version your code, or use Source Control, is that you can easily integrate them with your editor of choice. For example, Visual Studio has a built-in Git support that allows you to perform common Git operations, such as staging, committing, pushing, pulling, branching, and merging, directly from the editor. You can also view the diff between versions, resolve conflicts, and access the command line if needed. This way, you can manage your code without leaving your editor, which can save you time and improve your workflow.

Microsoft MVP award 2023-2024

July 7, 2023 by Jesper Nielsen • 3 minutes to read

Since 2016, July 1st has been a rather important date for me, this year was nothing less, however this year I had to wait until June 6th, waiting for that e-mail. For some reason, this year I felt the uncertainty flowering and I might have been a little edgy for the last couple of days. Being a Microsoft MVP is a huge part of my professional identity - Windows and User experience has been a huge passion for me for my entire career.

In the afternoon, I received the great news, I was re-awarded the Microsoft Most Valuable Professional (MVP) status for yet another award cycle, 2023-2024, in the Windows and Device for IT category – Microsoft MVPs are a select group of experts who share a deep commitment to their communities.

Exploring CMTrace for effective log analysis

June 15, 2023 by Jesper Nielsen • 10 minutes to read

Do you ever find yourself staring at a wall of plaintext log entries, scrolling endlessly to find that one error buried somewhere in the middle?

If you work with PowerShell scripts, Microsoft Intune deployments, or anything that generates log files, having the right log viewer makes all the difference. For me, that tool has always been CMTrace - and the CMTrace-compatible log format has become my go-to convention for every script I build.

How to configure Microsoft Intune custom policy

April 12, 2023 by Jesper Nielsen • 8 minutes to read

Have you ever needed to configure a Windows setting that just isn’t available in the Microsoft Intune Settings Catalog?

Microsoft Intune  offers multiple ways to configure Windows devices, with the Settings Catalog  being the preferred method for most scenarios. However, when you need to configure settings not yet available in the Settings Catalog, or require values beyond what Microsoft provides, custom policies  using OMA-URI become essential. Based on my experience managing multiple Microsoft Intune environments, custom policies are a tool every IT admin should understand - even if you don’t need one today, the day will come.

Microsoft Architecture icons and templates

April 7, 2023 by Jesper Nielsen • 2 minutes to read

Microsoft provides various visual aids that can help you improve your presentations and speeches.

Microsoft architecture templates and icons are a set of visual aids that help communicate design decisions and the relationships between components in an environment.

These templates and icons can be used to create diagrams that illustrate various scenarios such as search architecture diagram for SharePoint, Teams retention lifecycle architecture diagram, and more.

5 thoughts about Endpoint Privilege Management

March 22, 2023 by Jesper Nielsen • 7 minutes to read

While Microsoft is preparing the early 2023 Microsoft Intune Endpoint Privilege Management solution public preview, I will kickstart the waiting time with my personal ramblings regarding Endpoint Privilege Management and managing Administrative Privileges.

With Microsoft Endpoint Privilege Management, you will no longer need to give users Local Administrative Privileges. Instead, your users can have Standard Privileges and be Dynamically Elevated to have privilege required for specific administrative tasks, improving productivity while enhancing security posture.

5 thoughts about Digital Employee Experience

February 21, 2023 by Jesper Nielsen • 5 minutes to read

While Microsoft is preparing the early 2023 Microsoft Intune Advanced Endpoint Analytics solution public preview, I will kickstart the waiting time with my personal ramblings regarding Digital Employee Experience (DEX) and organization readiness.

With hybrid work becoming the norm and workplaces more complex than ever, technology offered to employees plays an even greater role in employee productivity.

How to configure Cloud Site List Management for IE mode

February 9, 2023 by Jesper Nielsen • 8 minutes to read

Still have legacy web applications that require Internet Explorer to function properly?

With Internet Explorer 11 now retired (as of June 15, 2022), organizations need a path forward for legacy web applications that were designed for Internet Explorer. Internet Explorer mode - often referred to as IE mode - in Microsoft Edge provides the answer, allowing you to run legacy sites within Microsoft Edge using the Trident MSHTML engine from Internet Explorer 11.

A newbies guide to the galaxy - part 2

January 28, 2023 by Jesper Nielsen • 18 minutes to read SERIES

This is not a guide, it is merely a collection of blog-ramblings, a collection of things I found to be useful while building this website from the ground up, a to-do list, and a list of things I want to accomplish in my quest building this blog and over time become a blogger.

I have not been posting many posts since I initially created the first version of this blog. I have kept this blog unannounced, and it has been living a kind of secret life. In many ways, this blog is defining who I am and what I do daily, I love the technical part of all this. I have always been more of a techie than a writer and found I was spending a lot of time building, tuning, and customizing various sites, and the whole thing kind of stranded halfway through, becoming too complicated as ambitions was outrunning skills - it was time for a change.

How to resize windows for screenshots using Sizer

November 18, 2022 by Jesper Nielsen • 6 minutes to read

Ever tried to retake a screenshot months later, only to realize you cannot match the original window size?

I often find myself wanting to update a screenshot for documentation or a blog post, but I want a consistent visual across all my content. Matching the exact window size from a previous screenshot is surprisingly difficult with just the mouse. Over time, I have developed a simple approach to recreate window snips in the same aspect ratio and size every time - and it relies on a small but mighty tool called Sizer.

Sizer is a freeware utility that allows you to resize any window to an exact, predefined dimension. It is lightweight, runs in the background, and adds a new option to the right-click menu of any window’s title bar. Despite being last updated on 16 April 2020, it still works remarkably well on Windows 10 and Windows 11, and it remains one of the tools I have easily within reach. I also mention Sizer in my favorite tools post.

New job and new voyages

September 1, 2022 by Jesper Nielsen • 1 minute to read

A new chapter opened this morning, and I am happy to share that I joined Atea Danmark  in a role as Principal Architect & Technology Provocateur.

It was all about timing, and Atea a/s has given me an excellent opportunity to evolve further. It has been a tremendous time collaborating with the team and people I left, a huge shoutout to the team, it has been a crazy ride and a wonderful experience - thank you all!

New job and time to say goodbye

August 31, 2022 by Jesper Nielsen • 1 minute to read

Today marked the last day in my current job role as a Solution Architect at edgemo a/s .

It was with a heavy heart I left the fantastic building in Hinnerup for the last time, it is not a goodbye, it is more a ‘see you’. To all edgemo colleagues, past and current, THANK YOU, it has been a tremendous pleasure.

It has been close to five years, with the most fantastic edgemo-people, a journey beyond normal, with great opportunities and the best job challenges within Microsoft Modern Work and Security a Windows geek can ask for. A big shoutout and a thank you to Kenneth Knude Jensen  for giving me the opportunity to start with, highly appreciated.

Mastering RunDLL32 commands in Windows 10

July 12, 2022 by Jesper Nielsen • 10 minutes to read

Windows operating systems have a plethora of built-in tools and commands that make it a versatile platform for both developers and advanced users.

RunDLL32.exe is one of those mysterious Windows components that often leaves users scratching their heads. It’s a legitimate Microsoft utility that allows dynamic link libraries (DLLs) to be executed as if they were standalone applications.

Whether you’re looking to create shortcuts or perform administrative tasks, RunDLL32.exe commands can become an invaluable part of your toolkit.

Microsoft MVP award 2022-2023

July 3, 2022 by Jesper Nielsen • 2 minutes to read

I have been re-awarded the Microsoft Most Valuable Professional (MVP) status for yet another award cycle, 2022-2023.

How to configure IE mode and disable Internet Explorer

February 27, 2022 by Jesper Nielsen • 13 minutes to read

Are you prepared for the retirement of Internet Explorer 11?

Microsoft has announced that Internet Explorer 11 will be retired on June 15, 2022. After this date, the Internet Explorer 11 desktop application will be disabled and no longer supported. If your organization still relies on legacy web applications that require Internet Explorer, now is the time to prepare.

How to fix Microsoft Teams web client stuck in a login loop

February 19, 2022 by Jesper Nielsen • 2 minutes to read

The last couple of days, I experienced the Microsoft Teams web client being stuck in a login loop when trying to sign in using Microsoft Edge. The site continually loops, and I was not able to sign in.

My favorite tools

January 31, 2022 by Jesper Nielsen • 10 minutes to read

What tools do you rely on to stay productive every day?

Everyone has their own collection of favorite tools and utilities - most people I know have a list of tools they feel are essential. These are my favorite tools and utilities, covering Windows built-in tools, desktop apps, browser and PowerPoint add-ins, and online resources. Some I use every week or even every day, and others are in the nice-to-know-about category. I strive to use free tools only, but I might have added one or two non-free tools to the list as they are essential to me and worth the money.

How to launch the Windows Settings app from command line

November 19, 2021 by Jesper Nielsen • 2 minutes to read

The Windows Settings app is the entry point for everyday maintenance, configuration, and setup, and can be easily opened with Win + I keyboard shortcut, by clicking on the Settings icon in the Start Menu or Notification Center or by searching for it in the Windows Start Menu.

However, now and then I need to ease the access to a particular Windows Settings page directly, and this can be easily achieved from either the Run dialog box, the Command Prompt, or using PowerShell. Access to a particular Windows Settings page is possible using URIs (Uniform Resource Identifier) which are unique references to identify specific pages in the Windows Settings app.

Exploring new horizons with Windows 11

November 15, 2021 by Jesper Nielsen • 7 minutes to read

Are you ready for a new era of computing? Windows 11 promises a calm and creative space where you can pursue your passions - but what does that mean for your organization?

Thank you for attending our recent presentation on Windows 11 at edgemocca 2021. I hope you found the session insightful and engaging. As promised, here is the follow-up blog post to help you dive deeper into the key takeaways and prepare for the exciting transition ahead.

Microsoft MVP award 2021-2022

July 6, 2021 by Jesper Nielsen • 2 minutes to read

I have been re-awarded the Microsoft Most Valuable Professional (MVP) status for yet another award cycle, 2021-2022.

How to use PowerShell to change file and folder timestamps

February 15, 2021 by Jesper Nielsen • 5 minutes to read

Have you ever needed to change the date or timestamp of a file or folder in Windows?

Windows maintains three different timestamps for every file and folder: Date Created, Date Modified, and Date Accessed. In most everyday scenarios, you never need to think about these values - Windows handles them automatically. However, there are situations where you may need to change the timestamp of a file or folder manually - for instance, when testing backup synchronization with Robocopy, organizing archived files, or correcting timestamps after a timezone migration.

PowerShell makes this straightforward. The commands below are the ones I reach for most often when I need to view or change file and folder timestamps.

A newbies guide to the galaxy - part 1

November 19, 2020 by Jesper Nielsen • 5 minutes to read SERIES

This is not a guide, it is merely a collection of my blog-ramblings, a collection of things I found to be useful while building this website from the ground up, a collection of to-do’s and a list of things I want to accomplish in my quest building this blog and over time become a blogger.

I have always been a serious person, with a well proven procrastination issue and often too preoccupied with other things and I had a rather halfhearted go to get a blog going. I have been talking about ‘my blog’ for years, I had several domain names, several ideas and pretty much all of them never got airborne. Thinking about it, I have always been more of a techie than a writer and found I was spending a lot of time building, tuning and customizing various sites, and the whole thing kind of stranded halfway through, becoming too complicated as ambitions was outrunning skills.

Microsoft MVP award 2020-2021

July 3, 2020 by Jesper Nielsen • 3 minutes to read

Back in 2016, Microsoft awarded me the Microsoft Most Valuable Professional (MVP) Award for the first time. Fast forward to 2020, July 1st was no different from the last five years, repeatedly pressing F5. Late in the afternoon, local time, I received the e-mail I had been waiting for all day.

How to get Hyper-V guest serial number with PowerShell

August 19, 2019 by Jesper Nielsen • 4 minutes to read

How do you find the right Hyper-V virtual machine in the Windows Autopilot devices list when you need to configure a unique device name?

Testing Windows Autopilot enrollment flows is a regular part of my work with device management. I use Hyper-V virtual machines to simulate the out-of-box experience and validate that profiles, apps, and policies apply correctly before rolling changes out to physical hardware. A key part of that workflow is assigning a consistent device name to each VM in Windows Autopilot - but first you need to identify which Autopilot device corresponds to which VM.

Microsoft MVP award 2019-2020

July 3, 2019 by Jesper Nielsen • 3 minutes to read

July 1st is the day of the year I am continuously refreshing my inbox waiting for that e-mail. This year I received two e-mails! I received the great news; I am re-awarded the Microsoft Most Valuable Professional (MVP) title for the 4th time in a row and I am accepted into the Windows Insider MVP program for the first time!

I am humble, honored, and extremely proud to be receiving these recognitions. What a year it has been, I had the pleasure to speak at multiple Microsoft Tech Summits, I was assigned duties at last year’s Microsoft Ignite, I got more involved in the Windows Insider community and really feel the impact becoming a Microsoft MVP has to me and my career - add to this, the huge insight, the information, and the access - it has been incredible and inspiring.

Microsoft Tech Summit 2018, Copenhagen

November 14, 2018 by Jesper Nielsen • 1 minute to read SERIES

I would like to say thank you to everybody who attended the Microsoft Tech Summit 2018, Copenhagen. It was an awesome setup and a great event with a lot of great sessions.

It is always a pleasure and an honor to get the opportunity to speak at a Microsoft event. So, thank you for attending and for making speaking at the event a great experience!

Why I abandoned Facebook

August 1, 2018 by Jesper Nielsen • 3 minutes to read

I have not put any updates on Facebook for more than three months, and these days I often get text messages complaining I am not replying to some “Messenger thing”.

Reason: I have abandoned Facebook!

Basically, I reached my bullshit limit and realized Facebook did not give me anything useful and all I was doing was wasting my time - Do not get me wrong, I really like stuff from e.g. How It’s Made , but I found I was watching some dude casting a miniature knife from an old tractor, fascinating but not exactly energizing.

Microsoft MVP award 2018-2019

July 2, 2018 by Jesper Nielsen • 2 minutes to read

During the past years, July 1st has become a rather important day for me - July 1st this year was nothing less, I was anxiously waiting for that e-mail. Late in the afternoon, I received the great news, I am re-awarded the Microsoft Most Valuable Professional (MVP) title. This is Microsoft’s award for community leadership within a technology discipline, which for me is Windows and Device for IT.

I am humble, honored, and extremely proud to be receiving this recognition. I begin to fully understand what impact becoming a Microsoft MVP has to me and my career - add to this, the insight, the information, and the access - it has been incredible and exciting.

Microsoft Tech Summit 2018, Stockholm

April 19, 2018 by Jesper Nielsen • 2 minutes to read SERIES

I would like to say thank you to everybody who attended the Microsoft Tech Summit 2018, Stockholm. It was an awesome setup and a great event with lots of great sessions.

It is always a pleasure and an honor to get the opportunity to speak at a Microsoft event. So, thank you for attending and for making speaking at the event a great experience! The session and slide deck were originally presented at Microsoft Ignite 2017.

Windows Defender Antivirus as Endpoint Security Solution

April 4, 2018 by Jesper Nielsen • 4 minutes to read

I had a session at the Microsoft Tech Summit 2018 in Stockholm, presenting the new Security Features in Windows 10 Fall Creators Update (1709). After the session, I had a handful of questions about Windows Defender Antivirus, and because I often get similar question, I will share my view on the capability of Windows Defender Antivirus.

Question

• Why pay for a yearly subscription from a third-party antivirus provider, when Windows Defender Antivirus seem to cover almost all threats?
• Would you say that Windows Defender Antivirus is enough, or what benefits would companies, as well private individuals, gain from adding another antivirus solution?

Microsoft Tech Summit 2018, Amsterdam

February 27, 2018 by Jesper Nielsen • 2 minutes to read SERIES

I would like to say thank you to everybody who attended the Microsoft Tech Summit 2018, Amsterdam. It was an awesome setup and a great event with lots of great sessions.

It is always a pleasure and an honor to get the opportunity to speak at a Microsoft event. So, thank you for attending and for making speaking at the event a great experience! The session and slide deck were originally presented at Microsoft Ignite 2017.

A new year, a new job and new challenges

January 7, 2018 by Jesper Nielsen • 1 minute to read

January 3rd, 2018, I have joined edgemo a/s  in a role as Solution Architect & Technology Evangelist as part of the Microsoft Endpoint Management team.

It has been a great journey so far, however I felt it was a good time for change and to explore my inner ‘IT Instinct’, and a huge shout out to the team I am leaving, it has been a wild ride with a lot of ups and downs, nevertheless a great experience - thank you all!

Microsoft MVP award 2017-2018

July 2, 2017 by Jesper Nielsen • 2 minutes to read

July 1st last year was an exhilarating day as I received my very first Microsoft MVP Award - July 1st this year was nothing less, I was anxiously waiting for that e-mail. Late in the afternoon, I received the great news, I am re-awarded the Microsoft Most Valuable Professional (MVP) title. This is Microsoft’s award for community leadership within a technology discipline, which for me is Windows and Device for IT.

I am humble, honored, and extremely proud to be receiving this recognition, and what a ride the last year has been. I was part of my first local Microsoft MVP gathering, I was once again attending Microsoft Ignite, and this year with the MVP title in the backpack and I was attending my very first Microsoft Global MVP Summit at Microsoft Campus in Redmond - add to this, the insight, the information and the access, it has been a tremendous year and I am looking forward to the coming year - I am still the only Windows and Devices for IT MVP in this little spot, named Denmark.

Microsoft MVP award 2016-2017

July 2, 2016 by Jesper Nielsen • 2 minutes to read

Friday, July 1st I received the great news, I am awarded the Microsoft Most Valuable Professional (MVP) title. This is Microsoft’s award for community leadership within a technology discipline, which for me will be Windows and Device for IT.

I am humble, honored, and extremely proud to be receiving this, my first Microsoft MVP recognition.

Windows and the new reality

January 15, 2016 by Jesper Nielsen • 4 minutes to read

My father called the other day. He just wanted to check in and ask if I could keep myself busy. “Oh yes,” I replied, “things are going quite well” - all while mumbling something about wishing the days were longer as I considered telling him about just a fraction of what I’m working on these days.

Hello world!

June 15, 2015 by Jesper Nielsen • 4 minutes to read

Is this finally the moment I stop talking about ‘my blog’ and actually start writing one?

After multiple attempts, countless domain names, and years of procrastination - hello world! This is my first post. If you are reading this, something remarkable has happened: I have finally managed to get a blog off the ground.