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Windows 10 IoT Enterprise LTSC 2021 – Dell OptiPlex 3000 Thin Client

Dell recently published their latest Windows 10 IoT Enterprise LTSC 2021 for the Dell OptiPlex 3000 Thin Client. 

Fixes & Enhancements

This e-support image, version v10.05.XX.08.23.00 A00, has been updated to include the latest security intelligence updates for Microsoft Defender Antivirus and other Microsoft antimalware updates. Refer to the QFEs list for more information.

A few noted updates and deletions:

  • Secure Unique Password update for Windows10 IoT Enterprise LTSC 2021.
  • Adherence to SDL 7.0 process controls.
  • Dell value-added applications adhere to SDL 7.0 technical controls.
  • Support for Dell OS Recovery Imaging Tool for Imaging Operations. See the previous post https://technicalhelp.de/reimaging-dell-thin-clients-with-new-iso-formatted-image/ 
  • Dell Thin Client Application, RAMDisk, Dell Secure Client, and Quick Start applications have been removed.

IMPORTANT NOTE!!!
The default password for the Admin account is Admin#SerialNumber of the device. The default password for the User account is User#Serialnumber of the device.

If IT administrators do not plan to reload the e-support image, they can also download the security patches from the Microsoft Update Catalog and follow the Deployment Guide for deployment. It can save time in deployment, image customization, and network traffic. Also With WMS WInIoT 2.0 Configuration UI installed, Admins can now schedule Windows Updates with WMS.

Dell Hybrid Client 2.5 – Addon package for Ubuntu Security Fixes

September 26, 2023

Dell released Dell Hybrid Client 2.5 – Addon package for Ubuntu Security Fixes DHC2.5-OS-securitypack_00-01_22.04.tar.gz. This package contains the security updates for various vulnerabilities on OpenSSL, SSSD, Samba, Sequelize, and SQlite3. The package applies to customers using the Dell Hybrid Client 2.5 devices (Ubuntu 22.04).

This update addresses the Dell Security Advisories (DSA) DSA-2023-330: Security Update for Multiple Third-Party Component Vulnerabilities within Dell Hybrid Client. A security advisory is a statement when a security vulnerability impacts a product, and a remedy is available.

Note: A reboot is required after patches have been applied.

Introduction of new WinIoT 2.x Configuration

Wyse Management Suite 4.1 supports new WinIoT 2.x configurations through a new configuration user interface, which provides an enhanced user experience. The new interface includes a search function that enables you to locate configuration options easily, saving time and effort.

ConfigUISupport.exe is required to recognize any device as a WinIoT 2.x policy-enabled device. For the WinIoT devices to be managed with the WinIoT2.x policy, deploy the ConfigUI.exe package from WMS. This will require the installation of the Dell Application Store in the same policy.

For the public cloud environment, the new interface is applied automatically. On-Prem or local WMS, apply all ConfigUI updates to your WMS install. This functionality is supported when you upgrade Wyse Device Agent to version 14.6.9.x or later versions and Wyse Easy Setup to version 2.0.0.471 or later.

NOTE: After transitioning from WinIoT (Legacy WES) to WinIoT 2.x, you must redo all configurations.

Benefits / Features

Enhanced user experience: The new policy provides a fresh and intuitive user interface, making it
easier for users to navigate and utilize the WMS effectively.

  • Search function: The new UI includes a search function that enables users to locate configuration options more easily, saving time and effort.
  • Autonomous feature updates: After the upgrade, IT administrators can upload the newer Config UI schema package to the WMS server and update the client agent by deploying the latest version of
    WDA. You do not need to upgrade the WMS server to support new features.
  • Reset Policy: The reset policy resets the entire page’s configuration and the entire policy, which will reset the configurations for all parameter groups. Both options are not part of the legacy policy.
    Only the configured parameters will be applied to the device. The parameters not configured from WMS, or the default values will not be applied on the device.
  • The new Windows IoT User Interface has a similar look and feel to ThinOS and DHC features. The features are grouped to help with easier navigation of configurations.

There is a key feature in WES 2.x that provides the ability to update Windows IoT Microsoft Updates using UWF Service Mode. This feature will reboot the device and apply relevant Windows IoT updates when applied or scheduled. Depending on how many updates are required, it may take 2 or more updates to patch Windows IoT fully.

For more information, refer to https://dl.dell.com/content/manual40680495-transition-from-the-winiot-policy-to-winiot-2-x.pdf?language=en-us

“Transition from the WinIoT (WES) policy to WinIoT 2.x” discusses the transition of Windows IoT configuration policies in Dell Wyse Management Suite to the latest 2.x policies. Here’s a summary of the key points:

  1. Introduction: The document introduces the transition of Windows IoT configuration policies in Dell Wyse Management Suite to WinIoT 2.x policies. It outlines the renaming and benefits of these policies and provides step-by-step guidance on transitioning to the latest 2.x policies.
  2. Benefits to Customers: The new WinIoT 2.x policies offer an enhanced user experience and a more intuitive interface. They include a search function for easier configuration navigation. These policies also support autonomous feature updates and a reset policy feature.
  3. Supported Platforms: The document lists all supported platforms and binary requirements for the new WinIoT 2.x policy, including specific Windows versions and Dell hardware.
  4. Transition Process: It provides detailed steps for converting WinIoT (WES) devices to WinIoT 2.x devices, involving device registration, software deployment, and configuration.
  5. Customer Impact: The transition may require redoing all configurations. Only ConfigUI-enabled devices can be managed by the new WinIoT 2.x policy.
  6. Recommendation: Dell recommends transitioning to WinIoT 2.x policies, as new WinIoT-related features will only be available in these policies going forward. Legacy WinIoT (WES) policies will not receive new feature updates.
  7. FAQ: The FAQ section addresses common questions about policy conflicts, device compatibility, and how devices determine which configuration to use based on their software versions.

Reimaging Dell Thin Clients with New ISO formatted image

Dell recently moved to the ISO format of their ThinOS firmware; this format will not work with their Dell Wyse USB Imaging Tool. You can now reimage Dell OptiPlex and Latitude Thin Clients using Rufus or the Dell OS Recovery Tool. Steps using the Dell OS Recovery Tool are listed below.

Steps

  1. Download Dell OS Recovery Tool at https://www.dell.com/support/home/en-us/drivers/osiso/recoverytool
  2. Run the .exe file on the system to create the USB drive. The Dell OS Recovery Tool Application installer opens. (DO NOT RUN ON THINCLIENT)
  3. Click INSTALL.
  4. After the installation is complete, open the Dell OS Recovery Tool.
  5. Locate and Select SWITCH TO ADVANCED RECOVERY displayed at the bottom of the tool.
  6. In Select an OS image, browse to the ISO file that you downloaded and extracted, and then click NEXT.
  7. Select the USB drive that you want to format from the USB drive dropdown.
  8. Check the “I understand that the selected drive will be reformatted and existing data will be deleted” box.
  9. Click BURN OS.
  10. Remove the USB drive and connect it to the OptiPlex or Latitude system you want to reimage, make sure that it is powered off, on which you plan to install ThinOS. After connecting the USB drive, turn on the system.
    NOTE: After the USB drive is removed, the Dell OS Recovery Tool returns to the screen displayed in Step 5.
  11. Press F12 at boot up until you see the Dell logo and Preparing one-time boot menu… displayed at the top right corner. The boot menu opens.
  12. Select the USB drive from the UEFI Boot Devices list in the boot menu.
    NOTE: If you cannot select the USB drive, ensure that the Enable USB Boot Support option is enabled in BIOS.
  13. Enter the BIOS password if prompted. The default password for most Dell thin clients is Fireport.
  14. The thin client boots with a warning message and a 60-second countdown window is displayed.
    Wait 60 seconds or click OK to install the ThinOS image and application packages. The thin client reboots automatically. Click Manually to display the ThinOS image and application packages list. Select the ThinOS image and the application packages that you want to install and click OK to install these files. The thin client reboots automatically.
  15. The system continues imaging and reboots automatically once complete.
    NOTE: If you see the error “Fatal Error: Please make sure TPM or PTT is set to ON in BIOS.”, please turn TPM or PTT on in BIOS to continue installation.

For more information about how to Install ThinOS from USB drive using Dell OS Recovery Tool, see the Dell ThinOS 2308, 2306 and 2303 Migration Guide at www.dell.com/support.

ThinOS 2308 (Release Summary):

  • Release Date: August 2023.
  • Current Version: ThinOS 2308 (9.4.3087).
  • Previous Version: ThinOS 2306 (9.4.2103).

Firmware Upgrade:

  • Supports upgrading from version 9.1.3129 or later to ThinOS 2308 (9.4.3087).
  • Versions earlier than 9.1.3129 require an intermediate upgrade to 9.1.3129 or later before moving to ThinOS 2308.
  • Downgrading from ThinOS 2308 to a version earlier than 9.1.3129 requires using the ThinOS Merlin image.

Important Notes:

  • Some features and product environments are marked as “Not Qualified” as Dell Technologies hasn’t tested them with other users.
  • Future releases will remove outdated and less secure TLS ciphers to enhance ThinOS security.
  • TLS cipher lists are provided, indicating their security status, removal, or potential changes in future releases.
  • After an upgrade, the device may display a black screen, which a reboot can resolve.
  • Changing the Wyse Management Suite group token in ThinOS 2303 and later versions may require a reboot.
  • The Live Update option’s status affects the ability to download and install firmware or packages; in ThinOS 2303, Live Update is disabled, but downloads occur in specific scenarios.
  • Installing the HID_Fingerprint_Reader package also requires installing the Citrix_Workspace_App package to upgrade to the latest ThinOS version successfully.
  • Configured settings, such as brokers, in ThinOS 2308 may be lost when downgrading to ThinOS 2205 or earlier versions using Wyse Management Suite. Manual rebooting is required to set passwords again, or they may become corrupted.

For detailed information, refer to the Dell Wyse ThinOS Version 2308, 2306, and 2303 Migration Guide at www.dell.com/support.

ConfigUI v1.10.207 release for ThinOS 2308

Dell has updated ThinOS 9 client configuration profile for ThinOS 2308 (build 9.4.3087), which will add new options, including:
• Added Enable Notice Window Resizable.
• Added Enable Silence Launch.
• Added Use Only WMS Defined Wireless Configurations.
• Added Kerberos Realm.
• Added input validation for some printer fields.
• Added configurations 3 and 4 in RFIdeas Reader.
• Added Disk Map To under Citrix Session Settings.
• Added Citrix USB File Settings in Citrix Configuration Editor.

Read more ConfigUI v1.10.207 release for ThinOS 2308

WMS Update Scheduled for 8/26

Dell announced the Wyse Management Suite 4.1.1 update schedule date.

The Wyse Management Suite update will be released as follows:

  • Customers using the on-prem version can download the WMS 4.1.1 update on August 28th
  • The US1 public cloud update will begin on Saturday, August 26th, at 7:00 pm PDT.
    • Customers using Wyse Management Suite Pro Cloud with US1 subscriptions should expect downtime of about 8 hours, until 3:00 AM PDT, August 27th.

During this time, the portal will be unavailable, and users will be redirected to a maintenance page. There may also be brief periods when the maintenance page is unreachable. However, this will not affect the Thin Clients’ ability to connect to their computing environments. 

What’s New in WMS 4.1.1

This release will provide performance improvements, bug fixing, and new features. A few key features are listed below:

• Bulk Group Change devices up to 10,000 entries

• New background job to delete un-registered devices

• UI change for the bulk group change to increase the window size and coloring

• Group Name search feature in all Group listing UI and Pop-ups.

• Available license count to be displayed on the subscription page

• BIOS Parameter report for ThinOS 9.x devices (Device Name, OS Type, Serial Number/Service Tag, MAC, AC Recovery, Auto Power, Auto Power Time, Auto Power Days, Wake On USB, Wake On Lan, Deep Sleep Control.)

• Bug fixes

Thin Clients Using Older Azure Virtual Desktop Agents Will No Longer Be Able to Connect to Microsoft Azure Web Services

Summary: This article pertains to Dell ThinOS and Dell Hybrid Client (DHC) Customers using Microsoft Azure Virtual Desktop (AVD). A software update is required to avoid service disruption by August 15.

Symptoms

Affected Operating Systems:

  • Dell ThinOS
  • Dell Hybrid Client

Dell ThinOS and Dell Hybrid Client (DHC) users, running older versions of the operating system and Azure Virtual Desktop agent software, will experience frequent session disconnections after August 15. Windows 10 IoT Enterprise LTSC users are not impacted.

Cause

Microsoft has implemented Web Service enhancements to the Azure Virtual Desktop (AVD) Linux SDK that require customers to upgrade their AVD agent. Starting August 15, older AVD agents will no longer be able to connect to Microsoft Azure Web Services (also known as Kestrel).

Resolution

To avoid service disruption, customers must update to the latest ThinOS 2306 or DHC 2.5 release and AVD agent package before August 15.

The latest versions can be found on Dell.com:

More information can be found at KB Article Number: 000216064
Thin Clients Using Older Azure Virtual Desktop Agents Will No Longer Be Able to Connect to Microsoft Azure Web Services