Voice commands & cloud sync gain a huge boost in Windows 11

Buckle up everybody, because there is that time of the week again when new features are coming to Windows Insider. And there are a lot of new features coming in the build KB5027303.

A lot of the new updates started rolling out last month, and some of them have been announced for a while. Let’s take a look at the VPN status icon, which was announced last month, but it’s finally here, now.

And probably one of the most important features coming with this build are the new and improved in-app voice access commands help page and the cloud sync across Microsoft clouds.

Basically, you’ll be able to easily access and authenticate across Microsoft clouds. This particular feature also satisfies Conditional Access checks if they are needed. Regarding the in-app voice access commands, this build re-designs them completely.

Here’s how to use voice commands in Windows 11 now

As we mentioned earlier, this update redesigns the in-app voice access command help page. Every command now has a list of descriptions and examples of further variables that you can use.KB5027303

The search bar will allow you to quickly find commands, and you can find the command help page from Help > View all commands. But you can also access it with your voice by saying the command What can I say?

For now, this feature is different dialects in English, and Microsoft has added all versions, including those spoken in:

  • United Kingdom – English
  • India – English
  • New Zealand – English
  • Canada – English
  • Australia – English

You need to know that turning voice access on for the first time will prompt Windows to ask you to download a speech model. If you don’t find a speech model that matches your display language, you can access it in English.

You’ll always be able to choose another language from Settings > Language on the voice access bar.

What other updates are coming with KB5027303

You can read all about the other updates on Microsoft’s official blog about it, but here are some of the most exciting updates coming with this build.

  • New! This update expands the roll out of notification badging for Microsoft accounts on the Start menu. A Microsoft account is what connects Windows to your Microsoft apps. The account backs up all your data and helps you to manage your subscriptions. You can also add extra security steps to keep you from being locked out of your account. This feature gives you quick access to important account-related notifications.
  • New! This update improves the sharing of a local file in File Explorer with Microsoft Outlook contacts. You now have the option to quickly email the file to yourself. In addition, loading your contacts from Outlook is better. This feature is not available for files stored in Microsoft OneDrive folders. OneDrive has its own sharing functionality.
  • This update provides a copy button for you to quickly copy two-factor authentication (2FA) codes. These are in notification toasts you get from apps installed on your PC or from phones linked to your PC. Note that this feature only works for English.
  • New! This update adds multi-app kiosk mode, which is a lockdown feature. If you are an administrator, you can specify the apps that can run on a device. Other apps will not run. You can also block certain functionalities. You can configure distinct types of access and apps to run for different users on one device. Multi-app kiosk mode is ideal for scenarios in which multiple people use the same device. Some examples are frontline workers, retail, education, and test taking.

Microsoft has added a feature where you can set up your Windows 11 much easier, by easing the access to Settings.

Do you like these new features? Let us know your opinions in the comments section below.

What is Wmplayer.exe & How to Fix its Errors

Windows Media Player is the default media player on Windows OS and wmplayer.exe is its executable file. Although it is old software and many more advanced media players are available, many users still use it for its ease of use.

Multiple users have reported coming across wmplayer.exe errors. In this guide, we will discuss what wmplayer.exe is and how you can fix its associated errors. Let us get right into it.

What am I getting wmplayer.exe errors?

Windows Media Player, just like every other program on your PC, can crash and cause issues on your computer. You will face wmplayer.exe errors for several reasons, some of which are listed below.

  • The Media Player process is faulty – Some other programs might be conflicting with the Windows Media Player and the process is experiencing some issues.
  • Some critical files are missing – Chances are a few of the important Windows Media Player system files are corrupt or missing from your PC.
  • DLL files are missing – Some DLL files related to Windows Media Player might be missing from your computer, which might require re-registering.
  • The network sharing service is the culprit – Some readers have reported that disabling the Windows Media Player network sharing service fixed the wmplayer.exe errors on their computers.

Let us now check out the solutions that will help you fix the wmplayer.exe errors on your PC.

How can I fix wmplayer.exe related errors?

1. Run the troubleshooter

  1. Press the Win + I keys to open the Settings menu.
  2. Click on Troubleshoot.
  3. Select Other troubleshooters.
  4. Hit the Run button next to the Windows Media Player option.
  5. Follow the on-screen steps to run the troubleshooter and apply the fixes.
  6. Restart your computer.

Many users have reported fixing the wmplayer.exe issue by running the video playback troubleshooter. This effectively fixes any issue if the media file was unable to run on Windows Media Player.

2. Register the Windows Media Player DLL files

  1. Press the Win key to open the Start menu.
  2. Type the command prompt and run it as an administrator.
  3. Type the below command and press Enter: regsvr32 jscript.dll
  4. Click OK in the confirmation box.
  5. Execute the below command to register the VBScript file and click OK in the confirmation box. regsvr32 vbscript.dll
  6. Restart your computer.

Multiple users have confirmed that registering the regsvr32 jscript.dll and regsvr32 vbscript.dll files has solved the problem related to wmplayer.exe.

3. Turn off the Windows Media Player Network Sharing service

  1. Press the Win + R keys to open the Run dialogue.
  2. Type services.msc and press Enter.
  3. Locate Windows Media Player Network Sharing service and double-click on it to open it.
  4. Select Disabled under the Startup type drop-down menu.
  5. Under the Service status, select Stop.
  6. Click Apply and OK to apply the changes.
  7. Restart your computer.

Windows Media Player Network Sharing makes use of the UPnP Protocol to accomplish the task. However, this service is not required to play the media files on your PC.

We would suggest you disable this service and check if this helps resolve the errors associated with wmplayer.exe or not.

4. Re-enable Windows Media Player in Windows Features

  1. Press the Win key to open the Start menu.
  2. Type Windows Features and open the Turn Windows features on or off option.
  3. Uncheck the box for Windows Media Player to disable it.
  4. Click Yes in the prompt that appears.
  5. Restart your computer.
  6. Follow the same steps as mentioned above, but this time, check the box for Windows Media Player to enable it.

Re-enabling Windows Media Player has helped several users resolve the issue related to wmplayer.exe. You can also try to follow the above steps and check if this fixes the issue or not.

5. Use an alternative video player

You should also try using some other media players if none of the above solutions fixes the problems. Moreover, with a different media player, you will have more features to play with.

To make the process easier, we have a guide that lists some of the best universal video players for Windows 10 & 11.

That is it from us in this guide. We have a guide that explains how you can fix the Windows Media Player cannot find the file error.

Also, you should read our guide that will help fix the Windows Media Player cannot copy files to your library error.

Feel free to drop a comment if understood what is wmplayer.exe and if you were able to resolve issues related to it.

What is PccNtMon.exe & How to Fix Its Errors?

We covered the Ntrtscan.exe executable in one of our guides; well, the PccNtMon.exe file is related, as both are associated with the Trend Micro OfficeScan antivirus software.

This guide explores PccNtMon.exe and breaks down all essential elements you should be mindful of, including error fixes.

What is PccNtMon.exe?

This executable by the Trend Micro OfficeScan antivirus software performs the following functions:

  • Scans and monitors network activity.
  • It sends notifications to the Action Center about threats.
  • Monitors and tracks running applications.

The file is in the directory we indicate below on a 64-bit computer. So, if it is in a different location, it is likely malware, and we recommend a scan with an efficient antivirus program.

C:\Program Files\Trend Micro

However, sometimes PccNtMon.exe errors can occur, leading to problems such as system crashes, performance issues, and security vulnerabilities.

Why am I experiencing PccNtMon.exe errors?

You experience errors related to the software for any of the following:

  • The PccNtMon.exe file is corrupted or damaged.
  • The executable conflicts with other software on the device.

How do I fix PccNtMon.exe errors?

First, we recommend you start with the easy workarounds below:

  • Scan your computer, as a malware infection may cause the problem.
  • Uninstall the app and reinstall using a freshly downloaded copy or uninstall conflicting software.

However, if you have no luck, you may proceed to the detailed fix below.

Close multiple PCCNTmon.exe instances

  1. Press Windows + E to open File Explorer.
  2. Navigate to the path below:
    C:\Program Files\Trend Micro\Client Server Security Agent
    pccntmon.exe
  3. Back up ofcscan.ini, then double-click it.
  4. Delete values after the equals sign for both entries below and save the file:
    NT_RUN_KEY=OfficeScanNT Monitor
    NT_RUN_KEY_FILE_NAME=pccntmon.exe
    pccntmon.exe
  5. Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog.
  6. Type regedit and hit Enter.
  7. Navigate to the path below:
    HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Wow6432Node\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
  8. Delete the OfficeScanNT Monitor value.
  9. Finally, close the editor and verify if it fixes the error.

Can I disable Trend Micro?

Yes, you may for any of the following reasons:

  • If you have problems or errors using Trend Mirco.
  • You need to use a different antivirus software.
  • If you need to troubleshoot or run a hotfix for Trend-related errors.

The above suggestions are important to solve PccNtMon.exe problems. However, you might need assistance from Trend Micro support if the difficulties continue.

This is as much as we discuss in this guide. You may read our guide if you encounter errors accessing the Registry Editor.

Lastly, please let us know in the comments section below if you have any questions or additional tips on fixing PccNtMon.exe errors.

What is Monitor.exe & How to Stop It

There are a series of Windows processes that ensure the smooth running of your PC. One of these processes is monitor.exe, which runs in the background.

This process is not among the most popular, and many users wonder what it does. In this guide, we will provide the information you need to know about it, plus extras.

What is monitor.exe?

Monitor.exe is an important process known to be part of the Microsoft Windows Server. The major function of this process is to monitor your hardware and report any problem.

Among the parameters, it keeps track of are hard disk, memory, and network traffic. It is important to note that this process is completely safe and poses no security risk.

Hence, you should be rest assured when it is running on your PC. Instead, it helps diagnose hardware issues before they can cause serious problems.

How can I stop monitor.exe?

1. Using Task Manager

  1. Press the Windows key + X and select Task Manager.
    task manager monitor.exe
  2. Right-click the monitor.exe process under the Processes tab.
  3. Finally, select the End task option.
    end task

If you are not experiencing any hardware-related problems and the monitor.exe process is registering high resource usage, you can disable it. However, it must be noted that you should never try to remove this process.

This is because it can negatively affect your PC. So, in worse cases, you should only disable the process.

2. Scan for malware

  1. Press the Windows key + S, type virus, and choose Virus & threat protection.
    virus
  2. Click the Scan options link on the next page.
    scan options monitor.exe
  3. Finally, select your preferred scan option and click the Scan now button.
    scan now

If you notice some unusual behavior from the monitor.exe process, it might be malware disguising as the process. In this case, the best thing to do is to perform a full system scan to get rid of the virus.

While the Windows Defender should do well, it might not be able to scan some of your system files. To perform the deepest scans and get rid of the most hidden malware, we recommend using a third-party antivirus in TotalAV.

This software takes a no-nonsense stand against malware, removing the most stubborn viruses before they can cause problems.

⇒ Get TotalAV

3. Perform a system restore

  1. Press the Windows key + R, type rstrui.exe, and press Enter.
    rstrui
  2. Click Next on the new page.
    next monitor.exe
  3. Now, choose your ideal restore point and click the Next button.
    restore point
  4. Finally, click Finish and follow the onscreen instructions to complete the process.
    finish

If you started noticing problems with monitor.exe after making changes to your PC, you will be better served to perform a system restore. This will reverse the changes that can be causing the problem.

We have reached the end of this guide on everything you need to know about monitor.exe. This process is important on your PC and should not be removed under any circumstances.

However, if you are facing issues with it, we have shown how to stop the process and fix its related issues. If you want to know about nahimicservice.exe, check our detailed guide for all the information you need.

Feel free to share your experience with this process with us in the comments below.

Xbox Free Play Days: Conan Exiles, Manual Samuel, and Football Manager 2023 Console

Xbox Free Play Days will be back for another week of games for Xbox Live Gold and Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscribers starting Thursday, June 22. This week’s lineup includes three games, as seen below, which will be available as part of the Free Play Days event through Sunday, June 25.

Conan Exiles

Conan Exiles is an online multiplayer survival game, now with sorcery, set in the lands of Conan the Barbarian. Enter a vast, open-world sandbox and play together with friends and strangers as you build your own home or even a shared city. Survive freezing cold temperatures, explore loot-filled dungeons, develop your character from scavenging survivor to mighty barbarian and powerful sorcerer, and fight to dominate your enemies in epic siege wars.

Conan Exiles can be played in full single-player, co-op, or persistent online multiplayer.

Manual Samuel

Manual Samuel is a classic adventure game with a wild twist. After making a deal with Death, our hero, the spoiled rich-kid Samuel, must survive for 24 hours controlling his entire body manually. From breathing and blinking to driving and working, all these tasks will fall to you. It won’t be easy, with Death himself tagging along for the ride, you might be in some very deep feces!

Football Manager 2023 Console

Football Manager 2023 Console focuses on football’s most important areas – the transfer market, the tactics board and the pitch. Whether you’re chasing promotions, winning titles or dominating your friends online, play the beautiful game your way.
In perfect sync with the Xbox controller, FM23 harnesses the power of Microsoft’s Play Anywhere technology to enable you to keep your career on the move across both console and Windows 10 PC with the same Xbox Live profile.

Learn more about Xbox Free Play Days

You can learn more about the program over on the Xbox Free Play Days FAQ page. The best part is that games are typically offered for purchase at discounted prices during Free Play Days events. So if you see a keeper now is the time to act.

Microsoft announces advances in Azure Quantum to accelerate scientific discovery

Microsoft has recently announced the latest advancements in Azure Quantum, a move aimed at accelerating scientific discoveries. The company firmly believes that the development of new materials plays a pivotal role in societal progress and has the power to revolutionize various industries. These latest advancements have the potential to bring about amazing transformations in sectors such as transportation, pharmaceuticals, and chemistry. They can enable the creation of more efficient batteries, innovative drugs, and safer compounds for everyday products. Furthermore, scientists can leverage these advancements to address pressing global challenges, including climate change and food insecurity.

In an effort to tackle these challenges, Microsoft is introducing a new generation of AI that combines advanced AI models, natural language, and chemistry—the foundational language of nature. This integration sets the stage for a new era of scientific discovery, laying the foundation for the future of quantum supercomputing.

Scientists and innovators can now begin experimenting with Azure Quantum, gaining access to the best quantum hardware currently available. This will prepare them to tackle even more complex problems once quantum supercomputing becomes a reality. The ability to solve previously insurmountable challenges will unlock tremendous growth and human progress.

Microsoft has unveiled the following three advancements in Azure Quantum that drive this vision forward:

1. Azure Quantum Elements

Azure Quantum Elements is a groundbreaking system that combines high-performance computing (HPC), artificial intelligence, and quantum computing. This integration accelerates scientific discovery and enables researchers and product developers to reduce time and costs in the research and development pipeline. It allows innovative products to reach the market faster, with some customers reporting a reduction in project completion time from six months to just one week.

Additionally, Azure Quantum Elements expands the search space for new materials from thousands to tens of millions of candidates. It also speeds up chemistry simulations by an astounding 500,000 times, compressing a year-long simulation into a single minute. Moreover, researchers can leverage AI and HPC to address quantum chemistry problems today and gain access to Microsoft’s quantum supercomputer in the future.

2. Copilot in Azure Quantum

Copilot in Azure Quantum empowers scientists to solve complex chemistry and materials science problems using natural language. By combining cloud supercomputing, advanced AI, and quantum computing, Copilot enables scientists to accomplish intricate tasks efficiently. It generates underlying calculations and simulations, queries and visualizes data, and provides guided answers to complex concepts.

Similar to its transformative impact in other Microsoft products, Copilot in Azure Quantum aims to revolutionize and expedite scientific discovery. It has the potential to accelerate drug discovery, create safer and more sustainable products, and address pressing global challenges. Copilot also serves as a valuable tool for individuals interested in learning about quantum computing and writing code for current quantum computers.

3. Microsoft’s Roadmap to a Quantum Supercomputer 

Microsoft’s ultimate goal is to accurately design new chemicals and materials using a quantum supercomputer. This journey parallels the path taken by classical supercomputers in the 20th century, with advancements in underlying technology enabling increased scale and impact. The roadmap for quantum computing consists of three levels: Foundational (Level 1), Resilient (Level 2), and Scale (Level 3).

Currently, the industry is in the NISQ era, with Level 1 quantum systems operating using noisy physical qubits. Microsoft has made significant progress in this area and has achieved the first milestone toward a quantum supercomputer by creating and controlling Majorana quasiparticles. This brings them closer to engineering a new hardware-protected qubit, which will enable the engineering of reliable logical qubits and eventually lead to a quantum supercomputer. Performance and reliability are crucial factors, and Microsoft has introduced the metric of reliable Quantum Operations Per Second (rQOPS) to measure a supercomputer’s performance accurately.

These advancements present immense opportunities for scientists and businesses to revolutionize everyday products and drive innovation and economic growth. Microsoft is committed to careful planning and risk mitigation, guided by its AI principles. It is also actively preparing for a quantum-safe future, ensuring the security of all its services and collaborating with customers and the industry to support this crucial transition. Together, scientists and businesses can compress centuries’ worth of chemistry and materials science advancements into just a few decades, propelling us into an era of accelerated scientific discovery.

0x8007274d Mail Sync Error: How to Fix it

The Mail app helps you to manage your email accounts on your Windows PC. However, some users have been complaining the Mail app is not working properly with a sync error 0x8007274d the problem.

This error can be caused by various factors, like issues with your security software. Irrespective of the cause of the problem, the solutions in this guide will help you fix it quickly.

Why am I getting the Mail sync error 0x8007274d?

Listed below are some of the reasons for the Mail sync error 0x8007274d:

  • Issues with third-party antivirus: Frequently, this issue is caused by problems with a recently installed antivirus or firewall. You can fix this by uninstalling the software.
  • Problems with the Mail app: Another potential cause of this problem is glitches with the Mail and Calendar app. Reinstalling the app by running some commands should do the trick here.
  • Outdated app: In some cases, this issue can be due to an outdated Mail and Calendar app. You need to update the app in Windows Store to get rid of the error.

How can I fix the Mail sync error 0x8007274d?

1. Disable/uninstall third-party antivirus/firewall

  1. Right-click the third-party antivirus and select the Disable option or its equivalent.
  2. If disabling the software does not work, press the Windows key, type control, and click the Control Panel option.
    control panel 0x8007274d
  3. Now, click Uninstall a program under the Programs option.
    uninstall a
  4. Next, right-click the software and select the Uninstall option.
    uninstall
  5. Finally, follow the onscreen instructions to complete the process.

In most cases, the Mail sync error 0x8007274d is down to problems with your security software. The solution is to uninstall the software temporarily and check if the problem persists.

If you are unable to remove the security software with the Steps above, you can check its installation file for the uninstaller.

2. Update the Mail app

  1. Launch the Microsoft Store app.
  2. Click the Library option in the left pane.
    library
  3. Now, click the Get updates button.
    get updates 0x8007274d
  4. Finally, click the Update button before the Mail and Calendar option and wait for the process to complete.
    update

At times, the 0x8007274d error might just be down to an outdated app. The solution to this is to update the app to the latest version.

3. Run the Windows Store Apps troubleshooter

  1. Press the Windows key + I and select Troubleshoot in the right pane.
    troubleshoot
  2. Click the Other troubleshooters option.
    other trouble 0x8007274d
  3. Finally, click the Run button before the Windows Store Apps option and follow the onscreen instructions.
    other trouble

Some users have found this error 0x8007274d to be due to glitches with the Windows Store. Running the Windows Store Apps troubleshooter should help get rid of the glitches.

4. Change the sync settings

  1. Launch the Mail app and log in to your email account.
  2. Click the Settings icon in the bottom left corner of the Mail app.
  3. Now, select the Manage accounts option under Settings.
    settings manage
  4. Next, choose your email account.
    account
  5. Select Change mailbox sync settings.
    change mailbox 0x8007274d
  6. Finally, check the boxes under Sync options.
    sync options

If you still can’t fix the Mail sync error 0x8007274d, it might be because of problems with your sync settings. You need to change the settings to solve the problem.

5. Reinstall the Mail app

  1. Press the Windows key, type powershell, and select Run as administrator under Windows PowerShell.
    powershell 0x8007274d
  2. Now, type the command below and hit Enter to run it: Get-appxprovisionedpackage –online | where-object {$_.packagename –like “*windowscommunicationsapps*”} | remove-appxprovisionedpackage –onlinecommand
  3. Finally, visit the Windows Store to reinstall the Mail and Calendar app.

If the solutions above prove abortive in fixing the Mail sync error 0x8007274d, you need to uninstall the Mail app. After removing the software, you can search for it on Microsoft Store and reinstall it.

We have now reached the end of this detailed guide on fixing the 0x8007274d error. With the information in this guide, you should now be able to solve the problem for good.

If you are facing other issues like Mail app error 0x80048830, check our comprehensive guide to fix it for good.

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

Dokan Library: What It Is, Removal & Usage

Today we’ll explain what the Dokan Library bundle is, what it does, and whether it’s safe to remove from your Windows PC or not. Let’s get right to it.

How do I verify, fix, or uninstall Dokan Library? 

1. Verify the signer details

  1. Launch the File Explorer program using the Windows + E shortcut.
  2. Copy and paste the following path in the address bar to access the Dokan executable file. C:\Program Files (x86)\dokan\dokanlibrary\dokanctl.exe 
  3. Right-click dokanctl.exe and select Properties from the context menu. 
  4. Go to the Digital Signatures tab of the dokanctl.exe properties dialog box and check if Dokan is listed as the name of the signer. 

Verifying the digital signature of Dokan Library will help you decide whether or not an executable file of Dokan Library is legitimate or malware. 

2. Run a virus scan

  1. Press the Windows + I shortcut to launch the Settings app.
  2. Switch to Privacy & security from the left navigation pane and Windows security from the right. Dokan Library
  3. Select Virus & threat protection under Protection areas. Dokan LIbrary
  4. Next, click Scan options located under Current threats.
  5. Select Microsoft Defender Antivirus (offline scan) from the list and press the Scan now button. Dokan Library
  6. Wait for the scan to complete and reboot your system.

A virus scan will look for the malware infection and will expunge them to resolve the issues with the Dokan Library. 

In order to scan your PC system efficiently, you better rely on a machine-learning antivirus that offers improved diagnosis and virus removal.

⇒ Get TotalAV

3. Repair dokanctl.exe with SFC and DISM scans

  1. Press the Windows key to bring up the Start menu, type cmd in the search menu on top, and choose the Run as administrator option from the result section. Dokan Library
  2. Press the Yes button to launch the User Account Control window.
  3. Type or paste the following command and hit Enter to execute it. SFC/scannow
  4. After the message verification is 100% complete appears, execute the command given below. DISM /Online /Cleanup-image /Restorehealth
  5. Reboot your PC after the DISM scan repairs the corrupt system files.  

SFC (System File Checker) and DISM (Deployment Image Servicing and Management) will diagnose and repair the missing or corrupt OS files with any data loss. 

4. Uninstall Dokan Library 

  1. Use the Windows + E shortcut key to launch the File Explorer. 
  2. Navigate to the following path in the File Explorer window to access the Dokan Uninstaller. C:\ProgramFiles (x86)\Dokan\DokanLibrary\DokanUninstall.exe
  3. Double-click the uninstaller to launch it and follow the step-by-step process to uninstall Dokan Library. 

If the Dokan Libary is still causing problems, you should uninstall the Dokan Libray to get fix the related issues. Since Dokan Library is not a core Microsoft app, uninstalling it is completely safe.

5. Reset the Windows PC

  1. Bring up the Settings app using the Windows + I shortcut key.
  2. Scroll down the System settings and select the Recovery option from the right section. Dokan Library
  3. Press the Reset PC button on the next page. Dokan Library
  4. A Reset this PC pop-up will appear. Choose the Keep my files option to reset Windows without affecting your files and data. 
  5. Select the method you would like to opt for reinstalling Windows from the next screen. You should go for Local reinstall option to quickly reset and Windows. Dokan Library

Resetting your Windows PC will reset and wipe out all misconfigured settings, uninstall the apps, and restore the system files to the default state.

After the local installation is completed, the Dokan Library will be completely removed from the system if it wasn’t uninstalled completely in the previous step.  

What is Dokan Library? 

Dokan Library 0.6.0 is a program bundle developed by Dokan, with dokanctl.exe being the main executable file. It is a controller service designed to run in the background without any intervention. 

The program helps you develop your file system without writing a device driver that works in kernel mode.

Is Dokan Library a virus?

The Dokan library isn’t a virus. It’s a legitimate tool used to create virtual file systems on Windows. It’s often found in programs that need to work with virtual drives.

If you’re seeing warnings about it, make sure you’re getting it from a trusted source. Always keep your antivirus up to date to catch any potential threats.

Summary

That’s all about it! Hopefully, you now understand everything about Dokan Library and the relevant methods to fix the related issues. 

Before you leave, you may want to check out the guide to resolve the file system error -1073740791 to fix the affected apps. 

Many also reported Dokan Library after installing Disk Drill, and we have an entire guide dedicated to this, so check it out to learn more.

In case you have any questions for us, feel free to drop them in the comments section. 

Microsoft and the FTC set to argue Activision deal June 22

Microsoft and the US Federal Trade Commission will meet for the first of several engagements on June 22, 2023 as the two discuss the fate of a $68.2 billion acquisition of games publisher Activision Blizard.

Over the course of five days, Microsoft lawyers will officially present the case for its multi-billion dollar bid to acquire the largest game publisher in the industry while the FTC will finally exhibit its suit against the deal.

The FTC maintains that the “maker of Xbox would gain control of top video game franchises, enabling it to harm competition in high-performance gaming consoles and subscription services by denying or degrading rivals’ access to its popular content.”

Adding context, in December of 2022 the FTC filed a complaint seeking to block Microsoft’s acquisition of Activision Blizzard ahead of its June court date. About a week ago the FTC sought an injunction and a temporary restraining order to once again block the Activision deal if a decision by June 28, 2023 doesn’t fall in its favor.

In addition, Microsoft and Activision have an evidentiary hearing scheduled for August 2, 2023 that is set to follow any appeals processes put into motion by the meetings with the FTC starting this week.

Unlike other regulatory hearings, even those as contentious as the UK’s Competition and Markets Authorities (CMA), Microsoft is set to have its top executives present during its FTC showdown this week.

Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella, Xbox chief Phil Spencer, company president Brad Smith, and a whole host of others will be in attendance to plead the case for the Activision merger signifying how important it is the deal passes the FTC.

Microsoft and Activision have told investors they’re seeking to close the deal by July 18, 2023.

However, with the proceeding cases spread out over the summer, Microsoft and Activision may need to revisit their proposed timeline and the looming $3 billion break-up fee that was embedded in the deal as part of speedy closure.

DEPGI 14” Xbox Series S Portable Monitor Review: a great Xbox-on-the-go option

The DEPGI 14” Xbox Series S Portable Monitor is the newest option for those who want to take their Xbox Series S out of the living room and on the go. Though not really a mobile gaming console, the Xbox Series S is small and compact enough that it can feasibly become a viable traveling companion with a portable monitor, whether it’s just moving from room to room around the house or taking to the road.

And while DEPGI’s new 14” variant of its portable Series S monitors isn’t the first such solution, it is without a doubt one of the best ones so far.

Setting up

Setting up the DEPGI 14″ Portable Monitor for Xbox Series S is pretty simple in theory. However, I had some trouble getting the monitor’s attachment mechanism to properly snap into place. But to be fair I’ll have to admit I’m all thumbs, and my issues can likely be attributed more to me than the product.

Nonetheless, what should have been a 10-minute affair took me upwards of around 30 minutes, and I never felt like I got it secured exactly the way it was intended. From what I’ve seen other reviewers did not have such issues; just note that the less dexterous among us may have a similar experience to mine.

Img 20230617 114815

Once the monitor was attached to the Series S, it was just a matter of connecting the HDMI and power cables. Pretty straightforward, and for most setting up the monitor shouldn’t be too big a pain.

The monitor’s attachment housing will make your small Series S not so small—think of something closer to a standard Xbox One in terms of size with the monitor’s lid closed. That said, the DEPGI 14″ monitor does nothing to detract from the Series S aesthetic, but rather compliments it. Note that the monitor can either be plugged into a wall outlet along with the Series S, or you can use a provided cable to power the monitor via the Xbox.

DEPGI 14” Xbox Series S Portable Monitor Specs

Img 20230619 215622

This latest Xbox Series S portable monitor offering from DEPGI boasts a 14” LED screen which runs up to 1080p HD at 60Hz. The integrated monitor weighs in at 2.86 lbs according to the DEPGI site, and though explicitly designed for Xbox Series S it is also compatible with PC, PS5, Switch and laptops.

The monitor features a set of navigation buttons beneath the base of the screen and also comes with a much more handy remote control unit. On the back of the unit is a pair of 3.5mm headphone jacks and 2 HDMI ports.

But back to that screen for a moment. It features HDR10 and AMD FreeSync support. There are plenty of customization options too, including ones for backlighting, contrast, black level and more. The default settings can make some games have a slightly washed out appearance, but much of this can be rectified with the right adjustments.

Viewing and gaming experience

Tekken 7 Depgi Monitor Screen Shot 1
Tekken 7 on DEPGI monitor.

Now we get to the heart of the matter. To put it simply, the display is everything you could expect, with reasonably vibrant color, decent black levels and 1080p clarity. Viewing angles are excellent, better than that found on a great many laptop screens, in fact.

Assetto Corsa Depgi Monitor Screen Shot
Assetto Corsa DEPGI monitor

I was surprised by the unit’s 3.0W dual stereo speakers. What I expected was a good deal of compromise in the audio department. Instead, the monitor delivers sound that boasts plenty of body—almost as good as what I’d get on my TV’s Dolby Audio. And rest assured there’s plenty of volume to be had, and likely more than you’ll likely ever need. The headphone listening experience left a lot to be desired, however, and was one of the few disappointments I found with the monitor.

Child Of Light Depgi Monitor Screen Shot
Child of Light on DEPGI monitor.

The verdict

DISCLAIMER: A sample unit was provided in exchange for an honest review.

The biggest setback for the DEPGI 14” Xbox Series S Portable Monitor for some may be its price. The unit retails for $279.99—almost as much as the Series S itself, and comes with a 1-year warranty.

To be fair it’s worth noting that this price point seems to be pretty standard for Series S monitors. For those who can handle the sticker shock, this 14” portable screen solution is probably the best trade-off among the DEPGI line between portability and the overall viewing/gaming experience. And for those who can’t, the more affordable 11.6” and 12.5” alternatives from DEPGI are still available.

Img 20230619 220013 Edit

Cons

  • $279.99 price tag

Pros

  • Everything else (Great display and audio quality for a portable gaming monitor. Also solid build quality and neat aesthetic that compliments the Series S).

In conclusion

All in all, the DEPGI 14” portable monitor for Xbox Series S presents an excellent choice. It offers a nice 1080p display that is much more than serviceable, with audio to match. So you won’t have to compromise that much in terms of your gaming and video viewing experience.

Just know that the monitor does “bulkify” your Series S considerably, so a travel bag of some sort is essential if you plan to use the monitor to travel with your Xbox. Aside from that (and the price), you really can’t go wrong with this 14″ Series S monitor from DEPGI, and I would definitely recommend this if you’re in the market for a portable Xbox solution.

The DEPGI 14” Xbox Series S Portable Monitor is available on Amazon.

Featured image via depgimonitors.com. 

Microsoft changes Mail and Calendar apps in Windows retire date, again

Toward the end of last week, Microsoft announced its plans to retire Mail and Calendar apps in Windows in favor of the new Outlook for Windows. The company further indicated that the change was set to take place in September 2024.

The timeline for this change perfectly aligns with when Microsoft could possibly be launching Windows 12. As such, the operating system is much more likely to ship with the pre-installed and set as the default email client.

However, the company quietly retracted the announcement a few days later, updating the timeline and citing that it is currently “reevaluating the timing and implementation” of the change and that it would furnish users with updated information accordingly.

Now, once again, the company has updated the announcement on its Microsoft 365 admin center and indicated that the change will be implemented by the end of 2024. Oddly, a segment part of the announcement cites that users with a Microsoft 365 or Office 365 subscription with access to the Microsoft 365 desktop apps will be able to access the new Outlook for Windows app, but those with access to the Microsoft 365 desktop apps but don’t have these subscriptions will have to manage their email and calendar in Outlook on the web.

Our Managing Editor, Kip Kniskern has since reached out to Microsoft’s PR team but is yet to get a response.

To this end, we’re yet to establish why Microsoft has updated the rollout time for this change numerously in the past week. Perhaps, it could’ve been prompted by feedback from the users or the company could be gearing up to ship its next major OS.

As we edge closer to this timeline, users will start noticing subtle changes in the platform’s UI such as a MailTip in the Mail and Calendar apps. And as you might already be aware, the new Outlook for Windows app ships with third-party account support.

What is Wrapper.exe & What is it Used For?

Several readers have found a process named Wrapper.exe showing up on their Task Manager. Notably, they aren’t sure what it is and for what purpose it is running as the background process.

In this guide, we will explain to you what Wrapper.exe is and whether you should keep it on your PC or not.

What is Wrapper.exe?

Wrapper.exe file is an Applications Manager service called Manage Your Applications (Maya) by Autodesk. The file, nonetheless, isn’t published by Microsoft and is not part of the operating system.

Some experts have also claimed Wrapper.exe file is a part of the Java Service Wrapper Professional Edition or Community Edition. It is basically a part of WebPAM and is produced by Tanuki Software.

Whatever the case may be, the file isn’t an important system file, and if you found it doing suspicious activities, such as high CPU or memory usage, automatically running in the background, etc., then you can remove it from your computer.

Some of the most common errors, that you will come across related to Wrapper.exe are listed below:

  • Wrapper.exe has stopped working. Windows is checking for a solution to the problem…
  • Wrapper.exe has stopped working. A problem caused the program to stop working correctly. Windows will close the program and notify you if a solution is available.
  • Wrapper.exe has encountered a problem and needs to close.
  • Access violation at address FFFFFFFF in module Wrapper.exe. Read of address 00000000.

Where is Wrapper.exe located?

Usually, the Wrapper.exe file is found inside the directory C:\Program Files. If found somewhere else, or is causing issues, then we would suggest you follow the steps mentioned below to simply remove it from your computer and keep your PC safe.

How to remove Wrapper.exe?

1. Remove the Autodesk software

Note icon NOTE
Perform this solution only if you’re not using Autodesk Maya.
  1. Press the Win + I keys to open the Settings menu.
  2. Click on Apps on the left pane.
  3. Select Installed apps.
  4. Search for Autodesk, click on the 3-dot menu icon, and select Uninstall.
  5. Select Uninstall again.
  6. Follow the on-screen steps to remove the Autodesk software completely from your PC.
  7. Reboot your computer and check if the Wrapper.exe file is removed or not.

Since many have termed the Wrapper.exe file to be associated with the Autodesk Maya software, you should simply follow the above steps and remove the file from your PC.

In case you are getting some issues removing any app from your computer, you should check out our guide which lists some of the best uninstaller software that you can opt for.

2. Clean the registry

Often even though you remove the program from your computer, its remains are left in the registry. In such a case, these files, if malicious, can malfunction the registry and causes all sorts of damage to your computer. To avoid this, we would suggest you perform a registry cleanup.

Thanks to various software, you can do that automatically by using one of the best registry cleaners. Using the registry cleaner, your PC will have no traces of the files, in our case, which is the Wrapper.exe.

3. Scan your PC for viruses

  1. To open the Start menu press the Win key.
  2. Type Windows Security and open the appropriate result.
  3. Select Virus & threat protection.
  4. Click on Quick Scan.
  5. Let the process complete and apply the fixes.
  6. You can also select Scan options and choose Full scan for in-depth scanning, and after that, restart your PC.

Some users have reported that even after removing the program and clearing the registry, the Wrapper.exe file appears in the Task Manager, and all its files also come back. So, it should be a case of virus infection on your PC.

In order to be safe, you need to remove the virus from your PC, for that, you can use the Windows Security tool that comes built-in with Windows OS. But you may not find it as effective as a dedicated antivirus tool.

For that case, we have created a guide that lists some of the best antivirus software you can use and keep your PC protected.

4. Perform a system restore

  1. Open the Start menu by pressing the Win key.
  2. Type Create a restore point and open it.
  3. Select the drive where you have the OS installed and select System Restore.
  4. Choose the restore point and hit Next.restore to fix windows movie maker no video
  5. Click Finish to begin the restore process.

As a last resort, you can check our guide that explains how you can reinstall Windows with just 2 easy steps. Alternatively, you can check out our guide on how to download the Windows 11 ISO and install it using bootable USB media. We have also explained how to create bootable media.

Whatever you do, make sure to back up the data on your PC to safeguard all of your personal files.

That is it from us in this guide. Feel free to let us know in the comments below if this guide helped resolve issues related to Wrapper.exe or not.

Xbox is partnering with IGN for the next ID@Xbox showcase on July 11

Xbox will be partnering with IGN to bring you the next ID@Xbox showcase on July 11. The stream will be broadcast starting at 10pm PST across all IGN’s platforms. See below.

The show will be viewable on demand if you are unable to catch it live.

ID@Xbox Showcases show off the hottest upcoming indie games coming to the platform. The Summer Game Demo Fest returns as part of this year’s showcase as well. Last year’s event made over 30 game demos available, so it’s not something you want to miss out on.

The ID@Xbox program helps indie developers self-publish their games on Windows and Xbox. To date over 2000 games have been published through the program, earing $2.5 billion in revenue for indie developers.

Featured image via Xbox Wire. 

What is WindowsUpdate.exe & What is it Used For?

Many readers have reported that they are seeing the WindowsUpdate.exe process on their Task Managers, which is consuming high memory. They are confused about whether they should keep it intact or not.

In this guide, we will give you all the details that you need to know about WindowsUpdate.exe and whether this is harmful or important for your PC. Let us get right into it.

What is WindowsUpdate.exe?

After reading several forums and going through various reports, we discovered that WindowsUpdate.exe is a malicious process that runs on your PC because of a virus infection.

This file is noticeably created by the FORBOT-BJ WORM. This worm virus is meant to steal sensitive data from your computer.

The virus basically creates and edits the registry files and makes the WindowsUpdate.exe process run automatically on Windows startup.

How to check if this WindowsUpdate.exe file is a virus?

  1. Press the Ctrl + Shift +Esc keys to open the Task Manager.
  2. Locate the Windowsupdate.exe file, right-click on it, and select Properties.
  3. Switch to the Digital Signature tab.
  4. Under the Name of the signer, check if it reads Microsoft Corporation or not.

If it says Microsoft, then it could be a system file. However, in case it says Unable to verify or something else, then it is a sure-shot malicious file.

Software, especially cryptocurrency miner software can mask themselves as important system files and cause various issues on your computer after infecting them.

This WindowsUpdate.exe file is also a part of malicious programs that can infect your sensitive files and lock them behind paywalls or steal them and send them to the attacker over the network.

Moreover, the WindowsUpdate.exe file isn’t an important system file, and you can easily disable the process and it will cause no harm to your PC. So, you can remove it from your computer.

How to remove WindowsUpdate.exe?

1. Run an antivirus scan

  1. To open the Start menu press the Win key.
  2. Type Windows Security and open the program.
  3. Click on Virus & threat protection.
  4. Select Quick Scan.
  5. Let the process complete and apply the fixes.
  6. You can also select Scan options and choose Full scan for in-depth scanning, and after that, restart your PC.

The best way to remove any virus or malware from your computer is to simply perform a virus scan and remove the detected problem.

For that, you can use the Windows Security tool that comes built-in with Windows OS. However, this isn’t as effective as dedicated antivirus software.

In such a case, we have listed some of the best anti-malware software and the best antivirus software that you can use and easily resolve such issues and keep your PC protected.

2. Clean the registry

Since this WindowsUpdate.exe malicious file tweaks the registry and causes all sorts of damage to your computer, we would suggest you perform a registry cleanup.

For that purpose, you do not need to do anything manually. You can simply use some of the best registry cleaners that we have tested and get done with your job.

Using the registry cleaner, you will make sure that there are no traces of the WindowsUpdate.exe file on your computer.

On the same note, you could use a standalone PC repair application that can fix Registry issues alongside corrupted registry files.

3. Perform a system restore

  1. To open the Start menu press the Win key.
  2. Type Create a restore point and open the top result.
  3. Select the drive where you have the OS installed and click on System Restore.
  4. Click on restore point and hit Next.restore to fix windows movie maker no video
  5. Click Finish to begin the restore process.

To make that process easy, we have a guide that explains how you can reinstall Windows with just 2 easy steps. This guide explains everything in detail and will help you remove the WindowsUpdate.exe file from your PC.

You can also download the Windows 11 ISO and install it using bootable USB media. In order to learn how to create bootable media, we would suggest you check out our guide.

But before you do that, we would suggest you back up the data on your PC, so that none of your important data is lost when reinstalling or upgrading the PC.

That is it from us in this guide. You can also check our guide that explains what is the Nissrv.exe file and if you should delete it from your PC or not. We have also detailed whether or not you should keep the Wlrmdr.exe file on your computer or not.

Let us know in the comments below if this guide made you understand what the WindowsUpdate.exe file is and if you were able to resolve the issue associated with it or not.

How to download Opera One

Opera Software, the tech company behind the gamers-friendly Opera GX browser, has just launched a new browser. Dubbed Opera One, the new browser will boast a lot of exciting new features that allow liquid navigation and AI-friendly experiences.

As we’ve previously reported, Opera One is set to replace Opera’s flagship browser on all Windows, macOS, and Linux devices by the end of the year, so it makes total sense how everyone is hyped about this latest addition. 

We’ll have features like Tab Islands, an AI-friendly taskbar, an intuitive modular design, sleek animations, and more. 

Tab Islands will allow Opera One to keep related tabs together. So if you get lost in tabs while trying to find something about Windows 11, Opera One will gather them up on an ‘island’, and you can check them up, without making a mess of your tabs.

Opera One also comes with the long-awaited AI, suggestively called Aria. You’ll be able to work with Aria on searching web information, making text and code-based content, and even getting product inquiries addressed.

The idea behind Opera One’s modular design is that the browser molds itself based on your needs and your way of searching the web. So it bring up key features to help you do that faster and more efficiently.

So, can I download Opera One, just yet? The short answer is yes and no. Yes, because it’s now available for early adopters, but it may bear a few bugs here and there as it’s still in its developer version. 

If you’re still curious about how to download Opera One, read along to find out and then set it as your default browser. 

How to download Opera One

1. Open any browser.

2. Go to Opera One’s download page. 

3. Click Download now. 

4. Once finished, double-click on the file to install it.

5. Click Accept and install.

6. Happy browsing!

On the other hand, Microsoft’s built-in browser, Edge, has also implemented the hotly-wanted ChatGPT-powered Bing into its system. The Chat tab on Bing is now exclusively available on Edge, but with a few tweaks here and there, you can access it on any browser. Take a look at our tips on how to do that. 

If you’re not familiar with this browser, we have a great Opera One review that you shouldn’t miss.

What do you think about Opera One? Let us know in the comments!

Bing overtakes Baidu in China, search engine statistics show

Bing might not be the most popular search engine in the world, but it has definitely gotten better over the years. Recently, Microsoft has invested a lot of resources in Bing, and its AI capabilities are very exciting.

However, despite its low usage on a global scale, Bing has found an audience in China. According to the latest search engine statistics, Bing has become the most popular search engine there, overtaking Baidu.

In the last year, Microsoft added a lot of new features to Bing, and many more will come in future updates. Overall, Bing still struggles despite the useful updates, but it seems that the Chinese population is fully embracing it.

This Reddit thread has the statistics if you want to check them out.

How popular is Bing in China?

According to the statistics, between June 2022 and February 2023, Bing was experiencing downs and lows on the popularity chart. However, starting in March 2023, Bing has started to rise to the first place in popularity in China. And it currently holds the spot.bing china market share

In doing so, the AI-enhanced tool has overtaken Baidu, which has been the Chinese Google for many years. It seems that Baidu is slowly but surely losing its popularity. According to a local Chinese publication, Baidu’s market share has dropped to 27%, while Bing’s market share has increased to 37,4%.

However, according to this chart, Baidu is still the leader in Chinese market share when it comes to search engines. Having a 56% portion of the market share, Baidu is the Chinese population destination in search engines and all devices.

So Bing is only popular on the desktop, but when it comes to the overall market share, it stays at 18,8%.

Given that Microsoft will further enhance Bing with useful AI features, it will probably become the country’s most popular search engine overall soon.

What do you think about this? Are you using Bing? Be sure to let us know your opinions in the comments section below.

What is Cvtres.exe & What is It Used For?

If you have come across cvtres.exe file running on Task Manager and wondering what it is used for, this guide can help!

We will explore its significance in software development and shed light on its functionality within the Microsoft development ecosystem.

What is cvtres.exe?

Cvtres.exe is an executable file short for Microsoft Resource File To COFF Object Conversion Utility. The utility is responsible for converting resource script files (.rc) into COFF (Common Object File Format) object files (.obj).

cvtres.exe

This software component is part of the Microsoft development tools, specifically the C++ compiler suite.

During the compilation process, cvtres.exe takes the resource script file as input and compiles it into an object file that contains the compiled resources.

It ensures that the resources defined in the resource script are properly integrated into the application, enabling visual elements, user interface components, and other resources to be accessed and utilized during runtime.

The file is usually available in C:\Windows\Microsoft.NET\Framework\v4.0.30319

Cvtres.exe operates silently in the background during the compilation process and ensures that the compiled resources are efficiently linked with the application code, resulting in a fully functional and visually appealing software product.

What can I use cvtres.exe for?

1. Resource compilation

Resource compilation -cvtres.exe

The resource script files are then passed to cvtres.exe along with other necessary files during the compilation process, and it treats these resource script files as input.

Now Cvtres.exe performs a series of tasks, including parsing, compilation, and resource object file generation.

First, it parses the resource script files to identify the resources and their properties. Then each resource is compiled into a separate object file containing the compiled binary representation of the resource data.

Now this executable file generates object files (.obj) that contain the compiled resources, and these object files are specific to each resource defined in the resource script.

2. Integration with .NET Build Process

Cvtres.exe seamlessly integrates into the build process of .NET applications, working in conjunction with the compiler and linker.

It plays an important role in the compilation pipeline to compile and link resources with the compiled code.

3. Multi-language support

Cvtres.exe supports multi-language resource compilation, which enables developers to include localized resources for different languages within their apps.

With this, they can create language-specific versions of an application that can provide a localized user experience.

Also, it enables developers to compile language-specific resources and switch between them based on the user’s preferred language or system settings.

4. Customization and branding

Cvtres.exe enables developers to add custom resources, such as company logos, splash screens, or specific branding elements, to their applications.

This, in turn, helps them in creating a unique identity and branding for the software, which is important to stand out in the market.

5. Resource compression and optimization

Cvtres.exe provides options for compressing and optimizing resources, reducing their size, and improving runtime performance.

This can be particularly useful when dealing with large or complex resources, ensuring efficient utilization of system resources.

6. Third-party library integration

Cvtres.exe works seamlessly with third-party libraries and frameworks that are compatible with the Microsoft .NET Framework.

It allows for the inclusion of resources from external libraries, enabling developers to leverage pre-built resources and functionality in their applications.

7. Resource extraction and modification

Resource extraction and modification -cvtres.exe

The Cvtres.exe can also extract and modify resources from compiled .NET applications. This can be helpful for tasks such as extracting icons, modifying text strings, or customizing specific resources within an application.

Overall, cvtres.exe is a crucial component for developers working with the Microsoft .NET Framework, as it allows for the compilation and integration of resources that contribute to the functionality, appearance, and user experience of .NET applications.

Please feel free to give us any information, tips, and your experience with the subject in the comments section below.

How to Hard Reset Your HP Laptop [3 Quick Ways]

By performing a hard reset on your HP laptop, you can restore your laptop to its default settings, effectively wiping out temporary configurations and potentially resolving persistent problems.

In this guide, we will explore quick and reliable methods with step-by-step instructions to get this done and rejuvenate your HP laptop and enhance its overall functionality.

How can I hard reset my HP laptop?

Before engaging in advanced troubleshooting steps, you should consider performing the following checks and actions:

  • Back up any important files, documents, photos, or other data you want to keep.
  • Your HP laptop must be connected to a stable power source.
  • Disconnect any external devices such as USB drives, external hard drives, printers, or any other peripherals.

Once you are through these, move to the methods mentioned below.

1. Use the in-built reset option

  1. Start your HP laptop and press the Esc key repeatedly until the startup menu appears.
  2. Press F11 to enter the System Recovery Options.
  3. On the Choose an option screen select Troubleshoot. Troubleshoot hard reset hp laptop
  4. On the Troubleshoot page, click Reset this PC.
  5. Now on the Choose an option screen, choose from Keep my files or Remove everything.Keep my files
  6. Choose Cloud download.Cloud download
  7. Click Next.click Next
  8. Now select Reset.Reset
  9. Wait for the recovery process to complete, and your laptop will be restored to its factory settings.

2. Use the Windows Settings app

  1. Press Windows + I to open the Settings app.
  2. Go to System, then click Recovery.System - Recovery Windows 11 hard reset hp laptop
  3. Under Recovery options, locate Reset this PC and click Reset PC.Reset now
  4. Choose from Keep my files or Remove everything from the next screen.Keep my files
  5. On How would you like to reinstall Windows page, choose Cloud download.Cloud download
  6. Click Next on the Additional settings page.Cloud download
  7. Now select Reset.Cloud download

Wait for the recovery process to finish, and your HP laptop will be restored to its default settings.

3. Remove the battery to reset

Note icon NOTE
Proceed with this solution only if you have the option to safely remove the battery
  1. Remove all the peripherals and turn off the HP laptop.
  2. Turn it over & locate the battery compartment cover.
  3. Use the screwdriver to remove all the screws to remove the cover.
  4. Take out the battery and now press & hold the Power button for at least 15 seconds to drain residual electrical charge.
  5. Place the battery properly, put on the cover, and tighten the screws.
  6. Now press the Power button to restart your laptop.
  7. Once the computer is up, you will get a black screen with options; choose Start Windows Normally and press Enter.Start normally  hard reset hp laptop
  8. Now restart the external devices if you want once your laptop has rebooted properly.

So, these are methods that you can use to hard reset your HP laptop and resolve issues and restore optimal performance and stability. You might have to install third-party apps, drivers and modify other settings once you log on to your PC.

If you are not able to reset your Windows, we advise you to check out the solutions mentioned in this informative guide.

Please feel free to give us any information, tips, and your experience with the subject in the comments section below.

Opera One Review: Brings AI & Modular User Interface

Opera has a dedicated fan base, and speaking of which, Opera One was released, so join us for an in-depth review.

What’s Opera One, and how does it work?

As previously stated, Opera One plans to improve and eventually replace the current version of the Opera browser.

opera one main window

The current version is still in early access, so some bugs are expected, but that should be ironed out before the official launch.

This version brings many new features, so let’s dive into it without further ado.

Multithreaded Compositor for smooth animations and rendering

In case you’re not familiar, your browser uses a compositor thread to animate elements, including animations and transitions.

Web pages use this approach, ensuring that your animations and rendering appear smoothly and without stuttering.

Opera One utilizes that differently, and while most browsers use a single UI thread, Opera plans to change that by adding an extra thread in the UI.

This will make rendering elements in the browser faster and without any stuttering. This means that your animations will render even if the UI thread is busy.

While this sounds uneventful, it follows a Modular Design principle, and it will allow developers to improve the UI and bring new features to the users.

And speaking of features, Opera One already brings a handful of new features to its users.

Tab Islands – An intuitive way to group tabs

Working with multiple tabs is difficult, especially if you have dozens of tabs open. While you can always split them into different workspaces, that’s not always simple, and it doesn’t consider the browsing context.

opera one tab islands

With Tab Islands, your tabs will automatically be grouped based on the website or a specific search. This allows you to separate topics and multitask easily.

In addition to separating tabs, it allows you to minimize groups and organize them any way you want on your tab bar. This is perfect if you want to keep your interface decluttered.

While you can move and organize Tab Islands, you can also preview tabs in a group simply by hovering over a minimized group. This allows you to switch to a specific tab without expanding the whole tab group.

opera tab island preview

Of course, you can always move tabs from one group to another or add new tabs just by expanding a group and clicking the open new tab button.

tab islands opera create new island

Tab Islands management features

You can right-click each tab group, and you can perform the following:

  • Reload all tabs.
  • Copy URLs of all tabs in a group.
  • Mute all tabs.
  • Move groups to workspaces or other Tab Islands.
  • Save tabs to Pinboards or Speed Dial folders.

As you can see, it is pretty easy to manage tabs with Tab Islands, and you can optimize your workflow thanks to the built-in support for Workspaces.

No customization options for Tab Islands

While Tab Islands are a great feature that allows you to intuitively and automatically group and organize tabs, we have to mention a few drawbacks, such as the lack of customization options.

Currently, it’s not possible to customize your groups. This means that you can’t assign any labels to them or change their color. Instead, you’re limited to the default color given to you by Opera One.

Opera One tab island customization options

This isn’t a major issue, but we would like an option to assign different colors to groups to differentiate them better.

Missing labels are another problem, in our opinion. Instead of a preview of all tabs in a group, we would like to see the option to label our Tab Islands.

This would allow us to easily differentiate between tab groups, without relying on colors.

However, since this is an early access version, it’s expected that some features such as these aren’t present, and we sincerely hope that Opera developers will add them before the release.

Built-in AI support

Opera is well-known for having integration with third-party services, and since AI chatbots have become widely popular, it’s no wonder that Opera developers decided to include them.

Regarding the available chatbots, there’s ChatGPT as well as ChatSonic. However, there’s Opera’s chatbot, Aria, available as well.

If you’re unfamiliar, it uses OpenAI’s GPT technology, but it also supports looking up information from the web, thus making it more powerful.

aria AI opera one

The chatbot is available from the sidebar, so it can be accessed at any time, with just a single click of the mouse.

We welcome the introduction of AI chatbots and were pleasantly surprised by how well Aria worked. Keep in mind that you need to log in with your Opera account to use it.

Of course, many of these features were already available in the regular version, so it’s no wonder to see them in Opera One as well.

Visual changes

The new version of Opera comes with a dark mode enabled out of the box, so it looks closer to the Opera GX than regular Opera. Of course, if you want, you can always switch back to the light mode.

It seems that with this version, the developers decided to add fewer options to the sidebar out of the box, which is a welcome change.

However, the biggest visual change comes to animations. As we previously said, this version uses Multithreaded Compositor, allowing the browser to use smooth animations.

opera AI visual animations

During our review, we didn’t notice many of the new animations, but we did find one while switching workspaces, and we have to admit that it looks visually appealing and much more interesting than before.

We’re still not sure if there’s a way to disable the animations for the users that aren’t fans of it, but we welcome the change, and we hope to see more animations and transitions in the future.

Performance

Regarding the performance, the browser was pretty low on resource usage, and it used about 1722MB of RAM and up to 9.4% while having several tabs open and playing full HD YouTube videos.

The memory usage was about the same even with 10 tabs open, while the CPU usage dropped to almost 0%.

In compression, Firefox used about 200MB less memory with the same number of tabs. This isn’t a problem on most modern computers, but it’s something to remember.

To learn more about how these two browsers compare, visit our Opera vs Firefox guide for more information.

The new version of Opera is still light on your resources, so you won’t notice any performance issues while using it.

Another minor complaint is related to Tab Islands, and while this feature is useful and innovative, we hope we’ll get some customization options soon.

We also had some minor issues adjusting to the minimized groups, and we several times left the tab group open in the background unknowingly. This isn’t a major concern, but this feature requires a bit of time to adjust.

How to download Opera One?

You can download Opera One from Opera’s website right now.

For more information, we have a dedicated guide on how to download Opera One, so we encourage you to visit it for step-by-step instructions.

If you don’t need the instructions you can just get Opera One here and now.

Opera One

Be truly safe while browsing and take advantage of amazing features with this powerful browser.

In the end, Opera One offers some interesting features, improving everything great about the regular version of Opera.

The new animations look great, and we hope to see more. Regarding the Tab Islands, it’s an innovative feature that should make managing tabs easier, and we can’t wait to see what Opera does with it in the future.

Overall, Opera One is a great browser, it brings some fresh air to the already great browser, and we’re more than excited for its release.

Is Opera One better than Chrome?

This depends on your personal preferences, but for an in-depth comparison visit our Opera vs Chrome guide.

How secure is Opera One?

Opera One is built on a Chromium engine, so it’s as secure as any other Chromium browser.

What is the downside of the Opera browser?

Opera is filled with features and built-in integrations, and if you’re not active on social media, or you just don’t want to use them, you might find these integrations unnecessary.

Before you go, check our Opera One vs Opera guide, to learn the differences between the two. We also have a great guide on Opera One vs DuckDuckGo, so don’t miss it.

Have you tried Opera One, and what did you think of it? Let us know in the comments below.

Opera One vs Opera: Which One Should You Use & Why?

Opera One is the latest version of the Opera browser, coming with a whole set of fresh features. If you’re not sure making the switch to it is for you, keep reading.

We’ll compare Opera One vs Opera in terms of features and performance. By the end, you’ll know which is the best choice for you.

What are the differences between Opera One and Opera?

Here’s a quick overview of how they compare:

FeaturesOpera OneOpera Classic
User InterfaceDark theme, decluttered sidebarLight theme, traditional sidebar
Multithreaded CompositorSmooth animationsStatic interface
Tab IslandsContext-aware tab managementLimited tab organization
Customization OptionsLimited customizationExtensive customization options
AI IntegrationsAria AI chatbot with live web resultsLimited chatbot options
Performance DifferencesSlightly higher CPU and memory usageLower CPU and memory usage
Base EngineChromium-basedChromium-based
Extra featuresPinboards, media player, VPN, crypto walletPinboards, media player, VPN, crypto wallet

Now, let’s take each feature one by one.

User interface

The first thing you’ll notice when you start Opera One is its user interface. The browser comes with a dark theme, unlike the regular version. Of course, a light theme is available as well.

opera one user interface

You’ll also notice that Opera One has fewer items in the sidebar by default. Of course, you can customize the sidebar any way you want, but it’s refreshing to see that developers decided to declutter the interface.

opera vs opera one sidebar comparison

These are some minor interface changes, but now let’s focus on larger ones.

Multithreaded Compositor

Opera One is one of the first browsers that use Multithreaded Compositor, and it allows your user interface to have smooth animations without stuttering.

We didn’t see too many new animations besides the one when switching to different workspaces, and we have to admit that it looks impressive and innovative.

opera one multithreaded compositor

Keep in mind that this is an early release of Opera One, and we’re likely to see more animations like this in the future.

In comparison, the current version of Opera has static change when switching workspaces and it doesn’t look too appealing.

workspace transition in opera classic

Some users might prefer workspace switching without animations, but currently, we’re not sure whether it is possible to disable them.

We’re pleased with this change, and we can’t wait to see more animations in the future.

Tab Islands – Context-aware tab management

One of the biggest flaws of Opera is the lack of any tab grouping, and Opera One plans to fix that. As you know, in Opera, there’s no tab grouping like in Chrome.

tab islands in opera one

Instead, you can only move tabs into different workspaces to organize them. It’s safe to say that Opera offers pretty limited tab management and Opera One plans to change that.

How do the tab Islands work?

Tab Islands will group open tabs automatically based on the browsing context. For example, if you open multiple tabs from a single page, all the newly open tabs will be added to the same group.

The same applies to web searches. By doing so, you’ll have different groups for different websites and searches, allowing you to organize your tabs better.

It’s important to mention that you can minimize the groups and move them on the tab bar any way you want, so your tab bar won’t ever be cluttered.

Of course, you can select multiple tabs and create a custom group. You can even create a new group using the add tab icon inside the Tab Island.

It’s important to mention that you don’t have to expand the tab group to access a specific tab. Instead, you can hover over the group and select the desired tab from the dropdown menu for quick access.

Customization options

Although the new tab grouping feature looks impressive, it still lacks certain features that other browsers, such as Chrome have.

In Opera One, all tab groups automatically have assigned colors, so there’s no way to customize them. In addition, you can’t label your groups, so your only indicator is the automatically assigned group color.

Aria AI

Opera has had AI chatbots in the sidebar for some time, but users were limited to ChatGPT and ChatSonic. With Opera One, users can take advantage of Opera’s AI chatbot, Aria.

The chatbot is available in the sidebar, and to use it, you need to sign in with your Opera account.

Here’s what you should know about Aria AI:

  • It uses OpenAI’s GPT technology
  • Has support for live web results
  • Offers information after 2021

Overall, Aria AI sounds like an improvement over ChatGPT, especially with support for live web results, therefore, it will be quite useful.

Of course, if you prefer ChatGPT or ChatSonic, you can use them instead since they are still available. Speaking of which, be sure to check our guide on the differences between ChatGPT 3.5 and ChatGPT 4.

Similarities between Opera One and Opera

All features previously available in Opera are available in Opera One, including Pinboards, a media player, access to various messaging and social networks, VPN, a built-in crypto wallet, an adblocker, and more.

Here’s a quick comparison of available features:

Opera OneOpera
Workspaces✔✔
VPN✔✔
Adblocker✔✔
Social media integration✔✔
Media player✔✔
AI Integration✔✔
Aria AI✔❌
Tab Islands✔❌

As you can see, Opera One has all the features of Opera, but it also expands them with additional functionality such as tab management and Aria AI support.

Performance differences

We compared the performance on both browsers by opening 7 tabs on both browsers. As for the results, they were pretty similar.

Opera One had up to 1.5% CPU usage at times, while regular Opera didn’t pass more than 1%. Regarding memory usage, Opera One used about 150-200MB more than the regular version.

This isn’t a drastic difference, especially on newer PCs, but it’s something that some users might find important.

Overall, Opera One ran smoothly without any slowdowns, despite slightly higher CPU and memory usage. These differences are almost negligible, and you won’t notice them while browsing the web.

Is Opera One Chromium?

Yes, just like all other modern versions of Opera, Opera One is based on the Chromium engine, which makes it quite similar to Chrome.

This also means that with Opera One, you’ll be able to run Chrome extensions without any issues.

Final thoughts

Opera One is an improvement over Opera in every way. If you haven’t tried it already, we suggest you go ahead and download Opera One and try it yourself.

Have you tried Opera One, and what are your thoughts on it? Let us know in the comments below.

Xbox Series S black: the reason why support won’t end

Microsoft has just announced big news for Xbox, last week. No less than 5000 new games are in development for Xbox, a record in the console’s history. Game Pass is also coming to NVIDIA GeForce Now, allowing you to play the games on any device the platform is streaming to.

All these updates focus on Xbox Series S and X, two of Microsoft’s latest Xbox consoles, and there were rumors, of course, about the future generations of Xbox. Considering Starfield and a lot of other exciting games are coming to Xbox, users have started to ask if Series S is coming to an end.

Starfield, especially, has some decent system requirements, so it will run on Xbox Series S, but what about the future?

As you know, Xbox Series S focuses on casual gamers, so the console it’s not as buffed up as Series X, which is designed for hardcore gamers. This leaves many users asking if the Series S is coming to an end. But according to this Reddit thread, there is a very strong reason why Microsoft won’t abandon Series S.

The reason Microsoft won’t end support for Xbox Series S

Microsoft announced that the Black Xbox Series S is coming very soon and with an upgrade: you will now have 1TB of storage for your video games and media files.

This announcement prompted Xbox users to think that the support for Xbox Series S will never end as long as the current-generation cycle is still going on.

In other words, as long as Xbox Series X will receive support, then so will Xbox Series S. But it would seem absurd to invest so much money into making a console for casual players, and then not supporting it.

Plus, if Microsoft would end support for Xbox Series S, then a lot of people who purchased the Xbox Series S will be left with an unusable console in a very short time. This would anger Xbox’s audience, and Microsoft will most likely experience a downfall.

However, even if Microsoft won’t end support for Xbox Series S, most likely the current generation will end soon. There is a shortage of computer chips, which made some users think this is the reason why this generation will be shorter.

What do you think about all this? Be sure to let us know in the comments section below.

0x800ccc0d: How to Quickly Fix This Outlook Error

Encountering errors while using Microsoft Outlook can be frustrating, and one common error is 0x800ccc0d. This error typically indicates an issue with the email configuration or connection settings.

In this guide, we will provide you with effective solutions to resolve this error and get your Outlook up and running in no time.

What causes the 0x800ccc0d Outlook error?

There could be various reasons for this error; some of the common ones are mentioned here:

  • Incorrect email configuration – If the server settings, including incoming and outgoing mail server addresses, ports, or encryption settings, are incorrect, you may see this error.
  • Damaged Outlook data files – Outlook data files store your emails, contacts, and other Outlook data, and if they become corrupted, they could trigger the 0x800ccc0d error.
  • Internet connectivity issues – The error can occur if there are problems with your internet connection or if the connection to the mail server is interrupted.
  • Incorrect login credentials – Providing incorrect login credentials, such as an incorrect username or password, can lead to authentication failures and result in this error.
  • Antivirus or firewall conflict – Some antivirus or firewall programs may interfere with the communication between Outlook and the mail server, resulting in an error.

Now that you know the causes, let us check out the troubleshooting methods to fix it.

How can I fix the 0x800ccc0d Outlook error?

Before engaging in advanced troubleshooting steps, you should consider performing the following checks:

  • Restart your computer and Outlook.
  • Restart your router or check your internet connection.
  • Make sure your Windows is up to date.
  • Ensure Outlook is updated.
  • Disable the security tool temporarily.

Once you have done these, move to the detailed methods to fix this error.

1. Allow Outlook through the firewall

  1. Press the Windows key, type control panel, and click Open.Control Panel start menu 0x800ccc0d
  2. Select View by as Category and select System and Security.System and security
  3. Next, click Windows Defender Firewall.Windows Defender
  4. From the left pane, click Allow an app or feature through Windows Firewall link.Allow an app
  5. On the next page, click Change settings, then select Allow another app.Change app
  6. Click Browse to locate Outlook.Browse1
  7. Click Add.ADD
  8. Once Outlook is added to the list, locate it from the list and place a checkmark next to Private and Public.
  9. Click OK to save the changes.

If you’re using a third-party antivirus and firewall, make sure you include Outlook in its exception list.

2. Repair the Outlook profile

  1. Press Windows + E to open the Windows File Explorer.
  2. Navigate to one of these paths:
    • C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\root\Office16
      C:\Program Files(x86)\Microsoft Office\root\Office16
      C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\Office16
      C:\Program Files(x86)\Microsoft Office\Office16
  3. Locate the SCANPST.EXE file and double-click to launch it.SCANPST.exe 0x800ccc0d
  4. On the next window, click Browse and select the PST file you want to repair.
  5. Click Start.SCANPST_Start
  6. Wait for the scan to complete; you will be prompted, then click Repair to apply the fixes.

3. Use an automatic repair tool

It’s more likely to get rid of this Outlook error by repairing the application with a recognized PST file recovery tool. You can proceed with the next steps:

  1. Download and install Stellar PST File Recovery.
  2. After downloading the app, launch it on your PC.
  3. To start, click on the Browse or Find option to select the corrupted files.
  4. Next, select the Repair button to start the process automatically.
  5. Finally, you can see all the repaired Outlook PST files listed.

Finally, you can save the repaired files and the deleted Outlook files from the Stellar tool.

Stellar PST File Recovery

From now on, use your Outlook inbox without any unpleasant error codes due to Stellar technology.
Free trial Visit website

4. Create a new profile

  1. Press the Windows key, type control panel, and click Open.Control Panel start menu 0x800ccc0d
  2. Select View by as Large icons and select Mail.Mail (Outlook )
  3. On the Mail Setup-Outlook window, click Show Profiles.Show profiles
  4. Click Add button to add a new profile.Add
  5. Now type the name for the profile and click OK.Create a profile and click OK
  6. Follow the onscreen instructions to complete the process, then close the window.

Restart your Outlook and check if the issue persists.

5. Verify the login credentials

  1. Press the Windows key, type outlook, and click Open.Outlook open 0x800ccc0d
  2. Click File.Click File
  3. Now select the Account Settings drop-down and choose Manage Profiles.Manage Profiles
  4. On the Mail Setup-Outlook window, click Email Accounts.Email accounts  0x800ccc0d
  5. Locate the email account and click Change.Click Change
  6. On the Change Account window, verify the information and click Next.Click Next
  7. You will be prompted to enter the password.

Now Outlook will try to establish the connection. Once it is complete, close the window, and restart the Outlook app.

6. Check the Outlook settings

  1. Press the Windows key, type outlook, and click Open.Outlook open 0x800ccc0d
  2. Click File.Click File
  3. Click the dropdown for Account Settings, then click Account Settings.Account settings 0x800ccc0d
  4. From the screen, choose the affected mailbox and click the Change button.Click Change
  5. On the Change account dialog box, click More Settings.More settings
  6. Next, on the Internet E-mail Settings page, switch to the Outgoing Server tab.
  7. Place a checkmark next to My Outgoing server(SMTP) requires authentication.My Outgoing server(SMTP) requires authentication.
  8. Now, make sure you have selected a valid connection mode.
  9. Go to the Advanced tab, check the POP3 & SMTP connection port numbers, and also check SSL & TLS types’ encryption connection.POP3 & SMTP connection port numbers,
  10. Click OK to save the changes.

So, these are methods to fix the 0x800ccc0d Outlook error and restore normal email functionality on the app.

If you are facing other issues related to Outlook, such as Something went wrong, we recommend you check out this guide to find solutions to fix them in no time.

Please feel free to give us any information, tips, and your experience with the subject in the comments section below.

Windows 11 updates the BIOS automatically? How to stop it

Windows 11 is a pretty good operating system so far. Quite stable, but it’s getting better with the updates. Quite intuitive, and also full of exciting new things, like the Windows Copilot coming to it.

Not to mention, it’s also coming free. You just need to check if your PC is eligible, and you can easily update from Windows 10.

And speaking of updates, you should know that sometimes Windows 11 updates the BIOS automatically. In a way, it’s almost like a forced BIOS update. Which comes with its own drawbacks sometimes.

According to this Reddit user, Windows 11 updated its BIOS and firmware a while after the PC was left on sleep.

I left my pc in sleep mode and I was woken up this morning by my computer turning on and off repeatedly. When I checked it out, it turns out it was because it was updating bios and firmware without any input from me or warning.

You should know that there are solutions in case this ever happens to you. And it’s quite simple to follow the steps.

Here’s what you can do to stop the forced BIOS update on Windows 11

Since Windows 11 updates are forcing BIOS to update as well, the simplest solution to this issue is to turn off you Windows updates service.

How to do that? Here’s how.

  1. Go to Settings.
  2. Once you’re there go to Windows Update and turn the Get the latest updates as soon as they’re available feature off.forced bios update windows 11
  3. That’s it.

With this feature off, you can then Check for Updates at your own pace. And when they’re available, you can choose which to download, and which to install.

You should also know that some laptops, such as Dell, Lenovo, or HP, have a utility program that runs these BIOS updates separately. For example, Dell has DellCommandUpdate and SupportAssis, which usually update the BIOS when updates are available.

You should also look for this utility program on your laptop. Usually, it comes in-build, so it must be there, but each brand has its own utility program.

This is how you stop Windows 11 from automatically updating your BIOS. Have you had this experience? Be sure to let us know in the comments section below.

Uhssvc.exe: What Is It & Should You Remove It?

Uhssvc.exe or Microsoft Update Health Service is a background process developed by Microsoft Corporation for the Windows OS.

This Windows process is a part of Microsoft Health Update Tools which is responsible for providing health updates about your PC.

Why should I remove Uhssvc.exe? 

Despite the uhssvc.exe process being an intricate part of the Windows Operating System component, it is several loopholes that make it vulnerable to malware attacks. 

Apart from this, cyber attackers often disguise a malware code in a file with the same name as uhssvc.exe, that implants itself in the the C:\Windows or C:\Windows\System32 folder.

Hence, there is a possibility that you assume it to be a legitimate Windows process, but in reality, it is malware.

What are the common errors associated with Uhssvc.exe? 

An infected Uhssvc.exe file is known to cause an array of issues on your PC. Some of the common ones reported by users are: 

  • Uhssvc.exe Application Error – The error occurs when the Uhssvc.exe system file is either corrupt or missing or if there is any issue with the application using it. 
  • Uhssvc.exe not found – It occurs when the uhssvc.exe file is not found in the program directory or has been accidentally deleted. 
  • High CPU usage by Uhssvc.exe– This error is triggered when the uhssvc.exe file is consuming a high amount of CPU resources, causing performance issues.
  • Uhssvc.exe has stopped working – A memory issue or incompatibility problem may prevent the uhssvc.exe file from running hence the runtime error. 
  • Uhssvc.exe Access Violation – This error indicates that uhssvc.exe is unable to access the memory location it currently requires. 

Hence you need to check whether the uhssvc.exe file is authentic and not infected by malware. 

How to fix the issues related to Uhssvc.exe? 

Try these simple workarounds to fix the issues with the uhssvc.exe file: 

  • Uninstall the recently installed programs to prevent interference. 
  • Keep your operating system and the security software up to date to fix the malware infection.
  • Perform a search on your drive using File Explorer (Ctrl + E) and delete the instances that are not in the System32 folder. 

If system issues still occur because of the uhssvc.exe, the following methods should be implemented. 

1. Verify the legitimacy of the executable file

  1. Use the Windows + E shortcut combination to launch File Explorer. 
  2. Copy and paste the following path in the address bar to navigate to the System32 directory in the C drive. C:\Windows\System32
  3. Scroll down and look for the uhssvc.exe file, right-click it, and select Properties from the context menu. 
  4. Switch to the Digital Signatures tab of the Properties window and check if Microsoft Corporation is the name of the signer. uhssvc.exe

You can verify the authenticity of the uhssvc.exe file by checking its digital signature, which will expose the malware file disguised as a system application. 

2. Run a Windows Defender scan

  1. Press the Windows + I shortcut to launch the Settings app.
  2. Switch to Privacy & security from the left navigation pane and Windows security from the right. uhssvc.exe
  3. Select Virus & threat protection under Protection areas. uhssvc.exe
  4. Next, click Scan options located under Current threats.
  5. Select Microsoft Defender Antivirus (offline scan) from the list and press the Scan now button.
  6. Wait for the scan to complete and reboot your system.

Of course, if you have a better third-party antivirus, you may scan your system using that instead and it will be even more efficient.

3. Run SFC and DISM scans

  1. Hit the Windows key, type cmd in the top search bar, and select Run as administrator from the search results. 
  2. Type or paste the following command and press the Enter key to execute it. sfc /scannow uhssvc.exe
  3. Next, type the following command to run the DISM tool and press Enter after it. DISM.exe /Online /Restorehealth uhssvc.exe

You can run the System File Checker (SFC) scan and Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM) command to repair or replace the corrupt system files such as uhssvc.exe. 

Otherwise, it’s most likely to solve this system file issue by using dedicated software for Windows system issues, including repairing broken system files on your PC.

4. Perform a system restore

  1. Press the Windows key to launch the Start menu, type create a restore point in the search box, and select the relevant search result.
  2. In the System Properties window, click the System Restore button located under the System Protection tab.
  3. Press the Next button to proceed further. 
  4. Choose the suitable restore point when there were no issues and press the Next button.
  5. Click Finish on the Confirm your restore point window to initiate the system restoration process.

If you still run into uhssvc.exe-related errors, you may be able to fix them successfully by restoring your system to a previous point in time when the system was error-free. 

In case you still encounter uhssvc.exe-related security issues, performing a clean install of Windows is recommended as your last resort. 

That’s pretty much it! Hopefully, you now have a clear idea about the uhssvc.exe application and how to fix the errors related to it.

So, which of these tricks worked in your case? Do let us know in the comments section. 

Bugcheck 0x0000012B: How to Fix This BSoD

If you have encountered a Blue Screen of Death (BSoD) with a bugcheck code 0x0000012B, then this guide can help!

We will discuss practical solutions to fix this system error and overcome the blue screen error to restore stability to your Windows PC.

What causes the 0x0000012B error code?

  • Corrupted system files – If the critical Windows system files are corrupted, it can trigger this error. To fix it, try running an SFC scan to repair the files.
  • Malware infection – The virus present on your machine can corrupt or delete important files, leading to such errors. Run a deep malware using an antivirus tool.
  • Incompatible drivers – Outdated or incompatible drivers can lead to system errors, including the 0x0000012B BSoD. Try updating drivers to fix it.
  • Problematic Windows update – If you have installed a bad Windows update, you might get this error. To fix it, you need to uninstall the update.
  • Registry issues – The broken or missing registry entries could lead to various problems, including this one. Try running a registry cleaner tool to resolve this error.

How can I fix the 0x0000012B error code?

Before engaging in advanced troubleshooting steps, restart your PC, ensure your Windows computer is up to date, switch to safe mode to check what is causing the issue, ensure your BIOS firmware is updated, and remove all external peripherals.

Once you are through these checks, let us move to the methods to fix the issue.

1. Run SFC & DISM scans

  1. Press the Windows key, type cmd, and click Run as administrator.CMD elevated runsw.exe
  2. Type the following command to replace corrupted files with a cached copy and press Enter: sfc/scannowSFCSCANNOW CMD
  3. Wait for the process to complete, copy & paste the following command to restore Windows OS image files, and hit Enter: Dism /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealthRestore health
  4. The DISM uses Windows Update to provide the files needed to fix corruption; once done, reboot your computer.

In addition, you should be aware that SFC scans will help you to a certain extent and it may not solve it completely.

Happily, you’re able to fix complex Windows errors with tailored system repair software with real-time monitoring and reliable repairing technology.

2. Check the disk for errors

  1. Press the Windows key, type cmd, and click Run as administrator.CMD elevated runsw.exe
  2. Type the following command to scan your machine for errors and fix issues if found, and press Enter: chkdsk /rcmd_0x0000012b
  3. Wait for the process to complete and reboot your PC to save the changes.

3. Run a memory diagnostic tool

  1. Press the Windows key, type windows memory diagnostic, and click Open.Memory diagnostic tool
  2. Click Restart now and check for problems (recommended).memory-diag-tool 3
  3. The computer will restart, and the tool will scan for errors.memory-diag-tool 0x0000012b

Your PC will boot to the login screen once the test is complete. Once you log in, you could see the test results, or if you can’t, check the Event Viewer.

If there are no errors, move to the next method. However, if there are errors, mostly likely it points to a faulty RAM, ensure it is properly seated.

If this doesn’t fix the issue, you need to replace the RAM to resolve the errors.

4. Update or rollback the drivers

4.1 Update drivers

  1. Press Windows + I to open the Settings app.
  2. Go to Windows Update, and click Advanced options.Windows Update advanced options 0x0000012b
  3. Under Additional options, click Optional updates.Optional updates
  4. Check if there are any updates available. If yes, then click Download and Install.Download and Install

4.2 Rollback driver

  1. Press Windows + I to open the Settings app.
  2. Go to Windows Update, and click Update history.Windows Update Uninstall update 0x0000012b
  3. Locate the latest driver update and note it down. Press the Windows key, type device manager, and click Open.Device Manager Startup
  4. Go to the Driver, and select Properties.
  5. Switch to the Driver tab, and click Roll Back Driver.Rollback driver
  6. Select any of the reasons to roll back and click Yes.Rollback driver 0x0000012b

There are also automatic ways of updating your drivers, such as tools like Fortect Driver Updater. It will scan your device for outdated or missing drivers and automatically find the latest versions.

5. Disable Fast startup

  1. Press the Windows key, type control panel, and click Open.Control Panel start menu 0x0000012b
  2. Select View by as Category and click Hardware and Sound.Hardware and Sound
  3. Click Power Options.Power options
  4. Now click Choose what the power button does.Change the power adapter
  5. Click Change settings that are currently unavailable.Change settings 0x0000012b
  6. Remove the checkmark next to Turn on fast startup (recommended).Fast startup
  7. Click Save changes.

The 0x0000012B BSoD error can be disruptive and indicate underlying issues within your Windows system. However, following the methods mentioned above can resolve this error and prevent further system instability.

If you want to know more about Blue Screen of Death errors, we suggest you check out this detailed article to procure more information. And if you’re looking for more solutions, the ones from this guide on fixing BSoD Only on One Game can help.

Please feel free to share any information, tips, or your experience with the subject in the comments section below.

What is davclnt.dll & Should You Delete it?

Many of our readers are confused about a Dynamic Link Library file, davclnt.dll showing up on their Task Manager, and whether they should delete this file or not.

In this guide, we will share with you all the details that will help you understand what is davclnt.dll and if you should keep it or not. Let us check out the solutions.

What is davclnt.dll?

The davclnt.dll is a system-related DLL file. Notably, it is a process associated with Web DAV Client DLL published by Microsoft Corporation.

Usually, the davclnt.dll file is found inside the C:\WINDOWS\System32\ folder. If the davclnt.dll is found outside of this location, then it is probably malware or a virus.

The davclnt.dll file is usually included with the software you install on your computer. So, it may not be available by default on your computer.

Here are some of the common davclnt.dll errors that you will come across.

  • Davclnt.dll is missing
  • Davclnt.dll not found
  • Cannot find davclnt.dll
  • This application failed to start because davclnt.dll was not found. Reinstalling the application may fix this problem

Let us now check out the steps that will help you understand whether or not you should delete the davclnt.dll file or not.

Should I delete the davclnt.dll file or not?

As mentioned, if the file isn’t found inside the C:\WINDOWS\System32\ folder or inside the program’s folder, then it is suspicious, and you should definitely get rid of it.

How can I fix davclnt.dll errors?

Before you go ahead and apply the solutions, make sure you install the latest Windows updates as this will fix most of the glitches present on your computer.

1. Use a dedicated DLL fixing tool

DLL files are required for the functioning of system processes and the programs that you install on them. In case, the files are missing or corrupt then you will come across multiple errors.

While DLL fixing can be a tiring task, you can take the help of a dedicated DLL fixing tool that will help resolve the problem automatically.

2. Fix the corrupt system files

  1. Press the Win key to open the Start menu.
  2. Type command prompt and open it as an administrator.
  3. Type the below command and press Enter: sfc /scannowsfc scan
  4. Let the process complete and fix missing or corrupt system files.
  5. Type the below commands and press Enter after each one:Dism /Online /Cleanup-Image /CheckHealthDism /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealthDism /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
  6. Restart your PC.

Corrupt system files are often associated with various DLL errors including the davclnt.dll error. So, to resolve it, we would recommend you run the SFC Scan and DISM commands to resolve the issue.

3. Scan your PC for viruses

  1. To open the Start menu press the Win key.
  2. Type Windows Security and open the appropriate result.
  3. Click on Virus & threat protection.
  4. Select Quick Scan.
  5. Let the process complete and apply the fixes.
  6. You can also select Scan options and choose Full scan for in-depth scanning, and after that, restart your PC.

If the file isn’t the usual location then you should run a malware scan on your computer and for that, you can use Windows Security.

However, often this isn’t as effective as a dedicated antivirus tool. In such a case, we would suggest you take a look at our guide that gives a list of antivirus tools that you should you have on your PC.

4. Perform System Restore

  1. Open the Start menu by pressing the Win key.
  2. Type Create a restore point and open the top result.
  3. Select the drive and click on System Restore.system restore
  4. Choose the restore point and click on Next.restore point Surface Pro blue screen
  5. Click Finish to begin the restore process.

If nothing works, then it is better to use the System Restore process and take your computer back to a state when everything was working normally.

However, this process will work only if you have a system restore point already created on your PC. For that, we have a guide that explains how to create a system restore point.

That is it from us in this guide. Let us know in the comments below, which one of the above solutions resolved your problem associated with the davclnt.dll error.

Omnicom Group to introduce a cutting-edge AI solution infused with Microsoft tech

Omnicom Group plans to launch its first Generative AI tool, Omni Assist, in partnership with Microsoft as a first-mover. This partnership has enabled Omnicom to become the first agency holding company to have access to the latest enterprise-level Open AI ChatGPT models, Wall Street Journal reported.

Omni Assist, a digital assistant, could provide valuable assistance to ad agency professionals throughout the advertising process, including gathering audience insights and creating media strategies. The virtual assistant, Omni Assist, offers valuable insights, notifications, and recommendations throughout the entire process of the Omni open operating system, from audience development to planning, activation, measurement, and optimization.

According to John Wren, Chief Executive Officer of Omnicom Group, the impact of AI on digital marketing transformation is expected to be comparable to what was achieved in 15 years but within a shorter period of 36 to 60 months.

Omnicom has positioned its recent move as a means of achieving intelligent outcomes in a shorter period while simultaneously enabling employees to engage in sophisticated data analysis. As per Nelson, this approach has allowed the company to introduce data science to individuals who don’t possess technical expertise, thereby bringing it to the masses. In anticipation of questions surrounding generative AI, Omnicom has established a steering committee to oversee the process.

Omni has leveraged AI technology and associated methodologies, like facial recognition, computer vision, and language modeling, to form the basis of its operational competence ever since its inception in 2018.

Last week, Alphabet issued a warning to its employees regarding the usage of AI chatbots, including its in-house program, Bard, which is concurrently being promoted across the globe. The tech giant has reminded its staff of the established protocol for protecting confidential information and advised its staff not to input sensitive data into AI chatbots.

Via WSJ

Need for Speed Unbound and six more games coming soon to Xbox Game Pass

The future has never looked brighter for Xbox Game Pass subscribers following last week’s Xbox Games Showcase. With the lion’s share of the 25+ games showcased coming to Game Pass, there’s quite a lot to look forward to from the service in 2023 and 2024.

But there’s plenty to get excited about in the short term, too. The following seven games are headed to Game Pass in the next few weeks between June 22 and July 5. Let’s check them out.

Need for Speed Unbound (Cloud, PC and Xbox Series X|S) EA Play – June 22

You may recall Xbox gamers were treated to a free trial of the game when it launched back in October 2022. Now the latest installment of the legendary arcade racing franchise is headed to Game Pass.

The Bookwalker (Console and PC) – June 22

The Bookwalker

This new narrative adventure game will be a day one Game Pass release. “You play as Etienne Quist, a writer-turned-thief with the ability to dive into books.” In the most literal sense.

Bramble: The Mountain King (Cloud, Console, and PC) – June 27

Bramble Screenshot

Bramble: The Mountain King is billed as “a grim adventure set in a world inspired by dark, Nordic fables.” It certainly has a distinct visual style.

F.I.S.T.: Forged In Shadow Torch (Cloud, PC, and Xbox Series X|S) – June 27

Fist Forgedin Shadow Torch Screenshot From Steam

Combat, adventure and more await this tough rabbit trying to make his way in a dieselpunk world. Stay fluffy and stay furious!

Story of Seasons: Friends of Mineral Town (Console and PC) – June 29

Story Of Seasons Screen Shot

Includes the Cow Costume DLC as a special gift!
(Also available separately for free download)

Your farming life begins in Mineral Town, a charming village surrounded by nature. You’ve returned after many years to restore your late grandfather’s farm to its former glory. Care for crops, livestock, and more as your very own story of seasons unfolds.

Arcade Paradise (Console and PC) – July 3

Arcade Paradise Screenshot

In this “90’s-fuelled retro arcade adventure…you decide to turn the family laundromat into the ultimate arcade. Play, profit, and purchase new arcade machines, with over 35 to choose from, to build your very own Arcade Paradise!”

Sword and Fairy: Together Forever (Console and PC) – July 5

Sword and Fairy: Together Forever

Enter a realm that blends ancient mythology with traditional Asian aesthetics in Sword and Fairy: Together Forever!

Three hot new DLCs now available!

As a bonus, three new DLCs are available as of today. See below.

  • Fallout 76: Once in a Blue Moon – Available today
  • Halo Infinite – Season 4: Infection – Available today
  • The Elder Scrolls Online: Necrom – Available today

And finally, as a reminder 6 games will be removed from Xbox Game Pass on June 30.

All in all the second half of June is looking pretty sweet for Xbox fans. What has you excited for Game Pass on this list? Let us know in the comments.

What is QtWebEngineProcess.exe & How to Fix Its Errors

If you have encountered issues related to the QtWebEngineProcess.exe process and wondering what it is, then this guide can help!

In this guide, we will explore what this file is, its purpose, and common error messages associated with it, along with effective solutions to fix these errors and ensure the smooth operation of Qt-based applications.

What is QtWebEngineProcess.exe?

QtWebEngineProcess.exe is a process associated with the Qt WebEngine framework used by applications built with the Qt development platform.

This executable is responsible for rendering web content within Qt-based applications, providing web browsing functionality, and supporting web-related features.

The Qt WebEngine framework uses the Blink rendering engine, developed by the Chromium project, to display web content.

This allows developers to integrate web functionality seamlessly into their applications using the Qt framework.

It runs in the background and communicates with the main application to provide the desired web functionality.

The separate process architecture helps ensure stability and security by isolating the web-related tasks from the main application.

Sometimes, you may encounter errors or issues related to this process, such as crashes or high resource usage due to outdated Qt libraries, conflicting applications, or corrupt installation files.

How can I fix errors related to QtWebEngineProcess.exe?

Before engaging in advanced troubleshooting steps, you should consider performing the following checks:

  • Try rebooting your computer.
  • Reinstall the affected app.
  • Ensure there are no updates pending on your PC.

Once done, move to the detailed methods to deal with the errors related to the process.

1. Run SFC & DISM scans

  1. Press the Windows key, type cmd, and click Run as administrator.CMD elevated runsw.exe
  2. Copy & paste the following command to replace corrupted files with a cached copy and press Enter: sfc/scannowSFCSCANNOW CMD
  3. Wait for the process to complete, type the following command to restore Windows OS image files, and hit Enter: Dism /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealthRestore health
  4. The DISM uses Windows Update to provide the files needed to fix corruption; once done, restart your computer.

If after performing this process the errors were not fixed, don’t lose any hope because there is a better alternative.

In case you don’t know, there are dedicated PC repair solutions tailored to diagnose your Windows entirely and solve corrupted files in minutes.

2. Reinstall the Microsoft C++ 2015-2022 Redistributable app

2.1 Uninstall the Microsoft Redistributable app

  1. Press Windows + I to open the Settings app.
  2. Go to Apps, and click Installed apps.Apps, installed apps  qtwebengineprocess.exe
  3. Locate Microsoft C++ 2015-2022 Redistributable, click three dots, and click Uninstall.Uninstall C++
  4. Click Uninstall to confirm the changes.Uninstall

2.2 Reinstall the Microsoft Redistributable app

  1. Go to Microsoft C++ 2015-2022 Redistributable official website and click Download.Download qtwebengineprocess.exe
  2. Next, select the version and click Next.Click Next
  3. Double-click on the file and agree to license terms, and click Install.Agreee and Install
  4. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the process.

Once it is done, check if the issue persists.

3. Run a malware scan

  1. Press the Windows key, type windows security, and click Open.Windows Security open Windows key runsw.exe
  2. Go to Virus & threat protection and click Scan options.V& T Scan options
  3. Select Full scan and click Scan now.Full scan -

Now the security tool will scan your computer for malicious threats, if found, will list them. Select and delete them to resolve the issue.

4. Add QtWebEngineProcess.exe to DEP

  1. Press Windows + I to open Settings.
  2. Go to System, and click About.System About qtwebengineprocess.exe
  3. Click Advanced system settings.Advanced system settings qtwebengineprocess.exe
  4. Go to Advanced, and click Settings under Performance.Performance options Settings
  5. Switch to Data Execution Prevention.
  6. Place a checkmark next to Turn on DEP for all programs and services except those I select.Turn on DEP
  7. Click Add and locate QtWebEngineProcess.exe {usually found in C:\ProgramFiles(x86)} and click Open.
  8. Now click Apply and OK.
  9. Then click OK to confirm the choice.Click OK

So, these are methods to fix the errors related to QtWebEngineProcess.exe and restore stability.

If you are looking for lightweight browsers for PC using QTWeb Engine, we suggest you check out this guide.

Please feel free to give us any information, tips, and your experience with the subject in the comments section below.

Microsoft 365 service faces another outage – Western Europe users affected

Earlier this month, Microsoft faced a significant distributed denial of service (DDoS) attack, resulting in widespread disruptions across its Microsoft 365 services, including Outlook, Teams, and OneDrive. Now two weeks later, Microsoft 365 services have experienced another disruption. 

According to the official Microsoft 365 status Twitter account, the impact of the issue was limited to users in Western Europe. It appears that the root cause of the disruption stemmed from a data center located in Germany, which was not performing optimally.

In response, Microsoft took prompt action by implementing necessary mitigations to alleviate the strain on the affected data center. The problem was swiftly resolved within a few hours. Users could track the incident details under the reference ID MO597504 in the Microsoft 365 admin center.

The recent disruptions serve as a reminder of the ever-evolving nature of cyber threats and the importance of continuous efforts to enhance security measures.

Via: Neowin

Lusrmgr.msc: Enable Local User and Group Management

Microsoft offers a shell application Local Users and Groups Management (lusrmgr.msc) for managing the users on local and remote computers. However, this application is not accessible in the Home edition for Windows using the lusrmgr.msc command. 

If you are looking for ways to enable local user and group management to manage users and groups, this guide will explain the complete method of doing so. 

What is lusrmgr.exe? 

Local Users and Groups Management, just like Local Group Policy Editor, is an advanced feature and is only part of Windows Pro, Education, and Enterprise Edition of the operating system. 

Hence, if you are a Windows Home Edition user, you will find Local Users and Groups missing. Subsequently, you will need a third-party program known as lusrmgr.exe to manage local users and groups via a console similar to Local Users and Groups Management. 

What are the system requirements for lusrmgr.exe? 

The minimum system requirements to be able to install lusrmgr.exe are as follows: 

  • .NET Framework version 4.6 or above
  • Operating system Windows Vista/Windows Server 2008 or above 

How do I download lusrmgr.exe from GitHub? 

  1. Visit the GitHub lusrmgr.exe download page.
  2. Scroll down the Code tab and click the Download link in the Download section to download the latest version. 
  3. Once the download is completed, navigate to the download location of the lusrmgr.exe file in File Explorer and double-click to run the program.
  4. Click Yes on the User Action Control prompt to allow the application to make changes on the computer. 

When the Lusrmgr application launches successfully, you will see that it resembles the Local Users and Groups Management interface that is accessible via the lusrmgr.msc command. 

How do I manage local users on Windows Home edition using lusrmgr.exe? 

1. Create a new user account using Lusrmgr.exe

  1. Press the Windows key, type lusrmgr in the search bar, and click the Run as administrator option in the search results. lusrmgr.msc
  2. Right-click the Users option in the left sidebar and select Create from the context menu. Lusrmgr.exe
  3. Assign Username, set the Password, and Confirm the password in the relevant fields. lusrmgr.msc
  4. Click the Advanced button to access the advanced settings and configure the local path, remote path, and account expiration date, if necessary. 
  5. Press the Create button after assigning the necessary fields to create a new user account. 

Creating a new user account is a straightforward process using the Lusrmgr.exe tool a replacement for lusrmgr.msc on Windows Home Edition. It’s worth noting you can configure the logon times of the user and account expiration details using this third-party workaround.

2. Manage user accounts using lusrmgr.exe 

1. Change the user password 

  1. Launch the lusrmgr.exe tool on Windows PC and select the User option from the left navigation bar.
  2. Right-click the user name for which you want to change the password, and select Set Password. 
  3. In the popup window that opens, enter the new password twice in the New password and Confirm password fields. 
  4. Press the OK button to save the changes.  

2. Delete the user account

  1. Launch Lusrmgr on your Windows PC and switch to the User from the left navigation bar. 
  2. Right-click the user account you want to delete, and select Delete from the context menu. 
  3. Press the Delete button on the confirmation popup to permanently delete the user account. 

Apart from changing the password and deleting the user account, you can also change the user settings like user name and group membership, prevent the user from changing the password, and even set the password expiration date. 

How do I manage groups on Windows Home edition? 

1. Create a new group using lusrmgr

  1. Press the Windows key, type lusrmgr in the search bar, and click Run as administrator from the results section. 
  2. Switch to the Groups section from the left navigation pane, right-click it, and select the Create option. 
  3. Assign a relevant Group name in the new window that opens and click the + icon to add a user to the newly created group. 
  4. Choose the user you need to add to the group and press the Select button. 
  5. Finally, press the Create group button to create a new user group on your PC. 

2. Add or remove a user from the group

  1. Launch the Lusrmgr tool on Windows PC and select the Groups option from the left navigation pane.
  2. In the right section of the window, right-click the group name from which you want to add or remove a user account and select the Edit option. 
  3. Press the + icon located at the bottom to add a user. 
  4. Choose the user you wish to add from the new popup that opens and press the Select button. Lusrmgr.msc
  5. You can press the Filter button and then choose one out of the two options – Show users or Show built-in security principals based on your preference. 
  6. To delete a user from a specific group, simply select that user account and press the – icon. 

That’s pretty much it! Hopefully, you now have a pretty good idea about how you can enable and use the Local User and Group Management using the lusrmgr tool on a Windows Home edition PC.

Refer to this guide in case you are curious to enable and use the group policy editor on Windows Home edition.

In case you have any queries or feedback for us, feel free to reach out in the comments section. 

Phil Spencer bullish on the future of Xbox following XGS showcase

What a difference a month makes. It was only a few weeks ago that Microsoft Gaming CEO Phil Spencer went on an apology tour of sorts following the disastrous launch of Redfall—a game that supposed to be one of the biggest first-party Xbox releases of recent years.

That news, of course, came on the heels of the CMA’s decision to block the Activision Blizzard deal in the U.K. The move presents a serious obstacle to Microsoft’s endeavor to merge with game publishing giant. Needless to say, it was a rough month of May for Xbox fans as far as the gaming news went.

But now the Xbox Games Showcase 2023 has come and gone. And to the delight of Xbox fans and gamers in general (or at least most of them, anyways) the showcase was the huge hit that Xbox so badly needed. And now that the showcase is in the rearview, Spencer’s renewed optimism regarding the Xbox platform is obvious, Especially when compared to his rather subdued appearance on the Kinda Funny Xcast podcast.

This could be seen when Spencer recently did an interview with The Guardian in which he spoke about the impressive game lineup unveiled at the showcase.

We knew the flow coming out of both Bethesda and Xbox Game Studios was gonna hit. I’ll be honest, I always feel like we have a lot to live up to. The expectation of our customers is high. We know we didn’t hit that bar in 2022 and we wanted to make sure we had a great show.”

Sarah Bond, Phil Spencer and Matt Booty at the Xbox 2023 showcase.

And boy, did they. It’s been the general consensus that this year’s showcase was exceptionally good—one of the best Xbox has put on so far, according to many. What was particularly exciting was the sheer number of the 25 or so games showcased that were coming to Xbox Game Pass. Spencer also touched on this in the interview.

The number of games that are in Game Pass relative to unique videos on Netflix is vastly, vastly different. I think we’re somewhere between 300 and 400 games. It’s still a lot, but we’re not trying to inundate you. When I get negative feedback on Game Pass, it’s when quality isn’t what people expected. But then there’s a marginal cost for them in trying something they would’ve never tried before. If there’s any signal, it’s how are our players feeling – how’s the subscriber number going, and are creators coming back?

Our business right now, from a revenue standpoint, is about twice the size as it was in the Xbox 360 generation. And we’re millions of consoles ahead of where we would’ve been compared to 360. We’ve never had more Xbox players than we have right now.”

The current generation of Xbox.

That last bit of info is especially eye-opening, and is in stark contrast with the commonly held perception that the brand is in trouble. Spencer has also stated elsewhere since the showcase that Xbox will generate $1 billion this year in PC-related sales alone.

No one can say for certain where Xbox will ultimately be by the end of the current hardware cycle. But one thing is for sure: the next few years will be interesting ones for Xbox fans.

What is RunSW.exe & How to Fix Its High Memory Usage

RunSW.exe is an executable file that is associated with software or drivers provided by Realtek for managing and controlling wireless network connections.

Sometimes the file may cause issues like high memory usage, which can cause system slowdowns or performance problems.

In this guide, we will explore what RunSW.exe is, its purpose, and provide effective solutions to fix high memory usage related to it.

What is RunSW.exe?

RunSW.exe is a software component of Realtek Wireless LAN Utility. Realtek wireless network adapters are commonly used in laptops, desktop computers, and other devices to enable wireless connectivity.

The RunSW.exe file is a component of the software package or driver that accompanies the Realtek wireless adapter.

It handles tasks such as scanning for available wireless networks, establishing connections, managing network settings, and monitoring the wireless connection status.

However, the behavior and specific functionalities of RunSW.exe can vary depending on the version of the Realtek software or driver being used, as well as the model of the wireless adapter itself.

The file is usually available in the C:\Windows folder on your computer. However, if found somewhere else could be malware or malicious programs disguising themselves with similar filenames.

If you suspect the file is malicious, you can run a deep scan using reliable antivirus software and delete it when flagged out.

How can I fix the high memory usage due to runsw.exe?

Before engaging in advanced troubleshooting steps, you should consider performing the following checks:

Once done, follow the methods mentioned below to reduce memory usage.

1. Run SFC & DISM scans

  1. Press the Windows key, type cmd, and click Run as administrator.CMD elevated runsw.exe
  2. Type the following command to replace corrupted files with a cached copy and press Enter: sfc/scannow SFCSCANNOW CMD
  3. Wait for the process to complete, copy & paste the following command to restore Windows OS image files, and hit Enter: Dism /Online /Cleanup -Image /RestoreHealthRestore health
  4. The DISM uses Windows Update to provide the files needed to fix corruption; once done, reboot your computer.

This method will detect potential Windows troubles on your PC, but it doesn’t guarantee the fix.

On the other hand, you have the option to employ a dedicated repair solution to diagnose your Windows PC and solve them completely.

2. Run a malware scan

  1. Press the Windows key, type windows security, and click Open.Windows Security open Windows key runsw.exe
  2. Go to Virus & threat protection and click Scan options.V& T Scan options
  3. Place a checkmark next to Full scan and click Scan now.Full scan -

Now the antivirus software will scan your computer for malicious files, if found, will list them. Delete them to resolve the problem.

3. Run the Disk Cleanup tool

  1. Press Windows + R to open the Run box.Cleanmgr Run command
  2. Type cleanmgr and click OK to open the Disk Cleanup tool.
  3. On the Disk Cleanup: Drive Selection window, select C and click OK.DISK C Runsw.exe
  4. Now click Clean up system files.Cleanmgr 3 Runsw.exe
  5. Again, on the Disk Cleanup: Drive Selection window, select C and click OK.
  6. Select all the items under Files to delete field and click OK.Cleanmgr 4
  7. Click Delete Files to confirm the action.Delete Files

This will remove all the unwanted junk and temp files to recover the space on your device.

4. Update the network driver

  1. Press Windows + R to open the Run window.Device Manager Run command Runsw.exe
  2. Type devmgmt.msc and click OK to open Device Manager.
  3. Click Network adapters and expand it.
  4. Go to Wi-Fi driver, right-click it to select Update driver.Update driver Network Adapter
  5. Click Search automatically for drivers.Update driver 2
  6. Follow the onscreen instructions to complete the process.

5. Adjust Power Management settings

  1. Press Windows + R to open the Run window.Device Manager Run command Runsw.exe
  2. Type devmgmt.msc and click OK to open Device Manager.
  3. Click Network adapters and expand it.
  4. Go to Wi-Fi driver, and right-click it to select Properties.DEvice Network Adapter Properties Runsw.exe
  5. Switch to the Power Management tab, and place a checkmark next to Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power.Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power.
  6. Click OK to confirm the action.

By understanding the nature of RunSW.exe and implementing the recommended fixes, you can optimize your computer’s performance and resolve the memory-related problems associated with this executable file.

If you are facing issues like Wireless drivers are missing on PC, we recommend you check out this informative guide to find the tested solutions.

Please feel free to give us any information, tips, and your experience with the subject in the comments section below.

Ghostwire Tokyo reaches 5 million players just two months after Xbox release

Bethesda Softworks’ 2022 first-person action adventure game Ghostwire Tokyo has now been played by more than 5 million gamers. This comes just two months following the game’s release on Xbox Series consoles after a year of PlayStation 5 exclusivity. The announcement was made via the game’s official Twitter account, with a post thanking all those who have played the game.

Interestingly, those 5 million reportedly don’t include those who played the game on Xbox Game Pass and PlayStation Plus Extra. The Series X|S launch included the Spider’s Thread update which added new areas, enemies, mission, challenges and more to the game. It was available day one on Xbox Game Pass.

Ghostwire Tokyo was developed by Tango Gameworks, the same studio that brought us the surprise hit Hi-Fi Rush earlier this year. The game tasks players with unraveling the mystery behind a string of disappearances in “a beautifully haunted Tokyo.”

Ghostwire Tokyo Screen Shot 1

Face the unknown, uncover the truth and save the city

Tokyo is overrun by deadly supernatural forces as a dangerous occultist causes the city’s population to vanish in an instant. Join forces with a powerful spectral entity on their quest for vengeance and master a powerful arsenal of abilities to unravel the dark truth behind the disappearance as you FACE THE UNKNOWN in Ghostwire: Tokyo.

Ghostwire: Tokyo
Ghostwire: Tokyo
Developer:
Bethesda Softworks
Price:
Free

Windows Error 127: How to Fix it in 4 Steps

Many of our readers have reported coming across Windows error 127. This error happens when Windows is running and appears randomly.

In this guide, we will share with you the reasons that cause this problem along with some solutions that will help resolve this issue. Let us get right into it.

What causes Windows error 127?

After some research, we found out some of the most common reasons that could trigger Windows error 127 on your computer:

  • Programs are conflicting – Chances are two programs are conflicting with each other and causing the Windows to randomly crash.
  • Your Windows is not updated – You might have not installed the latest update and the bug present in the previous version is causing the problem.
  • Corrupt system files – Chances are some important system files are missing from your computer which is why you are getting the Windows error 127.
  • Your PC is infected with a virus – Your PC might be infected with a sticky virus that is causing Windows error 127.
  • Outdated graphics driver – Some users have reported this issue popped up because they were running an old version of the graphics driver.

Let us now go through the solutions that will help you resolve Windows error 127.

How can I resolve Windows error 127?

Before jumping ahead with the advanced solutions, we would suggest you apply the below solutions and check if this help fixes the Windows Runtime error 127.

  • Uninstall the conflicting programs and install them from their official website again and check if this help resolve the issue or not.
  • Make sure that you have installed the latest Windows update on your PC and that there isn’t any update pending to be installed.
  • Scan your PC for viruses using Microsoft Windows Security or any third-party antivirus tool. We have a guide that lists some of the best antivirus tools to protect your PC.

1. Reinstall Runtime Libraries

  1. Press the Win key to open the Start menu.
  2. Open Control Panel.
  3. Select Programs and Features.
  4. Locate Microsoft Runtime Libraries and hit the Uninstall button at the top.
  5. Visit the official website and download the latest redistributable package.

Multiple users have resolved the Windows Runtime error 127 by simply reinstalling the Microsoft redistributable package from the official website. Try this solution and check if this fixes the issue or not.

2. Run SFC and DISM scans

  1. Press the Win key to open the Start menu.
  2. Type Command Prompt and open it as an administrator.
  3. Type the below command and press Enter:sfc /scannowsfc scan
  4. The command will fix the corrupt system files.
  5. Type the below commands and press Enter after each one:Dism /Online /Cleanup-Image /CheckHealthDism /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealthDism /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
  6. Reboot your PC.

Running the SFC and DISM commands will help you fix the corrupt or missing system files that are often associated with the reason for Windows error 127.

If SFC Scan is not working on your PC, then you can apply the solutions mentioned in our guide to resolve the problem.

3. Update the graphics driver

  1. Press the Win key to open the Start menu.
  2. Type Device Manager and open it.
  3. Expand the Display adapters section.
  4. Double-click on your graphics driver to open it.
  5. Switch to the Driver tab.
  6. Select the Update driver option.
  7. Click on Search automatically for drivers option.
  8. Install the update and restart your PC.

Several readers confirmed that updating the graphics driver on their computer helped them get rid of Windows error 127. You should also check out the solution and see if this helps or not.

Our guide explains how you can update graphics drivers on your Windows 10 PC. For Windows 11 users, we have a similar guide for them as well.

However, you can get it done much faster and with effective results using a tailored solution for updating, installing, or repairing drivers on Windows PCs.

Outbyte Driver Updater

Solve any kind of driver issues to restore different Windows issues and prevent stress.
Free trial Visit website

4. Run Disk Cleanup

  1. Press the Win key to open the Start menu.
  2. Type Disk Cleanup and open the appropriate result.
  3. Select the drive from the drop-down.
  4. Hit the Clean up system files option.
  5. Select the drive again.
  6. Select all the options that you wish to delete and hit OK.

That is it from us in this guide. You should check out our guide to resolve the Runtime error 62: Input Past End of File. Also, we have a guide that explains a list of solutions to resolve the Runtime error 3709.

Let us know in the comments below, which one of the above solutions resolved the Windows error 127 for you.

Amazon gift cards from Microsoft Rewards: do they work?

It seems that buying anything using Amazon gift cards from Microsoft Rewards can get your account banned. It happened to this Reddit user who was trying to buy a Best Buy Gift card using Amazon gift cards.

Amazon then sent an e-mail to the user, stating that their account is closed, but there are ways to get it back. As frustrating as this sounds, no one saw it coming, though. Officially, you can buy gift cards on Amazon using Microsoft Rewards points.

However, in situations like these, you need to ask: do Amazon gift cards really work? It is a tricky question considering only last week Microsoft Cashback was having problems. So maybe Microsoft Rewards is going through some problems as well.

Do Amazon gift cards from Microsoft Rewards work?

Well, according to Reddit users, they do work. In the thread we mentioned earlier, there are countless examples of users who managed to spend their points on Amazon gift cards. Some of them bought Amazon gift cards, right after the original Reddit made their post, and it worked.amazon gift card microsoft rewards

Here’s what the users say

I purchased over $200 dollars worth of Xbox gift cards on Amazon this year and had no issues. My most recent Xbox gift card purchase was just a week ago and it went through just fine. And yes I used my Amazon gift card balance.

After reading OP, I just did the same thing last night for a $100 Xbox GC, and so far, no ban. I will continually start draining down my Amazon GC balance to the Xbox GC and redeem them as soon as I earn them just in case it becomes a problem in the future. It’s better to lose $10 than $200.

Update: I went ahead and bought a 10 dollar Xbox gift card code with my Amazon gift card balance and It went through and I got the code instantly and redeemed it no problem. Might just be retail cards that aren’t able to be paid with Amazon gift cards just Xbox/PSN Since they’re sold by Amazon LLC.

You can use the points from Microsoft Rewards to buy Amazon gift cards, Xbox goodies, and many other things. However, some users agree that if you spend too much too fast, the system might deem it suspicious. And you end up automatically flagged.

People been saying that if you reload using too many high value gift card that also could have trigger the flag. Honestly, it’s weird that you can use the balance to pay for things on Amazon, but you have to be careful about it.

And you should know that it’s against Amazon’s terms of service to buy other gift cards with your Amazon gift cards.

Ultimately, the user got their account back, but their Best Buy gift card order was canceled.

Have you experienced something similar? Let us know in the comments section below.