# remoteyon Knowledge Hub: The IT Pro’s Bilingual Toolkit

Solving problems at the speed of remote work—in English and German.

<div data-full-width="true"><figure><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/KG301NFUBiJau6GeROxk_Su8V5Cy9WPuA-ZoTkaYlHI3pJCtpIHKTnoCHrMDI1sNQUPUEyIp1j2zdUDa64DUFzsu_F6QYQISAKFs1mJa0wzfp0mQWccRXAjuIBd84GjDew=w1280" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure></div>

Welcome to the Remoteyon help documentation. This isn’t just a manual; it’s a curated collection of real-world tips, scripts, and fixes designed for IT professionals who support diverse, multilingual environments.

Whether you are navigating a complex Windows deployment or troubleshooting a niche software quirk for a user in Berlin or Boston, we’ve got the shortcuts you need.

***

## How We Help You Help Them

We focus on the intersection of technical excellence and linguistic nuance. Our documentation is categorized to help you find solutions in seconds:

* 🛠️ Tech Deep Dives: Practical "tips and tricks" for common (and uncommon) IT bottlenecks.
* 🌍 The EN/DE Bridge: Guidance on handling system locales, keyboard layouts, and software behaviors specific to English and German-speaking environments.
* 🚀 Rapid Troubleshooting: Step-by-step scripts and configurations to minimize downtime.
* 💡 Proactive Maintenance: Best practices learned from the front lines of Remoteyon’s daily operations.

***

## Browse by Category

### Microsoft Office 365

<table data-view="cards"><thead><tr><th data-card-target data-type="content-ref"></th><th data-hidden></th><th data-hidden></th><th data-hidden></th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><a href="/pages/vGWr6OFsCN5jBgjp4EHK">/pages/vGWr6OFsCN5jBgjp4EHK</a></td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td><a href="/pages/W6qhDVWxVn9EJYoNICGH">/pages/W6qhDVWxVn9EJYoNICGH</a></td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr></tbody></table>

### Microsoft Windows

<table data-view="cards"><thead><tr><th data-card-target data-type="content-ref"></th><th data-hidden></th><th data-hidden></th><th data-hidden></th><th data-hidden><select></select></th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><a href="/pages/4GV25APPLQOAjtK6zxmi">/pages/4GV25APPLQOAjtK6zxmi</a></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td><a href="/pages/4uZui7loLo5DtdxuGNp6">/pages/4uZui7loLo5DtdxuGNp6</a></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td><a href="/pages/KpGFvw7SEhfA7PG3yRpc">/pages/KpGFvw7SEhfA7PG3yRpc</a></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr></tbody></table>

### Germany-Specific Topics

<table data-view="cards"><thead><tr><th data-card-target data-type="content-ref"></th><th data-hidden></th><th data-hidden></th><th data-hidden></th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><a href="/pages/UWTDFVivNax32nhnE3Je">/pages/UWTDFVivNax32nhnE3Je</a></td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr></tbody></table>


# MFA (Multi-Factor Authentication)

All about supporting Microsoft Authenticator

<details>

<summary>Microsoft Authenticator QR code download links for Android and iOS</summary>

* [English](https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/security/mobile-authenticator-app)
* [German](https://www.microsoft.com/de-de/security/mobile-authenticator-app)

</details>

Send the user this link so they can change the way they log in to MS365 on their own:

<https://mysignins.microsoft.com/security-info>

{% hint style="info" %}
Of course, if it's their private MS account, then direct them to this link instead:

<https://account.live.com/proofs/manage/additional>
{% endhint %}


# Teams

Here are some general how-to's regarding the usage of Teams

<details>

<summary>Screen Sharing [German: Bildschirmfreigabe]</summary>

This always comes up when new users don't know how to share their screen:

* [English instructions](https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/office/share-your-screen-in-a-chat-in-microsoft-teams-2de1c624-7fbe-4b0a-99f2-33385e7d3f18)
* [German instructions](https://support.microsoft.com/de-de/office/freigeben-ihres-bildschirms-in-einem-chat-in-microsoft-teams-2de1c624-7fbe-4b0a-99f2-33385e7d3f18)

</details>

<details>

<summary>Download the new Teams [German: Das neue Teams herunterladen]</summary>

If the older Teams version is preinstalled and stops working, users will get confused, so just send them this link (if they're willing to do this themselves) so they can download the new Teams:

<https://www.microsoft.com/de-de/microsoft-teams/download-app?market=de>

If you need to take care of this issue, here's the direct link for the German new Teams version, ready to copy and paste into the browser's address bar:

<https://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?linkid=2196106&clcid=0x407&culture=de-de&country=de>

</details>

<details>

<summary>Bulk Install the New Teams app</summary>

Download the new Teams and the bootstrapper to the same folder (in this example, the "Downloads" folder):

* New Teams 64Bit download: <https://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?linkid=2196106>
* Bootstrapper download: <https://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?linkid=2243204&clcid=0x409>

Press Win+R and enter the offline install command:

`"%userprofile%\Downloads\teamsbootstrapper.exe" -p -o "%userprofile%\Downloads\MSTeams-x64.msix"`

If this doesn't work on some systems, open CMD as admin and explicitly navigate to the folder where you downloaded the files:

{% code overflow="wrap" %}

```
cd %userprofile%\Downloads\Teams
```

{% endcode %}

Now type the command to run the bootstrapper:

{% code overflow="wrap" %}

```
.\teamsbootstrapper.exe -p -o %userprofile%\Downloads\Teams\MSTeams-x64.msix
```

{% endcode %}

If done correctly, you should see something similar to this:

{% code overflow="wrap" %}

```
{
  "success": true
}
PS C:\Users\USERNAME\Downloads\Teams>
```

{% endcode %}

More info: <https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoftteams/new-teams-bulk-install-client>

</details>

<details>

<summary>Add a direkt link to chat with you on MS Teams</summary>

You can use this in your E-Mail signature, so people can reach out to you on Teams:

```html
https://teams.microsoft.com/l/chat/0/0?users=<youremailaddress>
```

</details>


# General

These should apply to multiple versions of Microsoft Windows

<details>

<summary>Where can I find my computer's name?</summary>

The never ending story. Send them these instructions directly from Microsoft and hopefully they'll figure it out by themselves:

* [English instructions](https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/office/do-you-need-help-locating-your-computer-name-00384381-8aa9-4398-b81b-475f09fed618)
* [German instructions](https://support.microsoft.com/de-de/office/ben%C3%B6tigen-sie-hilfe-bei-der-ermittlung-des-computernamens-00384381-8aa9-4398-b81b-475f09fed618)

</details>

<details>

<summary>Where can I find my computer's IP address?</summary>

Another never ending story. Here are the do-it-yourself links to send to the user:

English instructions:

* [Windows 11](https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/find-your-ip-address-in-windows-f21a9bbc-c582-55cd-35e0-73431160a1b9#Category=Windows_11)
* [Windows 10](https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/find-your-ip-address-in-windows-f21a9bbc-c582-55cd-35e0-73431160a1b9#Category=Windows_10)

German instructions:

* [Windows 11](https://support.microsoft.com/de-de/windows/suchen-sie-ihre-ip-adresse-in-windows-f21a9bbc-c582-55cd-35e0-73431160a1b9#Category=Windows_11)
* [Windows 10](https://support.microsoft.com/de-de/windows/suchen-sie-ihre-ip-adresse-in-windows-f21a9bbc-c582-55cd-35e0-73431160a1b9#Category=Windows_10)

</details>

<details>

<summary>How do I take a screenshot on Windows?</summary>

* [English instructions](https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/use-snipping-tool-to-capture-screenshots-00246869-1843-655f-f220-97299b865f6b)
* [German instructions](https://support.microsoft.com/de-de/windows/aufnehmen-von-screenshots-mithilfe-des-snipping-tools-00246869-1843-655f-f220-97299b865f6b)

</details>


# Remote Support

Different ways to support your clients remotely

<details>

<summary>I don't have TeamViewer</summary>

Happens sometimes if the client didn't automatically get the TeamViewer Host installed. In that case, point them to download and install TeamViewer ***QuickSupport*** here for a quick fix:

* [English](https://www.teamviewer.com/en-us/solutions/use-cases/quicksupport/)
* [German](https://www.teamviewer.com/de/solutions/use-cases/quicksupport/)

</details>

<details>

<summary>Microsoft's Quick Assist App [German: Schnellhilfe]</summary>

You can direct users to the Microsoft store to install the latest version if it's not already pre-installed:&#x20;

<https://www.microsoft.com/store/productId/9P7BP5VNWKX5?ocid=pdpshare>

</details>


# CMD Commands

Some useful commands I had to use every now and then.

<details>

<summary>Get the PC's Serial Number</summary>

`wmic bios get serialnumber`

</details>

<details>

<summary>Get the PC's Name</summary>

Open a CMD prompt and type `hostname`, then hit enter.

</details>

<details>

<summary>Disable Hybernation</summary>

`powercfg.exe /hibernate off`

or

`powercfg -h off`

</details>


# Qubes OS 4.3.0

This tutorial helps beginners who are curious about Qubes OS to play around with it without needing an extra computer.

{% hint style="info" %}

## Qubes OS isn't *really* Linux

Technically, it's a Xen hypervisor, but practically, it uses Linux Debian and Fedora VMs on top, so for the user experience, it's basically Linux, so some basic experience with Ubuntu, Mint, etc. will definitely help you.
{% endhint %}

{% hint style="warning" %}

## Installation on a physical machine

If you decide to try Qubes OS on a physical machine, you'll need to cerate an installation USB Stick from the downloaded ISO file.

During testing I noticed that creating installation media with [Rufus](https://rufus.ie/) on Windows 11 always failed, however, it worked with [BalenaEtcher](https://etcher.balena.io/).
{% endhint %}

## Pre-Existing Conditions (hehe 😁)

This tutorial assumes the following things about you:

1. You're a beginner, but you have at least tried to use a major Linux distro like Ubuntu, Mint, etc.
2. Your main operating system is Windows 11.
3. You have a relatively modern computer with virtualization support activated in BIOS/UEFI (Intel VT-x or AMD-V).
4. Your computer has at least 16GB of RAM: You'll need at least 8GB of those 16GB to power a virtual computer running on top of your physical computer. The more the merrier.
5. You need at least 40GB of space on your computer for the virtual machine disk, which simulates a physical hard drive. At least 80GB is required if you want to seriously test the functionality.
6. You have already installed [VirtualBox](https://www.virtualbox.org/wiki/Downloads).
7. You have already downloaded the [Qubes OS ISO image file](https://www.qubes-os.org/downloads/).

## Setting up the VM in VirtualBox

{% stepper %}
{% step %}

### Set VirtualBox Preferences

1. Open VirtualBox
2. Open File -> Preferences...
3. Select "Expert" at the top of the left-side menu: \
   This allows us to adjust the disk settings when creating a VM.
4. General: Default Machine Folder (optional): \
   You can pre-define a directory on a partition or hard drive with enough space to house all your VMs.
5. Input -> Virtual Machine -> Host Key Combo: \
   Make sure to select a key or a combination of keys that are easily accessible for you (i.e. "ALT GR" in my case). You'll need this to release your mouse quickly from the VM, so you can use it normally on your computer, otherwise it will only work inside the VM, but not outside of it, and you'd need to press Ctrl+Alt+Del.
6. Click "OK".

<figure><img src="/files/GtkJAayEwDNX0EVScPT7" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

### Create a new VM

1. Open VirtualBox
2. Select Machine -> New
   {% endstep %}

{% step %}

### Virtual machine name and operating system

1. VM Name: Enter any name you like (i.e. "Qubes OS R4.3.0")
2. VM Folder: Select a location with at least 40GB for the VM (80GB is recommended if you have space)
3. ISO Image: Select the [Qubes OS ISO image file](https://www.qubes-os.org/downloads/) file you already downloaded.
4. OS Distribution: Fedora
5. OS Version: Fedora 64-Bit
6. Uncheck "Proceed with Unattended Installation".

<figure><img src="/files/g5cdgqyqg4YNVNlmyzCa" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

{% hint style="info" %}
If the new VM setup screen looks different, then you forgot to select "[Expert](#set-virtualbox-preferences)" in settings.
{% endhint %}
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

### Specify virtual hardware

1. Base Memory: Enter at least 8192 MB if your physical computer has 16GB of RAM (or 16384 MB if your physical computer has 32GB of RAM), but you can go higher if you have more resources.
2. Number of CPUs: Again, choose an amount you're comfortable with. Since this is only for testing, I don't need a lot of power for the VM, so I use only 2.
3. Make sure to select "Use EFI".

<figure><img src="/files/CyMeaRKaFPI66BUeLQdc" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

### Specify virtual hard disk

1. Disk Size: Enter at least 40,00 GB. I opted for 80GB. The more the merrier.
2. Hard Disk File Type and Format (optional): You can leave this unchanged, I personally prefer VHD because I can mount it in Windows or add it to [Ventoy](https://www.ventoy.net/en/plugin_vhdboot.html).
3. Click "Finish".

<figure><img src="/files/wBy4oVzx4mg7Y9WPuZsB" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

But we are not done yet. Before you start the VM, you need to make some changes.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

### Adjust the VM's Settings

1. Only select the VM in the VirtualBox main window (don't double click it yet).
2. Select Machine -> Settings.
3. Navigate to "Storage" on the left-side menu.
4. Devices: Select "Controller: SATA".
5. Attributes: Type: Change into "virtio-scsi".
6. Check "Use Host I/O Cache".<br>

   <figure><img src="/files/jqYCKbNAaIIH2vPBXMNJ" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
7. Devices: Select the actual virtual disk file underneath "Controller: SATA" (i.e. "Qubes OS R4.3.0.vhd").
8. Check "Solid-state Drive".<br>

   <figure><img src="/files/CI81QkBAHUvLLYRfxMGA" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
9. Click "OK".
   {% endstep %}
   {% endstepper %}

## Starting the VM and installing Qubes OS

{% stepper %}
{% step %}

### Double-Click the VM to Start It

Alternatively, you can start the VM without a separate Window displaying it. This allows you to "detach the GUI" later and let the machine continue to run in the background:

<figure><img src="/files/y9YdrV67lf4rcNQZmMC0" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

### Installation Menu

The VM should successfully boot from the ISO file and display the installation options.

1. Click with the mouse anywhere inside the VM. Your mouse and keyboard are now "captured" inside the VM, so any mouse movements or key strokes will only be visible inside the VM.
2. Select the last option with your keyboard and hit enter to begin the installation: Selecting the latest Kernel seems to be less buggy when installing on a VM.<br>

   <figure><img src="/files/7Nl02YJhYD0c9CjApeTD" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
3. Release your mouse and keyboard until you need to interact with the VM again.

{% hint style="info" %}
This is where the "[Host Key Combo](#set-virtualbox-preferences)" you set up earlier comes in handy.
{% endhint %}
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

### Qubes OS Installation

If everything works, and depending on how much power your virtual machine has, you should be greeted with this screen:

<figure><img src="/files/lr9MsGU13PNFgGZXE6vZ" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

Select your preferred display language and click "Continue".

You should then see this error message:

<figure><img src="/files/teTEm8RmHRnWab1UQjEw" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

Click "Continue".
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
Installation Summary

The next screen will show you the installation options. Notice that options with a red text must be set before the installation can continue.

<figure><img src="/files/0YJZrrZpfZMvNnrGIZ2N" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

To change an option, click on it, make the changes you want, and return to the installation summary.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

### Keyboard

This is straightforward. You can remove or add multiple keyboards by clicking the "+" or "-" buttons:

<figure><img src="/files/GxIJDxZIfXc4e38F0RL3" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

Here's an example for adding the German langugage: Type the name of the language, then select the variant you prefer, and click "Add":

<figure><img src="/files/FvYazVGURZvDRcZy1mAQ" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

By clicking the "Options" button on the right side, you can add a keyboard shortcut for switching to a language, but I never needed it:

<figure><img src="/files/lawMlVpMqDiehDCk7vEn" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

When done, click "Done" at the upper left corner to return to the installation summary.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

### Language Support

You can add support for multiple langauges by typing the name of the language in the lower left corner, then selecting a regional variant from the right side:

<figure><img src="/files/LFEizOO0hhYPSfZsUQIg" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

Here's an example for adding support for German:

<figure><img src="/files/hV4L3Ut8oyzHBLH5poD1" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

When removing the filter in the bottom left corner, you can see that both English and German are supported:

<figure><img src="/files/f42EUxCXmcPMQOqEAgyA" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

When done, click "Done" in the upper left corner to return to the installation summary.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

### Time & Date

To choose the correct time zone, first select the region from the drop-down list, then the city:

<figure><img src="/files/1tqH0DC5jJRKH8Pcr1x4" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

If I want to set it up to Berlin, Germany, I'd need to select "Europe" first, then Berlin:

<div><figure><img src="/files/gpXs5uKmZnPpvIMc3a1i" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure> <figure><img src="/files/cAkviRES1nr0m865jXnf" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure></div>

You can also adjust the date and time settings if not in sync with your physical computer:

<figure><img src="/files/LLjKhhVkletSFkbhuK9a" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

When done, click "Done" in the upper left corner to return to the installation summary.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

### Root Account

Enabling the root account is not recommended, so leave this option as is:

<figure><img src="/files/CGKBxLvKTETlPGDllGtR" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

When done, click "Done" in the upper left corner to return to the installation summary.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

### User Creation

Set a user name and a password to login to Qubes OS after installation:

<figure><img src="/files/vP7INNJdbZchKSwrFR75" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

When done, click "Done" in the upper left corner to return to the installation summary.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

### Installation Source

You don't need to change anything here. The installation source would be the virtual DVD (ISO file) and is already pre-selected:

<figure><img src="/files/8kbXkdoOVamLNk5Q9Uon" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

When done, click "Done" in the upper left corner to return to the installation summary.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

### Software Selection

You don't need to change these settings unless you need options for visual/hearing impairment or a special desktop experience:

* **Desktop accessibility:** Tools for screen readers, high contrast modes.
* **Sway Window Manager:** A tiling window manager using Wayland. This is an alternative/advanced option for users who prefer a keyboard-driven, tiling interface over the standard Xfce desktop.

<figure><img src="/files/KK6gCG4zXaDKzo5HMcaF" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

When done, click "Done" in the upper left corner to return to the installation summary.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

### Installation Destination

This is tricky, becuase there is only one disk (the virtual disk), any you already selected it. All you have to do is click on it once more and a check mark will appear next to it:

<figure><img src="/files/fjk54FdhtJVidR9VyUXh" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

This is what it should look like:

<figure><img src="/files/gdm62JJsJxILMAEu6hk9" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

There's no need to check "Encrypt my data" for testing Qubes on a VM, but if you want to, you'll habe to enter the passphrase when you click "Done":

<figure><img src="/files/0MXToPyli2USHSrGvYWp" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

When done, click "Done" in the upper left corner to return to the installation summary.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

### Begin the installation

When you're done, the installation summary should look like this (no options with red text):

<figure><img src="/files/GffM6hJHohaRVsyChqoK" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

Now you can click "Begin Installation" in the lower right corner.
{% endstep %}
{% endstepper %}

## Reboot

{% stepper %}
{% step %}

### Reboot

After the installation finishes, you'll see this screen:

<figure><img src="/files/wsv2WnKBhzRRIcLmNeMq" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

Click "Reboot System" in the lower right corner.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

### Decrypting the disk

If you decided to check "Encrypt my data" under the installation destination, you'll be required to type in that password to decrypt the drive after reboot:

<figure><img src="/files/qvWsMlRv6zrq0oYsoyLk" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

You can also change the display options for the password:

<figure><img src="/files/at2aY5JfwUo9MNnD9PSL" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}
{% endstepper %}

## Initial Setup

Once you boot Qubes OS for the first time, you'll see this screen:

<figure><img src="/files/em8qOZbbSuNRmbsVDVKW" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

Yes, "QUBES OS" is a button. Clicking it takes you to the next step:

<figure><img src="/files/kUEYOq2UDD7DebUGOThF" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

To keep this simple, don't change any of the options and click "Done" in the upper left corner. These options are perfectly fine for a beginner to test Qubes OS, here's a quick rundown of them to help you understand the security options in Qubes OS:

### Templates Configuration

Templates are the *base operating systems* that your individual qubes are built from.&#x20;

**Debian/Fedora:** These are well known Linux distros for everyday tasks.

&#x20;**Whonix:** A privacy-hardened template specifically designed to route all traffic through the Tor network.

### Main Configuration

Create default system qubes: This creates the backbone of your system:&#x20;

* **sys-net:** Handles your physical network hardware (WiFi/Ethernet).&#x20;
* **sys-firewall:** Sits between sys-net and your application qubes, acting as a firewall.&#x20;
* **DispVM (Disposable VM):** A throwaway qube that vanishes after use (for opening untrusted files).
  * **Make sys-firewall and sys-usb disposable:** This makes those system qubes disposable, meaning they're freshly recreated from their template on each boot. This is a strong security measure because any malware that compromises them is wiped on reboot.
  * **Make sys-net disposable:** Similar idea for sys-net. This is slightly more advanced and can occasionally cause minor quirks. It's safe to leave unchecked for now.
* **Create default application qubes:** This creates four pre-named qubes that demonstrate Qubes' isolation model perfectly:&#x20;
  * **personal** for your private life.
  * **work** for professional tasks.
  * **untrusted** for sketchy websites or unknown files.
  * **vault** a *network-less* qube ideal for storing passwords and sensitive data, since it can never be remotely attacked.
* **Use a qube to hold all USB controllers:** In Qubes, even USB devices are a threat vector. This option quarantines your USB hardware into its own isolated qube so that a malicious USB device can't directly attack your system:
  * Use sys-net qube for both networking and USB: Skip this; combining them weakens isolation.
  * Automatically accept USB mice: Convenient but slightly less secure. Fine to enable if you use a USB mouse.
  * Automatically accept USB keyboard: The screen notes this is discouraged if a non-USB keyboard is available. If your only keyboard is USB, you'll need this, otherwise leave it unchecked.
* **Create Whonix Gateway and Workstation qubes:** This sets up a full Tor-routed environment.
  * **sys-whonix** acts as a Tor gateway
  * **anon-whonix** is a workstation that routes all its traffic through it anonymously. Even if anon-whonix is compromised, the attacker only sees Tor traffic.
  * **Enable system and template updates over Tor:** This routes your system updates through Tor, which enhances privacy but can be noticeably slow. Leave this unchecked for now and enable it later if you specifically need it.

### Advanced Configuration

* Create 'vm-pool' LVM thin pool: This is the storage backend for all your qubes. LVM thin provisioning means disk space is allocated efficiently — a qube only uses as much real disk space as it actually needs, rather than its full allocated maximum. Keep this selected unless you have a specific reason to use an existing pool.

When done, click "Done" in the upper left corner to return to the initial setup screen:

<figure><img src="/files/NCHhV0DX2SBhLi3aTuV1" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

Now click "FINISH CONFIGURATION" in the lower right corner.


# Qubes OS: What to Change after Setup

Once you're ready to install Qubes OS on a live machine, here are the settings for getting rid of annoyances and for updating your system qubes.

## Annoyances

### System Beep Sound

On some systems, you'll hear an annoying beep sound on some menus, especially the logoff/shutdown menu. This seems to be more of an Xfce issue than a Qubes OS issue. The easiest way to get rid of it is to ..:

* Open the Qubes OS Menu
* Click the settings gear icon
* Click **Other**
* Open **Xfce Terminal**
* Type `xset b off`
* Hit enter
* Close the **Xfce Terminal** window

<figure><img src="/files/seCD45uYRAdMzGZepQ8r" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

## Updates

The most important thing after the installation is getting the latest updates for all the subsystems that run the separate qubes (Whonix, Debian, Fedora). Although this is the latest version of Qubes OS, the underlying operating systems for the qubes need to be up-to-date as well:

<figure><img src="/files/8wmCsODXm0VHSvpEH2iC" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

## Cosmetics

These settings depend on your preferences:

* Open the Qubes OS Menu
* Click the settings gear icon
* Click **System Settings**
* Open **Settings Manager**:

<figure><img src="/files/p5vKF7sipoY9FJuSgyq7" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

* Appearance:
  * Switch to the "Adwaita-dark" theme
  * Select "Set matching Xfwm4 theme if there is one"
  * Navigate back to the main menu by clicking the < All Settings button.
* Desktop:
  * Style: None
  * Color: Solid color (I prefer a dark, distraction-free desktop background)
  * Navigate back to the main menu by clicking the < All Settings button.
* Panel:
  * Tab "Appearance": Select **Dark mode**.
  * Navigate back to the main menu by clicking the < All Settings button.
* Display:
  * If the display resolution is too high for a small laptop screen, you can change it here


# How to create an e-invoice \[German: E-Rechnung] using PDF24 Tools

This is only relevant for entrepreneurs in Germany, but before you panic, check with your tax attorney first if you really have to send out or receive invoices in this specific format.

{% hint style="warning" %}
I'm an IT guy, not a tax attorney. Please consult a professional when it comes to taxes or law in Germany.
{% endhint %}

## Running PDF24 Tools:

* Option 1: Use the e-invoice generator directly in your browser by visiting [this link for the English version](https://tools.pdf24.org/en/create-electronic-invoice) or [this link for the German version](https://tools.pdf24.org/de/elektronische-rechnung-erstellen).
* Option 2: [Download](https://tools.pdf24.org/en/creator) and Install the program (Windows only) on your PC to run it without the need for an internet connection. \[German download website [here](https://tools.pdf24.org/de/creator)]
* Option 3: Install via Winget: `winget.exe install --id "MartiCliment.UniGetUI" --exact --source winget --accept-source-agreements --disable-interactivity --silent --accept-package-agreements --force`

## Open PDF24 Toolbox

* Look for the "Create invoice" box.\
  ![PDF24 create invoice option](/files/7N3EgEcRJjS60DZZ8BYs)
* Optional: Click the star icon so it appears on top the next time you use the program.
* Click the "Create invoice" box once to open it.
* You'll have two options:&#x20;
  * Create invoice visually: I do not recommend this option. I tested it in January 2026 and the generated invoice [was not validated correctly](#validating-the-created-invoice).
  * Create electronic invoice: This works, and the PDF and XML files created with it [get validated correctly](#validating-the-created-invoice).

## Fill in the fields:

* Fill in the fields to the best of your ability. The required fields will be marked pink in light theme and purple in dark theme.
  * Don't worry if you can't fill out all the required fields. At the end of the form, you'll be able to create the invoice *without* validation if necessary.
  * If you're not sure what the field "BT-xx", etc. means, you can always look it up on the internet.
  * In reality, not all the "required" fields are really necessary. Please check with a tax professional first.

## Create an e-invoice

<figure><img src="/files/L1QOHXzNduDn4aQLXfW5" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

* Scroll down to the section "Output options"
* The two major formats are either "PDF" or "XML". Usually the first sub-format on the list works, but check with your tax professional first.
  * The PDF options will generate a human-readable PDF and embed the machine-readable XML file inside of it. Here's an example in Adobe Acrobat:\ <img src="/files/JB19b6bLV61ceVeioa5g" alt="" data-size="original">
  * The XML options will generate only the XML file. This is optimal if you already have a preferred design for your PDF invoices and you just need to embed or add the XML to it.
* Click the "Create invoice" button
  * If a required field is missing, you'll get an error message:\ <img src="/files/8FO9tsgFyvcx1De3m93e" alt="" data-size="original">
  * If your tax professional tells you a certain required field doesn't apply to your case, you can click "Create invoice without validation"

## Validating the created invoice

To make sure your PDF or XML invoice is validated, paste it into the visualizer on the website of [Germany's official, free online portal for submitting tax information, "ELSTER"](https://www.elster.de/eportal/e-rechnung?locale=en_US).

If you get an error, there's something wrong with your e-invoice, otherwise you'll get a visual representation of the XML data.