Hands on with the improved Windows 10 Calendar app: This is how it always should have been

For the first time in a while, Microsoft has given the Windows 10 Calendar App a new look, and Windows Insiders are invited to test it out by toggling a “Try the Preview” switch at the top of the app. The new and improved Calendar app in Windows 10 is different from before and is much cleaner, easier to use, and so much more efficient. We spent some time with it over the past week, and here’s a hands-on look at the experience.

Choose your theme

One of the first things you’ll experience when opting into the Calendar beta is the ability to switch between themes. In the beta version of the Calendar app, selecting one of the preset themes will change the image you see in the background of your calendar. You’ll get a default image with some mountains, but there are many others to choose from. There are 34 total images, and the positioning of these images is much different from before. Now, the image you choose will show up in top left corner of the screen and will appear in the background, with an acrylic effect inspired by Fluent Design. There’s even an option to switch to a dark theme if need be.

A clean user interface

Another thing you’ll notice with the new Calendar beta is the cleaner user interface. The sidebar, which has previews of your calendars, now features more touches of Fluent Design, and you’re able to see more of your background image behind it. Microsoft also introduced a new option in the sidebar for you to add more accounts and switch between them with the click of a button. Before, this ability was hidden beneath a settings menu.

The top of the calendar app has also changed, as the buttons for Today, Day, Week, Month, and Year views are now gone. Instead, Microsoft has replaced it with a drop-down menu, leaving more room for you to see the imagery in the background. There’s even a clean “New Event” button right above the calendar, helping you create meetings more quickly.

Finally, the search box has disappeared, slimming up the top of the app a bit. Search functions have apparently been removed in this early beta. Instead, you’ll find a new agenda view, which can be summoned from the sidebar on the right side of the app. This agenda view will show you some of the items on your list for the day, including meetings and reminders.

A cleaner pop-out menu for creating meetings and events

 

The final aspect to note in this version of the Calendar app is the pop-out menu for creating events. Much like the rest of the calendar, Microsoft has given it a redesign. When creating events directly from the calendar by right-clicking in an open space, you now can add more information. You’ll be able to choose which calendar you want it on or have it repeat.

Additionally, clicking the “More Details” link at the bottom of the create event space no longer opens up a full-screen view. Instead, you’ll now get a slimmer pop-out menu, still showing your calendar underneath. This, too, has changed, as it now offers you a slice of time from your day on the right side, showing you when the event or meeting will take place. It’s so much cleaner and concise when compared to previous versions of the Calendar app on Windows 10.

A change for the good

It is important to note that this beta version of the Windows 10 Calendar App is still a work in progress. Microsoft will continue to add more features to it over time, and it is much appreciated. Overall, it now fits in well with the rest of Windows 10, and we really do hope the mail app and other inbox Windows apps can get a similar redesign as well. From the clean and concise look, to new personalization options, this is how the calendar app should have always been.

Kingdom Hearts III, Yakuza 0 and Wasteland Remastered are coming soon to Xbox Game Pass for Console

Microsoft has just announced the next wave of games coming soon to Xbox Game Pass for console. The Xbox 360 title Ninja Gaiden II will be the first new addition on Thursday, February 20, but things are going to be much more interesting in the following week.

Indeed, three more games will be added on February 25 with the Xbox Play Anywhere title Wasteland Remastered, the business simulation game Two Points Hospital (coming to Xbox Game Pass on its release day), and the action-RPG title Kingdom Hearts III. The latter was the first game in the popular series that mixes various Disney characters to be released on Xbox One, until the release of Kingdom Hearts HD 1.5+2.5 today.

Yakuza 0 will follow on February 26, and Jackbox Party Pack 3 will be the last game to join Xbox Game Pass this month on February 27. This is a pretty great selection of games overall, especially with Rise of the Tomb Raider, Just Cause 4 and more about to leave Xbox Game Pass very soon.

Inkscape vs Adobe Illustrator: Which is better?

We’ve reached a digital age where creating art or graphics is no longer something that is limited by how much talent you have.

There are a wide variety of products out there that can be used to create graphic designs, each with its own unique features and approaches.

However, that in itself is also a problem, since too many options can make it difficult to choose which is the best, especially if you have a specific set of needs in mind.

On that note, we’ve decided to look over the pros and the cons of two very popular graphics design tools, and then compare the two to see which is the best.

As such, we’ve decided to compare Adobe Illustrator, a world-renowned software tool used by professionals everywhere, and Inkscape, a free and open-source program that anyone can use.

This article is great for those who also searched fo the following:

  • Adobe Illustrator vs Inkscape
  • Illustrator vs Inkscape

Inkscape vs Adobe Illustrator: Which is better?

1. Adobe Illustrator

1.1 What is Adobe Illustrator?

Adobe Illustrator is a vector graphics editor created by Adobe, and it was originally created for the Mac OS, but it slowly managed to make its way to the Windows platform as well.

It was created after Adobe Photoshop and was supposed to be the vector-based variant of the program since graphic design using raster-based programs did come with its own limitations.

This was especially noticeable when dealing with large-scale projects such as banners and billboards where enlarging the image would eventually lead to it becoming pixelated.

You can follow our step by step guide on how to download Illustrator for free trial and start testing the app with full features before you commit.

1.2 What features does Adobe Illustrator have?

The UI is designed to be quite intuitive, and anyone familiar with Adobe Photoshop will have no problem whatsoever transitioning to this program as well.

All the tools that you may ever need are present in a sidebar that appears on the left of the screen. These tools allow you to select, create, and manipulate objects or artworks in Illustrator.

Of course, you also have access to sets of tools, each of which acts as menus for other more niche tools:

  • Selection tools
  • Paintbrush tools
  • Pen tools
  • Pencil tools

1.3 Pros and Cons of Adobe Illustrator

Pros:

  • Having skills with using Adobe Illustrator is currently a must-have if you want to land a job as a graphic designer
  • The program has plenty of features that automate many of the tasks that you would otherwise have to do manually
  • It is constantly developed, and micro-patches are automatically delivered once any type of bug is reported
  • Since Adobe is an industry-standard, you won’t have to worry about dealing with incompatible file formats
  • Files created in Illustrator can be easily imported into After Effects, Premiere Pro, Photoshop and all other Adobe tools

Cons:

  • The monthly subscription is only worth it if you yourself make money off of graphics design
  • It is a bit more resource-intensive than other similar tools
  • It doesn’t offer support for Linux

⇒ Download Adobe Illustrator for Free


2. Inkscape

2.1 What is Inkscape?

Inkscape is also a vector-based graphic design tool, but unlike Adobe Illustrator, it is completely free and open-source.

It works on Linux, Windows, and MacOSX and comes with a host of tools used for both artistic and technical illustrations such as cartoons, clip art, logos, typography, diagramming, and flowcharting.

Because it too is a vector-based graphic design tool, it allows for sharp printouts and renderings at unlimited resolutions, even for works like giant banners or roadside billboards.

2.2 What features does Inkscape have?

As far as tools are concerned, Inkscape offers almost as many tools as Adobe Illustrator, but the highlit is actually the way you use the program.

The interface is designed to be extremely simple and accessible, even to users that have no background experience using such tools.

More so, the fact that it is open-source makes it available in a wide variety of languages, and it also lets users customize Inkscape’s functionality with add-ons.

Admittedly, you may consider the fact that it is free and the open-source licensing as a big plus, but this too comes with its own set of drawbacks.

2.3 Pros and Cons of using Inkscape

Pros

  • Free and open-source
  • Uses fewer system resources
  • User-friendly UI
  • Works on Windows, Linux, and MacOSX
  • The community is quite active and extremely friendly

Cons:

  • Doesn’t support CMYK color format, so printable materials aren’t something Inkscape can handle
  • Most industries use Adobe Illustrator, so you’ll have to frequently deal with working with their files anyway
  • Frequent bugs and issues due to the open-source licensing
  • Since Adobe Illustrator is the industry standard, having Inkscape skills will not help you get a job as a graphic designer

⇒ Download Inkscape


2.4 Are Adobe Illustrator and Inkscape compatible?

Those of you that want a more hands-on approach at comparing the programs should know that they can do it quite easily since the two have a high degree of compatibility.

For example, Inkscape’s native format is SVG (Scalable Vector Graphics), which is a format also supported by Adobe Illustrator. Unfortunately, the two implementations are not fully compatible.

More so, Inkscape also exports to PS, EPS and PDF, formats that Illustrator can recognize.


3. Inkscape vs Adobe Illustrator: The final verdict

Both tools are great, and while Inkscape’s non-existent price-tag and open-source license may seem like the reason we would call it the winner, it is actually the very thing that makes Adobe Illustrator take our vote.

In a world where everything is standardized and jobs are hard to come by, investing in a program that will greatly increase your chances of success is better in the long run.

More so, Adobe Illustrator is used everywhere, it is always patched and updated, and the customer support is always available for you with the best answers.

Thus, if you want quality and reassurance, there is no way you could go wrong with Adobe Illustrator.

Basically speaking, everything you could ever do with Inkscape you can do with Illustrator, but you cannot say the same about the other way around.

If you are still undecided, you can also explore more options in this detailed Adobe Illustrator alternative guide, which covers additional tools beyond Illustrator and Inkscape.


Xbox Series X version of Rainbow Six Siege is planned, Xbox One console crossplay likely

In a recent conversation with Windows Central, Rainbow Six Siege’s director, Leroy Athanassof, revealed that a new version of the popular game would be made for Microsoft’s next gen console, the Xbox Series X.

“We are going to be on [the consoles] from launch,” Athanassof says. “When they will release the consoles; but it’s up to them to agree that. For Siege, our target is to be available right at launch.”

While the Xbox Series X will likely support Xbox One video games such as the current gen version of Rainbow Six Siege, it appears as if a separate version of the game, designed for the Xbox Series X gen of Xbox consoles, is planned. Luckily, crossplay with those playing the Xbox One version is incredibly likely. “We don’t want to break our community,” he reassures. “So, we want people who buy the new system right away to play it with their friends.”

A next gen version for Sony’s PlayStation 5 is also planned.

Cross-platform progression is being worked on though isn’t a guarantee just yet. Also, while many would like PlayStation and PC crossplay, players shouldn’t hold their breath just yet.

“This is more a discussion between Microsoft and Sony. We would love to be fully cross-play — have Xbox players matchmaking against the PlayStation players. We are ready to support that. And hopefully, this will happen because as I said, it’s a general move in the industry, and there is nothing that can prevent that. It’s just a matter of time before it happens,” Athanassof explains before adding that “I don’t think there will ever be console cross-play with PC.”

Are you excited for an Xbox Series X version of Rainbow Six Siege or are you happy with the Xbox One version? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below and then follow us on Pinterest and Facebook for more Xbox news.

Kingdom Hearts HD 1.5+2.5 ReMIX and 2.8 Final Chapter Prologue are now live on Xbox One consoles

After popping up on the Microsoft Store earlier this month, Kingdom Hearts HD 1.5+2.5 ReMIX is now buyable and playable on Xbox One consoles.

This release is rather significant as it’s the first time that Kingdom Hearts Final Mix, Re:Chain of Memories, 358/2 Days, Kingdom Hearts II Final Mix, Birth by Sleep Final Mix, and Re:coded have been playable on an Xbox console.

All six Kingdom Hearts video games have received a visual upgrade and will also play in 4K Ultra HD when played on an Xbox One X console.

A second Kingdom Hearts bundle also went live today for Xbox One consoles; Kingdom Hearts HD 2.8 Final Chapter Prologue.

This second bundle contains three additional tales from the Kingdom Hearts franchise. Included are the Kingdom Hearts 0.2 Birth by Sleep – A Fragmentary Passage – and Kingdom Hearts Dream Drop Distance HD games and the Kingdom Hearts χ Back Cover animated movie.

Are you a fan of Kingdom Hearts and will you be picking up these collections? Let us know in the comments below and then follow us on Pinterest and Twitter for more Xbox gaming news.


FIX: Can’t download Nvidia Control Panel

When it comes to graphics cards, few brands are as well-known as Nvidia. Their powerful line of GPUs are some of the best on the market, and they constantly launch updates for them to keep them at cutting-edge speeds.

However, some users have issues with installing various Nvidia components. For example, some users have reported having issues installing the Nvidia Control Panel:

I have the Geforce Experience and I tried downloading the new driver but the installer only redirected me to Geforce experience. I tried reinstalling the driver from there multiple times, still no control panel.

The Nvidia Control Panel is an important component, as it lets you adjust the video settings of your GPU. Because of its importance, this issue is quite severe, and that is why we’ve created this step-by-step guide that will allow you to download it again.

I can’t download the Nvidia Control Panel from  MS Store

1. Delete temporary files:

  1. Open the Start Menu
  2. Type in disk cleanup, and select Disk Cleanup from the list of results
  3. Select the drive you want to clean, and then select OK
  4. Choose Cleanup system files
  5. Select the file types to get rid of
    • To get a description of the file type, select it
  6. Select OK
  7. Perform a full cleanup which will delete the temporary filesclean up files

You can now try to download the Nvidia Control Panel and this time it should install without errors. Once completed you will have the right-click option back to customize your Graphics settings.


2. Update Windows 10

  1. Press Start
  2. Select Settings
    • The cogwheel-shaped button
  3. Select Update & Security
  4. Click on Check for Updates
    • If updates are already pending, select Download now

update windows 10


If you’re an Nvidia fan but your GPU is dated, then check out this article for the best Nvidia GPUs.


3. Update your Nvidia GPU driver

Normally, any Nvidia driver updates should also come with any Windows 10 updates you perform. However, if this doesn’t happen, you can manually update them by following these steps:

  1. Press Windows + X
  2. Select Device Manager
  3. Expand the Display Adapters tree
  4. Right-click your Nvidia GPU
  5. Select Update Driver

update GPU


4. Download the Nvidia DCH driver

Perform an Advanced Search on Nvidia’s website and download the DCH version of the driver that you need. This component is just like the standard driver, just that it no longer includes the Nvidia Control panel.

According to Nvidia:

[…] the NVIDIA Control Panel is no longer included in the base DCH driver package and is instead distributed exclusively through the Microsoft Store and seamlessly installed following the completion of the NVIDIA driver installation.

As such, download and install the appropriate driver, then simply reboot the PC and try installing the Nvidia Control Panel from the Microsoft Store again.downlaod nvia dch


Can’t download Nvidia drivers at all? Check out this in-depth guide for instant fixes.


By following the steps listed above, you should no longer have any issues with downloading and installing the Nvidia Control Panel from the Microsoft Store.

If the Control Panel download is successful but you’re having trouble with the NVIDIA drivers themselves, consider reading our guide on how to resolve NVIDIA driver download problems on Windows 10.

Which of the above procedures worked for you? Leave your answer and any other questions or suggestions in the comments area below.

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How to fix ERROR:/.SFCompactDisplay-Heavy

Some HP printer users have posted on support forums about an ERROR:/.SFCompactDisplay-Heavy error. That error message appears on the printers’ status displays. As a consequence, users can’t print documents. If you need to fix that error, check out of the potential resolutions for it below.

This is how you can fix ERROR:/.SFCompactDisplay-Heavy

1. Reset the printer

  1. First, try resetting the HP printer with a hard reset.
    • Turn on the printer if it’s off.
  2. Then unplug the power cable from the printer and wall.
    HP printer plug printer error compact display heavy
  3. Wait a few minutes. Plug the power cable back into the wall.
  4. Connect the power cable with the back of the printer.
  5. Turn the printer back on.
  6. Thereafter, run a test print after the printer’s warm-up period.

2. Update the printer’s firmware

  1. ERROR:/.SFCompactDisplay-Heavy can be due to outdated printer firmware.
    • To update the firmware, turn the printer on.
  2. Open the HP Software and Drivers page in a browser.HP software and driver page printer error compact display heavy
  3. Click Printer on that page.
  4. Enter your printer model number, and press the Submit button.
  5. Click Firmware to expand that category.HP printer firmware download link printer error compact display heavy
  6. Click the Download link for the firmware.
  7. Open the downloaded file to install the firmware.

3. Clean the printhead and cartridges

  1. Cleaning the printhead and its cartridges might fix the issue.
    • To manually clean the printhead, open the ink cartridge access door with the printer turned on.
  2. Press the tab on the front of the cartridges to remove them from the print head.
  3. Lift up the printhead latch to remove the printhead.
  4. Wipe away ink at bottom of the printhead with a dampened cloth.
  5. Place the bottom of the printhead in a plastic container box that includes paper towels within about five centimeters of warm water.
    • Leave the printhead within the soaked container for about 10 minutes.HP printhead printer error compact display heavy
  6. Then place the printhead on a dry paper towel to leave to dry.
  7. While waiting for the printhead to dry, clean the cartridges by wiping their print head areas with a dampened cloth.
  8. Place the printhead back in your printer when it’s dry.
  9. Place the cartridges back in the printhead.
  10. Then close the ink cartridge access door.

4. Check out the HP Print and Scan Doctor

  1. Download and install HP Print and Scan Doctor.
  2. Open the HP Print and Scan Doctor window.
  3. Press the Start button on the software’s window.
    HP Print and Scan Doctor printer error compact display heavy
  4. Select the printer you need to fix
  5. Select the Fix Printing option.Fix Printing option printer error compact display heavy
  6. Thereafter, the software will detect any printer errors and display its findings. Go through the software’s guidelines to resolve any detected errors.

Those are a few resolutions that might fix this error for most users. For further fixes, you can get in touch with an HP customer support agent with an HP Customer Support account.

If you know of any other fix for this issue that we may have missed out on, leave us a message in the comments section below.

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Fix Windows Live Mail 0x800CCC90 error with these steps

If your POP3 server or mail server is not configured properly, you may encounter the Windows Live Mail 0x800CCC90 error. The issue can be with your mail server or the mail client files may have been corrupted.

Several users have reported similar errors in the Microsoft community as well:

My husbands Windows Live Mail keeps showing this error message.
‘Unable to send or receive messages for the *** ***** account
An incorrect password was entered
The next time you send or receive messages, you’ll be asked to enter your user name and password for this account
Server error :0x800CCC90

If you are also troubled by this error, here are a couple of troubleshooting tips to help you resolve Windows Live Mail 0x800CCC90 error in no time.

How do I fix Windows Live Mail 0x800CCC90 error?

1. Delete multiple accounts

Windows Live Mail 0x800CCC90

  1. Start the Windows Live Mail client.
  2. Open the account you want to remove.
  3. Right-click on its header and select Remove Account from the context menu.
    • A pop-up will appear asking to confirm the action.
  4. Click on Yes to remove the account.
  5. Now repeat the steps with all the accounts but the one you use primarily.
  6. Close and launch the app again. Try accessing the account and check for any improvements.

2. Change Internet Options settings

Windows Live Mail 0x800CCC90

  1. Press Windows Key + R to open Run.
  2. Type control and click OK open the Control Panel.
  3. Click on Network and Internet.
  4. Select Internet Options.
  5. On the Internet Properties window, open the Security tab.
  6. Select Trusted Sites under Select a zone to view or change security settings.
  7. Click on the Sites button.
    Windows Live Mail 0x800CCC90
  8. In the Trusted Sites window,  add your URL with a wild card.
  9. Uncheck Require server verification (https:) for all the sites in this zone box.
  10. Click OK to save the changes.
  11. Start the Windows Live Mail app and add the account and check for any improvements.

You can’t open Control Panel? Take a look at this step-by-step guide to find a solution.


3. Repair Windows Live Mail client

Windows Live Mail 0x800CCC90

  1. Press Windows Key + R to open Run.
  2. Type control and click OK to open Control Panel.
  3. On Control Panel, go to Programs > Programs and Features.
  4. Select Windows Essentials or Windows Live Mail if you have installed the app manually.
  5. Click on Change/Uninstall.
    • This will open the Windows Live Mail repair tool and uninstaller.
  6. Click on the Repair all Windows Live Program option.
  7. Windows will now scan the Windows Live Mail files and try to repair them if required.
  8. Once the repair is done, close the Control Panel and start the email client. Check if the Windows Live Mail 0x800CCC90 error is resolved.

The Windows Live Mail 0x800CCC90 error usually occurs due to incorrect configuration or if the Windows Live Mail client is corrupted. Follow all the steps in this article to resolve the issue.

If you know of any other way to solve this problem, share it in the comments section below so that other users can try it, as well.

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Microsoft removes KB4524244 and advises users to uninstall it

The second round of Patch Tuesday updates hit live last week, and it brought mostly fixes to all versions of Windows 10. However, not everything went ll that well. It seems that one particular KB, namely KB4524244 has been causing plenty of issues with a variety of system features.

KB4524244 was supposed to fix issues with the UEFI boot manager, but for many people, the patch had problems during installation, and for others, it led to system freezes.

In fact, the problems were so great, both in terms of severity and how often they occurred, that Microsoft decided to pull back KB4524244 altogether.

KB4524244 was removed shortly after release

According to Microsoft official sources:

This standalone security update has been removed due to an issue affecting a subset of devices. It will not be re-offered from Windows Update, Windows Server Update Services (WSUS) or Microsoft Update Catalog.
Note: Removal of this standalone security update does not affect successful installation or any changes within any other February 11, 2020 security updates, including Latest Cumulative Update (LCU), Monthly Rollup or Security Only update.

This happens to be the same page that once held KB4524244’s changelog, but has since been updated to reflect the current changes.

More so, Microsoft stated that it will not be reintroduced through any of the conventional update methods, including:

  • Windows Update
  • Windows Server Update Services
  • Microsoft Update Catalog

As an added measure, the page also provides a step-by-step guide on how to remove KB4524244 for those that have already installed it.

Thankfully enough, there is nothing special about uninstalling this particular update. Simply visit the Control Panel and navigate to Installed Updates where all other updates will be listed. You then just search for KB4524244 and choose to uninstall it.

Microsoft also added that an improved version of this cumulative update will be available soon. However, no specific launch date was given yet.

What’s your take on Microsoft’s decision to remove a troublesome cumulative build? Share your thoughts in the comments section below and we’ll continue the talk.

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Developer launches new ad network to fill the gap left by Microsoft’s Ad monetization service

At the end of last month, Microsoft quietly announced that they would sunset their Ad Monetization Platform for UWP apps on June 1, 2020. It’s safe to say that the news took UWP developers by surprise, especially since Microsoft didn’t provide a decent alternative except for developers looking to monetize their apps with ads.

Well, Sam Kaufmann, developer and CEO of Random Salad Games is stepping up with the launch of his own ad network named Pubfinity. Kaufman has some expertise about app monetization through ads as his company published various ad-supported casual games on the Microsoft Store over the years such as the popular Simple Solitaire.

Speaking with CNBC, Kaufman explained that his company is already using Pubfinity for their in-house games. Moreover, Kaufman said that he saw it coming that Microsoft would soon shut down its Ad Monetization Platform for UWP apps due to a general lack of interest in the Microsoft Store. Work on the Pubfinity SDK started months ahead of Microsoft’s announcement, Kaufmann said.

“My immediate need was to monetize my own apps,” said Kaufmann, adding that “the ultimate goal is to position Pubfinity as a replacement for the Microsoft SDK going away.” For now, Kaufmann is willing to let select developers of high-quality apps and games use Pubfinity before making the SDK accessible to all. “We’ll have a very strict review process,” he said. “We want it to be an improvement and make it a place where developers can make money but not sacrifice the quality of their offerings.”

It’s worth reminding that app developers still have other ways to monetize their apps on the Microsoft Store, including in-app purchases and subscriptions. Most app developers apparently prefer these alternative solutions, which are said to be more effective than banner promotions.

Rise of the Tomb Raider, Just Cause 4, and two more games are leaving Xbox Game Pass soon

Four games are leaving Xbox Game Pass soon, including the Square Enix titles Just Cause 4 and Rise of the Tomb Raider. Shadow of the Tomb Raider, the sequel to Rise of the Tomb Raider also left Xbox Game Pass earlier this month, and that will soon leave just Tomb Raider: Definitive Edition in the catalog.

Just Cause 3 will also remain available with Xbox Game Pass for console for now, along with many other Square Enix games including Life is Strange 2, Deus Ex: Mankind Divided, or the freshly-added Final Fantasy XV. The removal of Rise of the Tomb Raider is a bit more curious as the game was actually co-published by Xbox Game Studios, and it was also a timed exclusive when it launched on Xbox One and Xbox 360 back in November 2015.

The two other games announced as “leaving soon” in the Xbox Game Pass mobile app are Batman: Return to Arkham and the Xbox Play Anywhere title Snake Pass. We remind you that you can take advantage of exclusive member discounts on all games before they leave the catalog.

Hands on with Outlook Spaces: A clean and efficient hub for all things Outlook

When you’re getting close to an important meeting at work or just planning an important event, things can get messy. From looking for emails, meetings, schedules, important documents, and more, you’ll need to dive through various menus and places across Outlook to find it all. Well, with Outlook Spaces, Microsoft is looking to change that, and give you one central hub for all things Outlook. Here’s a hands-on look at the experience.

Getting Started


It’s important to note that Outlook Spaces hasn’t officially yet launched yet. This experience is still a work-in-progress, but thanks to a tip from Microsoft leaker WalkingCat, we were able to get it working, and you can too. We won’t get into the technicalities here, but it involves opening the developer menu in your web browser and adding a line of code. Check out WalkingCat’s tweet for more.

Anyway, once you enable the experience, you’ll get greeted with the main page, and a video explaining how things work. You can then create your new space with the “New Space” button on the top left corner of the screen. You’ll be able to name your project, and add emails and events from Outlook into the project. You also can add certain keyboards to help Outlook Spaces find the right emails and events for your new project.

If you’re someone that likes dark mode, you also can turn on the dark mode for Outlook Spaces by clicking the settings icon at the top right corner of the screen. You’ll then want to click the toggle switch for Dark mode. It will make everything a bit easier to read.

The Project Space

Once you create your project, you’ll be greeted with a new project space. This is the canvas area where you’ll be working in Outlook Spaces. By default, you’ll see a bar open up on the right side on the screen. This bar has tabs for you to see your messages and events from Outlook. You can click on any message or event and drag it out into the open project space on to the left of the bar. Once you do that, you can collapse the bar by pressing the magnifying glass. If you need to change the project space or search for more content, you can click the magnifying glass or the settings gear.

Adding content to your Project Space

Emails and events are not the only things you can add to a project space in Outlook Spaces. As we hinted before, you also can add other items from across Outlook and Office 365 so you can have one hub for all things related to your important email or event. You can add these items with the menu running along the left side of the screen.

The top of the menu is home to the switcher for your project spaces. If you click it, you’ll be able to switch between spaces or create a new one. Under that, are the other items you can add to your space. Some of these aren’t yet available yet, such as Bucket, Presentation, Document or Workbook. However, the bulk of the experience is there. You’ll be able to add things such as Notes, Files, Links, Tasks, Deadlines, or even the Weather. Once you create any of these items, you can drag them around the space as needed. You also can zoom in or out with the magnifying glass at the bottom of the screen.

A nifty experience

Microsoft has yet to announce Outlook Spaces, but this experience is quite nifty. But it is not to be confused with Windows Live Spaces, Microsoft’s old blogging and social networking platform.  It’s a lot like a version of Trello, mixed with the Dashboard in MacOS or sidebar gadgets in Windows 7 and Vista. You’re able to create mini representations of important things from your Outlook inbox, drag it around, and have everything you need in one, clean, and easy to understand space. We’ll be keeping an eye on this, and will update you once Outlook Spaces officially launches. But, for now, we’re fairly impressed.

Surface Laptop 3 screens are cracking, Microsoft is silent so far

Microsoft’s attempt at conventional laptop devices in the Surface Laptop 3 is a relative success for the company, as quarterly earnings mark an additional billion-dollar revenue bump for the business.

However, after three years of steady refinement and improvement in the category sector, Microsoft may be in dire need of tweaks to its quality control processes as users of its Surface Laptop 3 model are reporting issues of “cracking” screens as of late.

Brought to our attention by Rafael Rivera on Twitter, it seems Reddit threads within the Microsoft and Surface communities are filling up with complaints about Surface Laptop 3 screens cracking.

 

Surface Laptop 3 Cracked Screen from Surface

Surface Laptop 3 screen cracked from Surface

As of now, there hasn’t been an official word from Microsoft regarding warranties, recalls or replacement procedures. Victims in the Reddit threads are filling them in with anecdotal experiences ranging from having the whole computer comp’d to arguing for extended warranties. There doesn’t appear to be a clear method to addressing the issue with Microsoft right now, but we’ll update if things change.

Surface Pro 7 is launching in India soon; but you can buy it already

The new Surface Pro 7 devices have gone on sale in India.

A Microsoft India spokesperson responded to my query and informed me that there will be a broader announcement about the same soon, and the accessories that are listed but not available at the moment, will soon be available.

It’s likely that the official launch announcement is made on the sidelines of Microsoft’s Future Decoded summit that will be held next week in Mumbai and Bengaluru in India. Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella will be in both the cities for delivering the keynote. [UPDATE: I’ve now learned that the device will definitely not be launched at the summit but at a later date.]

The Surface Pro 7 portfolio is available for purchase on both Amazon and Flipkart. Both Amazon and Flipkart offer no-cost EMIs for purchasing Surface devices available via a variety of credit/debit cards. Of course, once officially launched, the Surface Pro 7 will also be available at offline stores that already sell Surface devices.

From the listings, it is apparent that Surface Pro 7 in India will be available starting at ₹70,990 ($994) in the following configurations:

  • 4GB/128GB – 10th Gen Intel Core i3
  • 8GB/128GB – 10th Gen Intel Core i5
  • 8GB/256GB – 10th Gen Intel Core i5
  • 16GB/256GB – 10th Gen Intel Core i7

The devices will be available in both Platinum and Matte Black color variants. The only new Type Cover listed is the Surface Pro 7 Signature Type Cover (priced at ₹14,999). Amongst the accessories, both Surface Pen and Surface Arc Mouse along with the dock, power supply, and adapters are available – although, these have been available already for the previous generation devices.

How to Remove Windows Live Mail Duplicate Folders and Emails

Microsoft’s now discontinued but popular email client, Windows Live Mail, has an annoying issue that results in the client creating duplicate folders and emails for Sent Items, Drafts, Deleted Items, and Junk Emails.

So, if you’re wondering how to remove Windows Live Mail duplicate folders and emails, then you’ve come to the right place.

This issue occurs because the Windows Live Mail client automatically creates special folders to store emails on the mail server, which leads to duplication issues.

If you are troubled by this issue and want to get rid of duplicate folders and emails, here is how to do it.

How can I remove Live Mail duplicate folders and emails?

1. Manually delete duplicate folders

  1. Start Windows Live Mail client if not running already.
  2. Right-click on the email account header and select Properties.
  3. In the Properties window, open the IMAP tab.
  4. Uncheck Store special folders on IMAP server option under the Special Folders section.
  5. Click OK to save the changes. You will be prompted to Refresh the folder, click on Yes.
  6. Windows Live Mail will take a few minutes to download and refreshing the folders list.
  7. Now that you have disabled the Special Folders feature, it is time to delete the existing duplicate folders manually.
  8. Under your email account, right-click on each duplicate folder one by one and click on Delete.
  9. Do it for all the duplicate folders and you are done. Windows Live Mail will not create duplicate folders again until you enable the Special Folder feature again.

2. Check system date and time

  1. Right-click on the Time and Date option on the Taskbar.
  2. Select Adjust Time/Date option from the context menu.
  3. In the Date and Time window, check if the date and time is set correctly.
    remove Windows Live Mail duplicate folders and emails
  4. If not, turn off Set time automatically and Set time zone automatically option.
  5. Click the Change button under Set the date and time manually.
  6. Click on Change to save the changes.
  7. Make sure you turn on Set time automatically and Set time zone automatically option again and close the Settings window.
  8. Start Windows Live Mail and check for any improvements.

3. Manually sort and delete duplicates

3.1 Sort emails

  1. Make sure Windows Live Mail is closed.
  2. Open File Explorer and navigate to the following location:
    C:Users<your username>AppDataLocalMicrosoftWindows Live Mail
  3. Copy all the files in the location and paste it in a separate folder as a backup.
  4. Now delete all the files in the Windows Live Mail folder.
  5. Delete the following Windows Live Mail program related files:
    Mail.MSMessageStore
    edb.chk
    ebd*.txt
    edb*.jrs
    Mail.pat
    oeconfig
    RssFeeds XML
    tmp.edb
    WindowsLiveMail.txt

3.2 Import sorted mail

  1. Start Windows Live Mail. The app will create all the necessary files and folders that were deleted in the earlier steps.
  2. Click the Tools icon and select Import Messages. Or Click File > Import Messages.
  3. Select Windows Live Mail in the new window and click Next.
  4. Click the Browse button and navigate to the Messages folder. Select the folder and click OK.
  5. Select All folders and then click Next.
  6. Click Finish to import all the emails.

The Windows Live Mail duplicate folders and email issues occur if you have the Special Folder feature enabled. By following the steps in this article, you can fix the problem with ease.

Don’t forget to leave any other questions or suggestions that you may have in the comments section below.

Can’t set Microsoft Office picture manager as default

The newer version of Windows comes with Photos, a built-in photo editor and viewer app for Windows 10. With that, Microsoft Photos app has replaced the popular Picture Manager app that came bundled with the older version of Microsoft Office.

Microsoft does not include the Picture Manager app with Office 2013 and later versions. However, the users can still download and install the Picture Manager app manually from the official sources.

That said, some users who had downloaded and installed the app are unable to set Microsoft Office picture manager as default in Windows 10.

In this article, we show you how to set Microsoft Office Picture Manager as default in Windows 10 to view and edit your photos and reason why you are unable to set it as default.

Why I can’t set Picture Manager as default in Windows 10?

1.  Set Picture Manager as default in Windows 10

Set from the Windows 10 Settings

I can't set Picture Manager as default
  1. Click on Start and select Settings.
  2. Click on Apps.
  3. From the left pane, click on Default Apps.
  4. Scroll down to the Photo viewer section.
  5. Click on Choose a default.
  6. Select Picture Manager from the list of apps.
  7. Close the Setting window and open File Explorer.
  8. Try to open any picture and check if the Picture Manager opens it by default.

If you’re having trouble opening the Setting app, take a look at this article to solve the issue.

Set from the Control Panel

I can't set Picture Manager as default
  1. Press Windows Key + R to open Run.
  2. Type control and click OK to open Control Panel.
  3. In the search bar (top right corner), type Default.
  4. Click on Default Programs.
  5. Click on Set your default programs.
  6. Select the Microsoft Office Picture Manager from the list of apps.
  7. Click on Set this program as a default and choose the file types that should use the app.

You can’t open Control Panel? Take a look at this step-by-step guide to find a solution.


Set it from Image Properties

I can't set Picture Manager as default
  1. Open File Explorer.
  2. Navigate to the location where the image is saved.
  3. Right-click on the image and select Properties.
  4. In the Properties window, open the General tab.
  5. Click the Change button for Opens with:
  6. Select the Microsoft Office Picture Manager from the list of apps.
  7. Now try to open the image again and check if the issue is resolved.

File Explorer crashes in Windows 10? Follow the simple steps from this handy guide to fix it in no time.


2. Update your Windows 10

I can't set Picture Manager as default
  1. Click on Start and select Settings.
  2. Go to Update and Security.
  3. Click on Windows Updates.
  4. Check if any Windows update is pending download. Download and install the update.

Having trouble updating your Windows? Check out this guide that will help you solve them in no time.


File association issues were reported with an older version of the Windows 10 release. Since then Microsoft has released an update to fix the problem. Try to update your Windows computer to the latest available version and check for any improvements.

By following these steps you can set Microsoft Office Picture Manager as default in Windows 10. Make sure you install all the pending Windows updates to fix any issues that may occur due to bugs in the Windows release.

We also have a guide on how to download Microsoft Office Picture Manager, so don’t miss it.

If you have any other questions or suggestions, don’t hesitate to leave them in the comments section below.

READ ALSO:

Fix: PowerShell Module Could not be Loaded

For what seems like forever, PowerShell has been your rock to get the job done. That’s why you’re surprised to see that the PowerShell module you’re working on cannot be loaded.

To deal with this issue, be sure there is more than one solution available. Keep reading the lines below and check out three quick ways you can make your PowerShell module easily load again.

What can I do when the PowerShell module cannot be loaded?

1. Set Execution Policy to Unrestricted

PowerShell module
  1. Select Start > All Programs > Windows PowerShell version > Windows PowerShell.
  2. Type Set-ExecutionPolicy Unrestricted to set the policy to Unrestricted.
  3. The system will prompt to confirm the change. Enter the letter Y or press the Enter key to change the execution policy setting.
  4. To verify that the execution policy has been configured correctly, type Get-ExecutionPolicy.
  5. If you get back the following value RemoteSigned, then type Exit.

While rolling up your sleeves to prepare for the worst is certainly one way to go about it, there are easier ways to handle this problem. A simple command to set the Execution Policy to Unrestricted could fix the error.

Do keep in mind that this makes unsigned scripts free to run. Therefore, there is a high risk of running malicious scripts at a certain point.

2. Set Execution Policy to RemoteSigned

RemoteSigned

Remember that PowerShell‘s Execution Policy settings dictate what PowerShell scripts can run on a Windows system. If setting it to Unrestricted seems a bit too much for you, there is another less restrictive option that allows PowerShell modules to load properly.

In the PowerShell window, you need to set the Execution Policy using the Set-ExecutionPolicy RemoteSigned command this time. Instead of not getting prompted to confirm the installation of every module out there, you will need at least a digital signature from a trusted publisher.

This applies to all scripts and configuration files that are downloaded from the Internet. However, the rule doesn’t include scripts that are written on the local computer.

3. Remove the target from the adapter configuration

target from adapter configuration

If your command is running on the local peer host where an adapter is enabled, another quick way to fix this is to remove the target from the adapter configuration and retry.

Do recall that the Powershell adapter cannot run as Local System. The peer with the adapter needs to run as a user with the ability to communicate externally and utilize a communication interface.

These are some of the potential resolutions that might fix this PowerShell module loading error for some users. You could also try to upgrade PowerShell to the newest version if nothing has changed after applying them

Don’t forget to leave any other questions or suggestions that you may have in the comments section below.

New Outlook Spaces feature will help Office 365 users organize their mails, meetings, and documents

Outlook is a pretty versatile email and calendar app, but Microsoft is looking to make it more useful. Spotted by WalkingCat, Microsoft is working on a new “Outlook Spaces” experience for Outlook on the Web, which will help you organize your emails, meetings, and documents into one clean space.

This new experience is still a work-in-progress and is not yet easily accessible. Although Microsoft has yet to announce it, you can enable it in an Office 365 Outlook mailbox with a workaround, as noted by WalkingCat. It appears to be only available for Office 365 users, though, and doesn’t apply to those with Office 365 Personal or Home subscriptions.

Once enabled, Outlook Spaces can bring together most content from an Outlook mailbox into an area known as a “project space.” For instance, if you were getting ready for a big event at work, you can take a specific email that you were looking for and drag it into, and create a dedicated space for it. You can then add items relating to the event in the space, such as a checklist, notes, links, images, online events, and more. There even is an ability to insert word documents, notes, and deadlines. You even can input specific search terms to have the space organized around whatever you’re looking for.

Microsoft also promises that A.I. will be used in upcoming releases to help in discovering and grouping items into spaces. It’s not yet clear when this feature will roll out, but now that we’ve seen it in the light of day, it may be coming soon. We’ll stay on top of the news and will keep you updated.

Want to redeem codes on Arc? Here’s how to do it

If you find that you are not sure about how to redeem codes on the Arc game platform, your search is now over.

Being able to redeem the codes that the developer’s release can get you some really awesome perks. For this reason, it is very important to know how to do this.

Arc codes are unique sequences of numbers and letters that allow you to get access to cool in-game items. These codes are released on special occasions like game anniversaries and real-world holidays.

Beyond this, Arc codes allow you to gather even gold, which can be used in the Even Boutique to buy exclusive items.

In today’s how-to article, we will discuss how you can get access to these codes, and how to use them to get all the benefits. Read on to find out more.


Here’s how to redeem your codes on Arc

Where to find the Arc codes?

In order for you to be able to redeem the codes released by Arc on special occasions, you will first need to be able to have access to them.

The developers of Arc will use different mediums to release the codes. Here are some of them:

Checking out all of these locations will surely keep you up to date regarding all the active and inactive Arc codes.


Is your Arc Launcher not updating? Troubleshoot it fast.


How to use Arc codes?

Enter the codes into the Arc client:

  1. Open up your Arc client.
  2. Click on the Arc logo -> copy-paste/type the code -> press Enter.
  3. This will activate the code for your account.

Use the website to redeem codes:

Note: Please make sure that you’re logged into the right account before performing this step, as some codes can only be used once.

  1. Visit the official page for redeeming codes.
  2. Enter the code inside the box.
  3. Press Enter to activate it and get access to cool items.

Conclusion

In today’s guide, we talked about the best methods to find the Arc codes, and also how to use them efficiently.

If you follow the steps presented to you in this list, you will never miss any codes released by the Arc developers, and you will surely get access to some awesome in-game items.

Please feel free to let us know if you found this guide helpful. You can contact us by simply leaving a comment in the section found below this article.

READ ALSO:

Nikon Camera is Not Reading SD Card: How to Fix it

Nikon cameras use SD cards to read and write clicked pictures. But, sometimes, things don’t pan out as you want them to. Several users have reported their Nikon camera is not reading the SD card.

Nikon camera‘s issue with the SD card seems to be a common affair, and it affects the ability to store and transfer pictures. Fret not! The problem is easily fixable. Keep reading to find out.

What can I do if my Nikon camera is not reading the SD card?

Before we proceed, here are a few quick things to check:

  • Take the memory card out of the camera. Reinsert the SD card and make sure you are inserting it correctly. You should hear a click sound when the SD card is inserted.
  • Check if the company approves the SD card you are using.
  • Take out the memory card and check if the memory card’s contact pins are clean. Use a soft dry cloth to clean any dust, then reinsert the card and check for any improvements.

If none work, move to the fixes listed next.

1. Check and reformat the card

Tip icon Tip
Before formatting the card, check if it works fine using a computer. Insert the card into a card reader of your laptop or external card reader and check if it is detected. And create a backup of the data in the card to your computer.

1.1 On the PC

  1. Right-click on the SD card and select Format.format sd card
  2. For the File system, select FAT, and click the Start button.
  3. Once the format is complete, eject the SD card.
  4. Insert it into your Nikon camera and check if the camera can read the SD card.

Alternatively, you can use a software to format the SD card effectively and get rid of the problem!

1.2 Using the Nikon camera

  1. With the SD card inserted, press the Menu button.
  2. Scroll down and select the Setup Menu.
  3. Select the Format memory card option.
  4. Click Yes to confirm the action.
  5. Once the card is formatted, check if the camera can read the SD card.

2. Update the camera’s firmware

2.1 Get the firmware

  1. To check the currently installed firmware, go to Menu, choose Setup, and tap on Firmware Version.
  2. Go to the Nikon support page.
  3. Select your camera model from the options.
  4. Go to Firmware, and click on View download page.firmware
  5. Accept the license terms, and click on Download to get the firmware.update firmware to fix nikon camera not reading sd card

2.2 Install the firmware

  1. Make sure the camera‘s battery is fully charged.
  2. Extract the downloaded firmware and move the firmware files to your SD card (Not the folder, but only the files inside the folder).
  3. Eject the memory card and insert it into your camera.
  4. Go to Menu, choose Setup Menu, and then tap on Firmware version.
  5. Tap on Update and press OK.
  6. Select Yes and then select OK.
  7. Wait for the process to complete. Once the update is complete, you should see the Update completed. Turn camera off message on the screen.
  8. Finally, restart the camera.

That’s it! If formatting the SD card didn’t work, updating the camera’s firmware should get things up and running when your Nikon camera is not reading the SD card.

Before you leave, find out how to create blurred background photos with a Nikon camera.

Tell us which fix worked for you in the comments section below.

Uninstall-package Not Working: How to Force it

In Windows, there are multiple ways to remove apps. And speaking of which, many reported that uninstall-package is not working in PowerShell.

This command allows you to remove even system apps, and if it’s not working you won’t be able to debloat Windows or uninstall apps that are giving you trouble.

Luckily, there are few fixes that can help with this issue.

How do I force uninstall a program in PowerShell?

  1. Start PowerShell as admin.
  2. Run the command: Get-AppxPackage
  3. Type the command and press Enter: Remove-AppxPackage <App Name>

What can I do if uninstall-package is not working in PowerShell?

1. Use the cmdlet called Uninstall-Package

  1. Open PowerShell as administrator.
  2. You have to get a list of the applications that are installed on the computer via the following command: Get-WmiObject -Class Win32_Product | Select-Object -Property Nameall apps listed in PowerShell
  3. Then, map a variable to the application in question: $MyApp = Get-WmiObject -Class Win32_Product | Where-Object{$_.Name -eq "Free Tools"}
  4. At this point, uninstalling by calling the Uninstall method usually works like a breeze: $MyApp.Uninstall()

If this doesn’t happen and you cannot find the app listed, use the Get-Package cmdlet instead. If you want to find the application named Camera, for example, enter this command: Get-Package -Provider Programs -IncludeWindowsInstaller -Name "Camera".

PowerShell will now be able to locate it. You can further use the cmdlet called Uninstall-Package. Broken down simply, you can get away with specifying the -Name parameter, followed by the package name most of the time.

2. Alternative PowerShell command to uninstall apps

Note icon NOTE
This is an advanced solution, and it requires a basic knowledge of PowerShell in order to be used properly.
  1. Start PowerShell as administrator.
  2. Run the following commands:
    $uninstall32 = gci "HKLM:\SOFTWARE\Wow6432Node\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall" | foreach { gp $_.PSPath } | ? { $_ -match "SOFTWARE NAME" } | select UninstallString
    $uninstall64 = gci "HKLM:\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall" | foreach { gp $_.PSPath } | ? { $_ -match "SOFTWARE NAME" } | select UninstallString
    if ($uninstall64) {
    $uninstall64 = $uninstall64.UninstallString -Replace "msiexec.exe","" -Replace "/I","" -Replace "/X",""
    $uninstall64 = $uninstall64.Trim()
    Write "Uninstalling..."
    start-process "msiexec.exe" -arg "/X $uninstall64 /qb" -Wait}
    if ($uninstall32) {
    $uninstall32 = $uninstall32.UninstallString -Replace "msiexec.exe","" -Replace "/I","" -Replace "/X",""
    $uninstall32 = $uninstall32.Trim()
    Write "Uninstalling..."
    start-process "msiexec.exe" -arg "/X $uninstall32 /qb" -Wait}
  3. Close PowerShell.

Alternatively, you can create a PowerShell script using the same commands to automate the process.

Is Windows PowerShell unable to uninstall a certain program? We get your frustration, but let us offer this bit of wisdom. Some built-in apps are really integrated into the operating system and removing them will most likely cause more harm than good.

Your attempts eventually lead to getting the same message that reads This app is part of Windows and cannot be uninstalled on a per-user basis.

There’s no question you could find some shady ways to remove them, but sometimes applications leave unwanted traces behind.

In case you have further issues, check our guide on what to do if PowerShell is not working anymore.

That said, if you finally succeed after reading this, please comment below. We’re eager to hear your opinion.

Windows 10 news recap: Facebook app to be killed off, video shows Windows 10X running on a MacBook, and more

Welcome back to our Windows 10 news recap, where we go over the top stories of the past week in the world of Microsoft’s flagship operating system.

The official Windows 10 Facebook app is being killed off later this month

Later this month, Facebook will be killing off its Windows 10 app. It recommends that users use the Facebook website instead.

Windows 10 Facebook app

That didn’t take long: video shows Windows 10X running on a MacBook

Windows 10X emulator was released this week, and already someone has managed to get the operating system to run on a MacBook, despite Microsoft insisting its only for dual-screen devices.

Windows 10 users are complaining about missing desktop files after installing this month’s Patch Tuesday

The latest Patch Tuesday update has been met with some complaints as users are complaining that some desktop files have gone missing.

Windows10-Desktop

Surface Book 3 and Surface Go 2 details leaked, along with news of springtime hardware event

Reports suggest that Microsoft is planning a Spring announcement event in New York to announce new Surface devices and discuss other Surface products. At the same time, details of a Surface Book 3 and Surface Go 2 have leaked. You can see the details here.

Surface Laptop 3

That’s it for this week. We will be back next week with more Windows 10 news.

How to improve your Google Stadia Bandwidth

Google Stadia is a cloud gaming service that is operated by Google. Because it is a cloud gaming service, you don’t need any additional hardware to play any of the games in the library.

Your only requirement in order to use the service is to have a stable Internet connection. However, you also need to use the Google Chrome web browser on desktop computers or have a Pixel smartphone, Chrome OS tablet, and Chromecast if you want to stream the service.

Since the second requirement is a must, your only variable in terms of what performance you will get remains your Internet connection.

Normally, if you are playing single-player games over Stadia, latency wouldn’t be that much of an issue. However, Stadia’s library also includes multi-player games, and any type of latency in these titles can mean the difference between winning or losing.

As such, connectivity may be a priority for some Google Stadia users. That is why we created this guide, to show you what you can do in order to maximize your connectivity.


How do I maximize my Google Stadia connectivity?

1. Choose Ethernet over Wi-Fiinternet connection

No matter how good your Internet subscription plan is, there is always a major difference in terms of performance between an Ethernet connection and a Wi-Fi connection.

This is because Ethernet connections don’t suffer from any issue that may affect connectivity, such as the distance between devices, or interferences with other electronics.

Additionally, and the old router has decreased performance, while a cable will either deliver the same top-notch speed or not work at all.


Slow Wi-Fi signal on your laptop? Try the solutions in the article for a fast fix.


2. Stick with the 5GHz connection

If an Ethernet cable is not an option, but your router supports both a 2.4 GHz and a 5 GHz connection, always go for the 5 GHz one. Since not many household devices currently support 5 GHz connectivity, there is little chance that this channel will be occupied too much.

As such, always make sure that your Google Stadia Console is connected to the 5 GHz band.


3. Choose the Official Stadia Controllerstadia controller

As of now, the Stadia Controller is the only controller that is supported. While a mouse and keyboard input is possible, it was revealed that even they have more latency than the controller.

This is because unlike the other peripherals that could connect to a console that uses either a USB cable or Bluetooth, the Stadia Controller connects directly to the same Wi-Fi as the console.


4. Use the Nest Router’s Gaming modenest router

Google released a new line of specialized router called Nest, and they also include a built-in gaming mode called Gaming preferred mode. This is a very simple setting that simply sets the Google Stadia console as a priority over other devices in terms of connectivity.

Thus, even if the channel has many devices on it, the Stadia console will still get the best connection.


Looking for a good gaming router? Check out this article for our top picks.


5. Manually set the Stadia console as a router priority

Not everyone can afford a Nest router, but that doesn’t mean that you have anything to worry about. Many other budget-friendly routers have a built-in priority setting inside.

Choosing this setting varies from one device to another, so make sure you check up on your device’s specifications to see if it has anything similar, and how to access it.


6. Enhance Wi-Fi signal with mesh systemsmesh router

Since we already mentioned that Wi-Fi signals vary based on distance and obstacles, a good idea is to have a mesh Wi-Fi system spread throughout the house in order to provide a stable connection everywhere.


7. Lower the video qualitystadia video quality

In normal gaming, lowering the video quality means the game will look bad because of bad textures, lack of shadows and bad lighting. However, In Google Stadia this simply means that the streaming quality is lowered.

Thus, instead of streaming 4K gaming at the cost of around 20 GB/h, you will only be streaming at 720p for only 4.5 GB/h. This setting is also extremely useful if you have a limited monthly data plan.


Need to make sure you don’t use up all your data plan? Check out this article for the best monitors.


8. Activate your Smart TV’s Game Mode

If you choose Chromecast to use Google Stadia via a Smart TV, try activating the device’s Game Mode. This will reduce image enhancement in order to provide a better and smoother framerate.

Note: Not all TVs have this option, so check up on your device’s specs to see whether this is a good option or not.


Closing thoughts

By following these steps, you should be able to get a better connection to your Google Stadia console. While some of these solutions do involve a bit of an investment, it is definitely worth it if you truly value a high-quality gaming experience.

How do you improve your connectivity to Google Stadia? Let us know by leaving a message in the comments section below.

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FIX: NETLOGON folder doesn’t replicate

One of the best ways an IT Administrator can organize your company’s users, computers and more is through the use of an Active Directory. It organizes your company’s complete hierarchy from which computers belong on which network.

This ranges from meaningless things such as what your profile picture looks like to more complex matters such as which users have access to a certain file.

However, things don’t always go as planned with Active Directories, as some users have reported having issues with certain folder replications:

In my company’s AD, we have three DC’s (two in 2008R2 standard, one in 2012R2 standard core).
I’ve found that NETLOGON folder content is not replicated correctly across them

Thankfully enough, users went into further details as to how the issue manifested itself, and a solution was quickly figured out. If you too are having similar issues, continue reading the article below for a step-by-step guide on how to fix the issue.


How do I make the NETLOGON folder replicate properly?

You first have to identify which folder has the latest contents, or which folder which has scripts that run without issues.

You then take that Domain Components and declare it as Master while the other Domain Components are declared as Slaves, and then you just program a replication from Master to Slave.

1. Perform a non-authoritative synchronization

adsiedit.msc

  1. Download and install the ADSIEDIT.msc tool
  2. In the ADSIEDIT.MSC tool modify the following distinguished name (DN) value and attribute on each of the domain controllers that you want to make non-authoritative:
    • CN=SYSVOL Subscription
    • CN=Domain System Volume
    • CN=DFSR-LocalSettings
    • CN=<the server name>
    • OU=Domain Controllers
    • DC=<domain>
    • msDFSR-Enabled=FALSE

1.1 Force Active Directory replication throughout the domain.

  1. Run the following command from an elevated command prompt on the same servers that you set as non-authoritative:
    • DFSRDIAG POLLAD
  2. You will see Event ID 4114 in the DFSR event log indicating SYSVOL is no longer being replicated.
  3. On the same DN from Step 1, set:
    • msDFSR-Enabled=TRUE

1.2 Force Active Directory replication throughout the domain.

  1. Run the following command from an elevated command prompt on the same servers that you set as non-authoritative:
    • DFSRDIAG POLLAD

You will see Event ID 4614 and 4604 in the DFSR event log indicating SYSVOL has been initialized. That domain controller has now done a “D2” of SYSVOL.


Don’t have Active Directory on Windows Server? Check out this detailed guide for more information.


2. Perform an authoritative synchronization

  1. In the ADSIEDIT.MSC tool, modify the following DN and two attributes on the domain controller you want to make authoritative:
    • CN=SYSVOL Subscription
    • CN=Domain System Volume
    • CN=DFSR-LocalSettings
    • CN=<the server name>
    • OU=Domain Controllers
    • DC=<domain>
    • msDFSR-Enabled=FALSE
    • msDFSR-options=1
  2. Modify the following DN and single attribute on all other domain controllers in that domain:
    • CN=SYSVOL Subscription
    • CN=Domain System Volume
    • CN=DFSR-LocalSettings
    • CN=<each other server name>
    • OU=Domain Controllers,DC=<domain>
    • msDFSR-Enabled=FALSE

2.1 Force Active Directory replication throughout the domain and validate its success on all DCs

  1. Start the DFSR service set as authoritative
  2. You will see Event ID 4114 in the DFSR event log indicating SYSVOL is no longer being replicated
  3. On the same DN from Step 1, set:
    • msDFSR-Enabled=TRUE

2.2 Force Active Directory replication throughout the domain and validate its success on all DCs

  1. Run the following command from an elevated command prompt on the same server that you set as authoritative:
    • DFSRDIAG POLLAD
  2. You will see Event ID 4602 in the DFSR event log indicating SYSVOL has been initialized.
    • That domain controller has now done a “D4” of SYSVOL.
  3. Start the DFSR service on the other non-authoritative DCs.
  4. You will see Event ID 4114 in the DFSR event log indicating SYSVOL is no longer being replicated on each of them
  5. Modify the following DN and single attribute on all other domain controllers in that domain:
    • CN=SYSVOL Subscription
    • CN=Domain System Volume
    • CN=DFSR-LocalSettings
    • CN=<each other server name>
    • OU=Domain Controllers,DC=<domain>
    • msDFSR-Enabled=TRUE
  6. Run the following command from an elevated command prompt on all non-authoritative DCs:
    • DFSRDIAG POLLAD

Conclusion

By following these steps you should be able to now make all folders withing the Active Directory’s Domain Components replicate themselves properly without any further issues.

Note: This guide is targeted towards those that have experience modifying Active Directory settings. If you are unsure how to follow these steps, better leave it to the experts.

If you have any further questions or know of a solution we may have missed out on, leave us a message in the comments section below.

RELATED ARTICLES YOU SHOULD CHECK OUT:

Microsoft Edge Canary is getting the long-awaited extension syncing feature

Microsoft launched its Edge browser on January 15 to much fanfare, but it was still missing features like history syncing. Well, as the upcoming versions of the browser are still being beta tested, some users in the Canary channel can now enjoy the long-awaited extension syncing feature (via Windows Central.)

As reported by a user in the Microsoft Tech Community, this extension sync feature is now rolling out in version 82.0.424.0 of Edge Canary. The feature is apparently not available for everyone yet, though, as we’re not seeing it on our end. However, if available, you should get a pop-up “Sync Updates” image similar to the one below, telling you that you can now sync your extensions across your signed-in devices.

This extension sync feature will likely be appreciated for those who are using Microsoft Edge on multiple devices. It eliminates the need to manually downloaded extensions one by one every time you clean-install Edge on a new device.

Users of Edge in the Canary and Dev channel can also look forward to performance improvements too, thanks to new toolchain optimizations. Measuring Speedometer 2.0 in ten consecutive runs on Microsoft Edge 79, Microsoft claims Microsoft Edge build 81.0.389.0 on 64-bit Windows 10 measured an up to 13% performance improvement when compared to Microsoft Edge 79.

Xbox Elite Series 2 controller becomes fifth best-selling gaming accessory in the US

Microsoft’s new Xbox Elite Series 2 controller is a hit in the US according to new data from The NPD Group (via VentureBeat). Video Games Industry Analyst Mat Piscatella revealed today that the premium controller was the best-selling video game accessory in the US for the third month in a row. This a bit surprising considering the Nintendo Switch remains the best-selling console in the country, so you would think it would have the best selling accessories.

According to The NPD Group, the Xbox Elite Series 2 controller has already become the fifth-best selling accessory in the US after just 3 months in the market, with the Xbox 360 Kinect with Kinect Adventures remaining #1. At $180, the Xbox Elite Series 2 controller a bit more expensive than the first Xbox Elite controller, but there was clearly a demand for a revision. The latest iteration brought a refined designed with more customization options, Bluetooth support, as well as a built-in battery that can be recharged via a new USB-C port.

With Microsoft announcing last year that all existing Xbox accessories will continue to work on the next-gen Xbox Series X, the Xbox Elite Series 2 controller should continue to sell well in the coming months. Back in December, Microsoft did reveal that the next-gen Xbox will come with a slightly redesigned controller with a dedicated Sharing button, but the Xbox Elite Series 2 controller should remain great value thanks to its superior build quality and interchangeable components.

Microsoft unveils last Windows Terminal preview before v1 release

Ever since its unveiling at Build 2019, Microsoft has been on a journey to perfect the new Windows Terminal command-line app based on feedback from the community. It’s gone through many preview updates, and on February 13, Microsoft announced the last Windows Terminal preview before the v1 release.

With this release, there are quite a few tweaks that developers are likely to enjoy. To begin, the wt execution alias now supports command line arguments. According to Microsoft, this means developers can “launch Terminal with new tabs and panes split just how you like, with the profiles you like, starting in the directories you like.” In addition, this release makes it so that the Windows Terminal will now detect any version of PowerShell and automatically create a profile for you. Finally, there is a new global setting that will allow you to hide the “Close All Tabs” confirmation dialog.

Along with the above new features, this release also has some other improvements. Developers can now navigate word-by-word using Narrator, and can also drag and drop a file into the Terminal to have the file path printed. Other bug fixes and improvements are seen below.

  • Ctrl+Ins and Shift+Ins are bound by default to copy and paste respectively
  • You can now hold Shift and click to expand your selection
  • VS Code keys used for key bindings are now supported
  • Terminal won’t crash when Narrator is running
  • Terminal won’t crash when you provide an invalid background image or icon path
  • Our popup dialogs all now have rounded buttons
  • The search box now works properly in high contrast
  • Some ligatures will render more correctly

The news about this preview means that Microsoft is close to its original promise of launching the Windows Terminal application around the first half of 2020. The company originally mentioned that it might come around February or March, and that timing is now here.

As Sony waits for Microsoft to announce Xbox Series X pricing, cost of PlayStation 5 rises due to “scarce components”

As fun as it might be for fans to pitch conspiracy theories about how Microsoft and Sony are in a game of cat-and-mouse regarding next-gen console pricing, the reality may be a bit blander.

According to a report from Bloomberg Technology, the recent rumors about Sony waiting until Microsoft announces its Xbox Series X pricing may have little to do with nefarious one-upmanship and more do to with the company struggling to source parts at a reasonable price.

Scarce components have pushed the manufacturing costs for Sony Corp.’s next PlayStation to around $450 per unit, forcing a difficult price-setting decision in its battle with Microsoft Corp., according to people with knowledge of the matter.

Sony’s biggest pricing issues comes as the company attempts to procure a sustainable supply of memory for the console, specifically NAND and DRAM components. Unfortunately, for console makers, not only are high-end laptops encroaching on memory demand, but companies such as Samsung are putting in massive orders of RAM requests for their flagship phones.

Individuals familiar with the matter have voiced dueling opinions on whether or not Sony should attempt to undercut Microsoft again this console generation. Game staff within Sony have pitched the position that “it should sell the new console at a loss if necessary to match Microsoft’s price,” meanwhile other Sony executives would “prefer to make money,” as it did the last generation, right off the bat.

While component sourcing and price management isn’t unique to Sony this time around, there are some things the company is splurging on that may have its PS5 production in a bit more of a bind than Microsoft’s Xbox Series X. This time around Sony is opting for a more elaborate cooling system that is “unusually” pricer at a few dollars per unit rather than the under one dollar price from prior productions. Sony is also looking to release a follow up to its PlayStation VR which may also eat into component pricing with both products being in the market at roughly the same time.

Regardless of the component issue, Sony is scheduled to release some sort of guidance on its games division to board members sometime around the end of April, which will presumably include revenue based on pricing and sunk-costs calculations. On the other side of the globe, Microsoft is expected to do an official unveiling of the Xbox Series X at E3 2020 in June and fans should expect to see prices listed during the event.

With two months between Sony’s gaming guidance and Microsoft’s expected price reveal, the PlayStation team will have its work cut out for itself as it attempts to balance the bill of materials alongside the number of units produced, all while trying to be competitive with whatever price Microsoft throws against the wall.

Microsoft’s new strategy to accelerate business in India: A separate business unit withing large IT companies

Microsoft is working on a strategy to create a separate business unit within large IT companies in India to accelerate its India business, Economic Times reports.

Called the ITeS 360 solution, the business unit helps in selling the entire stack of Microsoft offerings ranging from AI solutions to business applications to Indian multi-national corporations spread across the globe. The resident business unit leader will ensure that the local Microsoft office in that particular location works with the organization in rolling out the solution.

Microsoft India president Anant Maheshwari told ET that this was part of the ‘One Microsoft’ strategy, which was a brainchild of Satya Nadella. This is a major overhaul in terms of strategy, under which the local Microsoft official would only be concerned with sales at the India operations.

See also: Satya Nadella will be visiting India later this month for the company’s Future Decoded summit

Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) and HCL Technologies, two of the top IT companies in India, have already partnered with Microsoft on this initiative.

“(The Indian) IT (industry) is today roughly a $180 billion industry. There is a significant value that they can provide in driving cloud solutions as part of this $180 billion. That’s what they’re doing when they go and drive digital transformation in different parts of the world. They need cloud solutions and Microsoft is able to provide them with not just cloud solutions, but also with very significant value adds like data, artificial intelligence, modern workplace solutions like business applications, etc.”

– Anant Maheshwari, President, Microsoft India

Microsoft Azure is on a high growth clip in the country, has and Maheshwari claims that it has nearly “doubled” in 2019, and Microsoft is the number one cloud player in the country. The company is now moving forward to deploying new business models in India like ITeS 360.

How To: All The Keys Steps to Edit My AOL Profile

Your AOL account is an important tool when it comes to work and career, and you want to have the best looking profile possible. Incase you’re wondering on the steps to edit my AOL profile, we have listed them. You can easily change your AOL profile if you need an update, or if you realized you made a mistake.

Steps in editing my AOL profile

It is actually quite easy to change your profile in AOL. Let us look at the steps to do so. But first, you need to log in to your account in AOL.

Go to settings

Once you are logged in, click on the “Options” button that is found at the upper right corner of your screen. And then choose the option “Mail Settings”.

Edit aol profile

 

Change your personal information

Under the Mail Settings you will find three options, and the first one is “Personal Info”. In this page you can change your nickname, first name, last name, and gender. And you do have an option not to disclose your gender, though you absolutely need to fill in your name information.

Modify your account security

After you have modified your personal information, you can proceed to the next tab which is “Account Security”. In this page you can change your password to something more secure and hard to guess by other people. You also have the option to update your phone number, and you have the view of your email address. In here you can change your verification process and have the option to allow or not allow apps that offer low security in logging in.

edit aol profile

Save your profile changes

Now that you are done updating your personal information and security options, you must save your changes. Simply click on the save button and wait for the saving to complete, and then you’re good to go.

 

Changing my AOL profile picture

If updating your information isn’t enough, you can change your photo before you close the mail settings.

Photo requirements

Before you upload a new photo, you need to know the photo requirements first. AOL does not accept all kinds of photo. You can only upload the photo in the following image requirements:

  • 5MB max image file size
  • File format of .jpg, .jpeg, or .png
  • 192 x 192 min image resolution size

edit aol profile

Click on your photo section

A key part of editing my AOL profile is changing the photo. To change your photo,

  1. Click on mail settings
  2. Go to the personal information section. You will find a camera image circle if there is no photo yet. Or you can see your own image if you have uploaded a photo already.
  3. Click on that photo option
  4. Upload your new photo.

Just make sure that you follow the exact requirements for an image before you upload. Choose a recent photo of yours, though you can also upload an image of a landscape, animal, or anything else you like. But refrain from using another person’s photo.

 

Once you have uploaded your new photo on your AOL profile, you can edit the image by simply rotating it or cropping it to your liking.

And then the last step is to save your changes. Log out of your account, and log back in to check if the new changes took effect.

Edit AOL profile

Note: It is possible that you will be prompted to key in the answer to your Account Security Question. This could happen once you try to change your profile name, or change your profile photo.

The Division 2: Warlords of New York Edition is now live on Microsoft’s Xbox One consoles

The special Warlords of New York Edition of The Division 2 is now available on Microsoft’s family of Xbox One consoles.

This new edition contains the full base game of The Division 2 and also comes with the new Warlords of New York expansion which will unlock on March 3rd. The Warlords of New York content expands the main game significantly with new story content, missions, weapons, and more.

Those who buy the Warlords of New York Edition of The Division 2 before April 3rd will also receive a level 40 weapon and a special outfit.

New players uninterested in the New York content may want to check out the vanilla version of The Division 2 which is now selling for a ridiculous $2.99 on Xbox One for the next 10 days. That’s a whopping 95% off. Note that The Division 2: Warlords of New York Edition is also selling with its own discount right now with 45% off its usual price those who think they may want the content in the future should at least consider buying this new version.

Got some extra cash lying around? There’s an Ultimate Edition of The Division 2: Warlords of New York Edition with even more content that’s also available to buy today.

Here’s the rundown of all of its content:

  • The base game
  • The Warlords of New York expansion
  • A level 30 boost, allowing you to jump right into the Warlords of New York campaign
  • The instant unlock of all 6 endgame specializations
  • 8 exclusive Classified assignments missions
  • The Battleworn secret service pack
  • The First Responder pack
  • The Elite Agent pack
  • 1 exclusive emote
  • 1 exclusive outfit

Are you a fan of The Division 2? Which version will you buy? Let us know in the comments below and then follow us on Pinterest and Twitter for more Xbox gaming news.



Tom Clancy's The Division® 2
Tom Clancy's The Division® 2
Developer:
UBISOFT
Price:
Free

Will Windows 10X containers end update errors?

During the latest Microsoft 365 Developer Day, a lot came out about how the company’s futuristic operating system will function on dual-screen devices. It emerged that Windows 10X updates will be superfast, taking less than 90 seconds to complete.

How Microsoft pulls it off

Windows 10X sports a superior architecture that facilitates a smooth and quick upgrade process. Windows 10 updates, which are way too slow, are delivered differently.

According to Microsoft, separation makes a critical difference here. That is why its upcoming OS puts apps, drivers, and system files in separate containers. As such, Windows 10X has a high level of autonomy that shields its files and data from external interference.

Similarly, the OS hosts the Win32 container, which also has a reasonable level of independence. Since the “OS within an OS” has its own kernel, it can “run things” internally without outside interference, except for when capturing/outputting data or accessing system hardware resources.

Separating apps and data from the host OS allows upgrades to take place in the background and rebooting your device completes the shift to the latest version of Windows 10X. Microsoft describes this new update delivery system as “non-intrusive.”

So, are Windows update mishaps coming to an end at last?

Traditional Windows updates do take time to complete, and yes, 90 seconds for Windows 10X is a massive, welcome improvement. But download time is not the real reason why you may sometimes hesitate to get the latest Windows 10 enhancements even when they are meant to address a mission-critical issue.

Lately, it appears that each Windows 10 update that Microsoft delivers leaves behind a trail of user complaints, from unexpected reboots to missing OS features/functions. Could containerization solve such problems in Windows 10X or even in Windows 10?

It depends. For starters, Microsoft only promised that Windows 10X updates would be fast. It did not guarantee that such OS changes will always be perfect.

Secondly, is a flawed delivery system causing some Windows updates to fail, or are the updates themselves inherently defective?

Putting apps in a separate partition or container from system files changes the way Microsoft delivers OS updates. But a superior delivery technique will certainly not fix an update whose code is intrinsically flawed.

FIX: User Profile Not in Registry

Several users have been reporting that they are encountering errors when trying to load their profiles. More precisely, they are getting an error message stating that:

The User Profile Service failed the login. User profile cannot be loaded

When trying to figure out what the problem is exactly, many of them eventually realize that their user profile isn’t even listed in the Registry Editor.

Thankfully enough, there are a few things you can do about this issue. That is why we have taken all possible solutions and listed them in a step-by-step guide for you to read.

What can I do if my user profile not showing in the registry?

1. Fix the corrupted user profiles

There are plenty of ways one can follow in order to fix a corrupt user profile in Windows 10, some of which even involve modifying some system registries.

Additionally, you can also consider creating a new one altogether. If you want an in-depth guide on how to fix corrupted user profiles or how you can create new ones, check out this article.

2. Replace the corrupted user profile with a good one

  1. Login Windows 10 using an Admin Account
  2. Navigate to the Users folder in the C: drive
  3. Press the View tab, and make sure you have enabled viewing hidden files and folders
  4. Locate the folder named Default, and rename it to Default.old
    • Note: Don’t delete this folder as it will act as a backup in case things go wrong
  5. Create another folder with the name Default
  6. Inside the new folder, create sub-folders with the exact same names as the ones that are in Default.old
  7. Copy NTUSER.DAT file from your admin account and paste it inside the new Default folderntuser.dat

3. Install the latest Windows 10 updates

  1. Press Start.
  2. Click on Settings.
  3. Select Update & Security.
  4. Select Check for Updates.

If all of the solutions listed above fail, your best bet is to perform a hard reset on Windows 10. Admittedly, this is a very destructive course of action, but it will guarantee you will no longer have any user profile errors.

Which one of these solutions helped you best solve this problem? Let us know by leaving us a message in the comments section below.

User Profile or Private Key Not Accessible [Fix]

A Secure Sockets Layer, also known as an SSL,  is a standard security technology for establishing an encrypted link between a server and a client. Manipulating isn’t all that easy, and it can usually result in error messages if not done right.

One good example is when you try to import a Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) private key certificate file into the local computer personal certificate store.

The message which appears is, An internal error occurred. Either the user profile is not accessible or the private key that you are importing might require a cryptographic service provider that is not installed on your system.

Luckily enough, there are solutions to these problems, and we have listed them in a step-by-step manner below.

Why are the user profile and private key not accessible?

According to Microsoft, there are three main causes for why this error occurs:

  • Missing permissions: You have insufficient permissions to access the following folders:DriveLetter:\Documents Settings\All Users\Application Data\Microsoft\Crypto\RSA\MachineKeys
  • Another key exists: A third-party registry subkey exists that prevents IIS from accessing the cryptographic service provider
  • Remote access: You are logged on to the computer remotely through a Terminal Services session, and the user profile is not stored locally on the server with Terminal Services enabled.

As you can imagine, knowing what causes the issue makes it easy to figure out the logical fixes.

What can I do if the user profile or private key is not accessible?

1. Reset permissions for the MachineKeys folder

  1. Right-click the MachineKeys folder
  2. Go to the Security tab, and click on Advanced.advanced
  3. Select the Replace all child object permission entries with inheritable permission entries for this object checkbox, and click on OK to save the changes.replace to fix an internal error occurred. either the user profile is not accessible or the private key

Once done, verify whether the Either the user profile is not accessible or the private key Internal Error is fixed.

2. Delete the third-party registry subkey

  1. Press Windows + R to open Run, type regedit, and then hit Enter.
  2. Click Yes in the UAC prompt.
  3. Go to the following path using the navigation pane: HKEY_USERS\Default\Software\Microsoft\Cryptography\Providerspath
  4. If you find the Type 001 key, select it, and then hit Delete.

3. Store the user profile for the Terminal Services session locally

If this seems to be the case, ask your IT administrator to move the user profile to the server that has Terminal Services enabled.

Alternatively, you can also use roaming profiles. This will fix things when you get the An internal error occurred. Either the user profile is not accessible or the private key message.

By following these steps, you should now be able to import an SSL private key certificate file into the local computer personal certificate store without any more error messages.

Before you leave, find out how to create self-signed certificates in Windows.

If you’re aware of a solution we may have missed out on, share it in the comments section below so that other users can also try it.

How to Bring an Off-screen Application to Screen in Windows 10

In case you found yourself wondering how to bring up an off-screen application back to the viewable screen on Windows 10, you found the perfect article.

This issue can be extremely frustrating, especially if you’re working with a large number of windows and applications at the same time and some get stuck off-screen.

Even though this might seem like an unsolvable problem, in today’s article we will discuss what are the best options to apply in this situation. Read on to find out more details.

How do I get access to a window that is off-screen?

1. Change the resolution

  1. Start the application that is off-screen.
  2. Right-click an empty space on your desktop and choose Display Settings.
  3. Choose the Advanced display settings option.
  4. Modify the resolution temporarily to another value and click Apply.
  5. See if you can access the off-screen application and move it to the center of the screen. (if you still can’t do this, change the resolution until you find one that shows your off-screen app).
  6. Change the resolution of your Windows 10 PC back to the default setting and click Ok to apply it.

2. Use the Windows key on your keyboard

  1. Open the problematic application.
  2. Select it from your taskbar.
  3. Press the Windows logo key on your keyboard and press the Left Arrow or Right Arrowkeys until the app comes into view.

3. Use the Shift key

  1. Open the application that starts off-screen.
  2. Press the Shift key on your keyboard, then right-click the problem application from your taskbar and choose Move.
  3. Use your mouse or the arrow keys to move the selected window into view.

4. Use the Cascade Windows option

  1. Right-click an empty space on your taskbar.
  2. Select Cascade windows.cascade windows taskbar

5. Maximize the off-screen app

  1. Open the affected application.
  2. Hold the Shift key and right-click the app from your taskbar.
  3. Choose Maximize from the pop-up menu.

How to prevent this issue from happening recurrently?

Most applications that have this issue will most likely be set to the default position on your screen if it has been closed and re-opened, or, in some extreme cases, uninstalled and re-installed.

If the application with this issue reacts the same way every time you open it, you might want to modify the properties of this app to prevent this from happening.

To do so, you can follow these steps:

  1. Right-click the icon of the problematic app.
  2. Choose Properties.
  3. Select the Shortcut tab.
  4. Under the Run section, click the drop-down menu and choose Maximized.skype shortcut maximized settings
  5. Click Ok.

This will make your off-screen app always start in full-screen mode, thus enabling you to minimize and move on your screen as you desire.

One of the methods presented above has surely managed to help you sort out the annoying off-screen application issue.

If you feel that you have other suggestions for tackling this problem, you can let us know by using the comment section below.

How to Fix Dual Monitor Not Keeping Settings in Windows 10 & 11

If your second monitor keeps disconnecting, resets after a reboot, or won’t turn on at all, you’re likely dealing with a common issue affecting many Windows users.

Whether your dual monitors are not keeping settings, or your second monitor suddenly stopped working, this guide will walk you through the most effective solutions.

What can I do when dual monitors are not keeping settings?

1. Power cycle the entire setup

On occasions when you experience various problems, it becomes necessary to power cycle your equipment before it will function properly again. This may sound like a strangely simple solution, but you’ll be surprised to see that it solves a lot of issues.

Therefore, you need to shut down your computer and take out the main power supply for it and the two monitors. Also, try plugging out all the connectors between your computer and the monitors.

Once you’ve done that, wait a few minutes for any residual power to drain from your devices. Next, you will need to connect them back and power the setup on.

2. Update your graphics driver

  1. Boot into Safe Mode
    • Press Windows + R, type msconfig, and hit Enter.
    • In the Boot tab, check Safe boot, then restart your PC.
    • Alternatively, hold Shift and click Restart from the Start menu to enter Advanced Startup and select Safe Mode from there.
  2. Uninstall the Current Graphics Driver
    • Open the Start menu, search for Device Manager, and launch it.
    • Expand the Display adapters section.
    • Right-click your GPU and select Uninstall device.
    • Confirm your action when prompted.
  3. Restart Your PC
    • After uninstalling, reboot your system normally.
    • Windows will attempt to reinstall a basic version of the driver automatically.
    • You can also go to the GPU manufacturer’s website to download and install the latest version manually.

While Windows 11 can detect and install basic display drivers, it’s not always reliable in delivering the latest or most compatible version. For full functionality and bug fixes, a manual update is often necessary.

If you want a faster, safer alternative that prevents mistakes and ensures your GPU always runs on the latest version, consider using Fortect Driver Updater.

  • It scans your entire system for outdated or incompatible drivers.
  • Automatically downloads and installs the correct drivers, including those for display adapters.
  • Helps avoid problems caused by installing the wrong driver version.

3. Run the Hardware and Device Troubleshooter utility

Hardware and Device Troubleshooter
  1. Go to the Start screen and select Control panel.
  2. Select the option of Troubleshooting from the control panel.
  3. Now on the left side of the window, select the View all option to list all the troubleshooting packs available on your computer.
  4. Click on Hardware and Devices from the list of options available.
  5. Select Next to run the troubleshooter.
  6. If any issues are found, you will be prompted to apply this fix.
  7. When finished, the items able to be fixed and those that could not be fixed will be listed. You may click to Explore additional options to continue troubleshooting any issues with items not fixed.

Does the Troubleshooter stop before completing the process? Fix it with the help of this complete guide.

If none of the methods has resolved your issue, we recommend using the Hardware and Device Troubleshooter. This is a utility present in the Windows operating system. It detects problems with your existing hardware and tries to resolve it after following a series of steps.

Do you know any other insights on solving this? Just leave a message in the comments section below to share them with other users so they can also try them.