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Tech Tip * July 5, 2016

Declare Independence from Prying Advertisers!

 

Though Independence Day in the US is in our rear view mirror, we will focus this month on the freedom mobility features gives to SMB staffers of all shapes and sizes. We start with a pretty cool feature that you never hear about that is unique to the Windows 10 Mobile device world called Random Hardware Addresses.

 

Shopping malls, stadiums, and other venues can track your movements when your phone connects to their Wi-Fi networks. And they can use that to determine what to sell you or what you might be looking at. If this is not something you’d like to be hit with, we’ll show you a unique Windows 10 Mobile feature to prevent this from happening! We’ve not seen anything in the Android or iPhone universe that does this – if you have seen this, please let us know! So, if you had a Windows 10 device, here is how you do it:
  1. While in the Start screen, swipe left to bring All apps, then search for and open the Settings app, and tap on Network & wireless.
  2. Next, tap on Wi-Fi.
  3. Scroll down and tap the Manage button.
  4. On Manage, make sure to toggle the Use random hardware addresses pill switch to the On position to enable the feature.

This feature not only generates random MAC addresses, but it will also hide your device name while connected to a Wi-Fi network by using the random hardware address as the name. I know it is something I’ve turned on and don’t plan to turn off. Want more? Stay tuned next week for another tip to keep you free!

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Time is running out… Microsoft’s offer of a free Windows 10 upgrade ends in less than four weeks! Email us at Get TechWise! to determine if you’re ready for it and find out if your short time frame will work out.

Important Microsoft Announcements:

  • Prepare for Windows Server 2016 End of Support (EoS):
    • Extended Support ends on January 12, 2027.
  • Windows 10 reached End of Support (EoS) on October 14, 2025:
    • Put a plan in place to upgrade to Windows 11.
  • Maximize your organization’s Security with Secure Score and MFA:
    • Get to know your Secure Score—your essential tool for proactive threat management.
    • Enabling Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) is the best way to prevent cyberthreats.
  • Give your business a productivity boost with Microsoft Copilot:
    • Get started with Copilot consulting services to organize and secure your data, while also training you and your team.
  • Contact TechWise Group to get started.
|July 5, 2016|Weekly Tech Tips|

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