July 12, 2025
by James van den Berg Leave a comment

Celebrating 15 Remarkable Years in the Microsoft MVP Community

Dear Community Members, Friends, and Colleagues,

As I mark my 15th anniversary in the Microsoft MVP program, I’m filled with immense gratitude, humility, and pride. What began as a passion for sharing knowledge and building connections has blossomed into a deeply rewarding journey—one shaped by innovation, collaboration, and the extraordinary people who make this community thrive.

Over these 15 years, I’ve had the privilege to learn from brilliant minds, contribute to inspiring projects, and witness the transformative power of technology firsthand. Whether through speaking engagements, blog posts, mentoring, or hands-on technical work, being part of the MVP program has continually deepened my commitment to empowering others and fostering open, inclusive collaboration.

To the community: thank you for challenging, supporting, and celebrating with me. Your curiosity, creativity, and kindness are what keep this ecosystem alive and forward-looking.

To Microsoft: thank you for the honor and trust. The MVP program is a unique platform that amplifies voices, nurtures growth, and builds bridges—not just between developers and users, but between ideas and action.

While this milestone is a moment to reflect, it’s also a reminder that there’s always more to explore, create, and share. I look forward to continuing this journey together—with the same spark, but even greater purpose.

With heartfelt appreciation,
James

Here are some photos with Awesome people that I have met during these years:

Here you see Vijay Tewari in the middle who nominated me for the first time 🙂
Damian Flynn on the left and me on the right are Microsoft MVPs for Virtual Machine Manager (VMM)
at that time in 2011.

Here you see Tina Stenderup-Larsen in the middle, she is amazing! A Great Microsoft Community Program Manager
supporting all the MVPs in the Nordics & Benelux doing an Awesome Job!
On the right is Robert Smit a Great Dutch MVP and friend.

Mister OMS alias Scripting Guy Ed Wilson.

When there is a Microsoft Windows Server event, there is Jeff Woolsey 😉
“The three Musketeers”

Meeting Brad Anderson, he had great lunch breaks interviews in his car
with Awesome people.

The Azure Stack Guys on the 25th MVP Global Summit 😊

Mister PowerShell Jeffrey Snover at the MVP Summit having fun 😂

Scott Guthrie meeting him at the Red Shirt Tour in Amsterdam.

Great to meet Yuri Diogenes in 2018 with his book Azure Security Center.
I know him from the early days with Microsoft Security, like ISA Server 😉

Mister Azure, CTO Mark Russinovich meeting at the MVP Global Summit in Redmond.
a Great Technical Fellow with Awesome Azure Adaptive Cloud Solution Talks!

Mister DevOps himself Donovan Brown in Amsterdam for DevOps Days

My friend Rick Claus Mister MS Ignite.

Mister Azure Corey Sanders at the MVP Summit.

Mister Channel 9, MSIgnite, AI Specialist Seth Juarez
He is a funny guy.

Meeting Scott Hanselman in the Netherlands together with MVP Andre van den Berg.
Scott is Awesome in developer innovations and technologies.
Following Azure Friday from the beginning.

Windows Insider friends for ever meeting Scott Hanselman.
With on the left MVP Erik Moreau.

Windows Insiders for Ever 💙
Here together with Dona Sarkar here in the Netherlands

Windows Insider Friends having fun with Ugly Sweater meeting.
On the right my friend Maison da Silva and on the upper right Erik Moreau and Andre van den Berg.
Friends for Life 💙

Microsoft Global MVP 15 Years Award disc is in the House 🫶
on Monday the 14th of July 2025.

Thank you All 💗

May 19, 2025
by James van den Berg Leave a comment

Installing Windows AI Foundry Local (preview) on my Surface is easy

winget install Microsoft.FoundryLocal

Foundry Local is an on-device AI inference solution offering performance, privacy, customization, and cost advantages. It integrates seamlessly into your existing workflows and applications through an intuitive CLI, SDK, and REST API.

Foundry Local Architecture

foundry model run phi-3.5-mini

Foundry Local Service is running

Foundry model list

Run and stop the Foundry local Service.

More information on Microsoft Docs :

Microsoft Foundry Local documentation

https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/ai-foundry/foundry-local/reference/reference-cli

April 10, 2025
by James van den Berg Leave a comment

Planning the Transition: Upgrading from Windows 10 to Windows 11 in Enterprise Environments

Windows 10 Laptop needs Upgrade 🚀

Planning the Transition: Upgrading from Windows 10 to Windows 11 in Enterprise Environments

The upgrade from Windows 10 to Windows 11 offers enterprise businesses exciting opportunities to enhance productivity, security, and the overall user experience. However, this transition requires thoughtful planning, especially when deploying at scale across varied environments. Let’s explore how enterprises can prepare for a seamless upgrade, considering scenarios like using Microsoft Intune, MECM, or focusing solely on the end-user perspective.

⚠️ IMPORTANT: Windows 10 will be supported until October 14, 2025. After this date, Microsoft will no longer provide technical support or security updates for Windows 10. (You can join ESU Program for Windows 10 if necessary)

Understanding the Upgrade Landscape

Before diving into deployment strategies, enterprises should consider:

System Requirements: Ensure devices meet Windows 11 hardware requirements. Tools like the PC Health Check app can help.
Application Compatibility: Use Microsoft’s App Assure to verify that critical business applications work smoothly.
Infrastructure Readiness: Decide whether your deployment will be managed through on-premises infrastructure, cloud-based management, or a hybrid approach.

Scenario 1: Deployment Using Microsoft Intune

Microsoft Intune is an excellent choice for organizations embracing a modern, cloud-first management approach. It simplifies remote deployment and is particularly well-suited for enterprises with hybrid or remote workforces.

Steps to Deploy with Intune:

Prepare Devices: Ensure all devices are enrolled in Intune and compliant with Azure AD.
Set Up Deployment Policies: Use Intune to create a feature update deployment policy that targets eligible devices.
End-User Impact: Notify employees about the upgrade. With Intune, upgrades are minimally disruptive, allowing installations to occur outside work hours.
Monitoring Progress: Use the Intune admin center to track the deployment and address any failed upgrades.

Best Use Case: Organizations prioritizing remote or hybrid work scenarios, or those aiming to reduce reliance on on-premises infrastructure.

Scenario 2: Deployment Using MECM (Microsoft Endpoint Configuration Manager)

MECM provides robust control for enterprises with significant on-premises infrastructure. It’s ideal for managing complex upgrade scenarios, like retaining user profiles and configurations during deployment.

Steps to Deploy with MECM:

Assess Readiness: Use MECM to run hardware inventory reports and verify device eligibility.
Prepare the Upgrade Package: Download Windows 11 media and create a task sequence in MECM for an in-place upgrade.
Deployment Strategy: Schedule phased rollouts, starting with a pilot group before scaling across the organization.
Monitoring Progress: Leverage MECM’s detailed reporting tools to ensure smooth execution and troubleshoot issues.

Best Use Case: Enterprises requiring greater control over deployment tasks or operating primarily within an on-premises environment.

Scenario 3: Focusing on the End-User Experience

For some organizations, the primary focus of the upgrade is minimizing disruptions for end users and ensuring a seamless experience during and after the transition.

Key Considerations for End Users:

Communication: Inform employees about what to expect, including changes in interface and new features in Windows 11.
Training & Support: Offer training sessions or documentation to familiarize users with Windows 11’s productivity enhancements, Microsoft Learn is a great Learning platform for Windows 11 Training
Feedback Mechanism: Provide a channel for users to report issues or seek support during the rollout.

Best Use Case: Any enterprise prioritizing user satisfaction and productivity during the upgrade.

Recommendations for a Smooth Transition

Pilot Testing: Start with a small group of users to test the upgrade process and gather insights.
Backup Strategy: Ensure critical data is backed up before proceeding with mass deployments.
Define Success Metrics: Monitor upgrade success rates, user satisfaction, and system performance post-upgrade.

Whether you’re leveraging Intune, MECM, or focusing on empowering end users, careful planning and clear communication are the keys to success. With the right approach, your organization can unlock the full potential of Windows 11 while keeping disruptions to a minimum.

Ready to take the first step? Let the upgrade journey begin! 🚀

Here you find more information from Microsoft about Planning for Windows 11

Here you find Microsoft Intune Documentation

Here you find Microsoft Endpoint Configuration Managers Documentation (MECM)

Have a look at Microsoft Copilot + PC to be ready for AI in your Business

April 4, 2025
by James van den Berg Leave a comment

Happy Anniversary Day 50 years of Microsoft Innovation

50 years of Microsoft

A Legacy of Innovation and Transformation

Half a century ago, on April 4th, 1975, two young visionaries, Bill Gates and Paul Allen, co-founded Microsoft with a bold ambition: to make computing accessible and essential for everyone. What began as a small software company has grown into a global technology leader, continuously transforming industries and empowering billions of lives. As we celebrate Microsoft’s 50-year journey, let’s explore its milestones, innovations, and impact, including its contributions to datacenters, Windows Server, Hyper-V, Azure, and the leadership of its CEOs.

The Early Years: Coding the Future

Microsoft’s first big breakthrough came with the creation of an operating system for the fledgling personal computer market. In 1980, the company introduced MS-DOS, laying the groundwork for the revolutionary Windows operating system, launched in 1985. This graphical interface transformed computing, making it accessible to both businesses and individuals.

Guiding Microsoft Through Its Evolution: The CEOs Who Shaped the Company

Microsoft’s trajectory has been shaped by its visionary leadership. From the founders to the present, each CEO has left an indelible mark:

Bill Gates (1975–2000): As co-founder and first CEO, Gates spearheaded the company’s initial growth, launching pivotal products like MS-DOS, Windows, and Office. His focus on innovation and accessibility built the foundation of Microsoft’s success.
Steve Ballmer (2000–2014): During his tenure, Ballmer led Microsoft through massive expansion, particularly in enterprise solutions and cloud computing. He introduced Windows Server and laid the groundwork for services like Azure. Ballmer’s energy and passion defined his leadership style and kept Microsoft competitive in a rapidly changing market.
Satya Nadella (2014–Present): Nadella ushered in a cloud-first, AI-driven era, transforming Microsoft’s culture and business model. His emphasis on inclusivity, empathy, and sustainability revitalized the company. Under his leadership, Azure became one of the world’s leading cloud platforms, and Microsoft made transformative acquisitions like LinkedIn, GitHub, and Activision Blizzard.

Lake Bill on Redmond Campus

Redefining Enterprise Technology: Datacenters, Windows Server, and Virtualization

As businesses increasingly relied on technology, Microsoft expanded its offerings to support enterprise needs. Windows Server, introduced in 1993, became a cornerstone for server management and networking. It evolved over the decades, incorporating features such as Active Directory, high availability, and security enhancements.

Microsoft played a pivotal role in virtualization with Hyper-V, launched in 2008. Hyper-V allowed organizations to maximize resource efficiency and reduce costs by running multiple virtual machines on a single physical server. Modern datacenters powered by Microsoft’s hardware and software solutions now form the backbone of its cloud services.

Embracing the Cloud: The Azure Revolution

Microsoft’s Azure cloud platform, launched in 2010, redefined computing. It enabled organizations to access scalable infrastructure, deploy applications globally, and harness artificial intelligence with ease. Azure spans over 60 regions worldwide, making it one of the most comprehensive cloud platforms. Its ecosystem includes hybrid cloud solutions, advanced analytics, and IoT technologies.

Gaming, Devices, and Consumer Innovation

Microsoft entered the gaming industry with the Xbox in 2001, creating a thriving gaming ecosystem. Beyond gaming, the company innovated with devices like the Surface lineup, combining sleek design with productivity. Its integration of hardware and software demonstrated Microsoft’s versatility.

Shaping the Future: AI, Sustainability, and Datacenters

Microsoft continues to lead in artificial intelligence with tools like Microsoft Copilot. Its pledge to be carbon-negative by 2030 highlights environmental responsibility, with sustainable datacenter operations playing a central role.

Conclusion: A Legacy Built to Inspire

Microsoft’s 50-year journey is a testament to the power of innovation and visionary leadership. From Bill Gates to Steve Ballmer to Satya Nadella, each CEO has steered the company to new heights. With contributions ranging from datacenters and Windows Server to Hyper-V and Azure, Microsoft’s impact has been profound. As the company looks ahead, it remains dedicated to empowering people and organizations to achieve more, ensuring the next 50 years are as groundbreaking as the last.

Here’s to Microsoft—a company built to inspire and shape the future.

at Building 92 of the Microsoft Campus in Redmond.

February 10, 2025
by James van den Berg Leave a comment

Windows 11 with Copilot on Microsoft Surface Devices

Introduction to Windows 11 with Copilot on Microsoft Surface Devices

Welcome to the exciting world of Windows 11, where innovation meets productivity with the combined power of Copilot and Microsoft’s Surface devices. In this blogpost, we’ll explore how Windows 11 enhances the user experience, and how pairing it with Copilot on a Surface Laptop or Surface Pro creates an unmatched synergy that transforms the way you work and play.

Microsoft Copilot + PC for Business

User Interface and Design

Windows 11 introduces a sleek, modern interface with a centered Start menu, rounded corners, and new iconography. The redesigned taskbar, Action Center, and widgets provide a more intuitive and streamlined experience, making navigation a breeze on the stunning high-resolution displays of Surface devices. With the Surface’s touch and pen capabilities, the new themes and wallpapers can be tailored to fit your unique style.

New Features and Improvements

Enhanced Touch and Pen Support

Surface devices are known for their exceptional touch and pen support, making Windows 11’s enhanced touch features even more impactful. Whether you’re using the Surface Pen for precise drawing or multitouch gestures to navigate seamlessly, the combination offers unparalleled interactivity.

Virtual Desktops and Snap Layouts

With Windows 11, organizing your workspace becomes effortless. The introduction of Snap Layouts and Snap Groups allows for better multitasking, perfectly complemented by the Surface’s spacious screen real estate. Virtual desktops let you create customized workspaces for different projects, maximizing productivity on the go.

Improved Gaming Capabilities

Gaming on a Surface Laptop or Surface Pro reaches new heights with Windows 11’s optimized gaming features. From DirectStorage for faster load times to Auto HDR for vibrant visuals, your gaming experience becomes more immersive and enjoyable.

What is the NPU, and how does it enhance performance.

The Neural Processing Unit (NPU) is a newer addition to modern Windows devices and plays a key role in handling tasks related to artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning. It is designed to speed up complex processes such as facial recognition, voice assistance, and data analysis, which require advanced computation. The NPU’s ability to offload these tasks from the CPU and GPU allows for faster, more efficient operation of the entire system.

Unlocking the power of NPU on Surface: Our “Hello World” journey for DevOps and developers

AI Integration

Copilot – Your AI Companion

Integrating Copilot into Windows 11 on Surface devices brings a new level of intelligence and assistance. Copilot can help you with tasks like setting reminders, generating content, and providing insights. With improved speech recognition and the power of the Surface’s microphones and speakers, interacting with Copilot feels natural and efficient.

Microsoft Office and AI

Windows 11 leverages AI to enhance productivity tools like Microsoft Office. Copilot can offer intelligent suggestions and insights, helping you create polished documents, manage emails, and stay organized, all while utilizing the Surface’s powerful hardware.

Security Enhancements

Security is paramount in Windows 11, with features like Windows Hello, Microsoft Defender, and BitLocker providing robust protection. The new Windows Security Center offers a comprehensive overview of security settings, ensuring your Surface device is always secure. Windows Hello takes full advantage of the Surface’s IR camera for quick and secure logins.

Windows 11 Security

Hyper-V and Virtualization

Windows 11 includes advanced virtualization capabilities through Hyper-V, allowing you to create and manage virtual machines with ease. This feature is particularly useful for developers, IT professionals, and power users who need to run multiple operating systems or isolated environments on their Surface devices.

Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL)

The Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) in Windows 11 provides a seamless way to run Linux distributions natively on your Surface device. WSL offers improved performance, compatibility, and integration with Windows tools, making it an essential feature for developers and tech enthusiasts.

WSL

Performance and Optimization

Windows 11 is designed to deliver improved performance and efficiency, with faster boot times, enhanced battery life, and better resource management. Surface devices leverage hardware advancements to provide a smoother and more responsive experience, ensuring you can work and play without interruptions.

Tips and Tricks

Here are some tips and tricks to help you get the most out of Windows 11 on your Surface device:

Keyboard Shortcuts: Utilize the Surface’s keyboard shortcuts to navigate quickly and efficiently.
Customization: Personalize your device with themes, wallpapers, and widgets that reflect your style.
Pen Shortcuts: Take advantage of Surface Pen shortcuts for quick access to apps and features.
Battery Optimization: Manage power settings to maximize battery life and keep your Surface running longer.
Troubleshooting: Use the Windows Security Center and Device Manager to diagnose and fix common issues.
Become a Windows Insider: Here you can test almost every week a new Windows 11 Insider Preview Build

Conclusion

Windows 11, combined with Copilot on Microsoft Surface devices, represents a significant leap forward in terms of design, functionality, and performance. The innovative features and improvements make it the operating system of choice for users around the world, providing a seamless and powerful experience that enhances every aspect of your digital life.

Here you find more information about Microsoft Windows 11

The New Microsoft Surface Laptop Copilot + PC

Microsoft Windows 11 Free training on MS-Learn

Microsoft Windows 11 Security Book for free 👍✅

Enjoy your New Microsoft Surface Device with Copilot!
It’s Awesome 😉

December 18, 2024
by James van den Berg Leave a comment

A little Christmas Story

Once upon a time, in a world where technology and holiday cheer intertwined, there was a bustling community of developers eagerly awaiting the latest updates from the Microsoft Windows 11 and Windows Server Insider programs. As the festive season approached, the air was filled with excitement and anticipation.

In the heart of this community were the Microsoft MVPs (Most Valuable Professionals) and Docker Captains, who were known for their expertise and passion for technology. They decided to come together to create something truly magical for developers around the world.

One snowy evening, as the MVPs and Docker Captains gathered around a virtual fireplace, they began to brainstorm ideas. “What if we could combine the power of Windows 11, Windows Server, and Docker Containers to create a seamless development experience?” suggested one MVP, their eyes twinkling with excitement.

The idea quickly gained momentum, and soon, the group was hard at work. They envisioned a world where developers could effortlessly build, test, and deploy applications using the latest features of Windows 11 and Windows Server, all within the flexible and scalable environment of Docker Containers.

With the help of the Insider programs, they gained early access to cutting-edge features and updates. The MVPs and Docker Captains worked tirelessly, sharing their knowledge and expertise to create a series of tutorials, guides, and sample projects. These resources were designed to help developers harness the full potential of Windows 11, Windows Server, and Docker Containers.

As the holiday season progressed, the community began to see the fruits of their labor. Developers from all corners of the globe started to adopt the new tools and techniques, marveling at the ease and efficiency they brought to their workflows. The combination of Windows 11’s sleek interface, Windows Server’s robust capabilities, and Docker Containers’ flexibility created a harmonious symphony of technology.

To celebrate their success, the MVPs and Docker Captains organized a virtual holiday party. Developers joined from far and wide, sharing stories of their experiences and the innovative projects they had created. The virtual room was filled with laughter, camaraderie, and a shared sense of accomplishment.

As the night drew to a close, one of the Docker Captains raised a toast. “Here’s to the power of collaboration, the spirit of innovation, and the joy of the holiday season. May we continue to push the boundaries of technology and inspire developers everywhere.”

And so, the story of the Microsoft Windows 11 and Windows Server Insider Christmas, made possible by the dedication and expertise of the MVPs and Docker Captains, became a cherished tale in the developer community. It was a reminder that, with passion and teamwork, even the most ambitious dreams could come true.

Happy holidays, and may your coding adventures be merry and bright! 🎄💻🐳

November 22, 2024
by James van den Berg Leave a comment

My Highlights Day 3 of Microsoft Ignite 2024

Mark Russinovich and Scott Hanselman on Stage talking about Copilot, ChatGPT and AI

Scott and Mark learn responsible AI

Always check the output of AI 😉

Microsoft Azure Local

NEW Microsoft Introducing disconnected Operations (Preview) ✅

Azure Local with disconnected Operations
Awesome!

NSG with Azure Local ✅🚀

Security in Azure Local video

Defender for Cloud

Get Started Today 🚀

Azure Linux 3.0 on AKS kubernetes in Preview

QuickStart

AKS Automatic
Dynamic System Node pool in Preview

More Buit-in policies for AKS

Auto-Instrumentation with Application Insights
Preview in January 2025

Enhanced Risk & Attack Path Analysis for Containers

Microsoft Azure Container Registry – Image Auto Patching in Private Preview
Security on Vulnerabilities

Network Isolated Cluster in Public Preview
Here you find Best practices for cluster isolation in Azure Kubernetes Service (AKS)

Microsoft Container Vulnerabilities Management

Container Vulnerabilities Assessment throughout the software development lifecycle.

Defender for Cloud Container Security
Continuously reduce risks.

Attack path and remediation on your AKS Kubernetes Cluster Inside overview

Container Security posture from Code to runtime is important! ✅

Microsoft Azure Kubernetes Fleet Manager Auto-Upgrade

Microsoft AKS Static Egress Gateway for Pod-level Access Control.

Block pod access to the Azure Instance Metadata Service (IMDS) endpoint (preview)

Trusted launch for Azure Kubernetes Service (AKS)

Seccomp Default Public Preview

Node Auto Provisioning GA January 2025

Comprehensive Security Controls overview

Experience Security Copilot Today ✅🚀

My Conclusion

Always start small with New innovative features like Azure Copilot or making your Adaptive Cloud first in a test environment.
Do your own experiences, testing and make your Secure architecture designs for your production. Keep it simple because it can be quick complex with a lot of dependencies. Microsoft works hard to make your life more easy in this changing IT landscape 👍
I like to thank all the people who supported the Microsoft Ignite 2024 event, it was Awesome with a lot of Great News. 🚀

Here you find the Microsoft Ignite 2024 Book of News.

November 21, 2024
by James van den Berg Leave a comment

My highlights Day 2 of Microsoft Ignite 2024

Microsoft Azure Adaptive Cloud approach enabled by Azure Arc.

Adaptive Cloud approach Key Services and Products.

Operate everywhere with AI-enhanced management and security

AI-enhanced Central Management & Security

Get Started with Azure Arc Jumpstart here

Welcome to the heart of our mission at Azure Arc Jumpstart, where we strive to transform your learning experience into a smooth and empowering journey. Our commitment is rooted in the principles that drive us forward:

Enabling immediate engagement: Arc Jumpstart is designed to offer a seamless “zero to hero” experience. We understand the value of your time, and our goal is to enable you to dive right into Azure Arc, eliminating barriers and complexities.
Comprehensive guidance: We provide more than just guides; we offer comprehensive, step-by-step instructions tailored for various independent Azure Arc scenarios. Our content is meticulously detailed, incorporating extensive automation, vivid screenshots, and insightful code samples. This ensures that your learning journey is not just informative but also visually enriching and deeply engaging.
Unparalleled user experience: Our dedication lies in delivering a rich and immersive experience. We go beyond the basics, curating a user-centric environment that resonates with both beginners and seasoned professionals. Whether you’re setting up your environment on-premises or in the cloud, our guides empower you to focus on Azure Arc’s core values without being bogged down by technical intricacies.
Embracing platform flexibility: We recognize the diversity of your infrastructure, and our mission is to provide a platform-agnostic approach. Arc Jumpstart accommodates your infrastructure, whether it resides on-premises or in the cloud. Our focus is to ensure that regardless of your setup, you can harness the true potential of the Azure Arc platform effortlessly.

Investments to further the Adaptive Cloud Approach 🚀

Introducing Microsoft Azure Local enabled by Azure Arc

Scott Hanselman about Visual Studio and Copilot

More AI development in Visual Studio or VSCode

Microsoft Windows 365 Link

This is Awesome, my next question is:
How fast will this solution be on Mobile?

Windows Hotpatch will be Available Spring 2025
for Windows 11 and Windows 365.

Windows Resilient Security Platform

Quick Machine Recovery in Insider program early 2025.

Microsoft working together with Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency

Smart App Control only Verified apps are allowed.

Windows Hello for Business Update with support for passkey.

Administrator Protection.

Personal Data Encryption to Windows Enterprise
Only decrypted via Windows Hello

Microsoft 365 in File Explorer

Windows Search is Cool 😎
Coming in 2025

My Conclusion

Make your own test environment and become a Windows Insider to be one of the first to test these Awesome New features!
You can make this of course in Microsoft Azure Cloud or in your own Azure Local environment 🚀
There are so much possibilities, to keep yourself up-to-date with this changing IT landscape.