Page 513 • Windows Report

Runtime Error 32809: How to Quickly Fix it

Posted on June 15, 2023October 4, 2023 by Loredana Harsana

When it comes to Microsoft Excel, runtime errors or bugs are not uncommon, and Error 32809 is one such example. To ensure a smooth user experience, software developers like Microsoft Corporation put the application through rigorous debugging processes before releasing it to the public.

In our previous article, we explored the Runtime error 13: type mismatch, but now we face a comparable predicament.

However, it is imperative to determine the root cause before tackling the matter.

What is Runtime error 32809?

Encountering Excel Error 32809 is a common issue during Microsoft Excel startup or runtime. The origin of these runtime errors can be identified by analyzing the error code.

The Excel VBA error 32809 can be a headache as it seems to occur without any clear explanation. It’s interesting to note that the error may only happen on one computer in an office setting, while another computer running the same macro may not encounter the problem.

How can I fix Runtime error 32809?

Missing files – If your system is missing files like mscomctl.ocx and comctl32.ocx, you might encounter this error.
Alter the Trust Settings – Deactivating certain security measures in the Trust Settings, will resolve the issue, and the system will begin to function properly.
Change the controls – It is recommended that you replace all ActiveX Controls with Form controls.

1. Delete recently installed updates

Select Start, click on Settings now choose Windows Update, and tap Update History.
Now click on Uninstall updates.
On the list that pops up, find the update you want to remove, and then choose Uninstall next to it.

2. Alter the file format

You can save the file as .xlsx (macro-free).
Now open the source file with macros and copy modules to the .xlsx file.
Lastly, save the file as .xlsm.

Our comprehensive manual aims to ease your worries and provide useful information. We genuinely hope that our guide has given you some valuable insight.

If you encounter any further problems, we recommend referring to our extensive guide on Runtime error 429. This guide offers comparable solutions to help you overcome your issue.

We truly appreciate your input on this matter and would love to hear your thoughts. Please feel free to leave a comment below and share your perspective with us.

How to use the Focus Sessions widget on Windows 11

Posted on June 15, 2023August 28, 2023 by Flavius Floare

Good news for Windows 11 users this week: it seems that you can use the Focus Sessions widget on the operating system sooner than expected.

Microsoft released Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 23481 to the Dev Channel and you can download the ISO file as well if you find it more convenient this way.

The release brings some important improvements to Windows Ink, which is a very useful tool for organizations. But among the new features, the Focus Sessions widget steals the show.

The Focus Session feature is already on Windows 11, but not as a widget, though. You can find it in the taskbar, below your calendar, and it’s very useful for when you have to focus at work. However, you can easily forget about it, because it’s simply not in your glance.

Here’s how you can use the Focus Sessions widget on Windows 11

Because it’s not in your glance, you can easily forget about using the Focus Sessions option, however, Microsoft is putting it in a widget, so that way, you can use it when you check for the weather. Or when you’re using the other widgets.

The new Focus Sessions Widget will be part of the Clock app update, and currently, it’s available in Microsoft Store in Windows Insiders in the Canary and Dev Channels.

You’ll be able to access it by clicking on the Widgets button > Focus Sessions Widget.

As you can see, accessing it will be very easy, but if you find it annoying, you can also disable focus sessions to revert to the old clock style.

What other features and improvements are coming to Windows 11, you may ask?

Here’s the complete list:

Changes and Improvements

[Taskbar & System Tray]

Never combined mode, which enables you to see each window of your applications on the taskbar individually, and which began rolling out with Build 23466, is now available to all Windows Insiders in the Dev Channel.

Taskbar in never combined mode.

Starting with his build, Chat is now Microsoft Teams – Free. Microsoft Teams – Free is pinned by default to the taskbar and can be unpinned like other apps on the taskbar. Stay tuned for more enhancements as we continue to enhance Microsoft Teams – Free with more features and improvements.

[File Explorer]

The ability to tear out and merge tabs in File Explorer, which began rolling out with Build 23471, is now available to all Windows Insiders in the Dev Channel.

[Voice access]

The new text authoring experiences in voice access that began rolling out with Build 23466 is now available to all Windows Insiders in the Dev Channel.

Fixes

[Dev Drive]

Fixed an issue where filters beyond AV might be attached to your Dev Drive on reboot.
Fixed an issue which could cause a bugcheck when using Dev Drive.

[File Explorer]

Fixed an issue where the icons in the File Explorer context menu could be blurry.
Fixed an issue where sync status icons for files backing up to a storage provider were not reliably displayed.
Fixed an issue for authentication errors on File Explorer Home where the ‘Please Sign-in’ button appeared but clicking on it did not pop-up the authentication dialog.
Updated “Show files from Office.com” text in folder options to “Include account-based insights, recent, favorite, and recommended files”.
Using CTRL + V to paste an image in Gallery will now paste the image into your default pictures folder (the default folder can be configured under Collection > Manage Collection in Gallery).
If you hover your mouse over the details button in File Explorer, the tooltip should no longer block the close button for the window.

We fixed the following issues for Insiders with the modernized address bar in File Explorer:

Fixed the direction of the search icon within the tab when doing a search in File Explorer.
Fixed an issue where tabbing or Shift + tabbing from the command bar wouldn’t land focus inside the current folder.
Fixed an issue where if you set focus into the address bar (to edit the path), you wouldn’t be able to use the tab to move focus out of it.
If the current path is longer than the available space in the address bar, a bit of room now has been added so you can still click and go into edit mode.

We fixed the following issues for Insiders who have the modernized File Explorer Home:

Fixed an issue where hovering over folders in the Quick Access section of Home was causing the name to disappear and the icon to slide to the side if you had checkboxes enabled.
Dragging and dropping into the Favorites or Quick Access sections should work again now.

[Search on the Taskbar]

Fixed an issue where navigating the search flyout on the taskbar with the keyboard arrow keys did not work as expected.

NOTE: Some fixes noted here in Insider Preview builds from the Dev Channel may make their way into the servicing updates for the released version of Windows 11.

Known issues

[Dev Drive]

There might be variable performance on different hardware. If you notice slower performance on your machine, please file feedback!

[Search on the Taskbar]

Text scaling may not work in the search flyout.

[File Explorer]

Insiders may experience a File Explorer crash when dragging the scroll bar or attempting to close the window during an extended file-loading process.
Thumbnail loading performance in Gallery for dehydrated cloud files and memory usage in large collections are known issues we are focused on improving. Please capture Performance traces in Feedback Hub for any performance-related issues. Rebuilding your Indexer can help if thumbnails are missing for cloud files; Search for “Indexing Options” and look in Advanced settings to find the rebuild tool.
[NEW] The count shown for selected files in the details pane may be extremely large.

Insiders who have the modernized File Explorer Home that began rolling out with Build 23475:

File Type icons are displayed in place of file thumbnails for the ‘Recommended’ section (applicable to Enterprise users).
Insiders signed in with an AAD account and tried to navigate the Recommended section on File Explorer Home with the tab key on the keyboard may experience an explorer.exe crash.
When navigating from another group to the Recommended section using a keyboard, focus does not appear on the group header or files appropriately.
Files display file extensions with the Show file extensions setting disabled.

Insiders who have the modernized File Explorer address bar that began rolling out with Build 23475:

Windows Insiders may notice missing craftmanship polish with the modernized address bar and search box. The team greatly appreciates the use of Feedback Hub to help call out important details to address.
Users might experience lost keyboard focus and missing keyboard shortcuts. The team implemented improved tabbing with keyboard shortcuts that will be available soon.
[NEW] If “…” shows in the address bar path, selecting it will crash explorer.exe.

Insiders will have issues with the following commands on recommended files in File Explorer that began rolling out with Build 23403:

Clicking on the Share command will currently bring up the Windows share sheet (non-OneDrive).

[Notifications]

The copy button for quickly copying two-factor authentication (2FA) codes in notification toasts (first introduced in Build 23403) is currently not working in this build. A fix is coming in a future flight.

[Dynamic Lighting]

On the first boot after installing this build and connecting a device, the “Use Dynamic Lighting on my devices” toggle is off in Settings. Device LEDs may not turn on automatically. Turning this toggle on in the all-device Settings page and in the per-device page(s) should turn on your device’s LEDs. If this doesn’t work, try restarting your Windows PC again.
All-device settings changes are not propagating to per-device Settings.
Device icons are missing from the device cards in Settings.
Switching user accounts can turn off device LEDs.

[Windows Ink]

[NEW] Users can’t use handwriting to erase text in Microsoft Edge.
[NEW] The address box in Microsoft Edge might not work correctly.
[NEW] Windows Ink does not convert handwriting to text into the main content (e.g., Word documents and Excel spreadsheets) in Microsoft 365 applications.
[NEW] Search boxes in Microsoft 365 applications (e.g., Microsoft Word) might not work correctly.
[NEW] Comment fields in Microsoft 365 applications (e.g., Microsoft Word) might not work correctly.

What are your thoughts and opinions about the new Focus Sessions Widgets? Be sure to let us know in the comments section below.

Wuauclt.exe Not Working? Fix It in 4 Simple Steps

Posted on June 15, 2023April 2, 2024 by Srishti Sisodia

If wuauclt.exe is not working, the Windows Update Automatic Updates client will fail as well, so you won’t be able to install any OS updates.

In this guide, we will explore the causes behind the issue and provide simple steps to fix it, ensuring smooth Windows updates and system maintenance.

What causes the wuauclt.exe not working issue?

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

Incorrect configurations or settings – Improper configurations or settings within the Windows Update service can cause wuauclt.exe to encounter issues or fail to function correctly.
Corrupted or missing system files – The wuauclt.exe or related system files may become corrupted or go missing, leading to malfunctions and errors.
Software conflicts – Conflicts with other software, such as security programs or third-party utilities, can interfere with the file’s functionality.
Malware infection – If your computer is infected with viruses, it can corrupt the wuauclt.exe file, leading to malfunctions or disabling its proper operation. Run a malware scan to fix it.

Now that you know the causes of the error, let us move to the troubleshooting steps to resolve the problem.

How can I fix the wuauclt.exe not working issue?

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

Try restarting your computer.
Run a malware scan to find infectious files.
Remove all unwanted applications.

Once you are through these, move to the troubleshooting solutions.

1. Run the Windows Update troubleshooter

Press Windows + I to open Settings.
Go to System, then click Troubleshoot.
Click Other troubleshooters.
Go to Windows Update and click Run. Follow the onscreen instructions to complete the process.

2. Run SFC & DISM scans

Press the Windows key, type cmd, and click Run as administrator.
Copy & paste the following command to restore Windows OS image files and press Enter: Dism /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
Once the command is run, the DISM uses Windows Update to provide the files needed to fix corruption; once done, type the following command to replace corrupted files with a cached copy and hit Enter: sfc/scannow
It may take several minutes for the command operation to complete; once done, restart your computer.

You can also automate this process by using a reliable tool with advanced scanning and repairing capabilities.

3. Run your PC in a clean boot environment

Press Windows +R to open the Run dialog box.
Type msconfig and click OK to open the System Configuration box.
Go to the Services tab, place a checkmark next to Hide all Microsoft services, and then click Disable all.
Next, switch to the Startup tab, and click Open Task Manager.
Select the Enabled items individually and click Disable, then close Task Manager and go back to the System Configuration window.
Click Apply, then OK to complete the process.
Click Restart now to save the changes.

Now your computer will restart in the clean boot with minimal services; try to install the update and check if you get the error. If yes, you can isolate the error causing the issue and resolve it accordingly. To restart your computer in normal mode, follow the above steps and undo all the changes made.

4. Reset the Windows Update components

Press the Windows key, type cmd, and click Run as administrator.
Copy & paste the following commands to stop Windows Update, BITS & cryptographic services, and hit Enter after every command:
- net stop bits net stop wuauserv net stop appidsvc net stop cryptsvc
To delete the qmgr*.dat files, type the following command and press Enter:Del "%ALLUSERSPROFILE%\Application Data\Microsoft\Network\Downloader\qmgr*.dat"
To clear the Windows Update cache to allow Windows 10 to re-download the updates, copy & paste the following commands one by one and hit Enter after every command:
- rmdir %systemroot%\SoftwareDistribution /S /Q rmdir %systemroot%\system32\catroot2 /S /Q
Type the following commands to reset the BITS and Windows Update service to the default security descriptor and press Enter:
- sc.exe sdset bits D:(A;;CCLCSWRPWPDTLOCRRC;;;SY)(A;;CCDCLCSWRPWPDTLOCRSDRCWDWO;;;BA)(A;;CCLCSWLOCRRC;;;AU)(A;;CCLCSWRPWPDTLOCRRC;;;PU) sc.exe sdset wuauserv D:(A;;CCLCSWRPWPDTLOCRRC;;;SY)(A;;CCDCLCSWRPWPDTLOCRSDRCWDWO;;;BA)(A;;CCLCSWLOCRRC;;;AU)(A;;CCLCSWRPWPDTLOCRRC;;;PU)
Copy & paste the following command and hit Enter:cd /d %windir%\system32
To re-register the BITS files & the Windows Update-related dll files, type the following commands one after the other and press Enter after every command:
- regsvr32.exe /s atl.dll regsvr32.exe /s urlmon.dll regsvr32.exe /s mshtml.dll regsvr32.exe /s shdocvw.dll regsvr32.exe /s browseui.dll regsvr32.exe /s jscript.dll regsvr32.exe /s vbscript.dll regsvr32.exe /s scrrun.dll regsvr32.exe /s msxml.dll regsvr32.exe /s msxml3.dll regsvr32.exe /s msxml6.dll regsvr32.exe /s actxprxy.dll regsvr32.exe /s softpub.dll regsvr32.exe /s wintrust.dll regsvr32.exe /s dssenh.dll regsvr32.exe /s rsaenh.dll regsvr32.exe /s gpkcsp.dll regsvr32.exe /s sccbase.dll regsvr32.exe /s slbcsp.dll regsvr32.exe /s cryptdlg.dll regsvr32.exe /s oleaut32.dll regsvr32.exe /s ole32.dll regsvr32.exe /s shell32.dll regsvr32.exe /s initpki.dll regsvr32.exe /s wuapi.dll regsvr32.exe /s wuaueng.dll regsvr32.exe /s wuaueng1.dll regsvr32.exe /s wucltui.dll regsvr32.exe /s wups.dll regsvr32.exe /s wups2.dll regsvr32.exe /s wuweb.dll regsvr32.exe /s qmgr.dll regsvr32.exe /s qmgrprxy.dll regsvr32.exe /s wucltux.dll regsvr32.exe /s muweb.dll regsvr32.exe /s wuwebv.dll
Copy & paste the following command to reset Winsock and hit Enter:
- netsh winsock reset netsh winsock reset proxy
Type the following commands to start Windows Update, BITS & cryptographic services, and press Enter after every command:
- net start bits net start wuauserv net start appidsvc net start cryptsvc
Reboot your PC to confirm the changes.

By following these simple steps, you can effectively fix issues with wuauclt.exe and ensure the smooth functioning of Windows updates. If nothing worked for you, we suggest you perform a system restore to revert to the last known good configuration of Windows.

To avoid these errors and issues, you must focus on regular system maintenance, such as performing scheduled antivirus scans and keeping software up to date.

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

Event ID 5137: A Directory Service Object Was Created [Fix]

Posted on June 15, 2023October 4, 2023 by Srishti Sisodia

If you have encountered Event ID 5137 on your computer and wondering what it is, this guide can help! In this guide, we will explore the causes of the event and provide solutions to address any potential issues or misconfiguration.

What is Event ID 5137?

Event ID 5137 is a specific event log entry in the Windows Event Viewer related to the Active Directory service in a Windows environment.

When an object is created in Active Directory, such as a user account, group, or organizational unit, the event is logged with this event.

It provides information about the object that was created, including its name, unique identifier (GUID), and location within the directory structure.

The Event ID helps administrators monitor and track object creations, ensuring accountability and compliance with administrative policies.

You must remember that this event alone does not indicate an error or problem, as it is a normal event that occurs during routine administrative tasks.

However, in some cases, it may indicate unauthorized object creations that require further investigation to ensure the security and integrity of the Active Directory environment.

Why do I get the Event ID 5137?

There could be several reasons for this event to occur; some of the common ones are:

Legitimate object creation – It may occur due to routine administrative activities, such as creating a new user account, group, or organizational units.
Misconfigurations or errors – This event may occur due to improper configurations or errors in Active Directory settings, including issues with permissions and synchronization processes.
Unauthorized object creation – Event ID 5137 may indicate unauthorized or suspicious object creation, which could be a sign of a security breach or malicious activity.

Now that you know the reasons, let us move to the next section to understand what needs to do

How can I fix the Event ID 5137 issues?

1. Review the event details & verify the legitimacy

Press the Windows key, type event viewer, and click Open.
Go to Windows Logs, then Security.
On the right pane, you will get the list of events logged.
Locate Event ID 5137, select, and go to General. Check the security change and other modifications made for the file or folder.

If you think the change was legit, you don’t have to take an action. However, if you feel otherwise, then you must move to the next step.

2. Audit Active Directory changes

Press Windows + R to open the Run box.
Type gpedit.msc and click OK to open Group Policy Editor.
Navigate to this path: Computer Configuration\Policies\Windows Settings\Security Settings\Local Policies\Audit Policy
Click Audit Policy and check all the policies listed in the right pane to ensure the settings are appropriate.

To keep an eye on changes made to the Active Directory, you can enable auditing of Active Directory. It must be configured to log relevant events, including object creations.

You must implement a centralized log management solution to consolidate and analyze the audit logs for prompt detection of suspicious activities.

If you already have the audit policy in place, review and update the permissions and access controls within Active Directory to ensure they are aligned with your organization’s security policies.

3. Use security assessment tools

To perform periodic security assessments and audits of your Active Directory infrastructure, we suggest using security assessment tools to scan for vulnerabilities in the environment in real time.

This will help you address any identified security gaps to reduce the likelihood of unauthorized object creation.

So, these are solutions that you can use to address Event ID 5137 effectively and ensure the integrity and security of your Active Directory environment.

To maintain a healthy and secure directory service, regular monitoring, proper configurations, and proactive security measures are critical.

If you are looking for the best practices for Active Directory, we suggest you check out this guide for solutions.

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

Lenovo Yoga 7i 16 Gen 8 Review: More screen for less

Posted on June 15, 2023 by Kareem Anderson

In this article

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Starting at $799.99

Despite Apple hijacking the narrative this year with their bump in screen size for the MacBook Air, Windows OEMs have known for some time that bigger screens sell, and the Lenovo Yoga 7i 16-inch Gen 8 is among the best deals around.

Starting with a price tag several hundred bucks fewer than a new premium smartphone, the Lenovo Yoga 7i Gen 8 offers a new 13th generation Intel Core processor, 16GB of memory, up to 512GB of solid-state storage, and a vibrant 1920 x 1200 16-inch IPS touchscreen in a convenient foldable form factor.

Specs
Lenovo Yoga 7i 16-inch
Processor	Up to Intel 12thGen Corei7-1260P
Operating System	Up to Windows 11Pro
Display	16″ 2.5K LCD (2560 x 1600) IPS, 400 nits, 100% sRGB, 60 Hz, 16:10, Low Blue Light
Storage	Up to 1TB PCIe NVMe
Graphics	Intel Iris XeGraphics
Camera	720p HD f2.0 camera (front-facing)
Memory	Up to 16GB LPDDR5
Dimensions	12.47″ x 8.67″ x 0.68″(361.51mm x 249.65mm x 19.20mm)1.9kg / 4.19lbs
Audio	2 x 2W user-facing tweeters and 2 x 3W woofers Dolby Atmos Speaker System
Weight	2.44 lbs (1,110 g)
Color	Colors: ArcticGrey or StormGreyDisplay cover: AluminumBottom: Aluminum
Ports/Slots	1 x USB-A (USB 3.2 Gen 14)2 x USB-C (Thunderbolt™ 4.0 / PD /DisplayPort™ / USB 4.0)1 x HDMI™ 2.01 x Full-size SD Card Reader (UHS-1(104) PCIe Gen 1)1 x USB-A (USB 3.2 Gen 1)1 x Audio Combo Jack1 x Power Button
Battery	71Whwith Rapid Charge Express (3 hours battery life in 15 min)
What’s in the box	6-row, multimedia Fn keys, LED backlight Precision Touchpad

Look and Feel

Aside from the sheer footprint of the Yoga 7i 16, the first thing customers are greeted with is Lenovo’s new consumer facing hardware redesign its labeled Comfort Edge, which rounds all the adorns all the corners and sides of the laptop with a polished rounded profile. Lenovo’s Comfort Edge design is now in its third year of being rolled out to the company’s consumer-facing laptops and still feels very modern and somewhat aspirational in a sea of harder-edge laptops such as the XPS line up or the HP Spectre devices.

The intent of the design is presumably to make Lenovo’s laptops easier to hold in hand, and while the Yoga 7i 16 is technically a folding 2-in-1 meant to be held as tablet in some instances, the 4.5lbs or 2.04kg brick won’t get much extended use in the Yoga’s coveted Tablet-Mode.

Never the less, the design of the aluminum alloy chassis is just as sturdy as its predecessor and cousin devices that utilize the same Comfort Edge design, however, the 2023 model does tweak the area around the bottom of the screen connected keyboard to reduce thickness ever so slightly as well as Lenovo omitting the speaker grilles that were present on the 2022 models.

In both the Artic and Storm Grey color options, fingerprint-smudge management is relatively easy. Fingerprints are rarely shown in most lighting conditions and can be easily wiped away with a napkin or microfiber cloth.

As for the port selection, the 7i 16 offers the same great selection as its 2022 model minus a full-sized SD reader. In 2023, 7i 16 owners get a 1.4b full HDMI port, 2 Thunderbolt 4 USB-C slots, a MicroSD reader and 2 USB-A 3.2 ports, along with a 3.5mm headset/mic combo.

Despite only offering a microSD solution, the 7i 16 still provides similar reads and writes with 60 to 90MB/s.

Unfortunately, Lenovo continues to put vents directly under the keyboard which tends to heat up knees and thighs when using the 7i 16 out and about as well as pushes hot air on to the top of the laptop in tablet mode. I would love for the Comfort Edge design 2.0 to try circulating the air through the back and sides of the device which could prevent the vents from being blocked in position the Yoga adopts, but that’s a gripe for another time.

When the lid is open, customers are greeted with a large 16-inch, 1200p, 10-point touch screen which offers a slightly lower resolution than last year’s at 1600p. Lenovo also skimped on the sRGB calibration as well as brightness, perhaps to reach its new budget-friendly pricing. While notebook reviewers alike will keenly point out the slightly perceptible changes to the monitor, most laptop buyers will notice little difference between models while lauding the price difference between it and competing products such as the Galaxy Book 3 Pro 360, Dell Inspirion 16 of Dell XPS 15.

Another nitpick about the display some privileged customers may complain about is the standard 60hz refresh rate in a growing sea of adaptive 90, 120, 165, and 225Hz panels.

The webcam is still a non-starter for seasoned video conferencing individuals as its capabilities remained capped at 2M. The webcam does capture 1080p resolution which is up from its previous 720p ceiling, but there is notable noise in most lighting conditions. Lenovo offers software dubbed Lenovo Smart Appearance which offers a limited selection of tweaks and filters to help enhance the captures but most customers are better off buying a $20 webcam from Amazon for future video conferencing efforts.

Lastly, the backlit keyboard on the 7i 16 is just soft as its 2022 model as it lifts the same design and key travel as the U-shaped chiclet-style keyboard from most Yoga and IdeaPads in the company lineup. The feel of typing on a Level ThinkPad is different than on its consumer Yoga and IdeaPad, minus the full-sized number pad (which I hate).

Performance

Putting these benchmarks into context, the Lenovo 7i 16, performs as well as the previous 2022 model with a few exceptions in regards to battery life and sustained performance.

In day-to-day use for most customers who live in data processing workflows that include email triaging, Excel (or Sheets) reviews, or presentation creation, web browsing, organizing meeting data and marketing material, data analysis or visualization, and more, the 7i performs without a hitch.

Fan noise is relatively low but can kick up when doing a resource intensive task for more than 40 minutes straight such as data cleansing, any type of SQL projects or using multi-tabbed Chrome windows.

For the budget-friendly creatives, while Intel’s integrated 3rd generation Iris Xe graphics aren’t going to turn heads when rendering video edited projects, they tend to hold up on basic to medium level Adobe projects such as single-image multi layered editing in Photoshop with limited filtering, 4 minutes to 45-minute-long video edits with a handful or tracks and Essential graphics applied. Again, the export times will crawl on this device but as for real-time scrubbing and editing, the system holds up well. Anyone looking to get into some After Effects fun will need to look elsewhere.

During most workflows, the heat pushed out from the 7i 16 is noticed to the left side of the device which is where the cooling system is housed. The Yoga 7i 16 remained a few degrees cooler than competitors under sustained loads.

Speaking of sustained loads, Lenovo manages power and performance well when the Yoga 7i is on battery power where performance dips were only perceptible in benchmarks by a handful of points. The Yoga 7i 16 typically shoots to about 4.1GHz and 58W outputs on the start of large tasks and proceeds to stabilize downwards after the laptops core temperature hits about 95 C, which triggers Lenovo’s power management software and ramps down to around 2.6 GHz and 25 W boosts.

While much of the initial software included on the Yoga 7i 16 is bloat and taxed the CPU at startup (uninstall most of it), Lenovo’s power management software has gotten a bit better in 2023 and helps to extend the life of the batter on charge for this device. Battery consumption on the 7i 16 this year has been reduced by about 8 percent and the device runs about an hour and ten minutes longer under similar stress than its 2022 model and even longer than competitors such as the HP Spectre x360 2-in-1 or the Dell XPS 15 which use more resource intensive displays.

Charging speeds varied on the Yoga 7i 16 due to Lenovo’s Vantage software which presumably utilizes some sort of dynamic charging depending on current battery levels and tasks being performed during the charging cycle. Customers should expect normal slow charging to be triggered which can take up to two hours while rapid charge, when triggered, can shorten that cycle by about 30 to 45 minutes.

As for gaming, customers should look to the Lenovo Legion Slim 7i, as this device can handle only a few titles with major resolution tweaks. For the streamers from cloud platforms such as xCloud, the bigger screen will be much appreciated.

Summary

At the end of the day, the 7i is barely considered a spec bump upgrade with performance remaining relatively similar to its previous model and only in certain situations, slightly better than some of its competitors. Lenovo skimped on screen specs to reach a price point many customers will appreciate in the midst of an inflationary economy.

When compared to other devices in the same category, the 7i 16 tends to come in $200 to 300 dollars cheaper in most configurations and offer up a decently calibrated, and wide 16:10 aspect ratio screen that can double as consumption device on the go. If weight, and bleeding edge screen tech aren’t on your shopping bingo card, the Lenovo 7i 16 could serve as your next big screen workstation.

Fix: This Action Won’t Work on Multiple Selections Excel Error

Posted on June 15, 2023September 27, 2024 by Srishti Sisodia

The This action won’t work on multiple selections error typically appears when you try to execute an action that is not supported or incompatible with multiple selections in Excel.

In this guide, we will explore the causes behind this error and provide solutions to help you overcome this issue. Let’s get started.

What can I do if this action won’t work on multiple selections?

Before we go to the advanced fixes, here are a few preliminary checks you should do:

Restart the computer.
Save and exit the Workbook and open it again to perform the action.

Once done, follow the methods mentioned below to fix and avoid the issue.

1. Make the selections properly

Select the data you want to copy on the other sheet.
Go to the destination sheet, right-click, and select Paste Special.
Now choose All to paste the values with formulas.
Click OK to confirm the choice.

To avoid this multiple selections error, you need to ensure the selections should be from the same columns or rows.

Check all the sheets on the Workbook to ensure that the data on all the sheets apart from the one you want is unselected.

Also, while pasting the values from multiple regions, and want to copy & paste the formulas as well.

2. Use the Clipboard to paste the data

Click Clipboard.
Select the data from the desired columns and rows. If the rows and columns are not intersecting, we suggest you repeat the action to add all of them to the Clipboard.
Once all the values are on the Clipboard, go to the sheet where you want to paste the values. You can either click Paste all to them or click on them one by one and paste them on the sheet.

3. Ungroup the sheets

Right-click a sheet tab and click Select All Sheets on the Excel workbook.
Now right-click any sheet tab, and choose Ungroup Sheets.

3. Create a new copy

Right-click a sheet tab and click Select All Sheets on the Excel workbook.
Now right-click any sheet tab, and choose the Move or Copy action.
You will receive a prompt; select (new book), then place a checkmark next to Create a copy box and click OK.

In Excel, an action might fail on multiple selections because some operations only work on single cells or ranges.

If the selected cells have different data types, like numbers and text, it can confuse Excel. Certain features also have limits that prevent them from applying to multiple selections, and mixed formula references can cause conflicts.

So, these are the causes and the solutions that can help you address This action won’t work on multiple selections error message in Excel, allowing you to work efficiently with numerous cells or ranges and accomplish your tasks effectively.

If you are facing issues like Excel not opening on Windows 11, we suggest you check out this informative guide to fix it.

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

Play EA Sports PGA Tour and 3 more games with Xbox Free Play Days

Posted on June 15, 2023 by Robert Collins

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Xbox Free Play Days has a stacked lineup once again this week with four games for subscribers of Xbox Live Gold and Xbox Game Pass Ultimate to try out. These games will be available as part of Xbox Free Play Days from Thursday, June 15 through Sunday, June 18. Check out the lineup for this week below.

EA SPORTS™ PGA TOUR™

Take on the greatest challenge in golf, the U.S. Open, at The Los Angeles Country Club, only in EA SPORTS™ PGA TOUR™.
– Play unique challenges and complete quests inspired by the U.S Open.
– Access exciting new content, golf gear drops to customize your golfer, and online tournaments to test your skills on the course.

The exclusive home of the Majors, EA SPORTS™ PGA TOUR™ features Pure Strike for superior golf gameplay powered by ShotLink®, and unrivaled access to the world’s most exclusive golf courses.

Bomber Crew Deluxe Edition

Bomber Crew is a World-war 2 strategic bombing sim, where completing the objective is just as important as keeping your crew alive, as death is permanent!

Take to the skies in this immersive flight simulation where each mission is a high-risk expedition. Manage everything from fuel, ammo, hydraulics and more in your very own physics based Bomber, which can be customized with an array of liveries and paint jobs!

Danger comes from every angle when the wheels are up Enemy fighters, flak guns, poor weather and an array of other perilous dangers await, so ensure your Crew are prepared for each mission correctly, and come back victorious!

OddBallers™

Use brutally unfair tactics to mess with your opponents in this wacky multiplayer party game!

• Play a new type of hard-hitting dodgeball
Dodge, block, and grab whatever you can to throw at the faces of your frenemies. And use the environment to crush opponents with electrical fences, explosive gas tanks, or tennis ball launchers.

• Embrace the absurd
Every arena comes with its own rules and features various frantic mini-games where anything can happen! From last-one-standing games to team-based battles to running for your life wearing a rooster costume, or knocking opponents out with fresh fish.

• Challenge your friends
Test your skills (and friendships) online or locally! Play with up to four players in your living room, or take the matches online and compete against five other contenders.

• Switch up your playing field
From rustic farms to waterfront towns to paradise islands, each environment features more than 20 different arenas and unique mini-games for even more fun.

• Customize your character
Customize your character from head to toe with hundreds of hilarious outfits, haircuts, and more to be the best-looking in the arena. You can even pick your favorite dance move to taunt your fallen foes, and tailor each mini-game to your taste!

Greak: Memories of Azur

Greak: Memories of Azur is a side scrolling single-player game with hand-drawn animations. You will take the role of three siblings: Greak, Adara and Raydel to guide them through the lands of Azur. Alternate control between them and use their unique abilities to escape from the Urlag invasion.

Greak is the name of the main character, and the smallest brother of three. He belongs to a magical race called the Courines, which are currently under the attack of an enemy invasion from a faction called the Urlags.

This battle has been going on for a long time, and the Courines are starting to flee their own lands. Greak’s goal is to reunite with his brother (Raydel) and his sister (Adara) and then escape the lands of Azur by Building an Airship piece by piece.

Throughout the game, you will find each sibling in different scenarios, and once you do, they will join the adventure and help you progress through the game.

Don’t miss this week’s Xbox Free Play Days event

With four eclectic games on the roster there is bound to be something for everyone here. To learn more head over to the Xbox Free Play Days FAQ page.

Featured image via Xbox.com.

Starfield gets a negative review on Metacritic…months before its release

Posted on June 15, 2023 by Robert Collins

Bethesda’s upcoming sci-fi RPG Starfield has been in the news quite a lot this week following Sunday’s Starfield Direct. Expectations for the game have soared to stratospheric heights after the 45-minute deep dive showcase, and Xbox has a lot riding on the game’s success when it releases on September 6.

Unfortunately the game’s first review is a negative one. As reported by @PeterOvo5 over on Twitter, a user review has appeared on Metacritic giving Starfield a negative score.

Shocking: Metacritic has already uploaded a user review score for Starfield, and it is a negative score that rates the game at a 0.

View here: https://t.co/PwVFIQLgi8 pic.twitter.com/z0aUfAHkdW

— PeterOvo (808) (@PeterOvo5) June 14, 2023

The review comes just shy of three months before the game’s actual release. The user review begins,

Bethesda – because making games that work out of the box is less important than figuring out all the ways to extract as much money form your bank account as possible.”

The user is likely referencing Bethesda Game Studios’ most recent release, Redfall, which launched to a spectacularly poor reception after months of anticipation. Also, the second part of the review’s opening alludes to the possibility of microtransactions in the game. While this has not been confirmed (or ruled out), some have pointed to Starfield’s ESRB rating, which notes “In-game Purchases,” as proof.

The user goes on to disparage Bethesda Game Studios director Todd Howard. The review seems to be no longer viewable on Metacritic at the time of this writing, although the negative review is still noted on the user review page in the user score distribution field. The info box displays a message saying,

There are no user reviews yet – It is not possible to submit a review prior to this game’s official release.”

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Starfield

Developer:
Bethesda Softworks

Price:
Free

Via Gamerficial.

How to Disable Check Boxes in File Explorer

Posted on June 15, 2023October 4, 2023 by Taiba Hasan

Many of our readers have been annoyed by check boxes that appear on each file or folder icon in File Explorer. Check boxes help you select multiple files and folders, especially on touchscreen devices.

However, this feature is running the user experience of most Windows users who prefer using the Shift and Ctrl shortcut to select multiple files/folders at a time.

If you are one of those users who want to remove the checkboxes in File Explorer, walk through this guide to find out the proven solutions.

How to disable folder check boxes in File Explorer?

1. Disable item checkboxes

Launch the File Explorer using the Windows + E shortcut key.
Click the View option located on the top menu bar to reveal the related settings drop-down.
Select Show from the dropdown menu and then click the Item check boxes option from the sub-menu if it was checked previously.

Now exit the File Explorer window and upon re-launch, the check boxes next to folders will not appear anymore.

2. Modify the Folder Options settings

Launch the File Explorer using the Windows + E shortcut.
Click on the More icon (three horizontal dots) located at the top menu bar and select Options from the drop-down menu.
Switch to the View tab of the Folder Options windows and scroll down the Advanced settings section.
Uncheck the box preceding the Use check boxes to select items and click Apply to save the changes and OK to exit the window.

3. Modify the registry

NOTE

Editing the registry is a risky task which is not done carefully can render your PC broken. As a precautionary step, it is recommended to back up your registry before you perform the following steps.

Use the Windows + R shortcut to launch the Run dialog box, type the following command in the text box and hit the Enter key. regedit
Expand the keys in the registry editor window to navigate to the following path. Computer\HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advanced
Find AutoCheckSelect in the right section and if not found, right-click anywhere, and choose New followed by DWORD (32-bit) from the context menu.
Rename the DWORD as AutoCheckSelect.
Now right-click AutoCheckSelect and choose Modify from the context menu.
Assign 0 to the Value data field and press OK to save the changes.

If the previous two methods did not sort out the issue, you can explicitly edit the registry to remove the check box from File Explorer.

4. Create a new administrator account

Log into your administrator account and use the Windows + I shortcut to launch the Settings app.
Switch to Accounts from the left sidebar and then select Other users (Family & other users in some versions) from the right section.
Next, press the Add account button located next to Add other user option.
Click I don’t have this person’s sign-in information on the new pop-up window.
Next, select the Add a user without a Microsoft account option.
Finally, on the next page, provide the username and confirm the password by entering it twice.
After the new user account is created, access the Other Users section once again and click the newly created account name.
Click the Change account type button located under the revealed settings and select the Administrator option on the popup that appears.
Now log out of the current account you’re logged into and sign in to your newly created administrative account. Hopefully, the problem would be resolved.

Creating a new user account with administrative rights will remove the check box in File Explorer if it persisted because of a corrupt user account.

How to disable checkboxes in File Explorer on a convertible laptop?

Switch to the laptop mode on the 2 in 1 laptop.
Use the Windows + R shortcut to launch the Run dialog box, type the following in the text box and press OK to access the Registry Editor. regedit
Navigate to the ImmersiveShell key in the registry editor window by pasting the following path. Computer\HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\ImmersiveShell
Here, right-click DeviceConvertible in the right section and choose Modify from the context menu.
Assign 0 in the Value data field and press OK to save the changes.
Now exit the registry editor window and sign out of your account. Wait for some time and sign back into Windows. You will see that the check boxes no longer appear near files and folders in File Explorer.

Disabling the tablet mode or touchscreen feature on your dual laptop will successfully remove the check box from File Explorer.

That’s all in this quick guide to disable the check boxes in File Explorer on Windows PC.

Before you leave, you may want to fix the file explorer search feature if it runs into issues from time to time.

In case of any comments or feedback, do reach out to us in the comments section.

The European launch of Google’s AI chatbot, Bard, has been postponed due to privacy concerns

Posted on June 15, 2023 by Radu Tyrsina

According to a recent report from Politico, the launch of Google’s generative AI chatbot, Bard, in the European Union has been delayed due to privacy concerns. The chatbot was previously expanded to over 180 countries worldwide but did not include the EU.

Irish Data Protection Commission Deputy Commissioner Graham Doyle noted that Google had been preparing to introduce Bard in the region, but this plan has been postponed for the time being.

We said in May that we wanted to make Bard more widely available, including in the European Union, and that we would do so responsibly, after engagement with experts, regulators, and policymakers., a Google spokesperson said, as reported by Politico.

The Commission has stated that Google did not furnish sufficient information concerning the measures it would undertake to safeguard the privacy of EU citizens. This lack of transparency has reportedly caused a delay in the launch of Google’s Bard in the region. The Irish regulator is conducting an ongoing examination of Bard and has announced that the launch will no longer happen this week.

The regulatory body in Ireland has sought clarification from the company on its adherence to the EU’s data protection regulations and is currently awaiting a comprehensive assessment and response.

In a similar vein, OpenAI’s ChatGPT also faced challenges in the EU, causing the CEO to consider withdrawing the product. Additionally, Microsoft’s Bing AI, powered by OpenAI’s GPT-4, is accessible in Europe, but the EU is examining ChatGPT and other AI products through a dedicated task force.

In March, Google Bard attracted criticism due to claims that it was trained using users’ data from Gmail, posing potential privacy risks. The chatbot was developed to compete with the rising popularity of ChatGPT and Bing Chat and offers similar features. However, since Artificial Intelligence relies on data sets, there are some major privacy concerns surrounding its use.

Via Verge

GTA 5 gets a huge update with visual improvements for Xbox Series X|S

Posted on June 15, 2023 by Robert Collins

Grand Theft Auto V is now nearly a decade old, but that hasn’t stopped Rockstar Games from giving the open-world action adventure a massive update which is now live.

Update 1.67, also known as the San Andreas Mercenaries Update, brings a whole gamut of improvements in addition to some new content. As per the patch notes page on Rockstar’s website,

The San Andreas Mercenaries update adds new Story Missions, Freemode content, updates to the Smuggler Hangar business, a PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S exclusive Career Progress feature, as well as a range of experience improvements and creator updates.

Many of the new features pertain specifically to the online aspect of the game. As stated in the patch notes, a current-gen Career Progress feature has been added for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S. Career Progress has 4 challenge tiers that “gives access to a range of challenges across GTA Online and provides exclusive rewards for players to earn.”

There are also new vehicles (7 of them all-new the game), new cosmetics and more. There are also some visual upgrades for the current-gen consoles, including raytracing performance improvements. Specific to the Xbox Series X|S version is a fix that “Improved the lighting fidelity seen through the windows during the Story Mode Mission Dead Man Walking on Xbox Series X|S.”

Rumors of the next installment of the franchise—Grand Theft Auto 6—have been hot lately. It has been reported that it will be the most expensive video game ever made.

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Grand Theft Auto V (Xbox Series X|S)

Developer:
Rockstar Games

Price:
$19.99

Via Gaming Bible.

Featured image via Xbox.com.

What is Microsoft Windows Desktop Runtime?

Posted on June 15, 2023October 4, 2023 by Sagar Naresh

Several Windows 11 users have asked us that when they head over to Programs and Features inside Control Panel, they see the Microsoft Windows Desktop Runtime listed.

They are confused as to what this does on their PC and whether they should keep it or remove it. In this guide, we will give you all the details you need to know about Microsoft Windows Desktop Runtime. Let us get right into it.

What does Microsoft Windows Desktop Runtime do?

Chances are that you might have heard about Microsoft .NET Framework and use it on your computer. .Net library contains shared codes for developers.

Using these codes, developers can infuse functions without the need to write codes from scratch. Moreover, any program written in .Net needs to have .Net Runtime installed.

You should also make sure to keep the Microsoft Windows Desktop Runtime up to date to ensure all associated apps run smoothly. The Desktop Runtime basically helps you to run the existing Windows desktop applications.

Using the Desktop Runtime, a program interacts with the computing resources it needs to work. They aren’t required to be installed separately on your PC.

Runtime also works when you start a program on your PC. This means, when a program is running on your PC, it is a runtime for that program. The .NET Core is utilized to build command-line modern websites, applications, and other services.

It was also known as a redistributable package or end-user runtime, however, with version 5.0 it is listed as Microsoft Windows Desktop Runtime within the Programs and Features section on Control Panel.

Which version should you download?

Another confusing aspect of the .Net is which version should you download. End users need to only download the Microsoft Windows Desktop Runtime.

So, to clarify this doubt, if you need .Net 3.5 or older, you should go for .Net 3.5. And in case, you want .Net 3.5 or higher, you should go for .Net 5.0.

How to check which Microsoft Windows Desktop Runtime version is installed?

1. Use Command Prompt

Press the Win key to open the Start menu.
Type Command Prompt and open it as an administrator.
Type the below command and press Enter: reg query "HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Net Framework Setup\NDP" /s
Check the version.

This is the easiest way to know which version of the Microsoft Windows Desktop Runtime you have currently installed on your computer.

2. Use Windows PowerShell

Press the Win key to open the Start menu.
Type Windows PowerShell and open it as an administrator.
Type the below command and press Enter.reg query "HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Net Framework Setup\NDP" /s
Check the version.

Apart from using Command Prompt, you can also use Windows PowerShell to check the version of the Microsoft Windows Desktop Runtime on your computer.

3. Check the version in Registry

Press the Win + R keys to open the Run dialogue.
Type regedit and press Enter.
Navigate to the below path and press Enter. Computer\HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft.NETFramework
Expand the NET Framework Setup folder.
Expand the NDP folder.
Click on any of the versions and then click on the Client folder.
Click on the Version registry entry to know the installed version.

Using the Registry editor to know about the currently installed version of the Microsoft Windows Desktop Runtime could be a lengthy task, but it gets the job done.

How can I uninstall Windows Desktop Runtime?

Press the Win key to open the Start menu.
Open Control Panel.
Select Programs and Features.
Select Microsoft Windows Desktop Runtime version that you wish to uninstall and click the Uninstall button at the top.
Follow the on-screen process to remove the program from your computer.
Reboot your PC.

Our guide explains how you can fix the corrupt registry on your PC. You should also check out our guide that gives you 4 methods to restore a registry without a backup.

That is it from us in this guide. You should check out our dedicated guide that explains how you can easily resolve the Runtime error 217 on your Windows computer.

We also have a guide that lists some solutions that will help you resolve the Runtime error 3709 on your Windows PC.

Feel free to let us know in the comments below if this guide helped you in understanding what Windows Desktop Runtime is and how to check the version installed on your PC.

Unable to Load Library dbdata.dll: 5 Ways to Fix It

Posted on June 15, 2023April 1, 2024 by Taiba Hasan

Dbdata.dll is a Dynamic link library (DLL) file, which is generally a part of Ubisoft games such as Assassin’s Creed Odyssey and Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six Siege, Watch Dogs, and others.

This DLL ensures that is used to ensure that the game works properly and the system resources are shared concurrently. Lately, Many PC gamers have been encountering the Unable to load library dbdata.dll error when trying to launch any Ubisoft game on their PC.

Why do I encounter unable to load library dbdata.dll error?

The dbdata.dll error can show up for several reasons. Let’s check out the most probable ones:

Corrupt system files – Essential system field can become corrupt for several reasons, like incomplete Windows updation.
Malware infection – Viruses and malware infections mess up the system and modify the files, which can no longer be retrieved by Windows.
Incomplete installation – If the game installation was interrupted somehow, the dbdata.dll file might have become corrupt, so it cannot be loaded.
App interference – Third-party antivirus software or Windows Defender Firewall may flag the DLL as malicious and block it for security reasons.

Now that we know what is causing this problem, let’s apply the solutions below to fix it.

How do I fix the Unable to load library dbdata.dll error?

Trying the following workarounds is recommended before you proceed with the complex methods listed after that.

Restart your computer to reset the temporary cache.
Install the latest Windows updates for your PC.
Uninstall the affected game and then reinstall it fresh.
Scan your PC with antivirus software to eliminate viruses and malware.

If the Unable to load library dbdata.dll still shows up during the game launch, try the solutions listed below in the given order.

1. Use a DLL fixer tool

The dbdata.dll library could not be loaded error primarily arises due to incompatibility between the Ubisoft game and Windows operating system.

DLL-related errors are hard to get around in general, especially if you are a novice user and don’t have an idea about system-level errors. In this situation, it’s advisable to seek help from a robust DLL fixer tool, available in the market.

2. Repair the system files

Press the Windows key to bring up the Start menu, type cmd on top, and select the Run as administrator option from the result section.
Now type or paste the following command and press the Enter key to initiate the SFC scan. sfc /scannow
Wait patiently until the SFC scan repairs the affected system files. After this, type or paste the following command and press the Enter key to run the DISM scan: DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-Image /Restorehealth
When the scanning process is complete, reboot your PC and see if the unable to load library dbdata.dll error persists.

The SFC and DISM utilities diagnose and repair the protected system files, which might fix the missing DLL error on Windows.

3. Verify the integrity of the game

NOTE

Before proceeding with the given steps, exit the game and disable the real-time protection feature of antivirus software to avoid it from restricting the verification process.

Launch the Ubisoft Connect app on your Windows PC and log into your gaming account.
Navigate to the Games tab from the top to view the gaming library.
Locate the game affected by the issue and click the downward arrow icon.
Click the View game details option present in the listed options.
Click the Properties section present under the game’s title and click Verify files button on the right of the window.
Once the verification process is completed, you will receive a notification about it. Then launch the affected game and see if the unable to load library dbdata.dll still restricts the game launch.

4. Allow the game through the firewall

Launch the Start menu by pressing the Windows key, type control panel in the search bar, and press Enter to quickly access the Contol Panel.
Change View by drop-down to Category and select System and Security option.
Click the Windows Defender Firewall option.
Click the Allow an app or feature through Windows Defender Firewall located on the left pane.
Press the Change settings button.
Scroll down the list of apps to locate your game. If the game is missing, click the Allow another app button.
On the next window that pops up, browse to the location of its installation folder, select its .EXE file, and press the Add button.
Enable the checkbox listed under the Private and Public section and press the OK button to save the changes.

Firewalls often block certain games and apps from launching on the PC, so explicitly allowing the game should help.

5. Manually install the DLL

If none of these methods help, you should consider downloading the dbdata.dll file from online sources as your last resort. Avoid downloading the DLLs from shady sources and go for trusted websites like DLL Files, which offer verified downloads.

After the download is complete, you need to paste the DLL into the installation directory of the affected game. You can also place it in the following folder to make the DLL file universally accessible. C:\Windows\System32

Now restart your PC to make the new DLL file detectable by your system. Then, launch the game and see if the dbdata.dll file is successfully loaded by the game you intend to play.

That’s all in this guide! Hope the issue you were facing while playing the game is resolved completely.

If you run into several DLL missing errors on your computer, refer to this guide to check out the possible solutions. As for a specific issue encountered by several users lately, our guide on the DevIl.dll library error: Effective solutions to resolve it is what you are looking for.

Which of the following methods did the trick? Do let us know in the comments section.

Microsoft releases Viva Pulse in public preview

Posted on June 15, 2023 by Radu Tyrsina

Last year, Microsoft expanded Viva Goals with new apps and services to mitigate some issues. The company further highlighted that the tools were designed to help boost morale and ultimately enhance the employee performance index. Some of the applications that debuted included Viva Amplify and Viva Pulse.

And now, Microsoft has announced that Viva Pulse is now shipping to public preview. For those not conversant with the application, it’s designed to enhance communication between managers and team leads. It uses both smart templates and research-backed questions to help businesses identify their strengths and weaknesses. In turn, they will get recommendations on how to address the issues.

According to Microsoft:

With Viva Pulse, managers and project leads can request ad-hoc feedback on topics to better understand their team’s needs and address them in the moment. Pre-populated, research-validated survey templates help zero in on important topics such as change management or work situations. Managers and leads can also customize templates to meet their unique team needs.

Additionally, users will be able to leverage the tool’s capabilities to provide team leaders and managers with swift responses highlighting their sentiments on certain matters, This will, in turn, help with the decision-making process and ultimately play a major role in determining the success of the project. “Survey senders can leverage automatic sentiment analysis which saves time and helps them focus on areas of opportunity for the team. To ensure employee confidentiality, managers and project leads receive an aggregated view of survey results,” says Microsoft in the blog post.

Once the feedback is given to the team leader, Viva Pulse will also suggest the next steps that should be followed based on the feedback results. This way, employees will get a sense of belonging and that the issues they raised are being heard. Microsoft is set to ship VIva Pulse to general availability next month.

Mscomm32.ocx is Missing: How to Fix or Download it Again

Posted on June 15, 2023April 2, 2024 by Srishti Sisodia

When your computer fails to access or locate mscomm32.ocx file, then you may see the mscomm32.ocx is missing error.

In this guide, we will walk you through each step, providing clear instructions and best practices to fix the error.

What is mscomm32.ocx?

The mscomm32.ocx file is a component of Microsoft’s ActiveX controls, specifically the Microsoft Communications Control.

This file is used by several applications to enable communication and interaction with external devices, such as barcode scanners, modems, electronic scales, and other equipment connected via serial ports.

It provides programming interfaces that allow developers to implement serial communication functionality within their software.

Most recent versions of Windows have deprecated the use of ActiveX controls and replaced it with .NET. However, there are some legacy apps that rely on mscomm32.ocx file, which may encounter issues if the file is missing.

Why is mscomm32.ocx missing?

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

Corrupted file – If the mscomm32.ocx file is corrupted or damaged due to malware infection, improper shutdown, or hardware issues; you may see this error.
Improperly registered – The file may not be registered correctly in the Windows system registry, leading to this error. You need to re-register the file to fix it.
Compatibility issues – The software that relies on Mscomm32.ocx may not be compatible with the version of the file installed on the computer, causing the error.
Registry issues – If your computer has registry issues, including broken entries, it may lead to this error. Run a registry cleaner to resolve the problem.

Now that you know the causes, let us check the solutions to fix them.

How can I fix the mscomm32.ocx missing error?

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

Make sure you have the admin rights to perform the methods mentioned below.
Try restarting your computer.
Ensure your Windows is up to date.
Run a registry cleaner.
Restart or reinstall the program that is throwing the error.

Once you are done with these steps, move to the methods mentioned.

1. Re-register the file

Press the Windows key, type cmd, and click Run as administrator.
Type the following command to unregister the mscomm32.ocx file and hit Enter: regsvr32 /u MSCOMM32.OCX
Once the process is complete, copy & paste the following command and press Enter: regsvr32 /i MSCOMM32.OCX
Close the Command Prompt and restart the app associated with the problem.

Once your PC is up, check if the issue persists.

2. Run SFC & DISM scans

Press the Windows key, type cmd, and click Run as administrator.
Copy & paste the following command to restore Windows OS image files and press Enter: DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
Once the command is run, the DISM uses Windows Update to provide the files that are required to fix corruption; once done, type the following command to replace corrupted files with a cached copy and hit Enter: sfc/scannow
It may take several minutes for the command operation to complete; once done, restart your computer.

To make this process easier and prevent other errors from occurring by doing this manually, we suggest using a specialized repair software.

3. Download the file manually

Go to the OCXMe website and click Download.
Once the file is downloaded, right-click it and select Show in folder.
Copy the file and navigate to the former path for 32-bit and the latte path for 64-bit:
- C:\Windows\System32\ folder C:\Windows\SysWOW64\ folder
Paste the file once you are in the folder to restore the missing file.

So, these are steps that you can take to resolve the mscomm32.ocx missing error and ensure the smooth operation of your applications.

If you are wondering how to fix other corrupt or missing files on your computer, we suggest you check out this guide to find the solutions.

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

How to deploy Windows 11 to multiple computers at once

Posted on June 14, 2023October 4, 2023 by Flavius Floare

If you’re an admin in an organization, chances are you needed to install Windows 11 on the organization’s PCs.

You can, of course, use a lot of tools to sync the devices of your organization. But is there a solution to deploy Windows 11 to multiple computers at once?

In a Reddit thread, a user is asking the same thing, and the answers are varied, but definitely yes. You can deploy Windows 11 to multiple computers at once.

How to setup 50 windows 11 PC’s at once
byu/Working_Wombat_12 insysadmin

The thing is, which solution would be the best in this case? There are quite a lot of ways you can do that. However, every solution takes a certain time to complete, and what if you need to do it quickly? Follow our guide, and we’ll tell you what are your options when thinking about deploying Windows 11 to multiple computers at once.

Here’s how to deploy Windows 11 to multiple computers at once

Before we start, you should know that these solutions will take time, depending on what apps you have available, how much time, how many USB drives, and so on.

Deploy Windows 11 to multiple computers with Microsoft Intune

The most obvious way to deploy Windows 11 to multiple computers at once is through Microsoft Intune. The app should make it very easy for you to update your entire organization’s PCs at once, in an automated way.

That means you won’t really have to check every system, the updating will happen automatically after the restart, and you won’t need to worry.

However, there are prerequisites that you need to be aware of before trying Microsoft Intune.

First, your organization must have one of the following subscriptions for deploying feature updates in Intune:

Windows 10/11 Enterprise E3 or E5 (included in Microsoft 365 F3, E3, or E5)
Windows 10/11 Education A3 or A5 (included in Microsoft 365 A3 or A5)
Microsoft 365 Business Premium
Windows 10/11 Virtual Desktop Access (VDA) per user

Second, the devices in Intune should be running a supported version of Windows 10. They also must be enrolled in Intune MDM and be Hybrid AD joined or Azure AD joined.

Third, and most important of all, the device should meet the Windows 11 minimum requirements to upgrade to Windows 11 in Intune.

If your organization already uses Microsoft Intune, then you’re in luck. You will be able de deploy Windows 11 very easily.

The steps to deploy Windows 11 with Microsoft Intune

Sign in to the Microsoft Endpoint Admin center (Intune Portal).
In the portal, go to Devices > Features Updates for Windows 10 and later.
Select Create Profile and define the required Windows 11 upgrade settings in the policy.
In the Deployment Settings tab, enter the name of the policy as Upgrade to Windows 11 using Feature update deployment.
Under Feature Deployment settings, select Windows 11 as a feature update to deploy.
In the Assignments tab, add the AAD groups to which you want to target the Windows 11 upgrade policy.
Click the +Add Groups button and select the ADD group.
Click Next.
Finally, on the Review + Create tab, click Create.
Under Feature Updates for Windows 10 and later, you can see the new profile that you created for Windows 11 upgrade.
You must restart the computer to install the latest Windows feature update. Select Restart Now, and click it.

Deploy Windows 11 to multiple computers with Microsoft Deployment Toolkit (MDT)

You can also try to deploy Windows 11 with Microsoft Deployment Toolkit, which is a free tool that you can download from Microsoft.

You need to create a Windows 11 operating system folder in the Deployment Workbench.
Once you’re done, you will import the Windows 11 files.
You will then create a Windows 11 task sequence similar to Intune.
Using the Windows 11 task, you will build and capture the image file.
You deploy the Windows 11 image captured with Microsoft Deployment Toolkit.

You can also try the classic way of using multiple USB tools at once, but you will have to move a lot between computers, and it will take a lot of time.

If you’re dealing with 50 computers at once, as in the Reddit thread, the best solution is by far Microsoft Intune. Your organization should already run on it if it has Windows PCs already. MDT can be useful, but it can become very tiring, as the process is not entirely automated.

You can also check the Reddit thread for more unconventional solutions. You can use all sorts of third-party apps to clone images quickly. But if they’re not connected to a shared network, it will be very time-consuming to deploy Windows 11 on all of them.

How to upgrade your HoloLens 2 to Windows 11

Posted on June 14, 2023June 14, 2023 by Flavius Floare

It seems that the era of augmented reality is upon us, once again. Recently, Apple announced its Apple Vision Pro, a headset set to revolutionize all headsets. In light of this news, Microsoft has also released Windows Holographic, version 23H1, the June 2023 Update for its HoloLens 2.

You will be able to upgrade your HoloLens 2 to Windows 11. And if you haven’t done it already, then you should do it. You’ll have a seamless experience with it, and exciting new features are coming to it as well.

Version 23H1 is now available to your HoloLens 2, and Microsoft will also discontinue the support for the Windows Holographic version 20H2, so there is another reason to update it.

Here’s how to upgrade your HoloLens 2 to Windows 11

HoloLens 2 will move to Windows 11 with the 23H1 release.

To upgrade your HoloLens 2 devices they must be currently running the 21H1 May 2021 update (build 20346.1002) or newer.

If the 23H1 feature update is not available, Microsoft advises you to update your device and try again, as the newer updates will be automatically suggested to you.

You should know that, if you are on a version that is older than Windows Holographic version 20H2 (Build 19041.1136), you first need to update to the February 2021 update (build 19041.1136 or newer). Then you will be able to update to the 21H1 May 2021 update (build 20346.1002) or newer.

But let’s stick to the exciting things. Here are all the features coming to HoloLens 2 on Windows 11 with the new update.

These features are coming to HoloLens 2 with the new update on Windows 11

Feature	Description	User or scenario
Store app update from Settings feature	Introduces the option to manually check for app updates from the Settings app.	All
WebView2 control now available	The Microsoft Edge WebView2 control allows you to embed web technologies (HTML, CSS, and JavaScript) in your native apps and is now available for the HoloLens 2.	Developer
Device reset requirements in the Settings Application	Devices must have sufficient battery and free disk space to perform a device reset.	All
Removing placements of an app in the mixed world	An option to close one or all placements of an app is now available in the context menu.	All
Automatic update of Dynamics 365 Remote Assist and Dynamics 365 Guides during Autopilot flow	When provisioning a HoloLens 2 device using Autopilot, Dynamics 365 applications will update automatically.	IT Admin
Reboot CSP enabled and related changes	Hololens now supports weekly scheduled reboots and other options.	IT Admin
Update available notification	Shows user that update is available when looking at the start menu.	End User
Autopilot reset experience	Improvements in Autopilot reset experience to enable users to reset HoloLens 2 and restart Autopilot without requiring manual flashing.	IT Admin
Biometrics disclosure screen	Displays information to all new users on what biometrics the device uses.	All
Remove users on device	New policies to manage when to remove users from the device to prevent hitting the maximum limit.	IT Admin
Fixes improvements	Fixes and improvements for HoloLens.	All

As you can see, every professional can enjoy the new HoloLens 2 features, as they can be used for work, school projects and so many more.

Are you excited about the new HoloLens 2 features? Let us know in the comments section below.

How to Fix Your Arrow Keys if They’re Not Working in Teams

Posted on June 14, 2023December 3, 2025 by Sagar Naresh

Several of our readers have reported that for them the left and right arrow keys are not working in Microsoft Teams. There can be multiple reasons behind this issue.

And that is exactly what we are going to discuss in this guide along with the solutions to fix the problem. Let us get right into it.

Why are my arrow keys not working in Microsoft Teams?

We dug into the internet and found out a few common reasons that are possibly causing the arrow keys to not work in Microsoft Teams.

Microsoft Teams is outdated – Chances are the version of Microsoft Teams that you are running is outdated and causing a problem because of some internal bug or glitch.
Keyboard driver is problematic – The keyboard driver might be missing some important files or the files are corrupt because of which the arrow keys are not working in Microsoft Teams.
Microsoft Teams cache is the culprit – Corrupt cache files for any program can always cause multiple issues on your PC, one of which is the problem at hand.
Some files are missing from your PC – There could be chances that some third-party programs have replaced files related to Microsoft Teams on your PC.

Let us now check out the solutions that will help you to resolve the arrow keys not working in Microsoft Teams problem.

What can I do if the arrow keys are not working in Microsoft Teams?

Before applying the solutions let us perform some quick checks and check if this fixes the issue or not.

Restart your computer and check if this fixes the issue. If it does, then it was a temporary glitch.
Restart Microsoft Teams and check if the problem is resolved or not.
Make sure you have the latest version of Microsoft Teams. You can check that in the About Teams menu from its settings.
Clean the arrow keys with a brush or a cloth and check if this works.
Check if the arrow keys are working on other programs or not. If not, then there is some issue with your keyboard.

Now let us jump to the advanced solutions and resolve the problem. You can also check this guide on fixing arrow keys not working on your keyboard to rule out system level problems before focusing only on Microsoft Teams.

1. Reinstall Microsoft Teams

Press the Win + I key to open the Settings menu.
Click on Apps from the left pane.
Select Installed apps.
Locate Microsoft Teams and click on the 3-dot menu.
Select Uninstall.
Visit the official website and download the program.
Install and launch the program and check if the issue exists or not.

Reinstalling Microsoft Teams will help replace the files that are problematic or are causing problems. Simply follow the above steps and reinstall the program and check if this fixes the issue or not.

2. Clear the Microsoft Teams cache

Close all instances of Microsoft Teams.
Press the Win + R keys to open the Run dialogue.
Type the below command and press Enter:%appdata%\Microsoft\Teams
Press Ctrl + A to select all files and press the Del button to delete all selected files.
Restart Microsoft Teams.

The above two ways will help you get rid of the Microsoft Teams cache files that could be causing the arrow keys to not work with the program.

3. Update the keyboard driver

Press the Win key to open the Start menu.
Type Device Manager and open it.
Expand the Keyboards section.
Double-click on your keyboard to open it.
Switch to the Driver tab.
Click on Update driver.
Select Search automatically for drivers option.
Restart your computer.

4. Repair/reset the Microsoft Teams app

Press Win + I keys to open the Settings menu.
Click on Apps on the left pane.
Select Installed apps.
Hit the 3-dot menu icon and select Advanced options.
Scroll down and hit the Repair button and after the process, check if the arrow keys are working.
If they still don’t, repeat the steps and click on the Reset button instead.

That is it from us in this guide. If you want to know how you can use Microsoft Teams Organization Chart, then refer to our dedicated guide and learn the steps.

Feel free to let us know in the comments below, which one of the above solutions resolved the problem for you.

Google Docs offline might be coming to Microsoft Edge

Posted on June 14, 2023June 14, 2023 by Flavius Floare

Good news for Windows users this week. Patch Tuesday updates are here and they brought with them a lot of Security updates for your PC. Among other features, Bluetooth Low Energy Audio is also on all Windows 11 PCs right now, so your wireless devices will last longer than ever.

On another hand, it seems that Edge users might be getting some exciting features as well. As spotted by Windows enthusiast @Leopeva64, Google Docs offline might be coming to Microsoft Edge very soon.

The "Google Docs Offline" extension has been automatically installed on one of my devices on Edge Canary, I checked on Dev, Beta and Stable and the extension is not installed on any of those versions, so it looks like this is another experiment on Canary. pic.twitter.com/eMyEDAqrJE
— Leopeva64 (@Leopeva64) June 14, 2023

The “Google Docs Offline” extension has been automatically installed on one of my devices on Edge Canary, I checked on Dev, Beta and Stable and the extension is not installed on any of those versions, so it looks like this is another experiment on Canary.
@leopeva64

While we don’t know if this feature is going to make it in the final release, or if it’s going to be released soon, it is an exciting feature. Especially if your work day by day requires you to use Google Docs, Edge might be the best way to use them. So Microsoft could have a winning feature here.

How to enable Google Docs offline in Microsoft Edge

It looks like you can enable the feature very easily.

Open your Microsoft Edge, go to Settings and more, and select Extensions.
Once you’re there, go to From other sources, and turn on Google Docs Offline.

As per @Leopeva64, the feature is only available on Microsoft Edge Canary, so it’s not available to the general public yet, but these steps should come in handy for when it will be.

Edge has been getting a lot of improvements lately. For example, in Edge, you can now get Bing’s input on images, in a feature that is absolutely amazing.

You can just upload images in Bing Chat, and the AI tool will give you its input on them, as well as recommend suggestions and ideas.

And it’s also good to know that Copilot is coming to Windows 11 soon. So it might be possible that Edge will also benefit from it. Slowly, but surely, Edge lives up to its potential, so it’s exciting to be an Edge user right now.

What do you think about it? Are you using Edge? Are you excited about this new feature coming to it soon? Be sure to let us know your opinions and ideas in the comment sections below.

LongMem is Microsoft’s answer for unlimited context length

Posted on June 14, 2023June 14, 2023 by Flavius Floare

Microsoft has been at the forefront of AI education, and AI tools, in general. Copilot is coming to Windows 11 very soon, as part of Windows updates. AI is making its way into Microsoft Teams, with an intelligent recap helping people work easier.

Bing is also one of the most exciting AI tools around, and its features allow you to optimize both your work and the way you navigate the Internet.

But earlier this week, Microsoft also unveiled that Orca 13B will soon become open source. Orca 13B is a small AI model that performs at the same quality and speed as the other AI models, such as ChatGPT.

Now, in the battle of AIs and AI research, Microsoft is coming up with LongMem, a hypothetical framework and AI language model.

According to this Reddit thread, LongMem allows for unlimited context length at a reduced GPU, and CPU memory usage. All of these are done at a faster speed.

Microsoft Research proposes new framework, LongMem, allowing for unlimited context length along with reduced GPU memory usage and faster inference speed. Code will be open-sourced
byu/llamaShill inLocalLLaMA

Is LongMem the Microsoft answer for unlimited context length?

Well, to understand what it means to have an unlimited context length, we first need to understand what does context length mean?

Context length refers to the number of tokens (words, signs, etc) permitted by a model, its input and output, and yours as well.

For example, ChatGPT has a limited number of tokens which means its context length is limited as well. As soon as ChatGPT passes that limit, then all the continuous interaction that you had with it up to that point, will lose all significance. Or better said, it will reset.

So if you’re starting a conversation with ChatGPT on the subject of Windows, and that conversation lasts more than the limited context length, then the AI tool will lose the context, and will either start to deviate from the subject, or the whole conversation will reset.

An unlimited context length will make sure that won’t happen, and the AI model will continue to answer you on the subject, while also learning and adapting information as you talk to it about Windows.

That means the AI model will also personalize the conversation according to your input, hence the need for the context to have an unlimited length.

How does LongMem work?

Microsoft promises just that with their new research on the framework, LongMem. LongMem would enable large language models to memorize long-term contexts and utilize long-term memory at the reduced CPU power.

The framework consists of a frozen large language model as the memory encoder, a residual side network as the memory retriever and reader, and a cached memory bank that stores key-value pairs from past contexts.

In the research done by Microsoft, experiments show that LongMem outperforms baselines on long-text language modeling, long-context understanding, and memory-augmented in-context learning tasks. Plus, long-term memory allows it to utilize more demonstration examples for better learning.

And the good news is that LongMem will be open-source. So you will be able to study it and learn how to implement the framework in your own AI model. You can check its GitHub profile here.

And if you’re interested to read the whole research paper on the framework, head over here and check it out.

What do you think about this new technological breakthrough? Will it revolutionize the way AI models work? Be sure to let us know your thoughts and opinions below.

Msdt.exe: What is it & How to Fix its Errors

Posted on June 14, 2023April 2, 2024 by Loredana Harsana

It’s not uncommon to encounter msdt.exe errors upon starting up MSDN Disc 3712. These errors are typically the result of a damaged, infected, or absent executable file. To remedy this issue, consider replacing the problematic EXE file with a new one.

In our prior guide, we delved into the reasons behind how to remove Msdtc.exe. Today, we find ourselves in a similar situation.

However, it is crucial to identify its underlying cause before we can address the issue at hand.

What is msdt.exe?

The msdt.exe file is an essential software component of the Windows OS, which can be found in the System32 folder. If you spot it elsewhere, it might be a red flag for malware, and you should have your security software scan it.

The Diagnostics Troubleshooting Wizard process is one of the crucial components of Windows files that trigger the Microsoft Distributed Transaction Service.

How can I fix msdt.exe errors?

1. Use Windows Update

On your home screen search bar type update Windows and click Open.
Now click on Check for updates.
Wait patiently as the update process is ongoing.

2. Run System File Checker

On your home screen type in cmd inside the search bar and Run as administrator.
Next if the UAC screen pops up click Yes.
Type the following command and press Enter: sfc /scannow
While the SFC will scan for msdt.exe issues, follow the on-screen commands and kindly wait until the process is done.
Lastly, if the following commands didn’t work, run the following commands one by one:
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /CheckHealth DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

After both SFC and DISM scans are finished, check if the problem is still there.

If the Windows scan didn’t solve your file error, we suggest you use a forecast repair tool and solve any damaged files in your PC.

3. Perform System Restore

Hold down the Windows + R keys to open it, input this rstrui in the Run text box and click OK.
The System Restore Window might include Choose a different restore point. Choose it and click Next.
Check the Show more restore points checkbox to see a complete list of dates.
Click the Next button and then click Finish to confirm your restore point.

At this point, your computer will restart normally and boot up with a restored version of Windows, and the msdt.exe error should be handled.

We sincerely hope that our all-inclusive guide has provided you with valuable insights to alleviate your concerns. Dealing with this issue may not be as daunting as it initially appears.

If you encounter any additional issues, we suggest consulting our comprehensive manual on MSDTC encountered an error. This handbook provides comparable solutions to resolve your predicament.

Your input on this matter is greatly valued, and we are eager to hear your perspective. Feel free to leave a comment below and share your thoughts with us.

What is Musallat.exe & How to Quickly Get Rid of It

Posted on June 14, 2023October 4, 2023 by Loredana Harsana

The MusaLLaT.exe file is classified as a Trojan virus, malicious software that can carry out numerous harmful activities on a compromised computer.

These nefarious deeds can range from stealing confidential data to deploying other types of malware and even granting unauthorized access and control of the targeted system to cyber criminals.

In our previous guide, we explored how to remove filerepmalware. Presently, we face a comparable predicament again.

Nevertheless, before tackling the problem at hand, it is imperative first to recognize its root cause.

What is Musallat.exe?

The MusaLLaT.exe file has been identified as a noxious program commonly employed by Trojan malware to execute an array of malicious activities.

If you don’t delete this file, your computer may be at risk of remote access and various other security threats.

How can I get rid of musallat.exe?

1. Uninstall malicious software

On your home screen, click on the Start icon and select Settings.
Now select Apps and next choose Apps & Features.
Locate the malicious apps under the Apps list at the far right, click on the three dots and Uninstall them.
Lastly, reboot your system.

2. Scan your PC with Windows Defender

Select Start on your home screen and click on Settings.
Now click on Privacy & Security, then select Windows Security.
Next click Virus & threat protection.
Lastly, click on Quick scan to perform a scan on your PC.

We trust that our comprehensive manual has been of great help in addressing your worries. It’s quite apparent that tackling this problem is not as overwhelming as one might think at first glance.

If you face any further complications, we recommend referring to our extensive handbook on how to get rid of DismHost.exe. This guide presents similar remedies to tackle your problem.

We highly appreciate your contribution regarding this matter and are keenly interested in knowing your viewpoint. Feel free to leave a comment below and express your feedback with us.

WindowsApps Folder: How to Find & Access It

Posted on June 14, 2023October 4, 2023 by Henderson Jayden Harper

The WindowsApps folder is hidden in the C:\Program Files directory on Windows OS. It contains the installation files for apps installed from the Microsoft Store.

However, users encounter issues finding the WindowsApps folder. This article will show you how to access the WindowsApps folder on Windows 11.

How do I find and access the WindowsApps folder?

1. Access the WindowsApps folder via File Explorer

Press the Windows + E key to open File Explorer.
Go to the C:\Program Files directory and click the View tab on the File Explorer ribbon.
Navigate to the Show/hide section, and click on the box in front of the Hidden items to show hidden folders.
Navigate to the WindowsApps folder, right-click on the folder, and select Properties from the drop-down.
Click on the Security tab at the top of the newly opened window. Tap on the Advanced button in the bottom right corner of the window.
Select the Change option on the Advanced Security Setting for WindowsApps.
Click on the Enter Name to select bar, type in your Windows Username, select the Check Name button, and then click OK.
Your username will appear next to the Owner. Check the box next to Replace owner sub-containers and object, then click OK to apply the changes.
Now you will have permission to open and edit the WindowsApps folder.

Using the above-stated steps will require the use of a Microsoft account to be able to change the folder ownership.

You can check our guide on why Windows File Explorer keeps crashing and how to fix it if it occurs on your PC.

2. Access the WindowsApps folder via a PowerShell Command

Left-click the Start button, type powershell, and click Run as administrator.
Click Yes on the User Account Control prompt.
Copy and paste the following lines and press Enter: takeown /f “C:\Program Files\WindowsApps” /r

The PowerShell command to find and access the WindowsApps folder is direct, advanced, and useful when other methods fail. This will provide Windows apps folder permissions.

However, if you experience issues using PowerShell, read on how to fix PowerShell not opening on your PC.

3. Access the WindowsApps folder via Registry

Download the Take ownership registry file from Revo.
Unzip the File and open the Add Take Ownership to Context menu registry file.
On the following page, select Yes to add it to the registry.
Click OK to close the popup and go to the C:\Program Files directory.
Right-click on the WindowsApps folder and click on Take Ownership from the drop-down menu.
You must give Account Control Administrator permission for the Registry file to work.

After trying the above steps, utilizing the Registry Hack may be the last resort. You can also learn how to use the Registry Hack to customize your Windows OS.

You should know that this guide will also help you access the WindowsApps folder on Windows 10 as well because the methods are identical.

Can I move the WindowsApps folder to another drive?

You can move the WindowsApps folder to another drive using File Explorer. Just cut and paste it to the desired drive on the other drive.

Ensure you have permission to move the folder and that you are not moving it to a read-only location.

Remember that if the folder contains any applications or programs, those applications or programs may no longer function once you move the WindowsApps folder to a new drive.

Alternatively, you can read about how to perform a Windows app cleanup to create more space on your device.

Also, you may our guide on ways to get back the missing WindowsApps folder on Windows 11 for more information.

Use the comments section below if you have any questions or other solutions to this problem.

What is Fontdrvhost.exe & How to Stop its High Disk Usage

Posted on June 14, 2023October 4, 2023 by Vlad Turiceanu

It’s not uncommon for certain Windows processes, such as fontdrvhost.exe, to occasionally take up a large amount of computer resources. Uncommonly, this behavior is normal. Programs with high resource demands, like video editors or IDEs, are often known for their insatiable appetite for system resources.

In a previous guide, we delved into deactivating the Dllhost.exe COM surrogate. Today, we find ourselves in a similar situation once more.

However, before we can address the issue at hand, we must identify its underlying cause.

What is fontdrvhost.exe?

The fontdrvhost.exe is an executable file that falls under the Usermode Font Driver Host process, a component of the Microsoft Windows Operating System Software created by the software development team at Microsoft.

When considering the significance of the fontdrvhost.exe process on a Windows Operating System, it is essential to exercise caution when attempting to delete it. In some cases, this process may be utilizing excessive CPU or GPU resources.

Additionally, if it happens to be malicious software or a virus, it could be operating in the background without your knowledge. Therefore, one must exercise vigilance before taking any action against this process.

How can I stop fontdrvhost.exe high disk usage?

1. Update Windows

On your home screen search, bar type update Windows and click Open.
Now click on Check for updates.
Be patient while Windows checks and downloads available updates.

2. Disable it via Task Manager

Hold down Ctrl+Shift+Esc to launch the Task Manager.
Switch to the Details tab.
Locate Details from the list, now choose the process and right-click and select End task.
Lastly, reboot your PC.

3. Run the system file checker

Hold the Windows + X keys together and choose Windows PowerShell (Admin) from the list of options.
When the UAC pops up, click Yes.
Type the following command and press Enter: sfc /scannow
Type the following command and press Enter: Repair-WindowsImage -Online -RestoreHealth
Finally, restart your system.

4. Uninstall conflicting software

Hold the Windows + R keys at the same time to open the Run window.
Type appwiz.cpl and click OK.
Immediately the Programs and Features page has popped up, right-click the suspected apps and uninstall them.
Restart your system.

We hope that our guide has provided valuable assistance in addressing your concern. Resolving this issue is not as daunting as it may initially seem.

If you encounter any additional obstacles, we suggest consulting our comprehensive guidebook on how to disable Windows 11 services. This manual offers comparable solutions to address your issue.

We value your input on this topic and are eager to hear your thoughts. Please don’t hesitate to comment below and share your feedback with us.

KB5027231: Patch Tuesday comes with Security updates for you

Posted on June 14, 2023June 14, 2023 by Flavius Floare

It’s that time of the month again. You guessed it. Patch Tuesday has arrived with some important security updates for Windows 11.

According to the Redmond-based tech giant, the KB5027231 specifically addresses security issues on your Windows 11, including improving on KB5026446‘s features on security.

It’s worth noting that this update focuses on no less than 73 CVEs that are either critical to moderate, and also offers support to 22 non-Microsoft CVEs, especially for Chrome and GitHub.

Fortunately, none of them is actively exploited at the moment, so you can catch your breath if you haven’t updated your Windows 11.

KB5027231: Here’s the complete list of CVEs Microsoft addressed on Patch Tuesday

Some of the most important CVEs addressed in this security update focus on critical CVEs that attack Visual Studio’s Net Framework, as well as Microsoft SharePoint Servers.

There is a particular CVE that is highly prone to attacks, CVE-2023-32013, and it concerns Windows Hyper-V Denial of Service, so you might want to update your system if it’s in your target.

Here’s the complete list of CVEs Microsoft addressed on Patch Tuesday.

Tag	CVE	Base Score	CVSS Vector	Exploitability	FAQs?	Workarounds?	Mitigations?
Azure DevOps	CVE-2023-21565	7.1	CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:L/A:N/E:U/RL:O/RC:C	Exploitation Less Likely	Yes	No	No
Azure DevOps	CVE-2023-21569	5.5	CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:L/UI:R/S:U/C:L/I:L/A:L/E:U/RL:O/RC:C	Exploitation Less Likely	Yes	No	No
.NET and Visual Studio	CVE-2023-24895	7.8	CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H/E:U/RL:O/RC:C	Exploitation Less Likely	Yes	No	No
Microsoft Dynamics	CVE-2023-24896	5.4	CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:L/UI:R/S:C/C:L/I:L/A:N/E:U/RL:O/RC:C	Exploitation Less Likely	Yes	No	No
.NET and Visual Studio	CVE-2023-24897	7.8	CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H/E:U/RL:O/RC:C	Exploitation Less Likely	Yes	No	No
.NET and Visual Studio	CVE-2023-24936	8.1	CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:H/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H/E:U/RL:O/RC:C	Exploitation Less Likely	Yes	No	No
Windows CryptoAPI	CVE-2023-24937	6.5	CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:N/I:N/A:H/E:U/RL:O/RC:C	Exploitation Less Likely	No	No	No
Windows CryptoAPI	CVE-2023-24938	6.5	CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:N/I:N/A:H/E:U/RL:O/RC:C	Exploitation Less Likely	No	No	No
Microsoft Exchange Server	CVE-2023-28310	8.0	CVSS:3.1/AV:A/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H/E:U/RL:O/RC:C	Exploitation More Likely	Yes	No	No
.NET Framework	CVE-2023-29326	7.8	CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H/E:U/RL:O/RC:C	Exploitation Less Likely	Yes	No	No
.NET Core	CVE-2023-29331	7.5	CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:N/I:N/A:H/E:P/RL:O/RC:C	Exploitation Less Likely	No	No	No
NuGet Client	CVE-2023-29337	7.1	CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:H/PR:L/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H/E:U/RL:O/RC:C	Exploitation Less Likely	Yes	No	No
Microsoft Edge (Chromium-based)	CVE-2023-29345	6.1	CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:C/C:L/I:L/A:N/E:U/RL:O/RC:C	Exploitation Less Likely	Yes	No	No
Windows NTFS	CVE-2023-29346	7.8	CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H/E:U/RL:O/RC:C	Exploitation Less Likely	Yes	No	No
Windows Group Policy	CVE-2023-29351	8.1	CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:N/I:H/A:H/E:U/RL:O/RC:C	Exploitation Less Likely	Yes	No	No
Remote Desktop Client	CVE-2023-29352	6.5	CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:N/I:H/A:N/E:U/RL:O/RC:C	Exploitation Less Likely	Yes	No	No
SysInternals	CVE-2023-29353	5.5	CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:N/I:N/A:H/E:U/RL:O/RC:C	Exploitation Less Likely	Yes	No	No
Windows DHCP Server	CVE-2023-29355	5.3	CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:L/I:N/A:N/E:U/RL:O/RC:C	Exploitation Less Likely	Yes	No	Yes
Microsoft Office SharePoint	CVE-2023-29357	9.8	CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H/E:U/RL:O/RC:C	Exploitation More Likely	Yes	No	Yes
Windows GDI	CVE-2023-29358	7.8	CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H/E:U/RL:O/RC:C	Exploitation More Likely	Yes	No	No
Windows Win32K	CVE-2023-29359	7.8	CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H/E:U/RL:O/RC:C	Exploitation More Likely	Yes	No	No
Windows TPM Device Driver	CVE-2023-29360	7.8	CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H/E:U/RL:O/RC:C	Exploitation More Likely	Yes	No	No
Windows Cloud Files Mini Filter Driver	CVE-2023-29361	7.0	CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:H/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H/E:U/RL:O/RC:C	Exploitation More Likely	Yes	No	No
Remote Desktop Client	CVE-2023-29362	8.8	CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H/E:U/RL:O/RC:C	Exploitation Less Likely	Yes	No	No
Windows PGM	CVE-2023-29363	9.8	CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H/E:U/RL:O/RC:C	Exploitation Less Likely	Yes	No	Yes
Windows Authentication Methods	CVE-2023-29364	7.0	CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:H/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H/E:P/RL:O/RC:C	Exploitation Less Likely	Yes	No	No
Microsoft Windows Codecs Library	CVE-2023-29365	7.8	CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H/E:U/RL:O/RC:C	Exploitation Less Likely	Yes	No	No
Windows Geolocation Service	CVE-2023-29366	7.8	CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H/E:U/RL:O/RC:C	Exploitation Less Likely	Yes	No	No
Windows OLE	CVE-2023-29367	7.8	CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H/E:U/RL:O/RC:C	Exploitation Less Likely	Yes	No	No
Windows Filtering	CVE-2023-29368	7.0	CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:H/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H/E:U/RL:O/RC:C	Exploitation Less Likely	Yes	No	No
Windows Remote Procedure Call Runtime	CVE-2023-29369	6.5	CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:N/I:N/A:H/E:U/RL:O/RC:C	Exploitation Less Likely	No	No	No
Microsoft Windows Codecs Library	CVE-2023-29370	7.8	CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H/E:U/RL:O/RC:C	Exploitation Less Likely	Yes	No	No
Windows Win32K	CVE-2023-29371	7.8	CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H/E:U/RL:O/RC:C	Exploitation More Likely	Yes	No	No
Microsoft WDAC OLE DB provider for SQL	CVE-2023-29372	8.8	CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H/E:U/RL:O/RC:C	Exploitation Less Likely	Yes	No	No
Windows ODBC Driver	CVE-2023-29373	8.8	CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H/E:U/RL:O/RC:C	Exploitation Less Likely	Yes	No	No
Windows Resilient File System (ReFS)	CVE-2023-32008	7.8	CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H/E:U/RL:O/RC:C	Exploitation Less Likely	Yes	No	No
Windows Collaborative Translation Framework	CVE-2023-32009	8.8	CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:C/C:H/I:H/A:H/E:U/RL:O/RC:C	Exploitation Less Likely	Yes	No	No
Windows Bus Filter Driver	CVE-2023-32010	7.0	CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:H/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H/E:U/RL:O/RC:C	Exploitation Less Likely	Yes	No	No
Windows iSCSI	CVE-2023-32011	7.5	CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:N/I:N/A:H/E:U/RL:O/RC:C	Exploitation Less Likely	No	No	No
Windows Container Manager Service	CVE-2023-32012	6.3	CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:H/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:N/I:H/A:H/E:U/RL:O/RC:C	Exploitation Less Likely	Yes	No	No
Windows Hyper-V	CVE-2023-32013	6.5	CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:N/I:N/A:H/E:U/RL:O/RC:C	Exploitation Less Likely	Yes	No	No
Windows PGM	CVE-2023-32014	9.8	CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H/E:U/RL:O/RC:C	Exploitation Less Likely	Yes	No	Yes
Windows PGM	CVE-2023-32015	9.8	CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H/E:U/RL:O/RC:C	Exploitation Less Likely	Yes	No	Yes
Windows Installer	CVE-2023-32016	5.5	CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:N/A:N/E:U/RL:O/RC:C	Exploitation Less Likely	Yes	No	No
Microsoft Printer Drivers	CVE-2023-32017	7.8	CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H/E:U/RL:O/RC:C	Exploitation Less Likely	Yes	No	No
Windows Hello	CVE-2023-32018	7.8	CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H/E:U/RL:O/RC:C	Exploitation Less Likely	Yes	No	No
Windows Kernel	CVE-2023-32019	4.7	CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:H/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:N/A:N/E:U/RL:O/RC:C	Exploitation Less Likely	Yes	No	No
Role: DNS Server	CVE-2023-32020	3.7	CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:H/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:N/I:L/A:N/E:U/RL:O/RC:C	Exploitation Less Likely	Yes	No	No
Windows SMB	CVE-2023-32021	7.1	CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:N/I:L/A:H/E:U/RL:O/RC:C	Exploitation Less Likely	Yes	No	Yes
Windows Server Service	CVE-2023-32022	7.6	CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:L/I:L/A:H/E:U/RL:O/RC:C	Exploitation Less Likely	Yes	No	Yes
Microsoft Power Apps	CVE-2023-32024	3.0	CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:H/PR:L/UI:R/S:C/C:L/I:N/A:N/E:U/RL:O/RC:C	Exploitation Less Likely	Yes	No	No
Microsoft Office Excel	CVE-2023-32029	7.8	CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H/E:U/RL:O/RC:C	Exploitation Less Likely	Yes	No	No
.NET and Visual Studio	CVE-2023-32030	7.5	CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:N/I:N/A:H/E:P/RL:O/RC:C	Exploitation Less Likely	No	No	No
Microsoft Exchange Server	CVE-2023-32031	8.8	CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H/E:U/RL:O/RC:C	Exploitation More Likely	Yes	No	No
.NET and Visual Studio	CVE-2023-32032	6.5	CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:H/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:L/I:H/A:H/E:P/RL:O/RC:C	Exploitation Less Likely	Yes	No	No
.NET and Visual Studio	CVE-2023-33126	7.3	CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H/E:P/RL:O/RC:C	Exploitation Less Likely	Yes	No	No
.NET and Visual Studio	CVE-2023-33127	8.1	CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:H/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H/E:P/RL:O/RC:C	Exploitation Less Likely	Yes	No	No
.NET and Visual Studio	CVE-2023-33128	7.3	CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H/E:P/RL:O/RC:C	Exploitation Less Likely	Yes	No	No
Microsoft Office SharePoint	CVE-2023-33129	6.5	CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:N/I:N/A:H/E:U/RL:O/RC:C	Exploitation Less Likely	Yes	No	No
Microsoft Office SharePoint	CVE-2023-33130	7.3	CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:L/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:N/E:U/RL:O/RC:C	Exploitation Less Likely	Yes	No	No
Microsoft Office Outlook	CVE-2023-33131	8.8	CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H/E:U/RL:O/RC:C	Exploitation Less Likely	Yes	No	No
Microsoft Office SharePoint	CVE-2023-33132	6.3	CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:L/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:L/A:N/E:U/RL:O/RC:C	Exploitation Less Likely	Yes	No	No
Microsoft Office Excel	CVE-2023-33133	7.8	CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H/E:U/RL:O/RC:C	Exploitation Less Likely	Yes	No	No
.NET and Visual Studio	CVE-2023-33135	7.3	CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H/E:P/RL:O/RC:C	Exploitation Less Likely	Yes	No	No
Microsoft Office Excel	CVE-2023-33137	7.8	CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H/E:U/RL:O/RC:C	Exploitation Less Likely	Yes	No	No
Visual Studio	CVE-2023-33139	5.5	CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:N/A:N/E:P/RL:O/RC:C	Exploitation Less Likely	Yes	No	No
Microsoft Office OneNote	CVE-2023-33140	6.5	CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:N/A:N/E:U/RL:O/RC:C	Exploitation Less Likely	Yes	No	No
ASP .NET	CVE-2023-33141	7.5	CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:N/I:N/A:H/E:P/RL:O/RC:C	Exploitation Less Likely	No	No	No
Microsoft Office SharePoint	CVE-2023-33142	6.5	CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:N/I:H/A:N/E:U/RL:O/RC:C	Exploitation Less Likely	Yes	No	No
Microsoft Edge (Chromium-based)	CVE-2023-33143	7.5	CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:H/PR:N/UI:R/S:C/C:L/I:L/A:H/E:U/RL:O/RC:C	Exploitation Less Likely	Yes	No	No
Visual Studio Code	CVE-2023-33144	5.0	CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:N/A:N/E:P/RL:O/RC:C	Exploitation Less Likely	Yes	No	No
Microsoft Edge (Chromium-based)	CVE-2023-33145	6.5	CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:N/A:N/E:U/RL:O/RC:C	Exploitation Less Likely	Yes	No	No
Microsoft Office	CVE-2023-33146	7.8	CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H/E:U/RL:O/RC:C	Exploitation Less Likely	Yes	No	No

On the other hand, the updates also add support for Bluetooth Low Energy audio. If you remember, this particular feature will let you use your wireless Bluetooth headphones much longer while providing the same audio quality.

The technology doesn’t take a lot of your devices’ battery, allowing for a sustainable way to enjoy your music, podcasts, and whatever you’re listening to.

Here’s the list of the other improvements coming to Windows 11 with this new update.

Improvements

This update addresses a known issue that affects 32-bit apps that are large address aware and use the CopyFile API. You might have issues when you save, copy, or attach files. If you use some commercial or enterprise security software that uses extended file attributes, this issue will likely affect you. For Microsoft Office apps, this issue only affects the 32-bit versions. You might receive the error, “Document not saved.”
This update addresses a compatibility issue. The issue occurs because of unsupported use of the registry.
This update addresses an issue that affects the Windows Kernel. This issue is related to CVE-2023-32019. To learn more, see KB5028407.

What do you think about these Patch Tuesday updates? Be sure to let us know in the comments section below.

Microsoft rolls out fixes for 69 CVEs through the June 2023 Patch Tuesday

Posted on June 14, 2023June 14, 2023 by Alexandru Poloboc

It’s June and we are already enjoying the summer, but Windows users are also looking towards Microsoft, in hopes that some of the flaws they’ve been struggling with will finally get fixed.

We’ve already provided the direct download links for the cumulative updates released today for Windows 10 and 11, but now it’s time to talk about Critical Vulnerabilities and Exposures again.

This month, the Redmond-based tech giant released 69 new patches, which is a lot more than some people were expecting in the middle of the summer.

These software updates address CVEs in:

Microsoft Windows and Windows Components
Office and Office Components
Exchange Server
Microsoft Edge (Chromium-based)
SharePoint Server
.NET and Visual Studio
Microsoft Teams; Azure DevOps
Microsoft Dynamics
Remote Desktop Client

We’re going to take a more in-depth look at this release and see exactly what vulnerabilities we can scratch off our lists.

Microsoft managed to eliminate 69 OS vulnerabilities

It goes without saying that this isn’t either one of the busiest or the lightest months for Microsoft security experts.

You might like to know that, out of the 69 new CVEs released, six are rated Critical, 62 are rated Important, and one is rated Moderate in severity.

Notably, this volume of fixes is a bit larger than what we all expected for June, but not extraordinary, so there’s no need to worry.

It’s important to know that none of the new bugs patched this month are listed as publicly known or under active attack at the time of release.

CVE	Title	Severity	CVSS	Public	Exploited	Type
CVE-2023-24897	.NET, .NET Framework, and Visual Studio Remote Code Execution Vulnerability	Critical	7.8	No	No	RCE
CVE-2023-29357	Microsoft SharePoint Server Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability	Critical	9.8	No	No	EoP
CVE-2023-32013	Windows Hyper-V Denial of Service Vulnerability	Critical	6.5	No	No	DoS
CVE-2023-29363	Windows Pragmatic General Multicast (PGM) Remote Code Execution Vulnerability	Critical	9.8	No	No	RCE
CVE-2023-32014	Windows Pragmatic General Multicast (PGM) Remote Code Execution Vulnerability	Critical	9.8	No	No	RCE
CVE-2023-32015	Windows Pragmatic General Multicast (PGM) Remote Code Execution Vulnerability	Critical	9.8	No	No	RCE
CVE-2023-32030	.NET and Visual Studio Denial of Service Vulnerability	Important	7.5	No	No	DoS
CVE-2023-32032	.NET and Visual Studio Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability	Important	6.5	No	No	EoP
CVE-2023-33135	.NET and Visual Studio Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability	Important	7.3	No	No	EoP
CVE-2023-33126	.NET and Visual Studio Remote Code Execution Vulnerability	Important	7.3	No	No	RCE
CVE-2023-33128	.NET and Visual Studio Remote Code Execution Vulnerability	Important	7.3	No	No	RCE
CVE-2023-29331	.NET Denial of Service Vulnerability	Important	7.5	No	No	DoS
CVE-2023-29326	.NET Framework Remote Code Execution Vulnerability	Important	7.8	No	No	RCE
CVE-2023-24895	.NET, .NET Framework, and Visual Studio Remote Code Execution Vulnerability	Important	7.8	No	No	RCE
CVE-2023-27909 *	AutoDesk: CVE-2023-27909 Out-Of-Bounds Write Vulnerability in Autodesk® FBX® SDK 2020 or prior	Important	7.8	No	No	RCE
CVE-2023-27910 *	AutoDesk: CVE-2023-27910 stack buffer overflow vulnerability in Autodesk® FBX® SDK 2020 or prior	Important	7.8	No	No	RCE
CVE-2023-27911 *	AutoDesk: CVE-2023-27911 Heap buffer overflow vulnerability in Autodesk® FBX® SDK 2020 or prior	Important	7.8	No	No	RCE
CVE-2023-21565	Azure DevOps Server Spoofing Vulnerability	Important	7.1	No	No	Spoofing
CVE-2023-21569	Azure DevOps Server Spoofing Vulnerability	Important	5.5	No	No	Spoofing
CVE-2023-29355	DHCP Server Service Information Disclosure Vulnerability	Important	5.3	No	No	Info
CVE-2023-25652 *	GitHub: CVE-2023-25652 “git apply –reject” partially-controlled arbitrary file write	Important	7.5	No	No	N/A
CVE-2023-25815 *	GitHub: CVE-2023-25815 Git looks for localized messages in an unprivileged place	Important	3.3	No	No	N/A
CVE-2023-29007 *	GitHub: CVE-2023-29007 Arbitrary configuration injection via `git submodule deinit`	Important	7.8	No	No	N/A
CVE-2023-29011 *	GitHub: CVE-2023-29011 The config file of `connect.exe` is susceptible to malicious placing	Important	7.5	No	No	N/A
CVE-2023-29012 *	GitHub: CVE-2023-29012 Git CMD erroneously executes `doskey.exe` in current directory, if it exists	Important	7.2	No	No	N/A
CVE-2023-29367	iSCSI Target WMI Provider Remote Code Execution Vulnerability	Important	7.8	No	No	RCE
CVE-2023-24896	Microsoft Dynamics 365 (on-premises) Cross-site Scripting Vulnerability	Important	5.4	No	No	XSS
CVE-2023-33145	Microsoft Edge (Chromium-based) Information Disclosure Vulnerability	Important	6.5	No	No	Info
CVE-2023-32029	Microsoft Excel Remote Code Execution Vulnerability	Important	7.8	No	No	RCE
CVE-2023-33133	Microsoft Excel Remote Code Execution Vulnerability	Important	7.8	No	No	RCE
CVE-2023-33137	Microsoft Excel Remote Code Execution Vulnerability	Important	7.8	No	No	RCE
CVE-2023-28310	Microsoft Exchange Server Remote Code Execution Vulnerability	Important	8	No	No	RCE
CVE-2023-32031	Microsoft Exchange Server Remote Code Execution Vulnerability	Important	8.8	No	No	RCE
CVE-2023-29373	Microsoft ODBC Driver Remote Code Execution Vulnerability	Important	8.8	No	No	RCE
CVE-2023-33146	Microsoft Office Remote Code Execution Vulnerability	Important	7.8	No	No	RCE
CVE-2023-33140	Microsoft OneNote Spoofing Vulnerability	Important	6.5	No	No	Spoofing
CVE-2023-33131	Microsoft Outlook Spoofing Vulnerability	Important	6.5	No	No	Spoofing
CVE-2023-32017	Microsoft PostScript Printer Driver Remote Code Execution Vulnerability	Important	7.8	No	No	RCE
CVE-2023-32024	Microsoft Power Apps Spoofing Vulnerability	Important	3	No	No	Spoofing
CVE-2023-33129	Microsoft SharePoint Denial of Service Vulnerability	Important	6.5	No	No	DoS
CVE-2023-33142	Microsoft SharePoint Server Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability	Important	6.5	No	No	EoP
CVE-2023-33130	Microsoft SharePoint Server Spoofing Vulnerability	Important	7.3	No	No	Spoofing
CVE-2023-33132	Microsoft SharePoint Server Spoofing Vulnerability	Important	6.3	No	No	Spoofing
CVE-2023-29372	Microsoft WDAC OLE DB provider for SQL Server Remote Code Execution Vulnerability	Important	8.8	No	No	RCE
CVE-2023-29346	NTFS Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability	Important	7.8	No	No	EoP
CVE-2023-29337	NuGet Client Remote Code Execution Vulnerability	Important	7.1	No	No	RCE
CVE-2023-29362	Remote Desktop Client Remote Code Execution Vulnerability	Important	8.8	No	No	RCE
CVE-2023-29369	Remote Procedure Call Runtime Denial of Service Vulnerability	Important	6.5	No	No	DoS
CVE-2023-29353	Sysinternals Process Monitor for Windows Denial of Service Vulnerability	Important	5.5	No	No	DoS
CVE-2023-33144	Visual Studio Code Spoofing Vulnerability	Important	5	No	No	Spoofing
CVE-2023-33139	Visual Studio Information Disclosure Vulnerability	Important	7.8	No	No	Info
CVE-2023-29359	Win32k Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability	Important	7.8	No	No	EoP
CVE-2023-29364	Windows Authentication Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability	Important	7	No	No	EoP
CVE-2023-32010	Windows Bus Filter Driver Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability	Important	7	No	No	EoP
CVE-2023-29361	Windows Cloud Files Mini Filter Driver Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability	Important	7	No	No	EoP
CVE-2023-32009	Windows Collaborative Translation Framework Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability	Important	8.8	No	No	EoP
CVE-2023-32012	Windows Container Manager Service Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability	Important	6.3	No	No	EoP
CVE-2023-24937	Windows CryptoAPI Denial of Service Vulnerability	Important	5.5	No	No	DoS
CVE-2023-24938	Windows CryptoAPI Denial of Service Vulnerability	Important	5.5	No	No	DoS
CVE-2023-32020	Windows DNS Spoofing Vulnerability	Important	3.7	No	No	Spoofing
CVE-2023-29358	Windows GDI Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability	Important	7.8	No	No	EoP
CVE-2023-29366	Windows Geolocation Service Remote Code Execution Vulnerability	Important	7.8	No	No	RCE
CVE-2023-29351	Windows Group Policy Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability	Important	8.1	No	No	EoP
CVE-2023-32018	Windows Hello Remote Code Execution Vulnerability	Important	7.8	No	No	RCE
CVE-2023-32016	Windows Installer Information Disclosure Vulnerability	Important	5.5	No	No	Info
CVE-2023-32011	Windows iSCSI Discovery Service Denial of Service Vulnerability	Important	7.5	No	No	DoS
CVE-2023-32019	Windows Kernel Information Disclosure Vulnerability	Important	4.7	No	No	Info
CVE-2023-29365	Windows Media Remote Code Execution Vulnerability	Important	7.8	No	No	RCE
CVE-2023-29370	Windows Media Remote Code Execution Vulnerability	Important	7.8	No	No	RCE
CVE-2023-29352	Windows Remote Desktop Security Feature Bypass Vulnerability	Important	6.5	No	No	SFB
CVE-2023-32008	Windows Resilient File System (ReFS) Remote Code Execution Vulnerability	Important	7.8	No	No	RCE
CVE-2023-32022	Windows Server Service Security Feature Bypass Vulnerability	Important	7.6	No	No	SFB
CVE-2023-32021	Windows SMB Witness Service Security Feature Bypass Vulnerability	Important	7.1	No	No	SFB
CVE-2023-29368	Windows TCP/IP Driver Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability	Important	7	No	No	EoP
CVE-2023-29360	Windows TPM Device Driver Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability	Important	7.8	No	No	EoP
CVE-2023-29371	Windows Win32k Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability	Important	7.8	No	No	EoP
CVE-2023-33141	Yet Another Reverse Proxy (YARP) Denial of Service Vulnerability	Important	7.5	No	No	DoS
CVE-2023-24936	.NET, .NET Framework, and Visual Studio Remote Code Execution Vulnerability	Moderate	8.1	No	No	RCE
CVE-2023-33143	Microsoft Edge (Chromium-based) Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability	Moderate	7.5	No	No	EoP
CVE-2023-29345	Microsoft Edge (Chromium-based) Security Feature Bypass Vulnerability	Low	6.1	No	No	SFB
CVE-2023-3079 *	Chromium: CVE-2023-3079 Type Confusion in V8	High	N/A	No	Yes	RCE
CVE-2023-2929 *	Chromium: CVE-2023-2929 Out of bounds write in Swiftshader	High	N/A	No	No	RCE
CVE-2023-2930 *	Chromium: CVE-2023-2930 Use after free in Extensions	High	N/A	No	No	RCE
CVE-2023-2931 *	Chromium: CVE-2023-2931 Use after free in PDF	High	N/A	No	No	RCE
CVE-2023-2932 *	Chromium: CVE-2023-2932 Use after free in PDF	High	N/A	No	No	RCE
CVE-2023-2933 *	Chromium: CVE-2023-2933 Use after free in PDF	High	N/A	No	No	RCE
CVE-2023-2934 *	Chromium: CVE-2023-2934 Out of bounds memory access in Mojo	High	N/A	No	No	RCE
CVE-2023-2935 *	Chromium: CVE-2023-2935 Type Confusion in V8	High	N/A	No	No	RCE
CVE-2023-2936 *	Chromium: CVE-2023-2936 Type Confusion in V8	High	N/A	No	No	RCE
CVE-2023-2937 *	Chromium: CVE-2023-2937 Inappropriate implementation in Picture In Picture	Medium	N/A	No	No	N/A
CVE-2023-2938 *	Chromium: CVE-2023-2938 Inappropriate implementation in Picture In Picture	Medium	N/A	No	No	N/A
CVE-2023-2939 *	Chromium: CVE-2023-2939 Insufficient data validation in Installer	Medium	N/A	No	No	N/A
CVE-2023-2940 *	Chromium: CVE-2023-2940 Inappropriate implementation in Downloads	Medium	N/A	No	No	N/A
CVE-2023-2941 *	Chromium: CVE-2023-2941 Inappropriate implementation in Extensions API	Low	N/A	No	No	N/A

Let’s talk about CVE-2023-32031 for a second. This vulnerability, in case you didn’t already know, is actually a bypass of both CVE-2022-41082 and CVE-2023-21529.

Remember that the former was listed as being under active exploit, and this specific flaw exists within the Command class.

The issue started from the lack of proper validation of user-supplied data, which can result in the deserialization of untrusted data.

Even though this does require the attacker to have an account on the Exchange server, successful exploitation could lead to executing code with SYSTEM privileges.

Looking at CVE-2023-29363/32014/32015, we can tell that these three bugs look identical on paper, and all are listed as a CVSS 9.8.

They allowed a remote, unauthenticated attacker to execute code on an affected system where the message queuing service is running in a Pragmatic General Multicast (PGM) Server environment.

While not enabled by default, PGM isn’t an uncommon configuration, so we do hope these bugs get fixed before any active exploitation starts.

There are only two other Critical-rated bugs in this month’s release, with the first appearing to be all supported versions of .NET, .NET Framework, and Visual Studio.

In fact, it’s an open-and-own sort of exploit, but judging by the Critical rating, it appears there are no warning dialogs when opening the dodgy file.

The second Critical-rated fix for June addresses a Denial-of-Service (DoS) bug in the Hyper-V server, so the Critical rating implies a guest OS could potentially shut down the host OS, or at least cause some form of a DoS condition.

The June 2023 Patch Tuesday rollout includes fixes for four security feature bypass (SFB) bugs, and two of these involve bypassing the check RPC procedure.

If left unchecked, they could allow the execution of RCE procedures that should otherwise be restricted when making calls to an SMB server.

Know that the bug in the RDP requires someone open a specially crafted file, but if they can convince the user to take that action, the attacker could bypass certificate or private key authentication when establishing a remote desktop protocol session.

Let’s also mention the final SFB patch, which is the Low-severity bug in Edge that could allow attackers to bypass the permissions dialog feature when clicking on a URL.

Going through the remaining DoS fixes for June, the vast majority offer no additional details, so it’s not clear whether an attack would only impact the component or the entire system.

These above-mentioned bugs in the CryptoAPI service may impact authentication actions, but that’s just speculation based on the component.

Was this article helpful to you? Share your opinion in the comments section below.

What is Useroobebroker.exe & Should You Disable It?

Posted on June 14, 2023February 20, 2024 by Loredana Harsana

Have you ever opened Task Manager on a Windows computer and noticed the UserOOBEBroker.exe process running? Many people encounter this process when their system is running slowly or when applications become unresponsive, leading them to disable it in an attempt to fix the issue.

In an earlier guide, we discussed the steps to disable usocoreworker.exe. Presently, we face a comparable predicament once again.

Before tackling the problem at hand, it is crucial to pinpoint the root cause.

What is Useroobebroker.exe?

Microsoft has developed an executable file called UserOOBEBroker.exe, a critical component of Windows 11.

This file comes pre-installed with the Windows Modules Installer Worker in Windows 11 and is used to manage the Out of Box Experience (OOBE).

Should I disable Useroobebroker.exe?

The User OOBE Broker is a harmless program that poses no threat to your system’s security. Nevertheless, there have been reports of some users experiencing high CPU usage due to the program running in the background.

If you’re experiencing a problem with the User OOBE Broker, there’s a solution that involves disabling it. Keep reading to learn how to disable it and resolve the issue.

How can I disable Useroobebroker.exe?

1. Via Settings

Hold the Windows + I keys together to open Settings.
Click System, and now locate Notifications.
Uncheck the Show Me the Windows welcome experience after updates and occasionally when I sign in to highlight what’s new and suggested box.

2. Via Task Manager

Hold down Ctrl+Shift+Esc to launch the Task Manager.
Switch to the Details tab.
Locate Details from the list, now choose the process and right-click and select End task.
Restart your system.

After doing that, check if the problem is resolved.

3. Create a new user profile in Windows

Click on Start on your home screen and select Settings.
Scroll down to Accounts and click on Family & other users.
Under Other users and Add other user, choose to Add account.
Enter that person’s Microsoft account information or click on I don’t have this person’s sign-in information and follow the prompts.
Select Add a user without a Microsoft account and set your username and password for the new account.

We trust that this guide has been of great help in tackling your concern. Finding a solution to this problem is not as overwhelming as it may appear at first glance.

If you face any further hurdles, we recommend referring to our extensive guidebook on Windows 11 services to disable. This handbook could provide you with similar remedies to tackle your problem.

To learn moe about this subject matter, we have a great guide on User OOBE Broker, so don’t miss it.

We highly appreciate your viewpoint on this matter and would love to hear your perspective. Please feel free to share your feedback with us by leaving a comment below.

Windows 10 & 11 June Patch Tuesday [DIRECT DOWNLOAD LINKS]

Posted on June 14, 2023June 14, 2023 by Alexandru Poloboc

As you probably guessed by now, the sixth round of the monthly Patch Tuesday updates of 2023 have finally arrived.

This update package brings an entire array of changes for both Windows 10 and Windows 11, regardless of whether it is a newer or an older version.

The June 2023 Patch Tuesday updates are expected to fix some of the issues that were still pending, and in the article below we will be looking to see exactly what we get.

We’ve included detailed changelogs for each cumulative update, and we will also be providing you with direct download links from Microsoft’s Windows Update Catalog, so you know that they are secure.

Alternatively, you can always use other methods to get the latest updates, including:

The Windows Update menu on your OS
The WSUS (Windows Server Update Service)
Group Policies set up by your admins if you’re part of a larger network.

Changes included in the June 2023 Patch Tuesday Updates

Windows 11

As most of you know by now, Microsoft released its latest operating system, Windows 11, on the 5th of October, 2021.

Five months after the general rollout, the new OS seems to become increasingly stable and far less buggy than we’ve gotten used to.

You might also like to know that the 22H2 version of Windows 11, the operating system’s first major update, has already been declared feature complete.

It will, most likely, come in the first half of the year, so we might just get it until the summer. Of course, there is a possibility that the Redmond tech giant could postpone to the third, or fourth quarter.

Cumulative update name

KB5027223

Improvements & fixes

This update addresses a known issue that affects 32-bit apps that are large address aware and use the CopyFile API. You might have issues when you save, copy, or attach files. If you use some commercial or enterprise security software that uses extended file attributes, this issue will likely affect you. For Microsoft Office apps, this issue only affects the 32-bit versions. You might receive the error, “Document not saved.”
This update addresses a compatibility issue. The issue occurs because of unsupported use of the registry.
This update addresses an issue that affects the Windows Kernel. This issue is related to CVE-2023-32019. To learn more, see KB5028407.

Known issues

After installing this or later updates, Windows devices with some third-party UI customization apps might not start up. These third-party apps might cause errors with explorer.exe that might repeat multiple times in a loop. The known affected third-party UI customization apps are ExplorerPatcher and StartAllBack. These types of apps often use unsupported methods to achieve their customization and as a result can have unintended results on your Windows device.

[DIRECT DOWNLOAD LINK]

Windows 10 versions 21H2, 21H1, and 20H2

Windows 10 v21H2 is the latest major version of Windows 10, and as such has the most experimental features on it.

Fortunately, most bugs that were first present when it was first made available have been weeded out, and this version of Windows 10 is far more stable.

Cumulative update name

KB5027215

Improvements & fixes

This update addresses a known issue that affects 32-bit apps that are large address aware and use the CopyFile API. You might have issues when you save, copy, or attach files. If you use some commercial or enterprise security software that uses extended file attributes, this issue will likely affect you. For Microsoft Office apps, this issue only affects the 32-bit versions. You might receive the error, “Document not saved.”
This update addresses an issue that affects the Windows Kernel. This issue is related to CVE-2023-32019. To learn more, see KB5028407.

Known issues

Devices with Windows installations created from custom offline media or custom ISO image might have Microsoft Edge Legacy removed by this update, but not automatically replaced by the new Microsoft Edge. This issue is only encountered when custom offline media or ISO images are created by slipstreaming this update into the image without having first installed the standalone servicing stack update (SSU) released March 29, 2021 or later.

[DIRECT DOWNLOAD LINK]

Windows 10, version 1809

This version of the OS is outdated and will no longer receive any updates from the tech company. Users that are still running this old version on their devices are strongly advised to choose a more recent one to update to.

If you still want to use Windows 10 and are not willing to upgrade to 11, you don’t have to do so right away. After all, Microsoft announced that the support for Windows 10 will go on until 2025.

Cumulative update name

KB5027222

Improvements and fixes:

This update addresses an issue that affects the Storage Spaces Direct (S2D) cluster. It might not come online. This occurs after a periodic password rollover. The error code is 1326.
This update addresses an issue that affects the Appx State Repository. When you remove a user profile, the cleanup is incomplete. Because of this, its database grows as time passes. This growth might cause delays when users sign in to multi-user environments like FSLogix.
This update addresses an issue that affects the Windows Remote Management (WinRM) client. The client returns an HTTP server error status (500). This error occurs when it runs a transfer job in the Storage Migration Service.
This update addresses an issue that affects signed Windows Defender Application Control (WDAC) policies. They are not applied to the Secure Kernel. This occurs when you enable Secure Boot.
This update addresses an issue that might affect the Local Security Authority Subsystem Service (LSASS). It might close sporadically. The system logs the exception 0xc0000710 in the Application Error event 1000. Because of this, the domain controller restarts unexpectedly. This issue affects read-only DCs (RODC) that also run Microsoft Defender Advanced Threat Protection (ATP).
This update addresses an issue that affects the Windows Kernel. This issue is related to CVE-2023-32019. To learn more, see KB5028407.

Known Issues:

After installing KB5001342 or later, the Cluster Service might fail to start because a Cluster Network Driver is not found.

[DIRECT DOWNLOAD LINK]

Windows 10, version 1607

Note: Windows 10, version 1607 has reached the end of service for all of its available editions. Update to the latest version of Windows 10 in order to keep your system protected.

Cumulative update name

KB5027219

Improvements and fixes

This update addresses an issue that might cause a memory leak. The leak might occur during prolonged Remote Desktop audio redirection.
This update addresses an issue that affects the Windows Kernel. This issue is related to CVE-2023-32019. To learn more, see KB5028407.

[DIRECT DOWNLOAD LINK]

Have you already downloaded the security updates for your version of the Windows operating system? Let us know in the comments section below.

What is Wermgr.exe & How to Quickly Disable It

Posted on June 14, 2023October 4, 2023 by Loredana Harsana

The wermgr.exe is a helpful error reporting service that sends error logs to Microsoft. This executable also notifies you when there’s an issue with the operating system or a program.

We previously covered how to disable the Windows error reporting service in our guide, and now we find ourselves in a similar situation.

However, it’s essential to identify the underlying issue before addressing the problem.

What is the Wermgr.exe process?

The wermgr.exe executable is a crucial component of the Windows Error Reporting Manager. Its primary function is to manage the errors that occur within the Windows operating system.

It is used to identify and report any crashes or errors to determine the root cause of your program’s failure.

Should I disable the wermgr.exe?

It’s recommended to keep this process enabled, as disabling it may lead to certain Windows components malfunctioning.

It’s important to ensure the smooth functioning of all aspects of the operating system. Therefore it should remain enabled.

How can I disable wermgr.exe?

1. Use the Services window

Hold the Windows + R keys together to open up a Run window.
Type services.msc and click OK to open the Services screen.
In the services screen, scroll down and locate Windows Error Reporting Service. Now, right-click on it and choose Properties.
Next change the Startup Type from Automatic to Manual.
After configuring the Startup Type to Manual, it is recommended that you Reboot your system. Following this, a check of the Task Manager should reveal the absence of wermgr.exe.

2. Use Registry Editor

On your home screen type in regedit in the search bar and click Open.
The moment the UAC pops up click Yes.
Next, locate the following path HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\Windows Error Reporting
Now, shift to the right panel and find Disabled.
Double-click on the Disabled DWORD key and change the value from 0 to 1. Then save it by clicking OK.

After making these changes, the wermgr.exe will be disabled.

We hope this guide has provided you with the necessary assistance to address your concern. Resolving this issue is not as daunting as it may initially seem.

If you encounter any additional challenges, we suggest looking at our comprehensive manual on Windows 11 error logs. This guide may offer comparable solutions to address your issue.

We value your opinion on this topic and would be delighted to hear your thoughts. Kindly share your feedback by leaving a comment below.

Fix: Microsoft Visual C++ 14.0 or Greater is Required

Posted on June 14, 2023October 4, 2023 by Loredana Harsana

Based on users on various platforms, it has been reported that an error message reading Microsoft Visual C++ 14.0 or greater is required pops up frequently during the installation of Python and Word Cloud.

The current situation is similar to the Microsoft Visual C++ Runtime error we discussed in our guide.

However, before delving into the problem, it is imperative to understand its root cause.

What causes Microsoft Visual C++14.0 or greater is required error?

The following reasons are the causes of Microsoft Visual C++ 14.0 or greater is required error:

Missing visual C++ components – The Visual C++ segment might prompt this error.

How do I fix Microsoft Visual C++ 14.0 or greater is required error?

1. Download the latest Visual C++ redistributable packages

Visit the website to download the current version.
Click on Visual Studio 2015, 2017, 2019, and 2022.
Lastly, choose the specific package for your system, and once you have downloaded it and completed the installation process, Restart your PC.

2. Modify build tools installation

Open up the Visual Studio Installer.
Locate the Visual Studio Build Tools and click Modify.
Add a checkmark to Visual C++ build tools and then click Modify in the bottom right to install them.

3. Get the Microsoft C++ Build Tools

Visit this link and install the Microsoft C++ build tools.
After installing the software, follow the steps.
Finally, choose the specific package for your device once you have downloaded it and completed the installation process.
Restart your PC.

We trust that this guide has offered essential support to address your issue. As you may have observed, fixing this matter is not as intimidating as it might appear at first sight.

If you encounter any further difficulties, we recommend checking out our guide on the can’t Install Microsoft Visual C++ 2015 Redistributable. This resource could provide similar remedies to your problem.

We would love to hear your thoughts on the matter, so please drop a comment below and let us know which solution you found to be the most impactful. Your feedback is highly valued.

Microsoft testing image recognition and visual search in Bing Chat

Posted on June 14, 2023 by Radu Tyrsina

Microsoft is currently conducting tests on image recognition and visual search capabilities within its Bing Chat platform. This new feature allows users to upload an image and ask Bing Chat questions related to that specific image, providing a more interactive search experience.

The image recognition and visual search functionality known as visual search, already exist within Bing Image search. However, Microsoft is now extending these capabilities to its chat platform to enhance user engagement and provide more comprehensive search results.

According to Microsoft’s Advertising and Web Services CEO, Mikhail Parakhin, the testing phase is currently limited to 5% of all searches. Parakhin recently shared this information multiple times on Twitter, stating, “We are flighting at 5% right now, if all goes well – will keep increasing.” He emphasized the importance of ensuring safety and maintaining the quality of regular chat interactions before rolling out the feature to a broader audience. Parakhin also mentioned that the initial flight for image recognition is underway, and as confidence in its quality and safety grows, the feature will be made available to a wider user base.

Started flighting

— Mikhail Parakhin (@MParakhin) June 10, 2023

Not this week – we have to make sure it is safe, aligned and doesn't decrease quality of the regular chat. We are flighting at 5% right now, if all goes well – will keep increasing.

— Mikhail Parakhin (@MParakhin) June 13, 2023

While the image recognition and visual search feature are in progress, Bing is also working on separate plugin functionalities. Parakhin expressed hope that the plugins will begin their testing phase within a matter of weeks, indicating Microsoft’s commitment to expanding the capabilities of Bing Chat even further.

Running the first flight for Image recognition right now. As we get confidence in quality and safety, will roll out broadly for everyone. Plugins are a separate story, should start flighting hopefully in a matter of weeks.

— Mikhail Parakhin (@MParakhin) June 13, 2023

By introducing image recognition and visual search to Bing Chat, Microsoft aims to provide users with a more interactive and immersive search experience. As the testing phase progresses and the feature proves to be safe and reliable, users can expect a broader rollout in the future, enabling them to explore and discover information in a more visually driven manner.

Via: Search Engine Roundtable

What is Devicecensus.exe & What Does It Do?

Posted on June 14, 2023October 4, 2023 by Claire Moraa

For Windows to control more than half of the market share, it is doing a good job. That being said, to provide excellent services continuously, Microsoft needs feedback from its users. That’s why processes such as wsqmcons.exe exist.

But, it is not the only process that monitors and collects information about you to report to Microsoft. Devicecensus.exe is yet another process that shares similar roles. Data collection is a touchy subject, so let’s break it down for you on what it does.

What is Device Census Windows 11?

From the name, a quick guess could lead you to believe it is a Microsoft process aimed at counting the number of users running Windows devices.

In fact, from the community forum discussion, a user was curious about the devicecensus.exe process when they spotted it in the Task Manager.

I opened Task Manager one day, and I noticed two never-before-seen executables running, under the name “Device Census.” They disappeared before I could click on them. Is this how Microsoft counts Windows 10 users or is it something else? This isn’t really a “need to know” question, just curious.

Another user got notifications that the application was requesting permission to use the webcam without authorization. To add salt to the injury, Windows Defender gave the green light that it was a safe application.

I have this app trying to activate my webcam without authorization, and it getting detected as no problem with antivirus.

First things first, the devicecensus.exe is a legitimate Windows file. You’ll most likely find it in the following location: C:\Windows\System32

With that out of the way, it is an important Windows 11 program that collects information about your device and then reports back to Microsoft to check for compatibility with the most suitable build.

What does devicecensus.exe do?

The tool checks your computer’s hardware and software and then reports back to Microsoft on the compatibility status of your PC with the latest version of Windows.

This data is collected to provide Microsoft with feedback on where and how their products are being used.

The data collected includes:

Device ID, Device Model, and Device Manufacturer
Device type (desktop or mobile) and whether it is a physical device or virtual machine
Information about the operating system version (OS version), OS language, screen resolution, and bit system
Device’s network connectivity status

It has probably never crossed your mind that Microsoft tailors Windows updates for your PC based on your hardware configurations.

This application aims to gather information about your hardware and software. Microsoft can then determine whether there are any incompatibilities between the software and your current version of Windows.

Data collected by this service is telemetry. This type of analytics logs information about how well an app or system works. It is useful in analyzing usage trends and identifying problems with apps or systems.

This service helps Microsoft improve the quality of its products and services by collecting diagnostics information on the device.

Is devicecensus.exe safe?

A major concern is that sometimes Windows 11 telemetry registers high CPU usage. This is not its default behavior, so if you notice high spikes, it may have been infected by a virus.

You should run a system scan just to be sure. Ensure you employ a third-party antivirus as Windows Security may not have advanced features to catch wind of notorious malware that camouflages as the real thing.

You can also stop the process from Task Scheduler, but we recommend you don’t. That’s it from us, and hopefully, you now know how you receive builds to your device.

For any further suggestions or thoughts, leave a comment down below.

Dell USB Ports Not Working? Fix Them in 7 Quick Steps

Posted on June 14, 2023May 16, 2024 by Claire Moraa

USB is a common standard for connecting external devices to computers. However, sometimes it may not work as expected. This applies to all devices you can connect a USB with but for today, we shall be looking at a particular case of Dell USB ports not working.

You may face this issue when you try to connect a USB device to your Dell laptop. It may be a simple or complex issue, but this all depends on the reason behind the problem. Let’s now have a look at possible causes and their resolutions.

Why is USB not working on a Dell laptop?

When a USB device is plugged into a computer, it automatically recognizes the device and installs the necessary drivers.

If you are using a Dell laptop and the USB device is not working, there could be several reasons why this is happening.

Damaged cable/device – If the cable has become damaged or bent at some point, this can affect the connection between your computer and your external device. Also, if your USB device is not recognized, it’s possible it is faulty.
USB port is damaged or broken – Your USB ports may have been damaged over time, or you recently plugged in another device that caused the damage.
Compatibility issues – USB ports on your computer may stop working when you upgrade the Windows operating system. This can happen if the USB controller driver is incompatible with the new version of Windows.
Virus attack – If your system is infected with a virus, it can also cause problems with your USB ports.
Wrong port – If you have plugged it into the wrong port, or the USB port is blocked by an admin, this can cause problems in the connectivity of your device. Some USB devices are strict on the type of USB port that can be used.
Dell BIOS update failure – Some systems that an unauthorized technician has serviced may have their BIOS corrupted, and it can cause your USB ports not to work.
Outdated/incompatible drivers – If your USB device does not have the correct devices installed, it won’t function. Third-party device drivers can also cause problems with USB ports on Dell laptops.

What can I do if the USB ports on my Dell laptop are not working?

Before any complex solutions, attempt the following preliminary checks:

Disconnect other peripherals and only connect the one experiencing problems.
Examine your USB cable and ports for any physical damage.
If you have a USB hub, plug your device into that and see if it works. If it does, then there’s a problem with the laptop port.
If available, try connecting the same device to another computer or another port on your Dell laptop.
Run the compatibility troubleshooter.
Ensure all your drivers are updated.
Run Windows updates to solve any compatibility issues.
Start your Dell laptop in Safe Mode and try the USB ports again.
Restart your PC and check if the issue persists.

1. Use Dell’s test utility

Navigate to your browser, and download the SupportAssist tool for PCs and tablets.
Open the exe file and follow the on-screen prompts to install it.
Once installed, launch and click on Start Now to start running the tests.

These tests are especially important when all USB ports are not working, and you can’t navigate with your mouse or keyboard because they, too, depend on the USB ports.

2. Scan for hardware changes

Hit the Windows key, type Device Manager in the search bar, and click Open.
Click on Action on the menu bar then select Scan for hardware changes.
Windows will then scan for any missing components and reinstall them to make them responsive again.

3. Reinstall the Dell USB drivers

Hit the Windows key, type Device Manager in the search bar, and click Open.
Navigate to your hardware device section (in this case Universal Serial Bus), right-click on your device then select Uninstall device.
Click on Uninstall in the next pop-up box.
Restart your device, and your drivers will automatically be installed.

It’s more likely to install the right USB driver version using tailored software that will take care of any driver matters automatically.

All you have to do is download it, launch the tool, and scan all the drivers from your PC that needs more support.

4. Run the hardware and devices troubleshooter

Hit the Windows key, type cmd, and select Run as administrator.
Type the following command and hit Enter:msdt.exe -id DeviceDiagnostic
In the Hardware and Devices dialog that appears, click Next.
The tool will start scanning for any problems with your hardware and recommend a fix. After it is done, try again and check if the error persists.

5. Reset BIOS

Restart your PC.
While the PC boots, keep pressing F2 to access BIOS.
Go to the Exit section and choose Restore Defaults.
Save changes and restart your PC.

6. Perform a System Restore

Press the Windows + R keys, type rstui, and hit Enter.
The System Restore window will open. Click on Next.
Select the restore point you wish to revert to and click on Next.
Now click on Finish.

7. Reset Windows

Press the Windows key, type cmd, then click on Run as administrator.
In the opened window, type the following command, then hit the Enter button: systemreset -factoryreset

The two last steps will help resolve any issues with software compatibility. Sometimes, programs on your PC cause conflicts with devices, so restoring to an earlier time or resetting your Dell PC can solve such issues.

Other times, your USB ports may not be working after a power surge, so don’t hesitate to check out our article on how to resolve it.

There you have it. Hopefully, this article sums up how to fix your Dell USB ports not working issue.

For any additional comments on this topic, let us know in the comment section below.

Microsoft starts watermarking Bing Image Creator generated images

Posted on June 14, 2023 by Radu Tyrsina

At the beginning of this year, Microsoft shifted its focus to generative AI, which led to the debut of the new Bing, Later on in March, the company released Bing Image Creator in creator mode that OpenAI’s DALL∙E model powers to enhance the new Bing and Edge preview experience by providing users with better search, complete answers, a new chat experience, and the ability to create content.

Bing Image Creator essentially lets users create images using their own words. Microsoft indicated that the addition will accelerate the comprehension rate as the human brain processes images 60,000 times faster than texts.

At OnMSFT, we’ve been using the tool to generate some of our featured images(with attribution, of course), but still, there hasn’t been an easy way for one to tell an image has been created by leveraging AI capabilities. However, last month, during Microsoft’s annual developer conference, Build 2023, the company announced that it was working on elaborate measures to ensure that it would be easier for users to identify AI-generated content from Bing Image Creator and Microsoft Designer.

For those unfamiliar with Microsoft Designer, it’s an artificially intelligent social media platform that can generate online content such as social media posts, greeting cards, branding, alerts, promotions, and more. It was first teased in 2022 and shipped to preview earlier this year in January.

And is at now seems. Microsoft has started rolling out these changes to users. Earlier today, while generating an image for a post I was working on, I noticed a subtle Bing icon at the bottom of the image. This clearly indicates that Microsoft is now watermarking Bing Image Creator generated images with metadata indicating their original source. I can’t say the same about Microsoft Designer since it still works as before (no watermark), at least for me.

Here’s an illustration of how a Bing Image Creator generated image looks like now:

Moving on, it would still be easy for anyone to generate an image using the tool, crop out the metadata and use it elsewhere as their own. Perhaps, Microsoft could be working on a better way to implement this feature. We invite you to check out our expert guide on generating and editing Bing Image Creator images within Microsoft Edge.

Event ID: 10036 Distributed COM [Fix]

Posted on June 14, 2023October 4, 2023 by Claire Moraa

The event ID 10036 is a Windows server issue whereby as soon as you install Microsoft updates, you’ll notice a spike in this error. It is accompanied by a message that says the server-side authentication level policy does not allow the user to activate DCOM server.

From face value, it seems that the updates are the cause behind this error, but as we dig deeper, you’ll find out that it’s more complicated. Let’s have a closer look at what this means.

What is DistributedCOM error 10036?

Distributed COM (DCOM) is an application programming interface that allows software components to communicate over a network.

You may have encountered a problem while trying to install Windows updates because the updates are corrupt or there are problems with your network configuration settings.

It is why we recommend that you won’t be quick to install updates as soon as they are released.

Now, for the DistributedCOM error 10036, you’ll likely spot it on your Windows server right after installing an update. It further details that the user cannot activate the DCOM server despite being a domain administrator.

You’ll be prompted to raiseactivationauthenticationlevel to make any changes.

This is very strange behavior and could happen due to one of the following reasons:

Lack of permissions on the target computer – If you’re trying to start a service remotely and do not have sufficient permissions on the target computer, this will cause an error.
Wrong permissions – If you don’t have permission to access certain resources such as files or registry keys, it can also cause errors like DistributedCOM error 10036.

How do I resolve event ID 10036?

Attempt the following basic checks before any advanced troubleshooting:

Log off and back on as an administrator.
Ensure you have installed all the required software updates on your server.
Try restarting the DistributedCOM service and see if this fixes your issue.

1. Uninstall the recent Windows update

Hit the Windows key and select Settings.
Click on Windows Update and select Update history on the right pane.
Scroll down, and under Related settings, click on Uninstall updates.
This will take you to the most recent installed updates.
Select the topmost update and click on Uninstall.
Restart your PC and check if the problem persists.

Since most of the reports indicate that a patch-related update is causing this issue, uninstalling it should fix the issue, but if it doesn’t, proceed to the next step.

2. Disable Registry key

Hit the Windows + R keys to open the Run command.
Type regedit in the dialog box and hit Enter.
Navigate to the following location. Note that this registry key does not exist by default, so you will have to create it. You can do so by right-clicking on Ole and adding a new string: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Ole\AppCompat
Next, on the right side, click on an empty space and add a New DWORD (32-bit), then name it as RequireIntegrityActivationAuthenticationLevel.
Double-click on it, and under the Value data, set it to 0 to disable it.

Since a significant number of users upvoted this as the best solution to resolve the event ID 10036 error, you may have to edit the registry. It appears that Microsoft applied some hardening changes to Windows updates after discovering a vulnerability.

Editing the registry will disable the hardening and possibly eliminate the error. To cushion you against any after-effects, we recommend you quickly backup your registry or create a restore point.

If it doesn’t work out, no damage will be done, and you can revert to your earlier position. You should also keep checking for new updates, as such vulnerabilities that require hardening are usually catastrophic.

You may also run into another event ID 5145 error, so don’t hesitate to check out our guide on how to fix it.

And with that, we sign out here but let us know of any other worthy solution you may have encountered for this error in the comment section below.

Runtime Error 3706: Provider Cannot be Found [Fix]

Posted on June 14, 2023October 4, 2023 by Ola-Hassan Bolaji

The runtime error 3706 occurs when users try to run some codes using VBA. This frustrating error can be due to minor issues with your code when referencing a provider.

If you are also dealing with this issue, this guide will show you how to fix it, just like we did with the runtime error 438.

Why am I getting the runtime error 3706?

The major cause of this error is if some of the details in your code are incorrect. An example is if you provided the wrong OLEDB version in your code.

So, majorly, this error is usually down to minor issues with your code and can be fixed by making the little changes required.

How can I fix the runtime error 3706?

1. Ensure the details are correct

The only solution to this issue is to make sure the details provided in your code are correct and updated.

For example, you might need to confirm the version of your MS Office on which the script is running if you are using the latest versions of Microsoft Office.

What’s more, you might need to change the OLEDB version from 12.0 to 16.0 if you are using the latest versions of Excel, like 2019.

Another thing to note is that you need to make sure your Version, driver type, and Extended Properties are correct. An example is the code shown in the image below that gave this error as reported by a user on Stack Overflow:

The solution to this was just to change the Version to 12, the driver to ACE from Jet, the Extended Properties to Excel 12.0, and some other minor changes made to the code, as shown below:

So, these little parameters are important to eliminate this runtime error 3706.

2. Use the latest version of Oracle

Sometimes, this runtime error 3706 can be due to an outdated Oracle client version. You need to check with your client to confirm the version and get the latest one available to prevent issues.

We can now conclude this guide on how to fix this runtime error for good on VBA. This issue is majorly down to minor issues with the details provided in your code.

Correcting these details accordingly should solve this effortlessly. If you are dealing with another issue like runtime error 3709, check our detailed guide to fix it.

Feel free to let us know in the comments below if you could solve this problem.