A few readers have asked us how to disable search suggestions in Chrome. This browser feature is very helpful since you only need to type a few letters, and the browser gives options for what searches you may make.
However, if you must let go of the setting, in this article, we explore your best options for disabling it.
Why should I disable Chrome search suggestions?
This feature works similarly to Google auto-complete. From interactions with users, any of the following may be valid reasons to get rid of the settings:
Autocomplete errors – To prevent autocomplete errors while searching, it can be helpful to turn off search suggestions.
Distraction prevention – If you find search suggestions distracting while focusing on a specific search term, disabling them can be helpful.
Privacy – If you share your computer or prefer to keep your searches private, disabling search suggestions can help protect your privacy.
Now that we have established valid reasons to disable Chrome search suggestions let us show you how.
How do I disable Chrome search suggestions?
1. Disable Chrome search suggestions on Windows 11
Launch the browser.
Click the ellipses or three dots at the top, far right of the browser, and select Settings.
Select Sync and Google services.
Please scroll down until you locate Autocomplete searches and URLs or Improve search suggestions (depending on your Chrome version), then switch off the option by toggling to the right.
2. Disable Chrome search suggestions on Android
Launch the Chrome browser.
Tap the ellipses or three dots at the top, far right of the browser, and select Settings.
Click on the Google services option.
Locate Autocomplete searches and URLs or Improve search suggestions (depending on your Chrome version), then switch off the option by toggling to the right.
Now when you type in Chrome you would no longer get suggestions pooping out.
Locate Autocomplete searches and URLs or Improve search suggestions (depending on your Chrome version), then switch off the option by toggling to the right.
There you go. On all devices mentioned above, the steps are very similar. They are also straightforward, and in very few steps, you should have disabled the service.
There are many other Chrome features you may need to try. Download and install Chrome to try out its many features.
Lastly, please let us know if you have been successful in disabling the service on your device.
Oculus is a popular software for VR gaming, though it also finds application in other tasks. While Meta has maintained the software, some problems are bound to appear. And one that commonly affects users is the Oculus Runtime Service error.
For those wondering what is Oculus runtime, it’s the background process triggered by the software and is responsible for managing all the activity and ensuring that everything is in order.
The error message reads, Can’t Reach Oculus Runtime Service. Your Oculus software may be updating. Please wait a minute and try again. If the issue continues, contact Oculus support. While the message doesn’t point you in the right direction, we will. Keep reading to find out all about the error!
Why am I unable to access Oculus services?
Here are a few reasons you are facing issues:
Running an outdated version of the software: For most users, it was an outdated or corrupt version of the software that triggered the Oculus Runtime Service error.
Services are disabled: When the critical services are disabled or are misconfigured, you are likely to get Can’t reach Oculus service with Quest 2.
Third-party apps conflicting with the process: An antivirus, firewall, or similar programs are often why users get an Oculus error code.
Once done with the download, click on Next to proceed.
Relaunch the software and install any pending updates.
The developers have acknowledged the Oculus Runtime Service error, and a patch for it was released. So, your primary approach when seeing the Can’t reach Oculus service message in Windows 10 should be to install the patch.
2. Run Oculus in compatibility mode
Press Windows + E to open File Explorer, paste the following path in the address bar, and then hit Enter:C:\Program Files\Oculus\Support\oculus-client
Right-click on the OculusClient.exe file and select Properties.
Navigate to the Compatibility tab.
Tick the checkbox for Run this program in compatibility mode for, select Windows 8 from the dropdown menu, and click OK to save the changes.
Once done, check whether the error disappears.
3. Modify the service configurations
Press Windows + R to open Run, type services.msc in the text field, and hit Enter.
Locate the Oculus VR RuntimeService, right-click on it, and choose Properties.
If the service is already running, click the Stop button.
Now, click Start to run it again, and click OK to save the changes.
Go back to Services, and double-click on Quality Windows Audio Video Experience to open its properties.
Now, select Manual from the Startup type dropdown menu, and click OK.
For many users, reconfiguring the Oculus VR Runtime and Quality Windows Audio Video Experience services did the trick when encountering the Oculus Runtime Service error.
4. Disable controlled folder access
Press Windows + S to open Search, type Windows Security, and click on the relevant search result.
Select Virus & threat protection from the options here.
Click on Manage ransomware protection.
Now, disable the toggle for Controlled folder access.
Click Yes in the UAC prompt to confirm.
Controlled Folder Access prevents applications from accessing or modifying certain protected files on the computer. Though helpful, it has been found to trigger the Oculus Runtime Service error, and disabling it did the trick.
In case this works, you can always allow Oculus through Controlled Colder Access instead of disabling the feature altogether.
5. Add Oculus as an exception in the antivirus
Launch Windows Security, the built-in antivirus, and choose Virus & threat protection.
Click on Manage settings under Virus & threat protection settings.
Click on Add or remove exclusions under Exclusions.
Now, click on Add an exclusion and select Folder from the menu.
Navigate the following path, choose Oculus, and click on Select Folder:C:\Program Files\Oculus\
Once done, restart the computer for the changes to come into effect and relaunch Oculus.
While this solution has worked for most, it also led to serious issues running Oculus on some computers, and users had to reinstall the app. So, proceed at your own risk.
Press Windows + E to open File Explorer, and navigate the following path:C:\Program Files\Oculus\Support\oculus-runtime\server-plugins
Now, select the RemoteHeadset.dll file and hit Delete to clear it.
Once done, restart the computer.
Corrupt or missing DLL files are often the reason users encounter errors in applications, including the Oculus Runtime Service error.
7. Reinstall the software
Press Windows + R to open Run, type appwiz.cpl, and hit Enter.
Select Oculus from the list of installed programs, and click Uninstall.
Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the process, delete its files and folders in all relevant directories, and restart the computer.
Now, go to the official website and download the Oculus installer.
Run the setup and wait for the installation to complete.
When nothing else works, you can always reinstall the software as a last resort in case of the Oculus Runtime Service error. If the problem remains unresolved, give it another go, but this time, use an effective uninstaller software to clear any leftover files and registry entries before reinstallation.
Windows had an interesting history over the years, and while it dominated the market in the 90s and early 2000s, that has changed in recent years.
Windows 11 market share is on the rise, but how did the market share look over the past years?
In today’s guide, we will take a closer look at Windows market share history over the last decades, so join us for an in-depth analysis.
Will Windows ever become obsolete?
No, Windows as a platform won’t become obsolete anytime soon. Certain versions of Windows will become obsolete, which is perfectly normal.
Until there isn’t a proper Windows replacement, Windows will remain a viable platform.
How did Windows’ market share history look over the years?
2009 – Slow rise of Windows 7
During the end of the 2000s, Windows XP was still the dominant Windows version, but it fell from 78.45% to 69.14% in 2009. In case you’re not familiar with it, we have a great guide on Windows XP features, so you can learn what made it so special.
This is somewhat expected since Windows 7 was released in late 2009, and it got 6.59% by the end of the year.
As for Windows Vista, it achieved its peak in October, but it was on the decline following the release of Windows 7. In 2009, it went from 19.93% to 23.38%, but its market share slowly declined.
2010 – Windows 7 overtakes Vista
2010 was a great year for Windows 7, and it went from 8.93% to 27.98% during that year alone. It overtook Vista in August that year and become the second most popular Windows version.
Speaking of Windows 7, we have a great guide on how to upgrade Windows 32-bit to 64-bit in order to better utilize your hardware.
Regarding Vista, its market share dropped from 22.53% to 16.76% that year. Windows XP was still dominating the market, but it was declining. Regarding the market share, it went from 67.69% to 54.74% in a single year.
2011 – Windows 7 takes the number-one spot
In 2011, Windows 7 finally took over Windows XP as the most used Windows operating system in October 2011.
In just a year, Windows 7 went from 30.08% to 47.23%. Windows XP was declining, and its market share dropped from 53.01% to 40.35%.
As for Vista, it was on a slow decline and it went from 16.41% to 12.05% during that year.
2012 – Windows 8 is released
During this year, Windows 7 was still on the rise, going from 49.17% to 60.89% in a single year. Windows XP was on the decline, and it dropped from 38.8% to 29.12% in 2012.
Vista was on its way out, and its market share dropped from 11.66% to 7.73%. Windows 8 was released in late 2012, and over a couple of months, it got just 2.02% of the market share. To learn more about it, we suggest reading our Windows 7 vs Windows 8 guide to learn all its features.
2013 – Microsoft releases Windows 8.1 update
Windows 7 still dominated the Windows market, and during 2013 it kept the same market share. It went from 61.16% to 61.19%.
Windows XP was declining, and its market share dropped from 28.05% to 22.1%. Vista was also on the decline, going from 7.61% to 4.8%.
As for the newcomer, Windows 8 didn’t achieve any major success, and it was greeted by harsh criticism from the users. During 2013, its market share went up from 2.92% to 9.08%.
Microsoft was determined to address Windows 8 shortcomings and released Windows 8.1 in late 2013. By the end of the year, the new version had 2.48% of the market share. To see what was new in this update, check our Windows 8.1 features guide.
2014 – Windows 8.1 to overtake XP?
During 2014, Windows 7 remained the most used operating system, and its market share increased from 61.17% to 61.31%.
Windows XP was on the decline, dropping from 21.53% to 14.88%. The newly released Windows 8.1 was on the rise, and it went from 3.62% to 14.69% that year.
Windows 8 was surpassed by Windows 8.1, and its market share went from 8.9% to 5.26% which was expected. As for Vista, its market share decreased from 4.45% to 3.54%.
2015 – Windows 10 takes the market by storm
In 2015, Windows 7 was still the dominant operating system, but its market share begin to decline with the release of Windows 10 in July 2015.
Windows 7 market share went from 61.99% to 55.89% that year. Windows 8.1 was on the rise, and it achieved its peak in July, but it started to decline shortly after.
Regarding its market share, it went from 16.19% to 14.31%. Windows XP was also on the decline, and it dropped from 13.59% to 9.95%.
As previously mentioned, Windows 10 was released the same year, and in just a couple of months, it overtook XP, and it was on its way to overtaking Windows 8.1. By the end of 2015, it had 13.98% market share.
2016 – Windows 10 set to overtake Windows 7
Windows 10 was on the steep rise, and in 2016 it went from 16.02% to 32.22% taking second place right after Windows 7.
As for Windows 7, it was on the decline, and it went from 54.78% to 47.74%. All other versions were declining, and Windows 8.1 went from 13.7% to 10%. As for XP, it went from 9.36% to 5.93%.
Although Windows XP was on its way out, many users want to keep using Windows XP, and we have a special guide that can help you with that.
For security reasons, it might be better to run Windows XP in a VM and continue using your operating system as the main one.
2017 – Windows 7 and Windows 10 clash for no.1 spot
2017 was an exciting year, and while Windows 7 was still the most used version, it was declining and losing its market share to Windows 10.
In one year, it fell from 47.46% to 41.89%. On the other hand, Windows 10 was on the rise, and it rose from 32.84% to 41.69 in 2017.
All other operating systems were on the decline, and Windows 8.1 went from 9.65% to 9.16%. As for Windows XP, it fell from 5.72% to 3.6%. Other versions of Windows had less than 3%.
2018 – Windows 10 dominates the market share
In 2018, Windows 10 finally overtook Windows 7, rising from 42.78% to 52.36%. Windows 7 was on the decline and its market share changed from 41.86% to 35.63%.
Windows 8.1 continued its decline from 8.72% to 6.95%. As for other versions of Windows, each had less than 3%.
2019 – The same trends continue
2019 was the year of Windows 10, and its market share went up from 53.18% to 65.4%. Windows 7 was on the decline and went from 35.05% to 26.79%.
As for Windows 8.1, it dropped from 6.67% to 4.87% that year. Other versions had negligible presence.
2020 – Windows 10 controls 75% of the market
Just like the previous year, Windows 10 continued to rise, and its market share went up from 67.35% to 75.68%.
Windows 7 was losing market share, and it went from 24.9% to 18.03%. As for Windows 8.1, it had 4.82%, but by the end of the year, it reached 3.95%.
2021 – Another great year for Windows 10
Windows 10 reigned supreme this year as well, and its market share went from 77.47% to 82.49%, a record for a Windows version.
Windows 7 was on the decline, and it dropped from 16.81% to 12.91%. Windows 8.1 was on the decline, going from 3.78% to 3.12%.
If you still want to continue using older versions, perhaps our guide on how to migrate Windows 7 to VM could be helpful to you.
2022 – Windows 11 on the rise
After a record-high market share, Windows 10 popularity begin to drop, and it went from 81.15% to 67.95%.
Windows 11 was recently released, and many Windows 10 users switched to it. This resulted in a steep rise from 2.6% to 16.97% by the end of the year. To learn more about it, we suggest reading our Windows 11 review for more information.
As for Windows 7, it was still on the decline and it went from 11.92% to 11.2%.
2023 – The same trend continues
In 2023, Windows 10 had a small increase in users, but it dropped again. It went from 68.86% to 71.36% and we expect to see its market share drop in the upcoming months.
On the other side, Windows 11 is on the rise, and it went from 18.12% to 23.11% in April. To learn if it’s time to switch to Windows 11, we suggest you read our Windows 11 vs Windows 10 guide for more information. As for Windows 7, it went from 9.55% to a record-low 3.78% in April.
In the US, it has 53.21%, while macOS has 31.45%. It’s safe to say that Windows has been on a decline for several years now, and we have to wait and see what the future holds.
To learn about the differences between the two, be sure to read our Windows 11 vs macOS guide.
What is Windows’ biggest competitor?
The largest competitor for Windows is macOS, and in the US, Windows has slightly more than half of the market share while Apple has almost a third.
Looking at long-term changes, macOS has steadily risen while Windows was declining. Even if you’re using one another, you can always dual boot Windows 11 and macOS and get the best of both worlds.
Will Apple overtake Windows?
We are doubtful, especially when looking at the global market. Apple has achieved tremendous success in the US, and its market share is rising.
However, the situation is a bit different outside of the US, and most users don’t have the economic power to purchase a Mac computer, so they settle for a PC.
We hope that you found this guide informative and that you learned everything there is about Windows and its market share.
If you’re interested, you might want to check operating system market share throughout the years on different platforms.
What version of Windows do you use and why? Let us know in the comments below.
The libScePad.dll file is typically installed along with the software or game that requires it, and it is not included in the standard Windows installation. Some advanced software applications and video games use libscepad.dll to access particular API functionality provided by Windows.
If you receive the error message libScePad.dll is missing, it indicates that the DLL file is missing or damaged in the Windows folder or the program folder. This article offers a reliable advanced DLL fixer tool and several other manual methods to resolve the error.
Why am I getting the libScePad.dll error?
The libScePad.dll missing error can occur for several reasons, including:
Malware infection – Malware or virus infections can corrupt or delete files from your computer.
Accidental Deletion – Deleting the file or uninstalling a program associated with it can also cause this error.
Registry errors – Registry errors or invalid entries related to the libscepad.dll file can also be a cause.
Hard disk errors – Hard disk errors or failures can result in the file being damaged or corrupted and can cause the error to appear.
How do I fix the libScePad.dll missing error?
There are several prerequisite solutions you can attempt, including:
Update Windows:Updating Windows to the latest version can resolve the libScePad.dll missing error that may be caused by an outdated operating system.
Reinstall the program: Reinstalling a program or game that is generating an error may resolve the issue.
1. Use a DLL-fixer tool
The libScePad.dll file is a 64-bit DLL file associated with Pad for Windows (DLL), and is developed by Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. Certain applications or games may require the libScePad.dll file to function properly.
If this DLL file is missing, you may encounter various errors when attempting to launch the application or game. If you encounter such situations, it is recommended to employ a DLL repair tool. We suggest using a dedicated tool, as it can effectively repair corrupted or missing DLL files.
While it is most effective when dealing with DLLs native to Windows, it is still a great solution for fixing the libScePad.dll missing error. This is due to its capability to resolve compatibility issues that may be responsible for triggering the error.
2. Re-register the DLL file manually
Press Windows + R to open the Run command, type cmd, and press Ctrl + Shift + Enter to open the Command prompt in administrator mode.
Click on Yes to the UAC prompt.
Type the following command and press Enter:regsvr32 libscepad.dll
Restart your computer to save the changes.
3. Run a full virus scan
Press the Start button, type in Windows Security in Windows search, and select Windows Security app from the search result.
On the Windows Security app, go to the Virus & threat protection section and click on Scan options on the right-side pane.
On the Scan options page, select Full scan and click Scan now to perform a deep scan of your PC.
After the scan is over, restart your computer.
There is an alternative way for you to scan your PC for various malware and efficiently destroy it with the most effective antivirus tools.
With such software, it’s more likely to detect dangerous malware on your OS and eliminate it for good. In this way, this DLL issue will be finally solved.
4. Update the device drivers
Right-click on the Windows icon and select Device Manager from the context menu.
Look for any devices in the Device Manager with a yellow exclamation mark or a red X next to them.
Right-click on the driver and select Update driver.
Select the Search automatically for drivers option.
Follow the on-screen instructions to update the driver.
Then, restart your device and check if the libScePad.dll error message is gone.
5. Run the System Checker
Press Windows + R to open the Run command box, type cmd, hold the Ctrl + Shift key, and click OK.
Click Yes on the User Account Control (UAC) prompt window.
In the Command Prompt window, type the following command and press Enter: sfc /scannow
After the scan is complete, then restart your computer.
6. Reset Windows
Press Windows + I to open Windows Settings.
Go to System settings and select the Recovery option on the right.
On the Recovery settings page, click Reset PC under Recovery options.
On the Reset this PC dialog window, select Keep my files.
Next, select Local reinstall.
Click Next to continue.
Finally, click Reset to start the reset process.
Registry cleaners can also be used to remove invalid registry entries that might be causing the DLL error for libScePad.dll. This can help improve your computer system’s overall health and performance.
For any queries or to share a solution that worked for you, drop a comment below.
Hal.dll is called Hardware Abstraction Layer Dynamic Link Library, a system file that links a computer’s hardware and software components.
If hal.dll is missing from your computer, your computer can’t communicate with the hardware. In this guide, we will discuss some of the tested fixes to resolve the issue right after talking about the causes.
What causes the hal.dll missing error?
There could be various reasons for the error; some of the common ones are mentioned here:
Damaged or corrupted boot.ini file – The .ini file, when damaged or corrupted, could cause various issues, including the DLL file. Try repairing the file using an SFC scan.
Hard drive is physically damaged – If your hard drive is physically damaged, your machine will not work properly and cause several issues.
Deleted or moved dll file -You might see this error if your dll file is deleted or moved from the original destination.
Virus infection – Viruses on your computer could corrupt system files, causing the missing DLL error. You need to run a deep scan using an antivirus tool.
Incorrect BCD configuration -If the data in the BCD is incorrect, BOOTMGR may load Windows with the wrong system root set, which could result in hal.dll not being located.
Now that you know the causes of the issue, let us move on to the methods to fix it.
What can I do to fix the hal.dll missing error?
Before engaging in advanced troubleshooting steps, you should consider performing the following checks:
Restart your computer.
Make sure the boot order in BIOS is correct.
If these tweaks didn’t work for you, check out the steps mentioned below.
1. Use a DLL fixer
This method will only work if your computer can boot. The easiest way to recover DLL files on a Windows computer is to use a DLL fixer tool.
These tools have a huge database of DLL files and can resolve the DLL missing or not found errors in a few clicks.
One such reliable DLL fixer tool can restore the hal.dll file, thereby resolving conflicts between OS and third-party apps, fixing various system issues, and enhancing the system’s performance.
2. Perform a Startup Repair
2.1 Enter Windows Recovery Environment
Press and hold the Power button for 10 seconds to turn off your device. Now, press the Power button to turn on your device.
When the manufacturer’s logo appears, repeat the same process twice.
This time, let it restart, and on the Automatic Repair screen, select Advanced options.
Now you are in Windows Recovery Environment.
2.2 Initiate Startup Repair
On the Choose an option screen, select Troubleshoot.
Select Advanced options.
Now select Startup Repair and click Restart.
Windows will restart, and it will try to fix the bootloader issues preventing your Windows operating system from loading.
3. Restore the Hal.dll file
Enter the Window Recovery Environment using the steps mentioned in Solution 2.
Now on the Choose an option screen, select Troubleshoot.
Now choose Advanced options.
Select Command Prompt and enter your login credentials if prompted.
Type the following command to access the System32 folder in your PC and hit Enter: cd system32
Now copy and paste the following command to check the CD ROM drive and press Enter: map
Type the following command to copy the file to the System32 folder and press Enter: expand d:\i386\hal.dl_
If it asks to overwrite, type Yes and press Enter.
So, these are methods you need to follow to fix the hal.dll missing error. If these steps didn’t fix the issue for you, you need to perform a clean installation of Windows to eliminate the problem.
If you have any questions or suggestions, feel free to mention them in the comments section below.
It’s that time again. Here’s the good news: Microsoft launched another build for insiders in the Beta channel. Billed as KB5026447, the update brings a few small improvements here and there.
You may remember the Build 25324 for Canary insiders that was shipped in late March 2023 where we saw the three-column widget board for the first time, and it continued in KB5025303 in late April.
The widgets board has two columns for the majority of users, but for some insiders, it displays an additional column, allowing them to customize the board with frequently used apps or news feeds.
The bad news is, just a week later, reports have emerged that the feature has vanished for some users following another update release. Microsoft has acknowledged the sudden disappearance of the feature has left users confused and frustrated.
When you launch the widgets board for the first time, you may see momentarily placeholders of the widgets/feed cards of the old 2-column layout even if your device supports 3-columns.
But to answer the title whether the 3-column widget board has vanished for good, we’re glad to say that it’s not going for good any time soon. Microsoft is likely working closely to fix this, given how massively revamped the widget feature is in the past few weeks.
Speaking of which, just like what they did with insiders in the Canary and Dev channels, KB5026447 also brings the new Facebook widget where you can access notifications from your accounts without logging into the browser.
A few months ago, Meta also launched a widget for the Messenger app, so this improvement is nice to see.
What other fixes and improvements that are coming in KB5026447, you may ask?
What other features are coming in KB5026447?
[General]
We are trying out providing alerts under Settings > Accounts advising users to add a recovery email address or phone number to their Microsoft account to ensure they never lose access to their account.
[Start menu]
We are trying out a small change with some Windows Insiders where the “Recommended” section of the Start menu is changed to “For you”. Let us know what you think in Feedback Hub if you see this change.
Fixes
[Input]
Made another fix for the underlying crash impacting the ability to launch the touch keyboard / PIN entry on the login screen.
[Notifications]
Fixed another 2FA code pattern which wasn’t being recognized. If you see any others, please file feedback!
[Task Manager]
Did some work to help address an issue which was causing random processes to sometimes get grouped under Microsoft Edge even though they weren’t related.
Fixed an issue impacting Task Manager reliability.
The search icon should be easier to see now when using a contrast theme.
Made the navigation pane a bit narrower. As part of this change, when necessary, the text will be wrapped now.
The creation of live kernel memory dump file submenu has access keys now.
Pressing enter when keyboard focus is on one of the sections (like Memory) in the Performance page should now actually switch sections.
Resizing Task Manager from the top of the window should work now.
Have you joined the Beta channel and installed KB5026447? How’s your experience? Let us know in the comments!
If you’ve ever wanted to keep someone in the loop when sending emails but didn’t want other people to know they were receiving communication, then you’ve just discovered blind carbon copy.
The BCC field is found in most modern email clients, including Gmail, Yahoo Mail, and Outlook. So what is it, and how does it work? Stay with us as we unpack how to make it work for you.
What is meant by blind carbon copy?
Blind carbon copy (BCC) is a feature in your email client that lets you send emails to multiple recipients without letting them know they were copied.
It’s a useful feature when you want to send an email to someone who’s also receiving the message but don’t want that person to know who else received the message. In simpler terms, it’s a way to keep the recipient list hidden from everyone except you instead of creating email groups.
So what are the benefits of using the BCC feature in an email? Below are some:
It’s a great way to send sensitive information like personal or financial information while still allowing people who need access to it to see it.
You can protect other people’s privacy by keeping their email addresses anonymous when replying to a large number of people.
It’s a good way to avoid getting unwanted responses from people who aren’t interested in the content of your email.
In an email, you’ll usually find three fields; To, CC, and BCC. The email’s originator can choose to add recipients to all these fields. Everyone else in the email thread can see anybody in the To and CC fields, but they can’t see those in the BCC field.
Those in the BCC field can also see these fields but cannot access any other recipients in the BCC field. When it comes to replies, it can go either of two ways;
If anyone in the To or CC field chooses to reply, it will only be delivered to the email’s originator. However, if they choose the reply all option, the email will be delivered to all those in the To and CC field. The BCC field recipients will be left out; only the originator can add them again when replying.
If anyone in the BCC field replies, the email will only reach the originator of the email. So who sees the reply all to a BCC? If anyone in the BCC field chooses the reply all option, their identity will be revealed to all those in the To and CC fields.
The BCC field is present in most email clients, so let’s look at some of the top ones.
Click on the BCC option and add recipients accordingly.
What is the difference between CC and BCC?
CC (carbon copy) and BCC (blind carbon copy) are both email addresses that you can include when sending an email.
A CC is a copy sent to someone who is not the primary recipient of the message, but the sender would like the involvement of the CC recipient(s).
This means the secondary recipient sees the sender and the primary recipient’s name on the message. BCC is used when you want someone to receive a copy of an email without anyone else knowing they have received it.
For example, if you want to email several people privately, use the BCC field instead of CC. The difference between them is that BCC will not be visible to the email recipient in the To and CC fields.
So, can you send an email with only BCC? No. An email must have a primary recipient in the To field. Unfortunately, only the sender can view the list of the BCC recipients.
It’s probably confusing why you would hide your installed programs instead of uninstalling them. However, some people get annoyed when they can’t find their favorite apps in the Start Menu or Desktop because too many unnecessary apps are taking up space.
So how do you go about hiding installed programs on your Windows device? Here is an article that details all the different ways you can achieve this.
Why should I hide installed programs?
You’re probably wondering why anyone would download an app only to hide it. However, there are compelling reasons, such as:
Clean up your desktop – A cluttered desktop or Start Menu can slow down your PC and make finding what you’re looking for harder.
Keep them out of sight until you need them – If you use some of these apps occasionally, probably once a month, there’s no need to have them on your Start Menu or Desktop at all times. You also avoid running low on memory at all times.
Quickly access priority apps – There are apps you use on a daily basis, and you need to access them quickly without searching. Hiding rarely-used apps can create space for your priority apps.
Parental controls – If you share your PC with children, some apps may not be age-appropriate hence the need to keep them hidden for privacy and protection purposes.
How do I hide all Programs in Windows?
Before you start hiding apps, there are some preliminary steps you need to take first. Here’s what you need to do:
Also, if you want to declutter your space, you can delete the app icon from your Desktop, unpin it from the Taskbar or hide it from the Start Menu.
Otherwise, if you’re looking for more permanent ways to hide installed programs, follow the below steps.
1. Use the Group Policy Editor
Hit the Windows + R keys to open the Run command.
Type gpedit.msc in the dialog box then hit Enter to open the Group Policy Editor.
Navigate to the following location: User Configuration/Administrative Templates/Control Panel/Programs
Find the Hide “Programs and Features” page option, right-click on it, and select Edit.
A new window will open. Check the Enabled option and click Apply and OK to save the changes.
To revert the changes, simply check the Not configured box, then click Apply and OK to save the changes.
The only downside with this method is that it hides all your installed programs. As such, if you experience any issues with an app, you cannot uninstall, change or repair the program.
Anyone who tries to access one of your installed apps will be hit with the Your system administrator has disabled Programs and Features message.
2. 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.
If a UAC prompt appears, click Yes to proceed.
Navigate to the following location depending on the location of your target app: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall or HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Wow6432Node\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall
Enter SystemComponent as the new value name.
Double-click on it and set the Value data as 1.
Now go back to the Control Panel and confirm that the app has been hidden.
To unhide the app, repeat steps 1 through 4 and delete the SystemComponent entry.
The app will only be hidden from the uninstall list in the Control Panel. However, you can search for it via the Search utility on the Taskbar if you need to access it.
While this is the method that can hide individual installed apps, editing the Registry is a very risky affair. Moreover, hiding many applications can be tedious, and you can easily make a mistake.
You must have created a backup or created a restore point before. Otherwise, should anything go wrong, the results could be catastrophic, and your PC could be inoperable.
3. Use third-party apps
Seeing as the built-in methods to hide apps in Windows have their limitations, you may want to consider third-party apps. These apps offer many more features and have fewer steps than the two above.
When selecting an app to do this job, ensure it is from the Microsoft Store or at least a trusted site. For instance, the Hide from Uninstall app or Apphide. This way, you can make your computer more organized and clean without importing malware from these sites.
Some users also recommended hiding the drive partition where the installed programs are located. Still, if anyone was to discover that the drive partition is hidden and restores it, the apps will also reappear.
Elsewhere, you can also hide your Taskbar icons if you’re running low on RAM or want to declutter your screen.
That’s all we had for this article. Let us know your preferred method to hide apps and why in the comment section below.
Some of our readers experienced the rtwlane02.sys BSoD error with the message PAGE_FAULT_IN_NONPAGED_AREA while playing games. It is a bit frustrating because, in some cases, you can’t even boot Windows normally. However, we have the right solutions to fix the rtwlane02.sys blue screen error.
Why do I get the rtwlane.sys BSoD in Windows 10 & 11?
Here are some of the reasons why you may experience the rtwlane02.sys BSoD on your device:
Old or damaged drivers – Usually, this problem is caused by incorrectly configured, old, or damaged Windows device drivers. Our readers have especially pointed to the Realtek wireless adapter driver.
Corrupted Registry – If you recently installed an app that is/was using the rtwlane.sys file, this error may appear. Luckily, we have a complete guide on how to fix the Windows 11 Registry.
Hard disk damage – Unfortunately, Windows disk errors may be at the core of this BSoD error. The highlighted guide will help you.
RAM corruption – The rtwlane.sys stop code may also be due to memory corruption. A RAM test would be more than recommended in this case.
Virus or malware infection – It is well known that malware and viruses can mess up the system files and rtwlane.sys may be one of the victims. Running a reputable antivirus may solve this issue.
Now that we know the possible causes of this issue, let’s apply the solutions below to fix it.
How do I fix the rtwlane.sys BSoD on Windows 11?
1. Disable the wireless adapter
Click the Start button, type cmd, and select Run as administrator from the results.
Type or paste the following command and press Enter to see which one is the wireless adapter: netsh interface show interface
Now that we know the name of the interface, paste the following command and press Enter to run it (Replace Wi-Fi with the actual name of your wireless interface: netsh interface set interface Wi-Fi disable
The rtwlane.sys file is connected to the Realtek wireless adapter; disabling it will allow you to boot your PC normally.
2. Update the wireless driver
Right-click the Start button and select Device Manager from the list.
Extend the Network adapters section, then right-click on the wireless adapter and select Update driver.
Now, click on Search automatically for drivers.
If there is an updated version of the driver, the system will install it.
There’s also the option of visiting the Realtek drivers page and looking for the correct one for your system. However, the most effective and time-saving alternative is to update the wireless driver with dedicated tools.
With such software, you can initiate a full scan on your Windows OS to detect any outdated drivers, thus updating them automatically with the latest official version.
Outbyte Driver Updater
Take the chance to update all the PC drivers with one click and avoid various system errors.
Click the Windows Start button, type cmd, and select Run as administrator to start Command Prompt with full privileges.
Next, type or paste the following command and press Enter: chkdsk / f
If there are any errors on your hard drive, the tool will help you fix them. The scan will take a few minutes, depending on the size of your drive.
If this solution solves the problem, you might also think about replacing your drive with an SSD for Windows 11.
5. Check your RAM
Click the Start button, type memory diagnostic, and click on Windows Memory Diagnostic.
Select Restart now and check for problems.
After restarting, the system will look for any problems with your RAM modules.
Unfortunately, one of the RAM modules may be causing this BSoD. If Windows Memory Diagnostic finds any problems with one of the modules, try removing and placing it again in its slot.
If you still have the same problem, you may need to replace the damaged component.
How do I fix the rtwlane.sys BSoD on Windows 10?
Fortunately, Windows 10 and 11 are not so different after all, and all the solutions we outlined above will work seamlessly on Windows 10 as well.
These are the best methods of fixing the rtwlane.sys BSoD, and we hope that now, your problem has been solved.
We also recommend reading our complete guide on the causes of BSoD and how to fix them.
Got a Windows update error? You then know the frustration of dealing with one. While most are easy to fix, some take time and effort, given the dearth of reliable information. One such is the 0x8007370 error.
It appears when you check for updates, and even though one is available, it can’t be downloaded and installed. In some cases, users encounter the 0x8007370 error with a specific update, while for others, it could be with all new versions. Let’s find out how you can get things up and running!
Why does Windows Update fail with a 0x8007370 error?
Here are a few reasons you are facing the 0x8007370 Windows update error:
Issues with the Windows update components: The Windows update components are vital to the process of checking and installing OS updates, and often problems with them can cause the error.
Critical services not running: There are several background services to support the update process, which need to be running for it to go through.
How do I fix the 0x8007370 error?
Before we move to the slightly complex fixes, try these quick tricks first:
Restart the computer.
Check for issues with the network connectivity and make sure you have a fast Internet connection.
Disable any third-party antivirus on the PC. If that does the trick, we recommend you go with a Windows-friendly antivirus.
If none work, move to the solutions listed next.
1. Repair the corrupt system files
Press Windows + S to open Search, type Command Prompt in the text field, and click on Run as administrator.
Click Yes in the UAC prompt.
Paste the following three commands individually and hit Enter after each to run the DISM tool:DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /CheckHealthDISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealthDISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
Once done, execute the following command to run the SFC scan:sfc /scannow
Finally, restart the computer for the changes to come into effect.
If it’s the corrupt system files to blame for the 0x8007370 error, running the DISM tool and SFC scan should do the trick. The two will identify and replace any missing or problematic ones.
In addition to this method, it’s quicker and more effective to employ specialized repair software that is developed to fix corrupted Windows files.
2. Run the critical services
Press Windows + R to open Run, type services.msc in the text field, and hit Enter.
Locate the Background Intelligent Transfer Service, right-click on it, and choose Properties.
Select Automatic from the Startup type dropdown menu, click on the Start button, and then on OK to save the changes.
Similarly, make sure the following services are running as well:
Cryptographic Services
MSI Server
Windows Update
After running the critical services and restarting the computer, verify whether the 0x8007370 Windows Update error is fixed.
3. Reset the Windows update components
Press Windows + R to open Run, type cmd, and hit Ctrl + Shift + Enter.
Click Yes in the prompt.
Run the following commands to stop the services:net stop bitsnet stop wuauservnet stop appidsvcnet stop cryptsvc
Execute the following command:Del "%ALLUSERSPROFILE%\Application Data\Microsoft\Network\Downloader*.*"
Run these two next:rmdir %systemroot%\SoftwareDistribution /S /Qrmdir %systemroot%\system32\catroot2 /S /Q
Execute these commands to reset the BITS and Windows Update services:sc.exe sdset bits D:(A;;CCLCSWRPWPDTLOCRRC;;;SY)(A;;CCDCLCSWRPWPDTLOCRSDRCWDWO;;;BA)(A;;CCLCSWLOCRRC;;;AU)(A;;CCLCSWRPWPDTLOCRRC;;;PU)sc.exe sdset wuauserv D:(A;;CCLCSWRPWPDTLOCRRC;;;SY)(A;;CCDCLCSWRPWPDTLOCRSDRCWDWO;;;BA)(A;;CCLCSWLOCRRC;;;AU)(A;;CCLCSWRPWPDTLOCRRC;;;PU)
Now, run the following command:cd /d %windir%\system32
Run these commands individually to register the critical DLLs:
9. Run these commands to reset the network configuration:netsh winsock resetnetsh winsock reset proxy
10. Execute the following commands to restart the services stopped earlier:net start bitsnet start wuauservnet start appidsvcnet start cryptsvc
Once you have reset the Windows update components, restart the computer for the changes to come into effect, and the 0x8007370 error should disappear for good.
Double-click on the ISO file, and click Open in the prompt.
Run the setup.exe file.
Click Yes in the UAC prompt.
Click on Next to proceed.
Now, click Accept to agree to Microsoft’s license terms.
Finally, verify that the setup reads Keep personal files and apps, and click Install to start the process.
An in-place upgrade usually takes a few hours but is an effective fix against 0x8007370 and many other errors. And you don’t lose any files or apps in the process. Besides, after the repair, the system performance improves significantly.
While surfing the web, especially using Chrome and some other Chromium-based browsers, a few of our readers have encountered the result_code_hung error.
You will probably get the error message Aw, Snap! Something went wrong while displaying this webpage. It may make your page unresponsive. So, let us show you how to fix it.
What is Result_code_hung in Chrome?
This is an error that stops your browser from serving your web resources. This may be limited to a specific website or cut across all sites you visit. Any of the following may trigger the error:
A bad cache – Corrupted cache data means that your computer may be stuck with old files that no longer work, which will trigger the error.
Poor internet connection – For most users, it may be a sign of bad internet, and we recommend a wired connection.
An outdated browser – You will face more browser errors if your browser is outdated, the result_code_hung issue inclusive.
Conflicting extensions – Extensions are helpful but may have compatibility issues with other extensions and the browser.
Below, we explore your best actions to resolve the error.
How can I fix the result_code_hung error?
Before going through the main fixes we recommend, you should try these simple workarounds:
Use a different browser – Since Chrome is notorious for this error, you may opt for another robust browsing option like Opera.
Reboot your device – A reboot will reset several processes and may save you the stress of further troubleshooting.
Open in Incognito – This private mode blocks out elements like extensions that may trigger the error and could be a good workaround.
If the above pre-solutions do not work, continue with the more elaborate fixes we now discuss.
1. Clear the Chrome cache
Restart the browser.
Press Ctrl + Shift + Del.
Select All time, then tick the checkboxes and hit Clear data.
2. Clear your PC cache
Press Windows + I to open the Settings app.
On the right pane, click on Storage.
Select Temporary files.
Tick the boxes from the list presented according to what you need to eliminate. Also, ensure to tick Temporary Internet Files, then select Remove files.
Click on the ellipses at the top right, select Help, then About Google Chrome.
The update will start automatically. If prompted, click Relaunch.
4. Use Secure DNS
Launch the browser.
In the Address locator, type the pattern below and hit Enter. chrome://settings/security
If not greyed out, switch on Use secure DNS.
Switch to the With radio button, choose Google (Public DNS), and enter the details below for Prime and Secondary, respectively. 8.8.8.8 8.8.4.4
Restart the browser.
5. Reset the browser
Launch your browser.
Navigate to the address below: chrome://settings/
Click Reset on the left and Restore settings to their original defaults on the right.
Click Reset settings.
6. Uninstall recently installed extensions
Launch the browser.
Click on the extension icon and select Manage extensions.
Select the Remove option for your more recently added extensions.
Restart the browser.
The solutions mentioned above have worked for several users and would be very efficient for you. Since we have not written these solutions in any particular order, you should try what seems the most suitable.
As a last resort, you may consider installing a fresh Chrome even though you may lose some valuable data.
Lastly, tell us in the comments section which solution was effective for you.
It’s that time again. Microsoft released another build for Windows 11 insiders in the Dev channel. Just like what they did by introducing Facebook widgets for insiders in Canary, Redmond officials are back with Windows 11 Build 23451, shedding more light on this hotly-wanted feature on File Explorer.
You may remember that Microsoft first introduced the details pane on File Explorer earlier this year with Build 25276 on the Dev channel. After going through a lot of revamps, it is now official that the UI gets reconstructed with a much more modernized look.
Once you enable the pane by choosing the Details pane in the View menu, you can see the file’s thumbnail, share status and button, recent activity, related files and emails, and even other relevant pieces of information.
Microsoft also says that similarly, you can use the View menu or toggle button to access the preview pane as this updated pane is designed to replace the old details pane in File Explorer.
However, even if you’re in the Dev channel, there are still chances that you may not see this as Microsoft is rolling out this experience to select Dev insiders to monitor feedback before pushing it out for everyone.
What other improvements that this build brings, you may ask? Aside from the now-official details pane on File Explorer, here’s everything else you need to know as we’ve noted from Microsoft’s release note.
H2: What other features are coming in Windows 11 Build 23451?
[Start menu]
We’re beginning to expand the roll out of notification badging for Microsoft accounts on the Start menu. A Microsoft account is what connects Windows to your Microsoft apps, backs up all of your data, helps you manage subscriptions, and where you can add extra security steps so you’re never locked out of your account. With this feature, we’re giving customers quick access to important account-related notifications. These notifications can be managed by going to Settings > Personalization > Start.
Example of a notification badge on the Start menu.
We continue to work on adding more valuable content to the Recommended section in the Start menu by re-introducing websites after trying this out with Insiders last fall. One improvement we’ve made is to recommend more useful and personal websites based on your browsing history instead of generally popular websites. Insiders can right-click on a website and choose to remove a website individually at any given time. Only some Insiders will see this experience and, if you do, please share your feedback. This feature will apply to users who have opted into sharing browsing data with Microsoft and have visited enough websites in Microsoft Edge or Google Chrome (with Continuous Import enabled). As a reminder, the settings for what is recommended on Start can be adjusted via Settings > Personalization > Start. Commercial customers can manage this experience via policy.
Recommended websites based on your browsing history on the Start menu.
[File Explorer]
For Windows Insiders who have Gallery in File Explorer (which began rolling out with Build 23435), we have updated the icon for Gallery.
Updated Gallery icon in File Explorer.
[Widgets]
We are beginning to roll out a new widget picker experience with an image that gives a visual preview of the widget before pinning, a deep linking ability that allows users to jump directly to the picker from the provider app/service as well as a link to the widgets Store collection page where users can discover more apps with widgets.
Updated widgets picker.
We are beginning to roll out animated icons for Widgets on the taskbar. The animation triggers when you hover or click on the Widgets taskbar entry-point or when a new widget announcement is displayed on your taskbar. Currently, only a few weather and finance icons are supported.
Example of animated icons for Widgets on the taskbar.
[Live captions]
Languages support has been expanded to include Danish, English (Ireland), French (Canada), Korean, Portuguese (Portugal).
[Developer]
Enabling end task by right-clicking on an app on the taskbar under Settings > Privacy & security > For developers now works in this build. The setting for this first showed up with Build 23430 but the feature was not working.
Fixes
[Taskbar & System Tray]
Fixed an explorer.exe crash impacting taskbar reliability.
Fixed an issue that was causing Quick Settings and its project options to sometimes not respond when using ALT + F4 to close them.
[Start menu]
Fixed an issue that was causing the Recommended section in Start to be blank the first time it was opened.
[File Explorer]
We fixed the following issues for Insiders previewing the Windows App SDK version of File Explorer
We fixed an underlying issue believed to be the cause of explorer.exe crashing when opening the context menu in the previous flight for some Insiders.
If you use an Arabic or Hebrew display language, the tabs should be displaying correctly now.
We fixed the following issues for Insiders with Gallery in File Explorer:
Fixed an issue where the scrollbar for Gallery was displaying on the wrong side for Insiders with an Arabic or Hebrew display language.
If you have the Item Check Boxes setting enabled, the Gallery will now show check boxes on images.
[Search]
Did some work to fix an underlying issue which could cause Search to get stuck and not open. When this happened, you might also see a delay opening the Start menu.
[Input]
Fixed an issue where the Pinyin IME’s insert text button wasn’t displaying correctly in some cases.
Fixed an underlying crash impacting the ability to launch the touch keyboard / PIN entry on the login screen.
[Notifications]
Fixed another 2FA code pattern which wasn’t being recognized. If you see any others, please file feedback!
[Live captions]
Fixed an issue where caption characters shown in the second line of the default height window were getting clipped on top.
Features have been added to the enhanced speech recognition language files to improve performance and provide out-of-language filtering meant to limit the incorrect captions for speech not in the caption language.
[Accessibility]
Fixed an issue where using the down key while navigating by landmark with Narrator in Edge wasn’t jumping to the first line of the landmark correctly.
NOTE: Some fixes noted here in Insider Preview builds from the Dev Channel may make their way into the servicing updates for the released version of Windows 11.
Have you joined the Dev channel and installed Windows 11 Build 23451? How’s your experience? Let us know in the comments!
Windows updates are critical both to the performance of the PC and for its security. With every new version, you usually get a set of enhancements and vital security updates. But, the Windows Update errors act as a barrier here. One such is the 0x8009001D error.
The complete message, in this case, reads, There were problems installing some updates, but we’ll try again later. Error code: 0x8009001d. The error is similar to others in the same category and can be resolved in no time. Let’s find out how!
Why do I get the 0x8009001D Windows Update error?
Here are a few reasons users come across 0x8009001D:
Corrupt system files: The most common reason behind the error is corrupt system files. Besides the Windows update errors, these affect the PC’s performance and even lead to BSOD.
Problems with the update components: The Windows Update Components play a vital role in the process, and even the smallest of problems here can lead to the 0x8009001D error.
Third-party software blocking the updates: In many cases, it was a third-party antivirus or firewall blocking the process, triggering the error.
How do I fix the 0x8009001D error?
Before we proceed, try these quick solutions:
Restart the computer and try checking for updates.
Press Windows + S to open Search, type Command Prompt in the text field, and click on Run as administrator.
Click Yes in the UAC prompt.
Paste the following three commands individually and hit Enter after each:DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /CheckHealthDISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealthDISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
Once done, execute this command to run the SFC scan: sfc /scannow
A quick fix when you get the 0x8009001D update error is to check for corrupt system files and use the DISM and SFC scans to repair them.
Alternatively, you could resolve such issues more efficiently with a dedicated repair tool designed to patch your PC 100% automatically.
2. Make sure the relevant services are running
Press Windows + R to open Run, type services.msc in the text field, and hit Enter.
Locate the Background Intelligent Transfer Service, right-click on it, and choose Properties.
Select Automatic from the Startup type dropdown menu, click the Start button, and then on OK.
Once done, make similar changes to the following services as well:
Cryptographic Services
MSI Installer
Windows Update
3. Update Windows from the official website (Windows 10)
Run the Windows Update Assistant downloaded on the PC and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the process.
Another easy solution when you keep getting 0x8009001D while updating Windows is to use the update assistant. It should bypass various system-related problems and allow you to update seamlessly.
4. Clear the SoftwareDistribution folder
Press Windows + E to open File Explorer, paste the following path in the address bar, and hit Enter:C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution
Now, press Ctrl + A to select all the files here, and then hit Delete to clear them.
Once done, restart the computer and again check for updates.
Press Windows + R to open Run, type cmd, and hit Ctrl + Shift + Enter.
Click Yes in the prompt.
Now, run these commands to stop the Windows Update, BITS, Cryptographic, and MSI Server services:net stop wuauservnet stop cryptSvcnet stop bitsnet stop msiserver
Paste the two commands and hit Enter to rename the SoftwareDistribution and catroot2 folders:Ren C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.oldRen C:\Windows\System32\catroot2 Catroot2.old
Next, execute these commands to restart the services stopped earlier:net start wuauservnet start cryptSvcnet start bitsnet start msiserver
Finally, restart the computer for the changes to come into effect.
Resetting the Windows Update Components, a critical part of the process, has helped many users get rid of the 0x8009001D error. So, make sure you give it a try!
6. Manually install the updates
Locate the KB (Knowledge Base) number of the update that failed to install.
Click on Download next to the update that best matches your OS architecture and iteration.
Click on the download link in the pop-up browser window.
Run the setup and follow the on-screen instructions to install the update.
That’s it! When the previous methods fail to work against 0x8009001D, another solution is to manually install the missing updates in Windows. The process is quick but requires a basic understanding of the OS and the knowledge of PC specifications.
7. Reset Windows
When nothing else works, the last option is to factory reset Windows. You have two options here: keep the files or clear them all. We recommend the latter. But make sure to use an effective backup tool or copy the critical files to a USB drive to avoid loss of data.
The process will take some time but has an extremely high likelihood of getting things up and running.
With this feature, you can right-click on the taskbar icon of any open window and you’ll see options to close the window and end the task, as spotted by Windows enthusiast PhantomOcean3.
“You will soon be able to quickly end an entire task/process by right clicking it on the taskbar and choosing a new ‘End task’ option, Task Manager style. New in build 25300 and hidden. Feature name is just ‘EndTask'”
Compared to closing the window, ending the task means terminating all the activities for good and killing all background processes, and it could be a game changer for users who deal with lagged apps as they wouldn’t have to go to Task Manager anymore.
This feature reappears in Windows 11 Build 23430 from the Dev channel from April 2023, and unlike the previous releases, you won’t need a third-party tool like ViVeTool to activate it.
We are introducing a new setting under Settings > Privacy & security > For developers to enable end task when right-clicking an app on the taskbar. This setting is in Build 23430 but does not currently work when the feature is toggled on. It will be fixed in a future flight.
Then, in Build 23451 from May 2023, the feature is back and is completely functional, as seen on this tweet by the Windows enthusiast.
Here's the functional End Task on taskbar right click (force quit?) feature in 23451! Complete with killing explorer.exe to prove this actually ends the task lol pic.twitter.com/hwaNAIRZbP
The addition, however, is hidden and is met with a bit of polarizing reception from some users. They believe that it could cause confusion for users that aren’t specifically tech-savvy, or even those who are not attentive.
How to enable end-task from the taskbar on Windows 11
1. Make sure to join the Windows Insider program and opt for the Dev channel. Go to Settings ➜ Windows Update ➜ Windows Insider Program.
2. Make sure to choose Dev from the Insider settings dropdown.
3. Go back to Windows Update and hit Update.
4. Once the Build 23451 is installed, go to Settings ➜ Privacy & security ➜ For developers.
5. Enable End task when right-clicking an app.
6. On your taskbar, right click on any app you want to close and click End task.
Speaking of Build 23430, Windows enthusiasts have spotted another feature of the new WinAppSDK-powered File Explorer. There’s a details pane sitting comfortably on the right side of the Explorer screen where you can see the insights of the file (date modified, user, etc.)
Have you joined the Windows Insider program and installed Build 23430? Let us know in the comments!
It’s that time again. Microsoft rolled out another build for Windows 11 insiders. This time, those who opted for the Canary channel can install Build 25357 in their system.
As noted from Redmond officials’ release note of the build, insiders in the build can get a taste of Facebook’s new widget. Now in the preview version, you can see top notifications from your profile through the widget board without having to check on your browser.
Facebook is rolling out a preview version of their widget. To give it a try, download the Facebook app from the Microsoft Store or update to the latest version of the app. Then open the widgets board and navigate to the widgets picker by clicking the “+” button at the top-right of the board to pin your widget.
Earlier this year, you may remember that Meta launched a widget for Messenger chats, so this move makes total sense.
While the Canary channel oftentimes brings hot-off-the-presses updates, builds in this channel are the earliest and potentially the most unstable. It is recommended that only advanced users or developers use the Canary channel and that they use it on a secondary device or in a virtual machine to avoid any potential issues on their primary device.
But what other improvements does Build 25357 bring, you may ask? Facebook widget aside, there are a few important fixes that you may want to check out.
What other fixes and improvements are coming in Windows 11 Build 25357?
[General]
The new volume mixer experience in Quick Settings mentioned here is now available for all Insiders in the Canary Channel.
C++ packages for Win32 headers and libs per architecture
BuildTools package when you just need tools like MakeAppx.exe, MakePri.exe, and SignTool.exe
These NuGet packages provide more granular access to the SDK and better integration in CI/CD pipelines.
While the widget is not mandatory, it is evident that choosing to enable it could lead to an excess of notifications on your computer. However, the decision to do so ultimately lies with you.
In the previous Canary build, Microsoft reportedly worked on a feature that let you offload optional functions on Edge, like the crypto wallet for example, to ensure a faster browsing experience, especially for those running a low-end PC.
Have you joined the Canary channel and installed Build 25357? Let us know in the comments.
Tunnel.sys, a Microsoft Tunnel Interface Driver file under the Win32 EXE (Driver) category may get corrupt and result in a random blue screen crash.
If you are greeted with the message Your PC ran into a problem and needs to restart, and tunnel.sys is stated as the reason for it, walk through this guide to discover the possible solutions.
Why do I get the tunnel.sys BSoD error?
The tunnel.sys BSoD error can occur for several reasons. The most prominent ones are as follows:
Corrupt system drivers – Corrupt or outdated system drivers are no longer compatible and are the primary cause of this BSoD error.
Virus infection – If your PC is infected with malware, it may corrupt the system files and cause blue screen issues.
Corrupt registry – If the registry gets corrupt, your PC may crash randomly with the tunnel.sys error.
Broken system files – Broken system files cause your system to malfunction and cause random issues such as tunnels.sys BSoD error.
If you also encounter this BSoD error on your computer, you can implement the methods provided in the guide to resolve the problem.
How do I fix the tunnel.sys BSoD error?
Before you proceed to the complex solutions listed below, try the following workarounds.
Uninstall the problematic app and re-install it again.
If these methods did not help get past this BSoD error, employ the following fixes.
1. Restart your PC in Safe Mode
Hold down the power button for 10 seconds to turn off your device. Press the power button again to turn on your device. Repeat this process until you reach the Automatic Repair screen.
Press the Advanced options button to initiate the automatic repair process.
Next, choose Troubleshoot option.
Choose Advanced options from the next window.
Now click the Startup Settings option from the Advanced options window.
A list of options to log into the safe mode will appear on the screen. Hit the F5 key to select Safe Mode with Networking.
Now try the several troubleshooting methods listed below to resolve the tunnel.sys BSoD error.
2. Create a new user account
Use the Windows + I shortcut to bring up the Settings app.
Switch to the Accounts settings from the left navigation panel and select the Family & other users option.
Press the Add account button located under the Other users section.
Click I don’t have this person’s sign-in information on the new pop-up.
Next, click Add a user without a Microsoft account option.
Provide the login credentials and other related details on the next screen and press the Next button.
Press the Windows key to launch the Start menu, type cmd in the Search bar and choose Run as administrator from the right section of the search results.
Click the Yes button on the User Account Control window to launch the command prompt with elevated permissions.
Type or paste the following command and press the Enter key to initiate the System File Checker. SFC /scannow
After the message verification is 100% complete, type or paste the below command and press the Enter key. DISM /Online /Cleanup-image /Restorehealth
System File Checker will scan your PC to repair the corrupt system files, and the DISM tool scans and replaces the faulty Windows system images with the original file stored in the compressed folder.
After the scanning process gets completed, restart your computer and verify the tunnel.sys BSoD error has been resolved.
4. Run Driver Verifier
Use the Windows + R shortcut key to launch the Run dialog box, type the following command in the text box, and press the Enter key. verifier
Press Yes on the User Action Control prompt to allow Driver Verifier Manager to make changes on your computer.
Next, enable the radio button for Create Standard Settings option under Select a task window and press Next.
Now, choose Automatically select all drivers installed on this computer option and hit the Finish button.
Note the name of the problematic driver triggering the error code. You can then troubleshoot the issues with that driver to resolve the Blue Screen of Death error code.
The Driver Verifier runs in the background to test all the drivers and detect and troubleshoot the underlying driver issues and instabilities, such as the BSoD crash with the tunnel.sys error.
5. Reset your PC
Use the Windows + I shortcut to launch the Settings app.
From the System settings section, choose Recovery located on the right.
Press the Reset PC button present under the Recovery options section.
A Reset this PC window will pop up on the screen. Select the Keep my files option to reset Windows while losing your data.
On the next window, specify the method you would like to opt for reinstalling Windows. You can go with the Local reinstall option to install Windows locally.
Follow the step-by-step procedure to reset your PC. Reinstalling Windows will remove all the misconfigured settings and will restore the system files to get rid of the tunnel.sys BSoD error.
That’s all about it! We’re sure that this guide helped you troubleshoot the tunnel.sys BSoD error code without needing any external help.
In case, you run into the rt640x64.sys error during a BSoD screen crash, this guide will help you troubleshoot the issue.
If you have any queries or suggestions for us, feel free to drop them in the comments section below.
Many of our readers have run into an error .DLL is not a valid Win32 application when trying to launch a program or install an application.
This indicates that the DLL file is not supported, and as a result, Windows is unable to interpret its contents. Corrupt or missing DLL errors are frustrating but can be easily fixed using a few workarounds.
Why do I get the .DLL is Not A Valid Win32 Application error?
The error in question might arise because of one of the following reasons:
Virus and malware – If an antivirus is not installed, viruses and malware can modify, delete and even overwrite the DLL causing all sorts of issues. Scan your PC with a reliable antivirus.
Unsupported DLL version – The DLL version might not be supported with the system architecture of your Windows PC.
Incomplete installation – The error can occur if the application has not been installed correctly. Uninstall the affected program and re-install it.
Outdated application – If the concerned app hasn’t been updated for a long time, there can be incompatibilities with the system hence the error.
Now that we know the probable causes for this error, follow the solutions below to fix it.
How do I fix .DLL is not a valid Win32 application error?
1. Use a DLL fixer
The most prominent reason behind the .DLL is not a valid Win32 application error is the incompatibility issues between Windows and the program the DLL is a part of.
Trying to resolve such problems single-handedly is a Gordian knot, especially if you have little understanding of system-related errors.
Hence, it is recommended to use a reliable DLL fixer that is capable of resolving all sorts of DLL-related errors.
2. Run SFC and DISM scans
Press the Windows key, type cmd in the search bar, and select the Run as administrator option from the result section.
Type or copy-paste the following command and press the Enter key to initiate the SFC scan. sfc /scannow
After the verification is complete, type or paste the following command and press the Enter key to run the DISM scan. DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /Restorehealth
When the scanning process is complete, reboot your PC and check if the .DLL is not a valid Win32 application error persists.
3. Re-register Shell32.dll
Press the Windows key to launch the Start menu, type cmd in the search bar and choose Run as administrator from the right result section.
Type the following command and press the Enter key to execute it. regsvr32 /i shell32.dll
Press the OK button on the register server prompt that states that the action is completed.
Shell32.dll is a crucial system file of the Windows operating system which is executed every time an executable file runs on your computer.
If this .DLL becomes gets unregistered, you are likely to run into the .DLL is not a valid Win32 application error every time you attempt to run an application.
Launch the File Explorer using the Windows + E shortcut and navigate to the file location.
Right-click the executable file and choose Properties from the context menu.
Switch to the Compatibility tab, enable the option saying Run this program in compatibility mode, and then in the drop-down, select the OS version in which you want to run the file.
Finally, press the OK button to save the changes.
5. Manually install the compatible DLL
We always discourage our readers from downloading app installers and DLLs from unreliable internet sources, as doing so means exposing yourself to various online threats.
However, you can manually download the DLL file from trusted websites such as DLL Files, having a library of legitimate DLL files.
Hence, you should make sure that you download the correct version of the DLL compatible with your computer. After the download is completed, unzip its contents, paste the DLL into the program installation folder, and try installing the program once again.
These are all the methods that will prove effective in resolving the .DLL is not a valid Win32 application error that appears when you launch a program on your PC.
Srv2.sys is a Server Message Block Version 2.0 server driver which may sometime cause a random blue screen issue or unexpected reboot on your computer. This may result in causes data loss and it restricts the inability to perform any task on your computer.
Why do I encounter the srv2.sys BSoD error?
There are several possible reasons why the srv2.sys BSOD error decided to show up on your PC. Some of the common ones are:
Corrupt kernel mode drivers – srv2.sys BSOD error primarily occurs due to corrupt kernel-mode drivers of your computer.
Malware infection – A system infected with viruses and malware is vulnerable to BSoD errors like the one you are currently facing.
Corrupt system files – Missing or damaged system files on your computer cause your system to malfunction and crash with a BSoD error.
Problematic Windows updates – Some Windows updates if buggy can cause multiple issues within the system instead of improving the user experience.
Conflicting apps – Some of our readers have experienced the srv2.sys crash right after installing some third-party apps.
Now that we know the potential causes, let’s fix the problem quickly with the solutions below.
How do I fix the srv2.sys BSoD error?
Before jumping on the advanced solutions listed below, perform the following workarounds on your computer:
If these methods did not do the trick, employ the following fixes one by one.
1. Restart your PC in Safe Mode
Power on your PC and quickly turn it off as soon as the Windows logo flashes on the screen. Repeat this process until you reach the Automatic Repair screen.
Now press the Advanced options button to go further with the automatic repair process.
Next, choose Troubleshoot option.
Choose Advanced options from the next screen.
Now select Startup Settings from the Advanced options window.
A list of options on the screen. Hit the F5 key to enable Safe Mode with Networking.
Your PC will be operating with the minimum number of apps and system drivers. You can now apply the methods listed below to troubleshoot the successfully troubleshoot srv2.sys BSOD issue.
2. Run SFC and DISM scans
Press the Windows key to launch the Start menu, type cmd in the Search bar and choose Run as administrator from the right section of the search results.
Click the Yes button on the User Account Control prompt to launch the command prompt with administrative privileges.
Type or paste the following command and press the Enter key to scan your system files using System File Checker. sfc/scannow
After the verification is 100% complete message appears, type or copy-paste these commands one at a time and press Enter key after each one. DISM /Online /Cleanup-image /ScanhealthDISM /Online /Cleanup-image /RestorehealthDISM /online /cleanup-image /startcomponentcleanup
The SFC scan analyzes your system for damaged files, and the DISM tool scans and repairs the faulty Windows system images which might trigger the srv2.sys blue screen error.
Instead of using Command Prompt processes, you’re able to diagnose your OS issues with dedicated repairing tools.
3. Run the CHKDSK command
Click the Windows icon on the taskbar, type cmd in the search bar on top, and choose the Run as administrator option from the search result section.
Press Yes on the User Action Control popup to launch Command Prompt with elevated permissions.
Now type the following command and press the Enter key to initiate the check disk utility. You can replace the letter C with the hard drive letter on which the operating system is installed. chkdsk c: /f /r
The CHKDSK command will scan your hard disk space to identify the bad sectors, automatically repair them and generate the status report. After the process is completed, restart your PC; hopefully, the srv2.sys BSOD error will no longer bother you.
Right-click the Windows icon and choose Device Manager from the Quick Links menu.
Double-click the Display adapters category to view the list of devices.
Right-click the graphics card and select Update driver from the context menu.
Choose the Search automatically for drivers option.
This will prompt your computer to find the best available driver for the graphics card on the system and will automatically download and install them.
However, if you see a message saying the best drivers are already installed, close the Update Drivers window and implement the other methods for updating the graphics drivers on Windows PC. Follow the same process to update the outdated drivers one by one under each category.
5. Perform System Restore
Click the Windows icon to bring up the Start menu, type create a restore point in the search bar, and choose the first search result to access the System Properties window.
Press the System Restore button present in the System Protection tab.
Choose the restore point from the list where your PC was working normally, and hit the Next button on the bottom right.
Press the Finish button on the Confirm your restore point window to initiate the system restore process.
Keep in mind that you restoring your PC to a previous state is only possible if you have created a restore point on your system before this BSOD error showed up.
Hopefully, the methods listed above successfully resolved the srv2.sys BSOD error such that the normal state of your computer is restored.
Refer to this guide wherever you encounter the BSOD with the 0xc0000001 error code on your PC. If you need further help in this context, do not hesitate to drop us a comment below.
Are you a Microsoft 365 user looking to stay ahead of the curve and get early access to new features and updates? If so, you’re in luck. The Microsoft 365 Insider program allows users to do just that, by providing early access to new features and updates before they’re released to the general public. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through the steps to join the Microsoft 365 Office Insider program and start exploring all that Microsoft 365 has to offer. If you’re interested in installing Microsoft 365 Insider builds on your device, follow the steps below to check if you’re eligible and pick the Insider level that best suits your needs.
Step 1: Check your eligibility for the Microsoft 365 Insider program on Windows
To check if you’re eligible to install Microsoft 365 Insider builds, open a desktop application like Word or Excel and click on Account. Look for your license under Product Information and compare it to the license types listed below.
If you have a Microsoft 365 Family or Personal subscription, you can install Insider builds by following the instructions provided on the page. Look for “Microsoft 365” under Subscription Product, and you should also see a “Microsoft 365 Insider” button.
If you have a Business/Education subscription, your Microsoft 365 administrator manages your subscription, and you won’t be able to install or manage Insider builds unless they enable it.
If you have a perpetual license, such as a year like 2019 or “LTSC” in your license name, you have a non-subscription version of Office and won’t be able to join the Microsoft 365 Insider program.
Step 2: Choose an Insider level
Microsoft 365 Insider for Windows offers two levels for those with a Microsoft 365 subscription: Beta Channel and Current Channel (Preview). The Beta Channel is best for those who want to use the latest builds to identify issues and provide feedback about new features still in development. The Current Channel (Preview) is best for early adopters who want early access to new features but also want to receive less frequent, more stable updates.
Step 3: Install Microsoft 365 Insider builds
To install Insider builds, open any Microsoft 365 app on Windows and click on File > Account > Microsoft 365 Insider > Join Microsoft 365 Insider.
In the Join Microsoft 365 Insider dialog box, check the box next to “Sign me up for early access to new releases of Microsoft 365 apps” and choose the Insider channel you want. Click the box to “Check for and apply updates” and “I agree to the terms and conditions…” and then click OK.
Depending on your notification settings, you may need to confirm that you want to allow the app to make changes to your device. After which you should get a confirmation message that you have successfully joined the program, be sure to click OK again.
Once you have successfully completed the process of joining the Microsoft 365 Insider program and have chosen the Insider level that best suits your needs, clicking OK will allow you to download and install new Insider builds of Microsoft 365 apps on your PC. These new Insider builds will have the latest features and updates not yet released to the general public. Being an Insider member lets you have access to these features early, enabling you to start using them before they become widely available.
However, keep in mind that these Insider builds are still in development, so they may not work seamlessly and can have sudden bugs or glitches that are yet to be ironed out. You can help improve Microsoft 365 Insider builds by giving feedback to Microsoft when a new version causes issues or if you have any suggestions. Overall, clicking OK is an exciting moment and the beginning of your journey to exploring the latest and greatest features of Microsoft 365.
Step 4: Join the Community
If you have any questions or feedback about the Microsoft 365 Insider program or want to access resources to help you get started with the program, the Microsoft 365 Insider Tech Community and the Answers forum are great places to start. These platforms offer a variety of resources, including step-by-step guides and forums where you can connect with other Microsoft 365 Insiders to share feedback and ask questions.
Conclusion
Becoming a Microsoft 365 Insider is an excellent opportunity to get early access to new features and updates before they are released publicly. By following the simple steps outlined in this guide, you can check your eligibility, choose an Insider level, and install Insider builds on your device. Additionally, you can connect with the Microsoft 365 Insider Tech Community and the Answers forum to provide feedback and ask questions. Join the Microsoft 365 Insider program today and experience all that Microsoft 365 has to offer. And if you’re interested in other Microsoft apps and services, be sure to check out our other guides, including Teams, Windows 11, and more.
The error code 0x4005(16389) is a common Windows system error that can occur when upgrading Windows. It usually indicates that there was an issue during the upgrade process, such as a failure to install or update a specific system component or driver.
In this guide, we will discuss the possible causes of the 0x4005(16389) error and provide step-by-step instructions on how to fix it.
What causes 0x4005(16389) error?
The error code 0x4005(16389) can occur during a Windows upgrade process and is usually associated with the following common causes:
Different Windows edition: If the Windows edition you are trying to upgrade to differs from the one currently installed on your computer.
Third-party antivirus conflicts: Certain third-party software installed on your computer may conflict with the Windows upgrade process and cause the 0x4005 error.
Insufficient storage space: If your computer’s hard drive does not have enough space to install the Windows upgrade files, the process may fail and result in the 0x4005 error.
Corrupt system files: If the essential Windows system files are corrupt, it can lead to the 0x4005 error.
Local Computer Description: If you set the computer description during the task sequence, the error code may occur if the script or command used to perform this action fails.
How do I fix the 0x4005(16389) error when upgrading Windows?
Before attempting more complex solutions, here are some straightforward steps to try:
Restart your device: Restarting your computer can often resolve the issue at hand.
Use the same Windows Edition to upgrade: If you attempt to upgrade to a different version of Windows than what’s on your computer, ensure that you upgrade to the same edition.
Disable third-party antivirus programs: Antivirus programs can sometimes interfere with the upgrading process and prevent it from completing successfully. To avoid this issue, you should disable your antivirus program temporarily.
1. Free up disk space
Open the Start menu, type disk cleanup, and select the Disk Cleanup app from the search result.
Select the drive system drive (typically labeled C🙂 and click OK.
Next, click the Clean up system files button.
Select the system drive again and click OK.
Now, select the files you wish to delete, and click OK.
Click Delete Files to confirm.
Insufficient disk space is a common issue that arises during Windows updates and upgrades, making it impossible to install them. According to Microsoft, you will need at least 20 GB of free space for upgrading to Windows 10 or 64 GB of free space for Windows 11.
You can also defragment the drive to free up some space and optimize the PC’s performance.
2. Extend the partition to create more space
Press the Windows + R to open the Run command, type diskmgmt.msc, and hit Enter.
If you want to shrink a volume, locate the drive or partition, right-click on it, and select Shrink Volume…
Enter the amount of space you want to subtract from the drive in MB and click Shrink.
In case you want to delete a volume, right-click on the unused drive/partition you want to delete and select Delete Volume...
Right-click on the drive/partition you want to extend and select Extend Volume…
In the Extend Volume Wizard window, click Next.
Click Next to add all the unallocated space to the drive you want to extend or specify the volume size you want to add and then click Next.
Click Finish to extend the drive.
If you see a warning prompt, click Yes to proceed.
NOTE
To expand the storage capacity of a drive or partition, you must first reduce the size of another drive or remove an unused drive to generate unallocated space. Then, you can use the unallocated space to increase the volume of any drive on your disk.
These instructions are intended for IT professionals or system administrators who are using System Center Configuration Manager (SCCM) to deploy Windows operating systems in an enterprise environment.
Confirm if the error is related to a script or command failing during the task sequence, which is responsible for setting the local computer description.
Open the task sequence in the System Center Configuration Manager (SCCM) console and locate the option for setting the computer description.
Add a Run Command-Line to the task sequence and then run the following command:cmd /c net config Server /SRVCOMMENT:"%OSDComputerDescription%"
Save the changes.
Run the task sequence again, and the error should now be resolved.
If you encounter the 0x4005(16389) error while attempting to set the local computer description using a script or command during the task sequence, you can use this method to resolve the error and successfully complete the task sequence.
4. Clean install Windows
4.1 Create Windows installation media
Insert a blank USB or blank DVD with at least 8 GB of space.
The MSVCP140_1.dll file is a Dynamic Link Library file that is part of the Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable for Visual Studio 2015, 2017, and 2019. It is a necessary component used by many applications to ensure the proper functionality of the application.
An error message indicating that the MSVCP140_1.dll file is missing or not found means that the DLL file is corrupt or missing. Additionally, the application you are trying to run requires this file for proper operation.
What is the MSVCP140_1.dll?
MSVCP140_1.dll, also known as a Microsoft® C Runtime Library _1 file, is an essential component for running software applications created using the Visual C++ programming language.
There are several reasons why this error can occur, some of which are – missing or corrupt DLL, outdated or incompatible software, malware, registry errors, or hardware issues.
If the MSVCP140_1.dll file is missing or broken, it may cause various error messages, including:
The program can’t start because MSVCP140_1.dll is missing from your computer.
MSVCP140_1.dll missing.
MSVCP140_1.dll is missing from your computer. Try reinstalling the program to fix this problem.
MSVCP140_1.dll not Found.
This application has failed to start because MSVCP140_1.dll was not found. Reinstalling the application may fix this problem.
How can I fix the MSVCP140_1.dll was not found error?
1. Use a dedicated DLL repair tool
MSVCP140_1.dll file is essential for running various programs on a Windows operating system that were developed using Microsoft Visual C++. Hence, if it is missing from your device, it is best to use a professional DLL repair tool instead of downloading the DLL file from shady sites.
DLL fixers are a reliable solution for fixing DLL files as it automatically performs a thorough scan of your device and guarantees a 100% success rate in repairing all damaged or missing DLL files.
2. Reinstall the Microsoft Visual C ++ Redistributable Package
Visit the Visual C++ 2015 Redistributable download page on Microsoft’s official website, select the language, and click Download.
Select the vc_redist.X64.exe option and click Next.
After the file is downloaded, run the EXE file and follow the instructions to install it.
Then, restart your PC.
As you know, the MSVCP140_1.dll is part of the Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable package. Hence, reinstalling the Microsoft Visual C ++ Redistributable Package will easily fix this issue.
3. Clean install the program
Press the Windows + R key to open the Run dialog box, type appwiz.cpl, and press Enter.
Right-click the program that caused the error and choose Uninstall. Click Yes if prompted.
After that, restart your computer and reinstall the program.
Launch the app and see if the error appears again.
4. Re-register the DLL file manually
Press Windows + R to open Run, type cmd, and press Ctrl + Shift + Enter to open the Command prompt in elevated mode.
Click on Yes to the UAC prompt.
Type the below command and press Enter:regsvr32 msvcp140_1.dll
Reboot your system to save the changes.
5. Run a full virus scan
Press the Windows key, type in Windows Security in the Search menu, and press Enter.
Go to the Virus & threat protection tab and click on Scan options on the right pane.
On the Scan options page, select Full scan, and click Scan now.
After the scan is over, restart your computer.
6. Run the System Checker
Press Windows + R to open the Run command box, type cmd, hold the Ctrl + Shift key, and click OK to run Command Prompt as administrator.
Click Yes on the User Account Control (UAC) prompt window.
Type the following command and press Enter: sfc /scannow
Wait for the SFC tool to complete the scan, then restart your computer.
In conclusion, the MSVCP140_1.dll not found error can be a frustrating issue to deal with, but several effective solutions are available to fix it.
You can try using a dedicated DLL repair tool which will automatically scan and replace any damaged or missing DLL files.
Before you leave, check the best Windows settings for enhanced performance and security.
By following these steps, you can successfully fix the MSVCP140_1.dll not found error and ensure your system runs smoothly without any further errors.
Looking for the best Skype alternatives now that Skype is discontinued? With Microsoft dropping support for the platform, many users are searching for Skype alternatives for Windows 11 and 10 that offer reliable messaging and calling features. Whether you’re after free Skype alternatives or dependable replacements for Skype phone call services, there are plenty of options to consider.
What is arguably the best Skype alternative, Discord quickly rose to the top as the premier VoIP app for internet communities. The best thing about Discord is you get so many great features for free.
It offers voice channels for gamers to communicate with each other in real-time without any lag, the ability to share screens, plus a robust set of moderation tools.
With those tools, users can create their servers and manage their communities. You’ll be able to create multiple channels within those servers, then assign roles with specific permissions to people.
Another great aspect of Discord is its intuitive interface which is easy to navigate if you join multiple servers.
There is a premium version called Discord Nitro, allowing users access to use custom emojis on other channels.
Zoom has been around for a little over a decade now, but only really rose to prominence within the last couple of years or so when remote work exploded in popularity.
In that time, the app has become the go-to software for professional video conferences thanks to its ability to handle a large number of participants and maintain a high-quality live stream.
Zoom has a more user-friendly interface with very clear ways of either joining or scheduling meetings. It even offers a simpler way to record meetings than Skype.
Other notable features include the ability to share screens, collaboration tools, as well as virtual backgrounds to add a bit of uniqueness to your meeting.
Zoom has a degree of privacy thanks to its powerful encryption and measures to protect user data.
Third on our list is Microsoft Teams which has usurped Skype as Microsoft’s main communication app for professionals.
It features a range of collaborative features such as in-app document editing and file sharing. This makes it easy for teams to collaborate without requiring multiple apps.
Additionally, Microsoft Teams is quite flexible thanks to its ability to create custom tabs and integrate with other Microsoft apps like Outlook and SharePoint.
This level of integration is great as it allows businesses to tailor their Teams’ workspace to meet their specific needs. Of course, it would be remiss of us not to mention the app’s level of security.
Thanks to data loss prevention, you don’t have to worry about data leaking. If it detects data being misused or lost, the software enacts protective measures.
The last entry on this list of the best Skype alternatives is Google Meet. Of the two, Google Meet is the superior one with more reliable and higher-quality video conferencing.
The audio is notably crisper, the video feed is sharper, plus there is very little lag involved. It would be remiss of us not to mention the fact that it integrated with other Google tools.
Which ones, you may ask? Well, almost all of them; from Gmail, Google Calendar, and Google Drive. This allows for document sharing among coworkers. It’s quite convenient.
Google Meet also has great features too, like the ability to host meetings with up to 250 participants and then record those meetings for later use.
Other people enjoy the virtual background tool for added privacy, real-time captions, and screen sharing. Security is strong on Google Meet thanks to end-to-end encryption.
Similar to Microsoft Teams, Slack is a communication app often used by professionals to talk with others about certain topics or projects, plus group conversations.
And just like Microsoft Teams, having this level of integration is great for when you need to switch tools on the fly. Besides the neat additions, Slack also has a customizable interface.
You can upload custom emojis to fit your workspace, set reminders for yourself, and create notifications. All this ensures Slack meets the specific needs of users.
Security is another important factor for communication apps. Rest assured, your data will be protected since Slack has two-factor authentication and encrypted messages.
WhatsApp is an easy-to-use communication app used by people to keep in touch with friends and family easily. It’s a titan in the industry, with over two billion active users worldwide.
A big reason for its popularity is its multiple features, user-friendly interface, and strong security WhatsApp allows users to send voice messages quickly and have access to their chat history.
You can also create giant group chats with up to 256 participants. And if you want to go even further, WhatsApp’s Community tool lets you add 5000 people into one gigantic group.
Regarding security, WhatsApp offers end-to-end encryption to all messages, calls, and video chats to make sure your conversations are totally secure.
Similar to Viber, you can make international calls with WhatsApp, and the best part, it’s free to do so.
Stepping away from work-centric apps for a bit, we have Viber. The software is particularly popular with people making international calls thanks to its Viber Out feature.
Viber Out is similar to Skype’s premium subscription in that it allows people to call non-users. Call rates differ from country to country. Calling someone in India, for example, costs $0.015 per minute.
Beyond making international calls, Viber has several other great features. First, it has a very friendly user interface, most so than Slack or Teams.
It can send short voice messages to others. The service offers group chats with up to 250 participants, plus you can send money through it via Viber Pay.
On top of all this, Viber has a wide variety of stickers, emojis, and GIFs within its database, making conversations a lot more fun and engaging than just static text.
Continuing down the list of personal communication apps, there is Line which has similar features to the two previous entries like voice and video calls, custom emojis, plus text messaging.
What’s unique about Line is that it has all these services within it that make it a digital one-stop shop. It comes with a timeline where people can share short video clips of their lives.
Line Doctor makes it easy to locate a nearby doctor. Line Pay allows users to send or request money from others. You can even play video games on it, like Dr. Mario World.
The app functions a lot like a social media platform of sorts. Beyond that, Line has several customization options like themes to add personalization and end-to-end encryption.
Like WhatsApp, people can make free international calls while sharing their real-time location on Line.
If you’re technically minded and know how to code, Jami is the communication app for you. Jami is an open-source platform meaning its code is publically available.
So you can download Jami onto your device and modify it via its built-in plugin platform. This makes the software a community-driven platform with a big focus on security.
Speaking of security, the software is built on peer-to-peer network architecture. So communicating is done directly between users without needing a centralized server to do the work.
This is important as it makes Jami a decentralized platform lacking a single point of failure or vulnerability to hacking by a bad actor.
Chanty is pretty unique among the others on this list. The reason is that it’s a combination of personal communication apps like WhatsApp and the business ones like Slack.
It can be integrated with business platforms such as Trello and Google Drive for flexible collaboration between platforms. Plus, end-to-end encryption prevents leaks from occurring.
As a comparison, Skype only offers encryption for a few features making it not very secure overall. Chanty’s premium plan adds screen sharing and 20GB of storage per user.
The free version offers 20GB for everyone. Moving past the business side, Chanty incorporates some social media-style tools like mentions with a unified inbox for messages and notifications.
There you have it: the 10 best Skype alternatives on the Internet. You can’t go wrong with any of these, but if we had to choose just one, it would be Discord.
A lot of our readers playing the Age of Empires games have reported the error code 0x89240101 when trying to launch or download the real-time strategy video game on their computer. The error code follows a message: The Microsoft Game Runtime is not correctly installed.Ensure it’s installed and try again.
Why do I get the 0x89240101 error on Age of Empires?
Generally, the error code 0x89240101 occurs if the installation process of the runtime installer gets interrupted. However, some other reasons can be:
Virus and malware – Virus and malware modify or delete the essential game files, which in turn induces this error upon launch.
Corrupt user account – If the user account can gets corrupt because of a sudden power outage, the Age of Empires may fail to download on your PC.
Outdated graphics driver – Graphic drivers are an essential requirement for gaming apps, and if they malfunction, this error code is inevitable.
Conflicting apps – If there is a conflict between the system files and third-party utilities, Age of Empires may crash with the 0x89240101 error upon launch. Uninstalling such apps may help.
Missing gaming services – Age of Empires may refuse to launch on your PC if the gaming services are not installed.
If you are also experiencing a crash issue at the time of game launch, the solutions recommended in this guide will prove effective in this situation.
How do I fix the error code 0x89240101 in Age of Empires?
Before you try the advanced solutions mentioned in this guide, make sure to perform the following actions:
Scan your PC using antivirus software to get rid of the virus and malware.
If these workarounds could not alleviate the error at hand, move on to the next fixes.
1. Re-install the Microsoft Runtime installer
Launch the Run dialog box using the Windows + R shortcut key, type the following command, and press Enter. appwiz.cpl
In the Programs and Features window, right-click the Microsoft Visual C++ 2008 Redistributable and Microsoft Visual C++ 2015 Redistributable one at a time and choose Uninstall from the context menu.
Follow the on-screen methods to uninstall these programs and restart your computer.
Upon startup, visit the official Microsoft website and download the Visual C++ Redistributables for Visual Studio 2015.
Then follow the on-screen prompts to install the software on your PC.
The error code 0x89240101 primarily occurs if the current version of Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable has become corrupted or was not installed correctly.
2. Disable real-time protection
Launch the Settings app using the Windows + I shortcut.
Select Privacy & security from the left menu and then the Windows Security option from the right section.
Click Virus and threat protection.
Follow the Manage settings link present under the Virus and threat protection settings section.
Toggle Off the switch for the Real-time protection feature.
Age of Empires mail crash upon launch because Windows Defender may flag the game as a potential threat restricting it from running on your computer. You can turn off the real-time protection feature and try again.
If a third-party antivirus is installed on your computer, you can add the executable file to the list of exceptions to get past the 0x89240101 error code.
3. Run SFC and DISM scans
Press the Start icon on the taskbar, type cmd in the search box on top, and click Run as administrator.
Choose Yes on the User Action Control window to launch Command Prompt with administrative privileges.
Type or paste the following command and press the Enter key to initiate the SFC scan. sfc/scannow
After the SFC scan gets completed, type or paste the following command to run the DISM tool. DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /Restorehealth
After the SFC and DISM scan finish running on your computer, restart your PC and visit the Microsoft Store to reinstall Age of Empires on your PC.
However, you have another solution if this Windows process seems too technical or doesn’t work for you.
We advise you to better utilize a system repair application that will entirely scan your device and repair damaged files in one click.
4. Run the Windows Store troubleshooter
Use the Windows + I shortcut key to launch the Settings app.
Scroll down the System settings section and choose Troubleshoot option from the right.
Next, click the Other troubleshooters option located in the next window.
Scroll down the list of all in-built troubleshooters available on your computer and press the Run button located next to Windows Store Apps.
5. Install Gaming Services
Press the Windows key to launch the Start menu, type powershell in the search bar on top, and choose Run as administrator from the right section.
Type or paste the following command in the Powershell window and press the Enter key. start ms-windows-store://pdp/?productid=9MWPM2CQNLHN
As soon as you will execute the command, Microsoft Store will launch on your PC with the Gaming Services. Press the Get button to initiate the download.
After installing the Gaming Services, restart your PC and launch the Age of Empires on your system.
That’s pretty much it! Hopefully, you were successful in resolving the error code 0x89240101 using the methods listed here.
Many of our readers are unable to create a restore point successfully on Windows PC due to the error code 0x80042308 which displays a message – The specified object was not found.
This error code is encountered in two conditions – if the restore point creation could not be started or if it gets interrupted in between.
Why do I get the error code 0x80042308?
The possible causes for the System Restore error code 0x80042308 can be as follows:
Antivirus software – Antivirus software may prevent Windows from creating a restore point on Windows.
Third-party antivirus programs – Third-party programs if incompatible with your Windows PC, disrupt the normal working of Windows.
Hard drive issues – Issues with hard drives, such as bad sectors, also trigger the 0x80042308 during system restore point creation.
Corrupt restore points – You will also face issues while creating a new restore point if the previous restore points get corrupted somehow.
If you witness the error code 0x80042308 when attempting to create a system restore point on your PC, implement the solutions listed in this guide.
How do I fix the 0x80042308 system restore error code?
1. Disable real-time protection
Use the Windows + I shortcut to launch the Settings app.
Select Privacy & security from the left menu bar and the Windows Security option from the right section.
Select the Virus and threat protection option.
Click the Manage settings link located in the Virus and threat protection settings section.
Toggle Off the switch located under the Real-time protection section.
The system restores may fail because Windows Firewall may block the action for some reason. You can temporarily turn off real-time protection in Microsoft Defender.
If you use a third-party antivirus to protect yourself against online threats, you can disable it for the time being.
Thus, you have multiple software antivirus to pick from, yet one stands out from the crowd. TotalAV should be the best solution due to multilayered security against the most complex malware.
Use the Windows + R shortcut using the Run dialog box. Type the following command in the text box and hit the OK button to access the System Configuration window. Msconfig
In the General tab, disable the checkbox for Load startup items and check the box preceding the Load system services option.
Switch to the Services tab, enable the Hide all Microsoft services option located on the bottom left, and press the Disable all button.
Click Apply to save the changes and OK to close the System Configuration window.
Now, restart your PC as you normally do to enter the clean boot mode.
If you do not encounter the error code 0x80042308, it means that third-party apps are restricting the successful creation of a restore point. You should uninstall these conflicting third-party programs as a measure to resolve this error code.
4. Set Volume Shadow Copy service to Automatic
Use the Windows + R shortcut key to bring up the Run dialog box, type the following command in the text box, and press the Enter key. services.msc
Scroll down the services window, right-click the Volume Shadow Copy service, and choose Properties.
In the General tab of the Properties window, change the Startup type to Automatic.
Press Apply to save the changes and OK to close the window.
Now, restart your computer and see if the issue is resolved.
The Volume Shadow Copy service temporarily freezes all the I/O requests when creating the volume partition, using system restore and creating a backup to protect your data against accidental loss.
Configuring its startup type to automatic ensures that it promptly becomes active allowing the successful creation of a restore point.
5. Increase the disk space usage value
Press the Windows key to launch the Start menu, type create a restore point, and choose the relevant search result.
Switch to the System Protection tab of the System Properties window. Choose OS (C:) (System) and press the Configure button.
In the new window that appears, drag the slider for Max Usage and set it to 3% of C drive space.
Click Apply to save the changes and OK to exit the window.
Now restart your PC to let Windows apply the changes made to your system. After your PC reboots, try creating a restore point now.
That’s all about it! The workarounds discussed in this guide will prove helpful in resolving the system restore error code 0x80042308 so that you can create a restore point before installing a new Windows update.
Say you need to gain access to a specific folder on another computer. You can always walk over to that other machine and get the files, but why do that when you can connect the drive to your own computer.
Mapping a network drive may sound complicated, but it isn’t. It’s quite simple, and there are multiple ways to do it.
Why is map network drive not showing up in Windows 10?
You have the wrong settings – In the Control Panel, Network Discovery must be turned on otherwise, the drives won’t appear.
UAC is blocking the network drive – User Account Control, or UAC, has been known to block what it thinks is malicious, so you may need to disable it.
How can I map my network drive on Windows 10?
Before you go on and map your network drive on Windows 10, there are a couple of things you should do first:
Restart your computer.
Make sure you have access to a drive in a network.
If you don’t have access, contact your network administrator.
Launch the File Explorer, which you can do by either selecting the taskbar icon or by hitting the Windows and E keys at the same time.
Click This PC on the left-hand side.
Select the Computer tab at the top, and in the drop-down menu that appears, click Map network drive.
In the Drive list, choose a letter for the new drive. Any available letter will work just fine.
In the Folder box, you can either type in the path or click Browse to locate the folder.
Once you’ve added a folder, click Finish.
2. Map a network drive via Command Prompt
Type cmd into the Windows 10 search bar. Click Run as administrator when Command Prompt appears.
To map a drive, you will need to follow a net use DRIVE: PATH command where DRIVE indicates the drive letter and PATH indicates the folder. For example net use Z: \\vmware\Shared
You can add your credentials by adding your drive username and password to the command. For example, you can enter net use Z: \\vmware\Shared /user:Cesar Password1
You should also enter the persistent swtich to make sure the connection is constant such as net use Z: \\vmware\Shared /user:Cesar Password1 /persistent:Yes
To remove a connection, run the following command: net use Z: /delete
Type in powershell into the Windows 10 search bar. Select Run as administrator.
In the command line, enter the following: New-PSDrive -Name "DRIVE-LETTER" -PSProvide "FileSystem" -Root "\\PATH" -Persists
Replace DRIVER-LETTER with the actual letter of your drive and PATH with the drive you want to add. In the image below is an example.
4. Use the Group Policy Editor
Press Windows + R to open the Run console.
Type gpedit.msc and click OK to open Group Policy Editor.
Navigate to this path: User Configuration\Preferences\Windows Settings\Drive Maps
Right-click the space in the right pane, choose New, then Mapped Drive.
In the New Mapped Drive Properties window, choose the drive letter, network location, and other options accordingly.
Click OK to save the changes.
And that’s pretty much the gist of it. Once you’re done, the newly mapped drive will appear in the File Explorer under the This PC section.
You can remove the mapped drive by right-clicking the drive in File Explorer and then selecting Disconnect. If you have any suggestions or guides you’d like to see, comment below.
Microsoft is always releasing little updates to deal with certain flaws or problems it previously overlooked, so nothing new there.
By the way, the April Patch Tuesday updates have rolled out, so you might want to check that out as well.
Now, the tech giant may have quietly fixed a widespread issue that was affecting Windows Defender recently.
Here’s how Microsoft tackled this annoying bug
After a surge in user reports and complaints, the company confirmed that a recent Defender update, led to an error that caused the Windows Security app to wrongly display Local Security Authority (or LSA) protection as disabled.
KB5007651 (version 1.0.2302.21002), released via the March Patch Tuesday, left users worried as the message would suggest that their devices could be vulnerable.
As a result, users were failing to toggle LSA protection to on as a device restart, which was prompted by this change.
Know that it would do nothing and revert the change automatically. Basically, LSA protection would remain disabled even after the PC was restarted as instructed by the Defender app.
The Redmond-based tech giant had provided a workaround for the issue, and it basically involved dismissing such warnings.
That being said, the company have since fixed the problem with a more recent Defender update (KB5007651).
With a new update and as noted from Windows release health‘s page, Windows Security Service version 1.0.2303.27001 has supposedly fixed the issue, so you don’t have to worry about it anymore.
Experts suggest the issue was resolved by an update to Kernel-mode Hardware-enforced Stack Protection security feature present under Core Isolation (VBS).
This feature was introduced with Windows 11 22H2. However, KB5007651 was released nearly two weeks ago and Microsoft’s known issues dashboard still lists the bug as open.
Others are also noticing that the setting may be disabled by default, or it could be a bug. In order to use the Kernel-mode Hardware-enforced Stack Protection feature, Intel’s Control-flow Enforcement Technology (CET) or AMD Shadow Stack technology is required.
Supported chips include Intel 11th Gen Tiger Lake or newer parts, or AMD Zen 3 and newer, so please keep that in mind.
We will constantly monitor the situation and report anything new. Share your thoughts and ideas with us in the comments section below.
Safe Mode boots Windows in a basic state using a minimal collection of files and drivers. The Safe Mode option exists to help you troubleshoot Windows.
If you do not know how to enter Safe Mode Windows 10, we will take you through some of the different methods on how to start Windows 10 in Safe Mode.
What does it mean to start in Safe Mode?
Starting in Safe Mode simply means booting the operating system (OS) with a limited set of drivers, services, and applications. When Windows starts normally, it loads all the drivers and services required to run the operating system and all the software installed on it.
However, some of these drivers and services may cause problems and prevent Windows from starting properly. So, Safe Mode allows you to troubleshoot these issues by starting Windows with only the minimum required drivers and services.
Since Windows runs a basic set of drivers and services with minimal functionality, that means some features and programs may not work. So, the Safe Mode in Windows 10 PC is a stripped-down version of your computer.
How do I boot in Safe Mode Windows 10?
1. Use the Settings app
Press the Windows + I keys to open the Settings app.
Click on Update & Security on the right pane.
Next, select Recovery on the left pane. Under Advanced Startup, click Restart Now.
Once the computer restarts, on the Choose an Option screen, select Troubleshoot
Then click on Advanced Options. Choose Startup Settings.
Select F4 to start the computer in Safe Mode and click on Restart.
By using the Windows Settings app, you can enter the start Windows 10 in safe mode while booting.
2. Enable the F8 Key to enter Safe Mode
Left-click the Start button and type cmd in the Search box.
Right-click on Command Prompt from the search results and select Run as administrator on the right pane.
Next, paste the following command in the Command Prompt Window and press Enter: bcdedit /set {default} bootmenupolicy legacy
Now, turn off your computer and on it again.
Before anything appears on the screen, press F8 repeatedly till the Boot options appear on your screen.
Select Safe Mode from the menu.
If the Boot options don’t display, and your Windows launches normally, you probably didn’t press the F8 key early.
3. Turn off your computer 3 times to enter Safe Mode
Shut down your computer. Press the Power button to turn it back on.
Once the computer is loading, press and hold the Power button for 4-5 seconds until your PC shuts down.
Repeat the same process 3 times.
Now, start your computer again and let it run. It should now go into Automatic Repair mode. Wait for Windows to diagnose your PC and choose Advanced Options.
Next, click on Troubleshoot.
Then, click on Advanced options and click on Startup settings.
Press 4 to Enable Safe mode or press 5 for Safe mode with Networking.
By turning off your computer 3 times, your computer is made to believe there is an error that needs to be fixed.
Several users have reported error code 0x80073d23 that prevents you from downloading, installing, uninstalling, and updating apps from the Microsoft Store. The error code is accompanied by a message- The operation did not complete successfully. Try again in a bit.
Why do I encounter the 0x80073d23 Microsoft Store error?
Speaking of the reasons for encountering the Microsoft Store 0x80073d23 code, the most common ones are as follows:
Invalid network configuration – Misconfigured network settings often trigger a variety of Microsoft Store codes, such as 0x80073d23.
Faulty user account – If the current user profile gets corrupt, you will be prevented from downloading apps from the Store hence the error code.
Incorrect Date and Time settings – If your computer is unable to synchronize time with the server, you won’t be able to use apps that rely on Internet-based authorization schemes.
Server outage – You may also encounter the error code 0x80073d23 if the Microsoft Store server is down for some reason.
If you are also facing a similar issue, this guide presents you with all possible methods to fix this error code.
How do I fix the Microsoft Store error code 0x80073d23?
1. Reset the network settings
Use the Windows + I keyboard shortcut to launch the Settings window.
Choose Network & internet from the left sidebar, followed by Advanced network settings from the right section.
Click the Network reset option present under the More settings section.
Click the Reset now button to reset the network settings.
Choose Yes on the confirmation pop-up window and then restart your Windows PC.
2. Reset the Microsoft Store cache
Use the Windows + R shortcut key to bring up the Run dialog box.
Type the following command in the text box and hit the Enter key. wsreset.exe
The command prompt window will blink on the screen as soon as you will execute the command, and the Microsoft Store cache reset process will get started. Wait for the Microsoft Store to automatically launch on your computer as an indication of the cache reset completion.
3. Run Windows Store Apps troubleshooter
Use the Windows + I shortcut key to launch the Settings app.
Scroll down the System settings section and choose Troubleshoot option from the right.
Next, click the Other troubleshooters option located in the next window.
Scroll down the list of all in-built troubleshooters available on your computer and press the Run button located next to Windows Store Apps.
After the Microsoft Store Apps troubleshooter completes its operation, you can visit Microsoft Store to install new apps or update the existing ones.
Press the Windows icon on the taskbar to launch the Start menu. Type powershell in the search bar on top and select the Run as administrator option, located on the right.
Click Yes on the User Action Control window to launch the PowerShell window with administrative privileges.
Type or paste the below command in the Powershell window and press the Enter key to execute it. Get-AppXPackage -AllUsers | Foreach {Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register "$($_.InstallLocation)\AppXManifest.xml"}
Once the deployment operation gets completed close the PowerShell window and restart your PC.
5. Restart the Xbox related-services
Use the Windows + R shortcut key to launch the Run dialog box, type the following command and click OK. services.msc
Scroll down the Services window, right-click the Xbox Accessory Management Service, and choose Properties.
If the Service status is Stopped, press the Start button and OK to save the changes.
Now repeat the same process for Xbox Live Auth Manager, Xbox Live Game Save, and Xbox Live Networking Service as well.
Now exit the services window and try to install the game from Microsoft Store once again.
If you encounter the 0x80073d23 error code in Microsoft Store while downloading a new game using an Xbox game pass, restarting the Xbox-related services will help resolve the issue.
So these are workarounds that you can employ to get rid of the 0x80073d23 error code that prevents you from downloading anything from the Microsoft Store.
The Hyper-V Manager is an excellent Windows feature that allows users to set up multiple virtual machines using the Hyper-V Virtual Machine Connection. However, while trying to launch the feature, you can trigger the error you don’t have the required permission to complete the task.
If you’re experiencing the error you do not have required permission to complete the task, this article will briefly discuss some common causes of the error and provide steps to help fix it.
Why do I get you do not have required permission to complete the task?
The error you don’t have the required permission to complete the task can be triggered by so many factors, the following are some of the most common causes of the Hyper V Manager error:
User is in Multiple Local Groups – One of the most common reasons triggering this Hyper-V error is that the user is a member of other local groups. Specifically, if they’re members of the General Administrators group, you’ll experience the Hyper-V error.
Firewall Restrictions – In some cases, Windows Firewall prevents specific features from operating in Windows. This is mostly done with security in mind, but it hinders certain applications from functioning properly. If you’re experiencing the Hyper-V error, it’s likely a result of a firewall block.
What can I do to fix this Hyper-V Manager error?
1. Disable Firewall
Press the Windows key, type Control Panel in the search bar, and hit Enter.
Select Windows Defender Firewall from the list of options.
Click Windows Defender Firewall on or off.
Under the Private Network and Public Network Settings, click the Turn off Windows Defender Firewall (not recommended), button to turn off the Firewall.
Close the Control Panel window, and check if the error persists.
The firewall can indirectly block essential Windows features from operating if it suspects the feature to be unauthorized.
2. Enable PS Remoting
Press the Windows key, type PowerShell, click on Run as Administrator.
Click Yes in the User Account Control (UAC) window.
In the PowerShell window, type in the following and hit Enter: Enable-PSRemoting
Alternatively, some users stated that the command that helped resolve the error was: Enable-PSRemoting -SkipNetworkProfileCheck -Force
Wait for PowerShell to enable the service, close the window, and check to see if the error persists.
PS Remoting comes enabled by default in most Windows machines but is not enabled all the time. On Windows Server, PS Remoting comes enabled, but not at all times, depending on the network profile Windows is running.
Press the Windows key + R, type control panel in the dialog box, and hit Enter.
Click System & Security, and select Administrative Tools.
In the next window, double-click on Computer Management to open it. Expand the Local Users and Groups section, and click on Groups.
Double-click on the Hyper-V Administrators Group to open the dialog box.
Then, click Add in the dialog box, enter your name in the box, and click OK.
Click OK again, and close the Computer Management window.
Some users often have to log out of Windows and sign in again for the changes to work.
Even as a local administrator, you can experience the error you don’t have the required permission to complete the task. This is because there is a Hyper-V Administrators group that is empty by default.
To fix the error, you’ll have to manually add yourself to this group. After completing the above steps, you should be able to use the Hyper-V connection tool to connect your PC’s local virtual machine without any problems.
The Hyper-V error you don’t have the required permission to complete the task isn’t a common error among Windows users because a large portion of users doesn’t make use of virtual machines.
However, if you triggered the error while trying to access the Virtual Machine feature, we hope the steps outlined in this article will help you fix the Hyper-V error.
If you’ve experienced this error in the past and successfully fixed it using alternative methods, you can let us know in the comments below.
The Steam Client is one of the most popular digital game stores where users can purchase computer games. While running the app, users have reported that they experienced the steamclient64.dll not found error.
This error prevents users from accessing Steam’s functionality. In this article, we’ll briefly discuss what the steamclient64.dll file is and also provide you with a couple of steps to help you fix the steamclient64.dll not found error.
What is steamclient64.dll?
The steamclient64.dll is a third-party DLL file developed and released by Valve. The file is pretty standard among Steam users and is triggered when the file is missing, corrupt, or an incorrect installation of the Steam client.
The steamclient64.dll is not a Windows DLL file but originates once the Steam client is installed on your PC. The file is commonly associated with Steam but is also utilized by other third-party applications.
How can I fix the steamclient64.dll not found error?
1. Apply a DLL fixer
Traditionally, resolving missing DLL errors usually involves a lot of troubleshooting. This method is relatively efficient but isn’t always successful. Alternatively, you can fix the error by employing the help of a DLL repair tool.
DLL fixers scan your entire PC for anomalies with system files, DLLs, executables, and more. However, because the steamclient64.dll is a non-system DLL file, a DLL file doesn’t guarantee a 100% success rate when fixing missing DLL errors.
A DLL file can also be triggered due to incompatibility between the third-party app and the Windows OS. In this case, employing the tools and functionality offered by a DLL repair tool can help resolve the error.
2. Update Windows
Press the Windows key + I to open the Settings app.
In the Settings app, click Windows Update and select Check for Updates, and wait for Windows to scan for available updates.
Once the update is complete, restart your PC to check if the steamclient64.dll not found error is fixed.
If the steamclient64.dll error is triggered due to outdated software, updating your Windows OS can help resolve the error.
3. Update the Graphics driver
Press the Windows key, type in Device Manager, and hit Enter.
In the Device Manager window, scroll through the list of Drivers, and check to see if there is a yellow alert symbol next to the option. Right-click on the Driver, and select Update Driver.
In the next window, click Search automatically for updated driver software, and follow the prompts to complete the update.
Once you’ve updated all the Drivers, restart your PC and check if the error is resolved.
Drivers are utilized by most graphics-intensive applications and games. If the drivers are outdated, it can lead to a series of errors like the steamclient64.dll not found.
4. Run a virus scan
Press the Windows key, type in Windows Security, and hit Enter.
In the next window, click on Virus & Threat Protection, and click Scan Options under the Current Threats option.
Select Full Scan from the Scan Options menu and click the Scan Now button to initiate the virus scan.
Wait for the scan to complete, restart your PC and check if the error is fixed.
Windows Defender is a pretty efficient security tool for Windows but doesn’t offer the level of features and functionality provided by third-party antivirus software.
Press the Windows key, type in CMD, and select Run as Administrator.
Click Yes to grant the app administrative access in the User Account Control window.
Once the command prompt opens, type the following and hit Enter: sfc /scannow
Wait till the scan is complete, and restart your PC to check if the error persists.
Missing DLL errors are usually triggered by corrupt system files. An SFC scan can help resolve errors triggered due to corrupt system files.
6. Reinstall Steam Client
Press the Windows key + I to open the Settings app.
Click on Apps, and select Installed apps.
Locate the Steam Client, click on the options icon, and select Uninstall.
Then, click on Uninstall again to complete the removal of the Steam Client.
After uninstalling the app, you must visit the Steam website and download the app again. Then follow the installation prompts to reinstall.
Reinstalling the steam client is one of the last steps to apply when fixing the steamclient64.dll not found error. However, you should only uninstall the app if you’ve attempted all troubleshooting steps and the error remains.
Resolving the steamclient64.dll error is a straightforward process that can be achieved by following our guide. We also have a guide on what to do if awesomium.dll is missing, so go ahead and check it out.
If you’ve been searching for a way to resolve the error, we hope this article has provided the necessary steps to help fix the missing DLL error.
DLLs are a critical component of the Windows OS. However, this component also poses a security risk to your PC as it is prone to hacking and exploitation by cybercriminals.
In this article, we’ll extensively discuss the term DLL hijacking, and provide you with numerous steps you can apply to help you prevent the exploit.
What is DLL hijacking?
DLL hijacking simply refers to a cyberattack that allows hackers to insert and execute malicious code using the Dynamic Library File (DLL). The error is very common and is pretty difficult to detect, at least not until you begin to see the results of the attack.
With DLL hijacking, hackers replace legitimate DLL files on your PC with malicious ones. This makes it harder for antivirus software to detect the malicious file because it camouflages as a DLL file.
Hence, loading a malicious DLL on your PC can lead to massive data breach and affect services utilizing the DLLs.
DLL hijacking may occur through social engineering or phishing attacks that trick the user into downloading malicious code disguised as a DLL file.
How can I stop DLL Hijacking?
1. Avoid downloading/installing files from unknown sources
While attempting to troubleshoot errors like missing DLL files on Windows, users will have to download specific files to fix them. However, files critical to the PC’s functionality shouldn’t be downloaded from just any website.
For example, if you want to fix the msvcp120.dll error, avoid downloading the missing DLL file from third-party websites. This is because hackers can easily camouflage malicious code as a DLL file and make the file available for download.
Hence, you can use a DLL repair tool like the following one. These tools scan your PC and take care of any anomalies they detect; if there are malicious DLL files on your PC, a DLL repair tool can identify such files.
2. Use a Powerful Antivirus Software
Windows Defender is Microsoft’s primary security software but doesn’t provide as many features and functionality needed to tackle emerging threats and vulnerabilities.
There are countless free and paid antivirus software available for Windows, but you shouldn’t just install any antivirus, as this software will be responsible for managing your entire PC security. Therefore, it’s important to employ the help of software like ESET.
ESET HOME Security Essential is an award-winning cyber security software that provides protection for Windows, macOS, and Android devices. The software is very easy to use and supports over 700 languages, allowing you to utilize the software in your preferred language.
Plus, this antivirus solution guarantees speedy and comprehensive protection from viruses and threats.
3. Keep your PC updated
As simple as it sounds, updating your PC regularly can protect you from viruses and malware. This is because most Windows updates usually contain fixes for critical bugs on your Windows OS.
Further, bugs lead to vulnerabilities in software which hackers can further exploit. If hackers exploit a bug, users who haven’t updated their OS would likely fall victim to the attack.
4. Avoid clicking on suspicious links in Emails
Phishing is one of the most effective techniques used by hackers to gain access to a system. It refers to the process where a user is tricked into performing a specific action, e.g. downloading a file, with the sole aim of compromising the unsuspecting victim.
If you receive an email that looks a little suspicious, it’s most likely a hacker attempting to gain access to your PC. Avoid clicking on such links to protect your PC from malware.
One of the major factors that facilitates a DLL hijack is that a malicious DLL file is placed in a location that is searched by Windows before the legitimate file. A fully qualified path defines an exact path from a particular drive to a target file or directory.
Employing fully qualified paths while loading DLL files ensures that Windows only loads the DLL file from a specific location. Hence, preventing the malicious file’s accessibility from an alternative location.
DLL hijacking is a very dangerous cyberattack that can severely affect the functionality of your PC. Preventing the attack isn’t a straightforward process but you can take certain precautions to improve the security of your PC.
We hope this article has enlightened you about DLL hijacking, and provided you with the steps needed to protect yourself from the attack.
Windows users are gradually becoming accustomed to missing DLL errors. This is especially common among gamers because such errors are triggered while attempting to launch a game or graphic-intensive application.
In this article, we’ll briefly discuss the codex64.dll file, highlight the reasons triggering the codex64.dll not found, and provide steps to help you fix the error.
What is codex64.dll?
codex64.dll is a non-system DLL file developed by ACME corporation. The file contains instructions, procedures, and driver functions utilized by the Windows OS to run specific games and applications.
The file is mainly used by Windows-based games and graphics-intensive applications.
Why is codex64.dll not found?
Here are some of the reasons triggering the codex64.dll not found error:
Damaged Windows Registry – The Windows registry is a critical component of your PC that controls most of your PC’s functionality. If the registry is damaged or corrupt, it can trigger system errors like codex64.dll not found.
Virus and Malware – PCs infected with viruses often act differently depending on the nature of the virus. If the virus is a type that removes Windows files, it could have deleted the codex64.dll file resulting in the missing DLL error. It can also be triggered if you’re not using a compatible antivirus software.
Faulty Software Installations – DLL missing errors are usually triggered while attempting to launch an application. This is because the application might have been incorrectly installed, which can trigger errors like the codex64.dll error.
Incorrect DLL Installation – Some users, while experiencing DLL errors in the past, might opt to install the files manually without having the technical know-how. This can lead to an incorrect DLL installation, leading to a series of missing DLL errors.
What can I do if codex64.dll is not found?
If you’re experiencing the codex64.dll, the following are a couple of ways you can fix the error:
1. Apply a DLL Fixer
Troubleshooting is an effective way to resolve missing DLL files in Windows, but it takes a lot of time, and you can end up repeating the same steps without resolving the error. However, with the development of technology, one of the best ways to fix DLL errors is to use a DLL fixer.
Considering that the codex64.dll is a non-system DLL file, employing the help of a third-party DLL fixer doesn’t guarantee a 100% fix but can still resolve the error.
This is because most DLL Fixers, have a vast database containing every system DLL file available for Windows but have a limited supply of third-party DLL files.
2. Scan for Viruses and Malware
Press the Windows key, type in Windows Security, and hit Enter.
In the next window, click on Virus & Threat Protection, and click Scan Options under the Current Threats option.
Select Full Scan from the Scan Options menu and click the Scan Now button to initiate the virus scan.
Wait for the scan to complete, restart your PC and check if the error is fixed.
Left-click the Start menu, type restore and click Create a restore point.
Select System Properties and choose System Restore button.
In the Restore Files and Settings box, click Next.
In the next window, select the Restore Point that you wish to restore your PC to, and click Next.
Then, click Finish to complete the system restore.
If you noticed the codex64.dll not found error after making significant changes on your OS, you could resolve it by performing a system restore. Here is a detailed guide showing you how to create a system restore point in Windows.
Missing DLL errors are common to Windows users and can be resolved by following a well-laid guide. By following our guide, you should be able to fix the codex64.dll error.
If you’ve experienced the codex64.dll not found an error in the past and successfully fixed it using alternative methods, you can let us know in the comments below.
A lot of new things are coming to the Photos app: new original music, the comeback of the timeline scrollbar, improvements of the drag-and-drop feature while importing photos from external devices and multi-select photos features, and more. But, if you’re using the Spot Fix feature in Photos, you’re in for a treat.
We previously reported last year that the feature has gone missing, alongside the Red Eye function. It caused quite a stir on Windows forums and among users, but according to May 2023 update, the Spot Fix tool is back.
As noted from Microsoft’s official release note, the Spot Fix feature allows you to remove blemishes or unwanted areas in your photo. It is indeed one of the most important retouching tools on the app that lets you remove unwanted elements from your photos.
It works by analyzing the surrounding pixels and blending them together to create a seamless result. This tool can be used to remove blemishes, scratches, or other minor imperfections from your photos.
So, now we know why all the fusses were all about when Microsoft removed them with no warning back then.
Now that it’s back for Windows insiders in the Canary and Dev Channels before being rolled out again for general users, make sure to join those channels and update the operating system so you can try it.
How to use the Spot Fix feature on Windows 11
1. Open the Photos app and select the photo you want to edit.
2. Click on the Edit image button at the top of the screen.
3. Click on Retouch ➜Spot Fix.
4. Use the brush tool to select the area you want to fix. Adjust the intensity of the Spot Fix tool using the slider if necessary.
5. Click “Save a copy” or “Save” to save your edited photo.
If you have encountered the fsulgk.sys BSoD error on your Windows computer, then this guide can help! Fsulgk.sys is a driver and an important part of F-Secure software. We will discuss some of the expert-recommended methods to get rid of this Blue Screen of Death error.
What causes the fsulgk.sys BSoD error on Windows 10 & 11?
There are several reasons for which this blue screen error appears; some of the common ones are listed here:
Obsolete driver – If the driver itself is old or outdated, it could cause this BSoD error. You need to update the driver to fix the problem.
Corrupted system files – If the system files on your computer are corrupted or missing, it could cause this BSoD error. Run a system repair scan and fix this issue.
Outdated software – When you are running the older version of F-Secure software, you might see this blue screen error. Try reinstalling the app to get rid of this error.
Pending Windows updates – It is important to keep your Windows updated, as the pending updates could cause this issue. Check for Windows updates and install them if available.
Malware infection – If your computer is infected with viruses, it can damage your system files on your computer. Run a malware scan to remove the corrupted files.
Now you know the causes of the blue screen error; let’s check out the solutions to resolve the problem.
How can I fix the fsulgk.sys BSoD error on Windows 10 & 11?
Before engaging in advanced troubleshooting steps, you should consider performing the following checks:
If these things didn’t fix the issue for you, move to the detailed steps mentioned below.
1. Reinstall F-Secure software
Press the Windows key, type control panel, and click Open.
Select Category as View by and click Uninstall a program.
From the list of installed software, locate & select the F-Secure program and click Uninstall.
Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the uninstallation.
Now, go to the F-Secure website and select the tool and click Download.
Double-click the Setup file and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation.
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 press Enter: sfc/scannow
Wait for the scan to complete, copy & paste the following command to repair the Windows OS image, and hit Enter: DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /CheckHealthDISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealthDISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
Restart your computer to let the changes take effect.
If this process seems too detailed or it simply didn’t help you, we advise you to go for a specialized repair tool to fix your Windows PC.
3. Update the graphics driver
Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog box.
Type devmgmt.msc and click OK to open Device Manager.
Double-click Display adapters to expand it.
Right-click the graphics driver and click Update driver.
Select Search automatically for drivers.
Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the process.
Alongside the manual method, you could try dedicated support for any outdated drivers on your device.
This ideal solution can automatically find problematic drivers and update them from its vast database with official manufacturer drivers.
Under Recovery options, locate Reset this PC, and click the Reset PC button.
For Choose an option window, click Keep my files.
On How would you like to reinstall Windows page, click Cloud download.
Now on Additional Settings, click Next.
On Reset this PC window, click Reset.
5.2 Windows 10
Press Windows + I to open the Settings app.
Click Update & Security.
Now from the left pane, select Recovery, then locate Reset this PC, then click Get started.
Select the Keep my files option from the next page.
Now choose Cloud download to reinstall Windows from the cloud.
On the Additional settings window, make the changes you want and click Next.
Click Reset to initiate the process.
This will change the settings of your PC to default and download & reinstall Windows.
So, these are methods to follow to fix the fsulgk.sys BSoD error on your Windows 10/11 computer. If you have any questions or suggestions, feel free to mention them in the comments section below.
Are you one of the many Minecraft players having trouble due to the error code 0x89245102 in Minecraft? Fret not, for we have got you covered!
This error is similar to the error code 0x80070057 in Minecraft, and some of its solutions can also help you with this error.
In this article, we will share four highly effective troubleshooting methods to help resolve this issue.
What is it 0x89245102 Minecraft error?
There are many causes for this error, but the most common causes are the following:
Not updating Minecraft – If your Minecraft is not up to date, you might encounter this issue whenever you want to launch the game.
Minecraft launcher problems – Whenever you encounter any issues with the Minecraft launcher on your computer. It can impede the game’s components and hinder its functionality from running properly.
Minecraft service issues –If you do not enable the authentication services, it might induce an error while launching the game.
How can I fix the 0x89245102 Minecraft error?
Here are a few potential solutions that can address the issue before we make any necessary adjustments:
Update the game – Updating the game can fix various issues, including this one.
Use an older launcher – Few users reported that using the older launcher fixed the problem for them.
Enable authentication services
Type Services in the search bar. Select Services from the search results.
Scroll down to Xbox Live Auth Manager and right-click it. Choose Properties from the menu.
Turn the startup types for Manual, select Apply and choose OK.
Close all and restart Windows.
We trust that this guide has assisted you in resolving the error. As you can see, the problem can be easily fixed by enabling the necessary services.
First, the good news: yes, Photos has a richer set of editing tools now. The new app’s interface is more in line with the Photos app on iPhone, which isn’t necessarily better but does at least allow you to work quickly and intuitively.
While it doesn’t yet have all of the features of its desktop counterpart (there are no tilt-shift or panorama tools, for example), it’s not far off either — especially if you don’t mind working in the much-maligned Photos for iOS.
A little over a year ago, however, several users have raised their complaints that the Spot Fix feature, a tool where you can easily fix spots and remove them.
Microsoft recently updated the Photos app editor mode with a new UI (based on web tech :/) and it REMOVED the spot fix tool, the only goddamn feature I actually used. WHY MICROSOFT?? pic.twitter.com/GlJKwcXuL0
But, as noted from May 2023 update, the tech giant has just rolled out dozens of new improvements here and there on the Photos app.
In short, there are 25 original music soundtracks, complete with transitions and animations to choose from while making a slideshow on the Photos app. Redmond officials also re-introduced the timeline scrollbar to group photos by year and month.
And, you name it, the Spot Fix feature is back!
What does Spot Fix do?
One of the most useful features of Photos is its ability to correct the exposure and color of an image. However, in Windows 11, it appears that Microsoft has removed this feature from Photos.
When you’re taking photos, it’s easy to end up with some unwanted elements that you wish were different. Maybe you’ve got some red-eye in a photo of your pet, or a distracting person walking through the shot.
Perhaps there’s a light leak causing a big white spot on an otherwise great photo. The quickest fix for many of these issues is the new Spot fix tool and the Red Eye feature.
![Tunnel.sys: What is it? [Download & Fix BSoD]](https://windowsreport.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/tunnel.sys_.jpg)
![You Do Not Have The Permission to Complete The Task [Fix]](https://windowsreport.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/You-Do-Not-Have-The-Required-Permission-to-Complete-The-Task.jpg)
