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

Posted on May 10, 2023October 22, 2025 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Outdated or faulty drivers – Outdated or incompatible drivers can also cause the ACPI.sys error.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

Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog box.
Type devmgmt.msc and click OK to open Device Manager.
Locate and click System devices.
Right-click the ACPI driver and Update driver.
Click Search automatically for drivers.
Follow the onscreen instructions to complete the process.
If that doesn’t work, right-click the ACPI driver and click Properties.
Go to the Driver tab, and select Roll Back Driver.
Select the reason and click 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

Press the Windows key, type cmd, and click Run as administrator.
Type the following command to repair system files and hit Enter: sfc/scannow
Wait for the scan to complete, copy & paste the following command to restore the Windows OS image, and press Enter: Dism /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
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 save the changes.

3. Run a disk check

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

4. Run a malware scan

Press the Windows key, type windows security, and click Open.
Go to Virus & threat protection and click Scan options.
Select Full scan and click Scan now.
The scan will scour for infected files and list them. Delete them to fix the issue.

5. Perform a System Restore

Press the Windows key, type control panel, and click Open.
Select Large icons as View by and click Recovery.
Click Open System Restore.
On the System Restore window, select Choose a different restore point and click Next.
Select a restore point and click Next.
Click 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 May 10, 2023 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.

???? Watch your step, rats are still after you!
Performance mode is now available for #PS5 and #XboxSeriesX #APlagueTaleRequiem @APlagueTale https://t.co/clDnlVM1MR

— Asobo Studio ✈️???? (@AsoboStudio) May 10, 2023

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 May 10, 2023 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 May 9, 2023October 7, 2025 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

Press Windows + R to open Run, type devmgmt.msc in the text field, and hit Enter.
Expand all the entries here to locate the device using usb2ser.sys, right-click on it, and select Update driver.
Now, select Search automatically for drivers and wait for Windows to install the best one available locally.
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

Press Windows + E to open File Explorer, navigate the following path, and look for the usb2ser.sys file:C:\Windows\System32
If you can’t find it there, check these two folders:C:\Windows\System32\drivers C:\Windows\System32\DriverStore
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

Press Windows + R to open Run, type cmd, and hit Ctrl + Shift + Enter.
Click Yes in the UAC prompt.
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
Once done with these, execute this command to run the SFC scan:sfc /scannow
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

Press Windows + X to open the Power User menu, and select Device Manager from the list of options.
Click on the View menu, and select Devices by driver.
Locate the oem26.inf entry, right-click on it and then choose Remove driver.
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.
Once done, press Windows + E to open File Explorer, paste the following path in the address bar, and hit Enter:C:\Windows\System32
Now, locate the usb2ser.sys file, select it, and then press Delete.
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

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.

Press Windows + S to open Search, type Registry Editor in the text field, and then click on the relevant result.
Click Yes in the prompt.
Paste the following path in the address bar and hit Enter:Computer\HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\DeviceGuard\Scenarios\HypervisorEnforcedCodeIntegrity
Double-click the Enabled DWORD listed on the right.
Enter 1 under Value data, and click OK to save the changes.
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 May 9, 2023April 2, 2024 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:

Disconnect all peripherals and restore only those required for the installation.
Ensure you have a working internet connection.
Check whether you have enough space for Windows updates and free up some hard drive space where necessary.
Uninstall any recent Windows updates that may be corrupt.

1. Disable your antivirus/firewall temporarily

Hit the Start menu icon, type Windows Security in the search bar and click Open.
Click on Firewall & network protection, then select Public network.
Locate Microsoft Defender Firewall and toggle the off button.

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

2. Run the DISM and SFC scans

Hit the Windows key, type cmd in the search bar, and click Run as administrator.
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

Hit the Windows key, type cmd in the search bar, and click Run as administrator.
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

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

Hit the Windows key, type Powershell in the search bar, and click Run as administrator.
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 Wi ndows 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 May 9, 2023September 30, 2025 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

Right-click the Start button and select Device Manager from the list.
Expand the Display adapters section, right-click on your device, and select Update driver.
Choose to Search automatically for drivers.
If there are any new drivers, the system will install the latest iteration.
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

Click on an empty space on your desktop and select AMD Radeon Settings.
Now, choose the Display option from the top.
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

Click the Search button on the taskbar, type cmd, and select Run as administrator to start Command Prompt with full privileges.
Type the following command to run System File Checker: sfc /scannow
Wait for the scan to finish and type the following command to run the DISM scan: DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /Restorehealth
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

This solution should be performed only if you try to run the game on a laptop.

Click the Search button on the taskbar, type power plan, and click on Choose a power plan from the results.
Here, select the High or Best performance instead of Balanced or Power saver options. The options may be different for some laptops.
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 May 9, 2023April 2, 2024 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

Visit the Visual C++ Redistributable download page.
Click the Download button.
Wait for the file to download.
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

Navigate to Project properties.
Next, select C/C++ and choose Code Generation.
Set the Runtime Library to /MT.
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 May 9, 2023October 4, 2023 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 yo ur 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:

Get rid of any unnecessary startup apps and processes.
Make sure your mouse works properly by testing it in another program.
Try right-clicking without the mouse.
Check whether your USB ports are not working by plugging your mouse into another port on the computer.
Ensure your drivers are updated.
Uninstall recently installed programs.
Finally, restart your computer to see if the problem goes away.

1. Run the System File Checker command

Press the Windows key to open the Windows Search box.
Type cmd in the search box and click on Run as Administrator to open an elevated Command Prompt window.
Input the following command and hit Enter:sfc /scannow

2. Restart File Explorer

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

3. Run a virus scan

Hit the Search icon, type Windows Security, and click Open.
Click on Virus & threat protection, then click on Quick scan.
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

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

5. Uninstall recent Windows updates

Press Windows Key + I to open the Settings app.
Now navigate to Update & Security section.
Now click on View update history in the left pane.
A list of recent updates will appear. Click on Uninstall updates.
You should now see the list of installed updates. Double-click the update to remove it.

6. Perform a clean boot

Hit the Windows + R keys to open the Run command.
Type msconfig in the dialog box and hit Enter.
Navigate to the Services tab, check the box next to Hide all Microsoft Services, then select the Disable all button.
Go to the Startup tab and click on Open Task Manager.
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.
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

Press the Windows key, type system restore, and select Create a restore point.
Click on the System Restore button.
Then click Next.
Select a restore point created before you experienced the problem and click on Next.
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 May 9, 2023October 6, 2025 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

Press the Start Menu key and select Settings.
Click on System on the left pane, then Troubleshoot on the right pane.
Select Other troubleshooters.
Locate the Playing Audio troubleshooter, and click on the Run button next to it.

2. Reinstall audio drivers

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

3. Update audio drivers

Hit the Windows key, type Device Manager in the search bar, and click Open.
Navigate to Sound, video, and game controllers to expand, right-click on your audio device, and select Update driver.
Select Search automatically for drivers.
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

Click on the Start Menu icon, type Device Manager in the search bar, and click Open.
Navigate to Sound, video, and game controllers to expand, right-click on your audio device, and select Disable device.
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

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

6. Check for Windows updates

Press the Windows key and click on Settings.
Click on Windows Update, then select Check for updates.
If you have any pending updates, proceed to Download & install and then restart your system.

7. Disallow app controls

Hit the Windows key, type Control Panel in the search bar, and click Open.
Click on Hardware and Sound.
Select Sound.
Navigate to the Playback tab, right-click on your audio output device, and select Set as Default Communication Device.
Click on Properties at the bottom.
Navigate to the Advanced tab and uncheck the Allow Application to take exclusive controls on this device box.

8. Reset your PC

Hit the Start Menu key and click on Settings.
Select System and click on Recovery.
Click on Reset PC.
Choose the type of factory reset you need. You can Keep my files, or Remove everything on the PC.
Select the option you want to reinstall Windows: Cloud download or Local reinstall.
Click on Next.
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 May 9, 2023October 6, 2023 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.

You keep asking for the updated Windows 11 taskbar with ungrouped items & labels. While the code is unstable, a bit of magic can bring it to life and fix critical crashes

Introducing Shell Frosting? a way for you to experience unpolished shell bits earlyhttps://t.co/FzmJ8uKSGC pic.twitter.com/ppNFYaEwdZ
— Albacore ☁️ (@thebookisclosed) May 8, 2023

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.

Taskbar item labels (as well as ungrouped items) are indeed on their way to Windows 11 ✨
Here's a demo of the current state of the feature, definitely further along than last time we looked at it

Fiddled with a few settings in the video so you can see how it reacts pic.twitter.com/7A7H0MWpJV
— Albacore ☁️ (@thebookisclosed) April 19, 2023

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 May 9, 2023January 15, 2024 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

Launch MS Excel and click on File.
Select Options.
Click on Advanced then select Web Options under General.
Navigate to the Files tab in the Web Options dialog that opens.
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

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

Click on the Start menu icon and select Settings.
Type Control Panel in the search bar and click Open.
Go to Programs and select Uninstall a Program.
Now, click Microsoft Office and select Change.
Finally, click Online Repair, then select Repair.
Alternatively, you can click on Windows Settings, select Apps, then click on Apps & features.
Locate Microsoft Excel/Office, click on the three ellipses, and select Advanced options.
Next, click on Repair.
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 May 9, 2023October 4, 2023 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 May 9, 2023April 29, 2024 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

Press Windows + R key to open the Run dialog box, and type devmgmt.msc, then press Enter to open the Device Manager.
Expand a device category and right-click on the Intel(R) HD Graphics, then select Disable device from the drop-down menu.
Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the process.
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

Left-click the Start menu, type check for updates and launch it.
Download and install all the available updates, then close Settings.
Press Windows + E to open the File Explorer.
Navigate to the following path and delete everything inside: C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution\Download
Then, left-click the Start menu, type cmd, and click Run as administrator.
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

Left-click the Windows icon, type Command Prompt, and Run as administrator.
Select Yes on the User Account Control prompt.
Type the following and press Enter: sfc/scannow
Type the following and press Enter: Dism/Online/Cleanup-Image/RestoreHealth
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

Left-click the Start menu and click on Settings.
Then, select System and click of Display.
Then choose Graphics under Related settings.
Proceed to locate the app prompting this error, then click on Options.
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.

Get the May 2023 Patch Tuesday updates today

Posted on May 9, 2023May 9, 2023 by Alexandru Poloboc

Yes, another month has passed since we received the last batch of security updates from Microsoft. And the time is upon us again, so buckle up.

Today marks the Patch Tuesday release for the month of May, which means that the major vulnerabilities and flaws will finally be fixed. Well, most of them at least.

While we wait for this rollout to begin. let’s take a look at last month’s patches and see what can expect from this release.

What was last month’s Patch Tuesday all about?

The Redmond-based tech giant has been hard at work on security improvements in pretty much everything that has to do with software security.

Last month, the 74 new updates that were deployed during the Patch Tuesday rollout addressed CVEs in:

Microsoft Windows and Windows Components
Office and Office Components
Exchange Server
.NET Core and Visual Studio Code
3D Builder and Print 3D
Microsoft Azure and Dynamics 365
Defender for IoT and the Malware Protection Engine
Microsoft Edge (Chromium-based)

Looking back at last month’s rollout, with 74 CVEs released, six were rated Critical, 67 are rated Important, and only one is rated Moderate in severity.

What can we expect this month?

We’re not looking at anything unusual as far as vulnerabilities go, so we can pretty much just expect the standard set of Microsoft operating system and Office application updates.

That being said, make sure you keep a lookout for a .NET framework update, as well as the usual .NET core development releases.

We’ll have to see if the trend for large numbers of CVEs addressed continues. We predict it will since it has been a quiet month from Microsoft with regard to out-of-band releases.

Only a few hours separate us from this software rollout, so we might as well just wait and see with our own eyes. Let’s hope it’s only standard stuff.

What do you think will get patched this month? Share your predictions with us in the comments section below.

Emails from outdated or unpatched Exchange Servers will be blocked

Posted on May 9, 2023May 9, 2023 by Alexandru Poloboc

We know that you are aware of the fact that there are several instances in the recent past where Exchange Servers were under attack.

We’ve covered cases in which vulnerabilities have been exploited in order to extract information or sums of money from unsuspecting victims.

You can check some of the fixes applied through the last Patch Tuesday rollout and see what you have to worry about and what not to worry about.

Some of the above-mentioned scenarios include the Hive windows.exe ransomware case from 2022, followed by a couple of 0-day attacks later in the year, among others.

The situation is about to change pretty soon, as Microsoft is planning on taking some extra security measures.

Microsoft is tightening the security belt around its products

In order to improve security, earlier this year, Microsoft recommended removing certain objects from the exclusion list. This followed January’s update which improved PowerShell payload security.

Today, however, Microsoft has updated a Tech Community blog post where it has shared details on how it is protecting against unsupported, unpatched Exchange Servers.

These server versions are the most vulnerable category since they no longer receive updates, including those for security.

The Redmond tech giant says that it is enabling a transport-based enforcement system (TES) in Exchange Online.

And, in case you are wondering how transport-based enforcement systems function, it will basically help to throttle or delay emails from unpatched servers until they are remediated.

In case there is no upgrade to the vulnerable server, the email flow will consequently be blocked, to avoid future problems.

Thus, to efficiently address this problem, Microsoft is enabling a transport-based enforcement system in Exchange Online that has three primary functions: reporting, throttling, and blocking.

Keep in mind that the system was designed to alert an admin about unsupported or unpatched Exchange servers in their on-premises environment that need remediation (upgrading or patching).

Furthermore, it also has throttling and blocking capabilities, so if a server is not remediated, mail flow from that server will be throttled (delayed) and eventually blocked.

Microsoft doesn’t want to delay or block legitimate emails, but it does want to reduce the risk of malicious emails entering Exchange Online by putting in place safeguards and standards for email entering our cloud service.

Remember to share your thoughts and opinions with us in the dedicated comments section located right below.

0xc00002e3 BSoD Error Code: How to Fix It

Posted on May 9, 2023April 2, 2024 by Henderson Jayden Harper

Our readers have reported the 0xc00002e3 BSoD error code known as STATUS SAM INIT FAILURE. The error relates to issues with Security Account Manager’s failure during initialization. Hence, we will discuss probable solutions to fix the 0xc00002e3 BSoD error code.

Alternatively, you can read about fixing Windows’s 0x0000004E BSoD error code.

What causes the 0xc00002e3 BSoD error?

Several factors can cause the 0xc00002e3 Blue Screen of Death error. Some common ones include:

Corrupted boot configuration data (BCD) – The BCD contains boot-related configuration data and settings for Windows and, if corrupt or damaged, can cause the 0xc00002e3 BSoD error code.
Corrupted system registry – When the Windows registry is corrupt, it will cause issues with systems performance and can affect the Security Account Manager initialization process.
Hardware issues – Faulty hardware components, such as hard drives, memory modules, or CPUs, can cause the error.
System updates or upgrades – System updates or system upgrades can sometimes cause the BSoD error, especially if the update is not installed correctly or is incompatible with the system configuration.

Although the factors above vary on different PCs, we will discuss solutions to fix the error code.

How can I fix the 0xc00002e3 BSoD error?

Before trying advanced steps, apply the following:

Install pending updates for your system drivers.

You should proceed with the advanced steps below if the error persists.

1. Perform an Automatic Repair

Left-click the Start menu and select Settings.
Then click on System and select Recovery.
Choose Advanced Startups and select Restart Now. Wait till Windows boots into Advanced Startup options.
Then, select Troubleshoot.
In the new window, select Advanced options.
Now, select Automatic Repair. Then wait for PC to restart.

Performing an automatic repair will fix issues with the Windows OS that can cause the BSOD error.

2. Perform an SFC/DISM scan

Left-click the Start button, type the command prompt, and select Run as administrator.
Click Yes on the User Account Control prompt.
Type the following and press Enter: sfc /scannow
Input the following command and press Enter: DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
Restart your PC and check if the error persists.

Running an SFC/DISM scan on your PC will locate and repair the corrupt system file. We have a complete guide about how to fix SFC scannow not working on your Windows device.

However, this process requires some extent of knowledge and it may be time-consuming on your PC. This is why you can try a specialized system repair tool.

3. Rebuild BCD file manually

Create a bootable USB drive and boot the PC using the media.
On the Install Window, click on Next, and choose Repair your Computer.
On the System Recovery options, select Troubleshoot.
Then click on Advanced options.
Now select Command Prompt.
Then, input the following commands and click Enter after each: BOOTREC /FIXMBR BOOTREC /FIXBOOT BOOTREC /scanos BOOTREC /rebuildbcd
Then, exit and restart the PC to take effect.

4. Repair registry entry issues

Left-click the Start button, type regedit, and press Enter to open the Registry Editor.
Copy and paste the following path into the Registry Editor directory address bar and press Enter: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\WindowsUpdate
Find the WUServer and WIStatusServer from the right-hand pane, right-click them, and click Delete.
Restart your PC and check if the error persists.

The above steps will troubleshoot the Registry Editor database and repair corrupt registry keys affecting the system.

5. Perform a System Restore

Press Windows, type restore, and click on Create a restore point.
Click on System Protection and select System Restore.
Click Next in the Restore system files and Settings page.
Choose the restore point you want to restore from and click Next.
Then, click Finish and restart your PC.

Performing the System Restore will backdate recent system changes and configurations causing the error. Read our guide on how to fix Restore Point if it’s not working on your PC.

Read about how to fix Windows not connecting to update services if you have any issues updating Windows on your PC.

In addition, we have a complete guide on fixing BSoD error 0x00000154 on Windows 11. Also, our readers may be interested in our guide about the best BSoD Fixers to repair blue screen errors.

Further, if you have more questions or suggestions about this guide, kindly drop them in the comments section.

Is Microsoft bullying its users into using Edge again?

Posted on May 9, 2023May 9, 2023 by Rafly Gilang

Microsoft is known to have done numerous rather-sleazy attempts to make users stay, but in a recent discovery on Reddit, Redmond officials seem to have gone too far.

As spotted by this Redditor, who runs Windows 11 with the KB5025305 update from late April 2023, Microsoft slaps a notification on Edge whenever the system detects that another browser has been installed.

[deleted by user]
by inwindows

As seen on screenshot in the Turkish language, the notification reads Be safer with Microsoft Edge. Edge helps you stay protected by blocking phishing and malware attacks, followed by two buttons More information and No thanks.

Microsoft was criticized by online communities for appearing to force users into using Edge. One suggestion was to uninstall the pre-installed browser, but there’s a possibility it could reappear with the next monthly cumulative Windows update.

If you want to know how you can uninstall Edge on both Windows 10 and 11, we’ve prepared a set of guides you can try. Or, if you’re in the market for another browser with completely seamless and smooth UI experience and AI-friendly interface, we recommend the new Opera One as we’ve reviewed here.

Microsoft continues pushing Edge as default browser

It’s not entirely new as this issue has also been spotted in older flights, but it’s still not a good look for Microsoft. Its persistent efforts to promote its Edge browser have left many users feeling frustrated and annoyed thanks to its various tactics that some deem as aggressive and intrusive. From notifications to pop-ups, users are bombarded with prompts to switch to Edge, which has sparked criticism from the online community.

Edge is used to be people’s second favorite browser following Google Chrome’s domination, but things seem to change since the end of April 2023 when its market share slowly falls short behind Apple’s Safari.

Third-party tool like EdgeDeflector offers workarounds to Microsoft forcing people to use Edge in Start menu search results, even if their default browser is not Edge, but Microsoft sabotaged the project back in 2021 to stop people from leaving.

Google Chrome used to have an option to let you set it as your default browser, but in the KB5025221 update that shipped in April 2023, Microsoft seems to be blocking this feature. However, as spotted by Edge enthusiast @Leopeva64, Google has been working closely to fix this issue.

What do you think about this move by Microsoft? Let us know in the comments!

Ksecdd.sys BSoD Error: 4 Ways to Fix It

Posted on May 9, 2023September 20, 2025 by Henderson Jayden Harper

Our readers complain about experiencing the Blue Screen of Death errors referencing the ksecdd.sys. The issue mainly occurs after installing an app, updating, and opening files on the PC. Hence, this article will discuss fixes for resolving the error on Windows 11.

Alternatively, you can check our comprehensive guide about what causes the Blue Screen of Death on your PC.

What causes ksecdd.sys BSoD error?

Several factors can be responsible for the Ksecdd.sys Blue Screen of Death error on your computer. Some notable ones are listed below:

Corrupt or outdated drivers – The error can also occur when you have outdated drivers running on your computer. The bugs can cause other drivers and hardware components to be corrupted.
Corrupt system files – Ksecdd.sys is a system file and can’t be removed or altered because it can affect some functionalities in the system. However, corrupt system files can infect the .sys file, resulting in the BSoD error.
Windows memory issues – Some users can run into the error due to memory corruption errors affecting the system and the ksecdd.sys file.

Different users can experience the error for varying factors depending on the circumstances. Nonetheless, we’ll take you through the basic steps to fix the issue.

How can I fix the ksecdd.sys BSoD error?

Try the following preliminary checks before anything else:

Remove the login scripts from the user profiles and switch to the GPO network drive.

If this fails, then try the following steps:

1. Perform a System Restore

Press Windows, type restore, and click on Create a restore point.
Click on System Protection and select System Restore.
Click Next in the Restore system files and Settings page.
Choose the restore point you want to restore from and click Next.
Then, click Finish and restart your PC.

A System Restore will roll back recent system changes and configurations liable to cause the issue. Read our guide on how to fix Restore Point if it’s not working on your PC.

2. Update the system drivers

Press Windows + I key to open the Windows Settings.
Click on Windows Update and select Advanced options.
Choose Optional updates from the options.
Select Driver Updates, mark all the available updates, and click on Download & Install button.
Repeat the steps above for other drivers.

Updating your device drivers will fix the bugs affecting the system and improve the device’s performance. Also, you can check how to reinstall devices in Devices Manager Windows 11.

In addition to this method, we advise you to consider dedicated support when it comes to updating drivers. Luckily, you have the ideal software that can detect and update any drivers automatically.

⇒ Get Outbyte Driver Updater

3. Run MemTest86+

Go to the Official download site for MemTest86+ and click Download.
Insert your USB drive, double-click on the downloaded file, and follow the installation prompts to install it on the USB.
Then, boot from your USB and allow MemTest86 to scan your PC and prompt results afterward.

It will immediately restart the PC to perform a memory check, and the results will be displayed after the restart. Alternatively, you can use the Windows Memory Diagnostic on your PC, although it’s not as reliable as MemTest.

4. Run a System File Checker (SFC)/ DISM scans

Left-click the Start button, type the command prompt, and select Run as administrator.
Click Yes on the User Account Control prompt.
Type the following and press Enter: sfc /scannow
Input the following command and press Enter:DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
Restart your PC.

Running a System File Checker scan will find and repair corrupt files causing the Blue Screen of Death error.

In conclusion, our readers can check our guide on fixing the Wdcsam64.sys Memory Integrity error on Windows 11. Also, you may be interested in Ndis.sys BSoD and some fixes for the error.

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

Stop Microsoft Word From Freezing When Saving a Document

Posted on May 9, 2023October 4, 2023 by Kazim Ali Alvi

Microsoft Word is a popular word processor and a part of the Office suite. It’s employed both in home and office setups and is often the first choice of users. But many have found Word freezing when saving a document

While for some Microsoft Word doesn’t open, this particular problem where Word crashes or freezes when trying to save a document is different and requires a specific approach. Let’s find out!

Why is my Word document stuck?

Here are a few reasons Word documents keep freezing when trying to save them:

The document is corrupt: Oftentimes, you are unknowingly working on a corrupt document, and, as a result, changes to it can’t be saved by Microsoft Word.
Issues with the drive storing the document: In some cases, the drive storing the document may have issues affecting the reading and writing operation; thus, Word is freezing when saving a document.
Slow Internet speed: If you are working on files stored on the cloud, slow Internet speed will affect the saving time, and in some cases, Word may crash.
Problems with Microsft Office: There’s also a chance that Microsoft Office is running into issues internally which affect its core functioning.

What can I do when Word is freezing when saving a document?

Before we head to the slightly complex solutions, try these quick tricks:

Restart the computer and check whether Word crashes when saving documents.
Move the file to another folder or probably the desktop, and try saving it.
While working on files saved on the cloud, you must have a fast Internet connection, so check that.
In case the file is stored on OneDrive or another cloud service, download it to the computer and then work on it.

If none work, move to the fixes listed next.

1. Repair the document

Launch Microsoft Word, click on Open towards the left, and then click on Browse.
Navigate to the desired folder, select the affected file, click on the arrow next to Open, and click on Open and Repair.
After the document opens in Word, verify whether you can now save it.

2. Launch Word in Safe Mode

Press Windows + R to open Run, type winword /safe in the text field, and hit Enter.
After Word opens, load the document and check whether the problem is resolved.

In case Word is freezing when saving a document, even in Safe Mode, it’s probably a major issue, and a repair should fix things. But if the problem disappears, it’s likely an add-in to blame.

3. Disable add-ins

Open Microsoft Word, and click on Options near the bottom left.
Go to the Add-ins tab from the navigation pane, and click on Go with COM Add-ins selected.
Select any installed add-ins and click on Remove.
Once done, relaunch Microsoft Word.

Many users often install add-ins that could affect the functioning of the word processor and find it freezing when saving a document. Also, instead of removing all the add-ins in a single go, delete them individually to identify the conflicting one, and then reinstall the others.

4. Install any pending updates

In Microsoft Word, click on Account near the bottom-left corner.
Now, click on Update Options and choose Update Now from the menu.
Wait for any available updates to install.

Microsoft did acknowledge a bug in Microsoft Word that led to freezing when saving a document, and a patch for it was released via updates. So make sure you are running the latest version of Word.

5. Disable OneDrive syncing

Click on the OneDrive icon in the system tray, then on the Settings icon, and select Pause syncing.
Now, choose 24 hours from the available options.

After disabling OneDrive syncing for 24 hours, if Word is not freezing when saving a document, you have found the problem, and an easy solution would be to disable OneDrive for good.

6. Repair Microsoft Office

Press Windows + R to open Run, type appwiz.cpl in the text field, and click OK.
Select Microsoft 365 (or Office 365) from the list of installed programs and click on Change.
Choose Online Repair, and then click on Repair.
Again, click Repair in the confirmation prompt, and wait for the process to complete.

Often it’s a problem with Microsoft Office and affects every application in the suite, in which case, performing an Online Repair should get things up and running if you are wondering how to save frozen Word document.

Remember, repairing Office will also work if Microsoft Word freezes when typing.

7. Switch to a different version of Office

When nothing else works, it could be the compatibility to blame for Word freezing when saving a document. So, if you are running 64-bit Windows, ensure the 64-bit version of Microsoft Office is installed.

Or switch the version from 32-bit to 64-bit and vice versa, and the problem should be fixed in no time. All you have to do is sign into Office and download the desired version.

That’s it! One of these fixes should have worked to eliminate the issue. If the problem persists, the last option is to contact Microsoft Support.

Before you leave, discover how to integrate ChatGPT with Microsoft Word and transform your experience for good.

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

You can assign memory to mobile apps with Windows 11’s WSA

Posted on May 9, 2023October 4, 2023 by Alexandru Poloboc

You might not be aware of it yet, but Microsoft has recently released an update to Windows Subsystem for Android (WSA) for Windows 11.

This above-mentioned update, dubbed the May 2023 update, brings many new features and bug fixes, so it is definitely worth checking out.

Before we begin, know that one of the most significant changes is the ability to assign memory to Android, enabling them to customize how much memory is allocated to mobile apps.

And, speaking of WSA, if you are having trouble and it’s not working, we can show you how to remedy the situation with 7 easy steps.

Check out the latest Windows 11 WSA update

Keep in mind that the new update also includes package verification for apps on WSA, which scans Android apps using anti-virus software installed on Windows before app installation.

Let’s break this down a bit. The general idea behind this initiative is that it actually helps to ensure the safety and security of the installed apps.

One of the other new features is the Android AppLink support, which launches Android apps when a user opens a supported app link from any app.

The recent software also includes performance and reliability improvements to WSA and an update to the Linux kernel version to 5.15.94.

After installing the update, your Windows Subsystem for Android will be bumped to version 2304.40000.3.0.

The changelog is pretty brief, but the content will surely make your day. The improvements are quite significant and most users seem happy with them:

Package verification for apps on WSA: Android apps are scanned using anti-virus software installed on Windows prior to app installation.
Ability for users to configure how much memory to assign to Android.
Android apps will be launched when a user opens the supported app link from any app (Android AppLink support).
Linux kernel updated to 5.15.94.
WSA reliability and performance improvements

The Redmond tech giant still has big plans for WSA, and it has already confirmed adding more new features in the coming months.

It’s safe to say that, pretty soon, you can expect an update that will allow file transfer to Android, enabling the quick transfer of files between File Explorer and Android apps.

Looking to the future, voices from Redmond confirmed that another update will bring back support for shortcuts for easier access on Windows.

Also, in addition to these updates, Microsoft is working on bringing hundreds and thousands of Android apps to Windows Store via Amazon Store.

Seeing how the previous update added picture-in-picture, which allows you to open Android apps in a small window on top of native apps, the future looks pretty good.

Happy with the new Windows Subsystem for Android for Windows 11’s changes? Let us know in the comments section located below.

UnrealCEFSubProcess: What Is It & How to Fix its High CPU

Posted on May 9, 2023October 4, 2023 by Kazim Ali Alvi

High CPU usage is a problem in Windows we have all faced at some point, but in most cases, it’s a temporary issue, and things are fixed automatically within a short period. But with processes like UnrealCEFSubProcess, the problem persists unless concrete action is taken.

Many users have reported UnrealCEFSubProcess 100% CPU usage with Valorant. You will find forums flooding with queries about whether UnrealCEFSubProcess is a virus. Let’s find out all about it and the solutions that worked for others!

What is Unreal CEF SubProcess?

For those wondering is UnrealCEFSubProcess important, it’s a legit Riot Games launcher process often linked to Valorant and is responsible for a range of gaming-related tasks. You may often find multiple such processes running in the Task Manager.

And for some users, UnrealCEFSubProcess is not closing, or as soon as it does, another one appears automatically. Here are a few reasons for the high CPU usage:

Conflicting third-party application: In most cases, when you see 100% CPU usage, it’s often the third-party antivirus conflicting with the process to blame.
The process is actively running: The UnrealCEFSubProcess comes into play when users access the in-game store to purchase Valorant Points. This may lead to the problem in some cases.
Multiple instances of the process: Oftentimes, multiple such processes were found running on the PC, and each consumes significant resources, thus triggering the issue.

How do I fix UnrealCEFSubProcess high CPU usage?

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

Restart the computer.
If you are in the Valorant Store, exit and check whether the UnrealCEFSubProcess CPU usage is reduced.

If none work, move to the fixes listed next.

1. Add UnrealCEFSubProcess as an exclusion in the antivirus

Press Windows + S to open Search, type Windows Security in the text field, and click on the relevant search result.
Click on Virus & threat protection.
Click on Manage settings under Virus & threat protection settings.
Now, scroll down and click on Add or remove exclusions.
Click on Add an exclusion and select File from the menu.
Navigate the following path or paste it in the address bar and hit Enter:C:\Program Files\Riot Games\VALORANT\live\Engine\Binaries\Win64
Select the UnrealCEFSubProcess file, and click Open.
Once done, restart the computer for the changes to come into effect.

Adding the UnrealCEFSubProcess.exe process as an exception to the antivirus should get things up and running when it leads to high CPU usage. Remember, the steps listed here are for Windows Security, and if you are using another antivirus, check the manufacturer’s website for the process.

2. Uninstall the antivirus

Press Windows + R to open Run, type appwiz.cpl in the text field, and hit Enter.
Locate the third-party antivirus installed on the PC and select it, then click on Uninstall.
Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the process.
Once done, restart the computer, then relaunch Valorant, and you shouldn’t see high CPU usage.

In many cases, it was an antivirus that triggered the UnrealCEFSubProcess high CPU usage, and uninstalling the program did the trick. The AVG antivirus was reported as the underlying cause by many, but other antivirus, too, can be the underlying cause.

3. Reinstall the game

Press Windows + I to open Settings, go to Apps from the navigation pane, and click on Installed apps.
Locate Valorant, click on the ellipsis next to it, and then choose Uninstall.
Again, click Uninstall in the confirmation prompt.
Similarly, remove Riot Client from the PC as well.
Once done, download Valorant from the official website.

When nothing else works, it could be a problem with the game installation to blame, and reinstalling it will get things up and running.

After you have fixed the error, check some quick tips to optimize the PC for gaming and tricks to boost the Windows performance.

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

How to Fix Disk Signature Collision Error in Windows 11

Posted on May 9, 2023October 4, 2023 by Kazim Ali Alvi

Disks are a critical part of the PC and store both the operating system and the personal files. While some users have reported slower disk performance, it doesn’t pose as big a problem as the Disk Signature Collision error, which turns disks inaccessible.

The error message when hovering over the disk in Disk Management reads, This disk is offline because it has a signature collision with another disk that is online. Any of the affected disks will be listed as Offline. So, let’s find out all about the error!

What does a signature collision mean?

Disk Signatures are unique IDs allotted by Windows to each storage device to distinguish between them and perform operations. This data is a part of the MBR (Master Boot Record) and is vital for various reasons.

So, when two drives have identical disk signatures, Windows turns one offline to avoid conflicts.

Here are a few reasons you come across the Disk Signature Collision error:

Cloning: The problem usually arises after cloning a drive using a dedicated cloning tool since the cloned drive has the same disk signature as the one it was cloned from. Here, you will have to change disk ID after cloning.
Creating a virtual drive: Even when creating a virtual drive using a physical one, the disk signature will be identical, triggering the error.
A Disk was replaced: Though rare, a few users reported that replacing an old drive with a new SSD led to a similar situation.

How do I fix the Disk Signature Collision error?

1. Turn the disk online

Tip

Proceed with this method only when the affected disk doesn’t have the operating system installed. Otherwise, you may encounter errors booting Windows.

Press Windows + X to open the Power User menu, and select Disk Management from the list of options.
Right-click on the disk labeled as Offline, and select Online from the context menu.

That’s it! Often the simplest solution to fix disk signature collision errors in Windows 10 is to turn the drive online.

2. Change the disk signature

Press Windows + R to open Run, type cmd, and hit Ctrl + Shift + Enter.
Click Yes in the UAC prompt.
Now, paste the following command and hit Enter to start the Diskpart utility:diskpart
Use this command to view the available disks:list disk
Now, run this command to select the affected disk where X is the number allotted to it:select disk X
Finally, execute the following command to set a new disk signature where XXXXXXXX is the new ID:uniqueid disk ID =XXXXXXXX

The disk ID is a simple eight-digit alpha-numeric figure. We choose 1415ADEB as the disk signature for the ID, while you can choose anything else. And this will help fix signature collision with another disk.

Also, if you get an Access is denied error when you change identifier using uniqueid command of Diskpart, disable Controlled Folder Access to proceed since it is blocking the change.

3. Run Startup repair

Press Windows + I to open Settings, and click on Recovery on the right in the System tab.
Now, click on the Restart now button next to Advanced startup.
Select Troubleshoot.
Click on Advanced options.
Next, choose Startup Repair from the options listed here.
Select an account to proceed.
Type the password for the account in the text field, and click on Continue.

When nothing else works, the built-in Startup Repair utility should do the trick in the case of the disk signature collision error. Since the problem has the potential to prevent Windows from booting, Startup Repair looks for it and eliminates any inconsistencies.

Which is the command to capture disk signature in Windows?

Press Windows + S to open Search, type Command Prompt in the text field, and click on Run as administrator.
Click Yes in the prompt.
Execute the following command:diskpart
Use this command to view disks:list disk
Replace X in the following command with the number allotted to the drive to select it:select disk X
Finally, run this command, and Windows will list the disk signature:uniqueid disk

That’s all there’s to fixing the disk signature collision error in Windows 11, as well as any other iteration of the OS.

And once you are done, do not forget to check some quick tips to increase the file transfer rate in Windows.

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

How to Resize Partition Without Losing Data [3 Safe Ways]

Posted on May 9, 2023October 4, 2023 by Kazim Ali Alvi

Systematic data storage and organization are critical to seamlessly accessing files on the PC, and partitions often help achieve this. But many wonder if one could resize the partition without losing data and whether there are safe methods.

While you could easily split disk space, losing personal files bothers many. So, let’s find out all about it and the options to resize partitions in Windows 10 for free.

Can I resize the partition without losing data?

Yes, you can resize partitions without data loss. This is because the disk space used to store data can’t be shrunk and is not affected in the process. Only the free storage on the disk can be changed into an unallocated state. So you can safely resize the partitions and not worry about the critical files.

Here are the primary benefits of creating partitions on the disk:

Organized data storage: One of the primary pros of disk partitions is how well the data can be organized. The default system partition could be used for Windows files, while others can store personal or work-related files.
Better security: This may be a surprise, but partitioning a hard disk can increase security. Malware and viruses often tend to attack the partition where system files are stored, while others remain relatively safer.
Run multiple operating systems: There’s nothing better than running multiple operating systems on the PC for some of us. It saves quite a few bucks and eliminates hassle. Partitioning is an easy way to go, though you can use a virtual machine.
Simplified backups: Backing up the data is vital to avoid the loss of important files, and with it being optimally organized in various partitions, you can choose one without having to select files and folders individually.

How do I resize the partition without losing data?

1. Via Disk Management

1.1 Shrinking a partition

Press Windows + X to open the Power User menu, and select Disk Management.
Right-click on the partition that you want to resize, and select Shrink Volume.
Enter the storage space to reduce in the field, then click Shrink, and wait for the operation to complete.

1.2 Extending the volume

Once done, right-click on the partition to the left of the unallocated space, and select Extend Volume.
Click Next to proceed.
Make sure to enter the maximum available storage in the Select the amount of space in MB text field unless you want to create another partition on the unallocated space, as detailed in the next section, and click Next.
Finally, click on Finish to extend to partition to the unallocated space.

1.3 Creating a new simple volume

Right-click on the unallocated space in Disk Management, and select New Simple Volume.
Click on Next.
Make sure the maximum available disk space is entered in the Simple volume size in MB text field, and click Next.
Assign a drive letter or go with the default selection, and click Next. Remember, a drive not assigned a drive letter won’t show up in the File Explorer.
Now, choose a File system, Allocation unit size, and Volume label, and click Next to proceed. It’s best that to go with the default settings unless you are fully aware of the process.
Finally, verify the details, and click on Finish.

That’s how you can resize a partition in Windows 10 without losing data. While doing so, you can either extend another partition or create new ones from the unallocated space created after deleting a partition.

2. Use Diskpart

2.2 Selecting and shrinking a partition

Press Windows + R to open Run, type cmd in the text field, and hit Enter.
Click Yes in the UAC prompt.
Use this command to run the Diskpart utility:diskpart
Paste the following command and hit Enter to view the available disks:list disk
Now, run this command while replacing X with the number allotted to the desired disk:select disk X
Execute the following command to view the partitions:list partitions
Use this command while replacing X with the partition number to select the desired one:select partition X
Finally, use this command to shrink the partition by the required amount where XXXX represents the space to be shrunk:shrink desired=XXXX

2.2 Extending another partition

After shrinking a partition, use the following command to select another partition to be extended:select partition X
Now, execute this command where XXXX represents the space to be extended:extend size=XXXX

2.3 Creating a new simple volume

Simply use this command to create a new partition while replacing XXXX with the available unallocated size:create partition primary size=XXXX
Run this command to assign a drive letter where X represents an unused one:assign letter=X
You can now format the drive with the desired disk format, be it fat32 or NTFS.

That’s it! You can always use Diskpart to shrink partitions without losing data and resize them seamlessly. Though the command line utility seems a bit intricate initially, it’s way simpler than Disk Management once you get the hang of things.

There’s also the possibility to use Disk Management in Windows 7, and the highlighted guide will provide all the information.

3. With a dedicated tool

If the two methods seem complex, there’s always the option to use a reliable and dedicated Disk Management tool to create, format, and resize partitions in Windows.

The basic functions are included in the free version for most tools, but you must subscribe to the paid version for advanced features. But owing to the simplicity offered by these, many prefer a dedicated tool.

Now that you understand how to resize partitions without losing data, check how to speed up an SSD and quick tips to increase the file transfer speed in Windows.

For any queries or to share your thoughts on the subject, drop a comment below.

How to Merge Multiple USB Partitions [3 Ways]

Posted on May 9, 2023October 4, 2023 by Kazim Ali Alvi

While it’s often critical to split disk space, the same doesn’t apply to USB drives, given their relatively smaller size and a different use case altogether.

As a result, excess partitions on a USB drive often pose a problem, and users look for ways to merge USB partitions.

Also, many reported that the partition on a bootable USB drive is not accessible, another problem that could be eliminated by combining USB partitions. And there are quite a few ways you can do that. Let’s find out!

Why should I merge USB partitions?

Here are a few reasons you should merge USB partitions:

Better store data: Partitions on USB drives provide no real benefit to most and often lead to confusion regarding data storage. Combining them into a single partition will help better store and manage data.
Recover unallocated space: Frequently, there is an unallocated space that remains inaccessible to Windows, and no data can be written to it. This, too, can be fixed by merging it with another partition.
Fixes trivial issues: In some cases, formatting issues and other minor problems can be eliminated by merging USB partitions in Windows 10.

How do I merge USB partitions?

1. Use Disk Management

Press Windows + X to open the Power User menu, and select Disk Management from the list.
Now, right-click on a partition and choose Delete Volume from the context menu.
Click Yes in the confirmation prompt.
Similarly, delete any other partitions on the USB flash drive.
Once done, the whole storage space will be listed as unallocated. Now, right-click on the Unallocated space, and choose New Simple Volume.
Click on Next to proceed in the wizard.
Now, enter the volume size, or go with the default entry, which is the maximum available size, and click Next.
Choose a drive letter and click Next.
Choose the File system, Allocation unit size, and Volume label, then click Next.
Finally, verify the details, and click on Finish to start the process.

That’s it! This is, by far, the simplest method to remove multiple partitions on a USB drive and merge them all. Remember, for USB drives, the Extend Volume option is greyed out, and you first have to delete all available partitions before combining them into one.

2. Via Diskpart

Press Windows + R to open Run, type cmd, and hit Ctrl + Shift + Enter.
Click Yes in the UAC prompt.
Paste the following command and hit Enter to kickstart the Diskpart utility:diskpart
Run the following command to view the available disks:list disk
Use the following command while replacing X with the drive letter for the USB: select disk X
Now, execute this command to list the partitions:list partitions
Run this command while replacing X with the partition number to delete:select partition X
Execute this command to delete the selected partition:delete partition
Similarly, select and delete all the other partitions on the USB, if any exist, except one.
Next, use the following command while replacing X with the number for the existing partition:select partition X
Finally, run this command to combine all the partitions:extend

For those who want to delete all partitions on a USB drive with CMD, the Diskpart utility offers an easy way. Once you have deleted these, extend the last one to merge USB partitions. The Diskpart utility works the same way as Disk Management but is relatively more straightforward and quicker.

3. With a dedicated tool

While there are built-in options, many users prefer a dedicated tool to merge USB partitions on a USB flash drive. The best part, there are several reliable Disk Management software, and you can use any of these!

A dedicated third-party tool offers a user-friendly interface and is often the quickest of the three options discussed here.

And now that you know all the ways to merge USB partitions, choose the one that best matches your requirements.

Before you leave, do check some quick tips to increase the file transfer speed on the PC.

For any queries or to share your favorite software for the task, drop a comment below.

Microsoft expects 3 language model updates for Bing Chat per year

Posted on May 9, 2023 by Radu Tyrsina

Last week, Microsoft shipped Bing Chat to open preview for everyone to try out. However, you’ll still need a Microsoft Account to access the AI chatbot’s capabilities.

Of course, the company continues to push updates as well as improvements to Bing Chat ever so often in a bid to enhance its user experience, with the latest update adding chat saving support. But a concerned user reached out to Microsoft’s CEO of Advertising and Web Services, Mikhail Parakhin on Twitter seeking to understand how and when the company updates the chatbot’s models.

@MParakhin would it be possible to share more about when/how the underlying models are updated as opposed to the prompt (and maybe even what was changed and the expected outcome)? It would be great to know when to reevaluate base model capabilities like reasoning/creativity/etc.

— Ryan Tremblay (@zaptrem) May 8, 2023

Mikhail disclosed that the company takes several months to train Bing Chat’s models. As such, users are highly likely to see the models updated at least three times a year. “Models themselves it takes months to train, so, outside of some small RLHF tuning runs, you should expect models to be updated maybe 3 times a year or so,” says Mikhail.

After shipping Bing Chat to open preview, Microsoft also promised that it is working closely with OpenAI to bring third-party plugin support to the chatbot. In turn, this will allow developers to create plug-ins for Bing Chat.

via SE Roundtable

Microsoft debuts the Microsoft 365 Copilot early access program

Posted on May 9, 2023 by Radu Tyrsina

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Back in March, Microsoft unveiled Microsoft 365 Copilot, a new AI-powered assistant for its Microsoft 365 apps and services. Essentially, the tool’s designed to help people with generating emails, documents, and more. The tool is powered by OpenAI’s GPT-4 and ships with Copilot for Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams, and the Power Platform.

And now, as more organizations begin to embrace and inject AI into their services and products, there’s a growing need to help them learn how to leverage AI capabilities to reshape work and ultimately promote creativity as well as productivity.

Microsoft 365 Copilot Early Access Program

As such, Microsoft has announced the launch of the Microsoft 365 Copilot Early Access Program. It’s an invitation-only, paid preview program that’s set to roll out to only 600 clients across the globe at first.

The company has received overwhelming feedback from the clients it’s been testing the tool with indicating that the tool can be leveraged to transform and reshape work. The organizations further added that the Copilot can be used to make meetings more impactful and better overall. What’s more, it can be used to help boost creativity.

Semantic Index for Copilot

Additionally, Microsoft has also announced that it’s set to start rolling out Semantic Index for Copilot, a new capability in Microsoft 365 E3 and E5. The tool will present users with a detailed report highlighting company data alongside the user. The company further added that it makes use of conceptual understanding so that it’s possible to meet your needs and wants.

Aside from the Copilot early access program, Microsoft has also made several announcements highlighting new capabilities coming to Microsoft 365 Copilot. Here’s everything you need to know:

Copilot in Whiteboard

Microsoft is bringing significant changes to Copilot in Whiteboard such that users will now be able to leverage its capabilities to make their Microsoft Teams meetings more interactive and impactful. In that, they can make use of the tool to come up with creative ideas, and designs that bring ideas to life, and even use it to organize ideas into themes.

The company further added that:

And with the power of Microsoft Designer, Copilot in Whiteboard can turn your ideas into original images that complement and enhance your text.

Copilot in PowerPoint

The company also indicated that it will be incorporating Dall-E, OpenAI’s image generator into PowerPoint. As such, users can ask Copilot to generate custom images that will make their presentations better.

What’s more, with these new changes, users will now also have the capability to refresh the content in their presentations by either turning bullet points into paragraphs or vice versa. Additionally, they’ll also be able to change the tone of the text in the presentation and even make it more contextual.

Copilot in Outlook

If you struggle with composing emails, Copilot is getting a new update that will make the process easier for you. All you need to do is to draft an email and the AI assistant will do the rest for you which includes providing tips and suggestions that will help you improve on clarity as well as tone,

Copilot in OneNote

In April, we got a slight glimpse of how Microsoft intends AI Copilot to work in OneNote. The company stated that the tool leverages “the power of large language models (LLMs) with your data from the Microsoft Graph—notes, calendars, emails, chats, documents, meetings, and more—and the Microsoft 365 apps to turn your words into a powerful productivity tool.”

And now, Microsoft has detailed that users can enhance and redesign their notebooks on OneNote using just their words. It further added that users can use it to reorganize content, change format, and even highlight key points.

Copilot in Loop

Loop components provide multiple users collaborating on a project with a centralized location where they can share, exchange, and create ideas. And while this is quite helpful, over time the space begins to get cluttered making it impossible for some users to keep up with new changes and information coming in.

But luckily with the new update, users can ask the Copilot to summarize all the content on the Loop content thus making it easier to catch up with everything. What’s more, it’s possible to edit the summaries generated by the Copilot, add additional details, and even send out the summaries to other users as Loop components.

Copilot in Viva

Microsoft is bringing Copilot to Microsoft Viva, The tool will help employees curate their own learning experiences including designing upskilling paths,
discovering relevant learning resources, and scheduling time for assigned training.

The company has also announced that academies in Viva Learning has finally shipped to general availability. This means that organizations can now create role and line-of-business-specific experiences, thus providing employees with great learning opportunities.

What are your thoughts on the Copilot expansion? Let us know in the comments.

Featured image via Bing Image Creator

Lenovo rolls out new PC towers, ThinkPad’s and mini-PCs to power workstations in 2023

Posted on May 9, 2023 by Kareem Anderson

Lenovo is refreshing its lineup of workstation PCs with the addition of the ThinkStation P3 Tower, Ultra, and Tiny workstations as well as the ThinkPad P16 and 16v, P1 Gen 6, and the P16 and 16s.

Riding the wave of the performance-driven Intel 13th Generation vPro core i7 and i9 series chips Lenovo is bringing forth a series of PCs intended to help push those machine learning models and quantum computing platforms in 2023.

ThinkStation P3

The ThinkStation P3 Tower comes with a whole new expanded tower design built to support larger power supplies that include 1100w sources. The expanded power support portfolio will be necessary for anyone making frequent use of the 26TBs of storage for heavy data applications.

While adhering to the standard matte black motif of the ThinkPad lineup, the P3 Tower still represents an executive level PC equipped with trademarked red accents and the ThinkPad-like branding.

Specifically, the ThinkStation P3 will come with processor options up to Intel’s 13th Gen vPro Core i9 supporting Windows 11 Pro, Ubuntu Linux, and Red Hat Enterprise Linux operating systems. Users can also configure their graphics support starting from Intel’s discrete UHD graphics 770 and up to NVIDIAs RTX A5500 24GB VRAM cards.

The P3 tops out at 128GB 5600Mhz memory with 4x UDIMM slots, and up to 24TB of storage across six drives.

As far as ports go, there are the standard array of eight USB-A, 1 USB-C, full HDMI, 2 DisplayPorts, RJ-45 Gigabit Ethernet, mic, and audio jack. There are options for Intel Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3 connectivity.

Lenovo is also offering a bit of customization when it comes to towers as well by offering additional options in the P3 Ultra and P3 Tiny with the former containing similar specs to the P3 but with a lower storage capacity at 9TBs in exchange for an additional GPU option in the RTX A2000, while the Tiny comes with 64GB of memory, an NVIDIA T1000 8GB VRAM and up to 4TB for storage in a 3lbs computer.

ThinkPad P14s, P16s, P16v, and P1

Moving over to the more mobile offerings in the ThinkPad P lineup will now include a Gen 4 refresh of the ThinkPad P14s, Gen 2 P16s, P16v, and Gen 1 P6.

The ThinkPad P1 Gen 6 and P16 Gen 2 comes in with mostly spec bump as the chassis still weighs around 4lbs and 6.5lbs respectively, while hosting familiar port selections across the two devices that include 2 Thunderbolt 4 ports, 2 USB-A slots and full HDMI support as well as an SD Express 7.0 Card reader.

Where the P1 Gen 6 and P16 Gen 2 differ is with Intel’s 13th Gen vPro with the P16 Gen supporting Core HX up to i9 and the P1 Gen 6 with just an H up to i9.

The GPU support on both devices also differs with the P16 Gen 2 hosting both Intel UHD Integrated Graphics and optional NVIDIA RTX 5000 upgrades whereas the P1 Gen 6 gains an additional option of configuration with the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4090.

Similar to last year, the two models still support Lenovo’s move to 16:10 with screen options of WQUXG OLED both with UHD and QHD+ resolution.

Lenovo’s P14s and P16s this year come with improved battery life according to the company as well as a litney of display options that include 2.8K OLED, WQUXGA and FHD+ IPS.

Both models come with Intel’s 13th Gen vPro up to i7 configurations, optional NVIDIA RTX A500, and 64GB or 48GB memory with support for Intel’s own integrated GPUs as well.

Memory for both the P14s and 16s tops out at 48GB with integrated GPU configurations and 64GB for discrete GPUs.

Understandably, the battery capacities differ between the screen sizes with the 14 maxing out at 52.5Whr and the 16s at 86Whr and 100W and 135W Type-C power supplies respectively.

Last up is the P16v i, which is yet another portable workstation powered by Intel’s 13 Gen vPro Core H-series chip with support up to i9 configurations as well as both integrated Intel Iris Xe graphics or optional NVIDIA RTX A2000 8GB GDDR6 support.

Customers can configure the memory of the P16v i up to 96GB of DDR5 and 4TB of PCIe Gen 4 RAID 0/1 storage.

The P16v i hosts most of the same ports as its bigger brothers minus a dedicated ethernet port and the 16:10 display supports WQUXGA and WUXGA resolution with up to 800 nits of brightness for content creators.

At 4.85lbs the P16v i remains relatively heavy and partly due to the 90Whr battery on board with support up to 170W charging via Type-C.

ThinkStations and ThinkPads listed above will be available throughout the month of May 2023 with price adjustments listed in Lenovo’s ThinkStation page.

0x80072746 Error Code: What Is It & How to Fix It

Posted on May 8, 2023October 4, 2023 by Henderson Jayden Harper

Error 0x80072746 is an error Windows users encounter when trying to sync Windows Mail clients or loading new emails. It indicates an existing connection was closed abruptly by the remote host. However, this article will discuss why you encounter the error and how to fix it.

Also, our readers may be interested in our guide on 0x800CCC79 Windows Live Mail Error ID on the PC.

What causes the 0x80072746 error?

You can encounter We’re having a problem downloading messages. Make sure you have a connection and your account info is correct, and then try again, Error code 0x80072746 error for many reasons. Some notable ones are:

Using a VPN connection with Outlook or Mail app – The error can occur when the connection is bordered by a VPN or network-related devices, causing the Mail client not to download emails. Also, incompatible server machine certificates binding to HTTPS can cause it.
Firewall interference – Firewall services running on your computer can block the connection between the mail app and its server. For instance, BitDefender, AVG, and Windows Firewall can block the svchost.exe file, leading to Mail error code 0x80072746.
Machine certificate issues – If the relevant machine certificate is not installed on the VPN server, it can cause problems with its connection. Also, HTTPS binding may be faulty or improperly configured.

The above-listed factors are liable to vary on different computers. Regardless, you can fix the issue by following the solutions to be discussed as we go further into the guide.

How can I fix the 0x80072746 error code?

Before trying any advanced steps, go through the following:

Temporarily disable third-party antivirus software on your computer.
Fix network congestion or other network-related issues.
Perform a clean boot to disable startup apps interfering with the Email client.

Proceed with the solutions below if you can’t fix the issue with the checks above:

1. Set up your account manually

Left-click the Start button, type Windows Mail in the text box, then click on it from the search bar.
Click the Settings icon and tap the Manage Accounts button from the drop-down.
Select the mail account generating the error, then click the Remove this account from your device link.
Go to the Delete account section and click the Delete button to confirm the process.
Visit the email provider’s website and copy the manual settings for IMAP. If the IMAP setting is not listed here, select POP3.
Go to the Windows Mail client, click the Settings icon, and tap on the Manage Accounts button from the drop-down.
Click on the Add Account button. Scroll down and select Advanced Setup.
Select Internet email to add the credentials and manual settings you got from your email provider for IMAP, and Apply settings.
Click the Sign In button and check if the error message persists.

The above steps will reset account settings and resolve account-related issues causing the error.

2. Allowing Svchost.exe through Windows Firewall

Left-click the Start button, type firewall, and open Windows Defender Firewall.
Go to Allow an app or feature through Windows Defender Firewall on the left pane.
Click the Change Settings button, then the Allow another app button.
Tap on the Browse button.
Navigate to the Windows directory and then system32, select svchost.exe from the list, then click the Add button.
Click OK to save the changes and restart your PC.
Go to the Mail client and check if you can access your email without errors.

Allowing Svchost.exe as an exception in Windows Firewall prevents the firewall from checking or blocking its processes.

3. Change VPN settings

Press Windows + I key to launch the Settings app.
Select Network & Internet and click on VPN.
Ensure to toggle On the Allow VPN over metered network option.
Click the Change adapter options link and select your current internet connectivity network.
Right-click on your LAN (Wi-Fi) connectivity, then select Properties from the drop-down menu.
Select Internet Protocol Version 6 (TCP/PV6) and tap OK to confirm the changes.

Tweaking the VPN settings will resolve the error 0x80072746 on Windows PC.

Conclusively, our readers can check our list of the best email apps for Windows 11. Also, you can read about Microsoft Account’s unusual sign-in activity spam.

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

FIXED: 0x00000040 Operation Could Not Be Completed Printer Error

Posted on May 8, 2023October 23, 2025 by Afam Onyimadu

Some readers have reported a printing error message that reads Operation could not be completed (error 0x00000040), when attempting to print a document.

In this article, we solve the problem so that you can use your printers on Windows 11 seamlessly again.

How do I fix the 0x00000040 printer error in Windows 11?

First, restart your PC and reset your router. If you’re still having problems, keep reading:

1. Run the printer troubleshooter

Press Windows + I to open the Settings app.
On the right pane, click on Troubleshoot.
Select Other troubleshooters.
Click on the Run option for Printer, then follow the prompts to complete the troubleshooting process.
Verify if it fixed the 0x00000040 printer error.

2. Repair corrupted files

Press Windows + R, type cmd, and hit Enter.
Run the file checker script below, and give it a while to completely execute.
sfc /scannow
In the Command Prompt, input the scripts below, hitting Enter after each one.
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /CheckHealth
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
Restart the device and confirm that the 0x00000040 printer error is resolved.

3. Update printer drivers

Right-click on the Start menu and select Device Manager.
Expand Print queues, right-click your printer and select Update driver.
Select Search automatically for drivers.

If the manual steps to update your printer driver didn’t solve it, you could utilize another efficient solution.

Hence, one helpful suggestion is to use a driver manager that automatically updates or repairs drivers on your device.

⇒ Get Outbyte Driver Update r

4. Restart vital print services

Press Windows + R, type services.msc, and hit Enter.
Double-click on the Print Spooler service; if it is stopped, click the Start button.
Also, Restart the Printer Extensions and Notifications, the PrintWorkFlowUserSvc, and the Workstation services, using the same steps above.
Finally, verify the printer error has been resolved.

What causes the 0x00000040 printer error?

Any of the following factors could result in the printer error:

Malware infections – These malware infections will cause computer problems, such as printer error with code 0x00000040.
Driver issues – This error can occur if your printer drivers are corrupted, outdated, or incompatible with your system.
Printer spooler service-related issues – Any problems with the printer spooler service can lead to errors in managing the print queue and print jobs.
Hardware issues – If the printer hardware is defective due to damaged cartridges, faulty cables, or paper jams, this error code may also be caused.

How do I fix the 0x00000040 printer error in Windows 10?

All the solutions we have gone through above are also valid fixes for the older Windows 10 OS. However, you may notice slight changes in the user interface.

To open the Device Manager in Windows 10, you may rather press Windows + R, type devmgmt.msc, and hit Enter rather than follow the process in Solution 3.

The 0x00000040 printer error is pretty easy to resolve, you should choose any of the solutions and walk your way through the rest till it is fixed.

That is as much as we cover in this guide. If you have any comments or want to share what solutions worked for you, we would like to read from you in the comments section.

7 Ways to Enable or Disable Startup Apps on Windows 11

Posted on May 8, 2023November 17, 2025 by Claire Moraa

When you switch on your computer, it takes some time for Windows to boot up. This is mainly because the applications perform their tasks in the background. These applications are called startup apps.

While they make work easier, they can be disabled if they do not benefit your computer. If you have been wondering how to improve your boot time, we share which apps to disable and how to disable them.

Why should I enable/disable startup apps?

When you turn on your PC, it launches several applications automatically. Startup apps can be either good or bad for your computer. So, what are the advantages of enabling startup apps?

They save time since they launch automatically when your system boots up. This lets you get on with what you must do as soon as possible.
Startup apps also reduce potential security risks, especially if you have enabled antiviruses as startup apps to check for malware immediately after your system boots up.

Now, onto the disadvantages:

If you have multiple startup applications that are set to run at startup automatically, they can significantly slow down the time needed for your computer to boot up. This is because each of these applications needs to load before the operating system will continue booting up, which can affect your system’s performance.
Some startup apps can lead to performance issues or even drain your battery faster than normal because they’re running continuously whether or not they need to do anything at any given moment.
Too many unnecessary startup apps can eat up your RAM. If your PC is lo w on memory, you’ll have problems operating your PC, such as freezing random crashes.
It can take a long time to boot your PC. The time your computer takes to boot up is directly proportional to the number of startup apps you have loaded. Therefore, the more apps you have running at startup, the longer it will take for your computer to boot up completely.

Disabling will help reduce memory usage on your computer and improve its overall speed and performance by making available more memory for other programs that need it urgently.

You can also follow a dedicated guide on how to make a program run on startup in Windows 11 when you want specific apps to launch automatically as soon as the system boots.

How do I change what programs run at startup?

1. Use the Task Manager

Hit the Windows key, type Task Manager in the search bar, and click Open.
Navigate to the Startup tab to view the list of startup apps.
Go through the list and select each app you want to disable or enable by clicking on the options at the bottom.

2. Use Settings

Hit the Start Menu icon and click on Settings.
Click on Apps on the left pane then select Startup on the right pane.
A list of apps on Startup will appear. Toggle the off button to disable and the on button to enable.

If you are unsure which apps to disable, you can sort by high impact. The difference between a high-impact and low-impact app is the amount of resources they use.

High-impact apps are programs that require a lot of resources to run. These programs can slow down your computer if you have too many running simultaneously.

Low-impact apps are lightweight applications that don’t take up much space on your hard drive or require much power from your computer’s CPU or RAM.

You can, therefore, balance between the two categories and only enable the necessary apps.

3. Use app built-in settings

Hit the Windows key and click on Settings.
Click on Apps on the left pane then select Apps & features.
Examine the list and find the apps you want to disable on Startup.
Click on the three ellipses of the select app and click on Advanced options.
Under Runs at log-in option, toggle the Off button to disable and back on to enable.

If you want to remove the app from your computer completely, we have a great guide to remove apps using PowerShell to get the work done using a single command.

4. Use a third-party app

Although Windows offers a handful of options to change startup programs in Windows 11, you may have noticed that these steps are somehow cumbersome and can take a significant amount of time, especially if you have a lot of programs.

You don’t have to go through this excruciatingly painful process when installing a third-party tool. Startup managers are incredibly helpful in managing your startup apps, so you should consider installing one.

CCleaner is our recommended fighter, and this is how to go about it.

Download and launch the CCleaner app.
Click on the Tools option, then select Startup.
Navigate to the Windows tab and select the app you want to enable or disable by clicking the options on your right.

5. Use the Startup folder

Hit the Windows + R keys to open the Run command.
Type in shell:startup in the dialog box and hit Enter to open the Startup folder.
Select the app you want to disable then click on the trash icon to delete. To enable, restore this folder from the Recycle bin.
If you want to add a new startup program, find the executable file and drop it in the startup folder.

Should you find out that your Startup folder is not working, we have an excellent article on how to bypass this issue.

6. Use System Configuration

Hit the Search icon on the taskbar, type msconfig, and click Open.
Navigate to the Services tab and click Open Task Manager to view all the startup programs.
Go through the list click and disable all the apps you want to disable, then check those you want to enable.
Restart your PC for the changes to take effect.

7. Use the Registry Editor

Hit the Windows + R keys to open the Run command.
Type regedit in the dialog box and hit Enter to open the Registry Editor.
Navigate to the following location: Computer\HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
A list of startup apps will appear on the right.
Right-click on those you want to disable then select Delete to remove startup programs from Registry in Windows 11.
To enable a new startup program, right-click on Run in the left pane and select New String value.
In the Value name entry, set it to the name of the program you want to enable. For instance, Slack in this case.
Under Value data, enter the path location of the app, then hit Enter.
Repeat these steps for all the apps you want to enable for startup.

As a disclaimer, changing any portion of the Registry can have unpredictable effects on your computer. The scary thing is that some may not even be immediately apparent.

If you aren’t comfortable making Registry changes, don’t do it. However, if necessary, create a restore point first to act as a safety net. This way, should anything happen, you can revert to an earlier time when your PC was functioning correctly.

You can also look at ways to optimize your startup to minimize the excessive use of resources. Also, check out how to disable startup apps in Windows 10.

And that’s how to change startup programs in Windows 11. Let us know of any additional thoughts you may have on this topic down below.

How to Fix 0x000000FE BSoD Error in 6 Steps

Posted on May 8, 2023April 2, 2024 by Claire Moraa

0x000000FE is an error code that appears when your PC comes from sleep or hibernation mode. If your computer freezes or reboots after coming out of sleep mode, it’s likely due to bad memory on the motherboard or an incompatible driver running in the background.

When you experience this error, your computer automatically restarts itself and displays a blue screen with information about what caused the problem. Sometimes, it may resolve itself, but other times, you need to troubleshoot.

This article is for when you need to troubleshoot it.

What is the bugcheck 0x000000FE?

You may get a 0x000000FE error if your computer wakes up after going into sleep mode or hibernation mode and then attempts to load Windows again.

This happens because some drivers aren’t properly loaded when waking up from sleep mode, causing them not being able to function correctly. Other causes include:

Incorrect/failed uninstallation – If you have recently removed a program from your computer, and are now receiving this error message, then it’s likely that the uninstallation process did not complete successfully.
Unexpected shutdown – The error can also occur if you try to shut down your computer while it’s still trying to perform an action or while it’s loading a program.
Corrupt/deleted system files – If a system file has been corrupted or gone missing, you won’t be able to access it, and will cause errors when it’s called upon. This may result in 0x000000FE BSoD error or PC crash.
Failing hard drive – A failing hard drive can cause BSODs by corrupting or losing data required for operation.
Bad hardware component – A bad component, such as a graphics card that has failed due to age, heat damage, or other factors, can also cause the BSoD error 0x000000FE.
USB Suspend Settings – Some computers have a setting that automatically turns off USB devices when not in use. This can cause a bugcheck 0x000000FE error code if you are using an external device and the computer goes into sleep mode.
Outdated BIOS – The BIOS is responsible for initializing all hardware components and loading the operating system kernel. If any of these processes fails due to an outdated version of BIOS software, then your computer will display the bugcheck 0x000000FE error message.

How do I fix the BSoD error 0x000000FE?

We recommend you try the following basic checks before proceeding to the more complex solutions:

Disable unnecessary programs from your Startup menu.
Tes t your memory to ensure there are no memory leaks.
Update your BIOS.

For the below steps, ensure to start your PC in Safe Mode.

1. Run the DISM and SFC scans

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

This Windows process can be useful, yet it may not be suitable for the average user. If you need an easier and more effective system repair software.

2. Perform a disk check

Click on the Start Menu icon key, type cmd in the search bar, and click Run as administrator.
Type the following command, replace the C letter with your drive’s letter, and press Enter: chkdsk C: /f

3. Scan for viruses

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

4. Update display drivers

Click the Windows button, type Device Manager in the search bar, and click Open.
Navigate to Display adapters to expand, right-click on your graphics card and select Update driver.
Select Search automatically for drivers.

Consequently, a third-party driver updater utility can also do the job in one click. Outbyte can scan your system for any missing or outdated drivers and replace them with the correct ones from its official driver database.

5. Check for Windows updates

Hit the Windows key and click on Settings.
Select Windows Update and click on Check for updates.
Download and install if available.

6. Disable USB selective suspend settings

Hit the Windows key, type Edit power plan in the search box, and click Open.
Click on Change advanced power settings.
Select Change plan settings.
In the Power Options dialog box that opens, click on USB settings to expand.
Click on USB selective suspend setting and in the drop-down menu, select Disabled.

The USB selective suspend setting is a feature in Windows that allows your computer to enter a low-power state by suspending USB ports that are not in use.

This means that your computer will not require as much power to run, and thus your battery will last longer. However, if you encounter USB-related BSoD errors, it is best to disable it.

If none of these methods solve the 0x000000FE error, it may be time to perform a System Restore or clean install on your PC.

Alternatively, BSoD fixers can save the day as these automatic tools can scan your system and fix any BSoD errors effortlessly.

Leave a comment below if we have missed any solution that was instrumental in helping you fix this error.

Hswultpep.sys BSoD Error: 5 Ways to Fix It

Posted on May 8, 2023May 14, 2024 by Srishti Sisodia

If you are a Windows user, you may encounter various issues while using your PC. One such common problem is hswultpep.sys BSoD error can be caused by faulty or outdated driver-related Intel Wireless Bluetooth software.

What causes the hswultpep.sys BSoD error on Windows?

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

Faulty or outdated driver – If the hswultpep.sys driver becomes corrupted or obsolete; it can cause instability & result in a blue screen error. Try updating the drivers to fix the problem.
Drivers or software interference – The hswultpep.sys driver can conflict with other drivers or software installed on the computer, resulting in the BSoD error.
Malware infections – Malware or viruses can corrupt system files, which could cause this issue. You can run SFC scan to repair system files.
Hardware issues – If there are the hardware issues, including a faulty Wi-Fi or Bluetooth adapter, they could cause the BSoD error.

Now that you know the causes of the issue, let us check out the solutions to fix the problem.

How can I fix the hswultpep.sys BSoD error on Windows?

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

Try restarting your computer.
Run a malware scan using an antivirus tool.
Make sure there are no pending Windows updates.
Uninstall the recently installed apps.

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

1. Run the computer in Safe mode

1.1 If you can access the Settings app

Press Windows + I to open the Settings app.
Go to System, then click Recovery.
Under Recovery options, click Advanced startup and then Restart now.
On the Choose an option screen, click Troubleshoot.
Select Advanced options.
On the Advanced options page, select Startup Settings.
Press the key relevant to select Enable Safe Mode with Networking and click Restart.

1.2 If your computer doesn’t boot up

Press and hold the Power button on your machine for a few seconds to turn it off.
Press the Power button again to boot it.
As you see the manufacturer’s logo, press the Power button for 10 seconds again to enter Windows Recovery Environment.
On the Choose an option page, click Troubleshoot.
Select Advanced options.
Choose Startup Settings.
Press the key relevant to select Enable Safe Mode with Networking and click Restart.

Once you are in Safe mode, follow the steps mentioned below.

2 Update or rollback the driver

2.1 Update the driver

Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog box.
Type devmgmt.msc and click OK to open Device Manager.
Locate and expand the Network adapters (assuming the Bluetooth driver is causing the problem).
Now right-click the Wi-Fi driver and select Update driver.
Click Search automatically for drivers.
Follow the onscreen instructions to complete the process.
If this doesn’t work for you, right-click the Wi-Fi driver and choose Properties.
Go to the Driver tab, and select the Roll Back Driver button.
Select the reason for the rollback and click Yes to continue.

Windows will automatically roll back to the last version of the driver.

In addition, you have an alternative way to update old drivers from your PC efficiently. More exactly, we suggest you utilize tailored software for repairing or updating drivers entirely automatically.

3. Run DISM & SFC scans

Press the Windows key, type cmd, and click Run as administrator.
Copy & paste the following command to repair the Windows OS image and hit Enter: Dism /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
Wait for the scan to complete, then type the following command to repair the system files and press Enter: sfc/scannow
Windows will take time to scan and replace the corrupt files, then reboot your computer to let the changes take effect.

4. Uninstall the recent Windows update

Press the Windows + R to open the Run box.
Type appwiz.cpl and click OK to open Programs & Features.
Click View installed updates.
Locate the update and click Uninstall.
Follow the onscreen instructions to complete.

5. Restore your system to a previous point in time

Press the Windows key, type control panel, and click Open.
Select Large icons as View by and click Recovery.
Click on Open System Restore.
On the System Restore window, select Choose a different restore point and click Next.
Select a restore point and click Next.
Now select Finish.

Windows will restart, and your computer will be restored to the selected point in a few minutes. If the System Restore didn’t successfully complete, we advise you to check out this informative guide for solutions.

If nothing worked for you, you can perform a clean installation to fix the problem. So, these are methods that you can follow to fix the hswultpep.sys BSoD error on Windows.

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

SystemSettingsAdminFlows.exe Error: How to Fix It

Posted on May 8, 2023October 4, 2023 by Claudiu Andone

SystemSettingsAdminFlows.exe is an executable file that is part of Windows 10 and Windows Server 2016/2019 related to the administrative privileges for various files. Many of our readers were greeted with error Windows cannot access the specified device, path, or file when trying to run it.

Why do I get the SystemSettingsAdminFlows.exe error?

This error usually occurs when you enroll the Windows Server machine to a domain, log in as a domain administrator and try to add an extra UI language. There is an administrative rights issue. However, there may be other reasons behind this problem:

Corrupt system files – If the Windows system is corrupted, the SystemSettingsAdminFlows.exe file may be affected and that’s why the system can’t find it.
Virus or malware infection – The system might be infected with malware, and that may be causing the file to be missing or corrupted. Performing a full scan with a reliable antivirus won’t hurt.
Windows bug – The SystemSettingsAdminFlows.exe error was a known bug in Windows 10 Build 10061 but it was fixed in Build 10074. Therefore, updating your system may fix this issue.

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

How do I fix the SystemSettingsAdminFlows.exe error?

Before starting any complex solutions, perform the following tasks for an easier resolution:

Install the latest updates on your Windows 10 PC or Windows Server 2016/2019.
Make sure you have administrative rights to run SystemSettingsAdminFlows.exe.
Restart your system and check if the problem persists. Sometimes, this is all it takes.

If these prerequisite measures didn’t solve the issue, let’s apply the following solutions.

1. Enable the UAC Policy

Press the Windows key + R to start the Run console, type secpool.msc, and press Enter or click OK.
Expand the Security Settings category, then click on Local Policy.
Now, double-click the Security Options.
Next, locate and double-click the User Account Control: Admin approval for the Built-in Administrator Account policy.
Enable the policy, then hit the Apply and OK buttons below.
Restart your system and check if you can run the SystemSettingsAdminFlows.exe file.

This solution worked like a charm for many of our readers, so after enabling the policy, you should be able to open the SystemSettingsAdminFlows.exe without any issues.

However, we remind you that you still need to be logged into your administrator account to open the file.

2. Perform an SFC scan

Click the Start button, type cmd, and select Run as administrator from the results.
Type the following command and press Enter to run it: sfc /scannow
System File Checker will fix any problems with your system if there are any.
After the scan is finished, restart your PC and try to access SystemSettingsAdminFlows.exe again.

That’s it! We hope our solutions helped you fix the SystemSettingsAdminFlows.exe error, and now you can access it without problems.

The solutions above will work seamlessly on Windows 10 and Windows Server 2016 and 2019.

You should also check our guide on how to make yourself an administrator on Windows 10 in case you have trouble with that.

Feel free to leave your questions and suggestions in the comments section below.

VirtWiFi Has No Internet Access: 6 Ways to Fix This Error

Posted on May 8, 2023September 28, 2025 by Sagar Naresh

With Windows 11, you can run Android apps on your computer and all this is done using the Windows Subsystem for Android. However, many of our readers are facing the VirtWiFi Has No Internet Access error that prevents Amazon App Store from accessing the internet on the Windows 11 PC.

What is VirtWiFi and why doesn’t it have internet access?

VirtWiFi lets your network switch your wireless card across different networks by exposing all the virtual networks. If your PC is connected to the internet using an ethernet cable, you can make use of VirtWiFi to connect.

There can be multiple reasons that could trigger the VirtWiFi Has No Internet Access error:

Corrupt system files: The presence of corrupt system files can cause multiple issues on your PC including the one at hand.
Important service is disabled: Chances are that the Windows HyperVision Platform service isn’t enabled on your PC.
Underlying issue with your network: There could be some underlying issues with your network settings that are causing the VirtWiFi Has No Internet Access error.
The network driver is outdated: Your network driver might be having some problems. Updating it could resolve the issue at hand.
DNS cache is causing trouble: The error could also pop up because of DNS cache corruption.

Now that we know what we’re dealing with, let’s fix the problem with the solutions below.

How can I fix the VirtWiFi Has No Internet Access error?

1. Run the Network Adapter troubleshooter

Press the Win + I keys to open the Settings menu.
Click on Troubleshooter.
Select Other troubleshooters.
Hit the Run button next to the Network Adapter option.
Select the adapter type from the list and hit Next.
Wait for the process to complete.
Restart your PC.

If your network driver is outdated, you should install the latest version as it will fix various bugs that were presented with the previous version.

In any case, it’s most likely to update any of your PC drivers with the latest official version using dedicated driver update software.

You only have to launch on the desktop to initiate the scan, thus select all the drivers that need updating and update them in bulk.

⇒ Get Outbyte Driver Updater

3. Flush the DNS and reset the IP

Open the Start menu by pressing the Win key.
Run Command Prompt as an administrator.
Type the below command and press Enter. ipconfig/flushdns
Execute the below command one by one and press Enter after each command: nbtstat –r netsh winsock reset netsh int ip reset
Close Command Prompt and restart your PC.

Running the above commands will clear the DNS cache that might be causing trouble with your network and hopefully fix the VirtWiFi Has No Internet Access error.

4. Fix the corrupt system files

Press the Win key to open the Start menu.
Open Command Prompt as an admin.
Type the below command and press Enter: sfc /scannow
Wait for System File Checker to fix the corrupt system files.
Type the below commands and press Enter after each one: DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-image /Scanhealth DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-image /Restorehealth DISM.exe /online /cleanup-image /startcomponentcleanup
Restart your PC and see if the issue persists.

5. Enable Windows HyperVision Platform

Open the Start menu by pressing the Win key.
Open Turn Windows features on or off option.
Locate and check the Windows HyperVision Platform box, then hit OK.
Restart your PC and see if the error persists.

6. Change the DNS address

Press the Win + R keys to open the Run dialogue.
Type ncpa.cpl and press OK.
Double-click on your network adapter.
Click on Internet Protocol Version 4(TCP/IPv4) and tap on Properties.
Click on Use the following DNS server addresses radio button.
Enter the below values to use the Google DNS:
- Preferred DNS server: 8.8.8.8
- Alternate DNS server: 8.8.4.4
Check the box for Validate settings upon exit and click OK.
Restart your PC.

When you modify the DNS address, it will configure a new VirtWiFi network connection and will fix the issue.

That is it from us in this guide. Users coming across the Windows could not find a driver for your network adapter error, we would suggest you check out our guide that will help resolve the problem at your end.

Some users have also reported coming across the checking network requirements error. You can easily fix it by following the solutions in our guide.

Feel free to let us know in the comments below, which one of the above solutions resolved the VirtWiFi Has No Internet Access error.

Remote Desktop Can’t Find The Computer? Fix It in 8 Steps

Posted on May 8, 2023October 4, 2023 by Srishti Sisodia

Remote Desktop is a powerful tool that enables you to access a computer from a remote location. However, sometimes you may encounter an error message stating that Remote Desktop can’t find the computer, which can be frustrating.

Why can’t Remote Desktop find the computer?

There could be various reasons why you are not able to connect to your computer remotely; some of the common ones are mentioned below:

No Entry in the Hosts File – This error may occur if the system hosts’ files have no entry to your RDP server. Try adding it manually to fix the issue.
Network connectivity issues – The weak internet connection could be why you cannot establish a connection with a remote PC. Try troubleshooting your network.
DNS is not configured – If the DNS is not configured for the system, you might see this error. Configure DNS and try to access the remote device.
Remote Desktop Connections Credentials cache – The credentials cache of RDP connections could also be the reason for the issue. Clear them to fix the problem.

Now that you know the reasons for the issue, let us move to the solutions.

How do I fix the Remote Desktop can’t find the computer error?

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

Try restarting your computer and the router.
Ensure no Windows update is pending.
Check internet connectivity.
Verify the host computer name.

If none of the above fixes worked for you, jump right into the detailed solutions to eliminate the error.

1. Allow the remote connections to the computer

Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog box.
Type sysdm.cpl and click OK to open System Properties.
Go to the Remote tab, under Remote Assistance, and select Allow Remote Assistance connections to this computer.
Click Apply and OK.

2. Verify that Remote access is enabled

Press Windows + I to open the Settings app.
Go to System, then click Remote Desktop.
Locate Remote Desktop and toggle on the switch to enable it.
Click Confirm to save the changes.

Now check if you can access the remote computer.

3. Flush the DNS

Press the Windows key, type cmd, and click Run as administrator.
Copy and paste the following command to flush DNS and hit Enter: ipconfig/flushdns
Close the Command Prompt and restart your computer.

4. Delete the RDP connections history

Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog box.
Type regedit and click OK to open the Registry Editor.
Navigate to this path: Computer\HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Terminal Server Client\Default
Select MRU0, right-click it, and select Delete to remove all the entries.
Close Registry Editor and reboot your PC.

5. Add Hostname to the Host file

Press the Windows key, type cmd, and click Run as administrator.
Copy & paste the following command to open the hosts’ file in a notepad, and hit Enter: Notepad C:\Windows\System32\drivers\etc\hosts
You will have to add a string in the following format: 127.0.0.1 [hostname of the server]
Press Ctrl + S to save the changes. Close Notepad, and then Command Prompt.

6. Allow Remote connection through the firewall

Press the Windows key, type control panel, and click Open.
Select View by as Category and click System & Security.
Click Windows Defender Firewall.
Now click Allow an app or feature through Windows Defender Firewall.
Click Change settings.
Locate Remote Assistance and Remote Desktop, select them, and make sure the Private & Public option for both is selected.
Click OK to close the window.

7. Change the Port number

Press Windows + R to open the Run window.
Type regedit and click OK to open the Registry Editor.
Navigate to this path: Computer\HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\ControlSet001\Control\Terminal Server\WinStations\RDP-Tcp
Locate and double-click PortNumber.
Change the Base to Decimal and the Value data from 3389 to 3388.
Click OK and reboot your computer.

8. Enable the Remote Desktop Services

Press the Windows + R to open the Run dialog box.
Type services.msc and click OK to open the Services app.
Locate and double-click Remote Desktop Services to open Properties.
Select Startup type as Manual and click Apply, then OK.
Restart your PC to confirm the changes.

So, these are methods you can use to get rid of the Remote Desktop can’t find the computer error. If you have any questions or suggestions, please let us know in the comments section below.

How to Disable Password Complexity on Windows 11

Posted on May 8, 2023February 17, 2025 by Srishti Sisodia

Windows enforces strong password complexity requirements to enhance the user accounts’ security. However, if you want simpler passwords, you need to disable Windows password complexity requirements.

How can I disable Windows password complexity requirements?

1. Use the Group Policy Editor

Press Windows + R to open the Run box.
Type gpedit.msc and click OK to open the Group Policy Editor.
Navigate to this path: Computer Configuration\Windows Settings\Security Settings\Account Policies\Password Policy
Locate and double-click the Password must meet complexity requirements option to open Properties.
Click on the radio button next to Disabled, click Apply, then OK to confirm the changes.
Restart your computer to let the changes take effect.

2. Use the Command Prompt

Press the Windows key, type cmd, and click Run as administrator.
Copy & paste the following command to dump the local policy or domain policy for the system and hit Enter: secedit.exe /export /cfg C:\secconfig.cfg
Type notepad.exe and press Enter.
On Notepad, click File, then Open to open C:\secconfig.cfg
Now locate Passwordcomplexity and change its value from 1 to 0.
Press Ctrl + S to save the changes.
Open the Command prompt with admin rights.
Copy & paste the following command and press Enter: secedit.exe /configure /db %windir%\securitynew.sdb /cfg C:\secconfig.cfg /areas SECURITYPOLICY
Reboot your computer to confirm the changes.

3. Use the Local Security Policy Editor

Press Windows + R to open the Run box.
Type secpol.msc and click OK to open the Local Security Policy Editor.
Click Action, then select Export policy.
Once you have saved the file, open it with Notepad.
Go to System Access, and locate Password Complexity. Change its value from 1 to 0.
You can also edit the values for MinimumPassword Age, MaximumPassword Age, & MiniumPassword length. Press Ctrl + S to save the changes.
Press the Windows key, type cmd, and click Run as administrator.
Type the following command and hit Enter: secedit.exe /configure /db %windir%\securitynew.sdb /cfg C:\secconfig.cfg /areas SECURITYPOLICY
Restart your computer to confirm the changes.

You can now go to Local Security Policy Editor to confirm if the setting is disabled. If Local Security Policy Editor is missing or is grayed out, we recommend you check out the solutions in this informative guide.

So, these are methods you can follow to remove the password complexity requirements in Windows. You can also delete all saved passwords and input simpler ones if you wish.

If you have any questions or suggestions, feel free to let us know in the comments section below.