Page 522 • Windows Report

Recenv.exe: What is it & How to Fix Its Errors

Posted on June 2, 2023April 2, 2024 by Claire Moraa

Recenv.exe is a process associated with the Microsoft Windows Recovery Environment. It is a part of the Recovery Console and loads in case you need to recover your system from serious errors or problems.

However, users seem to be experiencing some issues while booting their PCs, and recenv.exe file is behind all these errors. If you’re facing a similar issue, we offer some tested solutions below.

What is the recenv.exe file?

This file appears alongside a Blue Screen error when you attempt to boot your system. Your PC may fail to boot or will be stuck in a loop preventing you from doing anything.

Reasons behind such errors include:

Hardware changes – If you have recently changed critical components of your PC, such as the motherboard or CPU, you may experience this issue because it is struggling to recognize your hardware components.
Software conflicts – Installing a new program on your PC can also cause this issue if it interferes with the startup process.
Corrupted/damaged registry entries – Related entries to recenv.exe and other files in your system’s registry can also cause this error message to appear when starting your computer.

Some common recenv.exe errors you may encounter include:

RecEnv.exe is missing
Fault in Software Path: RecEnv.exe
RecEnv.exe not working
Invalid Win32 Program: RecEnv.exe
RecEnv.exe needs to close
Error starting program: RecEnv.exe
RecEnv.exe can’t be located
Cannot find RecEnv.exe
RecEnv.exe Program Error
RecEnv.exe failure

How do I fix recenv.exe errors?

1. Run the CHKDSK command

If you’re having trouble booting your PC, start in Safe Mode, then proceed with the following steps.
Click on Troubleshoot.
Select Advanced options.
Click on Command Prompt.
Type in the following command and hit Enter. Remember to replace C with the letter of the drive in question: chkdsk C: /f /r /x

2. Run DISM and SFC scans

While still in Safe Mode, hit the Start Menu icon, type cmd in the search bar, and click Run as administrator.
Type the following commands and press Enter after each one:DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-Image /Restorehealth sfc /scannow

This technical process might work or not on your PC. Regardless, you can fix Windows errors for good with a tailored BSOD fixer.

3. Perform a clean boot

Hit the Windows key, type msconfig, and open System Configuration.
Switch to the Services tab and select Hide all Microsoft services.
Click on the Disable all button, then hit the Apply button to save the changes.
Go back and click on the Startup tab, select Open Task Manager then click OK.
In the Startup tab of the Task Manager, Disable all the Enabled startup items.
Close Task Manager and restart your PC.

4. Run Startup repair

Still in Safe Mode, navigate to the Advanced option from the blue screen and press the Enter key.
Press the Troubleshoot button.
Select Advanced options.
Choose the Startup Repair option.

5. Perform a System Restore

Still in Safe Mode, click on Troubleshoot.
Click on Advanced options.
Next, click on System Restore.

The solutions above can help you fix the blue screen error brought about by the recenv.exe file. If all prove futile, the issue is likely a software conflict, and reinstalling Windows is your next best bet to address this problem.

If that’s a success, we recommend you consider installing Windows 11 repair tools to help you address such hiccups in the future.

Such tools can fix a myriad of issues automatically and come with a few advanced features that help keep your PC performing at its peak at all times.

If there’s any solution that helped you bypass this issue but missing from our list, we’d love to hear about it. Drop us a comment below.

Want to create easy visuals in Teams? We’ve got a good news

Posted on June 2, 2023June 2, 2023 by Rafly Gilang

Want more good news on Microsoft Teams besides the AI-powered Intelligent Recap, GroupMe video call, and the QR codes to book meeting room features? We’ve got you covered, as Microsoft finally rolled out that its Designer app is also coming to the popular teleconferencing app.

Microsoft notes,

We’re excited to announce support for Microsoft Designer (Preview) in Teams on Windows 11. Powered by generative AI technology, Designer allows you to craft unique and personalized designs effortlessly. By describing your idea’s vision in words or utilizing an uploaded image, you can create captivating one-of-a-kind visuals. Simply create an announcement post in communities to design your own banner with Designer.

Just like how it works with Bing Image Creator, Designer, which arrived not too long ago in the Preview, will let you create visual banners for your social media or any other purposes by simply putting word prompts. Of course, the file size and everything else is still customizable.

How will the AI-driven Designer work in Teams?

Designer simplifies the design process by allowing users like you to craft your banners for announcement posts in communities within Teams. This innovative feature unlocks a world of creativity, making it easy to design visually appealing and engaging content without requiring extensive design skills or experience.

To access Designer in Teams on Windows 11, you can simply create an announcement post within the communities feature. From there, you can utilize Designer to design your own banners, adding a personalized touch to your announcements and enhancing the overall visual appeal of your content.

With the introduction of Microsoft Designer (Preview), Teams on Windows 11 becomes a versatile platform that not only enables smooth communication and collaboration, but also nurtures creativity and self-expression.

What do you think about Microsoft Designer in Teams? Let us know in the comments!

You’ll soon be able to book a room on Teams with QR code

Posted on June 2, 2023June 2, 2023 by Rafly Gilang

Are you a Microsoft Teams user? If so, here’s some good news. A nice little touch to the value of Teams Panels is coming soon as Microsoft is planning to work on a QR code feature that lets you easily book a meeting room through Teams’ mobile app.

As we’ve spotted from Microsoft 365 Roadmap site under Feature ID 129366, the feature is coming to general availability real soon.

Microsoft notes,

Microsoft Teams: QR code to reserve a room on Teams Panels. This feature lets users easily book a room for meetings now, in the future, or as part of a scheduled meeting by scanning a QR code on the scheduling panel with their mobile device. Requires the Teams mobile app on an Android or iOS mobile device.

That means, with the introduction of QR codes on Teams Panels, you can effortlessly book a room for current or future meetings, or as part of a scheduled meeting by simply scanning the QR code displayed on the scheduling panel using their Android or iOS mobile device.

Booking a room in Teams has never been easier

More excitingly, this feature will not be limited to the preview channel, allowing users like you to take it for a spin immediately upon its release.

As we’ve noted from the roadmap note, it will be compatible with Teams and Surface Devices, as well as Android devices. The release phase for this feature is set as General Availability, ensuring widespread availability and accessibility for all Teams users despite not being enrolled to the preview channel for insiders.

The rollout of the QR code feature for room reservations on Teams Panels is scheduled to begin in August 2023. This feature will be available in various cloud instances, including GCC High, GCC, and Worldwide (Standard Multi-Tenant).

Besides, there are also a lot of exciting features coming to Teams: the AI-based Intelligent Recap, Microsoft Mesh for Teams, and more.

Have you tried booking a room in Teams? What do you think about the latest addition of QR codes? Let us know in the comments!

Atlibusbdfu.dll Not Found: How to Fix or Download it Again

Posted on June 2, 2023October 9, 2025 by Claire Moraa

The atlibusbdfu.dll file is a critical component for your computer. This component can configure the USB controller, an important part of your computer’s hardware.

In this article, we share some tips for how to fix the atlibusbdfu.dll not found error message or download it again if it was missing.

What is the atlibusbdfu.dll file?

The altibusbdfu.dll file is a piece of driver software that belongs to Atmel FLIP. This small, low-cost development board allows you to create custom circuits for embedded applications.

It is a USB bootloader that gives you control over how to program your microcontroller. You can program the chip using a USB interface.

With this development board, you can program your custom firmware and upload it onto the FLIP using any computer with a USB port.

Since it uses the USB port, if the altibusbdfu.dll is missing or cannot be found for some reason, you cannot perform any debugging. You must first replace the missing DLL file.

What can I do if atlibusbdfu.dll not found error appears on my PC?

1. Use a DLL-Fixer

Since the atlibusbdfu.dll is a non-Windows file, the error of it not being found is most probably due to compatibility issues. The driver for its corresponding app probably became outdated, or you accidentally downloaded the wrong version.

As such, you will need a dedicated DLL repair tool capable of addressing these compatibility issues and reinstating the DLL file to its once-working position.

2. Run DISM and SFC scans

Hit the Start Menu icon, type cmd in the search bar, and click Run as administrator.
Type the following commands and press Enter after each one:DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-Image /Restorehealth sfc /scannow

3. Scan for viruses

Press the Windows key, search Windows Security, and click Open.
Select Virus & threat protection.
Next, press Quick scan under Current threats.
If you don’t find any threats, proceed to perform a full scan by clicking on Scan options just below Quick scan.
Click on Full scan, then Scan now to perform a deep scan of your PC.
Wait for the process to finish and restart your system.

Because Windows Defender is a basic antivirus, it may not do a great job of getting rid of viruses and malware even with a deep scan. That’s why we recommend a third-party antivirus.

TotalAV is our fighter, and it is easy to see why. It offers real-time protection against all types of viruses, Trojans, and other malware.

⇒ Get TotalAV

4. Download the file manually

Navigate to your browser and download the atlibusbdfu.dll file from a trusted third-party site such as DLL-files.com.
Do not install the file from the setup file. Extract the files in the zip folder and locate the atlibusbdfu.dll file.
Cut and copy it to the following location or the location where the Arduino file is located (Arduino is the microcontroller device driver): C:/ProgramFiles(x86)/Atmel/Flip 3.4.7/usb
Next, hit the Windows key, type Device Manager in the search bar, and click Open.
Navigate to Ports and check that the Arduino is listed.
Right-click on it and select Update driver. Note that the Arduino port may also be listed as an Unknown device.
Select Browse my computer for driver software and navigate to the location listed in 3 above to install the atlibusbdfu.dll file you pasted in 3 above.
Confirm installation in the next prompt.
The atlibusbdfu.dll error should disappear.

5. 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.

That’s how to restore the DLL if it was missing. If none of these methods worked for you, we suggest running a registry cleaner or performing a clean install as a last resort.

We also have a more comprehensive article on how to find missing DLL files in Windows 10, so you may want to check that out too.

As always, we appreciate it when you interact with us, so leave any additional thoughts in the comment section below.

Remoting_host.exe: What is it & How to Remove it

Posted on June 2, 2023September 24, 2024 by Claire Moraa

Remoting_host.exe is an executable file that belongs to the Chrome Remote Desktop service. It allows you to connect to your computer from another device remotely.

Non-system processes like remoting_host.exe originate from software you installed on your system. If you spot it in your Task Manager, no need to be alarmed. However, if it is causing issues, you’ll find this article insightful in helping you to get rid of it.

How do I disable RDP in Chrome?

1. Disable Chrome Remote Desktop extension

Navigate to your Chrome browser and go to the following location: chrome://extensions/
Find the Chrome Remote Desktop extension and toggle it Off.

Disabling the extension can help make your Chrome browser faster and more responsive if it was making your browsing experience feel sluggish.

2. Perform a scan in Chrome

Open your Chrome browser and click on the three vertical ellipses at the top right corner.
Select Settings.
Next, click on Reset and cleanup then select Clean up computer on the right.
Hit the Find button next to Find harmful software.
Wait for the scan to finish and remove any recommended software.

If your PC has been infected by a virus causing issues with the remoting_host.exe file, an in-browser scan will not be sufficient to weed out all potential malware.

As such, we recommend you also include a deep scan of your Windows 11 either using Windows Defender or a comprehensive third-party antivirus.

3. Uninstall the Chrome Remote Desktop app

Click on the Start Menu icon, type Control Panel in the search bar, and click Open.
Select Uninstall a program under Programs.
Find the Chrome Remote Desktop Host and click on it then select Uninstall at the top.
Confirm uninstallation in the next prompt.

Don’t forget to clear out any remaining junk from software leftovers that may affect system performance way after you have uninstalled the program.

4. Run a command

Hit the Windows key, type cmd in the search bar, and click Run as administrator.
Type in the following command and hit Enter: net stop chromoting

And that’s how to remove remoting_host.exe from your PC safely. Hopefully, you notice improved performance in your PC after its removal.

Removing Chrome’s Remote Desktop app should not be the end of your journey when accessing PCs remotely.

In fact, we have an exciting list of the best remote desktop apps for Windows 11 packed with modern features and perfect for both advanced and novice users, so ensure you check that out.

How do I access another computer using Chrome Remote Desktop?

Chrome Remote Desktop is a free service that lets you remotely access another computer through Chrome. It’s useful if you want to help someone fix their computer or if you need to access your own machine from afar.

To get started with Chrome Remote Desktop, ensure the computer you want to use is connected to the internet and has the Chrome browser installed.

1. Download Chrome Remote Desktop

On your browser, navigate to the Chrome Remote Desktop page and click the download icon.
Once the download is complete, click on Accept & Install.
Click on the installer file and hit Run.
Wait for Windows to finish the configuration.
Create a name for your PC, or use the default one.
Enter a PIN that will allow you to access the PC remotely.
To access another PC, follow similar steps to set up, and when sharing, you’ll be asked to generate a code as the other user will need it to access your screen. The same applies to when you want to access their screen.
You can stop sharing your screen at any time.
Note that both computers must be connected to the Internet for Chrome Remote Desktop to work.

2. Add extension

Launch your Chrome browser, and in a new tab, go to the following location: chrome.google.com/webstore/category/extensions
In the search bar at the top left, type Chrome Remote Desktop and hit Enter.
Click on Add to Chrome.
Confirm by clicking Add extension.

While the process is fairly easy to set up, you must beware that it can take a toll on your system resources, especially if you’re operating older hardware. Your CPU and memory will be under pressure.

Consequently, your registry may also be at risk of getting corrupted. Since most applications store data in your system’s registry, it will likely suffer fragmentation and accumulate invalid entries over time, which can affect your PC’s performance.

Other times, Chrome Remote Desktop may not be working. If so, the next step is to disable or completely remove the remoting_host.exe process. Below, we explore various ways to remove it from your PC.

Do let us know if there is a solution that helped you remove the file but missing from our list.

Still using the ChatGPT-powered Bing? We’ve got a good news

Posted on June 2, 2023October 4, 2023 by Rafly Gilang

It’s that time again. Microsoft, few months after unleashing ChatGPT-powered Bing to the world for the first time, has just announced a plethora of nice updates for the search engine.

As noted from the company’s blog post, the desktop and mobile versions of Bing will become more feature-rich with the inclusion of videos, Knowledge Cards, graphs, improved formatting, and social sharing capabilities within the chat.

And, chat history will now be available on both desktop and mobile, so you can effortlessly access recent activity by simply clicking on the clock-inspired icon.

Starting from now on, users like you can also take full advantage of the extended turn limits of 30 per conversation and 300 per day to engage in more extensive and engaging conversations within the platform.

The Bing app will now allow you to add a Bing Chat widget to your home screen, providing timely information and easy access to chat features.

Moreover, you will appreciate the convenience of seamlessly continuing your conversations between desktop and mobile devices. By scanning a QR code, you can effortlessly transition from your desktop search to your mobile device, guaranteeing a consistent and uninterrupted experience.

As part of the ongoing collaboration between Microsoft and OpenAI, the company responsible for the highly sought-after AI tool, Bing has also been designated as the default search engine for ChatGPT.

Is there any other notable update coming to the ChatGPT-powered Bing?

The popularity of the new Bing mobile app continues to soar, with daily downloads witnessing an astonishing 8x increase since its launch. To further enhance the mobile experience, Microsoft is introducing a host of new features for the Bing, SwiftKey, Edge, and Skype apps.

Did we say SwiftKey? Yes, the AI-powered keyboard, is also receiving noteworthy updates.

The Compose feature within SwiftKey will draft messages based on user-defined parameters, taking into account subject matter, tone, format, and length.

This feature aims to simplify administrative tasks, so you can delegate the heavy lifting to AI. Furthermore, SwiftKey will integrate a built-in translator, so you can communicate effortlessly with friends and family across language barriers.

Edge, Microsoft’s web browser, is not to be left behind in the AI revolution.

With the introduction of contextual chat, you can ask Bing Chat questions related to the content they are viewing or request a summary of the page. The selected text actions feature in Edge allows you to gain deeper insights into any highlighted text by engaging in a conversation with Bing, complete with cited sources and summarized information.

Skype, the renowned communication platform, now incorporates AI-powered Bing in all group chats. By simply tagging @Bing, you can leverage Bing’s capabilities to generate lists of discussed options or generate new ideas within a group chat.

Not too long ago, the Redmond-based tech giant also announced that the waitlist for the Bing AI chatbot is gone and everyone can access it alongside more updates including the DALL-E-powered Bing Image Creator that supports 100 languages and the Actions feature that allow you to browse through the chat mode without switching tabs.

Have you used the ChatGPT-powered Bing AI chatbot? Let us know in the comment!

5 Quick Ways to Unlock Grayed-Out Menus in Excel

Posted on June 2, 2023September 19, 2024 by Sagar Naresh

There are many readers that are asking questions about how to unlock grayed-out menus in Excel. Because of this problem, they are unable to use commands and actions.

In this guide, we will share with you some effective ways that will answer your how to unlock grayed-out menus in Excel query. Let us check out the solutions.

Why is the Excel menu grayed-out?

We did our research and found out some of the common reasons why the menus in Microsoft Excel are grayed-out for you.

Someone is editing the cell: Often when someone is editing or working on a cell, because of which the Excel sheet is in the Edit mode.
The spreadsheet is protected: You might have locked the spreadsheet or you might have opened a locked spreadsheet which is there to prevent any foreign edits.
The workbook is protected: Someone might have protected the workbook to avoid moving, hiding, and deletion of worksheets.
The Excel options might be hidden: Chances are that the show all Excel options feature might be disabled within the Excel settings menu.

Let us now check out the solutions regarding how to unlock grayed-out menus in Excel.

How do I unlock a grayed-out menu in Excel?

1. Press Enter to unlock the grayed-out menu

You will see that when you are editing a cell in the spreadsheet, the menu items will be locked or grayed-out.

To unlock the grayed-out menu in the Excel spreadsheet, you need to press the Enter button after editing is complete. This will unlock the grayed-out menu items.

Often we overlook some of our actions when editing the Excel workbook and think that it is an issue of the program. But a simple press of the Enter button can unlock the grayed-out menu items.

2. Unprotect the worksheet

Launch the worksheet.
Click on the Review tab at the top menu bar.
Under the Changes section, click on Unprotect Sheet.
Enter the password to unprotect the worksheet and click OK.
The grayed-out menus will be unlocked.

If the worksheet is password protected, then you need to enter the password to unlock it. This will allow you to edit the worksheet as well as unlock the grayed-out menu items in Excel.

Just like you unprotected the worksheet, you can also check if the entire workbook is protected or not. If so, then you should choose the Unprotect Workbook option and enter the password and unlock the grayed-out menu items.

3. Ungroup sheets to unlock menus

Launch the workbook.
Right-click on the worksheet and select Select all sheets.
Right-click again on a worksheet and select Ungroup Sheets.
This will activate or unlock the grayed-out menu items.

If the sheets are in a group, then you won’t be able to use the menu items and apply further actions on your worksheet.

For that, you need to follow the above steps and ungroup the worksheets and then this will solve the how to unlock grayed-out menus in Excel query.

4. Tweak the Advanced Options

Launch the workbook.
Click on File from the top menu.
Select Options from the left pane.
Click on Advanced.
Scroll down and locate the Display options for this workbook section.
Under the For objects show selection box, select All.
Click OK to complete the action.

Some people have reported that for them the For objects show option was set to Nothing (hide objects), because of which the menu items weren’t showing for them in the Excel book. Simply change that to All and check if this resolves the issue or not.

5. Convert the workbook to a compatible version

For some users, Excel doesn’t show any menu items when they are opened in compatibility mode. This is because some features might be compatible with the new version of the file, and if the file is of some old version, then you won’t see these menu items.

In such a case, you need to convert the Excel file to the version installed on your PC to unlock the menu items that are currently locked for the workbook.

That is it from us in this guide. Many of our readers have reported that the Excel toolbar is missing for them. This issue is prominent among Excel users and you can easily resolve it by following the solutions mentioned in our guide. You can also learn how to unlock an Excel sheet if you forget the password.

For more information on Excel, don’t miss our latest article on how to apply formula to entire column in Excel.

Feel free to let us know in the comments below, which one of the above solutions resolved your query on how to unlock grayed-out menus in Excel.

How to make Microsoft Teams video calls inside GroupMe

Posted on June 2, 2023October 4, 2023 by Rafly Gilang

Just like what Microsoft is doing by revamping users’ experience in Teams 2.0, the latest & newest generation of the teleconferencing app, the Redmond-based tech giant is also integrating GroupMe within the app. Soon, users like you will be able to make Teams video calls inside GroupMe, so you won’t have to bother with moving apps back and forth.

GroupMe, known for its ability to connect groups of all sizes, is particularly favored among student and university groups on college and university campuses.

By enabling group calls within the familiar GroupMe environment, that means you can also effortlessly engage in video conferences powered by Microsoft Teams, fostering seamless and efficient communication.

Being a new feature, however, also means that you may experience a few hiccups here and there, so patience is a virtue. If you’re still curious, here’s how you can make Teams calls inside GroupMe.

How to make Microsoft Teams video calls inside GroupMe

1. Open the GroupMe app on your device.

2. Select the group chat where you want to start a call.

3. Tap on the call icon within the group chat on the top right of your screen.

4. Choose Microsoft Teams as your calling option, then start the call.

5. If the call has already been started, you can tap Join on the top right of your screen to hop on.

Besides GroupMe, Teams is also seeing a lot of exciting improvements in the pipeline. That includes support for Microsoft Designer within the app, the video capture tool for mobile users, and featured communities.

What do you think about Microsoft Teams integration in GroupMe? Let us know in the comments!

Drag Clicking: What is It & How to do It on Any Mouse (Clearing drafts)

Posted on June 2, 2023October 4, 2023 by Vlad Turiceanu

Drag clicking has become an extremely popular technique among PC gamers. This is because it helps improve your clicks per second (CPS), and overall game performance.

If you’ve been searching for a way to up your Roblox or Minecraft playing style by improving your CPS, this article will provide you with a comprehensive guide on drag clicking and show you how to do it on any mouse.

What is drag clicking and how does it help?

Drag clicking, also known as Fazer clicking, is a mouse technique that involves forcefully dragging your fingers across the left or right buttons of a mouse. The technique is facilitated by the help of friction between the mouse, buttons, and the player’s finger.

The main purpose of this is to trick the mouse into recording more clicks per second, which is very useful while playing fast action PC games.

An average gamer has 6.5-8 clicks per second. While this is decent, it may prove insufficient in games like Minecraft where the CPS rate makes a lot of difference.

Hence, by drag-clicking, you can bump up your click-per-second rate to 30+ per second; which is an incredible leap above what an average gamer can think of.

How can I drag click on any mouse?

Drag clicking may sound like an easy thing to do but learning how to do it efficiently and consistently on any mouse takes lots of patience. However, before you can start drag-clicking, here are a couple of preparations you should make:

Ensure your mouse is clean to prevent disruptions caused by dirt or any external material.
Place your hand comfortably on the mouse.

How do I drag click?

Position your hand above the mouse with your finger of choice hanging down towards the mouse button with the tip/pad of the finger lightly contacting the mouse button.
Flick your wrist at an angle and press the button in a downward direction.
Glide your fingers along the base of your mouse button towards the top. Keep varying the pressure gently until you feel the skip skip sound along the clicks. Then, maintain the movement smooth and steady.

To verify that your drag clicks are working, you can employ the help of Click Counter software. You can find tons of them online by simply searching Click Counter in your web browser and making use of any of the tools displayed on the Google search results.

Tips and tricks to improve drag clicking?

Use electric tape to improve the friction between your fingers and the mouse buttons.
Wipe your hands thoroughly to avoid your finger slipping off the mouse.
Use a wireless mouse or trackpad.

Drag clicking isn’t a common concept to most Windows users but it’s a very trendy topic among PC gamers. This is because a high click per second (CPS) is one of the most effective strategies to win games like Roblox and Minecraft.

Once you learn the technique involved with it, you’ll see an instant boost in your in-game performance and overall scores. All it takes is a little practice and patience to help you master the art of Drag Clicking.

Windows 11 Insider Canary Channel build 25381 adds security requirements

Posted on June 2, 2023 by Kip Kniskern

Microsoft has released Windows 11 Insider build 25381 for the Canary Channel, with one “what’s new” item and one change. First up, the SMB signing requirement changes: Microsoft is going to now require SMB signing by default for all connections for Enterprise editions of the software.

Currently, SMB signing is off by default for all except connections to SYSVOL and NETLOGON shares, but this will change, as “part of a campaign to improve the security of Windows and Windows Server for the modern landscape.” Administrators will have to change 3rd party SMB servers to support SMB singing, although Microsoft apparently offers a workaround while at the same time discouraging it:

Do not disable SMB signing in Windows or use SMB1 to work around this behavior (SMB1 supports signing but does not enforce it). An SMB device that does not support signing allows interception and relay attacks from malicious parties.

SMB signing can reduce the performance of SMB copy operations. You can mitigate this with more physical CPU cores or virtual CPUs as well as newer, faster CPUs.

In addition, Canary Channel build 25381 includes a single item under “Changes and Improvements:”

If a camera streaming issue is detected such as a camera failing to start or a closed camera shutter, a pop-up dialog will appear with the recommendation to launch the automated Get Help troubleshooter to resolve the issue.

You can learn a little more about SMB signing and the Windows Insider Canary Channel by checking out the Windows Insider blog post.

3 Ways to Bypass Windows 11 System Requirements

Posted on June 2, 2023October 4, 2023 by Vlad Turiceanu

Ever since Windows announced its latest Windows 11 upgrade several users who have upgraded their operating system have been complaining of compatibility issues. This is because of the strict Windows 11 system requirements.

If your device doesn’t meet the minimum system requirements for Windows 11, you can find useful steps you can take to bypass Windows 11 requirements in this guide.

What are the minimum Windows 11 system requirements?

Before you can install the Windows 11 update, your computer must meet the following operating system requirements:

Your processor must be operating at 1 Gigahertz or faster and must be an Intel, AMD, or Qualcomm dual-core 64-bit processor.
Supported and enabled UEFI Secure Boot.
A minimum of 4GB of RAM and at least 64GB of storage.
A Trusted Platform Module (TPM), version 2.0.
The graphics card needs to be supported by DirectX 12 or later and should be using WDDM 2.0 drivers
High definition (720p) display, a 9-inch or larger monitor, 8 bits per color channel

The system requirements for the latest Windows 11 version are too strict for many users of an older computer, hence the need to bypass Windows 11 requirements.

You can also explore our detailed guide on the complete checklist for 2023 Windows 11 system requirements to see other Windows 11 specifications, features, and computer requirements.

How can I bypass Windows 11 system requirements?

1. Bypass Windows 11 requirements using the Registry Editor

Press the Windows + R keys to open the Run dialog box. Type regedit in the text field and press Enter.
Navigate to the path below: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\Setup
Right-click on any space and select New to create a DWORD (32-bit) Value.
Now, set its name as AllowUpgradesWithUnsupportedTPMOrCPU if it isn’t already there.
Change its Value data field to 1 and click OK to save changes.
Close the regedit and restart your PC.

Before making registry changes, make sure your important files and applications have been safely backed up in case the process isn’t successful or satisfactory enough.

2. Bypass Windows 11 requirements using the Media Creation Tool

Create a bootable Windows 10 USB disk by using the Media Creation Tool.
Now, navigate to the directory of the Windows 10 USB disk and delete the install.esd or install.wim files. (You are likely to find only one of these files inside the directory).
After deleting the file, mount the Windows 11 ISO.
Now, go to the same directory again and copy the install.wim file to your clipboard.
Then, paste the install.wim file you previously copied from Windows 11 ISO to the Windows 10 USB stick.
Finally, boot your system from the modified Windows 10 USB stick and install Windows 11.

The Media Creation Tool also allows you to bypass Windows 11 requirements of TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot. However, this only works for NTFS-formatted operating system partitions.

3. Bypass all Windows 11 system requirements

Visit the official Microsoft website to download Windows 11 ISO.
Download the latest version of Rufus and run it.
Select your USB flash drive and click on the Select button.
In the Rufus dialog, expand the dropdown menu under Image and select the Extended Windows 11 Installation (No TPM/no Secure Boot/8GB- RAM) option.
By choosing this option, you will skip Windows 11’s secure boot and TPM 2.0 requirements, along with the minimum demand for 8GB of RAM.
Finally, to create Windows 11 installation media, click Start.
Click OK and wait for the process to finish.

By using the Rufus app, you will be able to bypass some of the Windows 11 requirements except for the CPU requirement. You can however try other methods.

Windows 11 has specific requirements regarding the processor, RAM, storage, graphics card, and other hardware components.

If your system does not meet the minimum requirements for Windows 11, you can use the latest version of Rufus, Registry Editor, or Media Creation Tool to bypass it.

And that’s it on how to bypass Windows 11 requirements. For specific directions on how to bypass TPM 2.0, check our detailed guide on how to install Windows 11 without TPM.

If you have any questions or you know of any other method which has worked for you, do not hesitate to use the comments section below.

Fix: Firefox Border Radius Not Working

Posted on June 2, 2023September 4, 2025 by Radu Tyrsina

Firefox is definitely a winner when it comes to users’ personal preferences – just take a look at how it stands to Safari, Chrome, or Brave. There’s every reason to love this browser, from enhanced privacy to comprehensive dev tools. That said, it’s not flawless and cases of Firefox border radius not working are starting to pile up.

What is Moz border radius, you ask? Don’t worry, we’ll tell you all about it soon enough. Firefox even offers a Developer Edition for users familiar with programming and code. But while the border radius CSS property works fine for browsers like Chrome and Opera, it fails miserably in Firefox.

Thinking about cuttings corners? Well, if you prefer to simply ditch the troubleshooting boat now and go for a quicker solution, we don’t blame you. ➡️ You can choose to switch to Opera right now and enjoy all its customization options, including CSS-related.

However, if you’d like to keep going and see why won’t border radius work in Firefox, we’ve also got your back, so read on.

What is Moz border radius in CSS?

The border radius CSS property allows users to round element corners and customize them to their liking. It applies to the entire background and has up to four length or percentage values, one for each corner.

Users can adjust these values to get elliptical corners. In short, they can alter the percentage value to adjust the dimensions of the border box.

The border radius CSS is compatible with most, if not all browsers, including Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge, and Opera. And speaking of that, you are likely to encounter this issue in more than one place:

CSS image border radius not working
border-top-left-radius not working in Firefox
Firefox border not showing
border radius not working on Chrome, Edge, Safari, Outlook, React Native
border radius not working on top, table, image

How can I fix border radius not working in Firefox?

1. Double-check the code

Double-check the code to make sure everything was entered properly, and the syntax is correct. Firefox’s developer page provides helpful references for CSS properties, including border radius code and syntax.

Users can easily copy and paste the code to make sure it’s exact.

If you have a -moz or -webkit prefix, then you may encounter errors with Firefox 13 and newer as the latest versions of browsers now use CSS3 syntax. If you are using prefixed code, also add code without the prefix.

Also, if the syntax is off then you will have issues, refer to Firefox’s syntax reference to double-check.

2. Check for Beta updates

If using the Beta version of Firefox, check for any Beta updates. Firefox Beta allows users to test out future versions of the browser and report any bugs or feedback.

Mozilla regularly releases notes for the beta on their website, so checking those may also provide a solution. Here users can see if there are any reported bugs or if there are any changes made.

3. Input individual values

Users report that Firefox does not return borderRadius the same as other browsers, which is why the code works in Chrome but not in Firefox.

Input individual values to fix firefox border radius.

Firefox does not support getPropertyValue on getComputedStyle of shorthand properties. Many users report needing to input a value for each corner of the element for the border radius to work in Firefox.

This is an ongoing issue, we know, but we hope our solutions proved useful. So if you have another suggestion on how to fix the Firefox border radius not working problem, let us know in the comments.

Uplay Unable to Start Your Download: 4 Ways to Fix it

Posted on June 2, 2023March 19, 2024 by Vlad Turiceanu

Some of our readers reported encountering the Uplay unable to start your download error message whenever they try to install or update a Ubisoft game. This has been quite frustrating for several users.

Not to worry. We have compiled in this article some potential fixes that have worked for other users who have encountered similar problems. Ensure that you follow the steps carefully to fix the issue.

Why is Uplay unable to start your download?

Server issues – There could be a temporary downtime on Ubisoft’s server which is affecting the download process. In a case such as this, there is nothing to do but wait for the problem to be resolved on Ubisoft’s end.
DNS issues – DNS issues are related to your network settings. If your internet connection is unstable or experiencing disruptions, Uplay may not be able to establish a connection to initiate the download.
Firewall or antivirus interference – Your firewall or antivirus software may be blocking Uplay’s access to the internet or flagging it as a potential threat, preventing the download from starting.
Permission issues – Uplay may require administrative privileges to initiate the download. If it doesn’t have the necessary permissions, it may encounter errors.

How can I fix Uplay unable to start your download?

1. Switch to Uplay’s Preview version

Double-click on the icon of the Uplay client on the desktop to open it.
Click the menu button and then select the Settings option.
Navigate to the General tab and check the Try out Preview Versions box.
Now, close the client and re-open it to see if the issue is resolved.

If the issue persists on Uplay’s client, you can check to see if Uplay has released a fix in the preview version for the error.

2. Use Google’s DNS address

Press the Start button, type control panel in the search bar, and open it.
Select View by: Small icons and click Network and Sharing Center.
Click on Change adapter settings, right-click the current network adapter that you are using, and click Properties.
Under This connection uses the following items: section, click on Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) and click Properties.
Check the Use the following DNS server addresses box to put 8.8.8.8 as the Preferred DNS server and put 8.8.4.4 as the Alternate DNS server.
Check the Validate settings upon the exit box and click on OK.
Now, reopen Uplay and check if the error is fixed.

If the problem is with your DNS address settings, you can follow the steps above to switch to using Google’s free DNS.

3. Flush the DNS and reset TCP/IP

Press the Windows key to open the Start menu. Type the command prompt and select Run as administrator.
Type the following in the command prompt and press Enter: ipconfig /flushdns
Next, type the following reset and press Enter: netsh int ip
Now check if the problem is fixed.

If using Google’s DNS address didn’t fix the issue, you can try using TCP/IP which serves as an extension of the previous method.

4. Reinstall the Uplay client

Press the Windows + I keys to open the Settings app.
Click on Apps and locate Uplay from the list of Installed apps.
Right-click the Uplay entry and click on Uninstall.
Follow the on-screen instructions to uninstall Uplay.

Now, download the latest version from the official Uplay website and reinstall it. Once reinstalled, try downloading any game and see if the issue is resolved.

You may also:

Check the Ubisoft website and social media accounts to know if there’s an issue with the server.
Temporarily disable your firewall or antivirus software.
End unnecessary background apps running on your PC.
Check your internet connection.

That’s it for how to fix the Uplay unable to start your download error. Hopefully, one or more of the methods provided in this guide will help you fix the issue.

Troubleshooting Uplay_r164.dll Not Found or Untrusted System File issues? Check out our comprehensive guide on resolving Uplay compatibility errors.

In case your Uplay download button is not working, you should check out this guide on how to fix it.

If you have any questions or suggestions, please use the comments section below.

Fix: Explorer.exe not Starting on Windows Startup

Posted on June 2, 2023October 4, 2023 by Loredana Harsana

Have you ever experienced a blank screen when trying to log in to your computer? Although there may be several reasons for this, the major one is frequently Explorer.exe failing to launch on startup. The desktop and File Explorer GUI are controlled by the Explorer.exe Windows service.

As a result, Windows Explorer not starting on startup will affect your wallpaper, icons, and taskbar, leaving you with a blank screen and only a cursor. Fortunately, we have compiled some potential fixes to troubleshoot the issue in this article.

Why is Windows Explorer not starting on startup?

There could be several reasons why Windows Explorer is not starting on Windows startup. Here are some possible causes:

Incorrect startup settings – It is possible that Windows Explorer is not set to start automatically during system startup. You can check the startup settings to ensure it is enabled.
Corrupted user profile – Sometimes, a corrupted user profile can prevent Windows Explorer from starting. To resolve this, you can create a new user account and see if the issue persists.
Third-party software interference – Another possible reason is that some third-party software installed on your system is conflicting with Windows Explorer. Try performing a clean boot to identify if any software is causing the issue.
System file corruption – Corrupted system files can also cause issues with Windows Explorer. You can run the System File Checker (SFC) tool to scan for and repair any corrupted files.

Now that you know some of the possible reasons behind the Windows Explorer not starting on startup, the next section will provide you with simplified steps on how to fix the issue.

What can I do if the Explorer is not starting on Windows startup?

Before engaging in any troubleshooting or settings tweaks, you should consider observing the following preliminary checks:

Restart your PC.
Update your graphics driver.
Disable fast boot on Windows 11.
Perform a clean boot.
Check your PC for virus infection using the best antivirus software.

Having confirmed the above checks, and if you still require further assistance, you can explore the advanced solutions provided below.

1. Set Explorer to start automatically on startup

Right-click on the Start menu and select Task Manager.
In the Task Manager window, click on the More details option if available.
Navigate to the Startup tab and look for Windows Explorer in the list. If it’s disabled, right-click on it and select Enable.

Some users reported that having set Explorer.exe to start automatically on startup the black screen errors stopped. You can check it out too.

2. Perform a clean boot

Press the Windows + R keys to open the Run dialog. Type msconfig in the dialog box and press Enter.
In the System Configuration window, navigate to the Services tab. Check the Hide all Microsoft services box and click on Disable all.
Then, go to the Startup tab and click on Open Task Manager.
In the Task Manager window, disable all startup items by right-clicking on each and selecting Disable.
Close the Task Manager and click on OK in the System Configuration window.
Finally, restart your computer.

After performing a clean boot, now check if Windows Explorer starts properly. If it does, you can begin to enable services and startup items one after the other to identify the conflicting software.

3. Create a new user profile

Press the Windows + I keys to open the Settings app.
Navigate to Accounts and select Family & other users or Other users (depending on your Windows version).
Under Other users, click on Add someone else to this PC.
Follow the on-screen instructions to create a new user account.
Log in to the new account and check if Windows Explorer starts correctly.

If your user profile is corrupted, it can trigger your Windows Explorer not starting on startup error.

4. Run the SFC tool

Press the Windows + X keys to open the Quick Settings menu. Select Windows PowerShell (Admin).
In the command prompt, type the following in the text field and press Enter: sfc /scannow
Wait for the scan to complete.
Once completed, restart your PC and this should fix any corruption found.

By running the SFC scanner, the Windows utility will identify and attempt to repair any corrupted system files found.

5. Perform a System Restore

Press the Windows + R key to open the Run dialog box. Type rstrui in the dialog box and open it.
Select the System Protection and click on System Restore.
Click Next in the new window.
Now, select the desired restore point and click Next.
Click on the button and then Finish.

If the issue started recently, you can try using System Restore to revert your computer to a previous state when explorer.exe was working fine.

If none of these solutions resolve the issue, it may be helpful to seek further assistance from Microsoft Support or other Windows support forums, as there could be more specific causes related to your system configuration.

For further assistance, if you encounter an explorer.exe application error, work your way through any of the 8 fixes provided in this guide.

If you have any questions or suggestions, please let us know by using the comments section below.

Computer Started Using the Windows Installation Media [Fix]

Posted on June 2, 2023October 4, 2023 by Vlad Turiceanu

Recently, some of our readers complained of an error on their Windows PC which states that the computer started using the Windows installation media. This often occurs when you’re trying to install or reinstall the Operating system on your PC.

When you see this message, it means that the computer is attempting to boot from the Windows installation media rather than from its internal hard drive. In this article, we will take you through the causes and how to fix the error.

Why did the computer started using the Windows installation media?

From several users’ experiences, if your computer has started using the Windows installation media unexpectedly, it could be due to several reasons. Below are some of them:

Incorrect boot order – The boot order in your computer’s BIOS or UEFI settings may be misconfigured. If the Windows installation media is set as the first boot device, the computer will attempt to boot from it instead of the internal hard drive.
Removable media connected – Your computer may be set by default to boot from removable media such as USB drives or DVDs. If any of these media are connected to your computer while starting up, the system might try to boot from them.
Damaged or corrupt boot loader – The boot loader may be damaged or corrupted. This can happen due to various reasons, such as improper shutdowns, disk errors, or malware infections.
Hardware or connection issues – In some cases, hardware problems or faulty connections can cause the computer to incorrectly detect or prioritize boot devices, leading to the error message.

The above are common reasons behind computer started using the Windows installation media. The next section will provide you with simplified steps on how to fix the issue.

What can I do if the computer started using the Windows installation media?

Try the following preliminary checks before using the advanced solutions provided for this error:

Restart your computer.
Check for hardware or connection issues.
Disconnect all peripheral devices.
Re-insert your Laptop’s battery – Several people who use Laptops have confirmed that this fix works for them and that is why this method is worth a shot at.

Having confirmed the above checks, the next section will take you through detailed steps on how to fix the computer that started using the Windows installation media error.

1. Delete a Registry key

Press the Windows + R keys to open the Run command dialog. Type regedit in the dialog box and press Enter.
Navigate to the following registry key: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control
Under the Control key, right-click on the key named MiniNT, and click on Permissions.
Select your username under the Users or Groups section, check the Full Control checkbox under Permissions for…, and apply the changes you have made.
Now, right-click on the MiniNT key and click on Delete.
Confirm the dialog box which will appear and restart your computer to apply the changes.
Finally, try installing Windows again.

If you’ve been getting the computer started using the Windows installation media error while trying to install Windows regularly, you can easily fix this problem by deleting the registry key.

2. Format the external drive used for installation

Insert the installation media and boot the computer.
Set up the language, time and date settings, etc.
Next, enter your Windows activation key. But, if you don’t have it, click on I don’t have a product key below.
Follow the setup process normally until you see the Which type of installation do you want? screen.
Then. select the Custom option to perform a Clean install.
You will now see the Where do you want to install Windows? screen with the partitions you have active.
Choose each one with the current Operating system’ system files on it and click on Delete.
Finally, choose the one where you want to install Windows and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the process.

This should fix the problem. However, if the issue persists after trying these methods, try to seek further assistance from a professional technician or Microsoft support.

For further assistance, check out our detailed guide on what to do if you can’t install Windows on a USB flash drive using setup.

If you have any questions or suggestions, please use the comments section below.

Fix: Kodi not Working or Crashing in Windows 10 & 11

Posted on June 2, 2023October 4, 2023 by Loredana Harsana

The Kodi app is one of the best multimedia players with many different features, add-ons, and an amazing interface. It provides users with their entertainment needs.

However, the app is not without errors as users have recently posted on Kodi’s support forum about the Kodi crashing Windows 10 & 11 errors. Although this can be quite frustrating, we have compiled some potential fixes for this error.

Why is Kodi not working in Windows 10/11?

There can be several reasons why users are experiencing Kodi crashing Windows Windows 10 & 11. Below are some of the possible reasons:

Corrupted Kodi configuration – One of the major reasons behind this error is that Kodi’s configuration files have become corrupted, causing instability and crashes. Try using one of the dedicated tools to fix the issue.
Incompatible add-ons or plug-ins – Certain add-ons or plugins installed in Kodi may not be compatible with Windows 10 & 11, leading to crashes. These add-ons could be outdated or have conflicts with the operating system.
Outdated Kodi version – Using an outdated version of Kodi can lead to compatibility issues with Windows 10 & 11. The older version may not be optimized to work well with the latest operating systems, causing crashes.
Insufficient system resources – If your computer doesn’t meet the minimum system requirements to run Kodi smoothly, it may crash due to a lack of resources.

Now that you know some of the possible reasons behind the Kodi crashing Windows 10 & 11 error, let’s proceed to what fixes to apply.

How can I fix Kodi if it’s not working or it’s crashing?

Before attempting any of the advanced solutions provided in this guide, users should ensure they perform the following preparatory checks:

Restart your PC.
Close unnecessary applications running in the background.
Disable or remove problematic addons or plugins.
Update your graphics card to the latest version.

Having confirmed the above checks and none of them fixes the problem, you can explore the advanced solutions provided below to know what works for you.

1. End all unnecessary tasks running in the background

Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc shortcut keys to open Task Manager on Windows.
Locate all processes consuming either the system resources.
Select each one individually and click on the End Task button.
Terminate all these but do not kill a critical process or one that you need.

Ending non-critical processes in your Task Manager should fix the issue. Once done, try to run the Kodi app again to see if the Kodi crashing Windows error is fixed.

2. Disable hardware acceleration on Kodi

Launch the Kodi app. On the left sidebar, click on the gear icon.
Under Settings, choose the Player option.
Next, disable Allow hardware acceleration – DXVA2 by turning off the toggle in the video section.
Now, restart the Kodi application.

Although it is recommended to keep the hardware acceleration option enabled in Kodi, however, it can also cause incompatibility issues on Windows PC.

3. Download the latest version of DirectX

Press the Windows + R keys to open the Run command dialog box. Type dxdiag in the text field and press Enter to open the DirectX Diagnostic Tool window.
Check if the current DirectX version on your PC is not DirectX 12 or above. If so, then you will have to go through the update process.
Then, open your preferred web browser and visit Microsoft’s official website to download the latest DirectX.
Now, run the setup and follow the prompts to complete the installation process.
After the installation, restart your computer.

By updating to the latest version of DirectX, it should have fixed any DirectX-related issues causing Kodi to crash Windows error automatically.

4. Reinstall Kodi on Windows 11 PC

Press the Windows key to open the Start menu. Type control panel in the search box and press Enter.
Firstly, click on Uninstall a program under Programs section.
Then, locate and click Kodi in the Program and Features window and choose Uninstall.
Restart your PC and visit the official Kodi website to download its Windows 11 version.

And that’s it on how to fix Kodi if it’s not working or crashing on Windows 10 and 11 PC. Hopefully, one of the methods provided in this guide will help you fix the issue.

Have you been experiencing system crash issues but you don’t know what fix to apply? Check our detailed guide on Windows 11 keeps crashing for 9 methods to stop it.

Additionally, check here to fix Kodi if it’s not working or opening on Windows 10 & 11, and also fix items that fail to play on Kodi.

If you have any questions or suggestions, please let us know by using the comments section below.

Fix: Service did not Respond in a Timely Fashion (Error 1053)

Posted on June 2, 2023October 4, 2023 by Vladimir Popescu

Some of our readers have recently reported that they encountered Error 1053 with an error message that says the service did not respond in a timely fashion. This error occurs typically when a Windows service fails to start or stop within the expected timeframe.

There are variations to this error message such as issues in Windows services to inability to launch custom services (including games and other third-party software). We have therefore compiled potential fixes for this error.

Why did the service did not respond in a timely fashion?

From the results gathered from users, if you come across Error 1053: the service did not respond in a timely fashion, there can be several reasons why you’re getting the error message. Below are some of them:

Long startup or initialization time – Windows has a default timeout setting for its services and if the service takes longer than the specified time to start, Windows assumes it has failed. This can occur if there are delays in accessing external dependencies.
Resource conflicts – Another major reason is that the service might be competing for system resources with other processes or services, causing delays in its startup.
Missing or corrupt system files – If the service depends on other services or files that are unavailable or not functioning correctly, it may fail to start within the specified time.
Network connectivity issues – Services require your network to communicate all the time. If your network is poorly configured, the services might not be able to perform their tasks which can trigger the error message.

Now that you know some of the possible reasons behind Error 1053, the next section will provide you with simplified steps on how to fix the issue.

How can I fix the service did not respond in a timely fashion?

Before trying any of the troubleshooting or settings tweaks, you should consider observing the following preliminary checks:

Restart your computer.
Ensure that you are logged in as an administrator on your computer.
Make sure you are properly connected to the Internet.
Ensure that your system resources are not overloaded.
Gain access to use the application – Ensure the service has appropriate privileges to access the required resources. Grant necessary permissions to the service account in Windows 11 if needed.

Having confirmed the above checks, you can work your way through any of the advanced solutions provided below.

1. Increase service timeout in Windows Registry

Press the Windows + R keys to open the Run command dialog. Type regedit in the dialog box and press Enter.
Navigate to the following registry key: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control
Create a new DWORD value called ServicesPipeTimeout if it doesn’t already exist.
Right-click on the newly created DWORD value and select Modify.
Set the Value to the number of milliseconds you want to wait (e.g., 60000 for 60 seconds). Click OK to save changes and exit.
Restart the computer for the changes to take effect.

Windows allows 30 seconds for a service to start or stop. To avoid getting error 1053, try increasing this timeout value in your Registry Editor to provide more time for the service to respond.

2. Run the SFC scan

Press the Windows key to open the Start menu. Type command prompt in the search box and select Run as administrator.
In the command prompt, type the following and press Enter: sfc /scannow
Wait for the scan to complete.
Once completed, restart your PC and this should have fixed any missing or corrupted system files found.

The System File Checker checks all your system file structures and compares the structure with that of a fresh copy present online. If there is any discrepancy, the files will be replaced accordingly.

3. Disable conflicting services or programs

Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc shortcut keys to open Task Manager on Windows.
Locate all processes consuming either the system resources. Select each one individually and click on the End Task button.
Terminate all these but do not kill any Microsoft or Windows essential process.
Restart your PC.

Temporarily disable conflicting processes or services in your Task Manager to fix the service that did not respond in a timely fashion error. Once done, try to run the service that triggered the error again and see if it is fixed.

And that’s it on how to fix the service did not respond in a timely fashion error code 1053. If the issue persists, consult the documentation or support resources provided by the service or application vendor.

In case you need the list of available Windows services and how to access them accordingly, check our expert guide for that.

If you have any questions or suggestions, please let us know by using the comments section below.

Windows 11 in React: Everything You Need to Know

Posted on June 2, 2023October 4, 2023 by Loredana Harsana

In case you’re new to React, it is one of the best front-end development technology, an open-source JavaScript library for building user interfaces for web applications. Some of our readers have recently requested to know about Windows 11 in React.

In this article, we will tell you everything you need to know about Windows 11 in React including how to install React.js on your Windows 11 PC.

Can I install React on Windows 11?

Yes, you can install React on Windows 11. React is a JavaScript library that can be used with any operating system that supports JavaScript.

However, installing React on Windows 11 requires that you download and install some additional software —Node.js and Node Package Manager (npm)— from GitHub which are necessary for React to work properly on your Windows 11 PC.

Node.js is a JavaScript runtime environment that allows you to run JavaScript code outside of a web browser while npm is a package manager for Node.js which allows users to easily install and manage packages like React.

How to install React.js on Windows 11?

1. Install Node.js from its official website

Open your browser and visit the official Node.js website.
Select Windows Installer to download the 64-bit installer automatically or manually download the 32-bit installer.
Once the download is complete, double-click the file to run the installer.
Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation.
Now, press the Windows + X keys to open the Quick Settings menu. Select Terminal (Admin) from the list.
Run the following command in the text field and press Enter: npx create-react-app my-react-app
This will create a new React app in a folder named: my-app
Next, navigate to the React app and enter the cd my-app to change your current directory to the latest React app folder.
Now, run the command below to start the React app: npm start
This will launch the app in your default browser.

By running this command, you should now have a working React project running on your Windows 11 computer. In case you encounter any problem with PowerShell, check our expert guide to fix it quickly.

2. Install React.js using the script tag in HTML

Follow the steps mentioned in method 1 to install Node.js on your Windows 11 computer.
Open a text editor app such as Notepad or Visual Studio Code and create a new HTML file.
Save the file with a .html extension, (my-react-app.html).
Add the following script tags to your HTML file’s head section: <script src="https://unpkg.com/react/umd/react.development.js"></script> <script src="https://unpkg.com/react-dom/umd/react-dom.development.js"></script>
Add a script tag after the above two script tags in your HTML file.
Define your React component using JavaScript.
In the body section of your HTML file, add a div element with the id “root”: <body> <div id="root"></div> </body>
Now, save the HTML file and open it in your default browser.

Following the instructions correctly using the script tag in HTML, you should see Hello, React! displayed on the page. And that’s it on how to install React.js on Windows 11 PC.

Can I recreate Windows 11 in React?

Yes, it is technically possible to recreate the visual appearance and some functionalities of Windows 11 in React.

However, to achieve that, you would need to break down the various components and visual elements of the operating system and build them using React components.

This would involve designing and implementing the Windows 11 management system, taskbar, start menu, system tray, and other UI elements.

Hopefully, the methods provided in this article have helped you to install React.js on Windows 11. In case you encounter a module not found: can’t resolve react-router-dom, check out our detailed guide to fix the issue.

If you have any questions or suggestions, do not hesitate to use the comments section below.

Fnplicensingservice.exe: What is it & Should you Disable it?

Posted on June 2, 2023October 4, 2023 by Vladimir Popescu

fnplicensingservice.exe is an Activation Licensing service published by FLEXnet. The process usually runs once launch tools that recommend or need license activation.

However, the process can also be disguised as malware or slow down your PC if there are multiple running instances. This article briefly discusses the fnplicensingservice.exe and shows you how to fix or disable it.

What is fnplicensingservice.exe?

fnplicensingservice.exe is an executable file responsible for the 32-bit licensing service provided by FLEXNet Publisher. It is used primarily by corporations to provide licensing services for users of applications developed by these corporations.

The process is not known to cause any damage to your PC, so you don’t have to worry about the security implications of the file/process. However, malware can also disguise itself as an executable file to elude antivirus scans.

How can I fix fnplicensingservice.exe?

The fnplicensingservice.exe isn’t considered an error that requires fixing, but sometimes, you’d want to disable the process if you suspect it to be malware or if the process is memory intensive. The following are ways to fix the fnplicensingservice.exe:

1. Run the Uninstaller of the Parent Software

Press the Windows key + E to open File Explorer.
In the File Explorer window, navigate to the following path: C:\Program Files\Macrovision Europe\FLEXnet Publisher\Activation Licensing Service
Once you’ve located the folder, find the FNPLicensingService.exe_uninstall.exe, and double-click on it to run the Uninstaller.
Follow the onscreen instructions to complete the uninstallation and restart your PC.

Every software installed on your PC has an uninstaller package that you can run to help remove the app from your PC. You should run the uninstaller if you’d like to remove the fnplicensingservice.exe.

2. Remove using the Settings App

Press the Windows key + I to open the Settings app.
In the Settings app, click Apps and click Installed Apps in the next window.
Click on the search bar on the right pane, and type FLEXnet Publisher or Macrovision Europe to locate the software.
Once you’ve located the app, Click Uninstall and then click it again to confirm the uninstallation.
Close the Settings app and restart your PC.

3. Disable Using the Task Manager

Press the Ctrl + Alt + Del keys to open the Task Manager.
In the Task Manager window, please navigate to the Processes tab, locate fnplicensingservice.exe, click on it, and select End Task.
Then, repeat this step to disable all running instances of fnplicensingservice.exe.

If you can’t delete the fnplicensingservice.exe, the last option is to disable the process from running; this way, even if the software is installed, the process will be unable to start.

Like most executable files, the fnplicensingservice.exe usually accompanies third-party software installed on your PC. However, the process is critical, especially when running on the Windows OS.

If, for whatever reason, you’d like to disable or remove the process/file, you should be very careful and ensure you have a functional backup of your PC in case you break something on your PC.

Should you have further questions or suggestions regarding this guide, kindly drop them in the comments section.

0x80092004: How to Fix this Windows Update Error

Posted on June 2, 2023April 2, 2024 by Kazim Ali Alvi

Security and performance are two vital aspects of any device, and the same applies to Windows. But the Windows update errors often act as a barrier, preventing users from installing the latest security patches and driver updates. One such that many reported is 0x80092004.

The 0x80092004 error with .Net Framework 3.5 and 4.8 is common, but other updates, too, are affected. And the occurrences of it have witnessed a tremendous increase in recent months, with KB5022729 being hit the worst. So, let’s find out all about the error!

What is error code 0x80092004?

The error code 0x80092004 indicates, Cannot find object or property. In simple words, Windows couldn’t find the right cryptographic value and, in turn, rejected the update. Here are a few reasons for it:

Issues with the update: When the error widely affects a specific update, it points to an issue with the update itself. Maybe Microsoft didn’t verify things or missed a few aspects before releasing it.
Corrupt system files: One of the common reasons behind issues with the update process is corrupt system files on the PC. This also affects the performance and triggers a bunch of other errors, including Blue Screen of Death.
Misconfiguration in the update components: The Windows Update Components play a vital role in updating the OS, and any misconfiguration or corrupt files here can lead to the error.
Problems with the Software Distribution folder: Though rare, this, too, could be an underlying cause when you get the update error.

How do I fix error 0x80092004?

Before we head to the slightly tricky solutions, here are a few ones to try:

Restart the computer.
Disconnect any additional drives from the PC and verify whether the 0x80092004 error is fixed.

If none work, move to the solutions listed next.

1. Run the Windows update troubleshooter

Press Windows + I to open Settings, and click on Troubleshoot on the right.
Click on Other troubleshooters.
Click the Run button next to Windows Update.
Wait for the troubleshooter to identify the problem and make the recommended changes, if any.

When it comes to problems with Windows, the built-in dedicated troubleshooters should usually be the primary approach, and they helped many with the 0x80092004 error. These identify problems (already known to Microsoft) and make the required changes.

2. Repair the corrupt system files

Press Windows + R to open Run, type cmd, and hit Ctrl + Shift + Enter.
Click Yes in the UAC prompt.
Paste the following commands individually and hit Enter after each:DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /CheckHealth DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
Once done, run the following command for the SFC scan:sfc /scannow
Finally, restart the computer after the two scans.

If it’s the corrupt system files to blame for the 0x80092004 Windows Update error, running the DISM tool and SFC scan should get things up and running.

If you’re not sure about proceeding with the manual steps and want to avoid further issues, we recommend a specialized tool.

3. Clear the SoftwareDistribution folder

Press Windows + E to open File Explorer, paste the following path in the address bar, and hit Enter:C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution
Now, press Ctrl + A to select all the files here, and hit Delete to clear them.
Choose the appropriate response in case a confirmation prompt appears.

4. Uninstall the faulty update

Press Windows + I to open Settings, go to Windows Update from the navigation pane, and click on Update history.
Scroll down and click on Uninstall updates.
Click Uninstall next to the update last installed. It was KB5022502 that triggered the error for most.
Again, click Uninstall in the confirmation prompt and wait for the process to complete.
Once done, launch Command Prompt as an administrator and run the following command:dism/online /cleanup-image /StartComponentCleanup
Finally, check again for the update that was throwing the error, and it should now install.

Often, it’s a problematic previously installed version that doesn’t allow newer ones to install. And a quick fix is to identify and uninstall the update to fix 0x80092004.

5. Perform an in-place upgrade

Tip

The steps listed here are to perform an in-place upgrade on Windows 11. In case you are running the previous iteration, download the Windows 10 Media Creation Tool, and run it to repair the PC.

Go to Microsoft’s official website, choose the correct edition and product language, then download the Windows 11 ISO.
Double-click the downloaded ISO file and click Open in the prompt.
Now, run the setup.exe file.
Click on Next to proceed.
Click Accept to agree to Microsoft’s license terms.
Finally, verify the setup reads Keep personal files and apps, and click on Install to start the repair process.

An in-place upgrade basically reinstalls Windows without affecting the stored apps and files. The process takes a few hours but is often the best troubleshooting method for any error, including 0x80092004.

When facing such issues, you can also always manually install the affected update from the Microsoft Update Catalog. Just identify the KB number, search for it, download the setup, and install the update.

Tip

If nothing here worked, the update is likely bugged, and the ideal approach would be to wait while Microsoft fixes things. You do not need to reinstall Windows, as some recommend unless you are absolutely sure the problem lies with the PC.

Before you leave, check some quick tips to boost Windows performance and the best security settings to enforce.

For any queries or to share which solution worked for you, comment below.

wsmprovhost.exe: What is it & How to Stop its High CPU Usage

Posted on June 2, 2023October 4, 2023 by Kazim Ali Alvi

Windows is one of the best operating systems for PCs and is highly customizable, making it the preferred choice for many. Yet it, too, is not free of errors. Instead, there are several every day if you were to check the error logs. But some are trickier than others, particularly wsmprovhost.exe.

Many users found several instances of wsmprovhost.exe in the Task Manager, which led to high CPU usage, thereby affecting the PC’s performance. The problem is commonly encountered on Windows Server, with there being no reliable information available. So, let’s find out!

What is wsmprovhost.exe used for?

The wsmprovhost.exe process indicates that a Windows Remote PowerShell session is active and generally appears when entering a remote session. The process is created on the server, and more such are added when you run other processes in the remote session.

For those of you wondering, is wsmprovhost.exe safe, the answer is yes. Though there have been cases where it was triggered by malware. So, while the process itself is safe, you still need to verify what’s triggering it.

Here are a few reasons users face wsmprovhost.exe high CPU usage:

Multiple processes running in remote sessions: Upon starting a process in the remote session, another instance will be created in the Task Manager, which will, after a while, lead to increased resource consumption. Due to this, some also reported wsmprovhost.exe high memory usage.
Users running PowerShell scripts: The process is also triggered when running PowerShell scripts, so you will have to verify whether users who are a part of the domain are doing so.
System infected with malware: Another likely reason behind the problem is malware or virus infection.

How do I fix wsmprovhost.exe high CPU usage?

Before we move to the trickier ones, try these quick tricks:

Restart the computer and verify whether the CPU usage spikes again. If not, it may have been a one-off thing.
Check for available OS updates and install them.

If none work, move to the fixes listed next.

1. Uninstall third-party apps

Press Windows + R to open Run, type appwiz.cpl in the text field, and hit Enter.
Select any recent application after installing which the error first appeared, and click Uninstall.
Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the process.
Once done, restart the computer for the changes to come into effect.

Many domain administrators reported that it was a third-party app that triggered the wsmprovhost.exe attack. For some, it was PRTG, a network performance management software. So, uninstall the app, whichever it is, and things should be up and running.

2. Scan your PC for malware

Press Windows + S to open Search, type Windows Security in the field, and click on the relevant result.
Click on Virus & threat protection.
Click on Scan options.
Now, select Full scan from the available options, and then click on Scan now.
Wait for the scan to complete, and then restart the computer.

In case it’s malware or virus responsible for the problem, running a full scan with the built-in Windows Security should do.

However, you could use an effective antivirus software to run a deeper scan. Besides, this will also fix things in case you find Faulting application name: wsmprovhost.exe.

3. Repair corrupt system files

Press Windows + R to open Run, type cmd, and hit Ctrl + Shift + Enter.
Click Yes in the UAC prompt.
Paste the following commands individually and hit Enter after each:DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /CheckHealth DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
Once done, execute this command for the SFC scan: sfc /scannow
Finally, restart the computer.

In the case of corrupt system files, it’s usually recommended to run the DISM tool and SFC scan. Both, when run together, will identify and repair the system files triggering the issue.

4. Disable startup apps

Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open the Task Manager, and navigate to the Startup apps tab.
Now, look for any apps that read Enabled under the Status column, select each individually, and click on Disable towards the top right. Just make sure not to disable any critical startup app.
Once done, restart the computer, and the CPU usage should remain low.

Another reason behind wsmprovhost.exe high CPU is that a startup app automatically creates instances of the process. And a viable solution here is to disable the startup apps.

In case nothing helps fix the wsmprovhost.exe high CPU consumption, the last option is to reset Windows to factory defaults. Make sure to use a reliable backup tool or copy the critical files to an external USB beforehand to avoid data loss.

Before you leave, check the best security settings in Windows and configure them today for a safer experience!

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

Microsoft lawyers could be examining Plan B to close Activision deal without CMA approval

Posted on June 2, 2023 by Kareem Anderson

Unsurprisingly, it seems Microsoft may be exploring a Plan B option if their appeal of the UK’s Competition and Markets Authorities vote to block the Activision deal doesn’t play out in the company’s favor.

While Microsoft filed its formal appeal of the CMAs decision to block its acquisition of Activision Blizzard last week, a report from MLex, a lawyers’ news source, posits the idea that the company is actively working on an end-around to both the initial decision as well as the subsequent interim ultimatum the regulatory body dished out.

For now, Microsoft is publicly pursing the appeals process and has not stated any different, “Our priority is pursuing the appeal process in the UK, and we remain committed to constructive dialogue and solutions to address regulatory concerns,” according to a company spokesperson.

However, MLex understands that Microsoft has retained additional lawyers to examine possible ways for the company to close the deal in the face of an official veto from the CMA.

Some alternative paths for the closing Microsoft’s acquisition bid in spite of the CMA’s current decision is to have Activision leave the UK for “another European country”, and remove itself from CMA jurisdiction. Another option being bandied about by lawyers is Microsoft extending the same licensing concessions it gave the European Commission unilaterally across the UK.

Microsoft is also looking into the legality of the CMA to issue a global ban as it pertains to localized issues within UK markets. Microsoft and Activision could present a case that the CMA needs to narrow its ultimatum ban to only UK regions and thus allowing Microsoft to close wherever else it’s gotten approval.

Lastly, Microsoft could forge ahead with a close on the deal and when sued by the CMA for “violating” its global veto, take the matter to court on grounds of illegality.

Whatever the case may be, the Microsoft and Activision deal is still an active merger and could remain one even with a failed appeal to the Competition Appeals Tribunal.

For now, Microsoft has the next few weeks to purse the path of least resistance with an appeal to the CTA, and perhaps, nudging the tribunal into various conflicts of interest CMA directors may have knowingly or unknowingly engaged with during the investigatory process.

Via Twitter

How to Disable Efficiency Mode on Windows 11

Posted on June 2, 2023October 4, 2023 by Loredana Harsana

Efficiency mode, also known as power-saving mode or low-power mode, is a feature available in Windows 11 that helps optimize your device’s performance by conserving battery power and minimizing resource usage.

When enabled, Efficiency mode frees up resources used by inactive apps running in the background and prioritizes resources for other active apps.

However, efficiency mode may limit app performance, causing them to perform slowly and in some circumstances, making the apps unusable or even crash completely.

What is the efficiency mode in Windows 11?

Efficiency mode in the Task Manager is a new feature that lets you limit how much an app uses your device’s resources, such as the CPU, memory, disk, network, and background running time. It also helps decrease the CPU’s thermal footprint, reduces fan noise, and improves battery life.

Not all applications and processes in Task Manager have access to this feature. You can only enable or disable efficiency mode for supported processes. Some applications don’t support this feature because enabling it reduces their priority in using system resources.

How do I turn off efficiency mode in Windows 11?

Right-click the Taskbar and select Task Manager from the menu.
In the Task Manager window, select the Processes tab.
Now, locate and click on the desired process from the list of processes.
If you can’t find the process, click on Status at the top of the Task Manager window, and it will show you a list of all the processes running in Efficiency mode.
Once you have selected the process, right-click on the process and uncheck the Efficiency mode option from the context menu.
That’s it! Efficiency mode will be turned off for the selected process.
If you want to disable Efficiency mode for other processes, repeat the same steps for each desired process.

To disable efficiency mode for certain processes, you may need to disable it individually for each sub-process.

However, efficiency mode is permanently enabled for apps like Chrome and Edge, meaning you cannot turn it off. You can temporarily disable efficiency mode for these apps, but they will automatically be re-enabled upon the next restart.

Apps like Chrome and Edge have their own efficiency mode and battery saver options that can be turned off to improve the performance of the respective apps.

If you have any more questions, please leave them in the comments section below.

Smart App Control on Windows 11: How to Turn it On or Off

Posted on June 1, 2023October 4, 2025 by Loredana Harsana

Smart App Control is a helpful tool in Windows 11 that help protect your PC from unauthorized apps that can harm your data, like ransomware or spyware.

This article will explain what Smart App Control is, how it works, and how to turn it on or off in Windows 11.

What is Smart App Control in Windows 11?

Smart App Control (SAC) is a new security feature introduced with the Windows 11 22H2 update. It runs alongside your Microsoft Defender or third-party antivirus software to block potentially unnecessary apps that can slow down your device, display unexpected ads, or perform other unexpected actions.

How does Smart App Control work?

Whenever you try to launch an app Smart App Control uses an AI (cloud-powered security service) to check the app’s safety before allowing it to run. If the security service thinks it is safe, SAC will let it run. However, it will be blocked when found malicious or potentially unwanted.

If the security service is unsure about an app’s safety, Smart App Control checks whether the app has a valid signature. If it does, the app can run. However, apps that are unsigned or have an invalid signature are blocked to keep you safe.

By default, Smart App Control is disabled because it cannot provide complete protection against apps from an existing installation. Enabling Smart App Control can potentially disrupt your regular actions. That’s why Microsoft wants you to enable this feature manually.

Some users notice that Smart App Control occasionally blocks legitimate software. Learn how to resolve such cases with this guide on Smart App Control blocking apps.

How do I turn on or off Smart App Control in Windows 11?

1. Enable Smart App Control in Windows 11

NOTE

To activate Smart App Control (SAC), you must manually enable it by resetting your PC or performing a clean installation of Windows. We recommend resetting your PC because it lets you keep your files and data.

Press Windows key and type Windows Security in the search box and select the Windows Security app from the results.
In the Windows Security app, go to App & browser control in the left sidebar and click on Smart App Control settings.
Once you reset your PC or install a fresh copy of Windows 11, Smart App Control will start in Evaluation mode.
If you want to manually turn on the feature, select On.
Then, click Yes on the User Account Control prompt to enable the feature.

During the Evaluation mode, Windows will check the apps you use to see if Smart App Control can protect you without causing problems. If it works well, Smart App Control will turn on automatically. But if it causes issues, it will turn off by itself. Additionally, in Evaluation mode, SAC will not block any apps.

Once you activate Smart App Control, you will not have the option to revert back to Evaluation mode.

2. Disable Smart App Control in Windows 11

NOTE

Once you disable Smart App Control, it becomes a permanent change. You won’t be able to turn it back on or put it into Evaluation mode without reinstalling or resetting Windows. So, before you continue, ensure you must turn off this feature.

Click the Show hidden icons in the Taskbar corner and click the Windows Security icon from the System tray.
Move to the App & browser control tab and click on Smart App Control settings.
Select the Off option to turn off Smart App Control.
Then, click Yes, I’m sure in the confirmation box.

You can do this whether SAC is turned on or in Evaluation mode. Once the setting is turned off, the other options will be greyed out unless you reset or reinstall Windows.

Another way to enhance your system performance and remove unnecessary programs from your Windows system is by uninstalling the bloatware that comes with it.

Drop us a comment down below for any additional thoughts and queries.

ClipUp.exe: What is it & How to Fix Its Errors

Posted on June 1, 2023April 2, 2024 by Loredana Harsana

On Windows systems, ClipUp.exe – Bad Image with the error code 0xc0000428 usually occurs when opening an application or doing other tasks related to opening new files using an application.

This error is commonly experienced by Windows 10 and 11 users. While the specific file causing the issue may vary, the error message displayed in the ClipUp.exe – Bad Image prompt remains the same for all affected users.

The file is either not designed to run on Windows or it contains an error. Try reinstalling the program again using the original installation media or contact your system administrator or the software vendor for support. Error status 0xc0000428.

What is Clipup.exe?

ClipUp.exe is a legitimate tool that is part of the Windows operating system and is used for Client License Platform migration. It is specifically designed to help activate PCs that require activation rearming on a regular basis, such as KMS ones in a corporate environment.

When you see the ClipUp.exe error, the problem typically lies with the system files or the program file or DLL file on your computer rather than being directly related to the Client License Platform migration tool.

In some cases, the Clipup.exe file is also known for high CPU usage, leading to system slowdowns and various performance problems.

The ClipUp.exe error – Bad Image with the Error code 0xc0000428 can occur due to various reasons, including:

Corrupted system files: If essential system files become corrupted or are missing, it can lead to the Clipup.exe – Bad Image Error when executing certain applications or DLL files.
Faulty or incompatible software: Installing faulty software, incompatible with your operating system, or contains corrupted files can trigger this error.
Malware or virus infection: Malware or viruses can corrupt system files or modify application files, causing errors when executing the affected files.
Issues with digital signatures: This error can arise if the digital signature of a file cannot be verified or is invalid.
Hardware problems: In some cases, hardware issues such as a failing hard drive or faulty RAM can cause the ClipUp.exe error when accessing or executing files.

How do I fix the ClipUp.exe Bad Image error?

Before proceeding to any complicated troubleshooting methods, try these quick workarounds:

Restart your PC: Start by restarting your computer, as it can help resolve temporary software errors.
Install the latest updates: Make sure your operating system is up to date. Install any pending Windows updates, as they may include bug fixes or improvements that can resolve the error.
Reinstall the software: Uninstall the software causing the error from your system and then reinstall it using a fresh installation package. This process can often resolve issues caused by corrupted or incomplete installations.
Run a virus scan: Use a reputable antivirus program to scan your computer for any malware or viruses.

1. Run System File Checker

Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog window, type cmd, hold the Ctrl + Shift key, and click OK to run Command Prompt as administrator.
Click Yes on the User Account Control prompt window.
Type the following command and press Enter:sfc /scannow
After running the system file checker (SFC) scan, restart your computer.

After repairing the corrupt system files using an SFC scan, you can easily control the high CPU usage by ClipUp.exe and get rid of Bad Image errors.

In addition, this process might not give you the needed results at all times, so an alternative repair tool may be useful.

2. Uninstall the latest Windows update

Open the Windows Settings app with Windows + I shortcut key.
Select Windows Update on the left pane and click on Update history on the right pane.
Scroll down to the bottom of the Update history page and click Uninstall updates.
Then, click the Uninstall button next to the recent Windows update.
After the update is uninstalled, reboot your computer and verify if the ClipUp.exe issue has been resolved.

3. Install the latest version of the Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable Package

Go to the official Microsoft website and download the latest Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable Package.
Download the appropriate version of the Visual C++ Redistributable Package for your system.
Double-click on the downloaded file to start the installation.
Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation process.
Restart your computer.

4. Run the Windows Automatic Repair

Press the Windows key and select Settings from the Start menu.
Go to the System tab and select the Recovery tile on the right.
Under Recovery options, click Restart now.
Windows will restart and boot into Windows Recovery Environment.
Select Troubleshoot to continue.
On the Troubleshoot screen, click Advanced options.
On the next screen, choose Startup Repair.
After the automatic repair is complete, the computer will restart.
Then, check if the ClipUp.exe error is fixed.

5. Perform a Clean Boot

Press the Windows + R, type msconfig and press Enter.
In the System Configuration window, go to the Services tab.
Check the Hide all Microsoft services box and click Disable all button to disable all non-Microsoft services.
Next, go to the Startup tab and click the Open Task Manager link.
In the Task Manager, disable each startup item by right-clicking on it and selecting Disable.
Close the Task Manager and restart your computer.
After the restart, enable a few disabled applications to identify the specific application causing the problem.
Once you have identified the problematic application, you can resume normal boot without it.

If the previous solutions didn’t fix the problem, you could reinstall Windows from scratch to solve things.

Which solution fixed the ClipUp.exe error for you? Please share your experience in the comments section below.

Outlook Search Bar Missing? How to Fix It in 6 Steps

Posted on June 1, 2023February 27, 2024 by Loredana Harsana

The search bar in Outlook is a useful feature that allows you to quickly find emails, contacts, and other items in your mailbox. However, there has been a recent Outlook issue reported by some users where the Outlook search bar goes missing without any apparent reason.

If you’re experiencing this issue, don’t worry. In this article, we will guide you on how to fix this Outlook error so that you can continue using your Outlook app without any further problems.

Why is my search not showing up in Outlook?

There could be several reasons why the Outlook search bar is missing:

Customization: It’s possible that the search bar was accidentally removed or there was an issue during the customization process.
Software or Configuration Issues: Sometimes, software glitches or configuration problems can cause sign-in issues on Outlook as well as problems with the search bar.
Third-party Add-ins: If you have installed third-party add-ins or plugins for Outlook, they could potentially interfere with the display of the search bar.
Outlook Version: If you recently upgraded or installed a different version of Outlook, the location or appearance of the search bar might have changed.
Account Configuration: In certain cases, the search bar may be hidden due to specific account configurations or settings.

How do I get my search bar back in Outlook?

1. Launch Outlook in Safe Mode

NOTE

Opening Outlook in Safe Mode will launch the application with minimal features and services, deactivating all third-party integrations and add-ins that might interfere with the app.

Press Window + R to open the Run command box, type in outlook /safe, and hit Enter.
Choose the profile and click OK to launch the app in Safe Mode.
After starting Outlook in Safe Mode, check if you can access and use the Search feature.

If the Search feature is still missing, it indicates that a third-party integration is likely causing the issue.

2. Repair Outlook

Press the Window + R, type appwiz.cpl in the dialog’s text field, and press Enter.
From the list of installed programs, locate the Microsoft Office application or Office 365 and right-click on it.
Choose Change from the context menu.
Click Yes to the User Account Control prompt box.
It is recommended to start with the Quick Repair option. Select Quick Repair and click the Repair button.
Click Repair again.
If Outlook is open, click Continue to close the app and start the repair process.
Wait for the repair process to complete.
Once the repair is finished, check if the Search bar option has reappeared.

If that doesn’t work, you can try using the Online Repair option, but keep in mind that it might take a bit longer to finish and require an Internet connection.

3. Disable Outlook Add-ins

Open Outlook and go to the File tab.
Select Options from the left pane.
In the Options dialog, choose Add-ins and click on the Go button on the right side of the dialog.
Now, uncheck the boxes next to all the listed extensions and click OK to save the changes.
After disabling the extensions, restart the app and check if the Outlook search bar is functioning properly.

4. Manually add a search bar

Open Outlook and right-click on the Home tab.
From the context menu, select Customize the Ribbon.
In the Outlook Options dialog that appears, click the dropdown below Choose commands from and select Tools tabs.
Scroll down and select Search from the list.
In the second column, choose the tab next to which you want to place the Search tab.
Then, click the Add>> button to add the Search tab.
Finally, click OK to save the changes.

You should now be able to see the Search tab on the ribbon.

5. Repair Outlook data files

Press Windows + E to open File Explorer and go to either of the following paths: C:\Program FilesC:\Program Files (x86)
Search for scanpst in the search bar.
Once you found it, double-click on SCANPST.EXE from the search results.
This will open the Microsoft Outlook Inbox Repair tool.
Now, open Outlook and go to the File tab.
Click on the Account Settings dropdown and select Account Settings again.
In the dialogue box that appears, go to the Data Files tab.
Select the data file in the list and click on Open File Location.
From the new File Explorer window, copy the file’s location. Right-click on the data file (.ost) and select Copy as path.
Now, go back to the Microsoft Outlook Inbox Repair tool and paste the file’s path into the text box.
Remove the double-quotation marks around the file’s path and click Start.
Once the scan completes, click on Repair.
After the automatic repair finishes, click OK and check if the search box appears again.

6. Contact Microsoft Office Support

If none of the above steps work, it’s recommended to reach out to Microsoft Office Support and report the search bar issue to them. They might be able to provide specific troubleshooting steps based on your system configuration and version of Outlook.

Additional solutions:

Restart Outlook: If the search bar is missing in Outlook, it could be a temporary glitch. In most cases, restarting Outlook can fix the issue. You can try terminating the Microsoft Outlook process through Task Manager and then relaunching the application.
Update Outlook: It’s also possible that the missing search bar issue is a bug or a problem in the version of Outlook you’re using. Check for any available updates for Outlook and install them.

Besides, check what to do when the Outlook app is not opening on your PC because a few solutions might help in this case.

We also have a great guide on how to remove app search bar from Outlook, so don’t miss it.

What solution worked for you? Let us know in the comments section below.

Stable Diffusion Model Failed to Load: How to Fix it Fast

Posted on June 1, 2023October 23, 2025 by Kazim Ali Alvi

Many users have reported encountering a Stable Diffusion failed to load the model message when trying to use the image generation tool. If this happens, you won’t be able to generate any images at all.

This issue can arise due to insufficient memory, an outdated graphics card driver, corrupt cache, or missing permissions.

No matter the cause, here’s how to fix it:

How do I fix Stable Diffusion model failed to load, exiting error?

1. Edit the webui-user.bat file

Locate the webui-user.bat file, right-click on it, and select Open.
Now, enter the the following argument in the batch file:--disable-safe-unpickle
It should finally look like this:

@echo off set PYTHON= set GIT= set VENV_DIR= set COMMANDLINE_ARGS=--disable-safe-unpickle call webui.bat

2. Update the graphics driver

Press Windows + X to open the Power User menu, and select Device Manager from the list.
Expand the Display adapters entry, right-click on the graphics adapter, and select Update driver.
Choose Search automatically for drivers and wait for Windows to install the best one available on the PC.
Once done, restart the computer for the changes to apply.

An up-to-date graphics driver, including Stable Diffusion, is critical for running resource-intensive apps. So, it’s vital that you update the graphics driver when facing issues.

Also, sometimes, an update may not be available locally, and you will have to visit the manufacturer’s website to manually install the latest driver version. Here are the direct links:

Intel
Nvidia
AMD

As a final but quicker solution, you can ensure graphics drivers are always up to date with the help of professional driver updating software, such as Fortect Driver Updater. This tool will scan your system and automatically download updated drivers for all your components.

⇒ Get Fortect Driver Updater

3. Increase the Virtual Memory

Press Windows + S to open Search, type View advanced system settings, and click on the relevant search result.
Click on Settings under Performance.
Navigate to the Advanced tab, and click on Change under Virtual memory.
Untick the checkbox for Automatically manage paging file size for all drives, select the No paging file option, and click Set.
Click Yes in the confirmation prompt.
Now, select Custom size, fill out the fields using the following formula based on the available RAM and click Set:
- Initial size: 1.5 x Available RAM (in GBs) x 1024
- Maximum size: 3 x Available RAM (in GBs) x 1024
In our case, the installed RAM was 12 GB, so the value became 12288 MB and 24576 MB.
Once done, click on OK to save the changes.

4. Remove the huggingface folder

Press Windows + E to open File Explorer, paste the following path in the address bar while replacing Username with the active user, and hit Enter:C:\Users\Username\.cache\huggingface
Press Ctrl + A to select all the files, and hit Delete to clear them.
Restart the computer when done and check if the error is fixed.

5. Delete Python and pip folders

Press Windows + R to open Run, paste the following path, and hit Enter:%appdata%
Locate any folders related to Python or pip, and delete them.
Also, check for cache in Temporary Files and remove it.

6. Perform a system restore

Press Windows + R to open Run, type rstrui.exe in the text field, and hit Enter.
Select Choose a different restore point option, if available, and click Next.
Pick another restore point from the list, preferably the oldest one, and click Next.
Verify the details and click on Finish to start the restore process.

Wrapping up

Before you leave, check some quick tips to make Windows faster and get a better experience, in addition to eliminating such performance-related issues.

This is a great AI art generator software, but as you can see, it has its share of issues. If you were unable to fix the issue, you might want to use Bing AI to create images instead.

If you decide to do so, keep in mind that you might encounter Image Creator is not available in your region.

For any queries or to share what worked for you, drop a comment below.

0x80016CFA Windows Defender Error: How to Fix it

Posted on June 1, 2023October 4, 2023 by Kazim Ali Alvi

The Internet is largely unsafe unless you possess some technical acumen and the ability to identify online threats.

And it’s often difficult to differentiate between a legit error and a scam. An example here is the Microsoft Defender error 0x80016CFA pop-up.

The pop-up appears when you browse the web and states that a serious malfunction has been detected. It lists a mobile number of a supposed Microsoft-certified technician to contact for a resolution. If you, too, saw the message on a browser, keep reading!

Is 0x80016CFA Windows Defender error a scam?

Yes, the Windows Defender error message in a browser is a scam! Microsoft never sends prompts when visiting a website, nor does it ask users to call for such issues. If there’s a problem with the PC or Windows Defender is not working, there will be an error message within the utility.

So far, the error has primarily been reported on Edge, but Chrome and Firefox, too, seem to be affected. Based on the information we have, it’s not a browser-centric issue.

Here are a few reasons you get the 0x80016CFA Windows Defender popup:

Visiting unreliable websites: For some users, the message popped up when visiting specific websites, especially the ones with weak security.
Computer infected with malware: When you have malware or virus on the PC, it usually malfunctions and throws such errors.
A problematic app or extension has been installed: Scammers often either directly develop apps/extensions or modify the code for the existing ones to deliver such messages at the user’s end. So, always check the app’s reliability beforehand.

How do I get rid of Windows Defender error 0x80016CFA?

Tip

We have used Microsoft Edge to detail the various troubleshooting methods since it was the most affected browser. If you use another browser, the process should be similar.

1. Terminate the process in Task Manager

Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open the Task Manager.
Now, select the browser’s process from the list, and click on End task.
Similarly, identify any related processes and terminate them as well.

The easiest solution for the problem is to kill all related tasks. In most cases, it’s a one-time popup, probably appearing on an individual website, and restarting the browser should work.

2. Clear the browsing data and reset browser settings

Open Microsoft Edge, and press Ctrl + Shift + Delete to open the Clear browsing data utility.
From the Time range dropdown menu, select All time, tick the checkbox for Browsing history, Cookies and other site data, and Cached images and files, then click on Clear data.
Now, relaunch the browser and verify whether the problem is resolved.
If not, click on the ellipsis near the top right, and select Settings.
Go to Reset settings from the navigation pane, and click on Reset settings to their default values.
Choose Reset in the confirmation prompt that appears.

In most cases, it’s a problem with the browser itself that triggers the 0x80016CFA Defender error, and either clearing the browsing data or resetting to default should do the trick.

3. Scan for malware

Press Windows + S to open Search, type Windows Security in the text field, and click on the relevant search result.
Select Virus & threat protection.
Click on Scan options.
Choose Full scan and click on Scan now at the bottom.
Wait for the scan to complete.

When you get the 0x80016CFA scam message, it could be malware on the PC to blame. And running a system-wide scan with Windows Security would identify and eliminate it. Besides, some recommend using a reliable third-party antivirus for the job so that you may try one of these.

4. Uninstall the problematic application

Press Windows + R to open Run, type appwiz.cpl in the text field, and hit Enter.
Select the program you believe to be triggering the message, which should be a recent one, and click Uninstall.
Follow the on-screen instructions to completely remove the app.
Once done, restart the computer.

When identifying the underlying cause, we can’t ignore the possibility of a program being responsible for the 0x80016CFA popup message. Start by uninstalling the recent apps, and once you have found the problematic app, reinstall the rest.

5. Perform a system restore

Press Windows + S to open Search, type View advanced system settings, and click on the relevant search result.
Go to the System Protection tab, and click on System Restore.
Select Choose a different restore point, if the option is available, and click on Next.
Pick another restore point from the list, one created before the error first appeared, and click on Next.
Finally, click on Finish to start the restore.

When nothing else works, you can always perform a system restore and revert to a stable state in case a recent change triggered the 0x80016CFA Microsoft Defender prompt. Remember that it might affect some installed programs.

And once you have fixed things, do not forget to check the best security settings in Windows 11 for enhanced protection.

For any queries or to share what worked for you, drop a comment below.

Hidusb.sys BSoD: What is it & How to Fix it

Posted on June 1, 2023October 4, 2023 by Sagar Naresh

The Hidusb.sys file is related to the Microsoft USB miniport driver and is a system file that is often known to cause multiple issues on a Windows PC.

In this guide, we will share with you the reasons that could trigger the errors associated with Hidusb.sys file and how you can easily resolve this BSoD error. Let us check out the solutions.

What causes Hidusb.sys BSoD error?

The Hidusb.sys file is usually found inside the C:\Windows\System32\drivers directory. There are several reasons why you would come across the Hidusb.sys BSoD error, which is listed below.

Outdated USB drivers – The USB drivers on your PC might be outdated because of which the ports aren’t responding on your PC.
Corrupt system files – If any system file is corrupt or it is missing, then your PC won’t function normally and cause several issues including the Hidusb.sys BSoD error.
Your PC is infected with a virus – The presence of a virus or malware can easily affect all of your system files and cause multiple issues.
Windows updates are problematic – Often Windows updates are known to cause the PC to misbehave and cause multiple issues within the system.

Let us now apply the solutions and get rid of the Hidusb.sys BSoD error.

How can I fix the Hidusb.sys BSoD error?

1. Run the Startup Repair

Power off and on your computer three-four times to boot into the Advanced Startup environment.
Click on Next and select the Repair your computer option at the bottom.
Select Troubleshoot.
Choose Advanced options.
Select the Startup Repair option.
Choose your account, enter the password for it, and select Continue.

You can also check out our list of the best boot repair tools that will help you to resolve any BSoD startup-related errors on your PC.

2. Run SFC and DISM scans

Open the Advanced Startup environment as shown in Solution 1.
Click Next and select the Repair your computer option.
Select Troubleshoot.
Choose Advanced options.
Select Command Prompt.
Type the below command and press Enter: sfc /scannow
The process will begin to fix the corrupt system files.
After the process completes, type the below commands and press Enter after each one: DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-image /Scanhealth DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-image /Restorehealth DISM.exe /online /cleanup-image /startcomponentcleanup
Restart your PC.

Fixing corrupt system files can easily resolve multiple system-related BSoD errors that you will come across. We would suggest you run the above commands and hopefully resolve the Hidusb.sys BSoD error.

3. Scan your PC for viruses

Launch the Start menu by pressing the Win key.
Type security and open Windows Security.
Click on Virus & threat protection.
Select Quick Scan.
You can also click on Scan options and choose Full scan for a deep scan.
Apply the prompted fixes and restart your PC after the scanning is finished.

The Windows Security tool is a nice tool to have at your disposal if you want to protect your PC from incoming threats.

However, it isn’t as effective as dedicated antivirus software. For that, we would suggest you check out our guide which lists a compilation of some of the best antivirus software to protect your PC.

4. Perform System Restore

Enter the Advanced Startup environment by following the steps mentioned in Solution 1.
Click Next.
Select the Repair your computer option.
Choose Troubleshoot.
Select Advanced options.
Choose System Restore.
Click Next.
Click on the restore point and press the Next button.
Hit the Finish button to begin the system restore process.

Performing the system restore will help take your PC back to a state when everything was working normally, and you weren’t treated with the Hidusb.sys BSoD error.

However, for System Restore to work, you need to have a restore point created on your PC. If you don’t know how to do that, you can check out the steps mentioned in our dedicated guide on how to create a system restore point on your PC.

That is it from us in this guide. You can check out our guide which gives you a list of the best BSoD fixers that you can utilize and fix in no time.

Many of our readers have reported facing the Wpprecorder.sys BSoD error recently. You can resolve the issue by applying the solutions listed in our dedicated guide.

Feel free to let us know in the comments below, which one of the above solutions resolved the Hidusb.sys BSoD error on your computer.

8018000a Enrollment Error: Best Ways to Fix it

Posted on June 1, 2023October 4, 2023 by Henderson Jayden Harper

Many of our readers complain about running into Error 8018000a: Something went wrong. The device is already enrolled. It occurs when attempting to enroll in Intune. Hence, this guide will discuss ways to resolve the error.

Also, you may be interested in what to do if your device is missing important security and quality fixes.

What causes the 8018000a Enrollment error?

The following are some of the notable factors that can cause the error:

Another user has enrolled the device in Intune – To enroll a device, it must be registered for the first time. If a different user has already enrolled the device in Intune or joined the device to Azure AD, it can prompt the error message 8018000a The device is already enrolled.
Permission issues – You can encounter the error due to permission configurations impeding the device from enrolling in Intune. It can cause the Enterprise not to access the Intune Admin server.
Invalid Intune Licence – Before requesting and accessing Intune services, you need a current and running license to validate it. So, having an invalid Intune license certificate will cause issues with device enrollment.

These factors are liable to vary in different computers. Nonetheless, we’ll take you through some basic steps to resolve the Device Enroll error.

How can I fix the 8018000a Enrollment error?

Before trying any advanced troubleshooting steps, go through the following preliminary checks:

Verify the device is not in your Intune portal.
Verify that the computer is not joined by running this in the elevated command: dsregcmd /status.

If you can’t resolve the error, go ahead with the solutions below:

1. Delete all GUIDs in the Enrollment Registry

Press the Windows + R keys to open the Run window, input regedit, and press Enter to open the Registry Editor.
Copy and paste the following path and press Enter: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Enrollments
Delete all the GUIDs under this section with the exception of Context, Ownership, Status, and ValidNodePaths.

This process will ensure that you remove all traces of the ongoing Azure ADjoin and, as such, ensure the error is fixed.

Tweaking the registry allows you to resolve configuration issues causing the error 8018000a in Microsoft Intune/Endpoint Windows Enrollments.

2. Remove the other Work or School account

Left-click the Start button, click the User profile, and sign out of your account.
Then, sign in by using the other administrator account that has enrolled or joined the device.
Left-click the Start button, click on Settings, and choose Accounts.
Now, click on Work Access and click Disconnect for the enrolled account.
Repeat steps 1 and 2 to re-sign into your account on Windows and navigate to Work Access.
Then, click Join to enroll your device.
Wait for the confirmation and click Finish.

Sometimes the computer can be managed by Intune but is associated with a different administrator account or user. Hence, you need to remove the other account to enroll yours.

In conclusion, you can check our comprehensive guide about how to sync devices with MS Intune on your PC.

Do you have further questions or suggestions on this guide, kindly drop them in the comments section.

PDFs Opening in Chrome Instead of Adobe? How to Change it

Posted on June 1, 2023October 4, 2023 by Henderson Jayden Harper

Many of our readers complained about PDFs opening in Chrome instead of Adobe. The issue can occur for many reasons. However, you can fix it by following the steps outlined in this article.

Alternatively, you can check our detailed review of the best PDF reader software for Windows 11.

Why does my PDF open in Chrome instead of Adobe?

Some notable factors that may be responsible for PDFs opening in Chrome instead of Adobe are:

Chrome is the default PDF file reader – If your default settings regarding the software for opening your PDF is Chrome, it’ll work whenever you try to access a PDF file instead of Adobe.
Acrobat Chrome extension on the browser – If you have installed the Acrobat Chrome extension, you can experience difficulty opening PDF files with Adobe Acrobat DC. It can prompt your system to use the extension instead of the app.
Adobe Reader isn’t installed or accessible – The system can direct the PDF file you’re trying to open to an available app that can open the file type. So, if Adobe Reader isn’t installed on your PC, Chrome can open the PDF if it’s the only option.
Chrome PDF settings – The Chrome browser uses its integrated PDF viewer by default whenever you want to open downloaded files. So, it can override other app permissions if it’s not disabled.

These factors are liable to vary depending on the circumstances. Regardless, we’ll discuss how to resolve the problem.

What can I do if PDFs open in Chrome instead of Adobe?

Before proceeding with any steps for resolving the problem, go through these checks:

Check if you still have Adobe Reader installed on your PC.

1. Switch settings to open PDFs in the Reader

Launch Acrobat Reader on your PC, click the Edit button on the taskbar, then select Preferences from the drop-down menu.
Click Internet in the left panel of the Preferences menu and then select Internet Settings.
Go to the Programs tab and click Manage Add-Ons, then choose Acrobat Reader in the list of add-ons.
Click the Disable option to ensure PDFs won’t open in a browser.

The above steps will prompt PDF files to always open in Adobe Reader instead of the browser.

2. Change the default PDF viewer in Windows Settings

Press Windows + I key to open the Windows Settings app.
Select Apps and click on the Default apps option.
Select the Choose default app by file type option.
Click Chrome and select the Adobe Reader app to open PDF file format as the new default.
Close the Settings window and try accessing the file.

Changing the default reader for PDF file format in Settings allows Adobe Reader to be responsible for opening any PDF files on the PC.

3. Set downloaded files not to open in Chrome

Launch the Chrome browser on your PC, click the three dots in the top right corner of the screen to open Menu, then select Settings.
Type PDF into the search bar, then click on Site Settings from the search results.
Scroll down and click on PDF Documents.
Toggle on the switch for the Download PDF files instead of automatically opening them in the Chrome option.
Exit the browser and check if the problem persists.

Tweaking Chrome PDF document settings configure it only to download the PDF files and not to open them with Chrome automatically.

You may be interested in fixes for the Chrome browser crashing after a Windows update on your PC.

4. Disable the Adobe Reader extension in Chrome

Open Google Chrome on your PC. Click the three-dot icon in the top right corner to open the Menu, and select Settings.
Select Extensions from the left sidebar.
Turn off the toggle switch for the Adobe Reader extension.

Disabling the Adobe extension will stop it from opening PDFs in Chrome.

In conclusion, our readers can go through how to create & edit PDF documents with the PDF Pro software on their PCs. Likewise, you can read about fixing the Invalid plugin detected error in Adobe Acrobat.

If you have any questions or suggestions concerning this guide, kindly drop them in the comments section.

OpenGL Driver for Windows: How to Download & Update

Posted on June 1, 2023October 2, 2025 by Afam Onyimadu

We recognize the need to install the most recent OpenGL drivers to guarantee optimum performance and compatibility.

So that you may use the full capabilities of your graphics hardware, we will guide you step-by-step through installing and upgrading OpenGL drivers on your Windows PC in this article.

What is an OpenGL driver?

The rendering of 2D and 3D computer graphics is made easier by the widely used cross-platform OpenGL (Open Graphics Library) API (Application Programming Interface). It acts as a link between the software programs and the computer’s graphics hardware.

An OpenGL driver is a software component that creates communication between the operating system and your graphics hardware. Sometimes, they are referred to as graphics card drivers or display drivers.

These drivers serve as middlemen. Hence, they allow the software to fully use your graphics card’s capabilities, produce aesthetically spectacular images, and perform quickly.

How do I download an OpenGL driver?

1. Identify your graphics card

Press the Windows key to open the Start menu.
Type Device Manager and select it from the search results.
In the Device Manager window, expand the Display adapters category and double-click on your graphics driver.
You will find the name of your graphics card listed here. Lastly, note down the manufacturer and model information.

2. Downloading the driver from the manufacturer site

Navigate to the manufacturer’s website. In this case, we use the Intel website; the process may be slightly different for other manufacturers, like for downloading NVIDIA OpenGL drivers for Windows 11, for example.
Input your graphics card name from Step 1 in the Search bar and hit Enter.
Click on the Download button next to your graphics.
To start the installation, double-click on the driver file. If asked, provide the required authorizations to continue.
Follow the driver installer’s on-screen instructions. Normally, you’ll have to accept the terms and conditions and decide which installation alternatives to use. Then finally, restart the computer.

How do I update an OpenGL driver?

1. Download the driver from the manufacturer site

To update the driver, you will have to download the most recent version of the driver and install it using the same process mentioned above.

NVIDIA, AMD, Intel, and ATI may all use an OpenGL driver. So, once you know all the information about your graphics card, the process should be straightforward.

Also, the main graphics card manufacturers also have dedicated software for updating the drivers that you can use seamlessly.

However, this process is manual, and you may rather employ a more seamless automatic update process discussed below.

2. Update your Windows 11 drivers automatically

Managing all your drivers can be made simple with dedicated driver update software. You can easily select outdated drivers individually or all at once. Additionally, you can automatically repair broken drivers or find missing ones quickly.

Outbyte Driver Updater is a great option because it is secure and will enhance your PC performance.

⇒ Get Outbyte Driver Updater

If you have read thus far, you should have successfully downloaded or updated your OpenGL drivers. So, this is as much as we cover in this article.

We love to hear from you in the comments section below. Please let us know if this process was as easy for your driver manufacturer.

Windows 10 IoT: What is it & How to Use it

Posted on June 1, 2023October 4, 2023 by Milan Stanojevic

IoT devices are everywhere, so it’s no wonder that Microsoft has its own OS called Windows 10 IoT that runs on these devices.

In case you’re not familiar, IoT boards are cheap, and they can provide all sorts of functionality to their users, as long as users are ready to configure them manually.

Today we’ll focus on Windows 10 IoT and see what it is and how it works, so be sure to keep reading.

A brief history of Windows 10 IoT

Windows 10 IoT was known in the past as Windows Embedded and has been on the market for more than 20 years.

This family of operating systems changed their name to IoT after the release of Windows 10. Windows CE, also known as Windows Embedded Compact, was used on various consumer electronics, including set-top boxes and gaming consoles.

However, it has been completely replaced by Windows 10 IoT.

What is Windows 10 IoT?

This is a version of Windows that is optimized for running on a variety of IoT devices. In case you’re not familiar, Windows has been powering ATMs, terminals, medical devices, kiosks, and other devices over the decades.

This was achieved by running a special version of Windows optimized for those kinds of devices. Various versions of Windows have done that in the past, and Windows 10 continues to do so in the form of Windows 10 IoT.

What is the difference between Windows 10 and Windows 10 IoT?

Enhanced security – The device is locked down, and it usually runs a single application or a set of preapproved applications. Keyboards, USB ports, and other policies can be disabled to protect the system from tampering.
Performance – The device image is configured so that the device boots to the predefined software as soon as it’s powered on.
OEM benefits – With Windows 10 IoT the software and device are licensed to a user as a single solution. The OEM is in charge of providing support for the device and the operating system.
Hardware requirements – Since the Windows 10 IoT Core version doesn’t have all the features of its desktop counterpart, it usually comes with much humble hardware requirements. This allows it to run on almost any device.
Remote management – Windows 10 IoT support remote management, thus making managing multiple devices simpler and faster.
Affordability – Since this version of Windows doesn’t come with the same features as the desktop version, it’s much more affordable.
Long-term support and lifecycle – Unlike the regular version of Windows, IoT has a longer lifecycle that is usually 10 years or more. In addition, the support also lasts about 10 years for each version.
Easy recovery – Reinstalling the OS can be performed quickly and easily via a flash drive or the Internet.
Easy update – Installing and managing updates is simpler since new versions are offered as optional updates every few years while security updates are installed on an ongoing basis.

How many versions of Windows 10 IoT are there?

Windows 10 IoT Enterprise

This version is quite similar to Windows 10 Enterprise version but comes with additional lockdown controls that help secure the device.

With this version, you have the full functionality of Windows, but the system is forced to display a single application in a kiosk mode. This version has one major drawback: it can’t work on devices that use ARM processors.

Windows 10 IoT Core

If you’re looking for a more lightweight version, there’s Windows 10 IoT Core. This version doesn’t have all the Windows features, instead, it runs the background processes and a single Universal App.

However, this version is fully compatible with ARM devices, so you can easily run it on single-board computers. Due to its simplicity, it’s perfect for smaller projects and hobbyists.

What are Windows 10 IoT hardware requirements?

Windows 10 IoT Enterprise

Memory: 2GB RAM
Storage: 16GB for the 32-bit version, 20GB for the 64-bit version
CPU: 1GHz of faster

SoC chips are also supported, but they need to support the following features:

x86 or x64 architecture
PAE, NX, SSE2, and SSE3 support
Support for CMPXCHG16b, LAHF/SAHF, and PrefetchW

Windows 10 IoT Core

Memory: 256MB RAM for headless, 512MB RAM for headed
Storage: 2GB
CPU: 400MHz or faster CPU

If you plan to use x86 compatible CPU, it must support PAE, NX, and SSE2.

What is Windows 10 IoT used for?

Windows 10 IoT Enterprise

Due to its advanced functionality, the Enterprise version is used for industry tablets, retail service points, kiosks, digital signage, ATMs, medical devices, manufacturing devices, and so on.

Windows 10 IoT Enterprise is used in almost all industries, including manufacturing, retail, service, medical, and many more, and it’s an integral part of our everyday lives.

Windows 10 IoT Core

Since this is a minimal version of Windows IoT, it doesn’t have the same features as the Enterprise version, so its use cases are different.

This version is used for digital signage, smart home devices, IoT gateways, human-machine interfaces, and more. As you can see, this version is aimed at tech enthusiasts that want to create their projects.

To learn more, we have a great guide on how to run Cortana on Windows 10 IoT Core.

Is Windows 10 free for IoT?

No, Windows 10 IoT isn’t free; to use it, you’ll need to obtain a license from Microsoft. It’s possible to get a 90-day evaluation copy with Visual Studio Subscription, but for continued use, you’ll need to purchase a license.

Does Windows 10 IoT have a GUI?

Yes, Windows 10 IoT has a GUI, and it’s usually configured to display a single application as soon as the device starts.

You can also use Windows 10 IoT without a display in a headless mode if you’re planning to connect to it remotely.

Overall, Windows 10 IoT is a major component of our everyday lives, and many devices we interact with daily are running on Windows 10 IoT.

If you want to familiarize yourself with this version of Windows, you might be interested in our guide on how to run Windows 10 IoT Core on Raspberry Pi.

We hope that you found this guide informative and that now you have a better understanding of how Windows 10 IoT works.

WRkrn.sys Blue Screen: How to Fix This System Error

Posted on June 1, 2023September 24, 2024 by Afam Onyimadu

The WRkrn.sys driver is a kernel-mode driver used by Webroot SecureAnywhere, and it may sometimes trigger a Blue Screen of Death (BSoD) error.

However, the fixes are not always complicated. So, in this guide, we have put together some easy-to-follow steps to rid your computer of the blue screen error.

What causes the WRkrn.sys BSoD?

Corrupted or outdated WRkrn.sys – Outdated drivers are the main culprits for BSoD errors like the one caused by WRkrn.sys.
Conflict with another driver – There are chances that the WRkrn.sys driver is conflicting with other drivers on your computer.
Hardware problem – If your computer’s hardware is not working properly, it can cause the driver to fail and trigger the stop code.
An outdated antivirus – If you use an outdated version of the Webroot antivirus, chances are that associated drivers are outdated and will trigger this issue.

How do I fix a wrkrn.sys BSoD?

Before exploring any complex fixes, we recommend you run a virus scan to ascertain the BSoD is not triggered by malware, restart your computer, and uninstall conflicting apps, which will most likely be other third-party antivirus programs.

1. Reinstall the Webroot antivirus

NOTE

This solution applies only if you installed the Webroot antivirus.

Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog.
Type apwiz.cpl and hit Enter.
Click on the Webroot antivirus from the app list and select the Uninstall button.
Follow the wizard to complete the process, navigate to the official website to get a new copy, and install it.

Our readers reported that reinstalling their Webtroot antivirus fixed the issue, so if you’re in the same situation, use the solution above.

Note that on rare occasions, you may need to boot into Safe Mode to execute the uninstallation.

2. Rename the WRkrn.sys file

Press the Power button to start the computer, and once you see the Windows logo, press and hold the Power button to shut down. Repeat this step a few times till you are redirected to the Automatic Repair screen.
There, you have to click on the Advanced options.
Choose Troubleshoot, then click on the Advanced options.
Click on Startup Settings.
Click on the Restart button.
Press the F4 key to get into the Safe Mode.
Navigate to the path below:
C:\Windows\System32\drivers
Search for WRkrn.sys and rename it to WRkrn.sys.old.
Finally, reinstall the app like in Solution 1.

3. Reset the PC

NOTE

This step will mean you lose most of your data and should be done only as a last resort.

Boot into Safe Mode using steps 1 to 6 of Solution 2.
Press Window + I to open the Settings app.
On the right pane, click on Recovery.
Click the Reset this PC option.
Select Keep my files to save as much as possible from the old installation (If the problem persists after a reset, you may redo the process but select Remove everything rather).
Follow the onscreen prompts to complete the process.

If you have tried the above steps and are still getting the WRkrn.sys blue screen error, you may need to contact Webroot support for assistance.

That is all we will cover in our guide. While we have not written these solutions in any particular order, we recommend trying a reset as a last resort since you may lose all your data.

We also have guides that focus on solving aswhdske.sys Blue Screen problems, ERROR_TOO_MANY_SESS, and ERROR_INVALID_AT_INTERRUPT_TIME so be sure to visit them.

Please reach out to us using the comments section below and let us know what worked for you.

Microsoft Edge for Chromebook: How to Download & Install

Posted on June 1, 2023March 26, 2024 by Ola-Hassan Bolaji

While Chrome, the default browser for Chromebook, does a pretty good job, users still seek other options. One of the options users are exploring is the possibility of installing Microsoft Edge on a Chromebook.

In this detailed guide, we will show you how to download and install the browser without breaking a sweat.

Can I install Microsoft Edge on a Chromebook?

Microsoft Edge is not officially supported on the Chrome OS. This is because the default browser for the operating system is Chrome, and much importance is placed on it.

However, there are unofficial and safe ways to install the browser on your system. It only requires a few tricks here and there, and you will have Microsoft Edge working on your device.

How can I download and install Edge on Chromebook?

1. Using Linux

1.1. Enable Linux

Click the time area on Chromebook and click the Gear icon to open ChromeOS settings.
Next, click the Advanced option in the left pane.
Now, select the Developers option.
Select the Turn on option next to Linux development environment.
Finally, follow the onscreen instructions to complete the process.

The first thing to do if you want to download and install Microsoft Edge on Chromebook is to enable Linux on your device. But to do this, your system must support apps.

Also, your system needs to be running ChromeOS 80 or higher to perform this task. Lastly, note that this process will take some time.

This is because your device will need to download Linux and start its container. So, you need to be patient.

1.2. Download and install Edge

Go to the official Microsoft Edge download page on the Chrome browser.
Scroll down the page and click the Linux (.deb) link next to the Microsoft Edge is now available on Linux option.
Now, click Accept and download button and wait for the download process to complete.
Next, double-click the downloaded file to launch it.
Double-click the microsoft-edge-stable option.
Finally, click the Install button, followed by OK to complete the process.

The next step in the quest to download and install Microsoft Edge on Chromebook is to download the version compatible with Linux.

After the installation process is complete, the browser should be available on your device. However, there are some things you need to know about running Edge on the Linux virtual machine on Chromebook.

Some users have complained that they could not use Chromebook’s camera on Edge. Also, the hardware acceleration is visibly absent.

Hence, there is a considerable drop in the graphics performance. Another thing to note here is that you might find it hard to resize Microsoft Edge’s window, leading to problems rendering some fonts.

But, if you really need to use Edge, these are minor issues that should not deter you.

2. Via Google Play Store

Launch the Google Play Store app on your Chromebook.
Search for Microsoft Edge and click the app.
Now, click the Install button and wait for the process to complete.

This method is an otherwise short and direct way to download and install Microsoft Edge on Chromebook. Note that to use this method, you must have downloaded and install Google Play Store on your device.

Also, note that password and information syncing with Chrome browser is not direct. You must use the Microsoft Autofill Chrome extension to complete the job.

We can now conclude this detailed guide on downloading and installing Microsoft Edge on Chromebook. While the browser is incompatible with the OS, the two methods above will help you use it effortlessly.

If you want to know how to download and install Safari browser on Chromebook, check our comprehensive article for the steps to follow.

We also have a guide on how to use the Microsoft Edge offline installer, so be sure to check it out if you’re on Windows.

Feel free to let us know in the comments below if you encounter any problems applying the steps above.

Excel Files are Opening in Notepad? 4 Ways to Fix That

Posted on June 1, 2023October 4, 2023 by Ola-Hassan Bolaji

Microsoft Excel is one of the most used apps by students and companies alike. However, like every other software, there are times when users face issues, with some complaining that Excel files are opening in Notepad.

This problem can be pretty frustrating, as it makes your document disjointed. Fortunately, there are ways to fix this Excel issue, and we will show you how to do it in this comprehensive guide.

Why is my Excel file opening in Notepad?

The reasons Excel files are opening in Notepad are within a close circle. Below are a couple of potential causes of the issue:

Wrong file extension: Sometimes, this issue might be caused by wrong file extensions. The easiest way to fix this is to change the extension to the correct format.
Faulty Office installation: At times, your Excel files might misbehave because of issues with your Microsoft Office installation. The solution to this is to repair Microsoft Office.
Wrong default app: If you have set the wrong default app for Excel-compatible files, you will understandably experience this issue. You need to change your default app appropriately to fix this.

How can I stop my Excel files from opening in Notepad?

1. Use the Open with option instead

Right-click the file you want to open and select the Open with option.
Select the Excel option.
If you can’t find the Excel option, click Choose another app.
Finally, select Microsoft Excel.

If Excel files are opening in Notepad on Windows 10 or 11, you need to use the Open with option to select your preferred app. With this, you remove the guessing game and open your file with the appropriate app.

2. Change file types settings

Press the Windows key + I and select the Apps option in the left pane.
Select the Default apps option.
Now, type the file type you want to set the default app for in the Set a default for a file type or link type search box.
Press the Enter key.
Finally, choose Excel as the default app and click OK.

If you did not set Microsoft Excel as your default app for opening its related files, it would not be surprising that Excel files are opening in Notepad. To rectify this, follow the steps above and make the necessary changes.

3. Check the extension type

Press the Windows key + E to launch File Explorer and go to the location of the file opening on the wrong app.
Click the View tab at the top and select the Show option.
Now, select File name extensions and check if the file is in a format that is compatible with Excel.
If the file is incompatible with Excel, right-click it, and select Rename.
Finally, enter the file name as it should be and add the correct extension separated by a dot.

At times, Excel files might be opening in Notepad because the extension is written or set wrongly. The solution to this is to rename the file accordingly.

4. Repair Office installation

Press the Windows key + R, type appwiz.cpl, and click the OK button.
Right-click your Office installation and select the Change option.
Now, click tick the Online repair radio button.
Finally, click the Repair button and follow the onscreen instructions to complete the process.

If push comes to shove and you can’t stop your Excel files from opening in Notepad, you need to repair your Office installation. This should eliminate the potential problems causing Excel files to malfunction.

If Excel files open in Notepad, it can make your files look disorganized and make it difficult to edit your document. But with the information in this guide, you should be able to fix the issue and restore normalcy on your PC.

Similarly, if Excel runs into problems on your PC, check our comprehensive article to fix it effortlessly.

Let us know the solution that helped you fix this issue in the comments below.