TextInputHost.exe: What Is This Process & Removal Guide

Posted on by Sagar Naresh

Textinputhost.exe is a part of the Windows Feature Experience Pack and is often known as Windows System File or Microsoft GameEngine, or UX.Client.ST. It is responsible for the text input process for UWP (Universal Windows Platform).

In this guide, we will explain how you can disable it. We will also discuss whether or not this is a safe file and whether or not it should remain on your PC.

Let us get right into it.

How do I disable the textinputhost.exe?

Change the file name

  1. Open the Start menu by pressing the Win key.
  2. Open Task Manager.
  3. Select Microsoft Text Input Application process and hit the End task button.
  4. Press the Win + E keys to open the File Explorer.
  5. Navigate to the below path. C:\Windows\SystemApps\MicrosoftWindows.Client.CBS_cw5n1h2txyewy\
  6. Rename the InputApp folder to anything.

How do I remove textinputhost.exe from my PC?

1. Scan the PC for virus

  1. Press the Win key to open the Start menu.
  2. Open Windows Security.
  3. Select Virus & threat protection.
  4. Choose Quick Scan.
  5. You can also click on Scan options and select Full scan for an in-depth scan.
  6. Apply the prompted fixes.
  7. Restart your PC.

Viruses and malware can create a copy of the textinputhost.exe file and cause your system to misbehave. In such a case, we would suggest you scan your PC and remove the virus, if any.

For your convenience, we have prepared a list of some of the best antivirus tools that will help keep your PC safe and protected.

More specifically, you could use the antivirus software for enhanced security and detection rate for complex cyber threats.

⇒Get TotalAV

2. Disable Asus GPU Tweak II

  1. Open the Start menu by pressing the Win key.
  2. Type control panel and open the app.
  3. Select Programs and Features.
  4. Right-click on Asus GPU Tweak II and select Uninstall.
  5. Follow the on-screen prompts to uninstall the program from your PC.
  6. Reboot your PC.

Asus laptops come with Asus GPU Tweak II software that helps monitor and adjust the graphics card settings and overclock your GPU.

However, one of our readers pointed out that after trying out several solutions and disabling apps, exiting the Asus GPU Tweak II software helped get rid of the TextInputHost.exe. You can also try out this solution if you own an Asus laptop.

3. Run an SFC scan

  1. Press the Win key to open the Start menu.
  2. Open the Command Prompt as an admin.CMD elevated CAPICOM.dll
  3. Type the below command and press Enter. sfc /scannow
  4. Wait for the process to complete.
  5. Restart your PC.

How can I know if the textinputhost.exe file is dangerous?

The file should be located in the following locations:

C:\Windows\SystemApps\MicrosoftWindows.Client.CBS_cw5n1h2txyewy\InputApp\

C:\Windows\SystemApps\MicrosoftWindows.Client.CBS_cw5n1h2txyewy\

In case, the file is found on a different location in your PC, then there are higher chances that this file isn’t legit and is an infected file.

So, you should first check the location of the textinputhost.exe file, because if you will block or remove the original file, then your emoji picker tool and the GIF image selector tool won’t be able to fetch any images.

You can follow this detailed guide to disable Microsoft Text Input Application and apply extra methods when the basic steps do not help enough.

That is it from us in this guide. We have a guide that explains what is Startmenuexperiencehost.exe and how you can disable it if it is not an important executable file.

We also have guide explaining what is HpseuHostLauncher.exe and a guide on Twdsuilaunch.exe, so don’t miss them.

Let us know in the comments if you found any other ways to end this textinputhost.exe process.

Microsoft signs nuclear fusion power purchase deal with Helion Energy

Posted on by Radu Tyrsina

Microsoft has gotten into an agreement with Helion Energy, a nuclear fusion generator, and indicated its intentions to start purchasing clean energy from the firm as soon as 2028. The goal behind this move is to get rid of harmful emissions radiating into the environment, as nuclear energy provides a limitless source of clean energy to users.

With this new agreement in place, Helion Energy is expected to generate up to 50 megawatts after a one-year ramp-up period. To put this into perspective, one megawatt can keep the lights running in approximately 1,000 households in the U.S.

According to Helion Energy’s CEO and founder, David Kirtley:

Fifty megawatts is a big first step of commercial-scale fusion, and the revenue feeds right back into us developing more power plants and getting fusion out on the grid both in the United States and internationally as fast as possible.

In order to produce nuclear fusion, two light atoms like hydrogen must be placed together under extremely hot temperatures causing them to fuse and become one heavy atom that produces a lot of energy. To this end, fusion reactions have been cited to suck up more energy than what is actually released.

Helion is set to debut its seventh-generation Polaris next year that’s designed to help with power generation. The machine is designed to make use of pulsed high-power magnet technologies to produce nuclear fusion. Helion has already hit incredible feats before. Back in 2012, it was the first private company able to get to 100 million degrees Celsius.

Most companies in the nuclear fusion business tend to gravitate towards tritium during the production phase, but Helion intends to incorporate Helium 3 into the process instead. Helium 3 is a rare gas that’s often used in quantum computing.

Helion has managed to come up with more than $570 million in private capital, that’s in place to see this venture come to fruition. Sam Altman, OpenAI’s  CEO also made a $375 million investment in this venture back in 2021.

However, the company needs to get its designs as well as construction approved by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission alongside local permits. Last month, the NRC moved to distinguish fusion regulation from fission a move that’s guaranteed to expedite the approval process

Microsoft’s vice chair and president, Brad Sams further added that this venture aligns with the company’s “long-term clean energy goals” and will play a major role in helping it advance in the market as well as assisting it to establish a new and effective method that will help bring cleaner energy to the grid quicker.

Via The Verge

Featured image via Helion Energy

Google’s Nearby Share for Windows app expands its reach to more countries

Posted on by Radu Tyrsina

For the longest time, Android users have been looking for an easier way to connect their devices to Windows. And while it’s possible to do this using Microsoft’s Phone Link app (previously referred to as Your Phone app), Google debuted its own tool dubbed Nearby Share for Windows in beta back in April to serve the same purpose.

The app is designed to let users share photos and documents between Android devices and Windows PCs easily. While making the debut, Google indicated that it was rolling out the app to the US and most countries globally. At the time, there was a significant number of countries that were left out of the loop.

However, Google has quietly expanded the app’s support to more countries. If you’re based in Cuba, Iran, North Korea, or Syria you won’t have access to Nearby Share for Windows just yet.

As earlier reported, to leverage the app’s capabilities, you’ll need to meet a set of requirements first. For instance, your PC must be running the 64-bit version of Windows 10 and up. It should also be noted that ARM processors aren’t supported. Additionally, your Android device should also be running on Android 6.0 and up.

If you’re part of the “most countries globally” that currently support the app and have met its minimum set requirements, you can now start sharing files between your Android device and Windows PC. We’d also like to invite you to check out our expert guide on how to use the Nearby Share app to share files between Android and Windows.

via 9to5Google

Sppextcomobj.exe: What Is It & How to Fix Its Errors

Posted on by Claire Moraa

Running your antivirus regularly can help you isolate any problematic files early before they get a chance to compromise your system. Sppextcomobj.exe seems to be quarantined by most antivirus programs as a malicious file.

Note that there is also a legitimate sppextcomobj.exe file with network service privileges. If it becomes obsolete, you may experience connection issues. So how do you resolve such errors? Here’s how.

What is sppextcomobj.exe?

The sppextcomobj.exe is a legitimate Windows file found in the following location: C:\Windows\System32

It is part of the Software Protection Platform, a suite of services that allows you to activate and manage the licenses for your Windows.

The sppextcomobj.exe file provides functionality for application developers to implement licensing and activation features for their applications. It is a critical Windows operating system component and should not be terminated or disabled.

Still, you should pay attention to this process because it may be a virus, trojan, or malware hiding in your system and causing many problems.

A classic tell-tale sign of whether you’re dealing with a malicious file is its location. It could be a virus masquerading as the real thing if it’s in an unfamiliar location.

Also, as most users reported, if your antivirus quarantines it, it is probably a virus and should be removed from your system. Other signs include your Wi-Fi keeps disconnecting, so be on the lookout for subtle but recurrent hints.

How do I fix sppextcomobj.exe errors?

A few workarounds that may salvage the situation include:

  • Check your internet speeds and ensure they are optimal.
  • If you’re using a wireless connection, ensure there are no interferences.
  • Switch to an Ethernet cable if possible.
  • Restart your router.
  • Run the SFC scan to check for system file errors.

1. Run the network adapter troubleshooter 

  1. Press Windows + I to launch Settings.
  2. Click on Troubleshoot on the right in the System tab.Open system troubleshooter
  3. Select Other troubleshooters.other troubleshooters
  4. Locate the Network Adapter troubleshooter and click the Run button next to it.

2. Update your Network drivers

  1. Hit the Windows + I keys to open Settings.
  2. Type Device Manager in the search bar and click Open.device manager w11
  3. Navigate to your Network adapter, right-click, and select Update driver.
  4. Select Search automatically for updated drivers.

Windows is sometimes known to match you with the wrong drivers, so as an alternative, you’re better off using a driver updater tool.

Namely, Outbyte Driver Updater will scan your system for missing, corrupt, and outdated drivers and automatically download and install the correct versions.

It can also identify faulty drivers and remove them from your computer to ensure your hardware works perfectly.

Outbyte Driver Updater

Get rid of various system errors by updating PC drivers efficiently with this tool.
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3. Disable your firewall/antivirus temporarily

  1. Hit the Start menu icon, type Windows Security in the search bar and click Open.
  2. Click on Firewall & network protection, then select Public network.league of legends black screen after champion select
  3. Locate Microsoft Defender Firewall and toggle the off button.turning off Microsoft Defender Firewall Windows

4. Scan for viruses

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

5. Reset your internet connection 

  1. Hit the Windows Search icon, type cmd in the search bar, and click Run as administrator.cmd-run-admin-w11 unexpected kernel mode trap windows 11
  2. Type the following commands, then press Enter after each: netsh int ip reset resettcpip.txt netsh winhttp reset proxy netsh int ip reset ipconfig /release ipconfig /renew ipconfig /flushdns netsh winsock reset

6. Reset TCP/IP

  1. Press the Windows key, type cmd in the search bar, and click Open.cmd-run-admin-w11 unexpected kernel mode trap windows 11
  2. Type in the following commands and press Enter after each one: netsh winsock reset catalog netsh int ipv4 reset reset.log netsh int ipv6 reset reset.log
  3. Now restart your PC and see if the error is still there.

7. Edit the Registry

  1. Hit the Windows + R keys to open the Run command.
  2. Type regedit in the dialog box and hit Enter to open the Registry Editor.
  3. Navigate to the following location: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\SoftwareProtectionPlatform
  4. Right-click on an empty space on the right pane, select New DWORD 32 bit, and rename it as DisableDnsPublishing.
  5. Under Value data, set it to 0.

As a disclaimer, editing the Registry should only be done where necessary to avoid irreparable damage to your system. If there’s no other option, ensure you backup your Registry or create a restore point before any changes.

In other news, we have an exciting article on how to open exe file content without installing, so ensure you check that out.

Elsewhere in our detailed guide, we also answer everything about the itibiti.exe file and whether it’s safe for your PC.

Share with us any other additional thoughts on this article down below.

Error 1721: How to Fix This Windows Installer Problem

Posted on by Claire Moraa

Windows Installer is an essential Windows service, especially when you want to install programs. However, things don’t always go as planned, with users reporting an error code 1721. This error is accompanied by a there is a problem with this Windows installer package message.

Another similar error is 1722, but we’ve already covered that. Windows Installer can be used to install, repair, configure, and uninstall software while adding or removing features from a user’s computer. So why is it throwing the error 1721? Let’s find out.

Why am I getting the error 1721?

This common error occurs when there is an incompatibility between the Windows Installer and some other program on your computer.

The Windows Installer service allows your OS to install, modify, and repair applications provided as Windows Installer packages. 

It also detects changes in hardware and software that might affect applications. Since it acts as a point of control for all phases of the application installation process, if it fails, apps that depend on it may fail to launch.

Some of the reasons you’re getting the 1721 error when you try to install apps include:

  • Insufficient permissions – This can occur if you do not have sufficient rights to modify the installation. Only administrators have the privilege to make changes to computers.
  • Incorrectly installed program – If you have installed the wrong program, this can cause an issue with the Windows Installer Package.
  • Incompatible program – It is possible that the app you are trying to install is not compatible with your current operating system or hardware configuration.
  • Missing/invalid registry entries – Missing files or invalid entries in the registry can cause problems when attempting to install programs using Windows Installer Packages.
  • Incompatible OS – The program must be written for the same version of Windows that you’re running.
  • Windows installer service has stopped –  If the service is not running, you may have trouble installing programs. This can happen if you have changed the default installation location in the registry or you have installed the application in another location on your computer.

How do I fix error 1721?

Ensure you fulfill the following prerequisites before attempting the complex solutions below:

1. Restart the Windows Installer service

  1. Press the Windows + R keys to open the Run command.
  2. Type services.msc in the dialog box and hit Enter.run services.msc command
  3. Find Windows Installer, right-click on it, and select Stop.
  4. Right-click again, and this time select Restart.

2. Run the Program Install and Uninstall troubleshooter

  1. Download the Program Install and Uninstall troubleshooter and install it.
  2. Open it and click on Next.
  3. You’ll be asked whether you have a problem installing or uninstalling a program. Select one option.
  4. Next, you’ll be asked to select the program that is not installing. Pick the problematic program from the list.
  5. The troubleshooter will start scanning for problems.
  6. Once it completes, you’ll be presented with two options. Pick either and wait for the troubleshooter to recommend fixes.

The Program Install and Uninstall troubleshooter helps you identify and fix problems that occur when installing or uninstalling programs on your computer. It can also help you uninstall programs that are causing problems with your computer.

3. Install the problematic app in compatibility mode

  1. Locate the .exe file of the problematic problem usually in one of the following paths depending on your version of Windows: C:\Program Files (x86) or C:\Program Files
  2. Scroll down until you find the program you’re looking for. 
  3. Right-click on the .exe file of the program and select Properties.    
  4. Navigate to the Compatibility tab, check the Run this program in Compatibility mode option, and select Windows 8  from the drop-down menu.   run this program in compatibility for
  5. Allow the program to finish installing, then check whether the error persists.

Compatibility mode is a feature of Windows that lets you run older programs on your computer. It’s not exactly the same as running an older operating system, but it allows you to run some older programs that won’t work otherwise.

Many applications are written for earlier versions of Windows and have been tested only on those versions. When you try to run them on a newer version, you may find that they don’t work properly or at all.

This is because applications can use features only available on older versions of Windows and not on newer versions.

That’s it for the error 1721, but also check out our other article on what to do when you can’t access the Windows installer service.

We also have an expert recommendation list of the best installer software package, so don’t hesitate to visit that guide.

We’d love to hear your thoughts on this error and which solution helped you bypass it, so drop us a comment below.

Cdpsvc: What Is It & Should You Disable It?

Posted on by Claire Moraa

In the Windows operating system, there are many services you’ll probably never encounter because you don’t know what they do. Cdpsvc seems to be one of these services that is still ambiguous.

It may appear in your list of services that register high CPU usage, so the most obvious thing you’ll do is disable it. However, you might want to pump the brakes before taking this action.

Is Cdpsvc important, and should you disable it? Find out here.

What does Connected Devices platform User Service do?

The Connected Devices platform User Service is a fairly new service in Windows, so it’s not surprising that many people are still in the dark about what this service does and whether they need it for the smooth running of their PCs.

Some of these users agree that it has been notoriously found in the list of services that consume high CPU.

So what services does the Cdpsvc do? You’ll probably need this service if you have connected several peripherals on your PC. 

It is known for providing a bridge when connecting PCs and smartphones. Also, you’ll need this service if you’re connecting other Bluetooth devices, printers, or any other external device.

Is it safe to disable CDPUserSvc?

Now, for the users who find the cdpusersvc annoying, they are probably quick to disable this service, but should you really disable it? Well, it depends on your PC and what you use it for.

First, if you don’t have enough RAM and must keep checking your CPU usage regularly, disabling it is probably a good idea. 

However, if you’re using a lot of Bluetooth peripherals, such as headphones while working, a mouse, or a keyboard, it may not be a good idea to disable it. The key is to find a balance.

You can add more RAM to your PC to avoid running out of memory often or switch to peripherals that don’t require the cdpsvc.

On the other hand, if your PC doesn’t use the said peripherals, you can disable it and then monitor how your computer behaves over a few days. 

If you notice that some features are not working or encounter any problems, you can conclude that it is the service you recently disabled.

Disabling the service should be a last resort step. If your PC is having issues, always check for system file errors before taking any permanent measures.

How do I disable Cdpsvc?

1. Use the Run command 

  1. Hit the Windows + R keys simultaneously to open the Run command.
  2. Type services.msc in the dialog box and hit Enter.run services.msc command
  3. Find the Connected Devices platform User Service, right-click on it, and select Properties.
  4. Navigate to the Startup type option, and in the drop-down menu, select Disabled, then click on Stop.
  5. Click on Apply and OK to save the changes.

2. Use the Command Prompt 

  1. Hit the Windows key, type cmd in the search bar, and click Run as administrator.cmd-run-admin-w11 unexpected kernel mode trap windows 11
  2. Type the following command and hit Enter: sc config CDP user SVC type=own
  3. Restart your PC for the changes to take effect.

3. Use the Registry Editor

  1. Hit the Windows + R keys to open the Run command.
  2. Type regedit in the dialog box and hit Enter to open the Registry Editor.
  3. Navigate to the following location: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\CDPUserSvc
  4. Locate Start on the right-hand side. If unavailable, right-click on an empty space, select New DWORD 32-bit, and name it as Start.
  5. Right-click on Start and select Modify.
  6. Change the Value data to 2, then restart your PC.

If you want to make changes to the registry, you need to be careful. Even if you know what you’re doing, there’s always the possibility that something will go wrong.

Registry edits are permanent and cannot be undone unless you have an exact copy of the original registry settings somewhere safe. 

This means that if something goes wrong with your system after making a change in the registry, there’s no way to fix it except by reinstalling Windows or going through a long process of restoring your system from a backup.

An easier way is to create a safe point of return through system restore points. These are useful as you can always remember when your PC was working well.

That brings us to a close in this article. However, if you’re looking for services to disable in Windows 11, we have compiled a list to help you eliminate superfluous services you don’t need. But there are some critical processes, like Svchost.exe Imgsvc, that can’t be disabled but have to be fixed.

Share with us any additional thoughts you may have on this topic down below.

0x8007007 Error Code: What is it & How to Fix it

Posted on by Sagar Naresh

The 0x8007007 error code highlights that some third-party program is interfering with the Windows 11 Installation Assistant Utility.

If you are also facing the Windows 11 error code 0x8007007, then you are in the right place. Because in this guide, we have a bunch of solutions that will help you resolve the error on your PC.

What is error code 0x8007007?

Our readers come across the Windows 11 error code 0x8007007 when they are attempting to upgrade to the latest OS using the Installation Assistant Utility.

Besides, you will face the 0x8007007 error even though your PC meets the requirements to upgrade to Windows 11.

Microsoft hasn’t shared details on why this error pops up for users trying to upgrade their PCs. However, after going through multiple user reports, it is confirmed that this error is related to the Windows 11 Installation Assistant Utility.

If you are also facing the error 0x8007007, then you can apply the solutions mentioned below to resolve the problem.

How can I resolve Windows error 0x8007007?

1. Run the Installation Assistant as an admin

  1. Download the Windows 11 Installation Assistant Utility from the official website.
  2. Locate the file on your PC.
  3. Right-click on the Installation Assistant EXE file and select the Run as administrator option.
  4. In the UAC prompt that appears, select Yes.
  5. Follow the onscreen steps to upgrade your PC.

For certain programs, such as the Windows 11 Installation Assistant Utility, you need to have sufficient privileges in order to run it.

You can easily run the program with elevated permissions by following the above steps and hopefully resolve the error 0x8007007.

2. Temporarily disable your antivirus

  1. Press the Win key to open the Start menu.
  2. Type control panel and open the app from the results.
  3. Choose Windows Defender Firewall.
  4. Click on Turn Windows Defender Firewall on or off option from the left pane.
  5. Check the radio button Turn off Windows Defender Firewall (not recommended) for both Public and Private networks.
  6. Click OK.
  7. Run the Installation Assistant.

The above steps are shown for the Windows Defender Firewall, but it is to show you the idea that you can try disabling the antivirus on your PC that might be blocking the Installation Assistant.

However, in case this solution doesn’t work, you can check out our guide which has some of the best antivirus tools that can help protect your PC from viruses or malware.

3. Run a SFC scan

  1. Press the Win key to open the Start menu.
  2. Open the command prompt as an admin.
  3. Type the below command and press Enter. sfc /scannowsfc scan netwbw02.sys
  4. Wait for the process to scan and fix corrupt system files.
  5. Restart your PC.

Corrupt system files can also collide with whatever the Installation Assistant is trying to do. In that case, you can try fixing the corrupt system files by running the SFC Scan command.

4. Perform a clean install

  1. Download the Windows 11 Installation Media from the official website.
  2. Run the downloaded EXE file.
  3. Follow the on-screen steps.
  4. Insert the USB drive and let it create a bootable USB.
  5. Restart your PC.
  6. Choose your bootable USB drive.
  7. Perform a clean Windows 11 install.

Some users have suggested that creating a bootable media and performing the clean install has helped them get rid of the error 0x8007007 on their PCs. You can also try this solution and resolve the problem at your end.

That is it from us in this guide. Before you upgrade to Windows 11 reading all the good things about the new OS, you can refer to our guide that lists some of the cons of Windows 11.

For users that are facing Windows 11 Installation Assistant not working problem, we would recommend you apply the fixes mentioned in our guide to fix the error.

Feel free to let us know in the comments below, which one of the above solutions resolved the problem of error 0x8007007.

4 Ways to Map A Network Drive in Windows 10

Posted on by Srishti Sisodia

Mapping a network drive in Windows 10 allows you to connect to shared folders and resources on other computers or servers in your network. This feature is helpful in work environments where multiple users need access to the same files and folders.

In this guide, we will discuss different ways to map a network drive on Windows 10 which can help you easily connect to shared resources and improve your productivity.

If you are looking for ways to map a network drive on Windows 11, we suggest you check out this detailed guide.

What can I do to map a network drive in Windows 10?

Before proceeding with any steps to map a network drive, go through the following preliminary checks:

  • Verify you have network access to the drive you want to map.
  • Ensure you know the location of the network drive.
  • Ensure you have a user account on the computer hosting the network drive.
  • If you are in a workgroup or domain environment, ensure your computer is properly connected to the network.

Once you have checked all these things, move to the actual steps mentioned below.

1. Use the File Explorer

  1. Press Windows + E to open File Explorer.
  2. Click on This PC, click on three dots, and then select Map network drive.Map a network drive Windows 10
  3. Choose the drive letter from the drop-down list in the Map Network Drive window.Browse location
  4. Type the network location of the folder you want to map in the Folder field. You can also click on the Browse button to locate the folder manually.
  5. If there is an error, press the Windows key, type control panel, and click Open.Control Panel map a network drive Windows 10
  6. Select View by as Large icons and click Network and Sharing Center.Select Network & Sharing Center
  7. Click Change advanced sharing settings.Change an advanced settings
  8. Toggle on the switch for Network discovery and click Save changes.Turn on network discovery
  9. Go back to the Map Network Drive window and select the location.
  10. Place a checkmark Reconnect at sign-in to map the drive automatically every time you sign in to Windows.Reconnect sign in map a network drive Windows 10
  11. Also, select the Connect using different credentials option.
  12. Click Finish to complete the process.

2. Use Command Prompt

  1. Press the Windows key, type cmd, and click Run as administrator.CMD elevated Windows 10
  2. Copy & paste the following command to map the drive after replacing Z with the drive letter which not already in use, DEVICE-NAME-OR-IP\SHARED-FOLDER with the computer name or IP address of the device hosting the shared folder & the name of the shared, and hit Enter: net use Z: \\DEVICE-NAME-OR-IP\SHARED-FOLDERAdmin map a network drive Windows 10
  3. If you want the system to assign the drive letter, then type the following command after replacing DEVICE-NAME-OR-IP\SHARED-FOLDER with the computer name or IP address of the device hosting the shared folder & the name of the shared to map the drive and press Enter: net use * \\DEVICE-NAME-OR-IP\SHARED-FOLDERWithout assigning a drive letter
  4. If you want the user to enter credentials every time a connection is established, copy & paste the following command to map a drive after changing DEVICE-NAME-OR-IP and SHARED-FOLDER to the computer name or IP address of the device hosting the shared folder and the name of the shared, & change the username and password with credentials and hit Enter: net use Z: \\DEVICE-NAME-OR-IP\SHARED-FOLDER PASSWORD /user:USERNAME /persistent:yesadd a password map a network drive Windows 10
  5. Restart your computer to confirm the changes.

3. Use the Group Policy Editor

  1. Press Windows + R to open the Run console.Gpedit.msc Run command
  2. Type gpedit.msc and click OK to open Group Policy Editor.
  3. Navigate to this path: User Configuration\Preferences\Windows Settings\Drive Maps
  4. Right-click the space in the right pane, choose New, then Mapped Drive.map network drive windows 10
  5. In the New Mapped Drive Properties window, choose the drive letter, network location, and other options accordingly.
  6. Click OK to save the changes.

4. Use PowerShell

  1. Press the Windows key, type powershell, and click Run as administrator.Windows POwershell
  2. If you want to choose the drive letter manually, type the following command to map a drive after replacing the Drive letter with the one which is not in use, change  DEVICE-NAME-OR-IP and SHARED-FOLDER to the computer name or IP address of the host machine with the shared folder & the name of the shared and hit Enter: New-PSDrive -Name "DRIVER-LETTER" -PSProvider "FileSystem" -Root "\\DEVICE-NAME-OR-IP\SHARED-FOLDER" -PersistMal a network drive Windows 10
  3. To map a network drive with credentials, copy & paste the following command and press Enter: $cred = Get-Credential -Credential USERNAME
  4. You will be prompted to enter User name and Password, enter the details, and click OK.
  5. Now type the following command to map a drive after replacing the Drive letter with the one which is not in use, change  DEVICE-NAME-OR-IP and SHARED-FOLDER to the computer name or IP address of the host machine with the shared folder & the name of the shared and hit Enter: New-PSDrive -Name "E" -Root "\\DEVICE-NAME-OR-IP\SHARED-FOLDER" -Persist -PSProvider "FileSystem" -Credential $credCredentials added
  6. Enter your credentials again to complete the process.

If you can’t map a network drive on Windows 10, read this informative guide to fix the quick solutions.

So, these are the different methods you can follow to map a network drive on Windows 10. If you have any questions or suggestions, please let us know in the comments section below.

Hostfxr.dll Could Not Be Found: How to Fix It

Posted on by Srishti Sisodia

Hostfxr.dll is a Dynamic Link Library related to the .NET Core runtime and is used by certain applications and programs to function properly.

If you have encountered the hostfxr.dll could not be found error when you are trying to run certain apps or programs, this guide can help you restore the missing DLL file!

What causes the hostfxr.dll could not be found error?

There could be several reasons why the file can’t be found; some of the common ones are mentioned here:

  • Outdated .NET Core runtime – If the .Net Core Runtime on your computer is incompatible, old, or corrupted, you might see this error. Try repairing or reinstalling it.
  • Malware infection -Viruses on a computer can corrupt system files and cause errors like this. Run a deep scan using an antivirus tool.
  • Corrupted system files – If the system files related to the DLL file are corrupted or damaged, you may face this error. Try running an SFC scan to fix the issue.
  • Bad Windows update – Sometimes, upgrading to a newer version of Windows can cause this error. Try uninstalling the latest update or checking for pending updates.
  • Improperly uninstalled or installed apps – If an application that uses the DLL file is not installed or uninstalled correctly, it can cause this problem. Try reinstalling the app.

So, these are the causes of the issue; let us check out the solutions for the same.

What can I do to fix the hostfxr.dll could not be found error?

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

  • Restart your computer.
  • Check for Windows pending updates.
  • Try reinstalling the affected app.

If these minor tweaks don’t work, check out the detailed solutions below.

1. Use a DLL fixer

Recovering a DLL file manually can cause more harm than good to your computer if not done right! Therefore, it is suggested to use a third-party DLL fixer tool.

These tools can recover and restore all DLL files without a miss. Thereby resolving the conflicts between third-party apps & the operating system and enhancing PC performance.

2. Repair/Reinstall the .NET Core Runtime app

  1. Press the Windows key, type control panel, and click Open.Control Panel start menu
  2. Go to View by as Category and click Uninstall a program.Programs Hostfxr.dll
  3. On the Programs and Features window, from the list, locate and select Microsoft .NET SDK and click Uninstall.Uninstall .NET CORE Hostfxr.dll
  4. On the next window, select Repair.Repair the app
  5. If the issue persists, go to the Programs and Features window, select Microsoft .NET SDK, and click Uninstall.Uninstall .NET CORE Hostfxr.dll
  6. This time select Uninstall to remove the file.Uninstall the app
  7. Now go to the official website to download the latest version of .NET Core and click Download.Download the latest version
  8. Next, click Install.Install

3. Run an SFC scan

  1. Press the Windows key, type cmd, and click Run as administrator.CMD elevated Hostfxr.dll
  2. Copy & paste the following command to repair the system files and hit Enter: sfc/scannowSFCSCANNOW CMD
  3. Wait until the scan completes, and restart your computer.

4. Perform a System Restore

  1. Press the Windows key, type control panel, and click Open.Control Panel start menu
  2. Select View by as Large icons and click Recovery. Recovery Control Panel Hostfxr.dll
  3. Click Open System Restore.Open system restore
  4. Select Choose a different restore point and click Next.Next Choose a different restore point
  5. Now select a restore point and click Next.Finish
  6. Click Finish to start the process.Choose a point

Windows will restart and restore to the selected version. If System Restore didn’t complete successfully, we suggest you follow this guide to learn the solutions.

5. Download the DLL file manually

Note icon NOTE
Using an unreliable website to install DLL files can be dangerous and is never recommended. However, If you know a trusted source, like DLL-FILES, which has been verified and trusted. You can follow the steps mentioned to restore the file manually.
  1. Go to the DLL-FILES website, search hostfxr.dll, select an appropriate option, and click Download.Download Hostfxr.dll
  2. Double-click the downloaded folder to open it, and locate and copy the .dll file.
  3. Go to this path and paste the file:C:\Windows\System32\
  4. Restart your computer to keep the changes.

If you are facing missing the DLL files issue on your Windows 10, we suggest you read our informative guide to know solutions for this common problem.

So, these are methods that you can use to fix the hostfxr.dll could not be found issue. If you have any questions or suggestions, feel free to mention them in the comments section below.

What is Mstsc.exe & How to Properly Use it

Posted on by Sagar Naresh

The mstsc.exe is located in Windows 11 inside the C:\System32\ folder. MSTC stands for Microsoft Terminal Service Client and is an executable file.

In this guide, we will discuss some important things such as what is mstsc.exe and how you can properly use it. Let us get right into it.

What is mstsc.exe used for?

Remote Desktop is an important Windows feature that is used by millions across the globe. With the mstsc.exe or Microsoft Terminal Service Client (MSTSC), you can run the Microsoft Remote Desktop (RDP) client.

Meaning, you can use the mstsc command to establish a remote connection with someone else’s computer. This can let you edit or tweak things as if you were using their computer by being physically present there.

You have to be on the same network to establish the remote connection. The mstsc command is run using the Windows Command Prompt and it is vital to manage the desktop.

What is the syntax for the mstsc command?

The syntax of the mstsc command is:

mstsc.exe [<connectionfile>] [/v:<server>[:<port>]] [/g:<gateway>] [/admin] [/f<fullscreen> ] [/w:<width> /h:<height>] [/public] [/multimon] [/l] [/restrictedadmin] [/remoteguard] [/prompt] [/shadow:<sessionid>] [/control] [/noconsentprompt]
mstsc.exe /edit <connectionfile>

Below is the basic understanding of common mstsc parameters:

ParameterDescription
<connectionfile>The name of the .rdp file required for connection.
/v:<server>[:<port>]Specifies the remote computer or the port number to which you want to connect.
/g:<gateway>It is the RD Gateway server that will be used for the connection. Only required if endpoint remote PC is specified with /v.
/adminTo establish the connection as an admin.
/fTo view the remote desktop in full-screen mode.
/w:<width>To specify the width of the Remote Desktop window.
/h:<height>To specify the height of the Remote Desktop window.
/publicRuns Remote Desktop in public mode, where passwords and bitmaps aren’t cached.
/multimonConfigures the Remote Desktop Services session monitor layout identical to the client-side configuration.
/lLists the monitor attached to the local PC and the ID associated with each monitor.
/edit <connectionfile>Opens up the specified .rdp file for editing.
/restrictedAdminThis mode won’t send your credentials to the remote PC.
/remoteGuardThis mode prevents credentials from being sent to the remote PC.
/promptAsks for your credentials when you connect to the remote PC.
/shadow:<sessionID>Specifies the ID of the session to shadow.
/controlLets you control the session when shadowing.
/noConsentPromptLets you control shadowing without user consent.
/?Displays help at the CMD.

How do I run mstsc.exe?

  1. Press the Win + R keys to open the Run dialogue.
  2. Type mstsc and press Enter.
    (If you want to open the remote connection in fullscreen mode, then you need to type mstsc.exe /f. Also, you can use the above parameters to their advantages as listed above.)
  3. Type the computer name or the IP address of the remote desktop and hit Connect.

Let us now understand how you can enable or disable the remote desktop. For that, check out the next two sections.

How do I enable Remote Desktop?

  1. Press the Win key to open the Start menu.
  2. Open Command Prompt as an admin.
  3. Type the below command and press Enter. reg add "HKLM\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Terminal Server" /v fDenyTSConnections /t REG_DWORD /d 0 /f
  4. Run the below command to enable remote desktop. netsh advfirewall firewall set rule group="remote desktop" new enable=yes

How do I disable Remote Desktop?

  1. Press the Win key to open the Start menu.
  2. Open Command Prompt as an admin.
  3. Type the below command and press Enter. reg add "HKLM\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Terminal Server" /v fDenyTSConnections /t REG_DWORD /d 1 /f
  4. Run the below command to disable remote desktop. netsh advfirewall firewall set rule group="remote desktop" new enable=No

How can I fix mstsc.exe crashes?

1. Run the SFC scan

  1. Press the Win key to open the Start menu.
  2. Open Command Prompt as an admin.
  3. Execute the below command. sfc /scannow
  4. Wait for the SFC Scan process to complete and fix the corrupt files.
  5. Restart your PC.

When you come across a mstsc.exe crash or error, then we would suggest you fix the corrupt system files on your PC. This is because often new Windows updates can crash certain system processes.

That is it from us in this guide. Let us know in the comments below, if this helped you understand what mstsc.exe is and how you can use it to establish a remote desktop connection.

How To Stop McAfee From Changing Search Engine [Step-by-Step]

Posted on by Radu Tyrsina

Is McAfee changing the search engine in your browser for no apparent reason? You’re not alone. Many users have the same problem.

It’s most commonly changing Chrome engine to Yahoo, but it might be another search engine too.

Regardless, here’s how to stop it:

How do I stop McAfee from changing my default search engine?

1. Disable McAfee Web advisor extension

  1. Navigate to your browser (in this case, Chrome).
  2. Click on the three vertical ellipses in the top right corner, select More tools, and click on Extensions.chrome extensions settings
  3. Find McAfee WebAdvisor and toggle off the disable button.disabling mcafee web advisor
  4. Remember, when you turn it off, you may get the McAfee secure search is off – be careful message which warns you that your system may be at risk. you don't have secure search mcafee

This is because it won’t be able to detect any malicious sites. However, you should be fine as long as you activate other protective means.

2. Uninstall McAfee WebAdvisor

  1. Hit the Windows key, type in Control Panel, and click Open.control panel
  2. Select Programs, then click on Uninstall a program.uninstall a program
  3. Locate McAfee WebAdvisor or McAfee SiteAdvisor from the programs list and click Uninstall.uninstall mcafee web advisor

For detailed removal instructions, check our Remove McAfee WebAdvisor guide to make sure no traces remain after uninstalling.

3. Reset your browser to default settings

  1. Navigate to your browser (in this case, Chrome).
  2. Click on the three vertical ellipses in the top right corner and select Settings.google settings
  3. Select Advanced, then click on Reset and clean up.google settings reset and clean up
  4. Click on Restore settings to their original defaults and select Reset settings.reset browser settings

If McAfee is changing your search engine, it’s likely due to the WebAdvisor browser extension or the search protection feature.

You can adjust these settings to prevent future changes. For users of Windows 11, McAfee offers added security, but built-in tools like Windows Defender may be enough for basic protection.

Hopefully, you have successfully changed to your preferred search engine using one or more of the above solutions. 

Keeping your antivirus up to date can also help with this and related problems like McAfee errors communicating with event log.

If the problem is more persistent on your PC, we have a dedicated guide on what to do when your browser keeps switching to Yahoo.

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

PR_END_OF_FILE_ERROR: How to Bypass Secure Connection

Posted on by Sagar Naresh

Mozilla Firefox is considered one of the feature-rich and safe browsers available. However, some of our readers encountered the PR_END_OF_FILE_ERROR. This error pops up when the browser can’t establish a secure connection.

We have listed down some solutions that will help you fix the PR_END_OF_FILE_ERROR with the Mozilla Firefox browser.

What triggers the PR_END_OF_FILE_ERROR?

When the Mozilla Firefox browser fails to establish a secure connection with a certain website, then you will come across the PR_END_OF_FILE_ERROR. This usually happens because all cipher suites fail.

There are a bunch of reasons that could trigger the PR_END_OF_FILE_ERROR in Mozilla Firefox, which are listed below:

  • VPN interference: VPN may let you access blocked websites, but it can also cause mishaps that can block you from visiting websites by interfering with the browser’s operation.
  • Incorrect cipher variants: If you have recently modified the SSL settings, then your browser might be enforcing a cipher that isn’t supported by the Firefox browser, thus the error message.
  • Corrupt Firefox profile: You will come across the PR_END_OF_FILE_ERROR in Firefox if your profile has some underlying issues or is corrupt.
  • A firewall is interfering: Aggressive Firewall or antivirus settings might be interfering with the smooth functioning of the browser.
  • Browser cache is conflicting: Corrupt browser cache can always cause multiple issues with the browser’s performance and functioning.

Let us now check out the advanced solutions to resolve this error.

How can I fix the PR_END_OF_FILE_ERROR?

Here are a few quick solutions that you can try before jumping ahead with the advanced solutions.

  • Restart your browser and then visit the website and check if this resolves the issue or not.
  • Disable any VPN that you are using because chances are that the VPN is conflicting with the browser.

1. Reset Firefox SSL settings

  1. Launch Firefox.
  2. Click on the Menu button at the top-right corner and select Help.
  3. Choose More troubleshooting information.
  4. Under Give Firefox a tune up, hit the Refresh Firefox button.
  5. Click Refresh Firefox in the pop-up that appears.

When you hit the Refresh Firefox button, it will clean the SSL settings that might have been accidentally modified. Once that is done, check if you are getting the PR_END_OF_FILE_ERROR or not.

2. Clear the startup cache

  1. Open Firefox.
  2. Click on the Menu button at the top-right corner and choose help.
  3. Click on Help.
  4. Click on More troubleshooting information.
  5. Select Clear startup cache option under the Try clearing the startup cache option.

Clearing the startup cache has also helped our readers fix the problem of PR_END_OF_FILE_ERROR in Mozilla Firefox.

3. Disable Firewall

  1. Press the Win key to open the Start menu.
  2. Open the Control Panel from pinned apps.
  3. Select Windows Defender Firewall.
  4. Click on Turn Windows Defender Firewall on or off option from the left pane.
  5. Check the radio button Turn off Windows Defender Firewall (not recommended) for both Public and Private networks.
  6. Click OK.
  7. Launch Firefox and check if this fixes the issue or not.

We have shown the above steps for the Windows Defender Firewall, but you get the idea that you need to disable your third-party antivirus software.

However, in case this doesn’t work, we would suggest you enable the Firewall. We have a guide that lists down some of the best antivirus tools that can help protect your PC.

4. Create a new Firefox profile

  1. Launch Firefox.
  2. In the address bar, type below and press Enter. about:profiles
  3. Hit the Create a new profile button.
  4. Click Next.
  5. Enter a new profile name.
  6. Click Next.
  7. Complete the new profile creation process.
  8. Launch the profile in a new browser.
  9. Visit the website and check if you are getting the same error or not.

Several users have reported that creating a new profile and then visiting the website on Firefox resolves the problem of PR_END_OF_FILE_ERROR.

5. Disable the DNS over the HTTPS option

  1. Launch Firefox browser.
  2. In the address bar, type the below and hit Enter. about:preferences#general
  3. Scroll down and select the Settings option in front of Network Settings.
  4. Uncheck the DNS over HTTPS option.
  5. Click OK.
  6. Restart Firefox.

That is it from us in this guide. If your Firefox browser is using too much memory, then you can apply the solutions in our guide to resolve the problem.

Feel free to drop a comment below and let us know which one of the above solutions resolved the PR_END_OF_FILE_ERROR.

Dnsapi.dll Was Not Found: How to Fix It

Posted on by Srishti Sisodia

Dnsapi.dll is a Dynamic Link Library file, a software component for Windows OS by Microsoft Corporation. If you have encountered the Dnsapi.dll was not found error, this guide can help you restore the missing DLL in no time.

What causes the dnsapi.dll was not found error?

There could be various reasons for the missing DLL error; some of the common ones are:

  • DLL file deleted – If the app using the DLL file or the DLL file itself is corrupted or deleted, you may face this error. Try reinstalling the app to fix it.
  • Malware infection – Viruses on your computer can damage system files, including this file, causing the problem. Run a malware scan using an antivirus tool.
  • Corrupted system files – The system files related to the DLL file are damaged or missing, you can see this error. Try running an SFC scan to resolve it.
  • Damaged Windows registry – If the registry entries are broken or missing, your computer can throw various errors, including this one. Try using a registry cleaner to get rid of the issue.

Now that you know what causes the error, let us focus on resolving the problem.

How can I fix the dnsapi.dll was not found error?

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

  • Restart your computer.
  • Try reinstalling the affected app.
  • Make sure there are no pending Windows updates.

If these minor tweaks don’t work for you, check out the detailed solutions below.

1. Use a DLL fixer

Restoring or recovering the DLL files manually can be tricky, especially if you are not tech-savvy. Therefore, it is advised to use a third-party DLL fixer solution like the one below.

The system repair tool will restore Windows-related DLL files without a miss. Hence, you can repair the conflicts between third-party apps & the operating system to improve and fix this missing DLL trouble.

2. Run SFC & DISM scans

  1. Press the Windows key, type cmd, and click Run as administrator.CMD elevated dnsapi.dll
  2. Type the following command to repair the system files and press Enter: sfc/scannowSFCSCANNOW CMD dnsapi.dll
  3. Wait for the scan to complete, copy and paste the following command to restore the Windows OS image, and hit Enter: Dism /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealthRestore health
  4. Once the scan is complete, your PC will connect to the Windows Update service to download and replace the damaged files.
  5. Restart your computer to let the changes take effect.

3. Run a malware scan

  1. Press the Windows key, type windows security, and click Open.Windows Security open Windows key
  2. Click Virus & threat protection from the right pane, and then click Scan options.V& T Scan options dnsapi.dll
  3. Select Full scan and click Scan now.Full scan -
  4. The tool will scan your computer for all malware threats, and list them. Delete them to get rid of the problem.

Running the scan is important because if the DLL missing error is caused by malware, this action will remove it, thereby fixing the problem.

4. Perform a System Restore

  1. Press the Windows key, type control panel, and click Open.Control Panel start menu
  2. Select View by as Large icons and click Recovery.Recovery Control Panel
  3. Click Open System Restore.Open system restore
  4. Select Choose a different restore point and click Next.
  5. Now select a restore point and click Next.Choose a point
  6. Click Finish to start the process.Finish

Windows will restart and restore to the selected version. If System Restore didn’t complete successfully, then we suggest you follow this guide to know the solutions.

5. Use a reliable website to download the DLL file

Note icon NOTE
Using an unreliable website to install DLL files can be dangerous and is never advised. However, If you know a trusted source, like DLL-FILES, you can follow the steps mentioned to restore the file.
  1. Go to the DLL-FILES website, search dnsapi.dll, select an appropriate option and click Download.dnsapi.dll Download DLL file
  2. Double-click the downloaded folder to open it, and locate and copy the .dll file.
  3. Go to this path and paste the file: C:\Windows\System32\
  4. Restart your computer to confirm the changes.

If you are facing missing the DLL files issue on your Windows 10, we suggest you read our informative guide to know solutions for this common problem.

To learn more about DLL files, don’t miss our what is gcapi.dll article for more information.

So, these are methods that you can use to fix the dnsapi.dll not found issue. If you have any questions or suggestions, feel free to mention them in the comments section below.

How to easily submit feedback on Windows LAPS

Posted on by Flavius Floare

Windows LAPS is now available to the general public. On this platform, you can easily manage and back-up passwords for local administration accounts on your Azure Active Directory-joined devices.

But this is not all. As Microsoft is working on the platform to create a stable and focused version, they also want users’ input on how to make it better. That means you can now submit your ideas and suggestions.

To do it, you must first have a Microsoft Tech Community account. Then, whenever you want to submit your feedback, just make sure you are signed in to that account.

You can also bookmark the Windows LAPS feedback board page, which can come in handy when you want to do it.

Here is how you can help improve Windows LAPS

  1. Go to the Windows LAPS board.
  2. Sign into your Microsoft Tech Community account, if you haven’t already.
  3. Click on the Submit an Idea button, in the top right corner of the page.
  4. Complete all the fields (at least, those marked with an *). To avoid duplication, the tool will automatically display similar entries, when you enter your title. If there is an entry that matches your Windows LAPS feedback, upvote the existing one and add a message if you have additional suggestions.
  5. This step is optional, but you can check the box for “Email me when someone replies.”
  6. Click on Post to submit your feedback and you’re all set.

After you submit your ideas and suggestions, the board will review them and they will update the status as follows:

New = Not yet reviewed.
Needs more info = We need more information about this idea, your use case, or desired support.
In the backlog = Good idea! It’s now on the list, but work has not yet started.
Working on it = This idea is in active development.
Completed = This request is now available.
Not at this time = We currently have no plans to implement this.
Duplicate = Another feedback item already covers this request. We’ll include a link so you can upvote it!

Windows LAPS has recently come under fire, as the platform has been experiencing legacy issues on both Windows 10 and Windows 11. The issues were causing the legacy and the newer versions of Windows LAPS to break.

Microsoft acknowledged the problem and they say it will get fixed with the next security/cumulative update release.

We will closely follow this issue and we will let you know when the release is out, so you can update your computer, in case you are affected by this problem.

With that being said, the feedback section is more than a welcome addition, as users will now be able to express their ideas and actually improve Windows LAPS as a whole, from their perspective, as well.

What do you think about it? Will you leave your feedback on this platform? Let us know in the comment section below.

CAPICOM.dll Missing: How to Fix or Download It Again

Posted on by Srishti Sisodia

CAPICOM.dll is a Dynamic Link Library file used by Microsoft’s Crypto API, a software interface used to perform cryptography-related tasks. Microsoft no longer supports it, and it has been deprecated since Windows Vista.

However, some legacy applications may still require the file to function properly. If you encounter CAPICOM.dll missing error, this guide can help you restore the missing DLL quickly.

What causes the CAPICOM.dll missing error?

There could be various reasons for the DLL missing error; some of the common ones are:

  • DLL file deleted – If the DLL file is corrupted or missing, the app depending on it, won’t function properly, hence the error. Try restoring the file to fix the problem.
  • Malware infection – A virus can corrupt system files on your computer, leading to this error. Run a deep scan using an antivirus tool to get rid of it.
  • Faulty app -If the app using the DLL file, is outdated or corrupted, you may see this message. Try reinstalling the app to resolve the issue.
  • Registry issues – A computer with broken registry entries may encounter various errors, including this one. Run a registry cleaner to fix it.

Now that you know the reasons for the error, let us check out the resolutions.

What can I do to fix the CAPICOM.dll missing error?

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

  • Try reinstalling the app, which is throwing the error.
  • Restart your computer.
  • Make sure there are no pending Windows updates.

If these minor tweaks don’t work for you, move to the solutions below.

1. Use a third-party DLL fixer

Fixing DLL missing errors manually could be cumbersome and harm your PC if not done correctly. Therefore, it is advised to use a third-party DLL fixer tool to address this issue effectively.

These tools can scan your computer for corrupted DLL files and quickly restore or replace files like CAPICOM.dll. Thereby resolving the conflicts between third-party apps & operating systems, enhancing system performance, and achieving greater stability for your PC.

2. Run SFC & DISM scans

  1. Press the Windows key, type cmd, and click Run as administrator.CMD elevated CAPICOM.dll
  2. Type the following command to repair system files and press Enter: sfc/scannow
  3. Wait for the scan to complete, then copy & paste the following command to restore the Windows OS image and hit Enter: Dism /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealthRestore health
  4. Once the scan is complete, your PC will automatically connect to the Windows Update service to download and replace the corrupt files. Restart your computer to let the changes take effect.

3. Run a malware scan

  1. Press the Windows key, type windows security, and click Open.Windows Security open Windows key
  2. Go to Virus & threat protection and click Scan options.V& T Scan options
  3. Select Full scan and click Scan now.Full scan - CAPICOM.dll
  4. The tool will scan the whole computer for all types of malware threats, including viruses, spyware, adware, & rootkits, and list them. Delete them when prompted.

Running a malware scan is important as if the DLL missing error is fake and caused by malware, this action will remove it, thereby resolving the problem.

4. Restore your system to a previous point in time

  1. Press Windows + R to open the Run console.Sysdm.cpl CAPICOM.dll
  2. Type sysdm.cpl and click OK to open System Properties.
  3. Go to the System Protection tab, and click the System Restore button.SystemProperties_ System Restore button
  4. On the System Restore window, select Choose a different restore point and click Next.Next Choose a different restore point
  5. Select a restore point and click Next.Choose a point CAPICOM.dll
  6. Click Finish.Finish

Windows will restart and restore to the chosen version. If the System Restore is not working for you, we suggest you read this informative guide to find the solution.

5. Download the DLL file from a third-party website

Note icon NOTE
Using an untrusted website to install DLL files is not advised. However, If you know a trusted source, like DLL-FILES, that has been tested and verified, you can follow the steps mentioned to restore the file.
  1. Go to the DLL-FILES website, search CAPICOM.dll, select the suitable option, and click Download.Download The DLL file CAPICOM.dll
  2. Double-click the downloaded folder to open it, and locate and copy the .dll file.
  3. Navigate to this path and paste the file: C:\Windows\SysWOW64\
  4. Restart your computer to save the changes.

If you’re experiencing missing the DLL files issue on your Windows 10, we advise you to refer to our informative article that provides solutions to this common problem.

So, you can follow these methods to fix the missing CAPICOM.dll issue. If nothing worked for you, you could perform a clean install of Windows to eliminate the problem.

If you have any questions or suggestions, feel free to mention them in the comments section below.

0x800701e7 Xbox Error: How to Quickly Fix it

Posted on by Sagar Naresh

Some of our Xbox One users have reported coming across the 0x800701e7 error. Because of this error, they aren’t able to update their consoles. Thankfully, in this guide, we have listed some solutions that will help fix the 0x800701e7 update error on Xbox One.

What is the 0x800701e7 update error on Xbox?

While the 0x800701e7 error prevents you from downloading an update on your Xbox consoles, some users have reported facing this issue when playing a game after installing the update. Here are a few reasons that can trigger this error.

  • Internet isn’t stable: Chances are the internet that you are connected to is jumpy and isn’t stable for the update to get downloaded.
  • Corrupt Xbox data: Some corrupt underlying Xbox system files might be causing the 0x800701e7 error on your Xbox console.
  • The update itself is faulty: Often the updates that roll out are known to carry some bugs that prevent them from getting installed.
  • Some files are conflicting: Some underlying files might e conflicting or interfering with the update file that you are downloading, hence, causing the issue.

Now that we know the main reasons, let us apply the solutions and resolve the problem.

How do I fix error code 0x80072ee7 on Xbox One?

Before jumping ahead with the advanced solutions, here are a few fixes that you should try out and hopefully fix the issue.

  • Check your internet connection and ensure that it is stable and working.
  • Restart your Xbox console and check if it can install the update without any issues or not.

Let us take a look at the actual solutions that will help resolve the problem.

1. Add your Microsoft account again

  1. Press the Xbox Power button on your console to open the guide.
  2. Select Profile & system.
  3. Choose Settings.
  4. Choose Account.
  5. Select the Remove accounts option.
  6. Select the profile you want to remove and hit Remove to confirm.
  7. Go back to Profile & systems.
  8. Select Add or switch.
  9. Choose Add new.
  10. Type the email address of your Microsoft account.
  11. Enter your password.
  12. Agree to the terms and agreements, then follow the on-screen prompts to finish adding your profile.

There are chances that your Microsoft profile might be causing the issue and preventing your Xbox console from installing the update. Follow the above steps to re-add your profile and try installing the update, then check if this resolves the 0x80072ee7 error.

2. Reinstall the game

  1. Press the Xbox button on your controller.
  2. Select My games & apps.
  3. Highlight the game that you would like to remove and press the Menu button on your controller.
  4. Select Uninstall from the pop-up menu.
  5. Choose Uninstall All option to remove everything related to the game including DLCs.
  6. Head back to My Games & Apps.
  7. Select Full Library from the top drop-down.
  8. Choose All Owned Games.
  9. Select the game that you recently uninstalled.
  10. Highlight the game and select Install.

Some of our readers have fixed this issue by reinstalling the problematic game that crashes after the update, so we strongly recommend trying it as well.

3. Clear the Xbox cache

  1. Press the Xbox button on your Xbox One.
  2. Go to System menu and choose Settings.
  3. Click on Devices & streaming.
  4. Select Blu-ray.
  5. Choose Persistent Storage.
  6. Select Clear persistent storage.

Corrupt cache files can also cause multiple issues within the console and prevent you from installing the latest updates. In such cases, you should follow the above steps and clear the cache files and possibly fix the 0x80072ee7 error.

4. Reset the Xbox console

  1. Power on your Xbox.
  2. Press the Xbox button on your controller and select the System menu.
  3. Select Settings and choose System.
  4. Select System from the left pane and choose Console info.
  5. Choose Reset Console.
  6. Select Reset and keep my games & apps.

Resetting your Xbox console will help resolve various underlying problems within the system and could also get rid of the 0x80072ee7 error.

That is it from us in this guide. You can refer to our guide on Xbox error E102 which will help you resolve the error at your end. If your Xbox One headset is not working, then check out our guide and the solutions to fix the issue.

Feel free to let us know in the comments below which one of the above solutions resolved the 0x80072ee7 error.

0x0000007e BSoD Error: How to Fix it

Posted on by Sagar Naresh

Blue Screen of Death or BSoD errors are pretty troublesome as they randomly crash your PC. Several users have reported coming across the 0x0000007e BSoD error on their Windows 11 PCs. In this guide, we have compiled the solutions that will help you fix the 0x0000007e error. Let us jump right into it.

What causes 0x0000007e BSoD error?

You will come across the 0x0000007e error during startup when your system fails to access the system files. There are a few common reasons that could result in the 0x0000007e error:

  • Virus or malware infection: A virus or malware infection could result in multiple issues on your PC and can also prevent your system to access important files.
  • The drivers are outdated: For the smooth performance of your PC, all drivers must be updated with their latest version.
  • The BIOS is outdated: Outdated BIOS can result in various system-level issues such as the 0x0000007e Windows 11 BSoD error.
  • Hard disk is damaged: Chances are the hard disk of your PC is at fault and causing multiple issues within the system.
  • Sudden removal of a USB device: Any USB device connected to your PC should not be removed abruptly causing the system to misbehave.

Now that we know the causes for this BSoD, let’s go to the actual solutions to fix it.

How do I fix the blue screen 0x0000007e error?

1. Update BIOS

  1. Visit your motherboard manufacturer’s website.
  2. Download the latest BIOS version and copy it onto a USB drive.
  3. Turn off your PC 2-3 times to enter the Advanced Startup Environment.
  4. Select Troubleshoot.
  5. Click on Advanced Options.Advanced options
  6. Select UEFI Firmware Settings.UEFI 2
  7. Click Restart.
  8. In the BIOS menu, look for the BIOS update option.
  9. Insert the USB drive containing the latest BIOS update file and wait for the BIOS to get updated.
  10. Restart your PC.

We have a dedicated guide that explains how you can update BIOS on your Windows PC. It also explains how you can check the current BIOS version and all other details you should know before updating BIOS.

2. Disable the antivirus or Firewall

  1. Press the Win key to open the Start menu.
  2. Open Control Panel.
  3. Click on Windows Defender Firewall.
  4. Select Turn Windows Defender Firewall on or off from the left pane.
  5. Check the radio button for Turn off Windows Defender Firewall (not recommended) for both Public and Private networks.
  6. Click OK.
  7. Restart your PC.

Your Firewall might be interfering with the system’s access to the system files. In such a case, disabling the Firewall can help resolve the blue screen 0x0000007e error on Windows.

3. Run the CHKDSK command

  1. Turn off your PC 2-3 times to boot into the Advanced Startup Environment.
  2. Select Troubleshoot.
  3. Click on Advanced Options.Advanced options
  4. Select Command Prompt.
  5. Type the below command and press Enter. chkdsk x: /f
    (Replace x with the drive you wish to check)
  6. Wait for the command to fix the hard disk errors.
  7. Restart your PC.

4. Change the Intelppm Registry value

Note icon NOTE
We recommend creating a backup of your Registry before tweaking it so that you can go back to the normal state in case things go south.
  1. Press the Win + R keys to open the Run dialogue.
  2. Type regedit and press Enter.
  3. Navigate to the below-mentioned path. HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\ControlSet001\Services\Intelppm
  4. On the right-side double-click on the Start key.
  5. Change the Value to 4.
  6. Click OK, then restart your PC and check if the error persists.

Several users have managed to resolve the 0x0000007e Windows 10 blue screen error by tweaking the registry as mentioned above. You can follow the same steps to resolve the 0x0000007e Windows 7 and 0x0000007e Windows 11 BSoD errors as well.

But if you haven’t created a backup, then do not worry. As we have a guide that explains how you can restore the registry without backup.

5. Update the drivers on your system

  1. Press the Win key to open the Start menu.
  2. Open Device Manager.
  3. Expand the Display adapters section.
  4. Double-click on your GPU.
  5. Switch to the Drivers tab.
  6. Select the Update driver option.
  7. Choose Search automatically for drivers option.
  8. Install the update.
  9. Follow the same steps for other drivers.
  10. Restart your PC.

Several Windows users have reported that updating the display driver on their PCs has fixed the 0x0000007e Windows 11 BSoD error. We would suggest you update all the drivers and make sure nothing like this happens again because of driver issues.

That is it from us in this guide. For an effortless fix for blue screen errors, we would recommend you to check out our guide which lists down some of the best BSoD fixers that will help you fix these issues in no time.

Let us know in the comments below, which one of the above solutions fixed the 0x0000007e BSoD error for you.

38 CVEs addressed through the May 2023 Patch Tuesday Release

Posted on by Alexandru Poloboc

It’s May already and everyone is looking towards Microsoft, in hopes that some of the flaws they’ve been struggling with will finally get fixed.

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

This month, the Redmond tech giant released 38 new patches, which is a lot less than some people were expecting right after Easter.

These software updates address CVEs in:

  • Microsoft Windows and Windows Components
  • .NET and Visual Studio
  • Microsoft Edge (Chromium-based)
  • Microsoft Exchange Server
  • Office and Office Components
  • Windows Hyper-V
  • Windows Authentication Methods
  • BitLocker
  • Windows Cluster Shared Volume (CSV)
  • Remote Desktop Client
  • Windows Network File System
  • NTFS
  • Windows Point-to-Point Tunneling Protocol

For May, Microsoft only released 38 new patches, which is still a lot less than some people were expecting for the fifth month of 2023.

One of Microsoft’s lightest months with only 38 updates

Not the busiest but also not the lightest month for Microsoft security experts, so we can relax a bit right before the summer.

You might like to know that, out of the 38 new CVEs released, seven are rated Critical and 31 are rated Important in severity.

As many of you probably already know, May is always a smaller month for fixes historically, but this month’s volume is the lowest since August 2021.

Know that one of the new CVEs is listed as under active attack and two are listed as publicly known at the time of release.

CVETitleSeverityCVSSPublicExploitedType
CVE-2023-29336Win32k Elevation of Privilege VulnerabilityImportant7.8NoYesEoP
CVE-2023-29325Windows OLE Remote Code Execution VulnerabilityCritical8.1YesNoRCE
CVE-2023-24932Secure Boot Security Feature Bypass VulnerabilityImportant6.7YesNoSFB
CVE-2023-24955Microsoft SharePoint Server Remote Code Execution VulnerabilityCritical7.2NoNoRCE
CVE-2023-28283Windows Lightweight Directory Access Protocol (LDAP) Remote Code Execution VulnerabilityCritical8.1NoNoRCE
CVE-2023-29324Windows MSHTML Platform Elevation of Privilege VulnerabilityCritical7.5NoNoEoP
CVE-2023-24941Windows Network File System Remote Code Execution VulnerabilityCritical9.8NoNoRCE
CVE-2023-24943Windows Pragmatic General Multicast (PGM) Remote Code Execution VulnerabilityCritical9.8NoNoRCE
CVE-2023-24903Windows Secure Socket Tunneling Protocol (SSTP) Remote Code Execution VulnerabilityCritical8.1NoNoRCE
CVE-2023-29340AV1 Video Extension Remote Code Execution VulnerabilityImportant7.8NoNoRCE
CVE-2023-29341AV1 Video Extension Remote Code Execution VulnerabilityImportant7.8NoNoRCE
CVE-2023-29333Microsoft Access Denial of Service VulnerabilityImportant3.3NoNoDoS
CVE-2023-29350Microsoft Edge (Chromium-based) Elevation of Privilege VulnerabilityImportant7.5NoNoEoP
CVE-2023-24953Microsoft Excel Remote Code Execution VulnerabilityImportant7.8NoNoRCE
CVE-2023-29344Microsoft Office Remote Code Execution VulnerabilityImportant7.8NoNoRCE
CVE-2023-24954Microsoft SharePoint Server Information Disclosure VulnerabilityImportant6.5NoNoInfo
CVE-2023-24950Microsoft SharePoint Server Spoofing VulnerabilityImportant6.5NoNoSpoofing
CVE-2023-24881Microsoft Teams Information Disclosure VulnerabilityImportant6.5NoNoInfo
CVE-2023-29335Microsoft Word Security Feature Bypass VulnerabilityImportant7.5NoNoSFB
CVE-2023-24905Remote Desktop Client Remote Code Execution VulnerabilityImportant7.8NoNoRCE
CVE-2023-28290Remote Desktop Protocol Client Information Disclosure VulnerabilityImportant5.5NoNoInfo
CVE-2023-24942Remote Procedure Call Runtime Denial of Service VulnerabilityImportant7.5NoNoDoS
CVE-2023-24939Server for NFS Denial of Service VulnerabilityImportant7.5NoNoDoS
CVE-2023-29343SysInternals Sysmon for Windows Elevation of Privilege VulnerabilityImportant7.8NoNoEoP
CVE-2023-29338Visual Studio Code Information Disclosure VulnerabilityImportant5NoNoInfo
CVE-2023-24902Win32k Elevation of Privilege VulnerabilityImportant7.8NoNoEoP
CVE-2023-24946Windows Backup Service Elevation of Privilege VulnerabilityImportant7.8NoNoEoP
CVE-2023-24948Windows Bluetooth Driver Elevation of Privilege VulnerabilityImportant7.4NoNoEoP
CVE-2023-24944Windows Bluetooth Driver Information Disclosure VulnerabilityImportant6.5NoNoInfo
CVE-2023-24947Windows Bluetooth Driver Remote Code Execution VulnerabilityImportant8.8NoNoRCE
CVE-2023-28251Windows Driver Revocation List Security Feature Bypass VulnerabilityImportant5.5NoNoSFB
CVE-2023-24899Windows Graphics Component Elevation of Privilege VulnerabilityImportant7NoNoEoP
CVE-2023-24904Windows Installer Elevation of Privilege VulnerabilityImportant7.1NoNoEoP
CVE-2023-24945Windows iSCSI Target Service Information Disclosure VulnerabilityImportant5.5NoNoInfo
CVE-2023-24949Windows Kernel Elevation of Privilege VulnerabilityImportant7.8NoNoEoP
CVE-2023-24901Windows NFS Portmapper Information Disclosure VulnerabilityImportant7.5NoNoInfo
CVE-2023-24900Windows NTLM Security Support Provider Information Disclosure VulnerabilityImportant5.9NoNoInfo
CVE-2023-24940Windows Pragmatic General Multicast (PGM) Denial of Service VulnerabilityImportant7.5NoNoDoS
CVE-2023-24898Windows SMB Denial of Service VulnerabilityImportant7.5NoNoDoS
CVE-2023-29354Microsoft Edge (Chromium-based) Security Feature Bypass VulnerabilityModerate4.7NoNoSFB
CVE-2023-2459 *Chromium: CVE-2023-2459 Inappropriate implementation in PromptsMediumN/ANoNoRCE
CVE-2023-2460 *Chromium: CVE-2023-2460 Insufficient validation of untrusted input in ExtensionsMediumN/ANoNoRCE
CVE-2023-2462 *Chromium: CVE-2023-2462 Inappropriate implementation in PromptsMediumN/ANoNoRCE
CVE-2023-2463 *Chromium: CVE-2023-2463 Inappropriate implementation in Full Screen ModeMediumN/ANoNoRCE
CVE-2023-2464 *Chromium: CVE-2023-2464 Inappropriate implementation in PictureInPictureMediumN/ANoNoRCE
CVE-2023-2465 *Chromium: CVE-2023-2465 Inappropriate implementation in CORSMediumN/ANoNoRCE
CVE-2023-2466 *Chromium: CVE-2023-2466 Inappropriate implementation in PromptsLowN/ANoNoRCE
CVE-2023-2467 *Chromium: CVE-2023-2467 Inappropriate implementation in PromptsLowN/ANoNoRCE
CVE-2023-2468 *Chromium: CVE-2023-2468 Inappropriate implementation in PictureInPictureLowN/ANoNoRCE

Let’s take a closer look at CVE-2023-29336, as its the one bug listed as being under active attack at the time of release.

Thus, as a result, you must go all the way back to May of last year before you find a month where there wasn’t at least one Microsoft bug under active attack.

In fact, this type of privilege escalation is usually combined with a code execution bug to spread malware, so we advise caution.

Moving on to CVE-2023-29325, we learn that while the title says OLE when it comes to this bug, the real component to worry about is Outlook.

Please note that this vulnerability allows an attacker to execute their code on an affected system by sending a specially crafted RTF e-mail.

The Preview Pane is an attack vector, so a target doesn’t even need to read the crafted message, and while Outlook is the more likely exploit vector, other Office applications are also impacted.

Microsoft mentioned that this is one of the publicly known bugs patched this month and has been widely discussed on Twitter.

CVE-2023-24941 has been given a CVSS of 9.8 and allows a remote, unauthenticated attacker to run arbitrary code on an affected system with elevated privileges.

And, the worst part is that no user interaction is required. Another interesting thing about this vulnerability is that exists in NFS version 4.1 but not versions NFSv2.0 or NFSv3.0.

Rest assured that you can mitigate this bug by downgrading to a previous version, but Microsoft warns that you should not use this mitigation unless you have the CVE-2022-26937 patch from May 2022 installed.

Observing the remaining Critical-rated patches, there’s another CVSS 9.8 bug in Pragmatic General Multicast (PGM) that looks identical to PGM bug patched last month.

It’s important to know that this could indicate a failed patch or, more likely, a wide attack surface in PGM that is just starting to be explored.

There are also patches for Critical-rated bugs in the LDAP and SSTP protocols and an intriguing bug in MSHTML that could allow a remote attacker to escalate to administrator privileges.

The Redmond tech giant doesn’t provide details here, but they do note some level of privileges is required.

The next Patch Tuesday rollout will be on May 10th, so don’t get too comfortable with the current state of affairs, as it might change sooner than you think.

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

Redfall reportedly had a strong launch in spite of poor critical reception

Posted on by Robert Collins

Redfall’s May 2 launch has been a hot topic online, with the game coming as a disappointment for most—and that’s putting it mildly. As seen in our Redfall review roundup, Redfall fell far short of expectations.

So much so, in fact, that the game’s disastrous launch—together with Microsoft Gaming CEO Phil Spencer’s comments on the Kinda Funny Xcast podcast a few days later—has prompted an ongoing discussion of Microsoft’s Xbox strategy and has led many to question the Redmond company’s future in the home console gaming market.

Nonetheless, the game’s decidedly negative reception hasn’t stopped Redfall from becoming one of the biggest game launches of the year so far in terms of player count. True Achievements has reported that Redfall had the second biggest Xbox game launch of 2023 at this point, second only behind that of Atomic Heart.

And for the week ending May 7, Redfall was the third biggest Xbox games in terms of total gameplay time. It was only behind Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 in second place, with Fortnite taking the lead in that category.

No doubt Redfall’s launch day one on Xbox Game Pass helped it in this regard. Still, it goes to show that enough gamers were intrigued enough to at least give it a chance in spite of the negativity surrounding its launch. Whether Redfall will have any staying power remains doubtful.

Redfall
Redfall
Download
QR-Code

Redfall
Developer:
Bethesda Softworks
Price:
Free

Via GamesRadar. 

Fix: Invalid Notebook Name Error on OneNote

Posted on by Sagar Naresh

Are you getting the Invalid Notebook Name error when trying to create a new notebook using the OneNote desktop app? If so, then you are in the right place.

Because, in this guide, we will list some of the working solutions that will help you resolve the error. We have discussed the common reasons as well to help you troubleshoot the problem faster if it occurs again. Let us jump right into it.

Why am I getting the Invalid Notebook Name error?

After our research regarding the Invalid Notebook Name error when creating a new notebook on the OneNote desktop., we have compiled a list of reasons that could trigger this problem.

  • OneNote is outdated: Most users have reported that because they were running an old version of the OneNote they were getting this error message.
  • Corrupt OneNote installation: Chances are that some important files related to OneNote are missing from your Office installation.
  • The location isn’t available: There could be chances that the location that you have specified for the notebook isn’t available.
  • The notebook name is wrong: If your notebook name contains invalid characters then you will come across the Invalid Notebook Name error.
  • Corrupt OneNote cache: Cache files if corrupt can cause multiple issues thereby causing the app to misbehave.

Let us check out the solutions that will help you fix the Invalid Notebook Name error.

How can I fix the Invalid Notebook Name error in OneNote?

Here are a few quick fixes that you can apply and possibly resolve the issue:

  • Restart OneNote and try saving the file again.
  • Remove any character or special symbol from the file name. The name should contain only letters and numbers.

Let us now go through the advanced solutions to resolve the problem.

1. Update OneNote

  1. Open the OneNote app on your desktop.
  2. Click on File.
  3. Select Account.
  4. Click on the Office Updates drop-down.
  5. Click Update Now.
  6. If a new version is available, install it.
  7. Restart your PC.

Updating OneNote to the latest version has resolved the Invalid Notebook Name error for several users. We would also suggest you try this solution first and hopefully fix the issue.

2. Repair OneNote installation

  1. Open the Run dialogue by pressing the Win + R keys.
  2. Type appwiz.cpl and hit OK.APPWIZ RUN COMMAND
  3. Select Microsoft Office and hit the Change button at the top.
  4. Hit the Repair button.
  5. The repair process will begin.
  6. Reboot your PC.
  7. Launch OneNote and check if this resolves the issue or not.

Chances are there are some underlying problems within OneNote that are causing the problem of the Invalid Notebook Name error. Simply use the repair program of Microsoft Office as it will help fix several issues including the one at hand.

3. Reset the OneNote app

  1. Press the Win + I keys to open the Settings menu.
  2. Click on Apps on the left pane.
  3. Select Installed apps.
  4. Locate the OneNote app.
  5. Click on the 3-dot menu icon for OneNote.
  6. Select Advanced options.
  7. Scroll down and select Reset.
  8. Restart your PC.

4. Clear the OneNote cache

  1. Launch OneNote.
  2. Click on the File tab at the top.
  3. Select Options.
  4. Open Save & Backup option.
  5. Note down the location of the Cache file location.
  6. Open File Explorer by pressing the Win + E keys.
  7. Navigate to the below path. C:\Users\AppData\Local\Microsoft\OneNote\16.0
  8. Select the Cache folder and delete it.
  9. Restart your PC.

Corrupt cache files can often cause the program to misbehave or malfunction. In such a case, we would suggest you clear the cache files of OneNote and check if this resolves the Invalid Notebook Name error or not.

5. Reinstall Microsoft Office

  1. Open the Run dialogue by pressing the Win + R keys.
  2. Type appwiz.cpl and hit OK.APPWIZ RUN COMMAND
  3. Select Microsoft Office and hit the Uninstall button at the top.
  4. Follow the on-screen steps to remove Microsoft Office from your PC.
  5. Re-install Microsoft Office on your PC.

If some important files related to OneNote go missing or corrupt, then you will face several issues including the Invalid Notebook Name error. If nothing works, then you should try reinstalling Microsoft Office and make sure the installation isn’t interrupted.

That is it from us in this guide. You can check out our guide that explains how you can change the layout in the OneNote app.

Also, several readers have reported coming across an error that they aren’t able to sign in to OneNote in Windows 10 and 11. You can fix this issue by applying the solutions in our guide.

Feel free to let us know in the comments below, which one of the above solutions fixed the Invalid Notebook Name error.

Xbox May update arrives this week with exciting new features

Posted on by Robert Collins

The Xbox May update will go live this week, bringing with it several new features to make the Xbox OS better than ever. Check out what’s new in this latest monthly Xbox update.

See Discord friend’s Xbox gamertags 

You will now be able to see your Discord friend’s Xbox gamertags on your console while connected to Discord Voice. That is, provided your Discord account is linked to Xbox.

Discord Asset

New sort and filter options on the Xbox Store

These new options on your Xbox console and Xbox.com allow you to sort and filter search results by price, subscriptions, supported languages, and accessibility features. Finding exactly what you’re looking for has never been easier.

Microsoft Store Asset

Firmware update for Xbox Wireless Controller

This update includes bug fixes to improve battery efficiency as well as improving connection stability when using headphones with 4K, 120Hz, and VRR enabled.

New Rewards tab makes it easier to find Game Pass Quests

Xbox Game Pass and Game Pass Ultimate subscribers can earn Microsoft Rewards points by completing Game Pass Quests. These quests are now easier to find thanks to the new Rewards tab implemented in the May Xbox Update.

Quests can also be found by bringing up the guide by pressing the Xbox button, selecting Profile & system, selecting your profile, then selecting My rewards. You’ll still need to head over to the Microsoft Rewards app to spend points.

Find out more about the Xbox May Update by heading over to the official Xbox support site.

No Usable Free Extent Could Be Found: How to Fix it

Posted on by Claudiu Andone

Some of our readers encountered the error message No usable free extent could be found when they tried to create a partition with Diskpart. This usually happens when you’re working with an MBR disk, an SD card, or a USB external drive but in this guide, we will help you fix the problem.

Why do I get the No usable free extent found error?

There are a few reasons why you can see the No usable free extent found error when creating a primary partition:

  • Insufficient disk space – If you don’t have sufficient disk space (usually on SD cards or external drives), you will see this error.
  • Unrecognized disk – Some MBR disks or external drives might not be recognized by the system, causing this error in return.
  • MBR issues – If the MBR already has some partitions, you might get the No usable free extent found error.

Now that we know the roots of this issue, let’s apply the solutions below to fix it.

How do I fix the No usable free extent found error?

Before getting into more complicated tweaking, let’s crosscheck some quick steps that might solve the problem easier:

  • Run Command Prompt with administrative privileges by searching for cmd in the Search bar and selecting Run as administrator from the results. Creating partitions requires full rights.
  • Make sure you have enough space on the drive for the new partition. Free some space first.

If none of these prerequisite measures solved the issue, let’s go to the actual solutions below.

1. Reinstall the USB driver

Note icon NOTE
This solution is only if you are creating a partition on an external USB drive.
  1. Right-click the Start button and select Device Manager from the list of options.
  2. Expand the Universal Serial Bus controllers section, right-click on your device, and select Uninstall device.
  3. Then, unplug the USB cable from your device and plug it back in.
  4. The system should recognize the external drive and install the proper driver. If not, you will have to visit the device’s manufacturer’s website and download the right driver for your system and install it manually.

You may also use a driver update software that does all that automatically using large and updated databases.

2. Set your partition as Logical

  1. Click the Search button, type diskpart, and choose Run as administrator from the results.
  2. Type the following commands one by one and press Enter after each one:
    • list disk
      select disk 1 (or the number of the disk you want to partition)
      create partition extended
      create partition logical
      format quick
      assign letter=F (make sure that the letter is not already used)
      exit

The error No usable free extent found may be due to the fact that the disk is in the MBR format and it already has 4 primary partitions, or 3 primary partitions and one extended partition.

That means you can’t create another new primary partition and setting a partition as Logical fixes this problem.

3. Convert the disk from MBR to GPT

Note icon NOTE
Make sure you back up all the important data on the drive because this solution will wipe all the files and partitions from it.
  1. Click the Search icon, type diskpart, and select Run as administrator from the results.
  2. Input the following command and press Enter: list disk
  3. Now, enter the following command (replace 1 with the correct disk): select disk 1
  4. Type clean and press Enter. This command will wipe all the files and partitions from the disk.
  5. Finally, input the following command and press Enter to run it: convert gpt
  6. After doing that, the selected hard drive will be converted from MBR to GPT.

For more information, you can read our guide on how to convert a drive from MBR to GPT.

So, these are the most efficient methods to fix the No usable free extent found error. We hope that our solutions helped you and you have created the partition.

Diskpart is a tool but we also recommend our list of the best partitioning apps that also have simple interfaces and are easier to use.

If you have any questions or suggestions, don’t hesitate to use the comments section below.

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

Posted on by Alexandru Poloboc

Yes, you guessed it! The third round of the monthly Patch Tuesday updates of 2023 have arrived, and they bring an entire array of changes for both Windows 10 and Windows 11, regardless of whether it is a newer or an older version.

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

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

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

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

Changes included in the May Patch Tuesday Updates

Windows 11

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

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

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

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

Cumulative update name

KB5026368

Improvements and fixes

  • This update addresses a race condition in Windows Local Administrator Password Solution (LAPS). The Local Security Authority Subsystem Service (LSASS) might stop responding. This occurs when the system processes multiple local account operations at the same time. The access violation error code is 0xc0000005.

Known issues

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

[DIRECT DOWNLOAD LINK]

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

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

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

Cumulative update name

KB5026361 

Improvements

  • This update addresses a race condition in Windows Local Administrator Password Solution (LAPS). The Local Security Authority Subsystem Service (LSASS) might stop responding. This occurs when the system processes multiple local account operations at the same time. The access violation error code is 0xc0000005.

Known issues

  • Devices with Windows installations created from custom offline media or custom ISO image might have Microsoft Edge Legacy removed by this update, but not automatically replaced by the new Microsoft Edge. This issue is only encountered when custom offline media or ISO images are created by slipstreaming this update into the image without having first installed the standalone servicing stack update (SSU) released March 29, 2021 or later.
Note icon NOTE
Devices that connect directly to Windows Update to receive updates are not affected. This includes devices using Windows Update for Business. Any device connecting to Windows Update should always receive the latest versions of the SSU and latest cumulative update (LCU) without any extra steps. 

[DIRECT DOWNLOAD LINK]

Windows 10, version 1809

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

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

Cumulative update name

KB5026362 

Improvements and fixes:

  • This update addresses an issue that affects conhost.exe. It stops responding.  
  • This update affects the Islamic Republic of Iran. The update supports the government’s daylight saving time change order from 2022.
  • The update addresses an issue that affects the Remote Procedure Call Service (RPCSS). A lock order inversion causes a deadlock in it.
  • This update addresses an issue that affects the Key Distribution Center (KDC) service. When the service stops on a local machine, signing in to all local Kerberos fails. The error is STATUS_NETLOGON_NOT_STARTED.
  • This update addresses an issue that affects accounts that run the Set-AdfsCertificate command. The command fails. This occurs when an account does not have read permissions for the related Distributed Key Manager (DKM) container.
  • This update addresses an Active Directory Federation Services (AD FS). You might need to retry authentication multiple times to sign in successfully.
  • This update addresses an issue that affects SMB Direct. Endpoints might not be available on systems that use multi-byte character sets.
  • This update addresses an issue that might affect the Windows Local Administrator Password Solution (LAPS). It might fail. This occurs on versions of Windows Server 2019 that run Server Core. The error is 0x8007007f.
  • This update addresses an issue that affects apps that use DirectX on older Intel graphics drivers. You might receive an error from apphelp.dll.
  • This update addresses a race condition in Windows LAPS. The Local Security Authority Subsystem Service (LSASS) might stop responding. This occurs when the system processes multiple local account operations at the same time. The access violation error code is 0xc0000005.
  • This update addresses an issue that affects the legacy Local Administrator Password Solution (LAPS) and the new Windows LAPS feature. They fail to manage the configured local account password. This occurs when you install the legacy LAPS .msi file after you have installed the April 11, 2023, Windows update on machines that have a legacy LAPS policy. 

Known issues

  • After installing KB5001342 or later, the Cluster Service might fail to start because a Cluster Network Driver is not found.
  • After installing updates released January 10, 2023, and later, kiosk device profiles that have auto log on enabled might not sign in automatically. After Autopilot completes provisioning, affected devices will stay on the sign-in screen prompting for credentials.

[DIRECT DOWNLOAD LINK]

Windows 10, version 1607

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

Cumulative update name

KB5026363 

Improvements and fixes

  • This update affects the Islamic Republic of Iran. The update supports the government’s daylight saving time change order from 2022.
  • This update addresses an issue that affects the Key Distribution Center (KDC) service. When the service stops on a local machine, signing in to all local Kerberos fails. The error is STATUS_NETLOGON_NOT_STARTED.
  • This update addresses an issue that affects Microsoft Edge IE mode. The issue stops you from configuring add-ons.

[DIRECT DOWNLOAD LINK]

Windows 8.1

Although considered obsolete, there are still many users that choose to stick with good old Windows 8.1, for different reasons.

Due to this, Microsoft has continued to provide security updates for this old version of the operating system.

During this Patch Tuesday rollout, the Redmond-based tech giant did not forget about the OS and has released yet another security patch.

Cumulative update name

KB5026415 

Improvements and fixes

  • By order of the Islamic Republic of Iran on September 22, 2022, daylight saving time (DST) will no longer be observed and the republic will remain on Iran Standard Time UTC+03:30.
  • Local Kerberos authentication fails if the local Key Distribution Center (KDC) service is stopped. Additionally, all local Kerberos logons fail with the error STATUS_NETLOGON_NOT_STARTED.
  • After the Windows Monthly Rollup dated on or after November 8, 2022, is installed, Kerberos constrained delegation (KCD) fails with the error message KRB_AP_ERR_MODIFIED on Read/Write Domain Controllers.

[DIRECT DOWNLOAD LINNK]

Windows 7 SP1

Maybe some of you might have forgotten about the veteran on this list, but Microsoft sure hasn’t done so, at least yet.

There are still too many users on this old operating system for the company to simply put it in the back of its head and pay it no attention.

And yes, the May 2022 Patch Tuesday rollout brings another security update for Windows 7 SP1. Let’s see what this is all about.

Cumulative update name

KB5026413 

Changes and improvements

  • By order of the Islamic Republic of Iran on September 22, 2022, daylight saving time (DST) will no longer be observed and the republic will remain on Iran Standard Time UTC+03:30.
  • After the Windows Monthly Rollup dated on or after November 8, 2022, is installed, Kerberos constrained delegation (KCD) fails with the error message KRB_AP_ERR_MODIFIED on Read/Write Domain Controllers.

Known issues

  • After installing this update and restarting your device, you might receive the error, “Failure to configure Windows updates. Reverting Changes. Do not turn off your computer”, and the update might show as Failed in Update History.

[DIRECT DOWNLOAD LINK]

This wraps up our brief overview of this month’s Patch Tuesday updates, and we hope that by reading the changelogs above, you will make a more informed decision regarding whether to update or not.

However, keep in mind that if you choose not to update for too long, you will risk exposing yourself to subsequent malware attacks that usually follow the Patch Tuesday updates, called Exploit Wednesday.

On that note, if you do prefer to wait out until Microsoft fixes the issues detected in this month’s updates, know that you can always choose to delay the Update notification that you get for up to 35 days.

All in all, it is important to remember that the Patch Tuesday updates are released for a reason, so installing them, eventually, is something that you should do.

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

How to Fix ACPI.sys Error on Windows 10 & 11

Posted on by Srishti Sisodia

The ACPI.sys file is a critical system file that controls power management and other related functions on Windows 10 and 11. If you encounter ACPI.sys error, it can cause your computer to crash or become unresponsive.

In this guide, we will discuss several potential solutions to fix this issue and ensure your PC runs smoothly.

What causes the ACPI.sys error on Windows 10 & 11?

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

  • Corrupted system files – If the ACPI.sys file or other system files become damaged or corrupted; it can cause the error. Try repairing the system files using an SFC scan.
  • Outdated or faulty drivers – Outdated or incompatible drivers can also cause the ACPI.sys error. To fix it, you must keep your drivers updated to the latest version.
  • Malware infection – Malware can infect critical system files on your PC, causing this error. Run a deep scan using an antivirus tool to fix it.
  • Incompatible software – Some software programs or apps can also cause issues, like ACPI.sys error if incompatible with your computer.
  • Hardware issues – Faulty hardware components, such as RAM or hard drives, can also cause the error. Try running a disk check to fix the problem.

Now that you know the causes of the error, let’s jump into the solutions.

How can I fix the ACPI.sys error on Windows 10 & 11?

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

  • Try restarting the computer.
  • Uninstall the unwanted applications.
  • Make sure there are no pending Windows updates.

If these minor tweaks don’t work for you, move to the detailed methods mentioned below.

1. Update or rollback the ACPI driver

  1. Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog box.Device Manager Run command acpi.sys
  2. Type devmgmt.msc and click OK to open Device Manager.
  3. Locate and click System devices.
  4. Right-click the ACPI driver and Update driver.Update ACPI drivers acpi.sys
  5. Click Search automatically for drivers.Search automatically for drivers
  6. Follow the onscreen instructions to complete the process.
  7. If that doesn’t work, right-click the ACPI driver and click Properties.ACPI drivers Properties
  8. Go to the Driver tab, and select Roll Back Driver.Rollback driver
  9. Select the reason and click Yes.Rollback Yes

The driver will be reverted to the previous version in a few minutes.

However, you always have a better alternative to update drivers on your PC without much effort or time.

There is a dedicated application that can diagnose all the outdated drivers and update them automatically in minutes.

⇒ Get Outbyte Driver Updater

2. Run SFC & DISM scans

  1. Press the Windows key, type cmd, and click Run as administrator.CMD elevated acpi.sys
  2. Type the following command to repair system files and hit Enter: sfc/scannowSFCSCANNOW CMD
  3. Wait for the scan to complete, copy & paste the following command to restore the Windows OS image, and press Enter: Dism /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealthRestore health
  4. Once the scan is complete, your PC will automatically connect to the Windows Update service to download and replace the corrupt files.
  5. Restart your computer to save the changes.

3. Run a disk check

  1. Press Windows + E to open File Explorer.
  2. Click This PC, then right-click system drive and select Properties.Properties Scan acpi.sys
  3. Go to the Tools tab, and under Error checking, click the Check button.Check
  4. Click Scan drive.scan drive
  5. Follow the onscreen prompts for Windows to detect and resolve the errors.
  6. Restart your PC to confirm the changes.

4. Run a malware scan

  1. Press the Windows key, type windows security, and click Open.Windows Security open Windows key acpi.sys
  2. Go to Virus & threat protection and click Scan options.V& T Scan options
  3. Select Full scan and click Scan now.Full scan -
  4. The scan will scour for infected files and list them. Delete them to fix the issue.

5. Perform a System Restore

  1. Press the Windows key, type control panel, and click Open.Control Panel start menu acpi.sys
  2. Select Large icons as View by and click Recovery.Recovery Control Panel
  3. Click Open System Restore.Open system restore
  4. On the System Restore window, select Choose a different restore point and click Next.Next Choose a different restore point
  5. Select a restore point and click Next.Choose a point
  6. Click Finish.Finish

Windows will restart and restore the computer to the previous version. If System Restore didn’t complete successfully, we advise you to read the informative guide to find the solutions.

Before you go, don’t forget to check our in-depth guide on ACPI BIOS ERROR for more potential solutions. We also have a guide on how to download the ACPI ATK0110 driver, so you might want to check it out.

So, these are methods that you can follow to fix the ACPI.sys error. If you have questions or suggestions, feel free to mention them in the comments section below.

A Plague Tale: Requiem gets 60fps performance mode on Xbox Series X

Posted on by Robert Collins

A Plague Tale: Requiem now has a 60fps performance mode option for PC and current-gen consoles including Xbox Series X (but not Series S). Reportedly the performance mode will even come to the game on Nintendo Switch via cloud next week.

You may recall that the game was review bombed upon its release due to the 30fps cap. Nonetheless, A Plague Tale: Requiem was able to overcome that and see over a million players experience its horrific Black Plague/French Inquisition era world and riveting action-adventure/stealth gameplay.

While it is a little disappointing that the Xbox Series S won’t be getting the 60fps upgrade, is shouldn’t be entirely unexpected. Other current-gen releases have similarly been in the news lately for their lack of a 60fps performance mode. Most notably, Arkane Studio’s Redfall was the subject of much criticism up to (and certainly after) its release when it was announced the game would ship with a 30fps cap.

Microsoft’s Activision deal expected to clear EU regulatory investigation

Posted on by Kareem Anderson

Despite the proverbial leg sweep two weeks ago by the UK’s Competition and Markets Authority to block Microsoft’s acquisition of Activision Blizzard, the EU Commission is expected to rule in favor of the two merging, as soon as next week.

According to a Reuters report, “EU antitrust regulators are set to approve Microsoft Corp’s (MSFT.O) $69 billion acquisition of Activision (ATVI.O) next week, with May 15 as the likeliest date, people familiar with the matter said.”

The European Commission’s decision to clear the deal may be in part due to several licensing deals Microsoft entered into with various cloud gaming platforms leading up to and during its investigatory period. Unlike the UK, the EU may be more focused on present market trends and market share rather than potential outcomes.

During the investigation Microsoft entered into licensing agreements with Nintendo, NVIDIA, Ukrainian-based cloud gaming platforms Boosteroid, Japan-based Ubitus cloud streaming platform, as well as commitment with Steam to bring Call of Duty and other Activision games to competing businesses.

While the UK’s CMA pivoted its investigative scope away from specific games, the EU may be content with keeping its eye on the expansion of gaming in the region.

The EU has until May 22, 2023 to finalize its ruling in the Microsoft and Activision deal. While it seems likely for the commission to clear the deal, it should be noted that the CMA also seemed prepared to make a similar judgment after it pivoted away from scrutinizing Call of Duty as a leveraging tool for Microsoft, and ultimately blocked the deal citing “reduced innovation and less choice for UK gamers.”

usb2ser.sys: What Is It & How to Fix Its Errors

Posted on by Kazim Ali Alvi

Drivers are meant to relay commands between the OS and the device they are related to, but it doesn’t always work. Often, users come across issues with drivers. And many recently reported that they couldn’t enable Memory Integrity in Core isolation due to the usb2ser.sys driver.

The error affected several users who upgraded to Windows 11 and were looking forward to turning on Memory Integrity. If you can’t do that, fret not! Keep reading to learn everything about the file and the solutions that worked for others.

What is usb2ser.sys?

The file, usb2ser.sys, is developed and published by MediaTek Inc. and contains the relevant data for USB Modem/Serial Device Driver. And though there shouldn’t be a problem, the inability to turn on Memory Integrity due to driver incompatibilities raises some concerns.

Here are a few reasons you cannot turn on Memory Integrity due to usb2ser.sys:

  • An incompatible driver is installed: In most cases, as the message suggests, the problem arises when an incompatible driver is installed for the device. This usually happens when manually installing one.
  • The driver is outdated: Often, running an outdated driver is the reason users find usb2ser.sys listed as incompatible in Windows Security.
  • Critical driver files are missing: A driver comprises several files, each playing a critical role. And if any of these are missing, you will encounter the error.
  • Corrupt system files: When the system files are corrupt, the OS may throw errors while changing the system settings, even though everything else works just fine.

How do I fix usb2ser.sys errors?

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

  • Restart the computer and try again.
  • Check for any available Windows updates and install them.

If none work, move to the fixes listed next.

1. Update the driver

  1. Press Windows + R to open Run, type devmgmt.msc in the text field, and hit Enter.device manager
  2. Expand all the entries here to locate the device using usb2ser.sys, right-click on it, and select Update driver.update driver to fix usb2ser.sys
  3. Now, select Search automatically for drivers and wait for Windows to install the best one available locally.search automatically for drivers
  4. Once done, restart the computer.

Often the quickest fix when it comes to usb2ser.sys and other such issues is updating the driver. This will fix any corruption or missing files. Besides, if Windows is unable to find one, you can always download usb2ser.sys and manually install the driver from the manufacturer’s website.

Alternatively, you could use a dedicated driver update manager which can detect all the outdated drivers and update them automatically without any system risks.

⇒ Get Fortect Driver Updater

2. Rename the file

  1. Press Windows + E to open File Explorer, navigate the following path, and look for the usb2ser.sys file:C:\Windows\System32
  2. If you can’t find it there, check these two folders:C:\Windows\System32\drivers C:\Windows\System32\DriverStoredriver
  3. After the file is found, rename it to something else, say usb2serold.sys, then restart the computer. In some cases, users will have to take full control of the folder before renaming the file.

3. Repair the corrupt system files

  1. Press Windows + R to open Run, type cmd, and hit Ctrl + Shift + Enter.cmd
  2. Click Yes in the UAC prompt.
  3. Now, paste the following four commands individually and hit Enter after each:DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-image /Scanhealth Dism.exe /Online /Cleanup-Image /CheckHealth DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-image /Restorehealth Dism.exe /Online /Cleanup-Image /startComponentCleanup
  4. Once done with these, execute this command to run the SFC scan:sfc /scannowsfc scan to fix usb2ser.sys
  5. Finally, restart the computer and check whether you can enable Memory Integrity.

When the Windows installation has corrupt system files, you are likely to run into issues with the usb2ser.sys driver. In this case, running the DISM tool and SFC scan should get things running.

4. Delete the usb2ser.sys driver

  1. Press Windows + X to open the Power User menu, and select Device Manager from the list of options.device manager
  2. Click on the View menu, and select Devices by driver.show devices by drivers
  3. Locate the oem26.inf entry, right-click on it and then choose Remove driver.remove driver to fix usb2ser.sys
  4. Tick the checkboxes for Uninstall this driver from any devices that currently use it and Attempt to force removal of this driver while it is still in use by devices, then click Remove.remove to fix usb2ser.sys
  5. Once done, press Windows + E to open File Explorer, paste the following path in the address bar, and hit Enter:C:\Windows\System32path
  6. Now, locate the usb2ser.sys file, select it, and then press Delete.
  7. Finally, restart the computer for the changes to come into effect.

When nothing else fixes the Core Isolation issue, you can always delete usb2ser.sys, after verifying that it’s not actively used by any devices connected to the PC.

5. Modify the Registry

Tip icon Tip
Before making changes to the Registry, we recommend you create a restore point to be able to revert the PC to the previous healthy state in case things go wrong during the process.
  1. Press Windows + S to open Search, type Registry Editor in the text field, and then click on the relevant result.registry to fix usb2ser.sys
  2. Click Yes in the prompt.
  3. Paste the following path in the address bar and hit Enter:Computer\HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\DeviceGuard\Scenarios\HypervisorEnforcedCodeIntegritypath
  4. Double-click the Enabled DWORD listed on the right.enabled
  5. Enter 1 under Value data, and click OK to save the changes.modify to fix usb2ser.sys
  6. Restart the computer for the changes to apply.

If your sole aim is to enable Memory Integrity and usb2ser.sys stands in the way, modifying the Registry would do the trick. Remember, it’s not recommended that you take this route before exhausting all possible options.

After you have fixed the error, do not forget to check some quick tips to boost Window’s performance and make it run faster than ever.

For any queries or to share the solution that worked for you, drop a comment below.

0x8007042b-0x2000d Upgrade Error: How to Fix It

Posted on by Claire Moraa

With the upgrade error 0x8007042b-0x2000d, your PC is set back to its previous state because the update has failed. 

We all know the importance of Windows updates in your system, but Windows update errors are nothing new, so this is how to navigate this issue.

Why does the 0x8007042b-0x2000d error occur?

The 0x8007042b-0x2000d error message indicates an error during the upgrade process. Most of the time, it’s because your PC already has an older version of Windows installed. 

Other times, there are some problems with the installation process, and you’ll need to fix them before attempting the upgrade again.

Some of the most common reasons include:

  • Compatibility issues – The 0x8007042b-0x2000d upgrade error can occur when a software program is incompatible with your current version of Windows. This is usually from Windows Store apps.
  • Insufficient space – This issue can also occur when your computer cannot download or install the update due to a lack of available disk space on your hard drive.
  • Corrupt Windows update components – Windows update relies on the Windows update service and other critical services to run successfully. If any of these services become corrupt somehow, your update process will fail.

How do I fix error code 0x8007042b?

Try the following basic checks before any complex solutions:

1. Disable your antivirus/firewall temporarily 

  1. Hit the Start menu icon, type Windows Security in the search bar and click Open.
  2. Click on Firewall & network protection, then select Public network.league of legends black screen after champion select
  3. Locate Microsoft Defender Firewall and toggle the off button.turning off Microsoft Defender Firewall Windows

If you have a third-party antivirus installed, proceed to also disable it.

2. Run the DISM and SFC scans 

  1. Hit the Windows key, type cmd in the search bar, and click Run as administrator.cmd-run-admin-w11 unexpected kernel mode trap windows 11
  2. Type and Enter the following commands: DISM.exe/Online /Cleanup-image /Restorehealth / sfc /scannow

Whereas this scan works well most of the time, you may find that, at times, SFC is not working or is unable to fix corrupt files. In both instances, we have detailed how to bypass such errors in our helpful guides.

Anyhow, we advise you to also consider fixing any Windows errors with dedicated system repair software that does it automatically and with no risks.

3. Reset the Windows update components 

  1. Hit the Windows key, type cmd in the search bar, and click Run as administrator.cmd-run-admin-w11 unexpected kernel mode trap windows 11
  2. Type and Enter the following commands: net stop bits net stop wuauserv net stop appidsvc net stop cryptsvc Del "%ALLUSERSPROFILE%\Application Data\Microsoft\Network\Downloader\*.*" rmdir %systemroot%\SoftwareDistribution /S /Q rmdir %systemroot%\system32\catroot2 /S /Q regsvr32.exe /s atl.dll regsvr32.exe /s urlmon.dll regsvr32.exe /s mshtml.dll netsh winsock reset netsh winsock reset proxy net start bits net start wuauserv net start appidsvc net start cryptsv

4. Perform a clean boot 

  1. Hit the Windows key, type msconfig, and open System Configuration.
  2. Switch to the Services tab and select Hide all Microsoft services.
  3. Click on the Disable all button, then hit the OK button to save the changes.
  4. Go back and click on the Startup tab, select Open Task Manager then click OK.
  5. In the Startup tab of the Task Manager, Disable all the Enabled startup items.
  6. Close Task Manager and try downloading the update.

If the update is successful in the clean boot state, you’ll have confirmation that it’s some built-in apps or services behind this update issue.

5. Uninstall Windows Store apps

  1. Hit the Windows key, type Powershell in the search bar, and click Run as administrator.
  2. Type and Enter the following command: Get-AppxPackage windowsstore | Remove-AppxPackage

6. Download the update manually

Sometimes the Microsoft server may be having issues, and trying another alternative is best. You can easily download the same update from the Microsoft update catalog.

If downloading the update manually does not work, your PC may be having issues., In this situation, performing a System Restore might be the only option.

This will take your PC to an earlier time before the error code 0x8007042b-0x2000d occurred.

Unfortunately, Windows update errors don’t end here. You may also come across another similar error 0xc190011f, so be sure to check out our expert article for quick fixes.

Another trick up our sleeves is to use Windows update repair tools. Having to guess the root cause of each error and trying many solutions can be time-consuming and tiring.

With these tools, you eliminate the trial and error stage and get straight to the fixing part.

If you managed to fix this error with any other solution not listed here, share it with us in the comment section below.

No Compatible Graphics Hardware was Found 0xE0070150

Posted on by Claudiu Andone

Error 0xe0070150 usually appears in the Overwatch game when you try to enter the game menu. It comes with the message No compatible graphics hardware was found suggests your graphics card is incompatible. It might not be the case and we will help you fix the Overwatch error 0xe0070150 in this guide.

Why do I get the Overwatch error 0xe0070150?

The main cause for this issue is that the driver of your graphics card is outdated or corrupt but there are a few more problems to consider:

  • Missing software updates – The game is missing some files, it’s outdated or the software coming with the graphics card has the same problems.
  • GPU issues – Check the temperature of your GPU because if it is overheating, it might not work well and in the long run, it could fail altogether.
  • You have an older graphics card – Verify if your system meets the minimum system requirements to run Overwatch. Here are the system requirements for Overwatch 2:
  • Corrupted system files – Such is the case with all such problems, if the system files are corrupted, you might see the 0xe0070150 error in Overwatch.

Now that we know what we’re dealing with, let’s fix the Overwatch error 0xe0070150 with the solutions below.

How do I fix the Overwatch error 0xe0070150?

Before getting into more complicated solutions, let’s crosscheck a few simple steps that might clear the problem quicker:

  • Make sure you update your game and your Windows system.
  • Go to the Can You Run It website and enter the name of the game. It will prompt you to download and install a small file to analyze if your system meets the minimum requirements to run it.

If these prerequisite methods didn’t fix the issue, apply the solutions below.

1. Update the graphics card driver

  1. Right-click the Start button and select Device Manager from the list.
  2. Expand the Display adapters section, right-click on your device, and select Update driver.
  3. Choose to Search automatically for drivers.
  4. If there are any new drivers, the system will install the latest iteration.
  5. Restart your PC and check if the issue has been resolved.

You can also use the software provided with your graphics card to look for drivers (GeForce Experience for NVIDIA, Adrenalin for AMD, and Intel Driver) or download it right from the manufacturer’s website.

If that seems too difficult or it didn’t work out, it’s advised to choose a dedicated solution that detects outdated drivers automatically in a few clicks.

Plus, your PC is entirely secure against other driver issues as it installs the latest manufacturer versions.

Outbyte Driver Updater

Forget about any graphics card errors using this secure driver update tool.
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2. Turn On GPU Scaling on AMD graphics cards

  1. Click on an empty space on your desktop and select AMD Radeon Settings.
  2. Now, choose the Display option from the top.
  3. Finally, turn the GPU Scaling to On.

This is a particular problem for AMD graphics cards because the resolution of the game might not be right for your monitor. By turning this feature on, it will force the game to adjust to your specifications.

However, not all AMD cards have this option so if it’s not available, go to the next solution.

3. Run SFC and DISM scans

  1. Click the Search button on the taskbar, type cmd, and select Run as administrator to start Command Prompt with full privileges.
  2. Type the following command to run System File Checker: sfc /scannow
  3. Wait for the scan to finish and type the following command to run the DISM scan: DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /Restorehealth
  4. Wait for the scan to finish, then restart your PC and see if the issue persists.

The System File Checker and Deployment Image Servicing and Management will fix any problems with the system files and logical disk failures.

4. Switch the Power plan to the best performance

Note icon NOTE
This solution should be performed only if you try to run the game on a laptop.
  1. Click the Search button on the taskbar, type power plan, and click on Choose a power plan from the results.
  2. Here, select the High or Best performance instead of Balanced or Power saver options. The options may be different for some laptops.
  3. Make sure that your laptop is powered or fully charged so you can benefit from this option.

Error 0xe0070150 may be caused by the laptop trying to conserve energy cutting resources from the GPU. With this solution, you will make sure it doesn’t.

These are the best solutions to fix the Overwatch error 0xe0070150 and we hope that your game is running again smoothly.

We also recommend reading our guide on how to fix the Error Starting Game in Overwatch 2 for more information.

For any questions or suggestions, feel free to use the comments section below.

System.DllNotFoundException: 3 Ways to Fix This Error

Posted on by Milan Stanojevic

When developing software, you can encounter various issues, one of which is DLL not found exception. This error will prevent you from compiling your app because of the missing DLL files on Windows 10.

However, it’s possible to fix this issue, and in today’s guide, we’re going to show you the best ways to do it.

Why does DLL not found exception occur?

This error appears in Visual Studio when developing software. There are several causes, but these are the most common ones:

  • Dependencies issues – If the necessary DLL files aren’t in the right location, you’ll encounter this error.
  • Missing components – Visual C++ Redistributables are necessary for app development, so make sure you have them on your PC. Keep in mind that issues with them can occur, and a few users reported that they can’t install Microsoft Visual C++ 2015 Redistributable.
  • Using the wrong runtime library – Using the wrong runtime library during compilation can result in this and many other errors.

How can I fix DLL not found exception error?

Before you start fixing this error, there are a couple of quick solutions that you can try:

  • Check DLL dependencies – Make sure that your dependencies are registered properly. Alternatively, move DLLs to the same folder as your application.
  • Analyze DLL dependency – Use tools such as Dependency Walker to ensure which DLL files your application uses.

1. Use a dedicated DLL fixer

If you’re getting DLL not found exception error, one way to fix is to download the necessary components, but that’s not always a simple solution.

One way to make this process simpler is by using DLL repair software. Issues with third-party DLLs occur because they aren’t fully compatible with your operating system.

2. Install Microsoft Visual C++ 2012 Redistributable Package

  1. Visit the Visual C++ Redistributable download page.
  2. Click the Download button.
  3. Wait for the file to download.
  4. Once it’s downloaded, run the setup file to install it.

After installing the Redistributable package the issue should be resolved.

3. Use /MT to compile your code

  1. Navigate to Project properties.
  2. Next, select C/C++ and choose Code Generation.
  3. Set the Runtime Library to /MT.
  4. Save changes and try to compile the code again.

DLL not found exception error can prevent you from compiling your code, but as you can see, there are a couple of solutions you can use to fix it.

Although this article focuses on Windows 10 solutions, you can apply the same steps if DLL files are missing on Windows 11.

Did we miss a solution that worked for you? Share it with us in the comments section below.

Right Click Menu Disappears on Windows 10? 7 Fixes

Posted on by Claire Moraa

Right-clicking on an object in Windows, such as a file or folder, should display a context menu. If you don’t see the context menu or it disappears quickly before you can take any action, something must be wrong with your computer or mouse.

We’ve already covered what to do when your Start Menu disappears in Windows 10, so check that out and proceed to this article. Now, onto today’s mishap, let’s explore possible solutions.

Why is my right click not showing options?

There are many reasons why your right click disappears in Windows. Here are some of the most common reasons:

  • Recently installed programs – If you have recently installed some software and noticed that Windows has stopped showing the context menu, there is a good chance that this software may be blocking it.
  • Mouse settings – It is possible that you may have customized your mouse right-click settings. Some settings allow you to change what the right-click does.
  • You’re using an old version of Windows – If you are using an old version of Windows, there are chances that there might be compatibility issues with some software installed on your device. 
  • Corrupt Windows update – It’s possible that a recent Windows update came shipped with the bug that’s making your right-click menu disappear quickly.
  • Virus/malware infection – Your computer may have been infected with malware that blocks access to certain applications or folders.
  • Outdated drivers – Sometimes, outdated or incompatible drivers can also cause problems with your right-click.
  • Defective mouse – If you have a defective mouse or a broken button, it will cause a problem. You’ll notice it keeps freezing or glitching.

How do I get the right-click menu back in Windows 10?

If you’re down on your luck with the right-click context menu not showing or disappearing quickly, try these preliminary steps first: 

1. Run the System File Checker command

  1. Press the Windows key to open the Windows Search box.
  2. Type cmd in the search box and click on Run as Administrator to open an elevated Command Prompt window.
  3. Input the following command and hit Enter:sfc /scannowrun command to find issues with gpu.

2. Restart File Explorer 

  1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
  2. Locate Windows Explorer on the list. Right-click it and choose Restart from the menu.restart file explorer
  3. Wait for a few moments for File Explorer to restart.

3. Run a virus scan

  1. Hit the Search icon, type Windows Security, and click Open.
  2. Click on Virus & threat protection, then click on Quick scan.
  3. If you want to perform a comprehensive scan, click on Scan options, then select Full scan and click on Scan now.

4. Check for Windows updates

  1. Press Windows Key + I to open the Settings app.
  2. Now navigate to Update & Security section.
  3. Click the Check for updates button.

5. Uninstall recent Windows updates 

  1. Press Windows Key + I to open the Settings app.
  2. Now navigate to Update & Security section.
  3. Now click on View update history in the left pane.
  4. A list of recent updates will appear. Click on Uninstall updates.uninstall-updates-w10 programs keep crashing windows 10
  5. You should now see the list of installed updates. Double-click the update to remove it.

6. Perform a clean boot

  1. Hit the Windows + R keys to open the Run command.
  2. Type msconfig in the dialog box and hit Enter.
  3. Navigate to the Services tab, check the box next to Hide all Microsoft Services, then select the Disable all button.
  4. Go to the Startup tab and click on Open Task Manager.
  5. A list of all startup applications will now appear. Select the first entry on the list, right-click it, and choose Disable from the menu. Repeat this step for all entries on the list.
  6. After you’re done, close Task Manager, go back to the System Configuration window, and click on Apply and OK to save changes.

7. Perform a System Restore

  1. Press the Windows key, type system restore, and select Create a restore point.
  2. Click on the System Restore button.system restore headphones detected but no sound
  3. Then click Next.
  4. Select a restore point created before you experienced the problem and click on Next.restore point can't create new folder windows 10
  5. Next, click on Finish.

Hopefully, one of these solutions has helped restore your right-click menu if it disappears quickly in your Windows 10. If your right-click menu disappears quickly in Windows 11, the same steps apply.

Find out how you can edit the right-click menu in your Windows 10 and add functionality with a few more commands.

Don’t forget to leave your feedback below on any issue you may have encountered concerning this topic.

Windows 11 Keeps Changing Audio Output: 8 Ways to Fix It

Posted on by Claire Moraa

When working on your PC, you may need to use other audio outputs. If you have set up your PC to use multiple audio outputs, you should have no problem.

However, if you have a default device set and Windows 11 keeps changing the audio output even after you’ve set your preferred device, it can be annoying so let’s jump straight into how we can put a stop to Windows 11 from changing your audio device.

Why does Windows keep changing my audio settings?

At first, this might seem like a minor issue, but it can be very annoying and disruptive to your work. If you’re someone who works with audio a lot, you can appreciate the importance of having consistency when it comes to your computer’s functionality.

Now, onto why you’re having difficulty maintaining a default audio device. Below are some possible reasons for this:

  • Driver conflict – If you have updated your drivers recently, this could be the reason. Many software programs need specific drivers to work properly with certain types of hardware.
  • Hardware failure – This can happen if there is something wrong with one of your internal components, such as RAM or motherboard failure, or even due to overheating issues.
  • Multiple programs – If you have multiple programs using your audio, they can change the sound volume in your computer. 
  • Interference from other apps – Some apps use their audio technology instead of Windows’ built-in one. This often results in unexpected changes to your output devices’ settings. 

How do I stop the audio device from changing in Windows 11?

Try the following workarounds first before attempting the more complex solutions:

  • Make sure that your audio device and your PC are compatible with each other. 
  • Close any unnecessary programs that may be using audio.
  • Verify that you have set the said device as the default audio device in Settings.
  • If you’re using Bluetooth headphones, ensure they are fully charged and not in power-saving mode.
  • Test your microphone to ensure it is working.
  • Try connecting to another audio device if available to roll out the possibility of a faulty audio device.
  • Uninstall recent Windows updates and check if the issue persists.

1. Run the audio troubleshooter 

  1. Press the Start Menu key and select Settings.settings windows 11
  2. Click on System on the left pane, then Troubleshoot on the right pane.Open system troubleshooter
  3. Select Other troubleshooters.other troubleshooters
  4. Locate the Playing Audio troubleshooter, and click on the Run button next to it.running playing audio troubleshooter windows 11 settings

2. Reinstall audio drivers 

  1. Hit the Windows key, type Device Manager in the search bar, and click Open.device manager w11
  2. Navigate to Sound, video, and game controllers to expand, right-click on your audio device, and select Uninstall device.
  3. Confirm on Uninstall.
  4. Restart your device, and the drivers will automatically reinstall themselves.

3. Update audio drivers 

  1. Hit the Windows key, type Device Manager in the search bar, and click Open.device manager w11
  2. Navigate to Sound, video, and game controllers to expand, right-click on your audio device, and select Update driver.
  3. Select Search automatically for drivers.
  4. Restart your PC and try reconnecting.

Alternatively, you can opt for a sure way of getting the right drivers, as sometimes even Windows recommends the wrong drivers.

Outbyte Driver Updater is a simple driver updater tool that can help you update your audio drivers.  When it runs for the first time, it searches for outdated drivers on your PC and cleans out all the outdated or broken ones. 

After that, it will automatically install the latest version of those downloaded files on your computer.

⇒ Get Outbyte Driver Updater

4. Disable audio devices

  1. Click on the Start Menu icon, type Device Manager in the search bar, and click Open.device manager w11
  2. Navigate to Sound, video, and game controllers to expand, right-click on your audio device, and select Disable device.
  3. Repeat these steps for all audio devices you’re not using.

If your audio keeps switching from say your headphones to speakers in Windows 11, it may be because you have too many devices installed. Disabling audio devices on your computer can be helpful if you’re trying to mute your computer or prevent other sounds from playing.

When you disable your output or playback device in Windows, your computer will no longer be able to hear sound from these sources and won’t send any sound out of its speakers or headphones, regardless of whether they are enabled by default.

5. Scan for viruses

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

6. Check for Windows updates 

  1. Press the Windows key and click on Settings.settings windows 11
  2. Click on Windows Update, then select Check for updates.check-updates-w11 windows 11 blue screen
  3. If you have any pending updates, proceed to Download & install and then restart your system.download and install option in the settings

7. Disallow app controls

  1. Hit the Windows key, type Control Panel in the search bar, and click Open.control-panel-search fallout new vegas runtime error
  2. Click on Hardware and Sound.
  3. Select Sound.
  4. Navigate to the Playback tab, right-click on your audio output device, and select Set as Default Communication Device.
  5. Click on Properties at the bottom.
  6. Navigate to the Advanced tab and uncheck the Allow Application to take exclusive controls on this device box.

8. Reset your PC

  1. Hit the Start Menu key and click on Settings.settings windows 11
  2. Select System and click on Recovery.
  3. Click on Reset PC.clicking reset PC win11 settings
  4. Choose the type of factory reset you need. You can Keep my files, or Remove everything on the PC.
  5. Select the option you want to reinstall Windows: Cloud download or Local reinstall.
  6. Click on Next.
  7. Finally, press the Reset button.

If your Windows 11 default sound device keeps changing, one of these steps should help you. Unfortunately, this is not the only sound issue you may face, as sometimes, you may not get sound after your PC comes from sleep.

You may also be interested in volume boosters if you’re not happy with the sound output in your device. To learn more about this subject, check our guide on how to change output device on Windows 11 properly.

Many also reported that no output devices are found in Windows 11, but we tackled that issue in a different guide.

That’s it from us but share with us what solution worked instantly for you in the comment section below.

How to get the Never Combine Taskbar Function on Windows 11

Posted on by Rafly Gilang

It’s been a hot while since we’ve seen the never combine taskbar function. The function was there on Windows 10, but since then, there’s almost little to no sight that it may come back on Windows 11.

As the name suggests, the feature allows you to have a separate button for each open program on the taskbar, even if multiple windows of the same program are open. This is in contrast to the default behavior of Windows 10 and 11, which combines taskbar buttons for the same program into a single button with a number indicating the number of open windows.

A large number of individuals have turned to third-party solutions like StartAllBack and ExplorerPatcher. However, a Windows enthusiast named Albacore (@thebookisclosed) has recently unveiled their simple and downloadable unofficial third-party tool that enables the “never combine taskbar” function. It’s called Shell Frosting and it’s available for download on GitHub. 

This software aficionado previously identified the demonstration of taskbar item labels, including the “never combine app icons” option, which was being tested internally on Windows 11 in April 2023. It appears that they have taken matters into their own hands by releasing this tool.

If you’re curious about how to download this unofficial tool, feel free to read along.

How to download third-party never combine taskbar function on Windows 11?

1. Open your browser.

2 Go to this GitHub page and hit Download. 

3 Double-click on the file once downloaded.

4 Click on FrostingCfg, then Install and Yes.

In the meantime, there’s also another workaround you’re able to try. It’s a little bit more complicated as it involves a few registry tweaks here and there through the third-party app Winaero. 

Do you wish the never combine taskbar function makes its comeback on Windows 11? Let us know in the comments!

Excel Hyperlinks Aren’t Working? Fix Them in 5 Steps

Posted on by Claire Moraa

Hyperlinks are the most popular way to navigate between different websites or web pages. You can also use them in your Excel workbook, but sometimes, they may not work. A similar occurrence may happen in the Microsoft Office suite with Outlook hyperlinks not working.

Nonetheless, it doesn’t make it less annoying. And while there are other Microsoft Office alternatives, Excel is still the most widely used spreadsheet, so let’s delve into the solutions immediately.

Why is my hyperlink not working?

Excel’s hyperlinks are a great way to link to other workbooks, websites, or resources. They can also be used for bookmarks and tracking changes. It can stall or slow down your work when they are not working.

Below are some possible reasons why your Excel hyperlinks are not working:

  • Incompatible version – You may not have the correct version of Microsoft Office installed on your computer, especially if the Excel link to another sheet is not working.
  • The hyperlink is wrong – If you have a hyperlink that doesn’t work, the link itself may be incorrect. 
  • Change in location – The target location may have moved or been deleted since you created the hyperlink.
  • Link does not exist – In most cases, this is one of the most common reasons hyperlink in Excel is not working. The link that you are trying to open may have been removed or never existed in the first place.
  • Browser issues – Sometimes, your Excel hyperlink may not be working because your browser settings have changed.
  • No Internet connection – If you’re trying to access something on the web but experiencing connection issues, your hyperlink may not work.
  • Unexpected closure of your workbook – If you close your workbook without saving any changes or an unexpected power outage, this will cause a hyperlink to stop working.

How do I enable hyperlinks in Excel?

Before trying any technical troubleshooting, try your luck with these basic steps:

  • Check that you have the latest version of Office installed, and then try again.
  • Ensure your Microsoft 365 subscription is active.
  • Double-check for any spelling mistakes in the link, then try again.
  • Verify that your Internet connection is working.
  • Copy the link separately into a browser and verify that it works.
  • If you’re using the Excel web version, try switching to another browser like Opera.

1. Update links on save

  1. Launch MS Excel and click on File.file
  2. Select Options.
  3. Click on Advanced then select Web Options under General.
  4. Navigate to the Files tab in the Web Options dialog that opens.
  5. Check the Update links on save option, and click OK to save the changes.

This option allows your workbook to register changes in real time. For example, if you have a website address that changes over time, the link will automatically update itself to reflect those changes.

This is because when you save a file in Excel, it keeps track of all the changes made to the file since the last time it was opened.

2. Repair the workbook

  1. Launch MS Excel and open a blank workbook.
  2. Click on File.file
  3. Select Open and click on Browse.
  4. Locate the problematic file, select it, and click on the drop-down icon next to Open.
  5. Select Open and Repair.

While a manual repair works most of the time, sometimes your workbook is damaged and requires proficient tools to help you recover your data more efficiently.

To that effect, we have a rich list of the best Excel repair tools that can identify the root cause of the error, fix it, and restore your workbook to its previous working state.

3. Repair the Excel app

  1. Click on the Start menu icon and select Settings.settings windows 11
  2. Type Control Panel in the search bar and click Open.control-panel-search fallout new vegas runtime error
  3. Go to Programs and select Uninstall a Program.going uninstall program control panel
  4. Now, click Microsoft Office and select Change.change
  5. Finally, click Online Repair, then select Repair.online repair to fix Microsoft Excel is waiting for another application to complete an OLE action
  6. Alternatively, you can click on Windows Settings, select Apps, then click on Apps & features.
  7. Locate Microsoft Excel/Office, click on the three ellipses, and select Advanced options.
  8. Next, click on Repair.
  9. Once the repair process is complete, restart your computer and check whether the issue still occurs.

Hopefully, you have been able to salvage the situation with at least one of these solutions. You may also encounter any issue where Excel is not scrolling smoothly, so be sure to check our guide on how to bypass this problem.

Do not forget to comment below with whether this article helped you at all or if you still need help, and we’ll do our best to get back to you.

Microsoft Edge: How to enhance your security on the web

Posted on by Rafly Gilang

In today’s world, where most of our personal and professional activities are conducted online, internet security has become a top priority. Microsoft Edge, the default browser on Windows 10 and beyond, offers users several features and tools to enhance their online security. One of these features is the Enhance your security on the web option, which can help protect users from potentially harmful websites and downloads.

This feature comes with two modes – Balanced and Strict. The Balanced mode uses the user’s behavior on the device and Microsoft’s knowledge of web risk to give sites that are familiar to the user full access to the web platform, while limiting the capabilities of unfamiliar sites. 

In contrast, Strict mode provides the same level of protection for all sites by default, but it may require additional configuration for some users to complete their tasks. While Strict mode may not be appropriate for most end-users, the option to manually add sites to the exception list and enterprise admin configuration still applies.

You may remember that we’ve previous reported this back in January 2022 when we’ve spotted the web security enhancement feature in Microsoft 365 roadmap starting from Edge v.98 onwards. The feature has been around for quite some time, and here’s how you can activate that. 

How to enhance your security on the web on Edge

1. Open Microsoft Edge.

2. Go to Settings ➜ Privacy, search, and services. 

3. Scroll down to the Security tab. You’ll see toggle on Enhance your security on the web option. Enable that.

4. Choose which type of double layer of security you’d like to deploy

5. If you want to apply it on certain websites, select Manage enhanced security for sites.

6 Select Add a site, type in the full URL, and then select Add.

Have you activated the security enhancement feature on Edge? Let us know in the comments! 

Igdkmd64.sys: How to Fix This BSoD on Windows 11

Posted on by Henderson Jayden Harper

Igdkmd64.sys on Windows 11 is the driver for the Intel Graphics Kernel Mode, and it is available on every Windows PC with an Intel processor.

However, getting a Blue Screen of Death accompanied by the error message indicates an issue with the driver. So, this guide will discuss how to fix the error on Windows 11.

Also, you can read about Cpuz149_x64.sys and find out what it is and how to delete it on your PC.

What causes igdkmd64.sys incompatible driver on Windows 11?

Many factors can cause the igdkmd64.sys Blue Screen error on Windows 11. Some notable ones are:

  • Outdated drivers – When the drivers running on your PC, especially the ones using the igdkmd64.sys file are outdated. They can cause the Blue Screen of Death error to occur during gameplay or startup.
  • Incompatible driver – The error occurs because incompatible drivers like igdkmd64.sys prevent the Memory integrity from being enabled.
  • Corrupt system files – Igdkmd64.sys is an essential system file that makes it possible for issues affecting it to impact other components on the computer. So, the error can occur due to corrupt system files infecting the driver or impeding its operation.
  • Issues with Intel’s integrated GPU – Users running discrete graphic cards such as NVIDIA and AMD on their PCs can encounter the error if there are issues with Intel’s integrated GPU.
  • Faulty or outdated Windows update – Installing a faulty Windows update can cause issues with the drivers running on your computer. Also, an outdated Windows operating system can affect the PC’s performance.

These factors are liable to vary on different computers depending on the circumstances. Nonetheless, we’ll take you through the steps to fix the error and get your system working correctly.

How can I fix the BSOD error igdkmd64.sys?

Before proceeding with any advanced troubleshooting steps, follow the preliminary checks listed below:

  • Update the Intel graphics driver.
  • Roll back the graphics driver.
  • Restart Windows in Safe Mode and check if the Igdkmd64.sys BSOD error appears.
  • Update Windows OS.

Proceed with the solutions below if you can’t fix the error:

1. Disable Intel Graphic card drivers

  1. Press Windows + R key to open the Run dialog box, and type devmgmt.msc, then press Enter to open the Device Manager.
  2. Expand a device category and right-click on the Intel(R) HD Graphics, then select Disable device from the drop-down menu.
  3. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the process.
  4. Restart the PC and see if you will still receive BSoD error.

Disabling the Intel Graphics Card will resolve any interference it’s causing with other drivers running on the computer. Also, you can read about how to reinstall devices in Device Manager.

2. Force update the Windows drivers

  1. Left-click the Start menu, type check for updates and launch it.
  2. Download and install all the available updates, then close Settings.
  3. Press Windows + E to open the File Explorer.
  4. Navigate to the following path and delete everything inside: C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution\Download
  5. Then, left-click the Start menu, type cmd, and click Run as administrator.
  6. Input the following command and press Enter: wuauclt.exe /updatenow

After doing that, check if the problem is still there. In case it didn’t help you solve the issue, we have an alternative for this.

You could utilize a standalone driver application that can update any drivers automatically in a secure way, without causing other errors.

3. Perform SFC/DISM scans

  1. Left-click the Windows icon, type Command Prompt, and Run as administrator.
  2. Select Yes on the User Account Control prompt.
  3. Type the following and press Enter: sfc/scannow
  4. Type the following and press Enter: Dism/Online/Cleanup-Image/RestoreHealth
  5. Restart your PC and check if the error persists.

The SFC/DISM scan will find and repair corrupt system files causing the Igdkmd64.sys BSoD error on Windows 11. We have a complete guide about how to fix SFC scannow not working on your Windows device.

4. Set Graphic preference for problematic apps

  1. Left-click the Start menu and click on Settings.
  2. Then, select System and click of Display.
  3. Then choose Graphics under Related settings.
  4. Proceed to locate the app prompting this error, then click on Options.
  5. Set the Graphics preference to High performance and click Save.

In addition, you may be interested in our guide about how to check your graphics card on Windows 11.

Also, we have a comprehensive article about our best picks for Windows 11 compatible graphics cards in 2023.

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