Open RAR Files in Windows 8, Windows 10 With UnCompress Alternatives

Posted on by Radu Tyrsina

UnCompress is a very easy app to use that helps you extract RAR files in Windows 10 and all previous Windows version after Windows 7. If you’re using Windows 8 or Windows 10 on o desktop machine or laptop, chances are that you might not need this application, since you can easily use WinRAR, for example. But what will you do on your Windows RT device, for example? Or maybe you simple want to use a dedicated Windows 8 or Windows 10 app for that. That’s where UnCompress comes to your help.

UnCompress opens, extracts RAR files in Windows 10, Windows 8 and Windows RT

Right from the start, you should know that Uncompress was discontinued in 2016. However, if you installed it on your machine before 2016, you can still use it today. If you’re looking to download a reliable Uncompress alternative, then jump straight to the end of this post to see the list of the best Windows Store apps that you can use to open RAR files.

The application is very basic and very easy to use, mainly because there isn’t too much what you could do with this app, besides opening/extracting archives. Inside the app you can do only the following: open single RAR files and open multi part RAR files. Everything happens just like you’re used to: you select the RAR archive and the point to a folder where it should extract. Simple as that.

While the extracting/opening of files happens, you are advised not to switch apps or close UnCompress while it’s doing its thing. This is perhaps the biggest drawback, because we’re used to leaving the extraction process run on the background. Sadly, this isn’t possible with this application in the Modern User interface of Windows 8 and Windows 10. Also, there’s an ad banner there, but it’s not that uncomfortable.

UnCompress for Windows 8, Windows 10 is a very basic extracting tool that can prove to be useful while using the Modern UI. UnRAR files easily with it while on the go!

UnCompress is no longer available in the Windows Store

As we already mentioned, the app is no longer available in the Microsoft Store. However, if you need an app or a software to uncompress/unzip/unrar files, you can always find an alternative to UnCompress in our article about creating and extracting compressed files or in our Top with 5 best open source file archivers. Do not bother about the term ‘archivers’ – they also can ‘un-archive’ compressed files.

UnCompress alternatives

If you’re looking for a fast and reliable UnCompress alternative that you can download from the Microsoft Store, here are some of the best tools that you can download:

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Play Sudoku for Free in Windows 10, Windows 8 With SudokuFree App

Posted on by Milan Stanojevic

Windows 8, Windows 10 suddenly becomes awesome when you play Sudoku games and apps on it; that is, of course, if you’re a true afficionado
windows 8 sudoku
Back in the day, when I had a Nokia “dumb” phone, there was one game that I loved more than any: Sudoku. Since then, I’ve tried many Sudoku games, but I couldn’t find the “right one”. Well, now, my search is over. I found the game I was looking for in the Windows 8, Windows 10 apps store.

The app is called Sudoku Free and apart from being a simple Sudoku game, it does not have many features, but it has that something that makes it very entertaining, but at the same time, very challenging. Apart from chess, I believe Sudoku is the best brain game of all.

sudoku-3

Impressions of the game

When first starting the game, you have the option to choose one of the three difficulties of the game: easy, normal or hard. When you enter the game, you find the Sudoku board waiting for you. It has a calming design and color scheme, perfect for helping you concentrate. Also, on the side of the board, you can find the 1-9 numbers, which will eventually let you know when you have finished with each of them by turning darker.

Also, you have the ability to take notes in each box. You can write what numbers you think are there, and play out the rest of the game. If one of the numbers in your notes is used on the line or in the square, it will automatically disappear from your notes. You can even use hints if you find yourself in a predicament, but don’t think that you will fool anyone if you use too many because they have a little marker.

sudoku-2

Apart from this, the game is pretty straightforward: a regular Sudoku game for Windows 10. Although, for beginners, it’s better to get accustomed to the computer version before moving to pen and paper, because here, when you make an error, the computer will highlight it. But these being said, I’ll make a last recap of the game’s highlights and I’ll let you enjoy a calming (I hope) game of Sudoku.

sudoku

A quick recap

  • 9×9 Sudoku grid
  • 3 difficulty settings
  • random puzzle generator
  • clean and responsive UI
  • fast metro-style interface
  • ability to take notes

Update – SudokuFree latest improvements

SudokuFree app continues to receive support from its developers team. Recently, some improvements and features have been added :

  • 4-th difficulty setting added
  • Timer and statistics
  • Live tiles showing percentage complete and your level

In case you want to compare it with other Sudoku apps/games, we suggest you check our list of Sudoku apps.

You can read more about all the changes brought by the latest updates in these articles:

  • Sudoku Free Windows 8, 10 App is Updated to Fix Bugs
  • Windows 8, 10 Sudoku Free app Updated With More Bug Fixes

Best SudokuFree alternatives

It is sure that this is one of the best brain-training games but SudokFree is not the only Sudoku-app available. You can also have a great time playing Microsoft’s Sudoku game.

sudoku free apps windows

Pure Sudoku Deluxe is another app that will offer you an extremely beautiful interface. For those of you who do not have a powerful computer or some access restrictions, you can try Just Sudoku, a desktop app which will keep your brain engaged for hours.

READ ALSO: The best free online games to play on your PC

Bottom line for this game: it’s a perfect addition to your app collection, for those who want some brain stimulation, or for those who want to learn the Sudoku game. A perfect app for both beginners and veterans of the game.

How to Activate and Display All Microsoft Store Apps

Posted on by Radu Tyrsina

My biggest surprise with the Windows Store once I started using it was that it felt so darn empty. My first question was – are there really only a few apps in the Windows Store? The latest stats indicate there are tends of thousands of applications for Windows 8, Windows RT and Windows 10, so where the heck have they all gone? Why I’m seeing only a few applications there? The solution to that is very simple, as simple as it was for me to solve my freezing issue with Windows 8, 10.

But it might not work out for you, so there are a few more things that you’ll need to do, but nothing too hard that will step you from enjoying your Windows 8, Windows 10 experience. What you’ll need to do is to play around with some settings that most likely, came as default on your system. When you installed Windows 8 or Windows 10 (hopefully without having to think the install was stuck), you chose a language and a country. Windows Store inherited that and that’s why it “served” so little apps. But we’re going to change that.

How to make all Microsoft Store apps appear

  1. Make Windows 8 apps appear
  2. Turn on location services on Windows 8, Windows 10
  3. Change your location to United States
  4. Use the built-in Windows Store troubleshooter
  5. Reset Windows Store

1. Make Windows 8 apps appear

The first step you need to do is to go on the Windows Store by pressing the Windows logo and choosing Windows Store, open the Charms bar – by going to the upper right corner or by pressing Windows logo + W, then open up Settings. There, you’ll find Preferences. Go there and select No to both sentences. This should increase the size of your Windows Store. And here are some screenshots to help you do that. Check the number of apps before doing this and then after.

Windows Store -> Charms bar -> Settings -> Preferences -> No to both sentences.

how to enable all windows store apps

how to display all windows store apps

how to activate windows store apps

2. Turn on location services on Windows 8, Windows 10

I tried the first solution, but when searching for the Netflix app, for example, I just couldn’t find it. And after searching for a while just why that was happening, I realized that it has to do with localization, once more. So, what I did was to search for any files or settings related to “location” and I pretty much managed to solve the issue and now all the Windows Store apps are displayed and activated. Here’s what you have to do.

Open the Charms bar while you are on the desktop, so that you will be searching in the entire system. Type in “change location settings“. This is the easiest way to get there, so that’s why I’m providing you with this. You’ll find it under the Settings tab, obviously. Uncheck those two items that you find – “Turn on the Windows location platform” and “Help improve Microsoft location services”.

Charms bar -> “change location settings” -> uncheck both items

To customize your location settings on Windows 10, go to Start, type ‘location in the Search box and select ‘Location Privacy Settings.

change location privacy settings windows 10

In the new window that appears on the screen, make sure to turn on location services.

enable location windows 10

3. Change your location to United States

We’re going to have a little more fun with this location thing. Go to search again, from the deskop and type just “Change location”. Go to Location and choose Region there. To be sure you get as many apps as possible, pick United States, of course. This should do it, folks. Now, you should see even more apps in your Windows Store.

Charms bar -> “change location” -> choose region -> pick United States

On Windows 10, you can quickly set your default location for your Microsoft Store apps directly from the Settings page. Go to Settings > Location > Default Location. In the new window, set your default location and confirm your choice.

set default location windows 10 store apps

From now on, your Microsoft Store apps will use this default location.

4. Use the built-in Windows Store troubleshooter

Windows 10 also comes with a built-in troubleshooter that allows you to quickly fix general app issues. To run the troubleshooter, go to Settings > Update & Security > Troubleshoot > select the Windows Store Apps troubleshooter.

windows apps troubleshooter

5. Reset Microsoft Store

If the Microsoft Store still won’t display all the apps, you can also try to reset it. Go to Start > type ‘run’ > select the Run dialog box. Now, type in Wsreset.exe and hit Enter. You can now restart your computer to see if the issue persists.

Hopefully, after using this very basic tricks, you’ll be able to enjoy more awesome applications inside your Windows Store, because, after all, that’s the beauty that comes with Windows 8 and Windows 10.

For more information on how to fix other common Windows Store apps problems, check out the guides listed below:

Is your Windows 10/11 Install Stuck? Fix it in 4 Quick Steps

Posted on by Radu Tyrsina

I remember that when I installed Windows 10 on my laptop, it stuck at 10% for quite a while.

My Windows 10 copy was a genuine one (albeit I didn’t pay for it since I got it for free in the university program), so, naturally, I was afraid that it would fail to install.

This problem has been affecting all Windows users, from Windows 7 to Windows 10. Below we will try to come up with a few basic solutions that could help you out.

But before we start, below are some of the stages where your Windows installation can get stuck:

  • Windows 10 install stuck at 10%
  • Windows 10 install stuck at 90%
  • Windows 10 install stuck at getting system ready
  • Windows 10 install stuck at Windows logo
  • Windows 10 install stuck at please wait
  • Windows 10 install stuck at black screen
  • Windows 10 install stuck at getting devices ready

What can I do if my Windows 10 installation process gets stuck?

1. Install the final version

Most of these issues will happen with versions of Windows 10 that are not final. I tried my install with a final version of Windows 10, so I managed to overcome the issues just by … waiting.

But, if you’re getting your Windows 10  install stuck at different stages and you’re not using a final version (or a pirated, illegal one), I strongly advise you to pick a final, legal version.

2. Unplug all external devices

printer

I remember that a few years back, when I was installing Windows 7, I got the same issue. My mouse was plugged in, as my printer, and my USB cable to my smartphone.

As soon as I unplugged all that, my install resumed and finished very quickly. Try doing that, too, and it should get past that stuck point.

3. Just wait

I know one doesn’t have to be a techie to do this one, but you feel different when people tell you it’s only natural that it is happening.

So, don’t worry; you’ll be able to finalize your Windows 10 install. Grab a book, open your TV, and let it do its job.

4. Update your BIOS

This has been reported by our reader, Charan. He tried the basic advice we’ve given, and it didn’t work. Check to see whether your BIOS is outdated and if it is, then update it. Thanks again, Charan!

Sometimes, you might want to check again if your PC is compatible with Windows 10, but unless you’re installing it on something very old, you should not have this issue.

Also, this is a non-advice because I’m not sure 100% if it’s genuine. Before installing Windows 10, be sure you have a little more space than just what is required. So, if you need 16 GB for Windows 10, make sure you have at least 25, for example.

If you’re installing Windows 10 from a DVD, don’t forget to eject your DVD if you no longer need it or when it says you to. If you forget to do it, it might start the install process all over again.

Try the above solutions and if they don’t work, let us know in the comments section and we’ll try to work out a solution together, but, usually, this is nothing to be worried about.

Upgrade to latest Windows versions

If you are on Windows 10, you probably have had enough of this, but really – you should go ahead and upgrade to Windows 11.

Besides the various security issues that you might encounter, older operating systems also don’t get enough attention from Microsoft.

If you have any other questions or suggestions, feel free to leave them in the comments section below, and we’ll be sure to check them out.

Microsoft signs Azure / Office 365 deal with US intelligence agencies as huge Pentagon contract decision looms

Posted on by Radu Tyrsina

Microsoft announced today that both it has entered a deal with the US Intelligence Community worth millions of dollars over six years. Under the agreement, the Intelligence community will use Microsoft’s products, like Office 365 for US Government and Azure Government, via a Joint Enterprise Licensing Agreement awarded to Dell Inc.

The company already had an ongoing relationship with government agencies, but this latest deal brings 17 more US Intelligence agencies on board with a digital transformation. With a Pentagon contract decision looming, Microsoft says the deal also “bolsters” the company’s position as the leading government cloud provider. The company explains:

This new agreement provides the IC with a vehicle for accessing the latest Microsoft technologies to further empower its agencies, optimize operations and modernize infrastructure. This agreement positions Microsoft to help the IC achieve its mission at home and around the world with a trusted cloud and modern workplace solution that keeps critical data secure, while delivering advanced capabilities including artificial intelligence, machine learning and large-scale data analysis.

Office 365 for US Government and Azure Government are built to fit the government’s strict security requirements. There are eight geographically distributed Azure Government data centers, and they all host no commercial data. Learn more by checking here.

Indie developers prefer almost anything over Xbox, according to recent survey

Posted on by Radu Tyrsina

Despite Microsoft launching its ID@XBOX program back in 2014, the company’s Xbox One console is apparently the least preferred platform among indie developers, according to a new survey from GamesIndustry.biz. 47.5% of the 61 developers surveyed at EGX Rezzed this year told the publication that if they could only release their game on a single platform, they would do so on PC. Surprisingly, the Nintendo Switch came second with 32.8%, ahead of the PS4 (11.5%), Mobile (6.6%) and Xbox One (1.6%).

Considering that both the PS4 and the Xbox One have more power and a bigger install base than the one-year old Nintendo Switch, it’s quite interesting to see the portable console being more attractive for this panel of indie developers. Several developers highlighted the Switch broad appeal and “innovative features,” while also pointing out some problems with Microsoft and Sony’s platforms:

Although Sony doubled-down on indie games with the PlayStation 4, developers aren’t enamoured with the platform. That said, many were quick mention the support offered by Sony to indie developers, and expressed an appreciation for the curated store.

Regarding the Xbox, one developer said it was a hard choice between Microsoft’s platform and the Switch, but that Xbox is “easier to deal with”. This sentiment was echoed by other developers on the show floor who wanted to release on Switch, but opted for other platforms.

Over the years, Microsoft’s ID@Xbox did well to bring great indie games on the platform such as Inside, The Witness, Stardew Valley, Rogue Legacy, or more recently Conan Exiles, and the program celebrated 500 titles released on Xbox One and Windows 10 last year. The fact that indie developers can also use the Xbox Game Preview program to provide early access to their games is also very positive, especially since this is something both Sony and Nintendo don’t currently offer on their respective platforms.

In addition to its ID@Xbox program, Microsoft also launched the Xbox Creators Program last year to make it easier for indie devs to publish their games to Xbox One and Windows 10 without the need for concept approval. Unfortunately, none of the games released through this new program really resonated with gamers so far, and it’s clear that ID@Xbox games still get significantly more exposure. As a reminder, the ID@Xbox Game Fest is still onging and you might want to check out the latest discounts on Cuphead, Cities: Skylines, Ark: Survival Evolved and more.

Star Wars Battlefront II’s newest update is now live on Xbox One

Posted on by Radu Tyrsina

The first half of Star Wars Battlefront II’s big Season 2 update has begun to rollout to Xbox One consoles in all regions and should be live for everyone within the next hour.

In addition to the usual bug fixes and character balancing, this update brings a complete overhaul of Battlefront II’s menus that does away with the hologram aesthetic and replaces it with high resolution character models (see above image).

This first half of Season 2 also features the debut of new appearances (skins) for Leia and Lando, a new 2-on-2 version of Heroes Versus Villains, the Jabba’s Palace map, Starfighter Assault content in Arcade, and new milestones to work towards.

All of this new content is completely free for owners of the game. The second half of Season 2 is expected to drop in June though all of its content is being kept a secret, presumably due to spoilers from the Solo: A Star Wars Story movie which isn’t out yet.

Are you excited for new Battlefront II content? Let us know in the comments below.

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STAR WARS™ Battlefront™ II
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Xbox 360’s Fight Night Champion comes to Xbox One consoles via backwards compatibility

Posted on by Radu Tyrsina

The classic Xbox 360 video game, Fight Night Champion, is now available to play on Xbox One consoles as it was added to the backwards compatibility library earlier today.

The game originally came out on the Xbox 360 back in 2011 and was the first EA title to incorporate a cinematic story mode. Fight Night Champion’s graphics were praised by critics for their realism when it first came out however they naturally look a bit dated now. Here’s the official game description. You can buy it digitally for your console here.

More than just a change to the franchise name, Fight Night Champion takes the boxing experience one giant step forward by delivering an experience never before seen in an EA SPORTS video game. History will be made with this revolutionary iteration that builds upon the best-in-class gameplay and physics engine of Fight Night Round 4, while immersing you in a world of brutality, uncertainty, betrayal, and redemption. Survive the brutal road to redemption with Fight Night Champion.

Do you enjoy playing Xbox 360 games on your Xbox One? Let us know your favorite backwards compatibility title in the comments below.

Microsoft replaces Surface Pro 4 devices to fix screen flickering issues

Posted on by Radu Tyrsina

Surface Pro 4 users have been pointing out the flickering screen problem for years now, and now they can finally sit back and relax because Microsoft comes to their rescue. This is an important step that the tech giant took considering that the company was even hit with a class action lawsuit against Microsoft for not doing anything about the problem for so long.

Microsoft will replace the affected devices for free

Microsoft explained in detail the issue via an official announcement. The company says that only a small number of devices are having this problem and offers the much-awaited solution as well. All units that are up to three years from the date of purchase would be replaced free of cost, of course.

We have heard your feedback and after careful examination, have determined that a small percentage of Surface Pro 4 devices are exhibiting a screen flicker that cannot be addressed with a firmware or driver update. To support customers affected by this issue, we will replace eligible Surface Pro 4 devices for up to three years from the date of purchase, free of charge.

Rules for the replacement process

Here’s how the replacement process is set to take place. For starters, users have to make sure that they have taken all the latest Surface and Windows Update because they aim to keep devices running smoothly. If the screen flickering is still there even after users install all the updates, they have to contact Microsoft support.

After an agent determines that a specific device is eligible for replacement, users will have to prepare the Surface for service. A replacement device will be sent to the user as soon as they return the damaged one. An exchange device usually arrives in about 5 to 8 business days.

Microsoft also made sure to note that no other damage will qualify for a replacement and customers who paid for a screen replacement on their device will get a refund. Read the complete announcement.

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Microsoft creates a gaming bunker for State of Decay 2 release

Posted on by Radu Tyrsina

We’re now just a week away from the release of State of Decay 2 on Xbox One and Windows 10, and Microsoft has turned on its marketing machine for what will be the second big Xbox exclusive to be released this year after Sea of Thieves. To celebrate the release of the zombie survival game, the Xbox team has created the world’s first Xbox Gaming Bunker inside of an authentic WWII-era location.

“The bunker is an authentic World War II-era Quonset bunker just seven miles east of downtown Los Angeles. Originally built to house military personnel in 1947, the 4,000 square-foot space perfectly embodies the feeling of the dangerous, unpredictable dystopia inspired by State of Decay 2,” the blog post on Xbox Wire reads.

This Xbox Gaming Bunker will welcome fans starting tomorrow, May 16 to Sunday, May 20 May 20 from 10:00 a.m. PDT to 6:00 p.m. PDT, though please note that you’ll have to pre-registering online on the dedicated website. Inside, you’ll be able play the game on four Xbox One stations, and also take a look at everything you need to survive a zombie apocalypse. The Xbox team has also planned a special Xbox Live session with “The Walking Dead” star Chandler Riggs on May 15, and you’ll be able to watch the livestream on Mixer starting at 4PM PDT.

Microsoft notifies gamers about information they share with publishers

Posted on by Radu Tyrsina

In the fallout of the Facebook Cambridge Analytica sharing scandal, many have started to worry about their privacy and what exactly is done with the data shared with companies online. Well, according to a report from GameSpot, Microsoft is now taking action and is notifying some gamers about the information the company shares with publishers on Xbox.

Though we’re not seeing this message just yet, GameSpot says Microsoft is pushing out a message to Xbox One consoles which reiterate the company’s privacy and data sharing policies. It essentially details that when you play, Xbox Live enabled games or apps, Microsoft will share your play habits and some of your information with the developer or publisher of said game or app.

That shared information includes your country, age range, Gamertag, Xbox Live Avatar, information on your Gamerscore, and how much time you’ve played the game or app. Other shared information includes social data such as club memberships; friends, other users you have played with, and information about your interactions and communications.

Importantly, it also is explained that Microsoft can not control what publishers do with that data since it is determined by their own privacy policies. Microsoft also explains that the information is only collected to help “deliver your online experiences, improve the game or app, diagnose problems, provide support, and connect you with other users.”

These privacy notifications were first hinted in a blog post last month, and have rolled out to Alpha Ring Xbox Insiders in the last round of updates. You can always stop sharing your app or game data with a developer by uninstalling the game, and revoking access. More information on Microsoft’s privacy policies is also available here.

Heaps of LEGO video games discounted for Xbox One on Deals with Gold

Posted on by Radu Tyrsina

Microsoft took the wraps off the weekly Deals with Gold last night, and there’s plenty of discounts to go around. As usual, though, there’s also the Spotlight sale, which this week is putting an emphasis and big discounts on several LEGO Games. We’ve collected some of the biggest the deals below, so here’s what you need to know.

Lego Games

Lego DLCS

You can find the complete list of games part of this week’s Spotlight sale by heading here to Major Nelson’s blog. Keep in mind that these deals are only valid through May 21st, so best to act fast if you’re interested in any of these discounts.

Microsoft’s Surface Hub 2 revealed, complete with a 4K+ display and a rotating hinge

Posted on by Radu Tyrsina

After teasing a next-gen Surface Hub in March, Microsoft today took the wraps off Surface Hub 2 via a new blog post by Panos Panay. The Surface chief says the hub is for a “new culture of work” and is “designed to be used by Teams to get people out of their seats.” Features of the Hub 2 include support for a new Surface Pen, a 4K+ 50.5” multi-touch display at 3:2 aspect ratio, 4K cameras, integrated speakers and far-field mic arrays.

Interestingly, the Surface Hub 2 has a hinge system which allows it to be rotated between landscape and portrait mode, and can be mounted on a wall or used with a rolling stand to make it more accessible. Multiple (up to four) Surface Hubs can also be tiled together in portrait mode for “undeniable visual effect” and enabling teams to get work done across Microsoft Whiteboard, PowerBI, PowerPoint, and a full view video call.

Surface Hub 2 scales and adapts to your space through tiling up to 4 screens together in portrait or landscape view. Dynamic rotation allows you to use the best orientation for your content to help people work in the way that best suits them and the people they are collaborating with. It is also significantly easier to move around your workspaces than its predecessor. We’ve teamed up with workplace expert Steelcase to create a system of rolling stands and easy-to-use mounts to help Surface Hub 2 customers be truly mobile, gain a new perspective and capture their ideas wherever they do their best work.

Microsoft also promises that Surface Hub 2 will support multi-user sign in, so multiple people can authenticate in the same workspace and simultaneously share their documents. And though not specifically mentioned by Panos Panay, it looks as though Surface Hub 2 will also have a thumbprint login system for Windows Hello, which can be seen at the 47-second mark in the video above.

The Redmond giant is not immediately sharing any pricing details and says it will begin testing the Surface Hub 2 with select commercial customers in 2018, with it being made available for purchase in 2019. More will be coming soon, and you can check out more on Surface Hub 2 by checking here.

Xbox One Devil May Cry video games discounted thanks to Deals With Gold

Posted on by Radu Tyrsina

This week’s Deals With Gold titles have been announced and there are some good savings to be had especially for fans of the Devil May Cry franchise.

DmC Devil May Cry: Definitive Edition has been given a 67% discount on Xbox One while Devil May Cry 4 Special Edition is now half-price, and the Devil May Cry HD Collection is now 30% cheaper than before. On the Xbox 360 console, DmC Devil May Cry has been given a 70% discount, the Devil May Cry HD Collection a 75% discount, and Devil May Cry 4 a 67% discount.

Other Deals With Gold discounts worth mentioning this week are the Xbox One’s Dragon Age: Inquisition: Game of the Year Edition (75% off), I Am Bread (75% off), Mass Effect Andromeda (67% off), and WWE 2K18 (50% off). On Xbox 360 a variety of Borderlands and BioShock titles have been given discounts ranging from 60 to 70% and The Witcher 2 is now 85% cheaper than usual.

Deals With Gold discounts are available to Xbox Live Gold subscribers. You can view the full list of discounted games here or within the Gold section on the Xbox One dashboard.

Are you planning to buy any of these games? Let us know in the comments below and don’t forget to follow us on Pinterest for more Xbox content.

Overwatch will be free to play this month on Xbox One

Posted on by Radu Tyrsina

The popular Overwatch video game will be free to play on Xbox One consoles from May 25th through to the 28th. Due to its online nature, an Xbox Live Gold subscription will be required to play.

All content in Overwatch will be unlocked during this period and players will be able to earn Xbox Achievements as well.

“Attention, recruits! The second anniversary of Overwatch is around the corner, and if you haven’t already had the opportunity to suit up and save the world as one of our heroes, now’s your chance,” the official announcement reads. “For this free weekend, we’re making Overwatch’s full roster of 27 heroes and 18 maps available for play in a variety of modes, including Quick Play, Custom Games, and the Arcade. Players will also be able to level up, earn Loot Boxes, and unlock a variety of different customization options for their heroes. Plus, if you decide to purchase Overwatch after test driving the game, you’ll get to keep any progress that you made during the weekend—just be sure to use the same Blizzard, Xbox Live, or Sony Entertainment account that you played on.”

Overwatch has been a phenomenal success since its launch a few years ago with millions of gamers from all around the world playing it on a regular basis.

Are you going to play Overwatch next weekend? Let us know in the comments below and don’t forget to follow us on Twitter for more Xbox news.

Overwatch® Game of the Year Edition
Overwatch® Game of the Year Edition
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Microsoft embeds Cortana in many products for an assistive experience

Posted on by Radu Tyrsina

Microsoft’s Cortana is the rival of Amazon’s Alexa, Google’s Assistant and Apple’s Siri. Now, the tech giant seems to be working on some changes regarding Cortana and a new approach is involved. Microsoft Corporate Vice President of Cortana, Javier Soltero recently discussed what’s in store for the personal assistant.

At the Build 2018 developers conference, Soltero confirmed that Cortana was embedded in a few products and played an assistive role for the users. On the first day of the Build, Cortana was the center of attention, and a concept demo was presented showing how meetings could become more intelligent with Cortana. The assistant helped facilitate a meeting, offering relevant participant identification, automatic transcription, and translation among others.

New work scenarios are in store for Cortana

Besides the new work scenarios, Microsoft will also focus on things that people do at home, work and in between according to Soltero. The company is basically looking for new ways to help users. During an interview of Soltero with ZDNet, he said that Cortana is not going away and instead, Microsoft’s target is to continue to build Cortana as an assistant and to remain coherent. He also noted that the desired result for users is “assistance.”

Microsoft focuses on Cortana’s unique strengths

Cortana is set to provide an experience that is about “assistance, not just convenience.” Soltero also said that Microsoft is focusing on making Cortana more “situationally appropriate.”

The tech giant is currently faced with a lot of other challenges involving Cortana, and these also include expanding the availability of the platform to more markets throughout the world. Microsoft’s plans for Cortana might help it overcome Amazon’s Alexa and Google’s Assistant’s rapid acceptance and more.

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The BioShock trilogy, Borderlands and 17 more games will leave Xbox Games Pass on May 31

Posted on by Radu Tyrsina

After adding eight new games to the Xbox Games Pass catalog this month, Microsoft will remove 21 of them on May 31, including several classics such as Borderlands and the BioShock trilogy (via VG247). The only Xbox One games to be removed at the end of the month are Blood Bowl 2 and Defense Grid 2, and the rest are Xbox 360 titles.

The full list of games to be removed at the end of the month can be found below:

  • Age of Booty
  • Bionic Commando: Rearmed 2
  • BioShock
  • BioShock 2
  • BioShock Infinite
  • Bloodbowl 2
  • Borderlands
  • Bound by Flame
  • de Blob 2
  • Dead Rising 2: Caze Zero
  • Defense Grid 2
  • Dig Dug
  • Final Fight: Double Impact
  • NeoGeo Battle Coliseum
  • Operation Flashpoint: Dragon Rising
  • Pac-Man Championship Edition DX+
  • Sacred 3
  • Sega Vintage Collection: Alex Kidd & Co.
  • Sega Vintage Collection: Golden Axe
  • Soulcalibur
  • XCOM: Enemy Within

Microsoft usually remove titles from the Xbox Games Pass catalog at the end of every month, but to our knowledge it’s the first time that so many games will be removed all at once. If you have yet to play any of them, you still have a little more than two weeks before they disappear from the catalog. Additionally, we remind you that your Xbox Games Pass subscription grants you a 20% discount on each of them if you want to own one of these for good.

Leaked image of a new Xbox Controller designed for accessibility spotted

Posted on by Radu Tyrsina

We’re still a month away from E3 2018, and many have been wondering what Microsoft may have to showcase to the world at the annual gaming conference. Well, an intriguing image has just been leaked by Walking Cat, and it looks similar to a new Xbox Controller designed for accessibility.

https://twitter.com/h0x0d/status/996029444450996224

There’s no telling if this is an actual product or just a concept, but Windows Central reports that Microsoft could likely reveal this new controller at E3. Judging from the image, there are no details on how the accessibility controller will actually work, but you can see that it has some markings on the top with impressions for Xbox’s various buttons.

Other would be features include what could be an input (for a microphone?), a series of LED lights above the D-pad, and a USB port and headphone jack along the side of the controller. One can also assume that the giant A and B buttons will also be programmable to other functions, with the LED lights showing which mode the controller is running in.

If this holds up to be true, this will be yet another way for Microsoft to showcase how they’ve been working to make gaming and Xbox more inclusive for everyone. More will likely develop in the days ahead, so best to keep tuned for more.

HP launches new Windows 10 Elitebooks, ENVY laptops, desktop with Alexa

Posted on by Radu Tyrsina

HP today took the wraps off their 2018 Windows 10 Elitebooks, ENVY laptops, and a desktop with Amazon Alexa onboard. The devices all pack amazing features like excellent battery life, security, and everything you need for security and entertainment. Here’s what you need to know.

Elite Series

HP Elitebook x360 1030G3: June, starting at $1,449

The HP Elitebook x360 1030 G3 is being called the world’s smallest business convertible, coming in at just 2.76 pounds in weight and 15.8 mm in thinness. It features up to 18 hours of battery life, 4G LTE capabilities, and active pen support with proximity alert to notify when the pen is left behind.

HP Elite x2 1013 G3: June, starting at $1,499

This member of the Elite series packs a 13-inch display into a 12-inch chassis, which HP is calling the world’s smallest business detachable. It also is the first detachable to feature an integrated privacy screen. Other features on board include options for Intel Quad Core vPro Processors and 4G Cat9 LTE.

HP Elitebook 1050 G1: May, starting at $1,899

This ultra-slim notebook packs NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050 graphics, for powerful performance and hexacore processing. There is the promise of up to 16 hours of battery life, and options for up to 4TB of SSD storage, an HP Privacy camera.

HP EliteOne 1000 All in One G2: June, starting at $1,279

HP’s EliteOne 1000 All in One G2 packs a 34-inch curved display and discrete graphics. The company promises that it is perfect for the front desk, and other office spaces or meetings rooms. The device also features a pop-up webcam, integrated collaboration keys, and audio and noise cancellation features— perfect for video conference calls.

ENVY Series

HP ENVY Curved AiO 34

HP is calling the HP ENVY Curved AiO 34 the world’s widest curved all-in-one. The device comes with Amazon Alexa on board and incorporates a dark ash woodgrain finish on the base and pale gold accents along the back of the device. It also comes with optional GeForce GTX 1050 discrete graphics.

HP ENVY 17 Laptop May, starting at $1,049.99

HP’s Envy 17 Laptop is a desktop replacement for the content creator. It packs the latest 8th Gen Intel Quad Core processors, discrete NVIDIA GeForce MX 150 graphics, and an optional 17-inch diagonal 4K display.

HP ENVY 13 Laptop: May, starting at $999.99

The HP Envy 13 laptop offers up an all-metal chassis in pale gold or natural silver colors. It also comes with the 8th generation Intel Quad Core processor, optional NVIDIA GeForce MX150 graphics, up to 14 hours of battery life. You’ll also find security features like a Fingerprint reader and HP Sure View.

HP ENVY X360: May, in 13-inch and 15-inch models

There are two models of the HP ENVY X360 to choose from, with the 13 inch model including the AMD Ryzen Processor with Radeon Vega Graphics22 and 11 hours of battery life. The 15-inch model comes with either Intel or AMD processors, an optional 4K display, and up to 12 hours and 45 minutes od battery life. The 15-inch model also supports HP Fast Charge, for 50 percent battery life in 45 mins.

The HP ENVY x360 13 is expected to be available in May at HP.com for a starting price of $759.99. And the HP ENVY x360 15 is expected to be available in May at HP.com for a starting price of $749.99 (AMD version) and $869.99 (Intel version).Also announced today is the HP EliteDisplay S14, the world’s first 14-inch USB Type-C portable display. Other announcements today include HP Audio Stream, which allows users to stream their favorite songs from their phone to the HP Envy AiO speakers via Bluetooth.

There’s also the HP ENVY Desktop ($799,) which comes packed with  8th Generation Intel Core multi-core processors, optional NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1080 graphics, and optional Intel Optane Memory for better system responsiveness. Definitely some exciting stuff, so be sure to let us know if you’re planning on buying any of these devices by dropping us a comment in the section below.

Windows 10 news recap: replacement program for Surface Pro 4’s screen flickering issue, Windows 10 File Explorer dark mode, and more

Posted on by Radu Tyrsina

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

Some Intel SSDs may crash when updating to the Windows 10 April 2018 Update

It is being reported that 2 Intel SSD models are experiencing issues after updating to the Windows 10 April 2018 Update. The issue causes the machine to crash and boot to a UEFI screen. Microsoft has confirmed the issue and says that it is working on ways to detect affected devices and block the update.

Microsoft launches replacement program for Surface Pro 4 devices impacted by screen flickering issue

Customers of Microsoft’s Surface Pro 4 who have been experiencing screen flickering issues can now have their device replaced, as Microsoft has launched a replacement program for affected devices. Reports of the issue began surfacing back in February.

Cortana is not going away, Microsoft exec says

Despite Microsoft teaming up with Amazon to bring Alexa integration to Windows 10, an executive at Microsoft says that the company is not getting rid of its own digital assistant, Cortana.

New in Windows 10 build 17666: A new clipboard experience, dark mode in File Explorer, and more

One of the latest Windows 10 builds has brought a new feature that may bring a sigh of relief to some users, a dark mode for the File Explorer. There were other changes in this build, too, such as a new clipboard experience, Sets improvements, and more.

Windows 10 Logo Generic Featured Image Hero

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

Microsoft launches Xbox Ideas, a new site for submitting Xbox feedback, waves goodbye to Xbox Feedback

Posted on by Radu Tyrsina

In a bid that seems to take aim at there being too much feedback, Microsoft has taken the decision to close the original Xbox Feedback website, and instead launch a new one, called Xbox Ideas.

The premise of the site is the same, to submit ideas, and it is even hosted on the same platform – the sites are almost identical. The main difference is how Microsoft will manage the new site. Instead of users being able to submit any idea they want, and comment what they want, all ideas and comments will be reviewed before being published.

Additionally, the process of Microsoft looking into ideas is changing. The company now outlines the process they will use, which is as follows:

  • Idea Drive Collection: we’ll gather your ideas about a specific feature or a topic for a set period
  • Idea Drive Voting: after the Collection phase, you’ll have an opportunity to vote and comment
  • Idea Drive Completion: Feature Teams will review the results of your voting, as well as your comments

Announcing the change on the old Xbox Feedback site, Microsoft says:

As of May, 2018 you will no longer be able to submit, comment, or vote on feedback appearing on the https://xbox.uservoice.com site.

Instead, start sharing your ideas and suggestions on the new https://xboxideas.uservoice.com. You can still find your feedback on the existing site, but this site will be shut down prior to the end of May 2018.

Why we made this change
We value fan feedback. Your suggestions are important in helping shape and deliver great gaming experiences. In order to get more timely feedback on specific gaming features or products, we are moving to a more dynamic and engaging site which will allow you to provide direct feedback on specific topics. We look forward to hearing your great ideas!

Feedback posted on the old website will not be migrated to the new one. Additionally, Xbox Ideas does not support logging-in with a Microsoft Account at this time.

Some see this as a welcome move, helping plug the hole that allowed ideas on almost everything to be submitted, while others see it as Microsoft not wanting to listen to user feedback, and instead regulating the feedback that goes public.

The new Xbox Ideas website can be found here.

Full Fix: A component of the operating system has expired

Posted on by Milan Stanojevic

Windows Insider program allows users to get the latest Windows 10 updates early and test the new features before they are released to the public. While testing new and unfinished builds of Windows 10 some issues can occur, and one of the issues that users reported is A component of the operating system has expired error message.

A component of the operating system has expired, how to fix it?

A component of the operating system has expired error message can sometimes appear on your PC and cause many problems. Speaking of problems, these are some common issues associated with this error message:

  • A component of the operating system has expired Bootcamp, Virtualbox – According to users, this issue can appear while using Bootcamp or Virtualbox. If you have this problem, be sure to try one of our solutions in the virtual environment.
  • Windows 10 preview a component of the operating system has expired – This error can occur if you’re using a preview version of Windows 10. If that’s the case, be sure to switch to the final version and your problem will be resolved.
  • Component of operating system has expired winload.efi – This problem is usually caused by your BIOS clock, and in order to fix it, you just have to make sure that your clock in BIOS is correct. If not, set the correct date and time and the issue should be resolved.

Solution 1 – Change the date

This issue usually appears if your date is incorrect, and in order to fix this problem it’s recommended that you change the date. To do that, follow these steps:

  1. Ricght-click the clock in the bottom right corner and choose Adjust date/time.
    A component of the operating system has expired Bootcamp
  2. Change Set time automatically to Off and click the Change button in Change date and time section.
    A component of the operating system has expired Virtualbox
  3. Enter the correct date and click the Change button.
    Windows 10 preview a component of the operating system has expired

If you can’t access Windows 10, you can try changing the date from Safe Mode. To access Safe Mode follow these steps:

  1. Restart your computer few times during the boot sequence to start Automatic Repair.
  2. Choose Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Settings. Click the Restart button.
  3. When your computer restarts the list of options will appear. Select any version of Safe Mode by pressing the appropriate key.
  4. Once you enter Safe Mode try to change the date again.

Some users are also suggesting to change the date from BIOS. To see how to access BIOS and how to change date from it be sure to check your motherboard manual for detailed instructions. In addition to setting the correct date, some users are also suggesting to set an earlier date in order to avoid issues like this, so you might want to try that as well. Just to be sure, you can also turn off automatic time syncing in order to prevent similar problems.

Solution 2 – Remove the motherboard battery and change the date in BIOS

It’s worth mentioning that your motherboard battery can also cause this problem to occur. If your battery isn’t working properly, the date will change whenever you turn off your PC causing the issue to reappear. This can be a problem, and in order to fix it, you need to check if your date keeps changing whenever you turn off your PC.

If that’s the case, it means that your motherboard battery is faulty, so you’ll need to replace it. The replacement process is quite simple, and you just need to turn off your PC, disconnect it from the power outlet and open your computer case. Now locate the battery on your motherboard and gently remove it. Once you do that, insert the new battery and the problem should be resolved.

Keep in mind that opening your computer case and removing the battery can void your warranty, so make sure that your warranty is expired. If your PC is still under warranty, it might be best that you take it to the official repair center.

Solution 3 – Use Linux Live CD to change the date

If you’re getting A component of the operating system has expired error message you might be able to fix it by using a Linux Live CD. Simply create a bootable Linux media and boot from it. After booting change the date and restart your PC.

Users also reported that you can fix this issue by removing your primary hard drive and replacing it with different one that has a different operating system installed. After starting the different version of Windows just change the date, and replace that hard drive with the first one.

Solution 4 – Use Command Prompt

To perform this step you’ll need a Windows 10 installation media, so be sure to create a bootable USB flash drive using a Media Creation Tool. To fix this issue do the following:

  1. Insert the bootable media to your PC.
  2. Enter BIOS and set an earlier date.
  3. Set your bootable media as the first boot device.
  4. Save changes and exit.
  5. When Windows 10 installation screen appears press Shift + F10.
  6. When Command Prompt opens enter the following:
    • cd c:windows
    • attrib -r -h -s bootstat.dat
    • rename bootstat.dat bootstat.old
    • exit
  7. Remove the Windows 10 installation media from your PC and restart it.
  8. After you boot to Windows 10 you should be able to download and install the latest build.
  9. After installing the latest build, you can go and set the correct date again.

Solution 5 – Revert to an older build

If this build is giving you A component of the operating system has expired error you might want to revert to the older build. Sometimes new builds can introduce certain bugs, therefore if you’re having problems with the current build you might want to revert to the previous one.

Solution 6 – Change the date and install the missing updates

As we previously mentioned, this issue can appear if the date on your PC isn’t correct. By changing the date you’ll fix this problem temporarily, but if you want to permanently fix it, it’s advised to install the missing updates.

Microsoft brings various improvements and bug fixes to Windows 10 with Windows updates, and in most cases the update download process is completely automatic. Most updates will be downloaded in the background without your knowledge, however, due to certain issues you might miss an update or two.

However, you can check for updates manually by doing the following:

  1. Open the Settings app. You can do that quickly by using Windows Key + I shortcut.
  2. Now navigate to Update & Security section.
    Component of operating system has expired winload.efi
  3. Click Check for updates button.
    A component of the operating system has expired Bootcamp

If any updates are available, they will be downloaded automatically in the background. Once the updates are downloaded, they will be installed on your PC as soon as you restart it. Once everything is up to date, the issue should be resolved completely.

Solution 7 – Perform an in-place upgrade

According to users, sometimes to fix this problem you need to perform an in-place upgrade. If you’re not familiar, this process will reinstall Windows 10 without removing any of your personal files or applications. To perform an in-place upgrade, you need to do the following:

  1. Download Media Creation Tool from Microsoft’s website.
  2. Start the application and choose Upgrade this PC now. Now click Next to proceed.
  3. Setup will now prepare your Windows for upgrade. This can take a while, so be patient.
  4. Now select Download and install updates (recommended) and click Next. This step isn’t mandatory, however, it’s recommended to download the updates.
  5. Now follow the instructions on the screen and wait while Windows checks for updates.
  6. If everything is in order, you should see Ready to install screen. Click Change what to keep.
  7. Select Keep personal files and apps and click Next to proceed.
  8. After doing that, the upgrade process will start. The upgrade itself can take about half an hour, sometimes more, so you’ll have to be patient.

Once your PC is upgraded, check if the problem is resolved.

Solution 8 – Reset Windows 10

If you’re still having a problem with A component of the operating system has expired, you might want to try resetting your PC. This process is similar to clean install, so we suggest that you back up all important files. In addition, be sure to create a Windows 10 installation media before you proceed. To reset your PC, you need to do the following:

  1. Open the Start Menu and click the Power button. Press and hold the Shift key and choose Restart from the menu.
    Windows 10 preview a component of the operating system has expired
  2. List of options will now appear. Select Troubleshoot > Reset this PC > Remove everything.
  3. If you’re asked to insert Windows 10 installation media, be sure to do so.
  4. Select the version of Windows that you want to repair and choose Only the drive where Windows is installed > Just remove my files.
  5. Now you’ll see a list of changes that the reset will perform. Once you’re ready, click the Reset button.
  6. Follow the instructions on the screen to complete the reset.

Once you reset your PC, you’ll have clean installation of Windows, and all previous problems should be resolved.

A component of the operating system has expired error can be a big problem, but you can usually fix it by changing the date in Windows 10 or in BIOS. If that doesn’t work, feel free to try any other solution from this article.

READ ALSO:

Windows 10 Mail app gets new Fluent Design density elements

Posted on by Radu Tyrsina

The Mail and Calendar apps allow you to remain updated on your email and manage your daily schedule while keeping in touch with important people. The Mail app is designed for both home and work, and it helps you communicate easily and quickly while focusing on what’s more important across all of your accounts. Now the Mail app gets updated with Fluent Design elements, so check out what’s new.

At Microsoft’s Build 2018 developer conference, Microsoft showed off the new Fluent Design elements that are on their way to Office. The session’s focus was mainly on OneNote and the Windows 10 Mail apps. The other Office apps that are in the Store are Win32, and they’re not using Fluent Design yet.

Density element comes to Windows 10 Mail app

Microsoft already revealed that OneNote is the very first app that will make use of the new command bar flyout element and there’s also a new density element. This adapts to various screen sizes, resolutions and use cases. The tech giant revealed that the density element will reach the Windows 10 Mail app as well.

For the moment, on a low-res screen, you can only see six emails at a time. More extended controls are appropriate for touchscreens, but on the other hand, not all users have touch, so the bigger UI controls really don’t need to be like this all the time for everyone.

The Mail app has three new settings

The Mail app brings three settings, spacious, medium and compact. With these brand new settings, you will be able to see 26% more emails in multi-line mode and 84% more in the single-line mode.

To use these settings, you must switch things on manually when you’re switching between the tablet mode and back, and this may be the only downside to the novelty. You can get the mail app from the Microsoft Store.

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Windows 10 Slow Ring Insiders will get more builds this year

Posted on by Andrew Wafer

Microsoft is cooking something that will improve the overall Windows 10 experience for the general public, as well as Insiders. The news came out during a Windows Insiders session at Build 2018.

Slow ring Insiders get to test more builds

Windows Insiders in the Slow ring usually receive builds every month. The pace at which they get the builds is a bit more moderate compared to Fast ring Insiders. Microsoft is working to change this tradition and it would release more Slow ring Redstone 5 builds for Insiders this year. This is pretty interesting news considering that last month, Dona Sarkar stated that most companies and businesses are enrolled in the Slow ring.

Looking at build data yesterday & we realized that the most installed builds within companies (in order) are: 1. Slow ring 2. Release preview 3. Fast ring

Beta quality software for the Slow ring

The Windows Insider team explained that one of its primary targets had become beta quality software being deployed to the Slow ring and alpha quality software heading over to the Fast ring. In other words, after the software gets initially tested in the Fast ring, issues and fixes would be pushed out and addressed in the next releases for the Slow ring.

There will probably also be small jumps numbers between the Fast ring and the Slow ring while moving ahead. This change may lead to higher quality builds and an improved Windows 10 experience for the general public after the testing is complete.

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Hyper-V Android Emulator is now available on Windows 10 v1803

Posted on by Radu Tyrsina

At Build 2018, Microsoft announced the results of some fantastic work done by the Windows Hyper-V team with help from the Xamarin team. It’s a preview of the Google Android emulator compatible with Hyper-V. The emulator is available on the Windows 10 April 2018 Update.

This means a lot for developers with Hyper-V enables on their machines because they will be able to use an Android emulator that’s hardware-accelerated without the need to switch to Intel’s HAXM hypervisor.

You can use Google’s Android emulator with other Hyper-V technologies

You can use Google’s Android emulator side-by-side with other Hyper-V-based technologies. These include Hyper-V VMs, the HoloLens emulator, Docker tooling, and more. Long story short, any Android developer on Windows who uses Hyper-V will get the opportunity to use a fast Android emulator that will always support the latest APIs. More than that, it will also work with Google Play Services out of the box and even with all the features in the Android emulator including Quick Boot, geolocation, and camera as well.

Windows Hypervisor Platform comes with Windows 10 v1803

Hyper-V Android Emulator

Windows Hypervisor Platform allows third-party visualization stacks to use the Windows Hypervisor for hardware acceleration. For instance, if you’re using the Hyper-V, the stack will replace Intel HAXM as the hypervisor for the Android emulator.

Support for using the Windows Hypervisor as an accelerator for the Android emulator is in preview at the moment, and therefore it needs the Windows 10 April 2018 Update.

Necessary steps for trying out the preview

On Microsoft’s official blog, the tech giant details all the steps needed to try out the preview. Here they are:

  • Enable Hyper-V and the windows Hypervisor platform.
  • Install Visual Studio tools for Xamarin preview.
  • Update to Android emulator version 27.2.7 or newer versions.
  • Start debugging and share the feedback.

You can also find out more data on how to configure the Hyper-V emulator and some known issues here.

What if Windows XP came back in 2018? Check out this fun concept video

Posted on by Radu Tyrsina

Microsoft ended support for Windows XP a long time ago, but the nearly 17-year-old operating system still holds a special place in the hearts of many Microsoft fans. That brings us to wonder, what would Windows XP look like if it still was in development in 2018? Well, one YouTuber sets out to answer that question with a “Windows XP 2018 Edition” concept video.

As you can see, the video showcases a remastered Windows XP with many fluent and modern looking user interface elements. The login screen, power menu, and taskbar in this concept all get touches of modern Windows 10 elements blended with the classic Windows XP coloring.

Our personal favorite happens to be the reimagined Start Menu, which keeps the Windows XP style layout but adds modern live tiles alongside. Other cool elements of the video include a remasted mail app, File Explorer, and a Windows Timeline UI that is clearly inspired by Windows 10’s Fluent Design.

Even though it’s nothing but a concept. it is still safe to say this is a pretty cool video. Let us know in the comments about your favorite moment from this concept video.

Microsoft extends digital gifting to PC games on the Microsoft Store

Posted on by Radu Tyrsina

Microsoft announced yesterday that it has enabled digital gifting for PC games on the Microsoft Store, just a couple of months after it did so for Xbox One games. Gifting a digital PC game is as simple as opening the Store listing, select “Buy a Gift” and entering the email address of the gift recipient

While you can gift all PC games and PC download game content available on the Microsoft store, there are some limitations to be aware off, such as the fact that digital gifting is currently region-locked. Another restriction concerns discounted games, as gift purchasers can only buy two discounted products – and a total of 10 discounted products – every 14 days.

It’s nice to see that PC games now get the same treatment as Xbox One games on the Microsoft Store, though it’s worth noting gifting of Xbox 360 and OG Xbox games is still not allowed. “We are hard at work on improving digital gifting, adding new capabilities as well as support for new content types,” the Xbox team said yesterday.

Windows 10 RS5 build 17666 brings Sets improvements and a new clipboard

Posted on by Madalina Dinita

Microsoft rolled out a new Windows 10 Redstone 5 build to Fast Ring Insiders and those to joined the Skip Ahead branch. Build 17666 introduces a series of interesting new features that Microsoft has been teasing users about for a long time.

The Redmond giant added a bunch of improvements to Sets which will definitely make this feature even more popular among users.  Sets now have an acrylic title bar and all of your recent Microsoft Edge tabs will now be displayed when using Alt+ Tab. You can also select your windowing preferences and mute web tabs.

windows 10 sets fluent design

Windows 10 Redstone 5 will also bring a new clipboard experience and this build introduces many of the upcoming changes. You can now can paste from the clipboard history, and pin the items that you frequently use. This new feature will enhance your productivity allowing you to quickly access the items that you need to copy and paste.

windows 10 clipboard

Not only can you can paste from the clipboard history, but you can also pin the items you find yourself using all the time. This history is roamed using the same technology which powers Timeline and Sets, which means you can access your clipboard across any PC with this build of Windows or higher. Our new settings page for enabling this experience is under Settings > System > Clipboard […]

File Explorer gets a Dark Theme

windows 10 file explorer dark theme

Adding a dark theme to File Explorer was one of the most popular requests Microsoft received from Windows 10 users. You can now test this new feature by going to Settings > Personalization > Colors. If you enable the dark theme, all the apps and system UI will follow suit.

The list of new features and improvements doesn’t end here. If you want to learn more about what’s new in Windows 10 build 17666, go to Microsoft’s official webpage.

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Next Inside Xbox episode to air on May 17, Microsoft teases “new feature announcements”

Posted on by Radu Tyrsina

Inside Xbox, the new monthly live show for Xbox fans will be back next Thursday, May 17 at at 6:30PM EDT/3:30PM PDT. On Xbox Wire, the Xbox team teased that this month’s episode will feature “five hotly anticipated games, including breaking news, new feature announcements, exclusive gameplay and much more.”

A big part of this episode should be dedicated to State of Decay 2, the next Xbox exclusive game to be released on May 22. On this occasion, the Xbox team has planned “a gruelling and epic Escape Room experience inspired by State of Decay” featuring special guests Smosh Games, Leahvathian, MrRolfWaffles, MrDalekJD, and Xbox On’s Benny and Sam.

As for the “new feature announcements,” we hope to hear more about the new Xbox Live Avatars, which were announced nearly a year ago at E3 2017. The redesigned avatars are not planned for the upcoming Xbox One 1805 update as of today, and there is still no ETA for the feature.

It remains to be seen if we’ll also get some Xbox backward compatibility news, or an update about Xbox Games Pass. The episode 3 of Inside Xbox will air live on Mixer as well as Twitch, Facebook and Twitter, let us know in the comments if you plan to tune in on May 17.

Microsoft’s Alex Kipman highlights new Windows Mixed Reality and HoloLens features

Posted on by Radu Tyrsina

The Windows 10 April 2018 Update introduced many new experiences, and Windows Mixed Reality also got in with the action. That’s why in a new video, Microsoft’s Alex Kipman highlights all the new features users can expect with Windows Mixed Reality and HoloLens after installing the latest version of Windows 10.

With HoloLens, Enterprise users are picking up features like a new research mode, and more ways to manage the device. Then, with Windows Mixed Reality, there is now a new Skyloft environment. You can see the list below for a detailed look at some of the key features mentioned in this video.

  • You can now have multiple logins for the same HoloLens device
  • HoloLens now supports Media Transport Protocol support, allowing you to transfer files to and from the device
  • Improved MDM features to make HoloLens devices easier to configure and manage
  • A new “Research Mode” in HoloLens which helps companies access more raw data when building apps
  • Streamlined interactions for immersice and holographic experiences, making it simpler to place and size objects
  • Protocol support to make it easier to share 3D objects from a website on HoloLens
  • New APIs for HoloLens to let 3D Launchers animate as users approach or gaze at objects
  • Early preview of support for user generated environments in Windows Mixed Reality.

Of course, these are just a few of the features introduced to Windows Mixed Reality. You can learn more about all the new features in Windows Mixed Reality by checking here, and HoloLens by checking here.

Several Xbox One X Enhanced video games discounted for one week

Posted on by Radu Tyrsina

Microsoft announced yesterday that several Xbox One X enhanced ID@Xbox games have been discounted this week as part of the Game Fest celebration. The deals run through May 14th and include titles such as Everspace, Ark: Survival Evolved, and more. We’ve included some of the games for you below, and invite you to check out the full list of discounted titles here.

Ark: Survival Evolved $35.99

Stranded on the shores of a mysterious island, you must learn to survive. Use your cunning to kill or tame the primeval creatures roaming the land, and encounter other players to survive, dominate… and escape!

Everspace: $14.99

EVERSPACE™ is an action-focused single-player space shooter, combining roguelike elements with top-notch visuals and a captivating story. It takes you on a challenging journey through an ever-changing, beautifully crafted universe full of surprises. Your skills, experience, and talent for improvisation will be tested continuously as you piece together the puzzle of your existence through encounters with interesting characters, each having their own unique part of the story to tell.

Killing Floor 2: $20.00

In KILLING FLOOR 2, players descend into continental Europe after it has been overrun by horrific, murderous clones called Zeds that were created by rogue elements of the Horzine Corporation. The Zed outbreak caused by Horzine’s failed experiments has quickly spread with unstoppable momentum, paralyzing the European Union. Only a month ago, the first Zed outbreak from the original KILLING FLOOR ripped through London; now the Zeds are everywhere. Civilization is in disarray, communication networks have failed, governments have collapsed, and military forces have been systematically eradicated. The people of Europe are now focused on self-preservation, the lucky few who survived having gone into hiding.

These are just one small look at all the titles which are discounted as part of the ID@Xbox Game Fest. You can check back again with us next week for the next round of titles which are set to go on sale. Do you plan on picking up any of these titles? Let us know below.

 

New Xbox One Preview Alpha build adds new groups and family settings

Posted on by Radu Tyrsina

Microsoft released a new Xbox Insider 1805 preview build yesterday with a couple of new features for select Xbox Insiders on the Alpha Ring. The first one is the ability to group your Games and Apps into multiple collections, with a dedicated section in the My Games and App tabs. Insiders who have this feature can assign custom names to each Group and add them to Home, and Groups will also sync across multiple Xbox One consoles.

Also new with this build are a new Family Settings page that makes it easier for parents to see which family and content settings are set up and configured. Additionally, this build also introduces new privacy options, including a new setting for sending crash dump data for games and apps to Microsoft.

Microsoft has recently started to roll out 1805 builds to Preview Beta Insiders as well, so if you’re on this Ring you should receive these new features pretty soon. The company will likely speed up the release of new 1805 builds over the coming weeks, and you can keep track of all the different versions on the new Insider section of Xbox Wire.

Lenovo unveils IdeaPad 330, 330S and 530S Windows 10 laptops

Posted on by Radu Tyrsina

Just in time for graduation season, Lenovo today took the wraps off their new IdeaPad laptops for 2018. The new affordable IdeaPad 330, 330S and 530S models offer great pricing for most, come in various sizes and colors, and support rapid charge tech, and more. All models are coming out later this month in May installed with Windows 10 (not Windows 10 S Mode, in case there’s any confusion), and here’s what you need to know ahead of release.

IdeaPad 330: 14-inch model starting at $349.99

The IdeaPad 330 comes with an anti-glare display, with 14-inch HD, 15-inch HD+, and 17-inch FHD options available. The device is made of a PC-ABS material and comes in Platinum Grey, Onyx Black, Mint Green, Midnight Blue, Blizzard White, or Chocolate colors depending on where you buy and what screen sizes you choose. There are options for the Intel Celeron Dual Core N4000 processor with integrated graphics or the 8th Gen Intel Core i7-8750H and the NVIDIA GeForce GTX1050 for gaming performance.

You can also configure the device with a fingerprint reader, touch screen, or DVD drive if need be. The 14-inch model starts at $349.99, 15-inch model, $249.99, and 17-inch model, $499.99.

IdeaPad 330S: 14-inch model starting at $499.99

Lenovo’s IdeaPad 330s is meant to be a balance between an ultra-portable device, and a workhorse device. It starts at 3.5 pounds weight and has a polished aluminum cover and a narrow and brighter screen that comes with life-like viewing. You can choose from Platinum Grey, Midnight Blue, Rose Pink, Blizzard White, and Iron Grey colors, depending on which retailer and market you buy from.

The IdeaPad 330S can be configured with an IPS FHD 14-inch or 15-inch screens, or the 8th Gen Intel Core i7 processors and the NVIDIA GeForce GTX1050 graphics with 4GB or 12GB of RAM. Other features on the model include a backlit keyboard, 2-watt speakers with Dolby Audio, and 7 hours of battery life.

A 14-inch model starts at $499.99, with the 15-inch model going for $449.99.

IdeaPad 530S: 14-inch model starting at $799.99

The IdeaPad 530S is the best of all the new IdeaPad models and is built from an all aluminum-polished metal chassis. It comes in  Onyx Black, Copper, Liquid Blue, and Mineral Grey colors, and features vibrant 14 FHD and 15-inch WQHD IPS wide-angle displays.

You can configure the IdeaPad 530s with 8th Gen Intel Core processors, or the NVIDIA MX130 or MX150 graphics for light gameplay and photo editing app. Other features on this model include a backlit keyboard, secure fingerprint reader, Harman speakers, and 8 hours of battery life.

The 14-inch model starts at $799.99 and the 15-inch model is a step up in pricing at $849.99.

All models will be available on Lenovo.com and many big retailers and stores later this month, with color options varying by market and retailer. These devices are sure to impress, so do let us know in the comments below if you’re planning on buying one.

 

HP announces new EliteBook 700 Series and ProBook 645 G4 Windows 10 notebooks

Posted on by Radu Tyrsina

HP, this week, announced their new HP EliteBook 700 and HP ProBook 600 line of Windows 10 notebooks.

The HP EliteBook 700 is targeted at the businessperson and is powered by the AMD Ryzen PRO processor1 and has integrated AMD Radeon Vega graphics and 4G LTE wireless connectivity. It comes in three models with 13.3, 14, and 15.6 inch screens with a variety of optional extras such as a privacy shutter for the webcam and am ambient light sensor.

The HP ProBook 600 line of notebooks are geared more towards professional designers and enterprise users with the 8th Gen quad-core Intel Core processor3 powering the ProBook 640 and 650 models and a AMD Ryzen PRO processor4 inside the ProBook 645. The 640 and 645 models come with a 14 inch screen while the 650 is larger at 15.6.

No specific release date for either series has been released yet beyond the general “May” release window.

Are you interested in either of these new line of Windows 10 notebooks? Let us know in the comments below and make sure to like us on Facebook for more Windows 10 hardware news.

Windows 10 KB4103727 install fails for many users [FIX]

Posted on by Madalina Dinita

Microsoft rolled out update KB4103727 to Windows 10 Fall Creators Update users this Patch Tuesday, but not all users have been able to install it.

The download process of the Patch Tuesday usually goes smoothly, but when computers restart in order to complete the install, various error codes pop up on the screen such as error 0x80070bc2.

Here’s how one user describes this issue:

KB4103727 keeps failing for me. It installs, I restart, it informs me it failed. Tried three times now, it’s Windows 10 Home on an AMD A6-4400M laptop. Gives error code 0x80070bc2.

This is not the only error code blocking the update. Error codes ox800706be and 0x800700d8 also occur quite frequently preventing KB4103727 from installing.

I have a similar issue. Could not get 1709 Update to install. […] However, I cannot get rid of the following error when I look for updates. Afraid this is blocking any legitimate updates. Below is the message I get when I search for updates and the info on my PC.
“There were problems installing some updates, but we’ll try again later. If you keep seeing this and want to search the web or contact support for information, this may help: 2018-05 Cumulative Update for Windows 10 Version 1709 for x64-based Systems (KB4103727) – Error 0x800700d8″

If you can’t install KB4103727 on your computer, disable your antivirus software, search for updates, install the available updates and then turn on your antivirus protection.

Clean booting your computer may also help. Here’s how to do this:

  1. Go to the search box > type msconfig
  2. Select System Configuration > go to Services tab
  3. Select Hide all Microsoft services > Disable alldisable startup programs
  4. Go to Startup tab > Open Task Manager > Disable all the unnecessary services running thereclean boot windows 10
  5. Restart your computer

If nothing work, you can also run Windows 10‘s built-in update troubleshooter. Go to Settings > Update & Security > Troubleshoot > launch the update troubleshooter.

windows 10 update troubleshooter

Don’t lose yourself in all these technicalities! Choose a tool to fix Windows update issues for you!

Did any of these three workarounds help you fix the problem? Let us know in the comments below.

 

 

 

 

 

Your Phone app lets you share data between Windows 10 PCs and phones

Posted on by Radu Tyrsina

Microsoft revealed a lot of exciting news at Build 2018. One of the main points of interest at this year’s Build was the Microsoft 365 platform which brings together Windows 10, Office 365, and Enterprise Mobility and Security (EMS) as a whole solution for a secure and intelligent organization. Microsoft introduced various features and updates across more devices and platforms in order to enhance the connection between PCs and phones.

One of them involves a brand new app created by the tech giant for Windows 10 that provides a window from users’ PCs to their smartphones.

Your Phone app is compatible with Android and iOS smartphones

The app will enable a seamless transition of content including photos, messages, and notifications across shared devices. Users will be able to read and send text messages via their smartphones as well as move photos from their mobile devices to their PCs and see all the phone notifications on the computers.

The main benefit triggered by using the app will be the fact that you won’t have to pick up your phone anymore while you’re on the PC to access information and check out notifications that pop up on the mobile device while you’re busy. You will be able to see all of these on your PC via Your Phone app without having to switch between the devices.

Your Phone app begins rolling out to the Windows Insiders by the end of this week.

Microsoft is looking for more ways to connect Windows 10 and mobile devices

The tech giant might have renounced at working on its Windows 10 Mobile platform, but Microsft’s efforts are not buried. The company has been searching various ways to bring Windows 10 to mobile devices in order to still offer continuity to the services.

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