Page 1191 • Windows Report

Download the latest Winamp version for Windows 10

Posted on August 23, 2018October 4, 2023 by Radu Tyrsina

We have just kickstarted a new type of article on the website, where we download the latest version of popular desktop apps and talk about them. Now it’s time to talk about Winamp, a software that needs no introduction.
To make it all clear from the beginning – there isn’t currently an official Winamp app on the Windows Store, and I’m not sure if it will ever be, because unlike VLC, it comes with very specific looks which would be hard to reproduce on the Modern touch user interface.

But since most of us who use Windows 8, 10 don’t stick to the touch face only, we have to deal with many desktop apps, as well. I’ve been using Winamp for as long as I remember, so I will now be keeping a log with all the updates that it will receive for Windows 8 and Windows 8.1, 10.

By using Winamp on Windows 8, 10 you can open such files as MP3, MIDI, MOD, MPEG-1 audio layers 1 and 2, AAC, M4A, FLAC, WAV and WMA. There are many skins that you can use to customize its looks, but many, just like me (have a look at the above screenshot), will choose to stick with the good old classic menu. But, without further ado, for those who aren’t yet running the latest version of Winamp for Windows 8, 10 or they just don’t know what it is about, let’s have a look.

Download latest version of Winamp for Windows 10

What you need to know is that currently, Winamp & SHOUTcast have sold their product to Radionomy, so changes will be applied in the future.
But from what we’re aware, here is the latest version and some important features in the changelog for you to download.

Important update

It needs to be pointed out that AOL has decided to close the Winamp media player on December 20, 2013, which was just a week after the update that we talked about below. Therefore, you need to know that this is the reason why the latest version is this old. We will be following news and will update once another version gets released.

UPDATE 2 added in August 2018

If you are waiting for some big news about Winamp, you should know that there will be a new version available for Windows 10, 8.1 users, with a lot of bug fixes, improvements and a lot more. But, at the time being, there is no release date published. Until then, you can get notified when it will come out at winamp.com, just subscribe with your email address.

The site is up and running and it looks great, with a new design and you can listen there your local radio stations and some popular ones too in the Shoutcast section. Sadly, the download section will redirect you to a forum where you can keep up with the news about an eventually release date. The Winamp downloads and Winamp Pro purchases will be temporarily unavailable
whilst code licensed to/by the previous owner is removed/replaced.

Read also: 7 best Internet Radio Apps; Media Players for Windows 10, Windows 8

The devs are working to make the app 100% freeware again, which means replacing all 3rd-party/aol-licensed code with open source/free alternatives.

New Winamp features announced:

mp3 & aac decoders (more details to come later)
removing ms drm support from in_wm (wow, heh)
cd ripping
albumart retrieval
OpenH264 decoder

You can still download an older version of the famous app for Windows 10, 8.1 and here’s a link to help you out with.

You can read the original report below

Download Winamp for Windows 8, 10 [Version 5.666, Size: 16.37MB, updated December 13, 2013]

Improved

Reset button to clear history in the Open/Add URL dialog
Option to disable the mouse wheel from altering the volume
More commandline switches (run: winamp.exe /? to see full list)
All menus now use the skinned style when option is enabled in ML settings
Disable all online features when no internet connection selected in Prefs
High DPI & text scaling compatibility fixes for dialogs & library views
Increased notification area tooltips up to 128 chars (instead of 64)
Library views now optionally group the ‘Play’ and ‘Enqueue’ buttons
Mass metadata editor from library now also available in Playlist Editor
Retry UAC prompt if user previously selected “No” (for relevant settings)

Fixed

Agent not using Winamp window if a clone is already running (eg. KMPlayer)
Fallback issue with lang packs when loading accelerator tables
Length not being read when set to read titles on load
Ratings-related freeze on right-clicking large selections in playlist editor
Saving to wrong extension for the ‘Save As’ action in the Alt+3 Artwork tab
Unicode characters not displaying in taskbar when some old plugins are present
Various issues with aero-peek and docking of freeform skins as an appbar

How to Easily Minimize and Close Apps in Windows 10

Posted on August 23, 2018October 4, 2023 by Radu Tyrsina

If you are new to the concept of Windows 8.1, 10, then you will probably be expecting the Modern interface to behave just like the desktop one. So, naturally, you want your apps to minimize and close really easy. While that wasn’t too hard with the initial release of Windows 8, it has become even easier now.

In order to easily minimize and close Modern apps from the Windows Store (some users prefer to still refer to them as Metro apps), I’m afraid that the best solution would be to get the latest Windows 8.1 Update. Why I’m saying I’m afraid? Because if you haven’t already installed it, you might get some naughty errors during the installation process, but I hope it won’t be the case with you. The best solution to easily, hassle-free close and minimize Windows 8.1, 10 apps is this one.

So, if you have managed to successful update to the Windows 8.1 Update, then closing and minimizing apps on the Modern interface is pretty much self explanatory and doesn’t need a step-by-step guide per se. Just go ahead and open any app that you want. Actually, this doesn’t work only with apps that you download or are built-in inside Windows 8, but also for various settings. So, whenever you will open something in the Modern interface, be it an app, program or setting, just by hovering your mouse or moving your finger to the top of it, you will be able to see “close” and “minimize” buttons. Just like in my screenshot from below.

Besides the minimize and close buttons, you can also split to left, right, maximize and close, as well. These are the commands that are available on the top left of the item that you open on the Modern interface.

If you have minimized them, you will seem them on the good old taskbar, where you can choose to open them, pin them to the taskbar or close.

While you have below a great guide to follow in order to minimize and close apps on Windows 10, some users encounter serious problems with Minimize, Maximize or Close buttons. If you experience problems with that, just follow the solutions from our dedicated guide on how to fix minimize/maximize/close button won’t work.

Let us know in the comment section if this guide helped you and we will create more useful articles for Windows community.

Download CyberLink PowerDirector 16 on Windows 10/11

Posted on August 23, 2018October 4, 2023 by Radu Tyrsina

There are enough apps in the Windows Store to manage your multimedia collection, but CyberLink thinks there’s room for just one more and that’s why it has released the new ASUS PowerDirector app. Read below for more details about it

The title of the application has been changed from “PowerDirector” to Asus PowerDirector as Asus is probably sponsoring the launch. We’ve seen the same thing happen with the official Windows 10, 8.1 app of the musical store 7digital. The Asus branding is also present inside the app itself. CyberLink has previously released the official “PowerDirector Mobile” app, but it is available at $15, and the new Asus PowerDirector app seems to be identical, just that you can download it completely free. We don’t know whether this app is designed for Asus devices only or if it’s made free thanks to Asus, but you should go ahead and download it while it doesn’t become paid.

Read Also: 7 of the best PC video-editing software for 2018

PowerDirector app becomes free on Windows 10, 8.1

Enjoying multimedia on-the-go has never been so easy. PowerDirector Metro brings the award-winning features of PowerDirector to your mobile device so that you can watch movies, view photos, and listen to music in the best quality, wherever you are!

The app comes with a size of slightly more than 100 megabytes will work on Windows 10, 8.1 desktop and touch devices: no Windows RT support, alas. The app brings one of the best video editing software in the world in front your hands and will let you do a bunch of things such as on-the-spot video editing, slideshow video creation along with a selection of Magic Style pro-designed templates. The PowerDirector app for Windows 10, 8.1 is really useful for those who need reliable software to edit videos as quickly as possible, without compromising the quality.

There are are two Easy Editor & Slideshow Creator modes and the editing includes video scene trim, photo rotate and crop, and scene re-ordering. You are able to load, preview, save and produce projects to file and directly share videos to Facebook and YouTube. There’s also real-time production preview and hardware encoding support. So, go ahead and grab the download link from below.

Download PowerDirector app for Windows 10, Windows 8.1

UPDATE

Limitations of CyberLink PowerDirector 16

• 30-day trial version
• Limited template pack
• NewBlue effect pack limited to 10 effects
• Does not include CyberLink WaveEditor
• Importing and producing H.264 video files is only supported on Windows 10/8.1/8/7 systems or hardware platforms offering independent H.264 encoding and decoding
• Watermark appears at the beginning of produced videos (5 seconds)
• 2K/4K resolution H.264 video files are not supported
• Importing and producing H.265 video files is not available

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How to Change Narrator Settings in Windows 10, 8.1

Posted on August 23, 2018August 15, 2024 by Radu Tyrsina

Windows 10 and Windows 8.1 comes with some really useful ‘Easy of Access’ features and one of them is Narrator, for the persons who have hearing disabilities. We talk about its features, and how to turn on or off Narrator in Windows 8.1, 10.

I remember that one of the first features that I discovered as a kid was the Narrator feature in Windows XP. For me, it represented one of the first steps in hearing English and interacting with it. Windows 8.1 and Windows 10, this feature is also present, of course, with some improvements and updates. So, here are the steps that you need to take to access and manage it, turn it off or on and see how it can help you make better use of Windows 8.1.

Narrator for Windows 8.1, 10: what cool features does it have?

There are some really cool improvements to the Narrator feature in Windows 8.1, and we’re going to talk about them below in our detailed step-by-step guide.

1. First, you will need to press the Windows logo + W key to open the Search function or open the Charms Bar by moving your mouse or swipe the finger to the top right corner.

2. Type ‘PC Settings‘

3. Choose the sub-section ‘Ease of Acces‘

4. Manage the settings of the Narrator feature, as follows:

Turn it off or on; sometimes if Narrator keeps turning on, just turn it off and perform a restart.
Let Narrator start automatically when you start the PC
Choose a voice from the following – Microsft David, Microsoft Microsoft Hazel and Microsoft Zira and also change the speed and pitch levels.
Change the sounds you hear – hints for controls and buttons, characters and words you type, lower the volume of other apps when Narrator is running and play audio cues
Cursor and keys – highlight the cursor, have insertion point follow Narrator and activate keys on touch keyboard when you lift your finger off the keyboard

Narrator in Windows 10: what’s new?

Narrator is a cool Windows app and Windows 10 update brought brand new features to this app. It now has Scan Mode, Verbose Mode (gives you characteristic about the text), Punctuation Modes, Faster text-to-speech. Another update from Windows improved its performance, usability, and the reading.

Try now this cool app and let us know in the comments your thoughts. You can also use the magnifier tool for more accessibility.

Take a trip down memory lane with this full blown Windows 95 app for Mac, Linux, and Windows

Posted on August 23, 2018 by Radu Tyrsina

Support for Windows 95 may have been phased out by Microsoft way back in 2001, but the operating system still holds a big place in the heart of many Windows and Microsoft fans. That’s why Slack developer Felix Rieseberg crafted up a neat little app which lets you play around with Windows 95 and its famous stock programs in full glory. (via The Verge.)

Download links and the source code for Riseberg’s application can be found here on his GitHub. The file is a little over 120 MB in size, and there are versions available for macOS, Windows, and Linux.

Please be aware this isn’t a full-blown version of Windows 95, but rather just a fun application. It’s still pretty remarkable and you can run multi-task and run certain apps like Notepad, and Minesweeper, the Phone Dialer, Paint, and more. Internet Explorer is also present in this app but obviously won’t work.

All in all, this neat little app makes for a nice trip down memory lane. It’s definitely not as technical as running Windows 95 on the Apple Watch or on Microsoft’s Xbox One, but it still is pretty fun. Feel free to check it out and let us know your thoughts in the comments below.

How to Manage ‘Quiet Hours’ in Windows 8.1, 10

Posted on August 23, 2018October 4, 2023 by Radu Tyrsina

Windows 8.1 has taken inspiration from Windows Phone and has introduced a new feature that lets you get some “silent” time if you don’t want your Windows 8 device to be turned off. So, let’s see how you can access this feature and enable it.

The new Quiet Hours feature in Windows 8.1 has been made available mainly to accommodate those who are using especially their tablets quite heavily and they want to make sure they don’t receive annoying notifications. That could be when you are at work, sleeping or taking nap, or any other moment when you don’t want your Windows 8.1 device to annoy you. If you will, it’s a feature that’s similar to how you turn mobile phones to the Silent mode.

So, let’s have a look at all the steps that you need to take in order to enable this really useful feature. Enable it to stop receiving app notifications, calendar events, messages and email alerts, and even Skype calls.

1. Press the Windows logo + W key to open the Search function or open the Charms Bar by moving the mouse or by swiping the finger to the top right corner.

2. In the Search bar type ‘PC Settings‘ and then click or tap on it.

3. Choose ‘Search and Apps‘ from the menu.

4. Click or tap on ‘Notifications‘.

5. From there, go to the ‘Quiet Hours’ sub-menu and choose whether you want the feature to be enabled or disabled. Choose the period when you don’t want to receive notifications and you can also choose not to receive calls during the quiet hours, as well.

Many users had some unpleasant situations when important third-party services or software gets blocked by Quiet Hours. This might be a problem as some users were in a situation where they had to choose between disabling the tool or not. However, now the app should work fine and will not block these notifications anymore. We hope you are one of the lucky users who didn’t encounter this issue.

Xbox One hardware sales keep going up in the US according to NPD

Posted on August 23, 2018 by Radu Tyrsina

2018 continues to be a year of growth for the video games industry in the US, with hardware spending showing a 19% year-over-year growth according to the NPD Group. Mat Piscatella, US Video Games Industry Analyst at the market research company shared some interesting facts about the US video games market in July, which saw the Nintendo Switch once again beat the Playstation 4 and the Xbox One as the top-selling hardware platform.

The 19% YoY growth in hardware spending in July was “driven by Xbox One, Switch and Plug N Play devices such as the NES Classic,” Piscatella said, adding that Xbox One hardware sales grew nearly 50% in value last month. This is certainly a good sign ahead of the holiday season.

US NPD HW – Xbox One hardware sales continue to trend higher. Dollar sales grew nearly 50 percent in July and have now increased by more than 60 percent year to date.

— Mat Piscatella (@MatPiscatella) August 22, 2018

Xbox One accessories are also doing well in the US, as the standard Xbox One white controller was the best-selling gaming accessory in July. Still, the PS4 black controller remains the most popular gaming accessory to date according to the NPD Group.

US NPD ACC & GC – The Xbox One S White Controller was July’s top revenue generating Accessory, while the PS4 DualShock 4 Black Controller has driven the highest dollar sales of any Accessory year to date.

— Mat Piscatella (@MatPiscatella) August 22, 2018

As you may know, Microsoft stopped sharing details about Xbox One sales years ago to focus on Xbox Live engagement, and this was probably for good reason. Sony’s PlayStation 4 remains the best-selling console in this generation, and it shouldn’t be long before the Nintendo Switch eventually beats the Xbox One and claims the #2 spot. Still, the Xbox One is doing well for Microsoft, which said that its gaming revenue increased 39% during the past quarter.

Now that pretty much all Xbox One exclusive games are available on PC, it’s quite amazing to see that Microsoft still manages to remain competitive in the gaming market. Besides having the most powerful console with the Xbox One X, this may well be the results the company’s forward-thinking approach with features like Xbox One Backward Compatibility, Xbox Play Anywhere, and a new push for crossplay multiplayer support in cross-platform multiplayer games.

How to Change Privacy Settings in Windows 10, 8.1

Posted on August 23, 2018October 4, 2023 by Radu Tyrsina

These days, privacy is one of the most talked about topics, and Microsoft wants to make sure that it pleases Windows 8.1 and Windows 10 users with the settings that it offers. Here are the options that let you be in control of your privacy on Windows 8.1

You have probably noticed that just like on other mobile platforms, such as iOS or Android, the apps that you install from the Windows Store to your Windows 10 and Windows 8.1 device can access various features of your system. You are probably ignoring this aspect, but you really need to know that you can be in control of your privacy settings. With the enlisted steps from below, we quickly share the tips and explanation of privacy options in Windows 8.1.

Important note: For Windows 10 users, type ‘Privacy Settings’ in Windows 10 search bar in the bottom left of your desktop and you will get the same menu options as in Windows 8.1.

If you know your way already on Windows 8 and Windows 8.1, then you can know how to access PC Settings. From there, you just choose the Privacy option. But here’s the detailed guide for those who are new to the concept.

1. Press the Windows logo + W key to open the Search function or open the Charms Bar by moving your mouse or swipe the finger to the top right corner.

2. In the Search bar type ‘PC Settings‘ and then click or tap on it.

3. Choose ‘Privacy‘ from the menu.

4. In the ‘General‘ subsection, you can change the following:

App access to your name, picture and other account info
Apps can access your advertising ID, you can turn it off to reset it
SmartScreen filter for the web content that apps are using
Text suggestions
Websites provide locally relevant content by accessing the language list

5. In the ‘Location‘ subsection, you can allow Windows and apps to use your location. If you don’t like certain apps to use your location, then you can disable this manually.

6. In the ‘Webcam‘ subsection, you can do the same things as in the Location one, meaning you can disable the access of certain apps and Windows, as well. Only choose the apps that you know are really safe to use.

7. In the ‘Microphone‘ sub-menu, you already know what you can do from the previous settings. Again, disable the apps that you don’t trust.

There’s also the ‘Other devices’ subsection, where you will probably see other devices, such as a pen or any other external devices.

Privacy settings security issues in Windows 10?

In may 2018 we have written about the new privacy settings that Windows 10 April Update will bring. They have been criticized for collecting information and many users were not happy about that. Some of them reported that the privacy settings disappeared in Windows 10.

But the most discussed problem was the inability to change the settings of the data collection process. This problem raised concerns even on a political level. If you still think that your personal information is fully secured, here’s a proof that Windows 10 ignore user settings.

Fix: Windows 10/11 update error 0x800f0816

Posted on August 23, 2018October 4, 2023 by Ivan Jenic

Before the eagerly awaited Creators Update hits Windows 10, we will be prompted with obligatory updates. However, many users report a large variety of issues related to updates themselves. In this situation, you might wonder how to fix the overall system when the method of obtaining the fixes doesn’t function, as in error 0x800f0816 which completely blocks the Update feature. The good thing is that every illness has its medicine and we’ve prepared a few workarounds for this annoyance.

How to fix update error 0x800f0816 in Windows 10

Table of contents:

Try and fix it with Windows Update Troubleshooter
Reset Windows update components with script file
Manually download and install latest KB update
Run DISM
Run the SFC scan
Restart Windows Update components manually
Make sure the Windows Update service is running
Make sure the BITS service is running
Uninstall previous updates
Disable antivirus
Perform a clean reinstallation of Windows

Fix – Update error 0x800f0816 in Windows 10

Solution 1 – Try and fix it with Windows Update Troubleshooter

The first thing we’re going to try is running the built-in Update troubleshooter. Simply because it’s the easiest thing to do, and it may turn out to be the most helpful one, as well. Here’s how to run the Update troubleshooter:

Here’s how to run Windows 10’s built-in troubleshooter:

1. Go to Settings.
2. Head over to Updates & Security > Troubleshoot.
3. Select Windows Update, and go to Run the Troubleshooter.
4. Follow further on-screen instructions and let the process finish.
5. Restart your computer.

Solution 2 – Reset Windows update components with script file

There is an abundance of built-in tools designed for error fixing. You can use them one by one or, with this specific batch file, run them all at once. Thanks to Windows enthusiasts, you can obtain the file or even create it by yourself.

Using this script is perfectly safe and does the following:

Removes outdated Windows update folders.
Resets the network connection.
Re-registers Windows Update files.

In order to get this script and use it to fix update error, do as follows:

Download Windows Update Reset Script from here.
Use WinRAR (or any other archiver) to extract the WUReset.bat on your desktop.
Right-click and choose Run as administrator.
Once the process is finished, restart PC and check for updates.

Solution 3 – Manually download and install latest KB update

On some occasions, the latest KB update may be corrupted or incomplete. That can vastly impact your update or even the overall system. You can also download any KB update manually from the internet and install it on your own. This goes for major updates and builds, as well.

In order to obtain latest KB update and install it, follow these instructions:

In Search Windows box type View installed updates.
Open the View installed updates panel.
Find the latest update and write down numbers after KB.
Open web-browser and go to this site.
Copy saved numbers and past them in the search box.
Click download and select version if offered.
Save the file and click twice for installation to start.

This is applicable for every suspicious update and can help you overcome various update errors.

Solution 4 – Run DISM

If the aforementioned troubleshooter failed to resolve the problem, we’re going to try another one. Or two. The first one is DISM (Deployment Image Servicing and Management). As its name says, this tool deploys the system image all over again. Hopefully, this will resolve our problem.

Here’s how to run DISM in Windows 10:

Open the Command Prompt as shown above.
Enter the following command and press Enter:
- - DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-image /Restorehealth
Wait for the process to finish.
Restart your computer.
In case the DISM can’t obtain files online, try using your installation USB or DVD. Insert media and type following command:
- - DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth /Source:C:RepairSourceWindows /LimitAccess
Make sure to replace ”C:RepairSourceWindows” path of your DVD or USB.
Follow further on-screen instructions.

Solution 5 – Run the SFC scan

The second command-line tool we’re going to try is the SFC scan. This tool basically scans your computer for possible issues, and resolves them if possible.

Here’s how to run the SFC scan in Windows 10:

Go to Search, type cmd, right-click Command Prompt, and select Open as Administrator.
Enter the following command, and press Enter: sfc/scannow
Wait for the process to finish.
Restart your computer.

Solution 6 – Restart Windows Update components manually

If the troubleshooting tools failed to deliver, we’ll have to come back to doing things on our own. So, the next thing we’re going to try is resetting crucial Windows update compnents. Here’s what you need to do:

Start Command Prompt as administrator.
When Command Prompt starts, run the following commands:

net stop wuauserv
net stop cryptSvc
net stop msiserver
ren C:WindowsSoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.old
ren C:WindowsSystem32catroot2 Catroot2.old
net start wuauserv
net start cryptSvc
net start msiserver

Solution 7 – Make sure the Windows Update service is running

Everything in Windows runs through so-called “services”. And if the Windows Update service is not running, we won’t be able to download any updates. So, make sure the Windows Update service is on:

Go to Search, type services.msc, and open Services.
Find the Windows Update service. Right-click and open Properties.
On the General tab, find Startup type and choose Automatic.
If the service is not running, right-click and choose Start.
Confirm selection and close window.

Solution 8 – Make sure the BITS service is running

The same thing goes for another crucial service for delivering Windows Updates, Background Intelligent Transfer Service:

Go to Search, type services.msc, and open Services.
Find Background Intelligent Transfer Service. Right-click and open Restart.
Wait for the process to restart.
Now, on the General tab, find Startup type and choose Automatic.
If the BITS is not running, right-click and choose Start.
Confirm selection and close window.

Solution 9 – Uninstall previous updates

Windows Updates are a strange kind. Even though these patches are supposed to make your system better, it’s not always the case. Sometimes, a certain update may disrupt something inside Windows. So, it’s quite possible that the very last Winodws update you installed is preventing you from installing new updates. In that case, your best bet is to simply delete that update.

In case you’re not sure how, just follow these steps:

Go to Settings.
Head over to Updates & Security > Windows Update.
Go to Update history > Uninstall updates.
Now, find the latest update installed on your computer (you can sort updates by date), right-click it, and go to Uninstall.
Restart your computer.

Solution 10 – Disable antivirus

It’s also possible for your antivirus program to block Windows updates. So just in case, disable your antivirus and try installing the update once again. If the update installs without any issues, your problem is solved.

Solution 11 – Perform a clean reinstallation of Windows

Sadly, sometimes the system update gets stuck and there is no way to repair it no matter what you do. Most of the time, you’ll be able to fix the update errors but other times, computing sometimes has a mind of its own.

Because of that, you should reinstall the system from scratch. Even though Microsoft offers upgrades from previous systems (7, 8.1), it is alway better to perform the clean install. It will take you about an hour or so to finish the complete procedure. The important thing to remember is to back your files up from system partition and have your license key at the ready.

In case you have any questions related to this subject, do not hesitate to ask in the comment section below!

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Latest AdDuplex numbers break down Windows 10 and Surface version popularity

Posted on August 23, 2018 by Radu Tyrsina

AdDuplex has just published its Windows Statistics Report for the month of August 2018, once again giving us an approximate idea of the popularity of Windows 10 versions and Surface devices worldwide. As usual, the company’s numbers only take into account Windows 10 PCs running Windows Store apps using the AdDuplex SDK, so that’s just a sample, and maybe a skewed one, of the global Windows 10 userbase.

Anyway, the Windows 10 April update is now running 86.7% of all Windows 10 PCs AdDuplex measured this month. That’s a very small growth compared to the 84% of Windows 10 PCs the company observed in July, but the rollout of the latest major update for Windows 10 is now almost complete.

AdDuplex also shared some new data about the Surface family of devices today: The brand new Surface Go already showed up on their radar this month with a 1.24% usage share, landing between the Surface Laptop and the Surface Studio. Again, this data is only about Surface devices running AdDuplex ads, and it doesn’t reflect the complete Surface user base.

The Surface Go was released on August 2 in the US, but it will start shipping in many more markets starting August 28. The 10-inch tablet is the most affordable Surface ever, and it should really appeal to Microsoft fans who have yet to buy a Surface device. Microsoft doesn’t share any hard data about its Surface sales, but it will be interesting to see if Surface Go can boost Microsoft’s Surface revenue in the next quarter.

Microsoft To-Do Windows 10 app now lets you add hashtags to your tasks

Posted on August 23, 2018 by Radu Tyrsina

Microsoft To-Do already provides many way to organise your notes, including a recently-added “Star” feature, but the Windows 10 version of the task manager app now lets you add hashtags to your tasks for even more flexibility (via All About Windows Phone). When you create a new task, you can now add any #hashtags you want in the title, as well as in the bottom “Notes” section of a task.

Selecting an hashtag will surface all the related tasks, and you can also search for hashtags in the app’s search bar, as seen in the screenshots below:

In addition to adding hashtags support, the latest version of Microsoft To-Do for Windows 10 (1.38.1808.20001) also adds a new option in the account menu for fixing your account when you encounter syncing issues or other error messages in the app. These changes are only available on Windows 10 and Windows 10 Mobile for now, but they should presumably show up on all other platforms soon.

Microsoft To Do: Lists, Tasks & Reminders

Download
QR-Code

Microsoft To Do: Lists, Tasks & Reminders

Developer:
Microsoft Corporation

Price:
Free

Fix: Windows 10/11 update error 0x800705b3

Posted on August 23, 2018October 21, 2025 by Ivan Jenic

It’s hard to expect your system to function in a seamless manner if your drivers are inappropriate. Back in the day, you would install the drivers provided by the hardware producer, but in Windows 10, the system update covers this department.

And that’s too often a fruitful soil for a lot of issues. One of the frequent errors that occur due to unfitting drivers is known by the code 0x800705b3. This error occurs when Windows Update is unable to install the fitting software for its hardware counterparts.

So, if you’ve got in contact with this error and your updates are stalled, you should check the list below where we enlisted the best-suited workarounds.

How to resolve Windows 10 update error 0x800705b3

Update your drivers manually
Run Update troubleshooter
Prevent the driver auto-updating
Run the SFC scan
Run DISM
Reset Windows Update components
Make sure the Windows Update service is running
Make sure the BITS service is running
Change DNS settings
Perform a clean reinstallation

How to fix Update error 0x800705b3 in Windows 10

Solution 1 – Update your drivers manually

As we stated so many times before, in order to make everything function as intended, you’ll need to get the drivers yourself. Drivers that are updated over the air are not always best suited for the job. Additionally, some of the devices may be outdated so you’ll need to find a proper legacy driver to get them going.

If you’re unsure how to get valid drivers, follow the instructions:

Right-click the Start menu and open the Device Manager.
Navigate to the troubled driver and uninstall it.
Right-click the driver and open Properties.
Under Details tab, locate and copy HardwareID.
Paste the values in the search bar of your web browser to locate the proper drivers.
Make sure to locate the proper drivers provided by the OEM’s.
Install the drivers and restart the PC.

It’s the highest priority to download the drivers from trusted sources in order to escape malware or critical damage to your system.

Update drivers automatically

In order to prevent PC damage by installing the wrong driver versions, we strongly suggest doing it automatically by using a dedicated tool.

This tool is approved and tested by our team and will help you update all outdated drivers safely. After several tests, our team concluded that this is the best-automatized solution. Below you can find a quick guide on how to do it.

In addition, you can set up driver backups and go back where you started with your drivers, in case anything wrong occurs in the process.

Hence, managing your drivers with this practical tool will provide an automatic scan for missing or outdated drivers, optimizing the hardware with their latest drivers’ versions.

⇒ Get Fortect Driver Updater

Solution 2 – Run Update troubleshooter

One of the additions that rolled with the Creators Update is a unified troubleshooter that should be of more use than the previous built-in solutions. So, you can navigate to the new unified menu and troubleshoot the issues at hand. In this exact event, you can troubleshoot Updates, plus the Hardware and Devices, just in case.

Follow the instructions to do so:

Press Windows key + I to access the Settings app.
Open Update & security.
Under the left pane, click Troubleshoot.
Run Update troubleshooter.
Optionally, run Hardware and Devices troubleshooter.
Restart your PC and check for changes.

However, if the problem is still persistent, make sure to check the steps below in order to resolve it.

Solution 3 – Prevent the driver from auto-updating

Even though it’s quite hard to disable some of the update features and prevent a certain device from updating, there is a way. More than one, to be exact. And you can find those with thorough explanations in this article.

Additionally, there are reports that some older devices can interfere with the update procedure so make sure to unplug the device and uninstall the driver. Later on, you can find some alternative legacy drivers that should get you going. That’s one of the few fallacies of Microsoft’s latest addition: some older devices are simply not supported. And a lot of folks, due to professional needs of outdated printer or scanner, decided to roll back to Windows 7 just because of that.

Solution 4 – Run the SFC scan

Another troubleshooting tool worth trying is the SFC scan. This is a command-line tool that basically scans your computer for potential issues and resolves them on the way. Here’s exactly what you need to do:

Right-click on the Start Menu button, and open Command Prompt (Admin).
Enter the following line and press Enter: sfc/scannow
Wait until the process is done (it may take a while).
If the solution is found, it will automatically be applied.
Now, close the Command Prompt and restart your computer.

Solution 5 – Run DISM

The next tool we’re going to try is DISM. Here’s how to run DISM in Windows 10:

Here’s how to run DISM in Windows 10:

Open the Command Prompt as shown above.
Enter the following command and press Enter:
- DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-image /Restorehealth
Wait for the process to finish.
Restart your computer.
In case the DISM can’t obtain files online, try using your installation USB or DVD. Insert media and type following command:
- DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth /Source:C:RepairSourceWindows /LimitAccess
Make sure to replace ”C:RepairSourceWindows” path of your DVD or USB.
Follow further on-screen instructions.

Solution 6 – Reset Windows Update components

If none of the troubleshooting tools managed to resolve the problem, let’s try with resetting crucial update components. Here’s what you need to do:

Start Command Prompt as administrator.
When Command Prompt starts, run the following commands:

net stop wuauserv
net stop cryptSvc
net stop msiserver
ren C:WindowsSoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.old
ren C:WindowsSystem32catroot2 Catroot2.old
net start wuauserv
net start cryptSvc
net start msiserver

Solution 7 – Make sure the Windows Update service is running

The most crucial service for receiving updates in Windows 10 is the Windows Update service. If this service is not running properly, well, you won’t be able to get any updates. So, make sure it runs by doing the following:

Go to Search, type services.msc, and open Services.
Find the Windows Update service. Right-click and open Properties.
On the General tab, find Startup type and choose Automatic.
If the service is not running, right-click and choose Start.
Confirm selection and close window.

Solution 8 – Make sure the BITS service is running

Background Intelligent Transfer Service (BITS) is an essential service for Updates. On some occasions, due to various reasons it can crash and stop working. What you need to do is restart the service and see if there is an improvement in the Update protocol. Here’s how:

Press Windows key + R. In search line type services.mscand press Enter.
Look for Background Intelligent Transfer Service (BITS) and double-click it to open its properties.
If the service isn’t running, click the Start button.
Choose Recovery tab and make sure that First failure and Second failure are set to Restart service.
Confirm selection and check for updates.

Solution 9 – Change DNS settings

If none of the previous workarounds resolve the problem, we’ll try and change the DNS settings. Here’s how to do that:

Go to Windows Search, type control panel, and open Control Panel.
Go to Network and Sharing Center, and click on Change adapter settings from the left pane.
Choose the network you’re currently using, right-click it, and choose Properties.
Scroll down to Internet protocol version 4 (TCP/IPv4), and choose Properties.
Now, choose Use the following DNS Server addresses
Enter the following values: DNS Server – 8.8.8.8 and Alternate DNS Server – 8.8.4.4
Save changes, and restart your computer

Solution 10 – Perform a clean reinstallation

In the end, if everything falls short and you’re still looking at the error creeping on you from the screen, the clean reinstallation is a logical action. Luckily, is never been so easy to perform a clean reinstall like on Windows 10.

A detailed explanation can be found in this article. In addition, make sure to backup your data on the non-system partition and take good care of your license key.

With that, we think that you’ll have enough material to resolve this update issue. In case you need additional help or have an alternative solution, make sure to tell us in the comments section.

How to Create, Name Groups of Tiles in Windows 10, 8.1

Posted on August 23, 2018October 4, 2023 by Radu Tyrsina

What many haven’t noticed when Windows 10, Windows 8.1 was released officially is the fact that the process of renaming groups of tiles has been really simplified and is now easier than ever. Follow our quick guide from below to learn how to do it.

We have already explained how you can easily minimize and close apps in Windows 8.1, and a set of another simple, yet important things to do. A new setting has been simplified with the launch of Windows 8.1 and really polished with the latest Windows 8.1 Update. We’re talking about the naming and creating of a group of tiles in Windows 8.1. You can also have a look at our previous article on how to manage more settings for live tiles.

Creating and naming groups of tiles is essential to an efficient management of all your installed. And if you’re like me, then you have at least 50 of them installed. The easiest way to find all in their place is to group by the category they belong to, like games, social, entertainment, work, tools and whatever denominator you think will be good. Here’s how you can quickly do that.

How to group Live Tiles on Windows 8.1, 10 PC or laptop?

1. Go to your Start screen and make sure that you have at least around 10 apps there to make sure that you experience with more groups. If you don’t have enough, just scroll down and choose from there and then pin them to the start screen.

2. Now simply right-click anywhere on the screen and choose from there “Name groups“.

3. If you want to create more groups, simply hold whatever live tile you want and move it to the right. It will now create a new “column and you will be able to rename it.

This is all, and if you knew how to do it in Windows 8, then you realize that the process has been simplified quite a lot.

Important note: This method works for Windows 10 as well. You can group tiles by using the same method without any issues. We have a great guide for all ‘artistic people’ that would like to customize their Start Menu with Live Tiles. You can play with their size and their positioning as you want. Let us know in the comments if you could customize your live tiles using our guide.

Read Also: Microsoft to bring Live Tiles improvements to Windows 10

Windows 10 Live Tiles: Tweak the Settings

Posted on August 23, 2018October 4, 2023 by Radu Tyrsina

Windows 10, 8.1 brought some much needed and important new features over Windows 8 and with the release of the latest Windows 8.1 Update, we’ve got even more options and settings to make use of. One of them represents the settings that let you toggle with live tiles.

If you own a Windows 10 or Windows 8.1 device, then you are probably well acquainted with the term of live tiles – those “icons” that are glued to the start screen of your desktop or touch Windows device. There are certain settings that you can change in order to make live tiles better suit your own needs. We’re going to tell you how you can quickly change settings for live tiles and also how to understand the impact of the changes that you have made.

How to change Live Tiles settings on Windows 10 pc or laptop?

Here are the quick steps for easily accessing live tiles settings:

1. Go to the Start Screen of your Windows 8.1, 10 device by pressing the Windows logo on your keyboard, as you can see in the above screenshot.

2. From there, swipe your finger or mouse to the right and choose from there Settings.

3. Now, from the drop-down menu, select ‘Tiles’.

4. Now you can change the settings with the following options:

Show more tiles on the Start screen – this will automatically add more space and will reduce the size of apps that are currently on the start screen
Show more apps in Apps view – this will let you see more of your apps when you scroll down
Show administrative tools – this will open up a small menu of commands when right clicking on a live tile
Clear personal info from my tiles – for example, if your Facebook live tiles is showing you feeds of your friends’ activity, you can turn that off.

Windows live tiles hints and tips

Live tiles are really amazing, and in Windows 10 you can customize them even better. You can easily create your own start menu from live tiles according to your needs and apps you use the most. After the last big update Live Tiles received from Microsoft, you have even more options to customize them.

For some people, there might be some problems with Live Tiles, especially with the weather app. This problem may be fixed easily by clicking on the previous link. Let us know in the comments if you arrived to customize your Live Tiles as you wanted.

Trials Rising video game pre-orders now open on Xbox One consoles

Posted on August 23, 2018 by Radu Tyrsina

Trials Rising is now available to digitally pre-order on the Xbox One. The game is the newest entry in the Trials series and features more motorbike stunts and racing with new locations, a new mode, and support for local and online multiplayer.

Here’s the official game description and trailer:

Explore over-the-top action and physics-bending motorcycle racing in Trials® Rising, the latest edition of the Trials franchise. All new features, more competitions, and more tracks mean new challenges! Ride challenging tracks around the world – from the Great Wall of China and New York City to the Eiffel Tower and everywhere in between. With the new hilarious Tandem Bike mode, partner with a friend and try to control one bike with two riders. From your local backyard to worldwide stadiums, defeat all your opponents online and rise to glory. Create unique levels in Track Central using hundreds of different components. The possibilities are endless – and so is the fun! Pre-order now to receive the Jungle Rider Pack and the Wild West Ride Pack!

Trials Rising will be released in a regular version and a Digital Gold Edition that contains the main game plus the Expansion Pass and two Expansion Item Packs. Pre-orders of both versions will also come with the Jungle Rider Pack and Wild West Ride Pack.

Are you excited for Trials Rising on Xbox One? Let us know if you’re going to pre-order it in the comments below and then follow us on Pinterest for more Xbox One gaming content.

Download
QR-Code

Trials® Rising – Standard Edition

Developer:
Ubisoft

Price:
Free

Download
QR-Code

Trials® Rising – Digital Gold Edition

Developer:
Ubisoft

Price:
Free

How to Quickly Rename PC in Windows 10, 8.1

Posted on August 23, 2018October 4, 2023 by Radu Tyrsina

As we have previously told you, in Windows 10, 8.1, the traditional My Computer’ has been renamed into ‘This PC’. But this isn’t actually the name of your PC, and if you want to change it, here is the easy step-by-step guide that you need to take to do just that.

There are some quick things that you can learn inside Windows 8.1 and 10, such as seeing your PC Info, change Narrator settings, enable Quiet hours and many, many others. In our short guide, this time, we’ll explain how you can quickly, in under a minute, change the name of your PC. If you have been using Windows 10 or Windows 8.1 for a while now, you’re probably aware of this, but here is is our step-by-step short tutorial for those who are fresh to the idea of Windows 8 and how it operates.

Of course, you can still change the name of your PC by following the old way that applies to the desktop interface, but this time we’re only talking about the Modern aspect, because it’s much cooler! So, here we go.

How to change your PC/laptop name in Windows 8.1, 10?

1. Open the Charms Bar (swipe finger or mouse to the top right corner or press Windows logo + W) and from there choose the search button and type there ‘PC Settings‘.

2. From the ‘PC Settings’ menu, choose the ‘PC and Devices‘ sub-section.

3. From the ‘PC and Devices’ menu, select the PC info section.

4. Rename your PC by choosing a combination of letters, hyphens and numbers. This isn’t like choosing a password, therefore, you can use something personal, just like I did.

So, that’s about it. Leave your comment below and let us know what name have you picked for your computer, and you can also leave your screenshot, as I’m always curious to see how folks baptize their systems.

Renaming elements on Windows PC

Isn’t it boring having a usual name not only on your PC but also on your folders? Let’s try to animate your PC a little bit. After renaming it successful, we have to mention that you can do that with your files and folders. Here’s a list of related guides:

12 of the best file rename software for Windows PCs
How to Rename a Network in Windows 10 (Oh yeah, make fun of your neighbors!)
How to rename multiple files in Windows 10, 8.1
How to rename multiple files at once in Windows 10

Here you go, now you can manipulate your files and folders names however you want. Let us know in the comments if this article was helpful.

Xbox All Access: Xbox Live Gold, Game Pass, and consoles to be bundled in new plans

Posted on August 23, 2018 by Radu Tyrsina

According to separate reports by The Verge and Windows Central, Microsoft is planning to release Xbox One console bundles that buyers will be able to pay off on a monthly basis.

Called, Xbox All Access, each bundle will contain either the Xbox One X or S console, two years of Xbox Game Pass, and a two year Xbox Live Gold subscription. The Xbox One X bundle is said to cost $34.99 a month over a two year period, after which the buyer would own the console outright and would then need to renew their Xbox Live Gold and Xbox Game Pass subscriptions if they so choose. The Xbox One S bundle would cost around $22 a month.

On average, this monthly payment plan would only be slightly more expensive (around $15) than buying the console and separate subscriptions outright with an Xbox One X currently costing $499 and two years of Xbox Game Pass and Xbox Live Gold costing around $240 and $120 respectively.

The main appeal of Xbox All Access will likely be the convenience of possessing an Xbox One console immediately without the need for paying the entire fee up front. Microsoft will have some competition in this department though as several companies, such as AfterPay, are already offering this service at a large number of online and offline stores and with a greater level of customizability. Many shoppers may opt to just pay off an Xbox One X console with a rival service instead of being forced to pay off additional membership subscriptions with Xbox All Access.

Microsoft has yet to officially announce Xbox Game Pass or confirm any of this information publicly so some of these stated details may change.

What do you think about Xbox All Access? Would you use it? Share your thoughts with the community in the comments below and then follow us on Pinterest for more Xbox news.

Power Plans Missing in Windows 10: How to Get Them Back

Posted on August 22, 2018October 4, 2023 by Milan Stanojevic

In Windows, a power plan is a set of hardware and system options that define how power is used and preserved by your device. But for some users, one or more power plans are missing in Windows 10.

The three built-in power plans include Balanced, Power Saver, and High Performance. All these can be customized for your systems, or you can create new plans based on the existing ones or a completely new power plan from scratch.

Also, a few users found that the power options are greyed out, a problem that stems from the same underlying cause. So, let’s find out how to get things up and running!

What are the different power plans in Windows?

Here are all the power plans available on your Windows PC:

Balanced: A balanced plan offers full performance when needed and saves power when you don’t need it.
Power saver: As the name suggests, it saves power by reducing performance and screen brightness, thus extending the battery life.
High performance: It maximizes your screen brightness and increases performance. Remember, it uses more energy.
Ultimate Performance: This is only available by default in Windows 10 Pro for Workstations edition, but users can enable the Ultimate Performance plan for the best speed and OS response in Windows.

Any changes you make to the settings of any power plan affect all users that chose the same plan as their default power scheme.

For Windows 10, a new user interface allows you to change the power related options. While all this is said and done, sometimes, much to your dismay, you may notice that in Windows 10 Power Options, one of the power plans goes missing. Keep reading for solutions!

How do I restore missing power plans in Windows 10?

1. Create a Power Plan

Right-click Start, and select Power Options
Click on the Additional power settings link in the Related settings area.
Click the Create a power plan link.
Select High performance.
Specify the name of your new plan.
Click Next and choose the appropriate values for each of the parameters.
Then, click on Create. The new power plan will be added and activated.
To customize it, click on the Change plan settings link.
Click on Change advanced power settings.
Click OK

Often, creating a new power plan is the best way out when power plans are missing in Windows 10. This way, instead of spending hours identifying and eliminating the underlying cause, you simply work around the problem.

2. Restore default power plans

Press the Windows key, type Command Prompt, right-click on the entry, and select Run as administrator.
To restore the Power saver scheme, use this command: powercfg.exe -duplicatescheme a1841308-3541-4fab-bc81-f71556f20b4a
Now, to restore the Balanced scheme, use this command: exe -duplicatescheme 381b4222-f694-41f0-9685-ff5bb260df2e
To restore the High Performance scheme, use this command: exe -duplicatescheme 8c5e7fda-e8bf-4a96-9a85-a6e23a8c635c

When only the balanced power plan is available in Windows 10, you can quickly enable the other plans with their dedicated command.

3. Check the Power Options settings

Click Start, and select Settings.
Select System
Click Power Options.

Check if your power plans are listed under Power Options. It includes the Additional Power Settings link under Related Settings.

4. Run Power Troubleshooter

Press Windows + R to open Run, paste the following command, and hit Enter:msdt.exe -id PowerDiagnostic
When the troubleshooter opens, follow the on-screen instructions and make the recommended changes.

If the high performance power plan is missing in Windows 10, a quick solution is to run the dedicated Power troubleshooter to get things running in no time.

5. Change Registry settings

Right-click Start, and select Run.
Type regedit and press Enter to open the Registry Editor.
Go to the folder: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Power
On the right, double-click the key named CsEnabled.
Enter 0 under Value data and click OK to save the changes.
Restart your computer.
Check if your power plans are back.

If none of the above methods helped when power plans are missing in Windows 10, modifying the Registry should do the trick. Though, be cautious with the process and follow the steps as it is without making any other changes.

Before you leave, do check some quick tips to get the best power efficiency in Windows.

For any queries or to share more solutions with us, drop a comment below.

How to Quickly Check App Size on Windows 10, 8.1

Posted on August 22, 2018January 10, 2024 by Radu Tyrsina

Windows 10, Windows 8.1 brought along the Windows Store and this allowed for apps to be downloaded both on touch enabled Windows 10, Windows 8.1 and Windows RT tablets, but also on desktop devices. We now share a quick tip on how you can check the size of all the apps you’ve installed.

Most of the Windows 10, Windows 8.1 apps from the Windows Store come with a small size, but there are some that can really consumer your storage space. And even if you download small sized apps, but you download plenty of them, then naturally, you will see that soon, your disk space will need to be cleaned.

So, here’s a quick tip on how you can see the size of your apps, and, of course, if you no longer need them, or if you feel they’re taking far too much space, you can uninstall them.

READ ALSO: How to Show or Hide Windows Store Apps on the Taskbar

How to display Microsoft Store app size information

So, here are the steps that you need to take in order to have access to the settings where app size information is being enlisted.

1. Open the Charms Bar by swiping the mouse to the top right corner and choose from there the magnifying glass to search. Or, you can press directly the Windows logo + W key, which is a quick hotkey for accessing the search feature.

2. Type there PC Settings

3. After that, click or tap on “Search and apps“

4. Choose App sizes from there. Depending on how many apps you have installed and how big these are, this might take a while, so let the process run in the background while you mind your own business.

5. Proceed with the uninstall of your apps, as they are enlisted in a descending order with the first one being the one with the biggest size. You will see that when you will try to uninstall an app or game, it will notify whether you want to uninstall all the information from synced PCs. Follow this guide to read more on this.

How to check app size details on Windows 10

Windows 10 displays app size information next to the list of apps as well. In order to access app size details, you need to go to Settings > Apps and select Apps and Features. The app size is listed in the right-hand pane, next to the apps.

It’s a pity that you don’t get to see how much time has left until a certain app or game has been uninstalled, but from my experience, I’ve seen that this process is pretty fast. Another feature that could be improved is the option to let you choose multiple apps and let them uninstall in the same time.

Speaking of uninstalling apps and programs, if you need a dedicated program for this task, you can check out this list of the best software uninstaller tools to use in 2024.

You can also estimate software size effectively through functionality assessment, and we have a guide that shows you how to do that properly.

RELATED STORIES TO CHECK OUT:

How to Change Windows 10, 8.1 Spelling Settings

Posted on August 22, 2018October 4, 2023 by Radu Tyrsina

Most of the system settings are easily built into Windows 10, Windows 8.1 and Windows 8 can be accessed right away, but if you’re a beginner with the latest Windows version, then we’re explaining how you can access and manage the spelling settings.

There are plenty of Windows 10, Windows 8.1 spell checking apps and we have featured some in the past that you can use on your Windows 10, 8, Windows 8.1 or even Windows RT tablets. But, did you know that there are some spelling settings that you can enable or disable in Windows 10, 8 itself? Also, if you’re interested in typing and words, maybe you can have a look at some of the most resourceful Windows 10, 8 dictionary apps. Ok, now, back to our quick tip on how you can change spelling settings.

READ ALSO: Grammarly app for Windows PC users update with improved grammar & spelling

Autocorrect and highlight misspelled words on PC

So, here are the steps that you need to take to get into the autocorrect and highlight misspelled words settings:

Open the Search charms bar, by swiping your finger to the right corner or moving your mouse there, or by pressing the Windows logo + W.
Type there PC Settings
Then choose PC and Devices
From there, choose Typing and then you will have access to the spelling settings

The steps to follow in order to edit spelling settings on Windows 10 are more intuitive. All you need to do is go to Settings > Device > Typing. You can then enable or disable the following two options:

Autocorrect mispelled words
Highlight mispelled words

So, here, if you find annoying the fact that misspelled words are being highlighted, you can disable or, on the other hand, enable it. There are also third-party grammar checker tools that you can install on your computer. For more information on the best grammar software available on the market, you can check out this guide.

RELATED STORIES TO CHECK OUT:

How to Check PC Specs in Windows 10

Posted on August 22, 2018June 3, 2024 by Radu Tyrsina

In Windows 10, the vast majority of system settings have remained the same as in the previous iterations, But we often need to check the PC specs in Windows 10, and there are slight changes there.

Finding out the PC specifications helps identify whether the system meets the minimum requirements for a program or how much RAM should be added, both critical to the performance. Besides, it’s a step toward knowing the PC better.

Keep reading to find out how to check the full PC specs in Windows 10.

How do I find my full PC specs?

1. Open System Information

Press Windows + S to open Search, type System Information in the text field, and click on the relevant result.
You will now find the basic PC specs in the System Summary tab.
To view detailed information, head to the dedicated tab.

The System Information utility in Windows 10 allows users to check the full PC specs pertaining to hardware, software, or components.

2. Check PC specs with CMD

Press Windows + R to open Run, type cmd, and hit Ctrl + Shift + Enter.
Click Yes in the UAC prompt.
Now, type the following command and hit Enter:systeminfo
It will now list the PC specs.

For those wondering how to check the PC specs in Windows 10 via CMD, a quick command will list all the vital parameters.

3. View PC specs in Settings

Press Windows + I to open Settings, and click on System.
Now, navigate to the About tab to view information about the installed version of Windows and the basic PC specs.

Windows will then list all the necessary information on your computer specs and OS version. It also shows what edition of Windows you are currently running and if it is activated.

These are some ways you can check PC specs in Windows 10, both a brief summary and a detailed report. For specific specs like checking your graphics card, we have a separate article on that.

Before you leave, check the best system information tools for curated and user-oriented details of the various aspects.

For any queries or to share your favorite of the three, comment below.

Overwatch will be free to play on Xbox One this weekend

Posted on August 22, 2018 by Radu Tyrsina

The popular online shooter will once again be free to play this weekend, the Xbox team announced earlier this week. Being an online game, you’ll need an active Xbox Live Gold subscription to take part in this Free Weekend which will run from August 23–27.

Starting this Thursday, show off your heroic chops—Overwatch will be free to play through August 27: https://t.co/CpP7HG2MSX pic.twitter.com/tAuWwWAebD

— Xbox (@Xbox) August 20, 2018

This is the third time this year that Blizzard is offering an Overwatch weekend on Xbox One, Playstation 4 and PC. As usual, you’ll have access to the full list of heroes, game modes and maps, and any progress you make during this free weekend will carry over if you decide to buy the full game later.

You can already download the Overwatch Free Weekend client from the link below, though be aware that you won’t be able to start playing until tomorrow, August 23 at 11:00 AM PDT. In case you don’t have an active Xbox Live Gold subscription, we also remind you Microsoft is currently offering one month of Gold for just $2 for new subscribers.

Download
QR-Code

Overwatch® 2

Developer:
Blizzard Entertainment

Price:
Free

Microsoft to make “easier, faster” updates starting with Windows 10 version 1809

Posted on August 22, 2018 by Radu Tyrsina

As noted by Computer World, Microsoft is looking to make monthly Windows updates smaller starting with Windows 10 version 1809. The company first mentioned the upcoming change in a blog post this month and says that they’re aiming for an updated design which “creates a compact update package for easier and faster deployment.”

Specifically, Microsoft engineer Maliha Qureshi explained that— starting with Windows 10 version 1809—the company will be creating an update type which is meant to be smaller in size and easier for IT pros to manage. It has multiple benefits over the current types of Full, Delta, and Express updates, though Microsoft already announced the discontinuation of Delta updates earlier this month.

Keep in mind these changes are for quality Windows Updates (grouped by Microsoft as B, C, and D,) which most usually are released on Patch Tuesday for security and bug related fixes. Microsoft explains the update packages in this new design will come over Windows Update, as .CAB files, and as .MSU files from the Microsoft catalog.

Other benefits of the new update type seen below:

Organizations that get full updates from Windows Server Update Services (WSUS) or from the Microsoft Update Catalog will seamlessly save network bandwidth thanks to the smaller size of the update.

Organizations that have been using delta updates to manage the size of quality updates will no longer have to monitor the update status and history of their devices to determine which devices are eligible for delta updates.

Since this new quality update package will be redistributable, organizations that utilize express updates via WSUS, System Center Configuration Manager (SCCM), or a third-party management solution that supports express updates will experience enormous savings in network bandwidth and cache size on their distribution points or update servers.

In addition, devices with the next major version of Windows 10 will be 40% more efficient while updating since there will be no behind-the-scenes computing of the optimal differentials required to download express updates.

This is just the latest change, as Microsoft previously announced that they were also looking to fix Windows Update so your PC would not reboot while you’re busy. All changes are coming beginning with Windows 10 version 1809, so you’ll also expect to see them in the next 19H1 release of Windows 10 as well. You can learn more by checking this Microsoft website.

Twitter PWA updates on Windows 10 with autoplay videos & more changes

Posted on August 22, 2018 by Radu Tyrsina

The official Windows 10 Twitter app updated with a proper Microsoft Store app update download today even though it’s a Progressive Web App (PWA) and doesn’t usually require one.

This in-Store update seems to have finally pushed out some of the new functionality that was technically added with the previous Twitter update a week ago but needed a system-wide push to turn it all on. This was confirmed by a recent tweet by Twitter’s Charlie Croom.

Two notes:
– some of the windows things there will depend on a new store release (ironically), so look for those next week
– you can find these in the app under settings -> about

— Charlie Croom (@CharlieCroom) August 17, 2018

Here’s what the official release notes say was added with the previous update. All of these features should now be live.

Users of screen readers should now be able to navigate to areas of the page beside the main timelines more easily.

Videos can now be attached to tweets (limit 15MB).

Threads are now easier than ever to create. Add additional tweets to a new thread from the composer.

Search results now highlight the query that was matched in each result.

Sharing a Tweet via DM will now immediately send it once a recipient is selected. You can view the conversation after it’s sent by clicking the toast notification.

When you upload Tweet photos, you can now attach descriptive text that will be read for screen reader users to help them understand the photo.

Here’s the new Windows-specific features mentioned in the same release notes which were likely activated with today’s update.

Windows: Links to twitter.com from Edge browser will now open in the app.

Windows: Viewing live events or moments will add an entry to your Windows Timeline so you can easily return later to see updates.

Interestingly, today’s update also seems to have finally brought auto-play videos and animated gifs to the Twitter app’s timeline on Windows 10 PCs. Unfortunately, while the app also updated for Windows 10 Mobile Windows phones today, videos and gifs still seem to be static until tapped.

Do you use the Twitter PWA on your Windows 10 device and have you noticed any other changes with this update? Let us know in the comments below and then follow us on Twitter for more app news.

Download
QR-Code

Twitter

Developer:
Twitter Inc.

Price:
Free

FIX: Windows 10/11 Calendar App Keeps Crashing

Posted on August 21, 2018October 4, 2023 by Radu Tyrsina

A few of our readers have been reporting that their Calendar app keeps crashing in Windows 10, Windows 8 and even in Windows 8.1. So, we’ve decided to have a look at the errors for ourselves and try to provide some working fixes for those in need. Read below for more.

Some Windows 8, Windows 8.1, Windows 10 and also Windows RT users are apparently struck by problems with the built in Calendar app. My immediate recommendation is to make sure they’re running the latest version of the app, as Microsoft frequently updates the built-in apps with fixes for various bugs. You’re probably already running it, unless you have ticked off automatic updates. The Calendar app is usually updated along with the Mail and People apps, so you might be having problems with all of them. Here’s what one user is saying:

when i try to open my calendar app it seems to crash and i have not been able to get it open since, even after shutting down, looking for updates etc.. any ideas?

READ ALSO: FIX: Outlook error when sharing calendar in Windows 10

How to fix Windows 10, 8.1 Calendar app crashes

Uninstall the Mail and Calendar App
Install the latest Windows updates
Refresh your PC
Use a third-party calendar app

What you can do is try the following – uninstall the built-in Mail app along with the People, Calendar and Messaging apps, as they are bundled together. After that, sign out from your Windows 10, Windows 8 or Windows RT device (Surface, most likely). Restart your device then download only the Mail app from the Windows Store which will also download the Calendar one. However, before you do all of this, make sure your Calendar appointments and Mail data is synchronized to your Microsoft account.

Just for the sake of it, make sure you have performed the latest Windows Update, as well. If none of the mentioned steps don’t work, then you can go ahead and try performing a Refresh of your Windows RT or Windows 10, Windows 8 system. Don’t worry, it’s not similar to the old System Restore as you won’t lose any important files whatsoever.

If the issue persists or you don’t want to use System Restore, you can download and install a third-party calendar app. For more information about the best calendar apps to use on your Windows computer, you can check out this list.

If you’ve got additional tips and suggestions on how to fix Calendar App crashes, you can share them in the comments below.

RELATED STORIES TO CHECK OUT:

Download and install Tails OS on Windows 10/11 PCs

Posted on August 21, 2018October 4, 2023 by Ivan Jenic

Tails is an encrypted operating system that provides a highly secured environment for users to be working in. In fact, Tails happen to be the world’s most secured operating system that promises user’s privacy of the highest order. Short for ‘The Amnesic Incognito Live System’, Tails OS is also easy to install and run on a Windows 10 device, with no trace of your activities left on the machine.

It achieves the high standards of security and privacy by encrypting all local files while all internet connections are run through Tor. That is not all as Tails also includes the entire gamut of open source secured communication tool to ensure all your interactions everywhere is always out of purview of prying eyes.

Another aspect of Tails and which adds to its security credentials is that the entire operating system can be run from just a USB drive. In fact, the Tails OS isn’t actually installed on your Windows 10 device but on a USB drive. You then select the USB drive in te ‘boot menu’ when the computer is booting. That also makes it really easy for the OS to be installed and run on just about any device that offers a USB slot. And when you are done, you simply pull off the drive and that is all, there is no trace of any of your working left on the machine.

Also, while Tails is fairly easy to operate for all users, those with a Linux background should still have an edge. That’s because Tails 2.0 is built on the Debian kernel. It also runs GNOME 3.1 and includes a host of Linux productivity suite like OpenOffice, GIMP, and Audacity as part of the standard package.

Pre-requisites to run Tails OS on Windows 10

So now that we have an idea of the basics of Tail, here is how you can download and install on a flash drive to run on a machine of your choice. Also, the entire process can last about 2-3 hours of time as well.

However, before we start with the installation process, here is what you will need:

Two USB drive of at least 4 GB capacity. (One is used to install Tails while the other is used to run the OS).
A mobile or a tablet that will be needed to scan QR codes.

Download Tails on Windows 10

A general pre-requisite would be to ensure your machine is free from virus before you actually download Tails. Also, it would be convenient to have Firefox on your device to download Tails. So if you haven’t got that, install Firefox first.
Once you have launched Firefox, navigate to the Firefox add-on section, search for Tails browser add-on and install the same. The plugin serves to authenticate the OS image file download.
Go to the official Tails OS site to download the same. It is located at ‘https://tails.boum.org/install/index.en.html’
Select your operating system and let the download process to begin.
The next step to do after you have downloaded the OS is to verify the same. This is a crucial step to prevent man-in-the-middle-attacks or other such security risks.

Install Tails on Windows 10

Insert one of the USB drive.
Download the Universal USB Installer that will install an intermediary Tails in the USB drive.
There will be the usual warning pop-up asking you to consent to an external program making changes to your hard drive. Agree to it to let the process start.
Follow on-screen instructions to install the Tails image on your USB drive.
It extremely important that you go through the instructions URL minutely. Use your mobile or tablet to do that. Since you will be required to restart your machine, the instructions here will help you get back online quick enough.
When the PC is re-booting, press Boot Menu Key to set Tails as the preferred OS to load. Usually, you will be required to select the option ‘Boot Tails from your USB drive’.
You will get to see the ‘Welcome to Tails’ prompt.
It is here that you are needed to insert the second USB drive while keeping the first USB drive inserted.
Next, select Tails installer under Applications and follow on-screen instructions. This will install Tails on the second USB drive.
After the installation is completed successfully, shut down the PC.
You can now remove the first USB drive but keep the second inserted.
Start you PC and you should see the Boot loader menu that will allow you to select Tails.
However, in the unlikely scenario of things not falling in place as it should, you will be required to go for troubleshooting steps. Refer here for the same.
Boot up your PC

So there you have it, access to one of the most secure operating systems on planet earth. That said, Tails also has its limitations in that it isn’t that secured if the hardware or software itself has been compromised. That makes it imperative for you to do a security audit of your PC to ensure the platform is safe enough to allow for a clean and secure installation of Tails. Improper usage of Tails too can compromise your anonymity. However, if you have got the above concerns taken care of, you can easily be one of the most anonymous persons on earth.

Meanwhile, here is some related info that you might want to go through.

Cursor Jumps When Typing: 3 Ways to Stop it

Posted on August 21, 2018March 20, 2024 by Radu Tyrsina

Your mouse and keyboard are the most important peripherals, but sometimes issues can appear. Many reported that their cursor jumps while typing.

This can be a problem, and it may cause you to lose focus or accidentally click something else on the screen.

This issue is somewhat different than the erratic mouse movement we covered earlier, so let’s see how to fix this typing issue.

Why does my cursor jump around on my HP laptop?

You’re touching the touchpad accidentally with your palms while typing.
Your pointer settings aren’t properly configured on your PC.
An outdated touchpad driver can cause this and many other problems on your PC.

How do I stop my cursor from jumping around while typing?

Before we start, you should pay attention to the following:

If you’re on a laptop, ensure your hands aren’t touching the touchpad. Some touchpads are rather sensitive, which will cause the mouse to jump and, subsequently, the cursor moves while typing.

1. Disable the touchpad

Press the Windows key + I to open the Settings app.
Navigate to Devices.
Next, select Touchpad from the left pane. Set the Touchpad to Off.

This is a decent solution, but only if you use a mouse instead of a touchpad.

2. Hide the mouse pointer

Open the Settings app and go to the Devices section.
Navigate to Mouse in the left pane and click on Additional mouse options.
Head to the Pointer options and check the Hide pointer while typing.
Save changes.

This might not fix the core issue, but the pointer won’t jump around anymore on your PC.

3. Update the touchpad driver

Visit your laptop manufacturer’s website.
Select your model and go to Driver & Utility section.
Locate the touchpad driver and click on Download.
Once the driver is downloaded, run the setup file to install it.

However, if that process is too bulky and tech-wise, we know the perfect alternative for driver installation.

You can better utilize a custom driver application to maximize the process of updating old drivers or fix your problematic touchpad device driver.

These are just a couple of solutions to help if your cursor jumps when typing. In case you have additional problems, we have a guide on what to do if the mouse jumps around, so you might want to check it out.

Did you find a different solution for this problem? If so, share it with us in the comments below.

Download BlueStacks Android emulator for Windows 10/11

Posted on August 21, 2018October 4, 2023 by Claudiu Andone

Bluestacks reached its fifth iteration for Windows PCs: BlueStacks 5. You can download it for free from the tool‘s official website.

With the help of this Android emulator, you can play your favorite mobile games on your Windows 10 PC up to six times faster than on any phone.

Of course, that also depends on the number of resources that you have on the system you are running it on.

BlueStacks is an American technology company that gave its name to the Android emulator for Windows and Mac.

This is one of the best free Android emulator recommended for playing games like PUBG Mobile or Lineage 2 Revolution and enjoy a new gaming experience on your PC.

BlueStacks

Get the best Android apps and run them in the comfort of your Windows system.

Free Download

How can I download BlueStacks for Windows 10?

Follow these steps to install BlueStacks on Windows 10:

Download BlueStacks. You can also download it and get a free game so go ahead and enjoy it!
Next, you will see the .exe file for BlueStacks-Installer being downloaded. Once it’s finished, click on it and run it.
If you get the Do you want to run this file? pop-up, just ignore it. BlueStacks is completely safe and will not harm your PC. Go ahead and click Run.
Do the same for the next step, if you get the Do you want to allow this app to run on your device? Click Yes.
Now, you’re almost there. Go ahead and click Install to start installing BlueStacks on your PC.
Wait until the installation process is finished. As suggested by BlueStacks, you might want to disable your antivirus temporarily. Don’t worry, it won’t let any viruses in. Once it’s finished, click on Complete.
Now, you need to wait a couple of minutes in the Starting the Engine step of the process. This is needed for the Android Emulator to assess your PC performance and work accordingly.
Next, you will need to log in with your Google account. This might seem annoying, but it is actually a sign that BlueStacks has a professional relationship with Google, thus being able to download any Android game or app on your PC. If you are already logged in with a Google account, make sure to use that one.
The final step is to make sure everything is running smoothly on your PC. Go ahead and install your favorite game.

All games come from the Google Play Store itself, and most of them are free. Install one, see if it runs on Bluestacks. You can download any Android game that you wish.

How can I download Bluestacks for Windows 11?

Head to the Bluestacks official website and click the Download button for your preffered version.
Wait for the installer to download, then click the exe file.
Click Yes in the User Account Control.
Now click on the Install now button.
Let the wizard download all Bluestacks packages and install them to your PC.
When the installation is complete, the wizard will automatically start Bluestacks.
Now you can get apps from the Play Store or Game Center. You can access and use any mobile device app that is available in the Play Store.
Sign up with your gmail account and enjoy mobile apps on your PC.

If a game is not available in your country you can circumvent that problem using one of the best VPNs for Bluestacks to run Android apps & games on PC.

Download Skype Desktop Version for Windows 10 & 11

Posted on August 21, 2018October 4, 2023 by Radu Tyrsina

Who hasn’t heard about Skype? We have talked in the past both about the desktop and the touch application, and now we’re coming up with an article to keep up with all the updates that the official Skype desktop app for Windows 10 & 11 receives.

We are sure there are people who do not like the touch version of Skype for Windows 10 and prefer the good old desktop version.

In this guide, we will take you through the steps to follow to download the Skype desktop version on your PC.

How can I download the Skype desktop app for Windows 11?

1. Download from the official website

Visit the Skype official website.
Click the Get Skype for Windows 10 & 11 button.
Now, wait for the download to complete.
Finally, double-click the downloaded file to run it and follow the onscreen instructions to complete the installation.

The first place to go if you need to download the desktop version of Skype on your PC is the official website. After downloading the file, the installation process is pretty easy and straightforward.

2. Get Skype from Microsoft Store

Click the Microsoft Store icon on your Taskbar to launch it.
Type Skype in the search bar and select the corresponding option.
Finally, click the Get button and wait for the installation process to complete.

The easiest way to download the desktop version of Skype on Windows 10 is via the Microsoft Store. This does not just download the app but also installs it.

How can I download the Skype desktop app for Windows 10?

As you might have noticed, the newest Skype desktop version works seamlessly for Windows 10 & 11.

Luckily, the procedures we lined up above are the same for Windows 10 as well so feel free to use them if you didn’t upgrade to the latest OS.

With this, we can conclude this guide on how to download the desktop version of Skype on your PC. You should now be able to use the latest version of the app without issues, provided you follow the steps above.

If you have already a classic Skype desktop version that is no more supported, you can read our guide in order to keep using your old Skype version on Windows 10.

Feel free to let us know if you encounter any issues installing Skype in the comments below.

Here are the main highlights from today’s Gamescom Inside Xbox announcements

Posted on August 21, 2018 by Radu Tyrsina

The Xbox team has just wrapped up a special episode of Inside Xbox which aired live from gamescom in Cologne, and the 2+ hours live stream packed much more gaming news than expected. First of all, we got some important updates for certain Microsoft Studios titles, including the Xbox One version of PUBG.

Following its launch in beta in December, PUBG 1.0 will be released on September 4 and introduce the new Sanhok map and War Mode, as well as an in-game currency to buy cosmetics and more. The full release of PUBG on Xbox One will also be available as a physical disc that comes with an exclusive collection of cosmetic items inspired by the Xbox brand.

Rare’s pirate game Sea of Thieves will also get a new content update on September 19 called Forsaken Shores. This third free update will introduce a new volcanic world, forcing pirates to deal with new environmental threats such as volcanos and geysers.

Sea of Thieves’ EP Joe Neate talks skeleton ships, cursed cannonballs, and what’s new in Forsaken Shores: https://t.co/dKsn621QSr #XboxGC pic.twitter.com/6ukVoSuqPV

— Xbox (@Xbox) August 21, 2018

State of Decay 2, the latest big Xbox/Windows 10 exclusive released back in May is also getting a new Daybreak Pack on September 12. This DLC will bring a new defense game mode where you’ll have to team up with up to three friends to fight off waves of enemies. The Daybreak Pack will be free for players who own the game’s Ultimate Edition, and it will available for everyone else as a $9.99 purchase.

Nearly four years after its release on Xbox One, Halo: The Master Chief Collection will get a major update on September 1 with improved matchmaking, visual enhancements for the Xbox One X and more. On this occasion, the Xbox One anthology will also join the Xbox Games Pass catalog on September 1, which is great news for Xbox gamers who have yet to discover these old Halo games in their best presentation ever.

Halo: The Master Chief Collection will be included with @XboxGamePass beginning September 1! Experience Halo CE: Anniversary, Halo 2: Anniversary, Halo 3, and Halo 4 – all updated with improved matchmaking, offline LAN, faster load times, Xbox One X visual enhancements, and more. pic.twitter.com/FOXgThA6y3

— Halo (@Halo) August 21, 2018

Even though the existing Xbox mobile apps have an Xbox Store section featuring Xbox Games Pass, Microsoft apparently thought that its gaming subscription deserved to have a dedicated app. A new Xbox Games Pass app for iOS and Android is launching in beta today, and it will let you browse the catalog and download any games you want right from your phone.

If you’re looking for a new Xbox One console right now, Microsoft also announced 8 new Xbox One bundles today including the Xbox One X Gold Rush Special Edition Battlefield V Bundle. We also got a glimpse at the Xbox Wireless Controller – PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds Limited Edition and its exclusive trigger grips, and the Xbox team also announced new Shadow and Camo Xbox Design Labs Controller colors which are now available online.

The Xbox One X Gold Rush Special Edition Battlefield V bundle.

Last but not least, Microsoft didn’t forget PC gamers today as it has teamed up with THQ Nordic to release five of its Xbox Play Anywhere games on Steam and at physical retailers. That’s right, ReCore: Definitive Edition, Super Lucky’s Tale, Disneyland Adventures, Rush: A Disney-Pixar Adventure and Zoo Tycoon: Ultimate Animal Collection will be able to reach a whole new audience starting September 14. This is a really interesting move, especially at a time when Microsoft is using Microsoft Store exclusivity to push more gamers (including PC gamers on Windows 10) interested in Microsoft Studios games to subscribe to Xbox Games Pass.

Microsoft also had many guests on stage to discuss upcoming Xbox One releases including Forza Horizon 4, Fallout 76, Shadow of the Tomb Raider, Devil May Cry 5, and more. You can learn more about these games by checking the detailed recap on Xbox Wire.

Download The Latest Opera Version for Windows 10, 8.1

Posted on August 21, 2018October 4, 2023 by Radu Tyrsina

These days I realized that my Firefox and Chrome browsers have become slower, and I’m not sure what seems to be the reason, since my system is pretty powerful. Then I remembered about Opera and decided to download it right away.

The Opera browser is known for the fact that it is really fast and it comes with some really cool data compression features which the browser has recently launched for mobile platforms, as well.

However, right now there isn’t a touch version of the Opera app in the Windows Store, so until and if that moment arrives, we’ll have to resort to the desktop version. I just hope you’re not running on Windows RT. After using Opera for a few days on Windows 10, 8.1 I realized that I’ve fallen in love and that I will soon ditch Firefox and Chrome for it.

READ ALSO: 5 of the best browsers for old, slow PCs

Opera comes with the basic features that any browser should have, such as pop-up blocking, tabbed browsing, integrated searches and others. But what sets this browser apart is, as I’ve mentioned, the ability to have a ultra snappy internet browsing session, with or without loading of images. Other features like Opera‘s own email program and the RSS Newsfeeds are professionally made. Here is the description of some more:

The Discover feature gives you top-quality news and entertainment from around the globe. Enjoy new content from a variety of categories and read articles from your region, in your language. Opera has one intuitive, powerful location for searching and navigating the web. Search using multiple providers and view site suggestions as you type.
Off-Road mode compresses pages for faster, all-conditions browsing. It helps you stay online when your connection slows down. Found something you’ll want to come back to? The Stash feature captures a page with one easy click and organizes your pages into a simple, sophisticated list. Scan your Stash in a resizable page preview or search what you’ve saved, by keywords.

So, without further ado, let’s provide download links for the famous Opera browser for Windows 8.1, 10 and also keep you update with the latest version and all that has been made new inside the app.

Get Opera browser for Windows 10, 8.1

Download Opera browser for Windows

UPDATE: At the time of writing, the latest Opera version is Opera 55. This new browser version brings a series of important fixes and improvements:

The new stable build of our browser includes a smarter layout for the settings page, an expanded security badge and page information pop-up for better page control, easier Chrome Web Store extension installation and more accessible bookmarks.

For more information about the latest Opera version, you can check out the company’s official blog post.

This update was released on 2015-12-08 and it comes with a couple of some important features that you will find below. It comes with a size of 34.4 MB. For more details on this specific update, go ahead and have a look at Opera‘s official post on this.

General and user interface changes
The Discover feature is now the news feed. We changed the name to make the feature more intuitive and accessible.
Opera supports MSE audio (audio/mpeg and audio/aac mimetypes), enabling playback from Google Play Music and similar services.
Improved downloads by adding some new functionality. For example, you can cancel a download directly from the pop-out and resume a download if it was interrupted by Opera closing.
Opera for Mac now includes a share button that lets you share a page through most apps on your computer, like Mail or Messages or Twitter and so on.
Updated support for the latest Chromium/Blink release, version 47.
Stability enhancements and bug fixes

Major security update [April, 2014]

Opera has issued a fresh update which will get itself installed automatically and it brings a big security improvement – fix for the Heartbleed bug. Here’s what the folks over at Opera said about the update:

As discussed in our blog post about Heartbleed, the standalone autoupdater for Opera 12 on Windows was vulnerable to a Heartbleed attack from someone who would be in possession of a valid Opera certificate. While fixing this, we also found another issue with our autoupdate on Windows which might be exploited by someone in possession of such a certificate. Successful exploitation, which would require using a third, unrelated bug on Windows, could allow a mischievous man in the middle to run arbitrary code on the computer. Opera 12.17 is therefore a recommended security upgrade on Windows. While it is unlikely that someone has gained access to a certificate of ours, we cannot rule out that some foreign intelligence agency has done so, and we want to be on the safe side.

Download Opera for Windows 8, 10 [Version 20.0.1387.91]

A new version has been released for the Opera browser on April 3 2014, and it brings some improvements that might help quite a few folks. First, the ff-Road mode which has been reported not to work on some ISPs has now been fixed. Also, the issue with the auto-update prompting for credentials and then exiting immediately has been taken care off, as well. Those who are using the Russian version of Opera have probably noticed that “Compression mode” has been renamed into “Opera Turbo”. So, that’s about it for this version.

Download Opera for Windows 8, 10 [Version 20.0.1387.82]

A new minor update has been made available for the Opera browser and you will get it automatically when you will open the browser again. You can then go to Opera in the about section and see that it’s there, just like in my above screenshot. Unless you have received the update automatically, follow the above link to get it. The official changelog only contains two changes and these are – Chromium updated to 1750.154 and an invalid dereference in autofill code has been fixed.

Download Opera for Windows 8.1, 10 [Size 33.13MB, Version 20.0.1387.77, Updated March 13, 2014]

This release has been made available with the usual stability fixes and also has fixed the problem where Adblock was not working properly when opening pages in new tabs. The following problems: crash on startup in >extensions::OneShotEvent; download callout items won’t open and tone down mixed content graphics for some Windows users have also been taken care of.

Xbox Games Pass is getting an updated Halo: MCC on September 1, new mobile apps for iOS and Android

Posted on August 21, 2018 by Radu Tyrsina

After months of testing with Insiders, Microsoft announced today that the first update in years for Halo: The Master Chief Collection will be available on September 1. This major update will bring improved matchmaking, customizable installation options, offline LAN support as well as 4K and HDR support on the Xbox One X.

Halo: The Master Chief Collection will be included with @XboxGamePass beginning September 1! Experience Halo CE: Anniversary, Halo 2: Anniversary, Halo 3, and Halo 4 – all updated with improved matchmaking, offline LAN, faster load times, Xbox One X visual enhancements, and more. pic.twitter.com/FOXgThA6y3

— Halo (@Halo) August 21, 2018

This is just the first in the series of upcoming updates for Halo: MCC, as developer 343 Industries is still working hard to bring more improvements to the collection of classic Halo games. The Xbox One anthology will also become available on Xbox Games Pass on September 1, joining Halo 5: Guardians, Halo Wars: Definitive Edition and Halo Wars 2.

That’s not the only thing that Microsoft announced for Xbox Games Pass subscribers, as a dedicated Xbox Games Pass app is also launching today in beta on Android and iOS. The app will allow you to browse the catalog and download any game you want on your console when you’re on the go. The main Xbox mobile app already had an Xbox Store section featuring Xbox Games Pass, but Microsoft apparently thought that its gaming subscription service deserved more. The Xbox Games Pass is available from the Google Play Store today, and iOS users can request access to the beta on this page.

The app was not found in the store. ?

Go to store
Google websearch

Slack, the collaboration service Microsoft is chasing with Teams, is worth $7.1 billion

Posted on August 21, 2018 by Radu Tyrsina

The enterprise messaging app Slack is now worth more than $7.1 billion following a new $427 million funding round, the company announced today (via CNBC). That’s pretty impressive for a product that launched just four years ago, but is already being used by more than 500,000 organisations across the world.

So far, Slack has raised more than $1.26 billion from investors, and the company isn’t expected to go public before 2019 at the earliest. “We pursued this additional investment to give us even more resources and flexibility to better serve our customers, evolve our business, and take advantage of the massive opportunity in front of us,” the company said today. “Even with our rapid growth in just four years—we now have more than 8 million Daily Active Users (DAUs) and more than 70,000 paid teams—there is still enormous potential to change the way that people and organizations collaborate and work together.”

A couple of weeks ago, Slack also announced that it was purchasing the IP for Atlassian’s HipChat and Stride, encouraging users of these services to transition to Slack before they shut down next year. Slack definitely remains an early leader in the enterprise messaging space, but Microsoft Teams is now chasing its tail with its new free tier for freelancers and SMBs. Microsoft has the advantage of having over 100 million commercial active users for Office 365, but not all of them are using Microsoft Teams yet.

Take a peek inside Microsoft’s recent One Week Hackathon

Posted on August 21, 2018 by Kareem Anderson

Partly due to the political climate in the world and the back and forth finger pointing of international powers, hacking has become a more commonplace verb at plenty of breakfast tables around the world.

While the current connotation is perceptually negative at the moment, there is a lot of good that can come from the understanding, use and participation in the hacking community.

Jess Huckins, a writer at Microsoft Research and freelance editor, takes us on a tour of her time during Microsoft’s One Week, which includes employee activities such as Expos, Science Fairs, a Give Fest and Hackathon.

Huckins presumably participated in most if not all the events of the week, but her writings about the Hackathon were of particular interest and wound up as a post on Medium.

The Microsoft Hackathon varies from any similar event I’ve witnessed. A mashup of “hacking” and “marathon,” the word “hackathon” typically conjures images of engineers coding at 3 A.M. while pounding black coffee. Here, though, employees and interns from across the company come together to create, innovate, and hack on ideas that light them up. In 2017, more than 18,000 people in 4,000 cities and 75 countries participated, making this the world’s largest private hackathon.

In meeting with several organizers and employees, Huckins was quick to point out the difference between the misconceptions surrounding the idea of “Hackathons” versus the reality of Microsoft’s approach.

Instead of people sleeping under tables and making questionable dietary choices in the wee hours of the night, Microsoft clears its tents out every night around 7 P.M. The seemingly early curfew is mostly likely meant to give coders a chance to clear their minds and return the following day with fresh perspective and creative workarounds.

The other misconception Huckins highlights is the very nature of what’s being hacked. Instead of computer screens filled to the brim with code attempting to shutdown, break into or crash security threats, most of the hacking done during Microsoft’s Hackathon, was for good.

Other projects were decidedly personal. Cormier McSwiggin, inspired by her previous work with nonprofits, said she joined her Hackathon team because it aligned with her politics. “We’re trying to create a design that would benefit people living with ASD, and that also is a great opportunity for us to think of accessibility, UI, and UX from the very beginning rather than as an afterthought.”

User researcher Keola Ching was inspired by his stepmother, who had ALS, to create a device that would improve a quadriplegic person’s quality of life by giving them more control over their environment and reducing caregiver burden. “Three of us have very personal reasons to be part of this team,” he said. “Two have lost family members to ALS, and one of the engineers has a father who has been quadriplegic for quite some time.”

While there is a need and market for Black, White and Grey Hat Hackers the world over, it’s nice to know that the term is broadening to call attention to the extensive knowledge of people have for taking current systems and improving them.

Watch today’s Gamescom Inside Xbox episode on Mixer and get exclusive Sea of Thieves content

Posted on August 21, 2018 by Radu Tyrsina

The Xbox team is bringing its monthly Inside Xbox live show to the Gamescom conference in Cologne, Germany today, and those of you who watch it on Mixer will get another free “Mixpot” digital gift. This time, Microsoft will offer a free Huntress Figurehead to add to your ship in Sea of Thieves, Rare’s popular pirate game released on Xbox One and Windows 10 earlier this year.

On Tuesday August 21st at 3.30pm BST we'll be a part of the Gamescom Inside Xbox episode! We'll be sharing some Forsaken Shores news and you can earn a glorious Huntress Figurehead via the Mixpot! Don't miss out! We'll be live here: https://t.co/2HGQYEB7jx pic.twitter.com/bTid2tfRbb

— Sea of Thieves (@SeaOfThieves) August 16, 2018

Today’s Inside Xbox episode will also bring some news about Sea of Thieves’ Forsaken Shores free expansion, but we also expect to get some updates about State of Decay 2, PUBG, Forza Horizon 4 and more upcoming Xbox One games. The Xbox accessories team is also present at Gamescom, with Xbox product marketing manager James Shields doing some teasing on Twitter yesterday.

#Gamescom18 pic.twitter.com/CSEJEuQcEW

— James Shields (@shieldsjames) August 21, 2018

The Gamescom Inside Xbox episode will kick off at 7:30AM PST / 4:30PM CEST on mixer.com/xbox, and make sure to link your Microsoft account to your Mixer account if you want to grab the exclusive Sea of Thieves content during the show.

Windows XP Second Edition: Let’s All Wake Up

Posted on August 21, 2018October 4, 2023 by Radu Tyrsina

Recently, some forum postings in the online environment have let the imagination of certain Windows XP lovers run wild – the most nostalgic ones hope that there will be a Second Edition of the almost dead Windows XP. We analyze below why this isn’t possible, but we also leave some room for imagination.
Rumors and the idea of a Second Edition for the incredibly popular Windows XP operating system have been surfacing right before Microsoft was ready to unveil Vista, which ultimately turned out to be a flop. But now, some new forum threads have been appearing on the Microsoft Community forums, asking Redmond to come up with a special Second Edition of Windows XP, rather than just to kill the operating system and leave hundreds of millions of computers vulnerable to hacker attacks. So, let’s have a look at what some users have been saying on these forums

I personally would love to have a windows xp second edition. I love the windows xp user interface, everything about it. Also your Enterprise consumers use Windows XP and are holding on to it because their software is dependent on it. Home Users love it because it is simple to use and is still fun to use. I love it for all of these reasons, plus i love how resource friendly it is and how simple it is to use. I am an advanced windows user, and when windows 8 came out, it confused me a lot because the UI was different. If you were to create an XP second edition, I’m sure your customers would buy up 200 million or more licenses in the first few months. I know i would buy them for all of my current computers. I have windows XP in a Virtual machine and i see why everyone loves it. So please create a windows XP second edition. If anyone agrees with me, then post it in the discussion.

Another dreamer weighs in with his idea, saying that a second edition of the Windows XP would be a “goldmine”.

That’s a fantastic ideal. And don’t change the interface. And feel of it. Plus make old software and games work on it. Give it the latest Direct X. People would definitely buy it. I certainly would. But we know Microsoft is too dumb to realize they have a goldmine in a XP2 version. I bet all the IT people would upgrade too. I would like it to have visual styles and be able to change the colors. I always keep my fingers cross on a second XP version. Gates is back, he should think about it. There should be a petition for it. I can’t stand Windows 7. Tried it, hated it.

Those who are using Windows XP are obviously the same users that haven’t moved to Windows 7, let alone Windows 8 or even Windows 8.1. A second edition of the Windows XP doesn’t make sense especially because Microsoft hope it will manage to make money from the switch to Windows 8. Secondly, the world just needs to move on. Sadly, we don’t have the choice to keep using old software as we’d love to, so we just have to face the fact that we don’t have control over this. Microsoft will stop offering security patches but it won’t offer Windows XP to third part developers, either, because there will definitely be plenty available to customize a version of Windows XP into a second edition.

Another important thing which needs to be mentioned is the fact that people rarely buy stand-alone Windows licenses, as most of the purchases of new Windows version are linked to new computers. So, a second edition of Windows XP would appeal only to those willing to pay separately for such a product and there won’t be too many of them. If I were at Microsoft’s helm, I would rather discontinue Windows Vista than XP, but that’s just me. However, what’s still scary is the fact that Windows XP remains the most used Windows version worldwide, so it will be interesting to see to what new Windows version they will flock to.

Windows XP in 2018

Windows XP is a system that was the main OS for the majority of PC users for many years. But all the good things come to an end. In 2017, Windows XP with Windows 10 was the main OS from Microsoft present on market, even if Windows XP stopped being supported in 2014. If you want to keep this awesome OS on your pc, you can check our guide on how to keep Windows XP forever on your PC.