Microsoft plans big gamescom 2019 presence with demos for Project xCloud, Age of Empires II Definitive Edition, more

Following a very busy E3 in June, the Xbox team will come back to Cologne, Germany for gamescom 2019 next month. The annual trade fair for video games will open its door on Wednesday, August 21, but Microsoft will have a special Inside Xbox episode live from Cologne on Monday, August 19 at 5:00 p.m. CEST (8:00 a.m. PDT).

Starting Wednesday, August 21 to Friday, August 23, Microsoft open both its Xbox booth in Hall 8 of the Koelnmesse, but there will also be an “Xbox Open Doors” multiday experience at the Gloria Theatre in Cologne. “Entry to Xbox Open Doors is free and fans will be able to participate in community events, game tournaments, panel sessions and other exciting experiences,” the team said today, and more details about Xbox Open Doors will be shared very soon.

Back to the Xbox booth at gamescom, Microsoft plans to have close to 200 gaming stations this year where attendees will be able to play upcoming Xbox Game Studios titles such as Age of Empires II Definitive Edition, Battletoads, Bleeding Edge, Gears 5, Halo: The Master Chief Collection on PC, and Minecraft Dungeons. As for third-party titles, Borderlands 3, which will be released three days after Gears 5 will also be playable at the Xbox booth, along with Doom Eternal, NBA 2K20, and Tom Clancy’s Ghost Recon: Breakpoint.

Microsoft’s Project xCloud game streaming service will also be available for testing at gamescom. Microsoft allowed select journalists to try the service at E3 last month, and Project xCloud was also available for testing at opening of the first Microsoft Store in London last week. Public trials for Project xCloud are expected to kick off in October, just a month ahead of the launch of Google’s competing Stadia service.

If you’d like to attend the biggest gaming event in Europe next month, you can get your tickets on the official gamescom website. We’ll be making the trip to Cologne this year, so you can expect lots of news about Project xCloud and upcoming Xbox Game Studios titles on OnMSFT next month.

Microsoft and AT&T announce “extensive” strategic alliance on cloud, 5G, and AI

Microsoft on Wednesday, July 17, announced what it is calling an “extensive multiyear alliance” with AT&T on cloud, A.I. and 5G technologies. With the goal of “improving how people live and work today and in the future,” Microsoft will also become AT&T’s preferred cloud provider for non-network applications and will support AT&T’s consolidation of its data centers.

Under this new extensive alliance, AT&T will come onboard with the power of Microsoft 365, and will also move its non-network infrastructure to Microsoft Azure. Microsoft, however, will also be able to leverage AT&T’s 5G networks to design, test, and build edge-computing capabilities. There is an additional vision with this alliance to use 5G to bring instantaneous communications for first responders using AI-live powered voice translations to communicate and break down language barriers. In the words of Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella:

“AT&T is at the forefront of defining how advances in technology, including 5G and edge computing, will transform every aspect of work and life. The world’s leading companies run on our cloud, and we are delighted that AT&T chose Microsoft to accelerate its innovation. Together, we will apply the power of Azure and Microsoft 365 to transform the way AT&T’s workforce collaborates and to shape the future of media and communications for people everywhere.”

Other plans under the alliance will see both companies bring voice, collaboration, conferencing, intelligent edge, networking, IoT, public safety, and cybersecurity solutions. In addition, there are separate goals for the two companies to work on technology solutions for social good — relating to sustainability, accessibility, and community challenges such as homelessness. This ties in with both Microsoft’s affordable housing initiative and AT&T Believes.

Both Microsoft and AT&T already have worked on enterprise networking, IoT, and blockchain solutions, and more services will be announced later in 2019.

There Was a Problem Updating your Controller [Fixed]

Have you ever had There was a problem updating your controller error while you were trying to update your Xbox One controller? If the answer is Yes, you don’t have to worry because a lot of other users have complained about this issue.

However, there’s a way to fix this problem, and in this article, we’ll show you how to do it.

How to fix There was a problem updating your controller error?

1. Update your controller using the USB connection

usb cable there was a problem updating your controller
  1. First, you will have to download and install the Xbox Accessories app from Microsoft.
  2. After this, launch the Xbox Accessories app that you have installed before.
  3. Then, use a USB cable to connect your Xbox One to your computer.
  4. When the controller is connected, it will show a message Update Required, only if an update is mandatory.
  5. If the message doesn’t appear, just click the three dots to go to more options.
  6. Now, please click on the box Firmware version, then click continue and wait until the process is complete.
  7. Click on Close and now enjoy. Your Xbox One controller is updated.

Note: Few users reported that their cable was the problem, so you might want to try updating the controller using a different micro-USB cable.

2. Remove the controller batteries

remove controller batteries there was a problem updating your controller
  1. Remove the controller batteries.
  2. Now connect the controller to your PC via a micro-USB cable.
  3. Wait for a few minutes. During this step, noting will be shown on the screen since the process performs in the background.
  4. After waiting for a couple of minutes, try to update the controller again.

Note: The option to update the controller might be grayed out, but it will still work.

We hope that these solutions helped you resolve the problem and now your Xbox One controller is updated.

Printer will not accept new cartridge [SOLVED]

One of the most common printer issues is that the printer will not accept a new ink cartridge. This issue appears on all printer brands, and with all ink cartridges brands, so the issue is rather well-known.

In this article, we will discuss how to avoid and fix this error once and for all.

What to do if printer won’t accept new cartridge?

1. Check your cartridge

printer cut - printer won't accept new cartridge

  1. Make sure you removed the protective plastic strip off of your cartridge before attempting to install it.
  2. Your printer software might not be updated.
  3. The connectors for the cartridges might be dirty.
  4. You bought the wrong type of toner for your machine.

2. Remove the old cartridge and wait

print-head - printer won't accept new cartridges

  1. Remove your old cartridge from the printer.
  2. Wait for 10 minutes or more removing the old cartridge.
  3. Insert the new cartridge and check if the issue is still there.

Need to align printer cartridges? Check this guide to learn how to do it!



3. Restart your printer

printer epsom - printer won't accept new cartridge

  1. Turn off the power and unplug your printer from the wall socket.
  2. Wait for 10 minutes.
  3. Plug everything back in, and try re-inserting the new cartridge.
  4. Turn the power back on and check to see if your printer recognizes the cartridge now.
  5. If this doesn’t work, please follow the next method.

4. Clean the toner cartridge

toner - printer won't accept new cartridge

  1. Turn off and unplug your printer.
  2. Remove the cartridge, and gently wipe the metal connector with a soft cloth.
  3. Check and clean the connector inside your printer.
  4. Try inserting the cartridge again.

5. Update the firmware or printer software

printer samsung - printer won't accept new cartridge

  1. As per the manual received with the printer, you should try updating the software and firmware of your device.
  2. Once the firmware is up to date, check if the problem is still there.

If your printer won’t accept new cartridge, be sure to try all of our solutions. If our solutions worked for you, feel free to let us know in the comments section.

READ ALSO:

Computer starts up with Devices Diagnostic Level set to Basic [FIX]

A wide range of users have reported that their computer starts-up with Devices Diagnostic Level set to Basic. More than this, it seems like the files that were stored both in the local accounts and apps installed were removed as well.

This is an extremely annoying problem, as you can’t get access to your main account, and all files seem lost a never-ending loop of moving from one profile to another.

The issue seems to arise when computer experience a power cut and shuts down instantly without any chance of saving the session. This can cause Windows 10 to enter a never-ending loop of creating a new temporary backup profile, without access to the original files.

What to do if your Devices Diagnostic Data level has been set to Basic?

1. Restart your computer

restart windows - Computer Starts-up with Devices Diagnostic Level set to Basic

  1. Click the Start button.
  2. Select the Power button and choose Restart from the menu.
  3. Once your PC restarts, check if the problem is still there.
  4. If the issue is still present, try restarting your PC a few more times.

2. Create another public profile in order to try and access the files on your hard-drive

  1. Press Win+X keys -> select Settings.settings - Computer Starts-up with Devices Diagnostic Level set to Basic
  2. Click on Accounts -> select Family & other users.accounts settings - Computer Starts-up with Devices Diagnostic Level set to Basic
  3. Select Add someone else to this PC.
  4. Choose I don’t have this person’s sign-in information.
  5. Select Add a user without a Microsoft account.
  6. Enter the credentials required (username and account password).
  7. Log into that new account.
  8. Search your computer (usually the: C drive), for a folder called Windows.old, or named after the user account that you encountered the issue in.
  9. Select all the files stored there and move them to an external hard-drive.
  10. Log into your administrator account, and follow the next method.

Want to remove Windows.old folder and free up space? Check out our in-depth guide!



3. Change Diagnostic and Usage Data Settings

  1. Press Win+X keys -> choose Settings -> Privacy.Privacy settings - Computer Starts-up with Devices Diagnostic Level set to Basic
  2. Select Diagnostics & Feedback.diagnostics and feedback - Computer Starts-up with Devices Diagnostic Level set to Basic
  3. Change the Diagnostic and Usage Data Settings to Full.
  4. Restart Windows and log into your administrator account.
  5. Delete all other profiles from your PC.

In this article we explored some of the best troubleshooting methods available for this issue. We would love to know if this guide helped you solve your problem.

Please feel free to let us know by using the comment section below.

READ ALSO:

Microsoft Forms now detects and blocks phishing attacks automatically

Microsoft Forms is a popular service that is used by millions of people around the world to create polls and surveys, as well as quizzes.

The tech giant has recently introduced Microsoft Forms Pro to enhance the capabilities of this service.

We can not deny the fact that phishing attacks are on the rise these days. The attackers are constantly looking for new ways to steal your sensitive information.

Thankfully, Microsoft decided to come up with a better strategy to restrict the scammers from using their service. The company recently implemented an automatic phishing detection technique in Microsoft Forms. Scammers can no longer create forms to steal your private information.

You must be wondering how the automatic phishing detection technique works. Attackers often used convincing titles for the forms. They did their best to design these forms as a legit source of feedback collection.

Microsoft has now limited the use of these practices by implementing an intelligent system that can detect when something is wrong.

This is done by detecting redirections to suspicious links, passwords collection in surveys and more. You can now report a suspicious phishing form by using the “Report abuse” option available under the Submit button.


Use these anti-hacking software for Windows 10 to prevent hackers from collecting private information.


Office 365 users are under attack

Microsoft took this decision due to the increased number of phishing attacks last year. Office 365 users sent and received around 470 billion malicious emails in 2018.

These emails were mainly malware or phishing attacks. Microsoft was unable to prevent such activities despite having dedicated Spam Analysis and Phishing Analysis teams.

However, it is worth noting that this problem is not just confined to Microsoft Forms. The entire Office 365 community is under attack. Microsoft is currently working on additional protection mechanisms to deal with these issues.

Microsoft recommends its users not to submit sensitive information to online forms and surveys. Furthermore, the company  published a complete guide to help users report phishing scam messages much quicker.

Comment down below if you have ever encountered a phishing attack via online surveys and forms. How did you deal with it?

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There Was a Problem With the Printhead [Fix]

Many users reported There was a problem with the printhead error while trying to print certain documents. This error will prevent you from printing, given that the printhead is a vital component.

While there are many printhead errors, this one, in particular, is tricky to troubleshoot, given the lack of available information. But we have listed some verified solutions that helped others! Keep reading to find out!

How do I fix There is a problem with the printhead?

1. Clean the printhead

  1. First, you will have to press the Power button to turn off the printer.
  2. Disconnect the printer from the power outlet.
  3. Then, open the cartridge access door.
  4. After this, remove all the cartridges and put them somewhere with the ink opening up. Do not leave the cartridge outside of the printer for longer than 30 minutes.
  5. Now carefully, lift the latch handle on the print carriage until it stops.
  6. Then carefully remove the printhead, also by lifting it up.
  7. And finally, clean the printhead.

While cleaning the printhead, three areas need particular attention since these are the ones that often trigger issues, especially the There is a problem with the printhead error:

  • The plastic ramps on both sides of the ink nozzles.
  • The edge between the nozzles.
  • The electrical contacts.
Tip icon Tip
Be very careful when cleaning the nozzles and the electrical contact areas. Do not touch the nozzles and the electrical contact areas with your fingers. Clean them only with cleaning materials.

2. Restart the printer

  1. First, turn on the printer and wait until the printer is idle and silent.
  2. After this, disconnect the power cord from the rear of the printer and unplug it from the wall outlet.
  3. Now, wait 1 minute and plug the power cord back into the wall outlet.
  4. Reconnect the power cord to the rear of the printer, then turn on the printer and wait until it is again idle and silent.

Once done, check whether There is a problem with the printhead error disappears.

3. Replace the printhead

If the previous methods didn’t work, try replacing the printhead. You can purchase one from the manufacturer’s official website, any e-commerce portal, or a reliable shop nearby. With the latter two, purchase a printhead compatible with the printer.

If the new printhead doesn’t work, you might want to take your printer to the repair center and ask the professional to take a look.

By now, There is a problem with the printhead error should be fixed, and the printer up and running just fine! And if you’d like to discover more tips and tricks, resolve printhead issues on your HP 6830 printer with these techniques in no time.

Before you leave, do check the best printer management software to print documents and be notified in case of issues effortlessly.

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

Google Calendar won’t delete recurring events [FIXED BY EXPERTS]

A large number of users have complained that Google Calendar won’t delete recurring events. This issue seems to be extremely common.

Having to deal with this Google Calendar issue while also making sure you’re keeping up to date with your latest meeting arrangements can be extremely annoying.

Here is what one user had to say about this issue on Google Support forums:

I cannot delete one event on Google Calendar reoccurring events. It disappears and shows back up.

In this article, we will explore some of the best troubleshooting methods to help you regain control over your calendar. Read on to find out more.

What to do if Google Calendar event won’t delete?

1. Update your browser to the latest version

  1. Click the three dots button found at the top-right side of your screen.Chrome settings button - Google calendar won't delete recurring events
  2. Hover your mouse over the Help button -> select About Google Chrome.Check Chrome version - Google calendar won't delete recurring events
  3. Another tab will open that will check for the latest version released.
  4. Restart Chrome and check to see if the issue persists.

2. Open up your browser in Incognito Mode

  1. Right-click the executable file for Google Chrome -> select New Incognito Window.Incognito window Chrome - Google calendar won't delete recurring events
  2. Access Google Calendar and try to delete the recurring event again.
  3. If this method didn’t solve your issue, please follow the next method.

3. Check when the event/events end, and try to delete them from there

calendar app - google calendar won't delete recurring events
  1. Some users have managed to delete the problematic entry in their calendar by tracing the end date of the event to a few years in the future.
  2. You will need to find the end date setting of the event you’re trying to delete and delete it from that location in the calendar.

4. Remove all the people that shared the calendar

agenda calendar - Google calendar won't delete recurring events
  1. Try removing all the people that had access to the event from the calendar.
  2. After doing that, try to remove the event again.

5. Check other non-Google calendars

day-planner - Google calendar won't delete recurring events
  1. Not being able to remove a recurring event in Google Calendar might also be caused by the calendar being connected to other calendar services like Microsoft Outlook.
  2. Open the other Calendar app, and make sure that the event is removed from there first, then try to remove the recurring event from Google Calendar as well.

In this article, we explored some of the best troubleshooting methods to fix the issue caused by not being able to remove a recurring event from your Google Calendar.

We would love to know if this guide helped you solve your issue. Please feel free to let us know by using the comment section found below this article.

Users switch to OneDrive after Dropbox limits free accounts to 3 devices

Many people have been using free Dropbox accounts for years. However, Dropbox made some changes to its policy in March this year.

The company limited free Basic account users to only three devices. The support article reveals that Professional, Plus and Business users can still continue using their Dropbox accounts with an unlimited number of devices.

Notably, this decision does not affect those who have already connected three devices to the Basic account. But they won’t be able to add more devices inthe  future.

Dropbox users are annoyed by the fact that the company didn’t inform them about the change. Only a few users received emails from Dropbox while others claim that they were not informed.

The conversation on this Reddit thread shows that many users already decided to switch to OneDrive.

Dropbox vs OneDrive: Which is better?

Some people are concerned about the lack of encryption in OneDrive. They don’t want their data to be accessible for Microsoft.

However, you might not be aware of the fact that encryption issues have been fixed. The files stored on OneDrive are now encrypted.

Moreover, many people are willing to pay the increased price to enjoy smart sync features.

Well, I still use it. Dropbox just works and I have had many troubles with Microsoft OneDrive not syncing or taking hours to sync the smallest Excel doc. No thanks! I don’t mind paying for a service and don’t fault them for altering their free service. I do fault Microsoft for their crapy syncing, and have seen the low level of quality on pretty much all Microsoft software for going on years now.

Many people already shifted to OneDrive months ago. They are managing two separate accounts for their personal and professional needs.

One of the major reasons behind the switch is that Dropbox started sending emails to its clients about their data being deleted soon.

As you can see, both of these cloud storage platforms have their own features. Now it’s up to you if you want to continue using Dropbox at an increased price or switch to OneDrive.

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PC Automatically Starts When Plugged in [FIXED BY EXPERTS]

Many users reported that their PC automatically starts when plugged in. This can be a problem for some, and in this article, we’ll show you two simple methods you can use to fix this problem.

What to do if the computer turns on without pressing the power button?

1. Remove motherboard battery

motherboard battery pc automatically starts when plugged in
  1. Note: This solution requires you to open your computer case. If your PC is under warranty, perhaps it would be best to contact the official repair center.
  2. Open your computer case and locate the motherboard battery.
  3. Carefully remove it from the motherboard. Note: Be extra cautious not to damage any other hardware while removing the battery.
  4. Once the battery is removed, wait for 10 minutes or more, and insert the battery again.
  5. Start your PC and check if the problem is still there.
  6. Note: If you’re not comfortable with removing the battery on your own, contact a professional or try our next solution.

2. Reset BIOS settings

access bios pc automatically starts when plugged in
  1. Enter BIOS. If you don’t know how to do that, be sure to check out a guide on how to access BIOS.
  2. Now, wait for your BIOS settings to load. This should take only a few seconds. After the loading is complete, the BIOS settings menu will appear on the screen.
  3. Look for the Setup Defaults option. If this option isn’t available, look for Factory Default, Setup Defaults, Reset to Default or something similar.
  4. After this, you will have to select the Load Setup Defaults.
  5. Now you will just have to save the changes. After this, the process of exiting BIOS settings will start and your computer will automatically restart.

We hope that this article helped you solve the issue. After using these two solutions, your PC shouldn’t start automatically when plugged in anymore. If you found our solutions helpful, feel free to let us know in the comments section below.

New Cortana Beta app for Windows 10 apparently goes live for some Insiders

A couple of weeks ago, a hidden Cortana beta app was discovered in the Windows 10 20H1 build 18922, and Microsoft still hasn’t acknowledged its existence. This new UWP app could soon replace the built-on Cortana app on Windows 10, and work like a regular Windows app that will be updated through the Microsoft Store. 

Aggiornamenti Lumia noticed today that Cortana Beta, now available on the Microsoft Store, can be downloaded on Fast Ring PC. The Store listing indicates that the app requires the May 2019 Update or later, but we haven’t been able to install it on a Fast Ring PC or another one still on the production ring.

After trying to install it several times, we’ve also noticed that Cortana Beta now appears in Settings > Apps. The app doesn’t show up in the Settings app on PCs running the May 2019 Update, so it looks like Cortana Beta could be preinstalled but somewhat hidden on PCs running the latest 20H1 builds. Hopefully, it will go live for all Fast Ring Insiders in very soon. 

The store listing for this Cortana Beta app shows that it’s compatible with Surface Hub devices, and it also includes some screenshots showing the new conversational UI that’s already available on Cortana for iOS and Android. Instead of interacting with it your voice, as you can do today with the Windows 10 version of Cortana, this new beta app will let you type your questions to the digital assistant.

Cortana Beta brings will bring a new conversational UI to Windows 10 PCs.

Again, the Windows Insider team has yet to discuss the presence of this new Cortana Beta app in preview 20H1 builds, but it really make sense to transform Cortana into a full-fledged UWP app that can be updated more frequently. This way, Cortana will be able to better compete with Alexa on Windows 10, especially since the 19H2 update coming later this year will allow Alexa and other digital assistants to be voice-activated right from the Windows 10 lock screen.

Common Blazing Chrome issues and how to fix them on PC

Blazing Chrome is a classic run’and’gun game, with local Co-op gameplay and a fast-paced experience. It’s available on Steam and it has minimal PC requirements.

If you want to kill some metal AI controlled robots with your friends and save the world in the process, than Blazing Chrome is the perfect way to do it.

Despite being lots of fun and very addictive, players are reporting a lot of annoying bugs that prevent them to fully enjoy the experience.

With that in mind, let’s see what are the most common bugs in Blazing Chrome and how you can easily fix them.

Frequent Blazing Chrome issues

1. Beating the game does not unlock hardcore/characters

One of the most common bugs in Blazing Chrome is the lack of new perks after beating the game. This issue seems to affect a lot of players and is very annoying.

Weirdly enough, the notification for hardcore, mirror, boss rush, and two new characters appears, but when the game starts again, the features are missing. Here’s how a player describes the problem:

i’ve beat the game and got the unlock notification for hardcore, mirror, boss rush, and two new characters but when i went to start a new game these features/unlocks were missing.

The only solution, for now, is to turn on the Steam overlay. The developers stated that this problem will be fixed in the next patch. So if you’re getting the same bug, turn on Stem overlay and everything should work fine.


Steam overlay isn’t working? Take a look at this simple guide to find the right solution for the issue.


2. Win32 function failed error

Many users complained that they can’t launch the game when running through Linux Proton. The problem seems graphics related and the specific error is Win32 function failed: HRESULT: 0x80004005. 

Installed the game and got this message when trying to start:
Win32 function failed: HRESULT: 0x80004005

Call: at line 266 in file Graphics_DisplayM.cpp

The solution is pretty simple and comes from one of the developers. Just make sure that you have 32bit drivers for Vulkan installed and use this PROTON_USE_WINED3D11=1 %command% as a launch option.

If you’re also interested in having Windows 10 as well as Linux on your PC, check out this useful guide that will show you how to properly dual boot them without any problems.

3. Game not launching

Some Windows 10 users stated that when they try to open the game nothing happens, and only a white field appears in the middle of the screen. This is a visual bug and it’s related to the graphics drivers.

Here’s what one user says:

When I am trying to launch the game I´ll see a white field in the middle of the screen and nothing happens.

If you’re in the same boat, make sure you have DirectX 11 on your PC and update your GPU drivers. This solved the problem for many.

If you want the latest GPU drivers, bookmark this page and always stay updated with the latest and greatest.

Also, make sure to disable your antivirus, as it may interfere with your game.


Want to check if the firewall is blocking your game? Follow the simple steps from this guide to find out how.


4. Slowdown when using V-Sync

Enabling V-Sync in Blazing Chrome renders the game almost unplayable, as one user stated:

I’m getting severe slowdown when enabling v-sync. Dad anyone else come across this issue? I would leave it off but the screen tearing is an eyesore.

This happens with V-Sync on and in fullscreen. It seems to have no effect on windowed mode.

So, if you’re having the same problem, be sure to turn V-Sync off or to play the game in windowed mode.

If you want to know how to increase your FPS in Windows 10, check out this step-by-step guide and learn how to do it with ease.

That’s about it for now. Some of these bugs can be easily fixed, other require in-depth solutions, but the developers are aware of all of them and probably will solve them in future patches.

What other bugs did you encountered in Blazing Chrome? Leave your answer along with any other questions in the comments section below.

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How to check the battery level of your Xbox One controller on Windows 10

Ever since my prepaid Xbox Live Gold subscription turned into Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, I have been taking full advantage of the new service. Gaming on Windows 10 and Xbox One has been a blast and there are more than enough games to keep me busy. But with all that gaming, one issue I run into a lot is that I don’t often know how much time I have left to play using my Xbox One controller.

When I connect my Xbox One controller to my Surface Book 2, I still can’t see the battery level via the Devices page in Settings. I can see the battery level of my mouse, but why not my controller? It is frustrating that Microsoft left out such a small, but very important detail. The Xbox Game Bar in Windows 10 does show you how much battery is left on your Xbox One controller, but only gives you a general level of low, medium, or full.

Instead, I have to rely on a separate Windows 10 app to see my Xbox One controller’s battery life. it’s called Xbox Accessories. In order to use the app, you need to connect your Xbox One Wireless controller (or other Xbox One accessory) to your Windows 10 PC, here’s what you need to do:

  1. Go to Settings (Windows key + i)
  2. Go to Devices
  3. Add Bluetooth or other device
  4. Follow the instructions to complete the Xbox One Wireless controller setup

Depending on your the age of Windows 10 PC’s hardware, you may need to connect your Xbox One Wireless controller via Bluetooth. Newer Windows 10 PCs can connect Xbox One Wireless controllers using built-in Xbox Wireless Adapter, DLNA (based on Universal Plug and Play) certification, and other connection options.

Once connected, you need to download the Xbox Accessories app from the Microsoft Store. Once downloaded, the Windows 10 app lets you buzz the controller, update the controller, and test the buttons to verify that they are working correctly. As for battery level, it provides the same rough estimate of the battery remaining. At the moment, my Xbox One Wireless controller shows a “medium” battery level. I should also point out that I tested the Xbox Accessories app using an Xbox One Wireless controllers using a rechargeable battery pack and separately with regular AA batteries. The battery level is the same medium level.

There is no indication of how much time I have left to play on Xbox One or Windows 10. I understand that Microsoft may not be able to properly estimate the life of an Xbox One Wireless controller when using batteries. It is inexcusable for Microsoft to be unable to guess remaining battery life when you are using a rechargeable battery pack made by Microsoft. Perhaps we will see a future update to the Xbox Game Bar addressing the Xbox One Wireless controller battery level.

Printer Won’t Stay Connected to Wi-Fi: 5 Quick Ways to Fix it

If your HP Printer won’t stay connected to Wi-Fi, you are not the only one going through this issue. This issue seems prevalent and happens on various printer brands, computers, and Wi-Fi speeds.

Fortunately, this issue can be easily fixed, and we will show you how to go about it in this guide.

Why won’t my printer stay connected to Wi-Fi?

Listed below are some of the notable reasons your printer might not stay connected to Wi-Fi:

  • Antivirus interference: Sometimes, your antivirus or firewall might cut your printer off your connection. In this case, you need to disable the security software temporarily.
  • Corrupt system files: Some users have found this issue to be due to missing or broken system files. Repairing and restoring these files should do the trick here.
  • Channel conflict: When two frequencies overlap, there may be an access point channel conflict, causing a network performance issue.

What can I do if my printer won’t stay connected to Wi-Fi?

1. Make sure the printer is connected directly to the outlet

  1. Having your Wi-Fi printer connected through a surge protector to the outlet is not a good idea.
  2. The printer might not have enough power to maintain the connection to your Wi-Fi network, and this might be causing the issue.

2. Disable your firewall and antivirus protection

  1. Temporarily disable your antivirus and firewall.
  2. Now check if the problem is resolved.
  3. If that fixes the problem, you might have to readjust your antivirus/firewall settings.

For more setup tips beyond firewall adjustments, see our full guide on how to connect an HP printer to Wi-Fi.

3. Disable Bluetooth and other interference

  1. Right-click the Bluetooth icon in your taskbar and select Open settings.bluetooth settings - why won't my printer stay connected to wifi
  2. Inside the settings window, toggle the Bluetooth button to Off.Bluetooth toggle button - Why won't my printer stay connected to wifi
  3. Disable the IPV6 service inside your printer. (steps for this will vary depending on your printer make and model)

4. Run the SFC command

  1. Press Windows + X keys and select Windows PowerShell (Admin).
    Powershell admin - Why won't my printer stay connected to wifi
  2. Inside the PowerShell, type the command below and hit Enter: sfc /scannow
  3. Wait for the process to complete, restart your PC, and check to see if the issue is solved.

Besides using the Windows utility to detect possible threats, there is a tailored system repair tool. It’s beneficial to use a PC repair solution and find potentially critical errors or crashes that may generate this printer issue.

5. Run the DISM command

  1. Press Windows key + X and select WindowsPowerShell (Admin).
  2. Type the command below and hit Enter:DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth dism command - Why won't my printer stay connected to wifi
  3. Check to see if the issue persists.

We can now conclude this guide with this solution. You should now be able to fix the printer that won’t stay connected to Wi-Fi.

If your printer is connected, but your computer can’t find it, check our detailed guide to fix it.

Feel free to let us know the solution that helped you fix this issue in the comments below.

Looking for work? Here’s how to search for a job using LinkedIn

Are you on the hunt for a job? If you are, then Monster, ZipRecruiter, and Indeed might be some places you’ve already visited to search through your local job listings. But did you know the Microsoft-owned professional social media network, LinkedIn, is also a great resource to leverage to find employment?

In this guide, we’ll take a look at how you can search through jobs on LinkedIn, and hopefully score that employment opportunity you’ve always wanted.

Step 1: Update your career interests

Along with updating your profile, you’ll need to change your career interests by visiting this webpage before you begin searching for jobs. Be sure to choose where you are in your search, and any job titles you may be considering. Both these settings will impact the results you see when you search for jobs. It’s also best to choose where you want your job to be located, and what type of jobs you want. There is even a privacy option for letting recruiters know you’re open, but this may share your personal details.

LinkedIn Career Interests

Step 2:  Update your job application settings

A second prerequisite before searching for jobs on LinkedIn is to change your job application settings via this webpage. Make sure your email and phone number are correct, and then upload a copy of your resume so employers can see it. This is what will be used once you click “Apply” or “Easy Apply” when you see a job listing that fits your needs.

Linkedin Job Application Settings

Step 3: Click the Jobs icon on the LinkedIn homepage

To get started with your hunt on LinkedIn, you’ll need to click the “jobs” icon at the top of the LinkedIn homepage. This icon appropriately looks like a briefcase, and it appears right in between the “Messaging” icon and the “My Network” icon. Once clicked, this will take you to the main jobs hub on LinkedIn. You’ll see the search bar, suggested job searches, recommended searches, and more. We’ll dive a bit deeper into those later, but for now, feel free to explore at will.

LinkedIn jobs main page

Step 4: Enter your search in the search jobs field

The next step in finding a job through LinkedIn is to click on the Search jobs field. Here, you can search the job title you’re looking for. In our case, we’re looking for “Staff Writer.” This will give you a list of ALL the job openings with that title, but you can also use filters to modify the search. You can find filters running along the top of the page to find something that’s right for you.

For instance, you can filter jobs by date posted to remove old job listings, or “by company” if you’re looking to work for a certain company. You also can choose to filter by “experience Level” to remove jobs that are above your skillset. Other filters available include “job type,” “industry,” “function,” “title,” and “commute.” You can find these extra filters by clicking on “all filters.”

Searching Jobs on LinkedIn

Step 5: (Optional) Use Boolean search modifiers

If the built-in LinkedIn filters are not working for you, Boolean search modifiers can help refine searches based on the job description. An old trick used by scholars looking through databases, Boolean searching uses tools called “operators” and “modifiers” to limit, widen, and refine search results. There are a few terms which can be used on LinkedIn to more efficiently find positions that are for your skills. In our case, we typed in “Staff AND Writer” in our search. Keep in mind, there’s no limit for the number of modifiers you can use. LinkedIn suggests using the following modifiers:

  • Type the word NOT (capital letters) immediately before a search term to exclude it from your search results
  • Type the word OR (capital letters) to see results that include one or more items in a list.
  • Type the word AND (capital letters) to see results that include all items in a list
  • or can use parentheses to refine your search with multiple terms.

Another trick is to use quotation marks when searching for jobs. This will search for exact phrases only. Keep in mind, though, that LinkedIn does not support wildcard searches.

Boolean Searches

Step 6: Keep on searching

As with all online services (that’s you Facebook!) the more you use LinkedIn, the more it will learn about you. As you continue to search for jobs, you’ll end up seeing the “because you viewed” section on LinkedIn. These are the recommended jobs that LinkedIn believes matches your skills based on your previous searches. If your LinkedIn profile is complete, you’ll also notice that LinkedIn will suggest your jobs based on your Profile and Career interests.

Suggested Searches on LinkedIn

Good luck and hang in there!

As with all job hunts, patience is required. No job is ever guaranteed, but if you keep searching, you will find your dream job. Once you do, it’ll feel amazing, and you’ll be able to update your LinkedIn profile to let everyone know you’re on your way to success.

My PC is Getting Locked Automatically [FIXED BY EXPERTS]

Windows 10 is a great operating system, but some users have complained that their PC is getting locked automatically. This isn’t a bug or an error, but it might be a bit annoying especially if you’re in the middle of something. Since this behavior can interfere with your work, in today’s article we’ll show you how to fix this problem once and for all.

How do I stop the computer from locking when idle?

1. Modify the registry

  1. Press Windows Key + R and type regedit. Now press Enter or click OK.
    regedit pc getting locked automatically
  2. In the left pane, navigate to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows.
  3. Right-click Windows and choose New > Key.
  4. Set Personalization as the name of the new key.
  5. Right-click the newly created Personalization key and choose New > DWORD (32-bit) Value.
  6. Set NoLockScreen as the name of the DWORD and double-click it to open its properties.
  7. Now change the Value Data to 1 and click OK to save changes.

2. Disable Lock Screen in Pro Edition Windows 10

  1. Press Windows Key + R and type gpedit -> Press Enter.
  2. Go to Administrative Templates and double-click on it -> Then double-click also on Control Panel -> After this you will have to click on Personalization.
  3. Go to Do not display the lock screen and double click on it -> Then click on Enabled -> After this, press on Apply -> And the final step, click on OK.

There you go, a few solutions that should help you out if your PC is getting locked automatically. Feel free to try out all of our solutions and let us know in the comments section which solution worked for you.

Chinese Typing Software: Best to Use in 2026

You don’t need to buy a specialized keyboard in order to type in Chinese characters on your Windows 10 PC. You can simply use the same QWERTY keyboard you’re used to, and modify the input language from the Windows control panel. One of the best tactics to go about solving this issue is to use the pinyin input method. This method is most commonly used in Chinese schools, so it is perfectly suitable to use it in order to contact any of your Chinese acquaintances. It is also the easiest method to use for people that do not speak the language fluently as it only requires you to know the phonetics of reading each character. Another popular method of writing in Chinese is the Zhuyin input method, but this requires that you understand and know the entire bopomofo syllable system. In this article, we are going to explore both built-in Windows solutions for dealing with this issue, but also a few third-party software options.  

Best tools to type Chinese on your Windows 10 PC

Built-in Windows 10 Chinese keyboard input options

Windows-10 - built-in tools to write chinese

There are two built-in options available on Windows 10 for writing both traditional and simplified characters (Hanyu):

Microsoft Pinyin (MSPY) – most commonly used in mainland China and Singapore, this method allows you not to worry about inserting apostrophes between each sound, as it does this completely automatically

Microsoft Bopomofo (MSZY) – most commonly used in Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan, this format offers you access to modern Traditional characters that also include the Hong Kong set, and is also fully compatible with the Taiwan Big5 and also International Unicode standards

If you’re wondering where you can find these settings, here are the steps you need to follow in Windows 10 in order to modify them:

1. In the Cortana search box type ‘Region’> Click ‘Region and Language Settings’ > Clik ‘Add a Language’.add language
2. Choose ‘Chinese Simplified’ from the list of languages > Select ‘Chinese (Simplified, China)
3. Download the Language Pack available.
4. Click on options button after installing the language pack to choose between simplified or traditional character sets.


Did you know can now download language packs for Windows via Microsoft Store

Pinyin IME Google Input Tools

Google Input Tools - chinese typing

This online tool developed by Google allows you to type in both Simplified and Traditional Chinese without downloading any software.

In order to effectively use this tool, you will need to type the sound you want to write down, and a pop-up with suggested characters will give you the ability to choose a specific character.


Looking for a way to avoid the Great Firewall of China? Check these VPN solutions.


In order to select a highlighted character, you can simply choose between clicking on it, using the spacebar, you can type the number that represents the word.

You can even use the arrow keys on your keyboard to either change pages (left or right), and scroll through pages (up and down arrow keys).

Try the online Pinyin IME from Google 

Microsoft Office IME 2010

office_365 - IME for chinese

This tool from Microsoft is a plug-in for your version of Microsoft Office that allows you to input a wide range of languages, but most importantly includes both the Traditional and Simplified versions of Chinese.

Download Microsoft Office IME

Sogou Pinyin

Sogou Pinyin - IME for chinese typing

Sogou Pinyin is one of the best matching Chinese typography software, but the database of characters does not match the capabilities of the software and built-in options we presented above.

Because Sogou is also a search engine company, the software word databases are constantly updated and improved by its users.

Download Sogou Pinyin IME

Conclusion

In this article, we explored some of the most practical ways to write both Traditional and Simplified versions of Chinese on your Windows 10 PC. This list offers you a choice no matter if you want to install any third-party software on your computer or not.

You can choose to use the built-in language input settings found in the control panel of your PC, or use an online IME tool created by Google, or, if you are using Microsoft to type, can explore their option.

Please feel free to let us know how your experience was when trying these typing options out. You can do so by using the comment section found below this article.

RELATED STORIES YOU SHOULD CHECK OUT:

Software that crashes Google Chrome [COMPLETE LIST]

Google in 2010 had published a list of software applications that are known to crash the Google Chrome web browser. Since then it has been 9 years and the list has only grown with more software that has been included in the list.

Every Windows user experiences a Google Chrome crashing issue at least once, and most of the time it is a third-party app that is causing the error. If your Google Chrome is crashing and if your suspect a foul play by third-party software, first check the list of the software listed in this article and compare it to your app list. If you find a match, you probably also have found the culprit.

In this article, we take a look at the software that crashes Google Chrome in Windows 10.

Quick tip:

Before getting into it, you should know that you can benefit from an effective browsing service like Opera.

This Chromium-based browser will deliver helpful features that include a free VPN for increased privacy. Plus, it’s likely to be more consistent as it includes integration with various social media and messaging apps.

⇒ Get Opera

Why does my Google Chrome keep crashing?

1. Internet Download Manager – If you have Internet Download Manager installed, you may have to disable the Advanced Browser integration option within IDM to fix the problem. Here is how to do it.

  1. Launch Internet Download Manager.
  2. Click on Options (Cog icon).
  3. In the General tab, uncheck the box for “User advanced browser integration”.
  4. Click Yes when a pop-up screen appears.
    Disable Use Advanced Browser Integration in IDM
  5. Click OK to saved the changes.

2. NVIDIA Desktop Explorer – If you have NVIDIA Desktop Explorer installed, you may want to remove the nvsshell.dll file as it is known to cause issues with Google Chrome. This should not be an issue if you are using the latest desktop management software.

3. FolderSize – Folder is a handy little utility and shows sizes of folders seen in the File Explorer. It is an open source software and sometimes can create issues with your Google Chrome browser resulting in crashes.  If you have the utility installed, use Revo Uninstaller to remove it completely from your system.

4. Asus EeePC print crash – If you have Aus WEbStorage installed, you may want to update the software to prevent it from crashing Google Chrome.

5. StopZilla – SoptZilla is an antivirus and optimization software for PC and can cause Chrome to crash. This issue can also be resolved by updating the software or disabling it.

6. WinMount – WinMount is used to Compress and Mount RAR, ZIP, CD and DVD images but the software can create issues with your Chrome browser. If you have it installed, make sure you update it to the latest version.

Other Software that may crash Google Chrome include:

  • PPLive
  • Venturi Firewall 
  • Hide My IP
  • ESET Nod32 Antivirus 
  • NVIDIA Desktop Explorer
  • NVIDIA Network Access Manager
  • Trusteer Rapport
  • Microsoft Office XP Input Method Editor
  • ContentWatch
  • Safe Eyes Parental Control Software
  • Naomi Web Filter

Check Incompatible Programs with Google Chrome

  1. Google Chrome offers a built-in tool that checks for program compatibility on your system. You can use the tool check if any other program that is not listed above is incompatible with your browser.
  2. Launch Google Chrome.
  3. Click the Menu icon and select Settings.
    Google Chrome Setting - Fix Crash
  4. Click on Advanced button expand the settings page.
    Clean Virus Google Chrome
  5. Select the Clean up Computer option.
    Clean Up Computer - No virus found
  6. It will check for harmful software and list any software that may create issues with the browser.

KB4507453 frequent issues and how to quickly fix them

Microsoft is continuously working on improving the experience and usability of Windows 10, especially now when Windows 10 v1903 caused so many bugs.

It seems like the never-ending list of problems continues with KB4507453. Instead of solving old problems, the new patch comes with many bugs of its own.

KB4507453 reported bugs

1. KB4507453 fails to install

The Windows 10 May update isn’t done with installations problems, KB4507453 update patch being the living proof of that. Some users reported that the patch install failed with error code 0x800f0904.

The issue is relate with the previous KB4501375 patch which also failed to install with error 0x800f0904. Here’s what one user who had problems with both patches is saying:

Two or so weeks ago KB4501375 failed to install, and this still shows in the Update listing as failed. error code 0x800f0904. Yesterday and today KB4507453 failed to install after several retries. error code 0x800f0904. At least the error codes are common, although the fix may be more difficult.

The issue seems more common on HP laptops, as some of them weren’t tested for Windows 10 v1903 and are not compatible with it because the BIOS can’t be updated.

If you’re in the same boat and can’t install the KB4507453 patch, there are a couple of things that you could try.

1. Run the Windows Update troubleshooter:

  • Go to Settings > Update & Security.
  • In the left panel, click on Troubleshoot.
  • In the right section scroll down and click on Windows Update > Run the troubleshooter.
  • Follow the on-screen steps and wait for the process to finish.

If the Troubleshooter stops before completing the process, fix it with the help of this complete guide.


2. Restart the Windows Update service:

  • In the Windows search box type cmd, right-click the first result and select Run as administrator.
  • In the Command Prompt window that appears, type the following commands one-by-one followed by Enter:

net stop wuauserv

net stop cryptSvc

net stop bits

net stop msiserver

Ren C:WindowsSoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.old

Ren C:WindowsSystem32catroot2 Catroot2.old

net start wuauserv

net start cryptSvc

net start bits

net start msiserver

Close Command Prompt and check if the update works.


If you’re having trouble accessing Command Prompt as an admin, then you better take a closer look at this guide.


2. KB4507453 is unavailable for installation

Another annoying problem is that some users don’t have the option to upgrade to KB4507453 patch. The option to update isn’t working automatically, or even manually for some:

On the latest Patch Tuesday, I was not offered the Cumulative Update for Windows 10 Version 1903 KB4507453. […] I was never offered the update and when I tried to manually install it, I was told that “This update doesn’t apply to your computer” or something like that.

Also, in the update history you could see some greyed out options. This means one of two things: either you’re in the slow ring of the insider program, or this update doesn’t apply to you.

Why? Because it includes some improvements and fixes that will be downloaded separately if you installed the previous update. Windows won’t need to download and install the entire thing to your PC.

For more info on that, you can check out this official Microsoft page.

3. Windows doesn’t boot after installing KB4507453

Boot problems plagued the Windows 10 v1903 update from the beginning. This continues in KB4507453 update patch, as some users can’t boot into Windows after installing it. Here’s what one user stated:

windows 10 (1903) update KB4507453 – does not boot. I had to go back to the last restore point of 2019-07-11 to make the system run again.Error 0x80242016 is shown for KB4507453. There is plenty of disk space.

It’s not sure yet if this is specific to dual-boot systems or not.

If you’re in the same situation, you can always use System Restore to bring your PC back to normal. To do that, follow the steps:

  • In the Windows search box type System Restore.
  • Click on the first result, Create a restore point.create restore point window 10 speed up
  • In the System proprieties, click on System Restore and then follow the on-screen instructions.

Note: If the System Restore button is greyed out, it means that you don’t have a previously saved restore point and the restore option isn’t available. Make sure that the option is active under Protection Settings.

If you’re interested in more info on how to create a restore point and how would that help you, take a look at this simple article to find out everything you need to know.


If System Restore isn’t working, don’t panic. Check this useful guide and set things right once again.


4. Dolby Access for Headphones option not available after KB4507453 update

Some Windows 10 users are complaining that the Dolby Access for Headphones disappeared after installing the KB4507453 patch:

After the recent update, i am not able to see the option ‘Dolby Access for Headphones’ option in spatial sound. Before the update i was able to view the option and the functionality has been working fine.

Luckily, there are a couple of solutions to fix this issue quickly.

1. Run the Audio troubleshooter:

  • Go to Start > Settings > Update & Security.
  • In the left panel click on Troubleshoot.
  • In the right section scroll down and click on Playing Audio > Run the troubleshooter.
  • Follow the on-screen steps and wait for the process to finish.

The troubleshooter fails to load with an error? Follow this useful guide and fix it in just a couple of simple steps.


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


2. Reinstall your audio driver:

  • In the Windows search box type Device Manager.
  • Go to your audio driver and right-click it > uninstall device.
  • Restart your PC and windows will automatically install the default driver.
  • Optional: You can also go to Device Manager and scan for hardware changes.

Windows can’t automatically find and download new drivers? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered.


And that’s about it. These are the most common bugs in KB4507453 update and a few simple solutions to solve them.

If any of them worked for you, or if you’re aware of other ways to solve them, please leave your troubleshooting steps in the comments section below so that other users may try them.

Also, if you have any other questions, leave them there as well.

RELATED WINDOWS 10 V1903 BUGS THAT YOU SHOULD BE AWARE OF:

How to run 16-bit apps in Windows 10 64-bit [STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE]

Like the previous version of Windows OS, the Windows 10 also comes with support for running the older programs not compatible with the Windows 10 64bit edition. Since the Windows 64-bit system lacks the 16-bit subsystem to run 16-bit apps, we need to try a workaround.

To install 16-bit apps in Windows 10 64-bit we need to install a Virtual Machine first and then install an older version of Windows OS like XP onto it. After that, you can install most of the 16-bit apps in Windows 10 via Virtual Machine.

Can I run 16 bit programs on a 64 bit computer?

Install and configure VirtualBox

  1. Start with downloading Oracle VirtualBox that you can download for free from the official page. Make sure you download the right version for your Windows (Virtualbox 5.1.4 for Windows hosts).
  2. Run the installer after the download is complete.
  3. Once you have installed the Oracle Virtual Box successfully, you need to create a new virtual machine for your legacy application.
  4. Since you want to run a 16-bit app in Windows 10 64-bit system, it is recommended that you use Windows XP to create a new virtual machine.
  5. Make sure you have downloaded the Windows XP ISO onto your computer. You can find the Windows XP ISO with a simple Google search. Proceed with creating new Virtual Machine, after you have the Windows XP ISO ready.
  6. Launch Virtual Box, click on Machine and select New.
    Virtual machine - New
  7. Here you need to enter a name for the VM. Enter  Windows XP. Most likely Oracle Box will automatically fill the OS version to Windows XP 32-bit.
    Create new VM - XP 32-bit
  8. If not click on the drop-down menu for version and select “Windows XP (32-bit).
  9. Next, you need to set the memory size. If you have 8 GB of RAM then I would recommend setting the size to 1GB and for 4GB set it to 512 MB.
  10. Under “Hard Disk” section, select “Create a virtual hard disk now” option. This partition will store the operating system.
  11. Click the Create button.
  12. In the “Create a Virtual Hard Disk” window, leave the File Location as it is.VM Windows XP Virtual machine Partition
  13. Go to Hard Disk file type and select VDI (VirtualBox Disk Image).
  14. For “Storage on Physical hard disk” select “Dynamically allocated” option.
  15. Click on the Create button again.
  16. OracleBox will now start creating your Hard Disk. It may take a while so, wait for till it completes.

Do you want to use Windows XP forever? We’ve got your back.


Install the Windows XP OS

  1. To install the OS you need the Windows XP ISO Image. If you have it downloaded, proceed with the next steps.
  2. In the Virtual Box, select Windows XP and click on the Start button.
    Virtual Machine XP Start
  3. Since this is the first time you are installing Windows OS, it will ask you to select a Startup Disk.
    Install XP In Virtual Machine
  4. Click on the Browse icon and navigate to where your Windows ISO Image is located. Select the ISO Image and click on Start.
  5. Now follow the on-screen instructions to install the OS.

Install Guest Additions

  1. To move between the virtual machine and the host easily, you need to install Guest Additions.
    To move between VM and Host
  2. In your Virtual Machine, click on Devices and click on Insert Guest Additions CD Image. Click Next.

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Field of Glory: Empires common issues and how to fix them

Field of Glory: Empires is a fairly popular strategy game in which you’ll have to deal with nations, tribes, and armies to conquer the world.

The game is available on Steam and you can play it on your Windows 10 PC without much hassle.

Despite not being very large or having some unusual system requirements, many users report that the game has a lot of bugs and glitches, and today we’ll focus on them.

Field of Glory: Empires common bugs on Windows 10

1. Game crashes

Game crashes are not unusual when it comes to newer games or after certain updates, but it seems that Field of Glory: Empires crashes way too often, as one user describes the experience:

Two hours play and two total crashes, where I had to reboot the whole system. A box told me, that it has send the data to the developer; I hope that it did?

Game crashes are sometimes related to GPU drivers, so make sure to update your graphics card drivers to solve the issue. If you don’t know how to do that, follow the steps:

  • In the Windows search box type Device Manager and click on the first result.
  • In Device Manager, expand Display adapters, right-click on your GPU driver and then select Update driver.
  • Wait for the process to finish.

Windows can’t automatically find and download new drivers? Don’t worry, we’ve got the right solution for you.

After that, game crashes shouldn’t be a problem anymore. If Windows doesn’t find a new driver for your GPU, you can always go to your GPU manufacturer’s official page and download the latest driver from there.

Alternatively, you can use automated support to update all your PC drivers correctly, plus optimize your devices and thus fix gaming issues using Fortect Driver Updater.

2. Game won’t load

Another annoying issue reported is that FoG Empires doesn’t load but it runs in the background:

Game launcher wont load. Nothing on screen but says its running (game menu.exe) in steam and its open in Task Manager.

To get past this bug, first disable your antivirus and firewall, as sometimes it can block your game.

After that, you should verify the integrity of the game files from Steam. Follow the steps to do that:

  • Open Steam.
  • Go to Library > right-click on your game > Proprieties.
  • Now click on Local files tab.
  • The last button on the list should be Verify Integrity of Game Files.
  • Click on it and wait for the process to finish. Note: The process could take several minutes, depending on your game files.

3. Export battle button is missing

This is a pretty weird bug that will stop you to play the battles in FoG Empires. Here’s how a user describes the issue:

What do I have to do to be able to play the battles in FGII? I do not see the export button in the loading screen of the battle.

To fix this problem, you can try a pretty simple workaround. If you have Fields of Glory II installed, launch it first after you install Empires and after that open Fields of Glory: Empires and the export button should be there.

Keep in mind that this is just a workaround and might not work for you, but you could give it a try.

If you want to improve your gaming experience, you can increase your in-game FPS for smoother gameplay. To do that, just follow the simple steps in this guide and you’ll be done in no time.

That’s it, for now. Bookmark this page as we will keep you updated on new Fog Empires bugs and how to fix them. If you have any other questions, feel free to leave them in the comments section below.

Desktop Gone After Windows 10 Update: 5 Ways to Restore it

Users have complained that after a Windows 10 update, their desktop is gone or disappears.

If you have not disabled automatic Windows updates in Windows 10, your computer will automatically download and install the updates.

While regular updates are good, things can seriously go wrong if the update starts deleting files. For example, after the recent update, many users have reported that desktop files and some apps have disappeared from their systems.

If you want to recover the deleted desktop files, follow the troubleshooting tips in this article.

Why did my desktop disappear in Windows 10?

Users have experienced that there could be several triggers that make your desktop disappear in Windows 10. Here are a few of the top causes:

  • Corrupted user profile – A corrupted user profile can cause issues with the desktop, including disappearing icons and a blank screen.
  • Malware infection – Malware infections can cause issues with the desktop and may hide icons or change desktop settings.
  • Corrupted system files – System files can cause issues with the desktop, including disappearing icons and a blank screen.
  • Incorrect desktop settings – If the desktop settings are not configured correctly, the icons may not appear, or the desktop may be completely blank.
  • Windows Explorer issues – Windows Explorer displays the desktop icons and taskbar. Issues with this process can cause problems with the desktop.
  • Display driver issues – Display driver issues can cause problems with the display, including disappearing icons and a blank screen.

What can I do if the desktop is gone after Windows 10 update?

Before going into any of our recommended solutions, you should restart your computer. While this is not a guaranteed fix, a restart may assist with half-completed installations and resolve the post-update desktop issue.

1. Check for Temporary Profile

  1. So, press Windows Key + L to lock the screen.
  2. Press the Space key to get the login screen.
  3. From the left side, select your primary account and log in with it.

Before you take any more actions to recover the lost files, ensure you are not logged into your temporary profile created after the update. If you are logged into a temporary Profile, you won’t find the desktop files on the desktop.

2. Show Desktop Icons

  1. Right-click on the Desktop empty area.
    Recover Deleted Files in Desktop
  2. Go to View, then select Show desktop icons. Then right-click on the desktop again, go to View, and choose Auto arrange icons.
    Auto arrange icons
  3. That should restore the disappeared desktop apps and files on your computer.

3. Roll back Windows Build or update

  1. Press Windows + I to open the Settings app.
  2. Click on Update & Security.
    windows 10 update desktop gone
  3. Click on Windows Update, then on the right pane, select View update history.
    windows 10 update desktop gone
  4. Now, click Uninstall updates.
  5. Right-click on any of the updates and select Uninstall.

Also, Microsoft Windows allows you to roll back to the previous build in case the new build is too buggy or creates issues, like deleting files, etc.

Note: Rolling back to the previous build does not guarantee that all the files will be restored, if at all. However, it can prevent the OS from deleting your files again.

4. Check for new updates

  1. Press Windows + I to open the Settings app.
  2. Click on Update & Security.windows 10 update desktop gone
  3. Click on Windows Update, then on the right pane, select Check for updates, or click Install.

If you have issues with specific updates, you often correct them by getting the latest update releases. Microsoft often gives releases to fix known bugs and OS issues. This may help if your Windows 10 Desktop is gone after an update.

5. Restart Windows Explorer

  1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
  2. Locate the Windows Explorer process.
  3. Right-click on it and select Restart.
    windows 10 update desktop gone

Windows Explorer is responsible for displaying the desktop icons and taskbar. Sometimes, restarting it can solve the issue.

In conclusion, a disappearing desktop after a Windows 10 update can be a frustrating experience, but there are multiple steps you can take to restore it.

You can succeed using any of the solutions we offer in this article. Following these steps, you can restore your Windows 10 desktop if it is fine after an update. Then, you will return to using your computer as usual.

Please let us know what solutions worked for you in the comments section below.

Posted in Fix

Windows 10/11 Deleted GRUB [Fixed by Experts]

If you have a multi-boot setup like Windows 10 and Linux, and you aren’t getting the Grub Bootloader screen to choose which operating system to load, and every time you restart, the Windows OS loads, this guide can help!

This is a common problem users report after they update Windows or install Windows 10. When you update or install Windows, the Windows bootloader overwrites the Grub bootloader.

Some other causes of the GRUB Deleted and Windows 10 loading up are Linux reinstallation, fast startup feature, malware activity, changes to BIOS settings, and third-party boot manager conflicts.

How do I recover GRUB after installing Windows?

1. Disable Fast Startup

  1. Press the Windows key, type control panel, and click Open.Control Panel start menu GRUB DELTED
  2. Select Category for the View by option, and click System and Security.System and Security CP
  3. Next, locate Power Options and click Change what the power buttons do.Power OPtions
  4. Click the Change settings that are currently unavailable link.Make changes to the settings - GRUB Deleted
  5. Remove the checkmark next to Turn on Fast Startup and click Save changes.Save changes
  6. Restart your PC, and you will see the GRUB screen.

Windows Fast Startup is a feature that can interfere with the boot process of other operating systems; that’s why it is advised to disable it to avoid issues. It is not a direct solution but is a preventive measure

2. Change the boot order

  1. Restart your computer. When you see the manufacturer’s logo, press the function key designated by the manufacturer to access the boot menu. For example, for HP, it is F9; for Dell, it is F2.
  2. Go to the Boot menu, locate the Boot priority order, look for Linux, and press F5 to move it up the order.
  3. Next, locate Secure Boot, and select Disabled.secure-boot-disable GRUB DELETED
  4. Press F10 to save & exit the boot menu.

This method will work if you have the Ubuntu or Linux entry in the boot menu; if you can’t find it, move to the next one.

3. Add Linux boot entry

  1. Use the steps mentioned in Step 2 and enter the BIOS menu.
  2. Locate Boot or Security and look for the Add Boot Option.
  3. You will either get an option to add an EFI file or will be taken to the hard drive Linux distribution installed.
  4. Select EFI. Locate and choose the folder with your name.
  5. From the folder, choose shimx64.efi file and press Enter.choose shimx64.efi file GRUB DeLETED WINDOWS 10
  6. Click Yes or OK to confirm the changes.
  7. The boot option will now appear; press F10 to save the changes.

4. Modify the registry settings

  1. Press the Windows key, type cmd, and click Run as administrator.CMD elevated GRUB DELETED WINDOWS 10
  2. Type the following command to change the bootloader back to GRUB after replacing Ubuntu with your distribution and press Enter: bcdedit /set {bootmgr} path \EFI\ubuntu\grubx64.eficmd_efi
  3. Reboot your PC; you will get the GRUB menu back.

If you have similar issues but can’t load the Windows bootloader instead, we recommend you check out this guide

5. Reinstall GRUB

Note icon NOTE
You will need a USB flash drive with 16 GB of free space on it. Delete or transfer all the data from your pen drive, as the data might be deleted during the process.

First, you need to create a bootable USB drive with Linux Live in it.

  1. Go to Linux’s official website and download the Linux distribution you want.chrome_Download Linux
  2. The ISO file will be downloaded on your computer; plug in the USB drive that you want to use.
  3. Download and install Rufus from the official site.Download RUFUS Windows 10
  4. Launch Rufus, and choose your USB driver under the Device section.START
  5. Locate Boot selection, select the downloaded Linux ISO file, and click Start.

Once completed, you will have a bootable Linux USB flash drive. Now follow these steps to make the USB priority to boot

  1. Restart your computer and press the function key designated by the manufacturer to access the boot menu when you see the manufacturer’s logo.
  2. Go to the Boot menu, locate the Boot order, look for a USB drive, and press F5 to move it up the order.Boot locate the boot order - GRUB Deleted WINDOWS 10
  3. Press F10 to save & exit the boot menu.

Now when your computer boots up, you will get a functional Linux environment to reinstall GRUB.

  1. Open Terminal and copy & paste the following command to get the list of available disks and hit Enter: sudo fdisk -l
  2. Carefully look through the output to recognize the partition that is related to Linux installation, then type the following command after replacing /dev/sdXY with the actual partition designation and press Enter: sudo mount /dev/sdXY /mnt
  3. Next, to mount virtual file systems, copy & paste the following commands one by one and press Enter after each command:
    • sudo mount --bind /dev /mnt/dev
      sudo mount --bind /sys /mnt/sys
      sudo mount --bind /proc /mnt/proc
      sudo mount --bind /run /mnt/run
  4. To change the root to your Linux installation, type the following command and hit Enter: sudo chroot /mnt
  5. Copy & paste the following command to reinstall GRUB as per your Linux distribution and press Enter:
    • On Debian/Ubuntu- sudo grub-install /dev/sdX
    • On Red Hat/Fedora – sudo grub2-install /dev/sdX
  6. Once it is installed, type the following command to update its configuration to detect the installed OS and hit Enter: sudo update-grub
  7. Next, to exit the Chroot environment, type exit and press Enter.
  8. To unmount the mounted partitions in the reverse order, copy & paste the following commands one by one and press Enter after each command:
    • sudo umount /mnt/dev
      sudo umount /mnt/sys
      sudo umount /mnt/proc
      sudo umount /mnt/run
      sudo umount /mnt/boot
      sudo umount /mnt
  9. Reboot your system, and you will get the GRUB menu with both operating systems listed.

6. Use the Boot-Repair tool

Create the bootable USB drive with Linux Live distribution and change the boot order using the steps mentioned in Step 3, then plug the flash drive into your computer, and follow these steps:

  1. Restart your computer, and the Ubuntu Live environment will load; choose the Try Ubuntu option to get a functional Ubuntu session.Try Ubuntu - GRUB DELETED WINDOWS 10
  2. To install Boot-Repair, launch the Terminal, and copy & paste the following commands one by one and press Enter after every command:
    • sudo add-apt-repository ppa:yannubuntu/boot-repair
      sudo apt-get update
      sudo apt-get install -y boot-repair
  3. Now type the following command to launch Boot-Repair and press Enter: boot-repair
  4. The Boot-Repair tool window will come up, and select the Recommended repair option.BOOT Repair GRUB Deleted  Windows 10
  5. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the process.
  6. Restart your computer using the Power Off or Shut Down option. Remove the pen drive, and the GRUB menu will appear upon restart.

If you can’t see Windows in the GRUB menu, then read this guide to understand the reasons and solutions to fix it.

How can I fix can’t boot up Windows 10 after removing Ubuntu?

Before proceeding with any steps, go through the following preliminary checks:

  • Ensure you have a USB drive with a minimum of 8 GB of storage
  • Stable internet connection

1. Create installation media and change the boot order

  1. On another PC, go to the Windows 11 website, locate Windows 11 Installation Media, and click Download Now.Download now
  2. The mediacreation.exe file will be downloaded; double-click to open it.
  3. Select Accept.Accept _ GRUB deleted Windows 10
  4. For Select language and edition, choose Language and Edition and click Next.NExt-Setup-Windows-11-step-2
  5. Select the USB flash drive option and plug in the flash drive.USB ready
  6. The Windows 11 Setup will detect it and show the drive; click Next.
  7. The files will be mounted to the drive; once ready, click Finish.Finish USB flash drive
  8. Plug in the flash drive to the affected computer and turn it on. Press the key designated by the manufacturer to enter Boot options. Go to Boot and locate the USB flash drive, use the arrow keys to move it up in the list, and save the changes & restart.USB Boot

2. Repair your PC

  1. Upon restart, on the Windows Setup screen, select Language to install, Time and currency format, and Keyboard or input method.English-US GRUB Deleted Windows 10
  2. Click the Repair your computer option from the next page.Repair your computer
  3. From the Choose an option page, select Troubleshoot.
  4. Choose Advanced options.Advanced options
  5. Select Command Prompt from the advanced options.Command Prompt Advanced Options .
  6. The computer will restart, and you might be prompted to enter user credentials.
  7. On the Command Prompt window, type this command after replacing D with your Windows system drive and hit Enter: D:
  8. Type the following command to scan your drive with Windows installed after replacing the system driver letter and hit Enter: chkdsk D: /f /r
  9. Copy & paste the following commands one by one and hit Enter after every command:
    • bootrec /fixmbr
      bootrec /fixboot
      bootrec /scanos
      bootrec /rebuildbcd
      sfc /scannow
  10. Once the commands are successfully executed, reboot your PC to save the changes.

Windows bootloader often overwrites the GRUB bootloader after an update or upgrade, resulting in the missing GRUB menu.

To avoid GRUB being deleted on Windows 10, you can keep the Fast startup feature on Windows disabled, install Windows & Linux on separate hard drives or partitions, and keep GRUB updated.

This isn’t the only issue, and we wrote about the Grub rescue message on Windows 10 in one of our previous guides.

Stuck somewhere? Feel free to mention your queries in the comments section below. We will be happy to help!

What to do if Printer Won’t Print Yellow [Quick Fix]

Color printers are great, but some users reported that their printer won’t print yellow color. This issue mostly has to do with the ink level but can be something else as well. If you are also troubled by this issue, here are a couple of troubleshooting tips to make your printer print yellow.

What can I do if the HP printer isn’t printing yellow?

1. Check the ink level

Clean Printheads to print yellow why won't my printer print yellow
  1. Start with checking the ink level in your cartridge. You can check the Ink Level by touching the ink drop icon on the printer display.
  2. Since you have a problem with printing in Yellow color, check Yellow or Magenta ink level. If its ink level doesn’t appear, it could be an issue with either Yellow or Magenta cartridges.
  3. Two fix the issue, you can try to perform Clean Printhead. Here is how to do it.
  4. On your Printer display, go to Setup and Tools.
  5. Under Tools, select Clean Printhead.
  6. Now try to print a document with Yellow color and check if the printer is printing in Yellow.
  7. If it does not work in the first attempt, repeat the Clean Printhead process several times and check for any improvements.

If you didn’t print anything for a while, there is also a chance that yellow ink hardened somewhere on the way to the printhead on in the printhead itself. Cleaning the printhead should fix this problem but note that the process consumes more ink than the one required for printing.

2. Fix print quality issues

  1. Make sure you are using Genuine ink cartridges.
  2. Allow automatic servicing to complete if you changed and installed a new cartridge.
  3. Check the paper size and type if it is appropriate for the job or printer.

Check the printing settings

  1. Open the application from where you are trying to print.
  2. Click on File and select Print.
    Print Properties - Change Preferences why won't my printer print yellow
  3. In the Print window, open Properties.
  4. Click on Preferences.
  5. Now try to set the Paper Type according to your needs.
  6. Set Print Quality to normal or draft modes.
  7. Set Paper Size to as per your need.
  8. Click OK to save the changes and try to print again.

3. Assign a color management profile

  1. Click Start and select Settings.
  2. Click on Devices > Printers and Scanners.
  3. Click on your Printer and select Manage.
    Manage Printer Properties Windows 10 won't my printer print yellow
  4. Now click on Printer Properties in the Manage your device window.
  5. Click the Color Management tab.
  6. Next, click on Add to see the list of available color profiles.
  7. It will appear on the Add Profile Association box. Select Diamon Compatible 9300k G2.2.icm.
  8. Again click on Add button and click OK to save the changes.
  9. Print the file again and check if the application is able to print the document with the yellow color.

4. Clean the cartridges

clean cartridges printer won't print yellow
  1. Open the HP Director software and click Help.
  2. Open the Contents tab, and click the listing for your all-in-one printer.
  3. Click on Maintain your HP PSC or Officejet.
  4. Click on Work with Print Cartridges.
  5. Now click on Clean the Print Contracts.

5. Check Microsoft Generic Drivers for Printers

  1. Press Windows Key + R to open Run.
  2. Type devmgmt.msc and press OK to open Device Manager.
  3. Expand Printers Queues.
    Fix Printer wont print yellow - Update Driver
  4. Right-click on your Printer and select Update Driver.
  5. Select Let window search and download drivers automatically.
  6. That’s it. Windows will download if a new driver is available.
  7. Reboot the system and check for any improvements.

There you go, few quick and easy solutions that you can try if your printer won’t print yellow. Feel free to try all our solutions and let us know which worked for you.

You might also be interested in reading our guide on what to do if the ink cartridges are full but the printer is not printing.

Let us know in the comments below if our solutions fixed the yellow ink not printing issue on your printer.

Xbox Companion App closes soon after launch [SOLVED]

The Xbox Companion App, previously Xbox App for Windows 10 brings a new set of features such as party chat, messaging and retains the old and loved Game Bar feature. That said, some users have reported an issue with the app that forces it to close abruptly as soon the user launches it.

One user shared his concerns with the error on Microsoft Answers.

Hello,
I just upgraded to Windows 10 from Windows 8.1.  Things worked as expected with the included Xbox app for the first few days.  However, for the last day or two, the app has crashed immediately upon launch, with no error message displayed.

Find how to fix this error by following the steps below.

Why does my Xbox app keep closing?

1. Run Xbox App Troubleshooter

  1. Click on Start and select Settings.
  2. Go to Update and Security.
  3. Click on Troubleshoot tab.
  4. Scroll down to the bottom and click on Windows Store Apps.
    Run Windows Store Apps Troubleshooter
  5. Click on Run the Troubleshooter button.
  6. Windows Store App Troubleshooter will scan the system and suggest some fixes.
  7. Follow the on-screen instructions and check if that resolves the error.

2. Reset the Xbox App

  1. Click on Start and select Settings.
  2. Go to Apps.
  3. Click on Apps and Features.
  4. Now search for Xbox App and select the app.
  5. Click on Advanced Options.
    Xbox Apps - Apps and Features
  6. In the new window, scroll down and click on the Reset button.
    Xbox App Reset - Xbox Companion App
  7. When asked for the confirmation, click on Yes.

We’ve written extensively on Xbox App crashing issues. Check out these guides for more information.


3.  Uninstall and Reinstall Xbox App

  1. Right-click on the Start button and select PowerShell (Admin).
  2. In the PowerShell window type, the following command and press enter.
    get-appxpackage *Microsoft.XboxApp* | remove-appxpackage
  3. This will uninstall the Xbox app from your computer.
    Uninstall Xbox from PowerShell
  4. Now go to Xbox Companion App page on Microsoft Windows Store, here, and install the app.
  5. Launch Xbox Companion App and check if the app is working now.

4. Other solutions to try

Xbox Companion App Update

  1. Disable EVGA PrecisionX. It is an overclocking tool for the graphics card, however, some users have reported that tool can create conflict with the Xbox app. If you are using the tool, try disabling EVGA PrecisionX and check for any improvements.
  2. Click on the Battery Icon in the taskbar and set the Performance to Best Performance.
  3. Check for Windows and App Updates.

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Arabic Typing Software: 5 Best to Use in 2026

Writing in Arabic on your Windows 10 PC has never been easier. You can choose from a wide range of applications that help you write Arabic effortlessly. In this article we will explore some of the best software options that can help you with that, and , at the end of this article, we will also look at the built-in Windows 10 keyboard language layout options. Read on to find out more.

Type Arabic with ease with these typing tools

Lipikaar

Lipikaar - arabic typing software

Lipikaar is a great software that was designed specifically to make typing Arabic on your PC as easy as writing any other text.

Because of its powerful algorithms and easy to understand user interface, Lipikaar is very accurate, offering you the possibility to type even the most complicated Arabic words with ease.

This software is based on Unicode (universal standard for representing text in different scripts), and that makes it compatible with any Windows application that support the same standard.

You can use this software with Microsoft Word, Excel, Powerpoint, and even Internet Explorer (or any other internet explorer of your choosing).

This software was designed for professional use, and besides Arabic, it can help you write in a variety of languages. Some of them are: Hindi, Marathi, Oriya, Punjabi, Malayalam, Sanskrit, Nepali, Urdu, etc.

You can also try the tool online to see how it matches with your needs. You can try it out by clicking here.

Download Lipikaar

Arabic Keyboard

Arabic Keyboard - arabic typing software

Arabic Keyboard is a simple yet effective way to write Arabic on your Windows 10 PC. This software is completely free and doesn’t even use ads.

Here are some of the best features found in the Arabic Keyboard:

  • Fast times of response
  • A great accuracy of text processing
  • Can be used to search the web
  • Contains the hard to find Arabic dialect “Al-Harakat”: Fatha, Dammah, etc.
  • Can send SMS, Email, etc.
  • Support for all special characters known
  • Great multi-line support with the ability to scroll down and up for easy typing

Download Arabic Keyboard from the Microsoft Store 

UWP Arabic Keyboard

UWP Arabic Keyboard - arabic typing

This software is a light-weight option that allows you to type Arabic on your Windows 10 PC with its great virtual keyboard system.


Looking for the best multi-language dictionary for Windows 10? Here are the best options.


This app transforms the keyboard layout from Latin lettering to Arabic, allowing you to type words quickly and efficiently.

Download UWP Arabic Keyboard from Microsoft Store

Easy Arabic Typing

Easy Arabic Typing - arabic typing

This software allows you to write in Arabic inside Microsoft Word documents, and also to make posts on social media. Easy Arabic Typing is the completely free-to-use software and can be downloaded with ease.

Here are some of its best features:

  • After the download and installation of this software is completed, you can use all its features without being connected to the internet
  • Ability to suggest alternative words based on the context – backspace key
  • Can be used to type in Microsoft Word, Excel, email, Twitter, etc.

This tool can also be used online by visiting this website.

Download Easy Arabic Typing

The built-in Windows 10 tools that allow you to write in arabic

Windows-10 - Chinese Typing/ Arabic Typing software

Another great option for people that don’t want to install other software on their PC, is to use the built-in Windows 10 languages packs.

You can easily find the menu that deals with these settings by clicking on the Cortana search box and typing in ‘Keyboard Language’, and choosing the first option that appears in the list.

Then you can simply search for the Arabic language in the list, install it, and then apply it as a default language.

It is worth mentioning that you can switch between the primary and secondary typing language by using the Left Shift + Alt keys on your keyboard.

Conclusion

In this article, we explored some of the best software and built-in Windows 10 options that allow you to easily type in Arabic.

We would love to know what option you chose from this list and how did that work out for you. Please feel free to let us know in the comment section below.

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What to do if Windows 10/11 deleted iTunes Library

The iTunes Library should not be affected when the user upgrades Windows with the new version. However, at times it can happen that you upgrade your Windows 10 to the latest version and iTunes library is deleted.

Learn how to retrieve your files with the steps below.

How do I restore my iTunes library on Windows 10?

1. Restore Recycle Bin

  1. Check your Recycle Bin folder for the available files.
  2. Open the Recycle Bin app by searching in the Windows search bar.
    iTunes Library Restore from Recycle Bin
  3. Find the file in the Recycle Bin, right-click on the file and select Restore.
  4. This should reset the deleted files on your computer.

2. Restore the Previous Version

  1. Open the File Explorer and navigate to the location where the iTunes library was stored or the music folder.
  2. Right-click on the folder and Properties.
  3. Open the Previous Versions tab.
    Restore Previous Version iTunes Library
  4. If a Previous Version is listed, select it and click on the Open button.
  5. Here you will find the shadow copy of your data. Copy the file or folder from this window to the location where you want to save the files.
  6. Close the Properties window.

Restore Default Library on iTunes

  1. Launch iTunes.
  2. Right-click on your Library Folder and select Restore Default Libraries.
  3. If you are lucky, this procedure should restore your files.

Looking for the best software to fix your iTunes library in Windows 10? Here are the best options.


3. Restore Purchased Items from iTunes Store

  1. Go to the Devices tab by clicking on Edit > Preferences.
  2. Make sure you check the “Prevent iPods, iPhones, and iPads from Syncing Automatically” box.
  3. Connect your iPhone or iPod to iTunes.
  4. Click on File and select Devices.
  5. Select “Transfer Purchases from Your device name“.
    Restore from iTunes Store
  6. You need to authorize to complete this process. This should restore all of your iTunes purchases to the iTunes library. However, this won’t include if you have any files ripped or downloaded from the internet.

4. Use Data Recovery Software

  1. If nothing seems working, you can make use of third-party data recovery software to recover deleted files. You can use apps like PhoneRescue and Stellar Phoenix Photo Recovery for this job.Data Recovery Software Restore iTunes library
  2. On Stellar Phoenix Photo Recovery you need to launch the app and select the hard drive that the iTunes library before it got deleted.
  3. Let the program scan the hard disk for any recoverable items.
  4. Wait for the scan to complete and the software will show all the recoverable data.
  5. Select what data you want to restore and click on the Restore button.

If you want to know more about the data recovery apps, we have a detailed article on the best data recovery software for Windows.

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Your phone app won’t connect to phone [TECHNICIAN FIX]

Your Phone is a nice little handy Windows 10 app that helps the users to make most of their PC and mobile phone. While the app itself offers good functionality, it is only when it works and most of the time I had a hard time getting it working. Users have reported that they are unable to make the Your Phone app work in Windows 10 as the app is not able to connect.

With the steps below, you should be able to fix the connection issue with the Your Phone app.

Why the Your phone app won’t connect?

1. Disable Metered Connection

  1. While Your Phone and Your Phone Companion will connect to each other, you won’t receive any notification on your PC from your phone if you have metered connection turned on your PC.
  2. This restriction is in place to limit the data usage to avoid unexpected data use by the service.
  3. To turn off the metered connection, click on Start and select Settings.
  4. Click on Network and Internet.
  5. Select WiFi and click on Manage Known Networks.
  6. Select your current active WiFi network and click on Properties.
    Disable metered connection Your Phone Fix
  7. Scroll down to Metered Connection section and turn off “Set as metered connection” using the toggle switch.
  8. Launch Your Phone app on your PC and try to connect and check if the app works without any issues.

Note: Turning off metered connection means Windows OS will download updates for the OS automatically.


Did you know that you can recharge your phone with laptop in Sleep Mode? Learn how now.


2. Disable Battery Saver on PC

  1. If you like your laptop battery to last longer you probably have the battery saver feature enabled all the time. However, when enabled, Windows will try to limit access to any other app to offer more battery life.
  2. To turn off Battery Saver, click the Action Center icon on the taskbar ( right bottom) and turn off Battery Saver.
    Disable Battery Saver in Windows 10
  3. Do the same with your phone as well. Pull down the notification bar and tap on battery saver icon to disable it.
  4. Try to connect to your Phone app and check for any improvements.

3. Reset Your Phone App

  1. Click on Start and select Settings.
  2. Click on Apps.
  3. Under Apps and Features, search for Your Phone app.
  4. Click on Your Phone and select Advanced Options.
  5. Under Apps Permission, make sure Background Apps is enabled.
    Background App permission enabled Your Phone
  6. Scroll down and click on the Reset button.
    Reset Your Phone App
  7. When asked for confirmation, click Yes.
  8. Reboot the system and check for any improvements.

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Posted in Fix

Windows Defender Deleted my Files: How to Recover Them

Windows OS comes with built-in antivirus protection called Windows Defender. If configured to detect and remediate threats on your device, Windows Defender Antivirus will quarantine suspicious files. As a result, many reported that Windows Defender deleted the files.

However, at times Windows Defender may remove files that are not necessarily a threat. If you are sure that the files deleted by Windows Defender are not a threat or have a use for them, then you may want to restore the removed files/folders.

How do I stop Windows Defender from deleting files on Windows 10?

1. Restore Quarantine Items

  1. Launch Windows Security, select Virus and threat Protection, and click on Protection history.
  2. Select Quarantined items from the Filters dropdown menu to view the files that have been deleted.protection history
  3. Now look for the item you want to restore and click on Restore.
  4. Later, you can navigate to Virus & threat protection settings, go to Exclusions, and whitelist files to prevent Windows Defender from clearing them again.

If you were wondering how to recover files deleted by Windows Defender in Windows 11, a quick solution is to find and restore them individually via the built-in antivirus.

2. Restore Quarantine with Command Line

  1. Press Windows + R to open Run, type cmd, and hit Ctrl + Shift + Enter.
  2. Paste the following command and hit Enter:cd C:\Program Files\Windows Defenderrun command prompt restore files windows defender Windows 10 defender deleted my files
  3. Next, type the following command and press Enter:dir *.exe
  4. Run this command:mpcmdrun -restore -listall
  5. This will list all the quarantined items in your system. Now enter the following command and hit Enter to restore all quarantined items to their earlier storage path:mpcmdrun -restore -all

If Windows Defender deleted the files, you could recover them all at once via the Command Prompt. This is the preferred option for many, but remember not to restore any file you are unsure about as it could be a legit threat.

Before you leave, do check the most Windows-friendly antivirus solution and get one today to get rid of such issues.

For any queries or to share which file got deleted by Windows Security, drop a comment below.

7 best Nepali typing software to type naturally on your PC

The most used script of Nepal is Devanagari, which can also be found in India and other parts of the southern part of Asia. There is one script that is called Khas, which is considered to be the oldest, and also Newari, Limbu. Because of the variety of languages found in Nepal, it is hard for people to create writing software for this language, but we found some great options. The options we will explore in this article can be used both online or as downloaded software. Read on to find out more.

Best software options for writing in Nepali on PC

Lipikaar

Lipikaar - arabic typing software/ Nepali typing

Lipikaar offers you a variety of typing languages -Hindi, Bengali, Punjabi, Tamil, Arabic, Nepali, etc.

In this article, we will focus on the features found in Lipikaar that allow you to easily type on your Windows PC in the Nepali language. This software was built specifically to be very easy to use and also fast.

You can use it to type in different software on your PC, like Microsoft Word, Excel Sheets, or even use it to type emails in the browser of your choosing.

You can try out Lipikaar with a 3-days trial period, which gives you access the entire range of capabilities. If you want to use the software after the trial period has ended, you can buy the software and activate it.

If you want to check out how Lipikaar works, you can try the online version first. Check out the official Lipikaar webpage.

Download Lipikaar 

Google Input Tools

Google Input Tools - typing Nepali

A great online software option from Google is called Input Tools. This very useful tool allows you to write in a wide range of languages, can be accessed from anywhere in the world with an internet connection.


Looking for the best dictionary extension for your browser? Here are our top picks.


Using Google Input Tools gives you an advantage over the other software options we presented in this article because of the size of the word database that they work with, and also the team that worked in the development of this tool.

Try Google Input Tools

Unicode Nepali

Unicode Nepali Converter

This website is extremely useful if you need to write Nepali, and also in case you want to translate some text between languages as well.

This is the 5th versions of the online software, and it has been upgraded with the ability to insert images, tables, etc.

Try Unicode Nepali

Easy Nepali Typing

Easy Nepali Typing

This is another great online software that allows you to easily write in Nepali from the comfort of your own PC, and without the need to install anything.

Try Easy Nepali Typing


Learn new foreign languages with these Windows 10 apps

Nepali Keyboard from Branah

Nepali Keyboard - nepali typing software

This online software is another great tool that gives you all the tools you need in order to easily write in the Nepali language on your Windows PC.

Try Branah Nepali Keyboard

Nepali Unicode by Ashesh

Nepali Unicode by Ashesh - Nepali typing software

You can also use this tool to write in Nepali on your PC, and then easily copy and paste it into an online social platform, Microsoft Word, PDF, or any other text application on your PC.

This tool not only allows you to write in Nepali but can also transform Romanized Nepali into Nepali Unicode. You can also choose to keep some words in English (or un-transformed in Nepali) by encasing the specific word/words into curly brackets (Ex.'{mobile}’).

Try Nepali Unicode by Ashesh

Windows 10 built-in Nepali writing options

KB4489885, KB4489878 , Nepali writing software

There is also a way to use the native language settings found in Windows 10 in order to write in Nepali. Next, we will explore a way to download the fonts and keyboard layout needed in order to do so, even when offline.

1. Click on the Start Menu > Settings
2. Choose Time & Language > then click on the Region & language option
3. Under Languages, click on ‘+ Add a language’
4. Scroll to the right and choose नेपाली Nepali
5. Click on नेपाली (नेपाल) Nepali (Nepal)

After you finish these steps, your PC will automatically download all the files needed in order to set up Windows to write in Devanagari Nepali Unicode.

You will also need to switch the input method to Devanagari. Here is how to do it:

Presuming that your input method was set to English, near the clock in your taskbar, you will find an option that reads ‘ENG’ (Shortcut: Windows Key + Space). Clicking on that button (or using the keyboard shortcut), will make a menu pop up that will allow you to choose the Nepali keyboard layout.

After this step is completed, you are now ready to write in Nepali Unicode in any application found compatible with Windows 10.

Conclusion

In this article, we explored some of the best software options that can be found online in 2019 that allow you to easily write in Nepali.

If you want to download a software that has more capabilities and can be run offline, you can download Lipikaar. If you prefer to quickly access a Nepali typing software without needing to download anything, you can explore the online software options we presented in this article.

Another option is to use the native Windows language and keyboard option we presented at the end of this article. No matter which of these options you choose, you will surely have no problem with writing in Nepali on your Windows 10 PC.

We would love to know what your experience was when trying out this software. Please feel free to let us know if you any suggestions or remarks, by using the comment section below.

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Windows 10/11 Login Screen Shows Deleted User [Quick Fix]

Windows 10 allows you to create and delete user profile as per your need, but what to do when Windows 10 login screen shows deleted user? This can be an annoying issue, and in today’s article we’ll try our best to fix it for good.


How to remove a user from login screen on Windows 10?

1. Remove the user account Using netplwiz

  1. Press Windows Key + R to open Run.
  2. Type netplwiz in the Run box and press OK to open the User Accounts window.
  3. In the Users tab, check if the username you want to delete is listed. If yes, select the user name and click on Remove.
  4. Next, go to the Advanced tab and check the box for “Require users to click CLT-ALT-DEL” under Secure sign-in section.
    Delete User Account windows 10 login screen shows deleted user
  5. Click on Apply and then OK to save the changes.
  6. Go to the User tab.
  7. Uncheck the box for “User must enter a user name and pass to use this computer”.
  8. Click Apply to save the changes.
    Disable Secure Sign in windows 10 login screen shows deleted user
  9. A new pop-up window will appear asking you to enter the username and password. Simply click on Cancel button.
    Cancel Automatically Sing in login screen shows deleted user
  10. In the User tab again, you will see that the User must enter a user name and pass to use this computer box is automatically checked.
  11. Click again on Apply to save the changes.
  12. Exit NetPLWIZ.
  13. Reboot your system and on the lock screen check if the deleted username appears again.

2. Remove the Username and Profile Manually

  1. Open the File Explorer and navigate to the following location:
    C:\Users
  2. Under Users folder, right-click on the profile you want to remove and select Delete. Close the File Explorer window.
  3. Press Windows Key + R to open Run.
  4. Type regedit and press OK to open the registry editor.
  5. In the Registry Editor, navigate to the following location:
    HKEY_
    LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\ProfileList
  6. Expand the Profile List section. You should see many entries under this key.
    Check Entries for Profile Regedit windows 10 login screen shows deleted user
  7. Click on each key and check the Data value for ProfileImagepath until you find the key associated with your user profile.
    Delete User Profile Regedit windows 10 login screen shows deleted user
  8. Right-click on the Key and select Delete.
  9. Restart the system again and check if the user account is removed from the lock screen.

3. Delete Profile from the Control Panel

  1. Press Windows Key + R to open run.
  2. Type control and press OK to open the Control Panel.
  3. In the Control Panel go to System and Security > System.
  4. Click on Advanced System Settings from the left menu.
  5. Under User Profiles section click the Settings button.
    Delete User Account from Control Panel windows 10 login screen shows deleted user
  6. Now select the user profile you want to delete and click on the Delete button.
Note icon NOTE
To delete any user account, you must be logged in as Administrator. Also, you cannot delete the account you are logged in with.

There you go, three simple solutions that might help you if Windows 10 login screen shows a deleted user. If these solutions worked for you, feel free to let us know in the comments section below.

Microsoft news recap: Microsoft Teams crosses 13 million daily users, flagship Microsoft Store in London opens, and more

Microsoft news recap is a weekly feature highlighting the top Microsoft news stories of the past week. Sit back, grab some coffee, and enjoy the read!

Microsoft officially opens London flagship Store

Microsoft’s long-anticipated Microsoft Store in London has opened this week.

Microsoft Teams crosses 13 million daily active users

At Inspire 2019, Microsoft announced that its Microsoft Teams business communication service has crossed 13 million daily active users, beating its competitor, Slack.

Microsoft’s new Azure Kinect DK camera is now available to buy online

The latest Kinect camera from Microsoft is now available from the Microsoft Store. Called the Kinect DK camera, it is aimed at developers, so those playing on Microsoft’s game console, Xbox One, will not benefit from it.

Coles supermarkets in Australia to modernize with the help of Microsoft’s Azure cloud technology

An Australian supermarket, Coles, is using Microsoft’s Azure cloud services to modernize. The supermarket aims to improve workflow, business operations, and the customer experience, by utilizing Microsoft’s Azure services.

Microsoft Azure

That’s it for this week. We will be back next week with more Microsoft new .

Windows 10/11 Profile Not Deleted Completely [Expert Fix]

Creating and removing or deleting a profile in Windows 10 is easy. It allows the users to give access to other users on the same computer by restricting their access and also removing the access when required. However, at times when trying to delete a profile, the profile may not be deleted completely and leave some folders, etc.

One user shared his problem with the Windows 10 profile on Microsoft Answers.

I’ve followed Method three of the MS help article 947215. I’ve gotten to the system properties user profile dialog box. on it I see the profile that I want to delete but the delete button is grayed out…

Follow the steps below to delete the Windows 10 profile for good.

Remove the user account from control panel

How do I delete a user profile in Windows 10?

1. Remove the User Profile As Administrator

  1. To remove any user profile, you need administrator access. Another thing to note here is that you cannot remove the user profile you are logged in with. So, if you want to remove one of your primary profile, you need to create a different profile with administrator rights and then try to remove the corrupted profile.
  2. Login to your PC with the administrator account. Make sure the account you are trying to remove is not the one you are logged in with.
  3. Press Windows Key + R to open Run.
  4. Type netplwiz and press OK to open the User Account window.
  5. Under user for this computer section, you can check all the user profiles in the system.
  6. Select the user profile you want to remove and click on Remove.
  7. You should see “Are you sure you want to remove the select profile” window click Yes.

 Your user profile might get corrupted and thus hard to delete. Learn how to deal with that here.


Delete Users Profile value Regedit

2. Remove the User Profile using Regedit

  1. Open the File Explorer and navigate to C:\Users.
  2. Now right-click on the corrupted profile and select Delete.

  3. Press Windows Key + R to open Run.
  4. Type regedit and press OK to open the Registry Editor.
  5. In the Registry Editor navigate to the following location.
    HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\
    Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\ProfileList.
  6. Under the Profile List, you will see several entries. Click on each entry and check the ProfileImagePath data. If it matches with the corrupt user profile then delete it.
  7. Right-click on the profile and select Delete.

3. Delete User Profile from System Properties

  1. Press Windows Key + R.
  2. Type sysdm.cpl and press OK to open System Properties. 
  3. Go to the Advanced tab.
  4. Click the Settings button under the User Profile section.
  5. Now select the user profile that you want to delete and click on Delete.

Let us know if the procedure worked for you in the comments area below.

3 best tools that use waterfall model for Unified Modelling Language

The Unified Modelling Language also is known as UML is a system that was designed to more efficiently visualize and represent complex software structures. It even goes as far as creating incredibly complex software systems with ease. You can create both diagrams that show the structure of the system or the behavior of the system. UML software also allows you to use standardized UML shapes to create your diagrams, allows you to export your data into different programming languages, and can also import models from already existing code. The diagrams you create by using UML software are specifically built in order to make the entire process of using a modeling language very easy. The market offers you a wide range of UML software options but it is very hard to choose one of them because of their particularities. Depending on the nature of the UML software, you can use it either online or by downloading software to your Windows 10 PC. In this article, we will explore some of the best UML software found on the market in 2019.

UML software to create waterfall-type models

Gliffy

Gliffy - UML Tools waterfall model

Gliffy is a great online UML tool that allows you to create comprehensive diagrams for both systems behavior and structures.

This software is stored entirely in the cloud, so it allows you to access it from anywhere in the world, with just an internet connection.

Another great advantage of using an online UML tool is the fact that you don’t need to download anything, so if you have issues with your hard drive storage space, it won’t be affected by Gliffy.

It has a built-in option to review diagram drafts by using the comment function.

Even though Gliffy offers you a good range of features that can easily create diagrams, is easily understandable and easy to use, it is not recommended that you use this software for creating code.

Saying this doesn’t mean that Gliffy can’t take programming, but there are better options available on the market that can help you with that.

Gliffy has also released a plugin UML tool that is perfectly compatible with Jira, and Google Suite, but also Google Drive. No matter if you choose the online tool or the plugin, Gliffy can help a lot.

One of the best features found in Gliffy is the incredibly wide range of shapes available to use. This feature allows you to skip the process of constructing each diagram. You can choose your template, and then customize it to your needs.

When you start the software you can choose from the range of modeling languages available. Once you choose, you will automatically get access either to all the tools required for the option you selected.

Gliffy can be used for free as well, offering you 2 MB of cloud space to be able to store your created diagrams, allows you to export 5 models, and can import diagrams in GON, Gliffy, and gXML formats.

You can also export diagrams to the native ‘Gliffy’ format, and then easily share it with others by generating a download link.

Another option to export and share your diagrams is by using the ’embed’ features on platforms like HipChat, Slack, WordPress, etc.

The paid version of Gliffy gives you the power to import diagrams with the Microsoft Visio format (VDX), and you can also export to common images formats like JPG, PNG, SVG.

One of the most useful features of the paid version is the ability to export your project directly to Google Drive.

This allows you not to worry about losing your files, and also to access them from anywhere in the world with just a few clicks of the mouse.

Download Gliffy 

MagicDraw

MagicDraw - Uml tools waterfall model

MagicDraw is another great UML tool that was designed specifically for professional modeling. The power contained under its user-friendly UI can help you achieve professional-level results no matter how complicated the structure of your diagram is.

This software doesn’t only contain tools that support UML. You can also use the equivalent for modeling operating systems (SysML), Business Process Model and Notation (BPMN ), and also the UPDM architecture framework (DoDaf/MODAF).

Some other very important and useful tools found in MagicDraw gives you the ability to use OCL to set specific boundary condition notations, and XMI to easily export diagrams to other software without risking to lose any of your data.


Looking for the best block diagram software? Here are the best options.


MagicDraw is based on three programming languages – Java, C++ (in different dialects), and also C#. You can import a wide range of files formats – XMI metadata from software like Eclipse and IBM’s Rhapsody, CSV, ReqIF, DoDAF, and CA Erwin Data Modeler.

You can also choose to save and print your project in different image formats – BMP, PNG, JPG, EMF. Because of MagicDraw’s wide range of features, you can even perform reverse engineering and round-trip engineering.

MagicDraw also has the ability to convert UML diagrams into code compatible with Java, C++, C#, XML Schema, CORBA IDL, and can also transform the same type of code into UML diagrams.

The UML software from MagicDraw has the ability to check your project for errors and show you a notification about them. This way you will never lose touch with the issues found in your projects, and you can prioritize them accordingly, depending on the issue severity.

Another very useful option is that you can compare diagrams in a side-by-side view to identifying any problems.

Download MagicDraw

Star UML 3

StarUML - software waterfall model

Star UML is another great software option that allows you to create waterfall model diagrams for complex software architecture modeling.

As in the cases of the previously presented software, this tool offers you the possibility to choose from a wide range of pre-made customizable diagrams – Entity-relationship Diagrams (ERD), Data-flow diagrams(DFD), etc.

Another very important aspect of this software is that it supports UML 2 metamodels and diagrams – Class, Object, Use Case, etc. This feature offers you all the latest tools available in 2019.

Here are some other useful features found in Star UML 3:

  • Supports retina display – all icons, diagrams, text, and icons have high definition quality and can be easily exported to high-dpi images (PNG and JPEG)
  • Great third-party extensions with a full-featured extension manager
  • Quick edit feature that allows you to create elements instantly
  • Supports code from Java, C#, and also C++
  • Extensions, APIs, keymaps, etc. – can be written in HTML5, CSS3, JavaScript, Node,js modules
  • Great exporting options for your project – HTML Docs, PDF, etc.

You can find a great range of extensions for your UML 3 software, by visiting this page.

If you feel that you need some help understanding what Star UML 3 is all about, you can visit the official support page.

You will find a useful forum, official online documentation, the FAQ page, and you even have the option to send your new feature idea to the Star UML team.

Download Star UML 3 

Conclusion

In this article, we explored some of the best UML software on the market, that allows you to either build complicated software architecture from the bottom up or to create very easy to understand diagrams.

If you need a fast and easy to use UML software, and only need the basic diagram building tools, then the best choice for you would be Gliffy.

On the other hand, if your computer has great processing power, you have experience with using UML tools and need professional-level tools and features, then the best option for you is clearly MagicDraw.

Let us know in the comment section below if you have any suggestions.

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Cross Platform Benchmark Software: 4 Best for Advanced Insights

Benchmark software allows you to take note of your system’s performance. Using the software, you can compare the performance before and after the hardware upgrade or two systems with a different set of configurations. The laptop and smartphone manufacturer mostly use benchmarking tools to test the performance of their product before launch. However, as an end user, you can find the area for improving the performance of your device by putting your PC through stress testing. While there is no dearth of benchmarking software for any platforms, having a cross-platform benchmarking software makes the task much easier. It removes the hassle of having to use different benchmarking tools on each platform respectively. In this article, we take a look at the best cross-platform benchmarking software to test the performance of your Windows, Mac, and Linux computers. Some of the software also supports mobile platforms such as Android and iOS.

Best cross-platform benchmark software for veterans and rookies

Geekbench 4

Geekbench 4

  • Price – Free trial / Premium
  • Supported Platform – Linux, Windows, and macOS

Geekbench may not be the most feature-rich benchmarking software out there; however, it is one of the best cross-platform benchmarking software that you can use on Windows, Linux, and macOS systems.

The software is designed to quickly measure processor performances irrespective of the configuration of the processor. You can use it to measure dual-core as well as multi-core workstations without any issues.

Using Geekbench is easy as well. You can start the benchmarking process using the pre-selected configuration options. If not, you can customize the settings a little bit to meet your requirement.

One interesting feature of Geekbench is the online database it has on offer. The software stores the benchmark results of all the devices in the cloud and allows you to compare your PCs hardware performance with other systems with similar or better configuration.

You can use the information to understand the changes required to make your PC perform better.

Geekbench comes in multiple versions. It starts at $9.99 for a single user single platform license, or you can get the multi-platform single user license for $14.99 and the ultimate Pro version for $99.99.

Purchase the software from the official website as the version on steam is often late in receiving latest updates.

Download Geekbench 4 

CINEBENCH

CINEBENCH

  • Price – Free
  • Supported Platform – Windows and macOS

CINEBENCH is not your day to day benchmarking software, but a fully featured stress testing tool that will evaluate your system’s performance and score it accordingly. Unfortunately, it is only available for Windows and macOS users.

The software is a whopping 0.5GB in size which and available from the official Appstore for both the platforms.


Avid gamers interested in your PCs true capabilities, this is the benchmark software for you.


CINEBENCH uses the 3D engine found in the Cinema 4D to measure the CPU rendering performances across the platforms accurately. It is a handy tool for the system administrator to make system purchase decisions by evaluation system performance and user requirement.

If you are a hardware reviewer, CINEBENCH offers everything you need to measure the performance of all the new hardware that hits the market and compare it with the earlier version of the hardware.

CINEBENCH uses a much-complicated text scene than its predecessor. It also uses Intel’s Embree raytracing technology and advanced features on modern CPUs from AMD and Intel making the rendering process twice as fast.

Note that CINEBENCH does not test your systems GPU but exclusively tests CPU performance only. For GPU benchmarking check our next recommendations.

Download CINEBENCH 

Novabench

Novabench

  • Price – Free
  • Supported platform – Windows, macOS, and Linux

Novabench is another cross-platform benchmarking software that allows you to perform the test, compare, optimize and repair your system. It is available for all the three major computer platforms, and you can use the fully functional personal version for free.

There are three primary functions of this software. It allows you to run the benchmark on your computer. The performance results then can be used to compare your system with other results online to spot potential problems. And of course, the ability to tune, upgrade or repair your computer depending on the outcome.

Unlike CINEBENCH, Novabench offers both CPU and GPU benchmarking feature. Using the software is easy. After launching it, click on Start Tests.

Novabench will run the test and display the result with system information. It will allocate a different score for CPU, RAM, GPU, and Disk (with reading and writing speeds), showing a clear picture of what part of the system is underperforming.

Clicking on View performance charts and comparison button will show Total score, CPU score and GPU score with a chart.  You can compare the results with other users online to evaluate and improve system performance.

Download Novabench 

UNIGINE

UNIGEN Benchmarl

  • Price – Free
  • Supported Platform – Windows, macOS, and Linux

Since MSI Afterburner is not available for non-Windows machines, UNIGINE’s benchmarking software is the next best thing you can use to stress test your computer to measure the GPU performance. It is a cross-platform app and available for all the three major operating systems.

Using the software, you can conclusively determine the stability of PC hardware including CPU, GPU, Power support and cooling system under stressful conditions to diagnose the issues in advance.

For overclockers, UNIGINE offers the Advanced version of the benchmarking tool. But, for personal use, the basic edition of the UNIGINE benchmarking software provides all you need to stress test your system to unleash its full potential.

Download UNIGINE Benchmark


Conclusion

Depending on your understanding of the computer and its functioning, you can use the cross-platform benchmarking software listed in this article to understand your system’s performance better. Also, if the system needs any upgrades to extract maximum performance out of the CPU and GPU.

However, as noted earlier, do not use the software for overclocking CPU unless you fully understand its functioning and the consequences of an ill-advised overclocking.

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How to fix weird printer noise [QUICK FIX]

Most of the modern day printers are silent and don’t make unnecessary noise even when the printing process is on, but few users reported weird printer noise while printing.

This can happen due to many reasons, one of the reason being cartridge misalignment. If you are also troubled by this issue, here are a couple of troubleshooting tips to fix this issue.

How can I fix weird printer noise?

1. Perform a hard reset

hard Reset HP Printer weird printer noise

  1. Turn off your printer, disconnect the power cord from the rear of the printer.
  2. Next, remove the power cord from the power outlet.
  3. Wait for a minute or two and then plug the power cord back into the outlet.
  4. Now plug the power cord back into the printer.
  5. Turn on the printer if it does not start automatically.
  6. Wait for the printer to become idle and silent again.
  7. Now try to print any document and check if the printer is still making the grinding sound.
  8. If the issue exists, check the printer for hardware issues in the next step.

Printer not working after power outage? Fix it with this simple trick!



2. Check for hardware issues

Printer making weird noise - check for hardware issue

  1. Turn on the printer if it is not already on.
  2. Open the top cover of the printer and verify that the carriage moves to the center of the printer.
  3. If the carriage moves, then unplug the power cable from the back of the printer.
  4. Check inside the printer for any broken parts.
  5. Close the top cover of the printer.
  6. Now check your printer manual for removing the carriage safely. You can mostly remove the carriage from the right side of the printer.
  7. Remove the rear access door or the automatic two-sided printing accessory, and check for any paper jams or if something else is obstructing the carriage and remove any paper or anything else if found.
  8.  If required, replace the rear access door accessory or the automatic two-sided printing accessory. Close the top cover.
  9. Plug the power cable back into the printer.
  10. Turn on the printer and replace the cartridges if possible. If the noise still exists, it could be a paper feed issues.
  11. If the carriage does not move, then it is a carriage stall issue.
  12. If the issue persists, you may want to take the printer to the HP service for more information.

3. Contact HP support

Contact HP Printer support Weird printer noise

  1. If your printer is under warranty you can contact HP support.
  2. Go to the HP support page.
  3. Enter the product number or select to auto detect.
  4. Scroll down to “still need help? and complete the form to select your contact options”.
  5. Scroll down and click on HP Contact options and select on Get phone number.
  6. Use the case number and dial the service. HP service should be able to help more with the issue.

There you go, a few solutions that you can try if your printer is making a weird noise. Feel free to try all of our solutions and let us know which one worked for you.

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