How to Remove and Block the New Outlook

Yeah, tired of Microsoft pushing Outlook Monarch (the new version of Outlook) on you? Here’s how to get rid of it.

Before You Proceed

1. Close Microsoft Outlook.

2. Close any open Microsoft Office applications.

Remove the new Outlook Client After Install

1. Open Powershell.

2. Execute:
   Remove-AppxProvisionedPackage -AllUsers -Online -PackageName (Get-AppxPackage Microsoft.OutlookForWindows).PackageFullName

3. Close Powershell.

Block the Preinstallation Process to Prevent Future Installs

1. Open the Registry Editor.

2. Navigate to the following path: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\WindowsUpdate\Orchestrator\UScheduler_Oobe

3. Create a new String Value named BlockedOobeUpdaters.

4. Set the value data to [“MS_Outlook”] (including the brackets and quotes).

5. Close the Registry Editor.

Hide the New Outlook Toggle in Outlook 365

1. Open the Registry Editor.

2. Navigate to the following path:

   HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Office\16.0\Outlook\Options\General

3. Create a new DWORD32 named HideNewOutlookToggle.

4. Set the value to 1.

Open Outlook

1. Outlook 365 will open.

2. The “Try the New Version” toggle will be removed.

3. The new version won’t be installed in the future.

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How to Build a Brand Without Social Media

Maybe you’re like me and have had just about enough from the likes of X (Musk) and Facebook (Zuckerberg)?

I am so sick of social media; I’ve uninstalled these applications from my devices, perceiving them as a security risk, if not a gratuitous time-suck.

Social media often dominates discussions about brand building; heck, I even wrote two books about it. However, cultivating a strong brand presence without relying on these platforms is possible and advantageous. For small business owners and managers seeking alternative strategies, here are effective methods to establish and enhance your brand offline.​

1. Leverage Traditional Public Relations (PR)

Traditional PR remains a powerful tool for brand building. You can secure coverage that enhances your brand's credibility and visibility by crafting compelling press releases and establishing relationships with local media outlets. This approach allows you to reach your target audience through trusted news sources, fostering trust and recognition.

2. Engage in Community Involvement

Participating in community events and supporting local causes can significantly boost your brand's reputation. This civic marketing approach demonstrates your commitment to the community, creating a positive image that resonates with local consumers. You showcase your brand's values and foster strong community ties by sponsoring events, volunteering, or collaborating with local organizations.

3. Implement Guerrilla Marketing Tactics

Guerrilla marketing involves unconventional, low-cost strategies to promote your brand in public spaces. Techniques such as street marketing — distributing flyers, organizing flash mobs, or creating eye-catching installations — can capture public attention and generate buzz. These creative efforts often lead to word-of-mouth promotion, expanding your brand's reach without traditional advertising channels.

4. Utilize Direct Mail Campaigns

Direct mail remains an effective way to reach potential customers. Sending personalized letters, brochures, or postcards can introduce your products or services directly to your target audience. This tangible communication can leave a lasting impression, especially when designed thoughtfully and tailored to the recipient's interests.​

5. Focus on Customer Experience

Providing exceptional customer service can turn clients into brand advocates. Positive experiences encourage word-of-mouth referrals, which are invaluable for brand growth. Ensuring every customer interaction reflects your brand's values and commitment to quality can lead to repeat business and a loyal customer base.​

6. Develop Strategic Partnerships

Collaborating with other businesses can introduce your brand to new audiences. You can co-host events, create bundled promotions, or cross-promote services by forming partnerships with companies that complement your offerings. These alliances can enhance your brand's credibility and expand its reach within relevant markets.​

7. Invest in Content Marketing

Creating valuable content, such as informative articles, guides, or newsletters, positions your brand as an industry authority. Distributing this content through your website, email campaigns, or print materials can educate your audience and keep them engaged. Consistent, high-quality content fosters trust and keeps your brand top-of-mind.​

8. Attend Industry Events and Trade Shows

Participating in industry-specific events allows you to showcase your products or services to a targeted audience. These settings provide networking opportunities, learning about market trends, and direct engagement with potential customers. A well-designed booth and knowledgeable staff can leave a lasting impression on attendees.​

9. Optimize Your Website for Search Engines

Ensuring your website is search engine optimized (SEO) increases your visibility to potential customers searching for relevant products or services. Your site can attract organic traffic without needing social media promotion by focusing on keyword optimization, quality content, and user-friendly design.​

10. Encourage and Showcase Customer Testimonials

Collecting and displaying customer testimonials can build credibility and trust. Positive reviews and success stories serve as powerful endorsements of your brand. Featuring these testimonials on your website, in brochures, or in other marketing materials can influence potential customers' purchasing decisions.​

Building a brand without social media requires a multifaceted approach that leverages traditional marketing strategies, community engagement, and a relentless focus on customer satisfaction. By implementing these tactics, small business owners and managers can create a robust brand presence that resonates with their target audience, fostering growth and long-term success.

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Should I Remove TP-Link Devices?

Securing your small business network is more critical than ever. Recent discussions about potential bans on TP-Link routers have raised concerns among small business owners regarding the safety and reliability of their networking equipment. Understanding the implications of these developments is essential for making informed decisions about your network infrastructure.

Background on TP-Link and Security Concerns

TP-Link, a prominent Chinese manufacturer of networking devices, has been under scrutiny due to potential national security risks. Investigations by U.S. authorities have highlighted concerns about vulnerabilities in TP-Link routers that malicious actors could exploit. Notably, Chinese state-sponsored hackers have been reported to exploit known vulnerabilities in TP-Link routers, raising alarms about potential threats to critical infrastructure.

In December 2024, reports indicated that U.S. authorities were considering banning TP-Link routers due to hacking fears. The investigations focused on whether TP-Link routers, which have been linked to cyberattacks by Chinese entities, pose security risks. Microsoft analysis showed Chinese hackers using TP-Link devices to launch attacks on Western targets, including U.S. government agencies.

Implications for Small Businesses

These developments necessitate reevaluating network security strategies for small business owners. Routers are foundational to network infrastructure, acting as gateways between internal networks and the broader Internet. Compromised routers can serve as entry points for cyber threats, potentially leading to data breaches, operational disruptions, and financial losses.​

Steps to Enhance Network Security

1. Assess Your Current Equipment: Identify the make and model of your networking devices. If you're using TP-Link routers, stay informed about the ongoing investigations and potential bans.

2. Stay Updated on Firmware: Manufacturers release firmware updates to address security vulnerabilities. Regularly updating your router's firmware is crucial for maintaining security.​

3. Consider Alternative Solutions: If concerns persist, evaluate routers from other reputable manufacturers known for their commitment to security. Brands like Netgear, Linksys, and Asus offer reliable alternatives.​

4. Implement Network Security Best Practices:

   • Change Default Credentials: Ensure that default usernames and passwords are updated to strong, unique credentials.​

   • Disable Remote Management: Turn off remote management features to reduce potential attack vectors unless necessary.

   • Enable Network Encryption: Utilize WPA3 encryption to protect wireless communications.​

5. Consult with IT Professionals (like me!): Engage with technology consultants to conduct comprehensive security assessments and receive tailored recommendations.​

My Thinking

Two months ago, I suggested in a newsletter that it’d be reasonable to assume the flaws found in Chinese-manufactured routers that Salt Typhoon exploited might exist in TP-Link devices and to consider removing them. Today, I’m a hard remove on TP-Link devices. The Chinese threat seems to be evolving to Cisco devices, implying a broader state-sponsored coordination than just a single vulnerability found in one OEM’s product line.

Take Away

The potential ban on TP-Link routers underscores the importance of proactive network security measures. By staying informed and implementing best practices, small business owners can safeguard their operations against evolving cyber threats.​

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