TwistedHelixis

I have been installing 26h2 on any repaired laptops. All good so far.

Have you looked at Action1? https://www.action1.com/ Its free for 200 devices, patching works for Windows updates and also software. Once its setup I never need to do anything apart from check all the devices and servers have updated. I have it set to delay updates on teachers laptops by 1 week and delay servers for 2 weeks, so if there are any patch issues I can remove those before they deploy. A1 also lets you deploy any software very easily and then keep that software updated. It also has built in remote access if needed, so you can help end users and it also comes with Vulnerability detection and remediation. As its not Microsoft it actually works and is simple to setup. For free its amazing 👍 👍

Not tested it on InTune devices, as the reason for us using GCPWwas so we didn't need anything Microsoft, but Make sure Chrome is installed first, otherwise the login box will not work and make sure to set a domain.

How many devices do you have?

All our schools are logging into their Windows devices using their Google accounts with GCPW (Google credential provider). It very very simple to install and setup. Just download the installer from Workspace and make a few settings changes, run the installer on a windows device, then 30 seconds later instead of the Windows login they get a Google login on their Windows device. Also saves the need to manage a separate system (Microsoft) It also support GPO polices and things like Bitlocker if needed. It also now fully supports 2 step authentication, inducing Yubi keys Google offer a free version and a very cheap licensed version, which is about £4 per year. If you need any info, ask 🙂 EDITED

Turned out to be a glitchy deployment of Chrome browser 👍

So I don't think it was the windows updates causing the issue. Just installed fully patched windows 11 and GCPW is working. Probably a glitch in the matrix or Gremlins

I just tried ruining GCPW on a fresh 25H2, but without the current updates and that worked OK. So there does seem to be an issue with running a fresh GCPW install on a newly patched Windows deployment.

I have this working on a bunch of laptops that I setup last year, so it was working in the past. Just re-installed Windows 11 2025h2 on 3 staff laptops, then updated Windows security patches to September 2026. Installed GCPW, but it doesn't open on the log in screen. Anything I need to do to get it to open? Perhaps Microsoft have caused an issue with installing GCPW with a recent Windows update? Anyone able to test installing to Windows 11 2025h2 fully patched?

We have the basic education version of Gemini enabled for some teachers.

https://workspaceupdates.googleblog.com/2026/09/study-notebooks-in-gemini-are-now-available-for-Google-Workspace-accounts.html

Not that new, we have needed to do this for the past few years. If you need to use those apps with primary age pupils, either get consent from their parents or create a policy that covers all third part software and get the parents to accept / sign that.

Create a script that deletes the printer connection and add its back and test on a single device. Perhaps also try deleting the current driver and using a newer one.

So the heads old printer is almost 10 years old and the one I found came out this summer, so that helps loads. anyone recommend anything else?

The heads current current colour desktop laser printer has gone pop. The printer that went pop was a Brother HL-L8260CDW https://store.brother.co.uk/devices/laser/hl/hll8260cdw I would get this, but I'm concerned that it must be old now, as I believe we purchased this years ago. I have also found the following. Brother HL-L8430CDW https://store.brother.co.uk/devices/laser/hl/hll8430cdw#specifications Does the fact that 8430 is a higher number than 8260 mean that printer is newer or better? Wonder why this has no price or reviews? I did find it on Misco, so it is being sold. I dont want something that is about to go EOL Any other recommendations or advice very welcome, as I only purchase these once every 5 years or so. Thanks for you time. BTW, I hate printers more than anything 👍