Microsoft set to drop Twitter from its ad platform

Microsoft has announced that it will no longer support Twitter in its Smart Campaigns with Multi-platform. The company has already started sending out emails to its clients indicating that the Digital Marketing Center (DMC) intends to cut support for Twitter starting April 25.

Most users depend on Microsoft Advertising to better manage social media accounts in one convenient location, creating an easy way to track engagement and how well campaigns are fairing. Once this change takes effect, users will no longer be able to access their Twitter accounts through the Digital Marketing Center.

As such, starting next week, users will no longer be able to create, manage, or even schedule Tweets via the platform. Additionally, you’ll also not be able to check your old Tweets as well as engagement using the Microsoft Advertising platform.

It is worth noting that just like before, Microsoft Advertising will continue to allow users to create and manage their content on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram using the tool.

And with this new change in place, companies will now need to seek other alternatives that will help them manage and track Twitter campaigns.

This news comes after Twitter had previously announced its plans to start charging a minimum of $42,000 per month for its API. It will be interesting to see how this move impacts Microsoft’s ad revenue. The company aims to double its advertising revenue to $20 billion per year, with a new lead, erstwhile Vice President at Microsoft Advertising, Kya Sainsbury-Carter.

At the beginning of the year, Elon Musk indicated that he intends to make the subscriptions represent 50% of the platform’s total revenue. At the time, the subscriptions stood at 290,000 which was well below the target revenue mark Elon intends to hit.

Microsoft Forms QR Code is Downloading Blank [Fixed]

Microsoft Forms is part of the Microsoft 365 suite that allows users to create and share forms on the web. However, things aren’t always rosy, as you may encounter errors while opening Microsoft Forms, or a blank page may appear when you scan the QR code.

A blank QR code is usually caused by a temporary network problem or a problem with your computer’s configuration. If you are experiencing difficulty downloading your form, this article will assist you.

Why is the Microsoft Forms QR code downloading a blank page?

If you’re getting a blank page on Microsoft Forms when you scan a QR code, below are some possible causes:

  • Unsupported browser – You may be experiencing a case of browser compatibility issues. This means your browser doesn’t support the decoding of the QR code.
  • Unstable Internet connection – If you do not have internet access on your computer, then this feature will not work properly.
  • Outdated OS –  If your computer is running an older operating system without support for modern software like Microsoft Office 365, this could cause issues such as a blank page when downloading a Microsoft Forms QR code.
  • Outdated application – You might be using an older version of Microsoft Forms. It’s very important to have up-to-date software versions so that you can continue enjoying all of its features.
  • Faulty camera – If your camera does not work properly or does not have enough light, it will be difficult to scan a QR code accurately.
  • Firewall/antivirus settings – A firewall or antivirus program may be blocking access to certain websites.

How do I download a QR code from Microsoft Forms?

In case you prefer to solve this issue permanently and not apply any long-lasting methods, we’re rooting for Opera.

This browser is fully featured with forms websites, messenger apps, and different workspaces where you can finally organize your tasks.

Opera

Generate and download QR codes instantly from this new-age browser.

We recommend that you start with these preliminary checks before moving to the slightly advanced solutions:

  • Ensure you’re logged into your Microsoft account before scanning the QR code.
  • Check your internet speeds and ensure they are optimal.
  • Verify that Microsoft servers are up and running.
  • Delete any temporary files that might be causing your download to fail.
  • Update your browser and try again.
  • Check and install Windows updates where necessary.
  • Try changing your browser to a Microsoft Forms-supported browser.
  • Check that your mobile device is up-to-date with the latest Android or iOS. 
  • If available, try with another mobile device to test whether your camera is faulty.
  • Make sure that your QR code is valid and not expired. 

1. Clear browser cache and cookies

  1. Launch your Edge browser and click on the three ellipses at the top right corner.
  2. Select Settings.
  3. Click on Cookies and site permissions on the left pane, then select Manage and delete cookies and site data option on the right pane.
  4. Next, click on See all cookies and site data.
  5. Now click on Remove all.

If the Microsoft Forms QR code download is not working, you need to clear your cache and try again.

2. Disable your firewall/antivirus temporarily

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

Also, disable your third-party antivirus if it is active before scanning again.

3. Repair the Office suite

  1. Hit the Windows + R keys to open the Run command.
  2. Type appwiz.cpl in the dialog box and press Enter.
  3. Select your Microsoft Office suite software. Then, click the Change button to open a repair utility for MS Office.
  4. Select the Online Repair option and click the Repair button.online repair

Are Microsoft Forms QR codes dynamic?

Yes, Microsoft Forms are dynamic. When you create a QR Code for your form, it will automatically update when there is a change to the form.

You can also add or remove questions or change the order of questions without having to make new copies of your QR codes.

If, at this stage, you’re still stuck with the Microsoft Forms QR code downloading a blank page, it may be time to try reinstalling the MS suite.

Sometimes, applications get corrupted, and a fresh installation can solve many issues. Alternatively, you can opt for other barcode scanners.

Users also complained about Microsoft Forms not sending email notifications, so check out our comprehensive article on bypassing this error.

We also have the answers on what to do when your account is not enabled for Microsoft Forms. That brings us to a close for this article, but keep the conversation flowing in the comment section.

Let us know of any other tricks you used to bypass this error.

How to Fix Error 0x87d00215 When Deploying Updates

When you install an update in Configuration Manager, it sends the updates to the client. The client then downloads the updates from the distribution point and installs them. However, this process can deviate from the usual and show the error 0x87d00215.

With the error 0x87d00215, users noticed that some Windows updates failed, but some were successful.

How do I fix error 0x87d00215?

We advise that you first try these workarounds before any advanced troubleshooting:

  • Verify whether the WSUS server is online.
  • Ensure you have a working internet connection.
  • Double-check your SCCM client version and ensure it is up-to-date with all other patches and security fixes.
  • Make sure that you have administrative privileges on the client’s computer. 
  • Check whether there are any pending updates and install them first.
  • Verify that your DPs have been updated with the content for the installation package.
  • Check that the updates were successfully downloaded to the client machine first.
  • Make sure that there are no conflicts between your software update point and your distribution points. 
  • Reboot your PC to register any pending reboots before deploying any updates.

1. Disable the firewall temporarily

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

If you have any other third-party antivirus program installed, also purpose to disable it and then try deploying the updates again.

2. Redistribute the package

  1. Left-click the Start button, type Configuration Manager console in the search bar, then press Enter to open the SCCM console.
  2. Navigate to the Software Library tab.
  3. Select Software Update under the content types for redistribution.
  4. On the Taskbar at the top of the ribbon, in the Properties tab, select Properties. Click on the Content Locations tab. Select the distribution point (or distribution point group) to redistribute the content.
  5. Click on the Redistribute button, then hit OK to initiate the redistribution of the content.
  6. Restart your computer and check if the error persists.

If you are getting the updatesdeployment.log error 0x87d00215, you might need to redistribute the package. Redistribution will overwrite the existing package, and a new version is downloaded instead.

3. Reset the Windows Update cache

  1. Hit the Windows + E keys to open File Explorer.
  2. Navigate to the following location: c:\windows\softwaredistribution
  3. Open the SoftwareDistribution folder, select all items, right-click, and hit the Delete icon.

4. Install the updates manually

  1. Left-click the Start button, type Configuration Manager console in the search bar, then press Enter to open the SCCM console.
  2. Navigate to the Software Library tab.
  3. Select Software Update, then select All software updates.
  4. Right-click on the list of updates, then select Download.

If you don’t have too many computers or don’t want to make your clients wait, you can always install the updates manually on each computer.

What is error 0x87d00215?

0x87d00215 is a common error message in SCCM. It means the software updates could not be installed on machines because the client was missing a mandatory dependency.

  • System requirements – It is possible that the computer is not compliant with the requirements for that update. This could be because the machine does not meet the minimum hardware requirements or because there are missing drivers on the machine preventing the installation from completion.
  • Inaccessible WSUS server – You may have a problem with your WSUS server or the clients are not reporting to it. 
  • Pending updates – There may be a reboot pending task in a previous schedule. This means your client will not install any other updates until the pending one is completed first.
  • Incorrect configuration – Another common cause for this is that the client settings are not configured properly on the client. The client settings will vary depending on the version of Windows you are running. 
  • Firewall settings – You may have a firewall or other network restrictions that are preventing the client from downloading the update from WSUS.
  • Administrative permissions – If your user account does not have administrative privileges to deploy the updates, the installation will fail.
  • Dependent errors – Sometimes, one update depends on another, and if this dependency isn’t met, the update won’t work properly. 
  • Conflicting updates – Another reason for this error is when you try to install software updates on a computer that already has them installed. The package may have been deleted from the site server but still exists on distribution points which will produce error 0x87d00215 when you try to deploy the updates.

You may also encounter a similar error 0x87d00664 where updates fail, so don’t hesitate to check out our helpful article on navigating the issue.

For any further comments or inquiries, drop us a comment down below.

How Do I Stop Annoying Pop-ups on Windows 10

Most built-in or third-party programs throw pop-ups every time a critical action is performed. For instance, you get one from an antivirus when a threat is identified, quarantined, or even after a malware scan. But, many try to figure out how to stop pop-ups on Windows 10 desktop.

If you are fed up with the notifications appearing intermittently on the desktop and affecting the workflow, there are quite ways to get rid of these. So, let’s find out how to stop pop-ups on the Windows 10 bottom right corner.

Why do pop-ups keep appearing on my computer?

Here are a few reasons you see pop-ups in Windows 10:

  • Third-party app pop-ups: In most cases, when Windows 10 pop-ups start appearing all of a sudden, it’s likely a third-party app to blame. Maybe one of these has changed the PC’s configuration or is throwing its own notifications.
  • Malware infection: Malware infection can also trigger changes to the PC and lead to incessant notifications on Windows 10. This affects both the built-in and third-party apps, and a reliable antivirus should help in this case.
  • Browser-throwing pop-ups: When a malicious site is added to the home page, the browser keeps throwing random notifications. And is such cases, users look for ways to stop pop-ups in Google Chrome on Windows 10.
  • Windows informing you of critical actions: A malware scan result from Windows Security, the built-in antivirus, or the OS asking you to restart the PC after an update are a few pop-ups you come across in Windows 10, and it’s not recommended that you disable these.

How do I disable pop-ups on Windows 10?

1. Disable notifications from programs

  1. Press Windows + I to open Settings, and click on System.
    system
  2. Now, go to Notifications & actions, disable the toggle under Get notifications from apps and other senders, and uncheck the following options:
    • Show me the Windows welcome experience after updates and occasionally when I sign in to highlight what’s new and suggested
    • Suggest ways I can finish setting up my device to get the most out of Windows
    • Get tips, tricks, and suggestions as you use Windows
      notifications & actions

This is an effective way to stop notifications and should apply to a wide range of apps.

If you were wondering how to stop antivirus pop-ups in Windows 10, a quick solution would be to change the system’s notification settings. Or you could configure the built-in settings for the antivirus itself.

2. Stop browser notifications

2.1 Google Chrome

  1. Launch Google Chrome, paste the following path in the address bar, and then hit Enter: chrome://settings/content/notifications
    path
  2. Now, select the Don’t allow sites to send notifications option.
    change setting for how to stop pop-ups on windows 10
  3. Once done, relaunch the browser for the changes to come into effect.

For those trying to disable Chrome notifications in Windows, a quick way would be to use the built-in settings. Alternatively, you could get an extension that would work as a Chrome pop-up blocker.

2.2 Microsoft Edge

  1. Launch Microsoft Edge, click on the ellipsis near the top-right and choose Settings.
    settings
  2. Go to Cookies and site permissions from the navigation pane, and click on Notifications.
    notifications for how to stop pop-ups on windows 10
  3. Now, disable the toggle for Ask before sending.
    disable notifications for how to stop pop-ups on windows 10
  4. Head back to the previous screen and select Pop-ups and redirects.
    pop-ups and redirects
  5. Make sure the toggle for Block is enabled. For those trying to figure out how to enable pop-ups on Microsoft Edge, simply turn off the toggle for Block.
    block for how to stop pop-ups on windows 10

Those wondering how to block pop-ups in Microsoft Edge on Windows 10, the browser’s built-in settings offers the option. Simply disable both notifications and pop-ups, and you should experience minimal interruptions.

3. Disable Start Menu pop-ups

  1. Press Windows + I to open Settings, and click on Personalization.
    personalization
  2. Go to Start from the navigation pane, and disable the Show suggestions occasionally in Start option.
    disable for how to stop pop-ups on windows 10

We often come across ads or pop-ups in the Start menu, and though these are not as intrusive or affect the overall experience, disabling them is no hassle. So, if you were looking for ideas on how to stop pop-ups on Windows 10, disabling Start Menu ads would be a great option.

4. Stop File Explorer pops-ups

  1. Press Windows + E to open File Explorer, go to the View menu, and click on Options towards the right.
    file explorer options
  2. Navigate to the View tab, untick the checkbox for Show sync provider notifications, and click OK to save the changes.
    disable for how to stop pop-ups on windows 10

The sync provider notifications are the ones from OneDrive or Microsoft 365 apps regarding the ongoing sync process in the background. So, you could easily get rid of OneDrive sync pop-ups by reconfiguring the Folder Options.

5. Disable targeted ads on the lock screen

  1. Press Windows + I to open Settings, and choose Personalization.
    personalization
  2. Now, go to Lock screen from the navigation pane, and click on disable the toggle for Get fun facts, tips, and more from Windows and Cortana on your lock screen.
    disable tips and pop-ups
  3. If the option is not available, make sure you have Picture selected from the Background menu.

The lock screen is a vital part of the PC, and unnecessary ads, pop-ups, and tips there could affect the experience for users who want a cleaner OS. So this way, you can easily stop pop-ups on the Windows 10 lock screen.

6. Disable Windows Update notifications

  1. Press Windows + I to open Settings, and click Update & Security.
    update & security
  2. Click on Advanced options on the right.
    advanced options for how to stop pop-ups on windows 10
  3. Finally, disable the toggle under Update notifications.
    disable

The Windows Update notifications, particularly the ones to restart the computer for the changes to apply, could be annoying to many users. And the best part, you can disable them in no time.

Also, many users keep asking, does Windows 10 have a pop-up blocker? The answer is yes. Though you won’t find a universal option to block all pop-ups in Windows 10, each kind of notification can be stopped individually.

Besides, third-party applications usually have a separate Notification Settings section for this very purpose. So, you won’t have to spend much searching on how to stop McAfee pop-ups on Windows 10 or other similar apps.

Those planning to upgrade the OS, find out how to disable notifications in Windows 11.

For any queries or to share more ways to block pop-ups in Windows 10, use the comments section below.

2023 Most Popular & Used Browsers for Privacy: Australia/US/UK

Everyone cares about internet privacy, especially those who live in the land Down Under. Obviously, we’re targeting some of the most used browsers but the ultimate goal is to find the best browser for privacy.

Now, privacy and protection are among the few things that people all over the world can agree upon. This is why we won’t simply be chasing the most popular browsers in 2023.

In addition to finding the no 1 browser in the world, we’ll be answering important questions such as: what is the best browser for privacy? What are the most used browsers in Australia? What is the #1 most used browser in the US? In short, we’ll focus on privacy-focused browsers only.

OperaBest browser for privacy overall + Adblocker
AVG BrowserPrivate Guard & Cleaner, Private mode included
VivaldiUseful backup encryption key
BraveDedicated Shields to block ads & fingerprinting
TorTotal anonymity to websites

It’s safe to safe that cybersecurity infrastructure could use a boost pretty much everywhere. On the other hand, internet speed is actually pretty good according to Speedtest as it currently sits at:

  • 16th place for Australia
  • 19th place for the United States
  • 46th place for the United Kingdom

All that speed is good for nothing if your internet is not protected which is what this guide will be going over.

What is the most commonly used browser?

Unsurprisingly, Chrome is the no 1 browser in the world when it comes to popularity. This information comes from Stat Counter which released a report on web browser market share worldwide from Mar 2022 to Mar 2023.

As you can see from the image, Chrome is king with over 60 percent of the market share. Chrome is among the most popular browsers in the world so it stands to reason that the situation is pretty much the same:

  • What is the #1 most used browser in the US? → Chrome with around 50%
  • Europe → Chrome is the most popular and used browser with around 60%
  • United Kingdom → Chrome is the most popular and used browser with around 50%
  • What browser does Australia use? → Chrome is the most popular and used browser with around 60%

Globally, Safari is second with around 20% due to it being the premier browser of macOS. And then you have Edge, Firefox, and Samsung Internet because of their prevalence in Android phones.

When it comes to picking out this year’s privacy champ, comparing names such as Safari – Chrome – Firefox – Brave comes naturally. But we have a few options that might surprise you.

That said, popularity alone only gives reveals the most used browsers but not necessarily the best browser for privacy. The following recommendations have good privacy features but they’re not made equally.

Which browser is best for privacy (worldwide)?

1. Opera – best browser for privacy overall +Adblocker

The cool thing about Opera is that you can install Chrome extensions on it. You will need a special extension to do so which is the aptly named Install Chrome Extensions. So all the great security extensions Chrome has can be moved over to Opera.

Aside from the Chrome extension support, Opera does have some pretty security features. For starters, it comes with an ad blocker already installed on it. This protects you from malware and ensures browser speed stays high.

The browser can also prevent third-party websites from tracking you with its patented tracker blocker. This ensures your privacy. And to top it all off, Opera comes with a free VPN, one of, if not the only browser that does this.

The browser’s security settings are easy to access and easy to configure, You can change them without having to open a new window.

Additional features

  • Built-in VPN and adblocker
  • You can access recently closed pages
  • The browser also comes with a password manager to save log-in information
  Opera

Opera

Secure your digital presence with cutting-edge tracking adblocker and VPN protection.

2. Tor – Total anonymity to websites

Arguably, the most secure and best browser for Australia has to be the infamous Tor. So, is Tor browser legal in Australia? For sure. Tor got famous for the ability to access the dark web which is a series of hidden websites on the internet.

Certain websites may be tucked away for a variety of reasons, usually for security purposes. It was created by the U.S. Navy for totally anonymous online communication and that’s exactly what you have with the best browser for privacy.

It uses Tor’s wide-reaching network to hide your IP, then secures your connection. The browser does this by jumping through multiple nodes in order to make it incredibly difficult for anyone or anything to track you.

Tor is mainly used by journalists to hide their information. Other notable features include the same anti-fingerprinting feature that Brave has and the ability to browse blocked websites.

That said, using Tor to browse the internet casually is a bit overkill. You probably won’t be actively using all the features it has, but it’s still one of the best.

Additional features

  • Automatic data decryption on client-side
  • Provides total anonymity to websites
  • Possible to visit locked websites

⇒ Get Tor

3. Brave – Dedicated Shields to block ads & fingerprinting

Brave deserves a high placement on this list. It’s built on Google’s Chromium browser engine, the same as Chrome, but greatly improves upon it. Because of the Chromium base, some users are suspicious of Brave.

Chrome has had a reputation for tracking users in the past. First, Chrome gives people the option to opt out of user tracking. And second, Brave doesn’t do anything as close to what Chrome did in the past.

Brave has a suite of protection features which is called Brave Shields. In this suite, you have a built-in ad blocker that can stop websites from tracking you. It also boosts fingerprint protection.

Fingerprint protection doesn’t refer to literal fingerprints. It’s a type of online tracking where a third-party entity creates a profile of you based on your browsing behavior.

Things you click on, things you like, the sites you visit; all of this can be collected. Brave prevents this from happening making it truly unique.

Adaptive browser

  • Can import bookmarks from previous browsers
  • Security features are simple and easy to understand
  • Has a VPN, but you’ll have to pay

⇒ Get Brave

4. AVG Browser – Private Guard & Cleaner included

It may be a newcomer and it’s surely not as famous as its giant-scale rivals that make for the most used browsers and the most popular browsers in the world. However, AVG is not one to be easily pushed aside.

Whatever it lacks in notoriety and market share percentage, it compensates in privacy features – starting with a dedicated Private mode that leaves no tracks after you close your current navigation session.

If your goal is to find out what are the 4 famous web browsers, you won’t find AVG there but you might have just discovered the best browser for privacy.

Another interesting feature is the Privacy Guard, which blocks anything and everything from ads to trackers and beyond. There is also a dedicated Extension Guard that will check and prevent untrusted add-ons from installing.

And speaking of trust, you’ll be most pleased to know that AVG Browser boasts a Web Shield feature that will detect and repel fake sites, phishing tentatives, and many other fraudulent behavior patterns. What’s not to like?

AVG Browser

AVG Browser

Block untrusted sources such as websites, or extensions and browse at will, tracking-free.

5. Chrome – Various extensions at your disposal

Google Chrome is next on our list. Credit where it’s due, the browser is consistently getting new security updates that boost its protection. It’s certainly a great choice in the world in this regard.

But the problem with Chrome is that developers frequently find holes in Chrome’s security and it makes you wonder whether or not Google actually has good protection for its browser.

You can always supplement Chrome’s security with a wide variety of browser extensions, but it should be great from the get-go. You shouldn’t have to fix Google’s work. Plus, Chrome has been known to track users.

You can turn off tracking features, but it’s a little difficult to trust Chrome completely.

Additional features

  • Sync Chrome profile across multiple devices and share passwords
  • Keep accounts separate with different profiles
  • Control media across different tabs with the media hub

⇒ Get Chrome

6. Microsoft Edge – Great Password Monitor feature

Microsoft has come a long way since the days of Internet Explorer. The old web browser was finally put to rest as Microsoft will no longer support it. Instead, it’ll focus its efforts on Edge.

Internet Explorer had security problems for its entire lifespan with government organizations telling people to get rid of it. So what’s different? Basically, Edge is now on par with other mainstream browsers.

You can now open private browsers and add extensions to them that can be used to enhance their security. Its main security feature, Microsoft SmartScreen, will protect people from malicious websites and downloads.

With SmartScreen, Edge will actively scan whatever you download to make sure it’s okay. If not, it’ll reject the file. Plus, it has a robust tracking prevention feature with various levels of protection.

Additional features

  • Organize search results with Collections
  • Know if passwords are compromised with Password Monitor
  • Browse and search privately with InPrivate

⇒ Get Microsoft Edge

7. Safari – Safety Check included

The premier browser of Apple devices just had to make this list. Safari doesn’t have any unique privacy features that other browsers don’t have. You can create private windows and prevent websites from tracking you on Safari.

But what makes Safari so good is how it incorporates macOS security features. The browser’s security features work best when used in tandem with macOS or iOS. Let’s look at the recent Apple WDCC event.

WDCC showed off a bunch of new features coming to Mac computers. For example, Apple wants its users to move away from passwords and use passkeys instead. These keys utilize biometric identification to create a unique login for Macs.

Safari will be getting the ability to translate images from the internet via Live Text plus Shared Tab Groups as a new way to collaborate with friends. A lot of nice quality-of-life changes are coming to the browser, but that’s really it.

The interesting new privacy features like greater Hide My Email support and Safety Check are for the overall macOS environment.

Additional features

  • Built-in sharing feature to share websites with others
  • Will soon switch to secure HTTPS protocol completely
  • Enhanced tracking prevention coming soon

⇒ Get Safari

8. Firefox – Enhanced tracking protection

Next, we have a personal favorite in Mozilla Firefox. Compared to something like Chrome, Firefox blows it out of the water. Natively, Firefox will block third-party websites from using cookies to track you.

It’ll block trackers from social websites. It can prevent annoying videos from playing automatically. The browser has DNS over HTTPS to prevent internet service providers from selling your data.

It’s available in over 90 languages and is compatible with Windows, Mac, and Linux computers. There’s a version for mobile devices so you can take high-quality security features on the go.

Firefox has a built-in password manager so you don’t have to remember any of it. Mozilla also included a cryptocurrency-blocking feature to prevent minors from using their computer for crypto tokens.

There is so much to Firefox that it’s difficult to go over everything. On top of that, you have an entire suite of extensions to enhance your browsing experience.

Additional features

  • Private browsing tabs now have enhanced tracking protection
  • SmartBlock will prevent common tracking scripts from working
  • Sync profiles across different devices

⇒ Get Firefox

9. Vivaldi – Useful backup encryption key

Now we have Vivaldi. This browser has multiple security tools laid out in an easy-to-understand menu. Approachability is a major factor that some tech companies tragically overlook.

It’s not enough to have a secure browser with lots of cool features. You have to display them in such a way that people instantly understand them. People don’t want to dig through menus just to find one thing.

According to Vivaldi, the browser will protect you from websites and itself trying to track you. The app doesn’t collect data on its users, which is quite refreshing to hear. It comes with an ad block pre-installed.

And like other browsers, it comes with private browsing. But Vivaldi takes it one step further. The browser lets users change the search engine used. Plus, if you forget your password, you can download a backup encryption key to recover data.

People have complained in the past that Vivaldi is a little slow and may freeze. So do be aware of that.

Additional features

  • Visual Tabs let you preview what’s in a tab before clicking it
  • Trash Can to restore closed tabs or block pop-ups
  • Adaptive Interface lets you customize aspects of the user interface

⇒ Get Vivaldi

10. DuckDuckGo – With HTTPS protocol

In case you didn’t know, yes DuckDuckGo has a web browser but it’s only for mobile devices. It came out in late 2021 and has seen a ton of positive reviews for its security features.

DuckDuckGo markets itself as the anti-Google search engine. Google Search is known to track its users which the company claims are a way to better serve people. Others see it as an invasion of privacy.

DuckDuckGo keeps zero track of your information while you use its search feature. The browser will protect you against websites and apps tracking you, although the latter is still in beta so it isn’t perfect.

Also in beta is an email protection feature that, as you can probably guess, stops people from hiding trackers within your email. And then there’s the Fire button which clears out your browsing data with a single tap.

No other browser, mobile or desktop, has these features. It’s unknown if the developers plan on creating a desktop version besides the extensions but we hope they do.

Additional features

  • Automatically uses HTTPS protocol when possible
  • Lots of features for developers to play with
  • Has a simplistic design

⇒ Get DuckDuckGo

Feel free to comment below if you have questions about the most used browsers. Also, feel free to leave comments about guides you’d like to see or information on browsers and their features.

WMVCORE.dll Not Found Error: 5 Ways to Fix It

If you were to look through an app’s installation folder or the specific system folders, there would be thousands of DLL files, each critical to the effective running of system processes and installed applications. But many reported that WMVCORE.dll was not found.

A missing DLL can wreak havoc if it’s shared by several programs because, in this case, the application won’t open and throw a WMVCORE.dll DLL not found error instead. So, let’s find out all about the DLL and the solutions that should work.

What is the use of WMVCore DLL?

The WMVCORE.dll is closely linked to the Media Playback in Windows and comes bundled with the Media Feature Pack. When the DLL file is missing, several applications, including GTA 4 and Adobe Premier Pro, stop working.

Here are a few reasons WMVCORE.dll is missing:

  • Corrupt system files: A common reason users face the problem is when the system files are corrupt, but this can be fixed with a few quick scans.
  • DLL file not available: Sometimes, the DLL is not available, probably deleted by the app or the user, or its storage path has been changed, and, as a result, Windows couldn’t read it.
  • Missing Media Feature Pack: Users running the N edition of Windows don’t have the Media Feature Pack installed, and thus the WMVCORE.dll was not found in Windows 10.

What can I do when WMVCORE.dll is missing?

1. Use a dedicated DLL repair tool

The WMVCORE.dll is ideally a Windows file and should be present in computers, but that’s not the case with the N edition of the OS. Also, the DLL could be deleted by a program. This is where a DLL repair tool comes to your aid.

With this software, you can download WMVCORE.dll and any other missing DLL from its database in no time. Get the tool and never worry about DLL issues ever again.

2. Move the DLL to the program’s folder

A solution that worked for some users was to move the DLL from the Windows directory to the affected program’s folder. To do that, use the following path to go to WMVCORE.dll location and copy the file:C:\Windows\System32

All that’s left is to paste the DLL into the program’s folder. Do that, restart the computer, and the program should launch without throwing an error.

3. Run the DISM and SFC scan

  1. Press Windows + S to open Search, type Command Prompt, right-click on the relevant result, and then select Run as administrator.cmd
  2. Click Yes in the UAC prompt.
  3. Now, paste the following commands individually and hit Enter after each:DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /CheckHealth DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
  4. Once done, run the following command for the SFC scan:sfc /scannowsfc scan to fix wmvcore.dll

The DISM commands and SFC scan are effective against corrupt system files, and if that’s the reason WMVCORE.dll is missing for GTA 4 or Final Fantasy XIV, things should now be up and running.

4. Install Windows Media Feature Pack

  1. Go to Microsoft’s official website, choose English from the Select Language menu, and click Download to get the Media Feature Pack for N and KN versions of Windows 10.download to fix missing wmvcore.dll
  2. Select the file you want to download and click Next. If the first doesn’t work, try the other one the next time. download
  3. Once downloaded, run the setup, and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation process.setup
  4. Finally, restart the computer for the changes to come into effect and verify whether the error message disappears.

5. Reinstall the program

  1. Press Windows + R to open Run, type appwiz.cpl in the text field, and hit Enter.appwiz.cpl
  2. Select the app that’s throwing the error, and click Uninstall.uninstall to fix missing wmvcore.dll
  3. Choose the appropriate response when prompted and follow instructions for the uninstallation to go through.

If nothing previously worked, reinstalling the affected program should fix things when WMVCORE.dll is missing in Windows. For a clean reinstall, use an effective uninstaller software to clear any leftover files.

Before you go, download one from the list of the best DLL repair tools and stop worrying about similar issues.

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

0x80070000 Legacy API Shutdown: 5 Ways to Fix It

The error code 0x80070000 is a common issue that occurs in legacy applications indicating a shutdown error in the Application Programming Interface functionality. This error code could cause disruptions in the app’s normal behavior.

In this guide, we will discuss potential ways to deal with the issue.

What is 0x80070000 Legacy API shutdown?

The Legacy API shutdown indicates that some process has issued a shutdown request using the older of two API functions available to request a shutdown.

To get more information about the issue, you must check the Event logs to ensure which process is initiating the shutdown.

What causes the 0x80070000 Legacy API shutdown issue?

There could be various reasons for this error code to appear; some of the common ones are:

  • Process requested shutdown – If a process issued a shutdown request using the older of the two API functions available to request a shutdown, you could see this message. You need to check the Event Viewer to understand more.
  • Task is scheduled – Your device might randomly shut down if a task is scheduled to restart your system. Check the Task Scheduler and disable the task if necessary.
  • Outdated app – If the legacy application is no longer supported or maintained by the developer, it may have known issues that can trigger the 0x80070000 error.
  • Antivirus is causing the issue – You might see this message if your antivirus is set to restart after scanning your machine or making any changes.

Now that you know the causes let us check out how to fix the problem.

How can I fix the 0x80070000 legacy API shutdown error?

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

  • Turn off your Wi-Fi or ethernet connection, temporarily disable your antivirus, and restart your PC. If the antivirus is causing the issue, reinstall it.
  • Restart your computer in a safe mode to check what caused the issue.
  • If Windows is restarting every hour, check for Windows activation.
  • Make sure to install the latest Windows patches.
  • Check for any recent app installation which could have caused the issue.

1. Check the Event Viewer

  1. Press Windows + X to open the context menu.
  2. Click Event Viewer.Event Viewer on from context menu 0x80070000
  3. Under Event Viewer (Local), locate Windows Logs.
  4. Click System.System Event viewer 0x80070000
  5. Now from the right pane, locate the time and event when the restart happened to know the reason for the shutdown.Check the event
  6. If the reason behind the shutdown is an application installation or hardware replacement, undo the change to fix the issue.

2. Check the Task Scheduler

  1. Press the Windows key, type control panel, and click Open.Control Panel start menu 0x80070000
  2. Select View by as Small icons and click Windows Tools.Windows tools 0x80070000
  3. Click Task Scheduler.Task scheduler 0x80070000
  4. Go to Task Scheduler Library, go to each entry, and check if there is a scheduled restart for any entry to understand the issue.Task Scheduler list out options 0x80070000
  5. Remove the scheduled task to avoid the random shutdown.

3. Disable the Windows Customer Experience Improvement Program

  1. Press Windows + R to open the Run console.GPEDIT MSC RUN 0x80070000
  2. Type gpedit.msc and click OK to open Group Policy Editor.
  3. Navigate to this path: Computer configuration\Administrative Templates\ System\ Internet Communication Management\Internet Communication settingsWCE 0x80070000
  4. Locate and double-click Turn off Windows Customer Experience Improvement Program from the right pane.
  5. Select the radio button for Enabled.enabled WCE
  6. Click Apply, then OK to confirm the changes.
  7. Restart your computer.

4. Turn off the legacy remote shutdown interface

  1. Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog box.Regedit 0x80070000
  2. Type regedit and click OK to open Registry Editor.
  3. Navigate to this path: Computer\HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\System
  4. Locate and double-click DisableShutdownNamedPipe to modify it. Change the Value data to 0 and click OK.Disable Registry 0x80070000
  5. Reboot your PC to save the changes.

5. Disable the Automatically restart option

  1. Press Windows + I to open the Settings app.
  2. Go to System, then click About.Settings about 0x80070000
  3. Click Advanced system settings.Advanced system settings
  4. Locate Startup and Recovery, and click Settings.Startup recovery
  5. Remove the checkmark next to Automatically restart and click OK.Automatically restart 0x80070000
  6. Click Apply and then OK.

On the contrary, if you want to know how to set a shutdown timer on Windows 11, you can check out this guide.

So, these are a few ways to check and fix the 0x80070000 Legacy API shutdown on your computer. If you have any questions or suggestions, feel free to mention them in the comments section below.

0x87d00669 SCCM Update Error: How to Fix It

If you have encountered the 0x87D00669 (-2016410007) error while deploying updates via SCCM on a computer, this guide can help!

This error indicates that the client’s computer can’t find the update in the distribution package. We will discuss some popular fixes to resolve the issue in no time.

What causes the 0x87d00669 SCCM update error?

There are several reasons for the update error to occur; some of the common ones are listed here:

  • Content corrupted– If missing or corrupted, the content (update package & files) required for update installation may cause this SCCM update error.
  • Permission issues – The user account running the SCCM client doesn’t have appropriate permissions to install updates on the client’s machine.
  • Client communication issues – If the client machine cannot communicate with the SCCM server due to firewall settings or network issues, it could lead to an error.
  • Missing Boundaries and Boundary Groups – The apps or updates are installed after locating the distribution point and downloading the content; if the client can’t access the content, you might see this error. Check boundaries and boundary groups to ensure the network location is correctly set.

Now that you know how the error occurred, let us move on to the steps to fix the problem.

How can I fix the 0x87d00669 SCCM update error?

1. Check the boundaries

  1. Press the Windows key, type configuration manager console, and click Run as administrator to launch SCCM.
  2. Navigate to this path: Administration\Overview\Hierarchy Configuration\BoundariesBoundaries 0x87d00669
  3. Now check the boundary set as IP range or anything appropriate.

2. Check the boundary groups

  1. Press the Windows key, type configuration manager console, and click Run as administrator to launch SCCM.
  2. Go to this path: Administration\Overview\Hierarchy Configuration\Boundary GroupsBoundary group 0x87d00669
  3. Select a boundary group, and right-click it to choose Properties.
  4. Switch to the References tab, and click Add to add a new boundary.
  5. In the Add Boundary window, choose the type of boundary you want to add. You can select among IP subnet, Active Directory site, IPv6 prefix, or IP address range.
  6. Configure the properties of the boundary according to the selected boundary type and click OK.
  7. On the References tab, place a checkmark next to Use this boundary group for site assignment and click OK to save the changes.Use this boundary group  0x87d00669for site assignment

3. Redistribute an application to the distribution points

3.1 Use the Software Library

  1. Press the Windows key, type configuration manager console, and click Run as administrator to launch SCCM.
  2. Navigate to this path: Software Library\Application Management\ApplicationsApps 0x87d00669
  3. Select the application from the available options: Package, Software Update, Applications, Boot Image, Operating system images, and more.
  4. From the Home tab, click Properties.
  5. In the Properties wizard, on the Content Locations page, select the distribution points or distribution points groups and click Redistribute.
  6. Click OK on the following prompt.

3.2 Use the Administration workspace

  1. On the SCCM console, go to this path: Administration\Overview\Distribution PointsDP 0x87d00669
  2. Select the distribution point to which you want to redistribute the content.
  3. From the Home tab, select Properties.
  4. Go to the Content tab, select the content, and click the Redistribute button.
  5. Click OK.
  6. Go to this path and check if the application content is copied successfully: Monitoring\Overview\Distribution Status\Content Status
  7. Right-click on the content and select View Status.
  8. If there is an issue, right-click the Distribution point and select Redistribute again.Redistribute 0x87d00669

In case you’re looking to upgrade your Windows 7 computer to Windows 10 using SCCM, make sure to check out our article.

So, these are the steps you need to follow to fix the 0x87d00669 SCCM update error. If you have any questions or suggestions, please feel free to mention them in the comments section below.

Microsoft announces Sentinel All-in-One v2

Today, Microsoft has officially launched Sentinel All-in-One v2. It’s been over two years since the company debuted the first version.

For those not conversant with Microsoft Sentinel, Microsoft defines it as follows:

Microsoft Sentinel delivers intelligent security analytics and threat intelligence across the enterprise. With Microsoft Sentinel, you get a single solution for attack detection, threat visibility, proactive hunting, and threat response.

As for Microsoft Sentinel All-in-One, it’s a product designed to assist both customers and clients to “quickly set up a full-fledged Microsoft Sentinel environment that is ready to use by customers speeding up deployment and initial configuration tasks in few clicks, saving time and simplifying Microsoft Sentinel setup”.

The new entry automates several processes designed to enhance efficiency and effectiveness for the users. For instance, Microsoft Sentinel All-in-One v2 enables Microsoft Sentinel on top of the workspace, health diagnostics for Analytics Rules, Data Connectors and Automation Rules, UEBA with the relevant identity providers (AAD and/or AD), and more.

Be sure to visit Microsoft’s Tech Community post for more details regarding the enhancements that ship with this update. It’s worth noting that you’ll need an Azure Subscription alongside an account with permissions to access this product. However, users who need to enable UEBA or even supported connectors will require access to higher privileges.

Beware of these weather-named threat actors

In this ever-changing online world, security is or should be the number one priority for everyone involved. However, that is easier said than done.

Malicious third parties seem to always be one step ahead of everyone, and staying protected means we need to also evolve and progress.

Now, Microsoft Security is making a big change in how it labels threat actors. Today, the tech giant revealed that from now on, these threats will be labeled based on weather terms.

Microsoft renamed threat actors based on wather

Speaking of security, you might want to look up how you can stay safe while online. On that note, we’ve prepared a lot of security-oriented articles to help you out.

If you are still using Windows 10, we’ve tested over 25 antivirus solutions and have compiled a list of the best ones for you.

Circling back, Microsoft said that, with the new taxonomy, it intends to bring better context to customers and security researchers that are already confronted with an overwhelming amount of threat intelligence data.

This initiative will offer a more organized, memorable, and easy way to reference adversary groups so that organizations can better prioritize threats and protect themselves.

Basically, security professionals will instantly have an idea of the type of threat actor they are up against, just by reading the name.

Furthermore, a large number of the new weather terms will identify the threat actors as coming from specific countries.

ChinaTyphoon
IranSandstorm
LebanonRain
North KoreaSleet
RussiaBlizzard
South KoreaHail
TurkeyDust
VietnamCyclone

The Redmond company will also break down some more specific threats from certain nation-states with additional sub-categories.

Russia has Blizzard as its main threat name, but it will also get Midnight Blizzard, Forest Blizzard, and Aqua Blizzard for more specific security issues, for example.

Of course, these new innovative weather terms will also extend to describe other threat actor issues, as you are about to see in the table below.

Financially motivatedTempest
Private sector offensive actorsTsunami
Influence operationsFlood
Groups in developmentStorm

And, if a threat comes from an unknown source, or if one cannot be identified immediately, Microsoft will use the term Storm, followed by a four-digit number, as a preliminary label until it can be fully identified.

Microsoft claims that it has also established a new set of icons to go along with these new weather names for threat actors.

Microsoft threat actor names

Each of these icons uniquely represents a family name, and where it makes sense will accompany the threat actor names as a visual aid.
In truth, this new naming approach does not in any way change who the threat actors are that the company is tracking.

If you want to find out more about this new system, head on over to the dedicated Microsoft support page.

Know that all of Microsoft’s product pages that use security threat terminology will be updated with the new terms by September 2023.

We’ll monitor the situation and see what else Microsoft comes up with. Be sure to leave a comment below with your thoughts and opinions on this matter.

0x80041002: What is This Error Code & How to Fix It

0x80041002 is a Windows error code generally associated with Windows Management Instrumentation (WMI). WMI is a set of tools and services that enables administrators to manage and monitor Windows-based computers.

This error code indicates a problem with the WMI repository, a database that stores configuration information about WMI classes on a system. You can locate the repository here: %windir%System32WbemRepository

Before moving to the advanced fixes, you should add the WBEM folder to the AV scanning exclusion list; if this doesn’t help, proceed to the steps mentioned.

How do I fix the 0x80041002 error?

1. Verify the repository is consistent

  1. Press the Windows key, type cmd, and select Run as administrator.CMD elevated 0x80041002
  2. Type the following command to stop the WMI service and hit Enter: winmgmt /verifyrepository
  3. If it says WMI is not consistent, proceed to the following method.

2. Reset the WMI repository

  1. Press the Windows key, type cmd, and select Run as administrator.CMD elevated 0x80041002
  2. Copy and paste the following command to perform a consistency check and rebuild the repository if the inconsistency is found and press Enter: winmgmt /salvagerepository
  3. Type the following command to ensure the repository is now consistent and hit Enter: winmgmt /verifyrepository
  4. Copy and paste the following command to reset the repository to its initial state and press Enter: winmgmt /resetrepositorycmd_ reset 0x80041002
  5. Close the Command Prompt window.

3. Restart the WMI service

  1. Press the Windows key, type cmd, and select Run as administrator.CMD elevated 0x80041002
  2. Type the following command to stop the WMI service and hit Enter: net stop winmgmt
  3. Wait for the services to stop; now copy & paste the following command to restart the WMI service and press Enter: net start winmgmtRestart WMI service 0x80041002
  4. Wait for the service to start, then close Command Prompt.

4. Rebuild the WMI repository

  1. Press the Windows key, type cmd, and select Run as administrator.CMD elevated 0x80041002
  2. Type the following commands one by one to disable & stop the WMI service, and press Enter after every command: sc config winmgmt start= disabled net stop winmgmtStop WMI 0x80041002
  3. To navigate to the WMI repository folder, type this command and hit Enter: cd %windir%system32wbem
  4. Copy and paste this command to rename the repository and press Enter: ren Repository Repository.old
  5. Type the following command to re-register all the DLL files and hit Enter: for /f %s in ('dir /b /s *.dll') do regsvr32 /s %s
  6. To restart the WMI service and set it as automatic, type the following commands one by one and hit Enter after every command: sc config winmgmt start= auto net start winmgmtrESTART wmi 0x80041002
  7. Now to navigate to the root of the C drive, copy and paste the following command and press Enter: cd /d c:
  8. If you have a 2012 Clustered server, please type the following command to recompile MOFs and hit Enter: dir /b *.mof *.mfl | findstr /v /i uninstall > moflist.txt & for /F %s in (moflist.txt) do mofcomp %s
  9. Copy and paste the following command to restart the WMI service and press Enter: net start winmgmt
  10. Close the Command Prompt window.

5. Force Recover WMI

  1. Press Windows + R to open the Run window.Regedit 0x80041002
  2. Type regedit and click OK to open Registry Editor.
  3. Go to File, then click Export.0x80041002 Export registry
  4. Now save the .reg file to a desired location to backup the registry entries.
  5. Navigate to this path: ComputerHKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESOFTWAREMicrosoftWbemCIMOMReg autorecover 0x80041002
  6. Locate and double-click Autorecover MOFs to check the Value data. If it is empty, copy & paste the registry key value from a healthy machine with the same configuration.
  7. Once done, open the Command Prompt with admin rights using the step mentioned in the above methods, type the following command, and hit Enter: Winmgmt /resetrepositorycmd_RESET Repository 0x80041002
  8. Close the Command Prompt window.

We recommend you read our guide on SCCM application install error 0x87d00324, as this is one of the common issues encountered while deploying applications with Microsoft System Center Configuration Manager.

What causes the 0x80041002 error?

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

  • Corrupted repository – If the WMI repository becomes inconsistent or corrupted due to improper shutdown, disk errors, or software conflicts, it may lead to this error.
  • Missing or damaged WMI files – WMI relies on several system files and components to function properly. If any of these files are missing or corrupted, you may see this error.
  • Malware or security-related issues – Sometimes, malware infection or incorrect security settings may block WMI operations and processes, leading to this error.
  • Problems with WMI service – The WMI service, if disabled or stopped due to incorrect configuration or conflicts with other services, can result in the 0x80041002 error.
  • Other system errors – Other issues such as disk errors, incompatible software, and file system corruption could cause impact the functioning of WMI, hence the error.

So, these are the steps you need to follow to fix the 0x80041002 error. If you have any questions or suggestions, please feel free to use the comments section to mention them.

Best Browser for Reading Manga & Where [? Free App/Website]

If you’re looking for the best browser for reading manga, look no further. We’ll walk you through the best options in town and yes, browsers really are among the best apps to read manga for free.

Manga is more than your casual Japanese comic book. It has such a unique art and reading style that it became its own genre. With more manga leaving Japan, the art form has become a billion-dollar industry in the past 20 years.

Unsurprisingly, many apps and websites are out there catering to this audience. For example, you have an entire bookstore section dedicated to manga and a massive portion of Amazon doing the same thing. Major headless e-commerce platforms have also picked up on this rising trend.

These companies are playing catch-up to a platform that has existed for years: online manga websites. Now there are many different ways to read these comics.

The manga browser falls right into place allowing you to read and enjoy manga on your own terms or to find old advertisements if you’re more into vintage commercials. We dare say that the versatility it brings to the table is among its strongest advantages.

Which app is best for reading manga?

Manga BrowserManga reader (online)Best website for reading mangaBest apps to read manga
Opera – Best browser for reading manga overall
AVG Browser – Fast UI without ads
Firefox – Manga reader free browser
Chrome – Extensive control for optimal manga reading
→Manga Tree, Manga Blaze, Crunchyroll manga, MangaDex
→You can even use Adobe Reader for manga if you have a PDF file.
→Manga Owl, Manga Freak, Comixology, Manga Park
→Mangastream has gone offline.
→ Tachiyomi, Manga Plus, Manga Zone

What is the best browser for reading manga?

There’s no single web browser that is the best for reading manga online. You can use any browser. What makes these ones stand out is how they handle manga.

It’s about the kind of features the best browser to read manga brings to the table to enhance the manga reading experience.

1. Opera – Best browser for reading manga overall

For Opera, its usability with manga is due to multiple things. First, it supports Chrome extensions in addition to its own. To install Chrome extensions, you must first add Opera’s supporting software to the browser.

So all of Chrome’s unique manga extensions can work on Opera. On top of that, you have the likes of Search Anime which will locate the source of the anime you’re watching on Opera.

You may even find the original manga on which the anime is based, so you can continue enjoying the story. But, of course, you also can’t ignore all the gaming and other nerdy features that manga readers will most likely enjoy.

  Opera

Opera

Use this modern browser to get into the most captivating manga stories & never be interrupted by ads or errors.

2. AVG Browser – Fast UI without ads

Another valid solution to read manga 100% secure and free is the AVG Browser. It comes with improved privacy tools and a simple UI that can be customized in real-time. 

More importantly, you have compatible extensions to benefit from manga readers and thus access your favorite Japanese stories. The only action you should take is to get Chrome-based addons for reading manga. 

Other great advantages of this browser are the protection against tracking, integrated ad-blocker, privacy cleaner to remove history or cache, free VPN, and much more.

So if you want to discover any manga tails, start with this multi-layered browser.

AVG Browser

AVG Browser

Turn the pages without any distractions with this extremely private browser.

3. Firefox – Manga reader free browser

Starting off the list is Mozilla Firefox. This browser is better known for its high-quality security features that can block third-party websites from tracking via cookies. On top of that, it can prevent others from seeing your location and stop video autoplay.

For this list, Firefox has a ton of great manga-related extensions. They usually come in the form of extensions that can download manga files so you can read them on a separate app.

Some of the extensions include Manga Downloader and All Mangas Reader. Be aware that none of these extensions are actively monitored by Mozilla. Read the reviews to see if an extension is safe before downloading.

⇒ Get Mozilla Firefox

4. Chrome – Extensive control for optimal manga reading

Next up is Chrome, which has similar compatibility with reading manga as Firefox does but has some exclusive extensions. So, where I can read manga in Chrome? One is known as FocusManga, and its functionality is pretty simple.

All it does is have the manga page pop out from the screen and darken the window behind it. That way, you focus more on the page in front of you for an optimal reading experience.

Next, you have MangaReader, allowing you to read manga from your computer onto the webpage. It has multiple functions, so you can control how you read your favorites, like a zoom button and auto-scroll mode.

And, of course, you have the high-quality browsing experience that Chrome brings.

⇒ Get Chrome

5. Tachiyomi

Stepping away from traditional web browsers, we have Tachiyomi. This is a manga reader app for Android devices. It’s free and open-source, plus it supports comic books as well.

You can connect it to a wide variety of manga sources so you can pull from them and read your entire library in a single app. In addition, it can connect to tracking sites like MyAnimeList, so you never lose place.

It’s customizable with different modes, color filters, and other configurations to make your manga reading experience the best.

⇒ Get Tachiyomi

6. Manga Zone

And the last entry on this list of best manga-reading browsers is the Manga Zone app. This particular piece of software is one of the best out there. It’s the premiere manga reader on iOS.

It has a massive library from different sources. The app is constantly growing as it adds new chapters as soon as they are available. In addition, Manga Zone gives you curated recommendations on the home page.

Manga Zone has a minimalistic style, so you won’t have to worry about annoying ads appearing. Plus, you can download manga so you can read it later. This is a reader that can do everything and comes highly recommended.

⇒ Get Manga Zone

If you’re not a big manga fan, there are a lot of comic book readers out there for stuff from Marvel, DC, Image, Dark Horse, or whatever publication is out there.

But Western comic books are a different matter. This guide will show you the best browsers for reading manga online.

Feel free to comment below if you have questions about web browsers. Also, feel free to leave comments about guides you’d like to see or information on browsers and their features.

Xvidcore.dll Missing or Not Found: How to Fix It

For your PC to work properly, you need to have the necessary files, and one of those files is xvidcore.dll.

If this file is missing, certain components or applications might not work properly, so it’s important to fix any errors you might have with it.

To learn more about missing files, we have a great guide on how to restore missing DLL files on Windows 10, so we strongly suggest you check it out for more information.

What is xvidcore.dll?

In case you’re not familiar xvidcore.dll is a part of Xvid Codec. Video codecs were used in the past to allow users to play certain video formats.

To learn more, we suggest reading our guide on how to install video codecs or checking the list of the best video codec packs.

What can I do if xvidcore.dll missing or not found?

1. Use a dedicated DLL fixer

Xvidcore.dll is a third-party DLL, and if it’s missing on your PC, you probably won’t be able to play videos that require it.

Although you can download this file manually, you can always rely on a specialized DLL repair tool to help you with that.

2. Install Xvid codec manually

  1. Visit the Xvid download page and select Xvid for Windows.
  2. Once the file is downloaded, double-click it to run it.
  3. Select the desired language and click OK.
     
  4. Click Next to proceed.
  5. Accept the terms of service and click on Next.
  6. Choose the installation directory. You can usually leave it as it is and just click Next.
  7. Select Yes, automatically notify me when updates are available, and choose Next.
  8. You’ll be asked to select a decoder. Don’t select anything and just click Next.
  9. Lastly, click Next and wait for the setup to finish.

As you can see, fixing this problem is pretty simple; you just need to install the missing components.

Although we showed you the solutions for Windows 10, you can restore missing DLL files on Windows 11 by following similar steps.

What solution did you use to fix this problem? Let us know in the comments section below.

Civ 6 Keeps Crashing? How to Stop It in 4 Steps

A problem many players complain about when playing Civ 6 is the game crashing on their PCs. The Civ 6 crashing on Windows makes the game unresponsive and difficult to play. Fortunately, the issue isn’t fatal, and we’ll take you through the steps to fix it.

Alternatively, our readers can go through our detailed guide on fixing frequent Civilization VI issues on Windows PC.

Why is Civ 6 crashing on Windows?

Some notable factors that may be responsible for the Civ 6 game crashing on your PC are:

  • Compatibility issues – If your system does not meet the minimum system requirements for the Civilization VI game, running it will be straining on the PC components. Hence, it will result either in the game crashing during gameplay or the system crashing.
  • Outdated GPU drivers – Civilization VI uses lots of graphics resources and power on the PC. So, running outdated or faulty graphics drivers can cause issues with the game, resulting in the game crashing or malfunctioning.
  • Corrupt or damaged game files – When the game installation files are not verified due to them being corrupted, it prevents the game from accessing the necessary data from its .exe executable file, causing it to end tasks abruptly. Hence, it crashes at will.
  • Too many background apps – Having too many background processes can cause issues with your gaming activities on your computer. These processes can consume the system resources, making it insufficient for the game, and resulting in the game crashing.

Regardless, you can follow the steps below to fix the issue and get the Civ 6 game running smoothly.

What can I do if Civ 6 keeps crashing on Windows?

1. Run Civ 6 as an Administrator and in Compatibility Mode

  1. Press Windows + E to open File Explorer.
  2. Go to the location of the Civilization VI exe file, right-click on it, and select Properties from the drop-down.
  3. Go to the Compatibility tab and check the box for the Run this program as an administrator option. Then the box for Run this program in compatibility mode, then select a Windows version from the drop-down.
  4. Click OK to save the changes.
  5. Try running the game to see if it works perfectly.

Allowing the game to run as an administrator and in compatibility mode will resolve Civ 6 crashing on your PC. Check what to do if running as administrator is not working on your PC.

2. Update your Graphics driver

  1. Press Windows + R keys to prompt the Run dialog box, type devmgmt.msc, and click OK to open the Device Manager.
  2. Expand the Display Adapter, right-click on the device driver, then select Update driver from the drop-down menu.
  3. Click on Search Automatically for the updated driver software option.
  4. Restart your PC and check if the game runs smoothly.

Updating the graphics drivers will fix bugs affecting the GPU device and install the latest features to improve game performance.

You can look up other steps for updating graphics drivers on Windows 11. After doing that, the Civ 6 crashing should stop.

In addition, you can always consider a professional tool designed to scan your PC and update old driver versions with their latest build.

Outbyte Driver Updater

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3. Check the Game File Integrity

  1. Left-click the Start button and type Steam, then double-click to open it.
  2. Click the Library tab, right-click on Civ 6, and select Properties.
  3. Click the Local Files tab and select the Verify Integrity of Game Files button.
  4. Start the game and check if the issue persists.

Verifying the game file integrity will resolve corrupt or missing game files are a common cause for Civ 6 crashing.

Read more on how to verify the integrity of game files not working for more advanced steps.

4. Allow Civ 6 through Windows Defender Firewall

  1. Left-click the Start button, type firewall and open Windows Defender Firewall.
  2. Navigate to Allow an app or feature through Windows Defender Firewall.
  3. Select Civilization VI from the list of apps. Check the boxes for both Private and Public.
  4. Click OK to save the changes and restart your PC.

While your firewall is useful, it can interfere with various apps and even cause Civ 6 to crash. Read our guide on how to fix Windows Firewall blocking other app features on your PC.

Conclusively, our readers can check our comprehensive guide about ways to fix games crashing on Windows PC.  

Posted in PC

How to Get Help in Windows 11 Fast

The quickest way to get help in Windows 11 is to simply click on the Search icon from the taskbar or press Win + S and type your query. You will get immediate answers from settings or show online solutions in a browser. Below, you will find this, and other detailed solutions to fix any problem quickly.

How can I get help in Windows 11?

1. Use the Search tool to get your answer

  1. Click on the Search icon from the taskbar, or press the Windows key + S and type your issue.
  2. You will immediately get a lot of suggestions about possible issues and solutions, that will bring you to the most plausible solution.
  3. Surprise, even Bing knows that Windows Report is the most reputable source to find solutions for the selected problem.

This method can be applied to any issue, even if it’s not related to Windows 11.

2. Launch the Get Help app

  1. Press the Windows key, type help in the search bar, and press Enter.
  2. On the Get Help app homepage, go to the We’re here to help tab and enter a question or keywords in the search box to get results that could answer your questions.
  3. If the displayed result doesn’t cover your question, click the Contact Support button in the bottom left corner.
  4. Go to Products and Services, click the drop-down menu, then select Windows.
  5. Go to Category, click the drop-down menu, and select the best Category for your query.
  6. Click the Confirm button.
  7. Depending on your preference, select any option between Chat with a support agent in your web browser or provide your phone number and a support agent will call you.

Using the Get Help feature allows you to search for specific topics or browse through the available categories in the app. Also, you can have a direct chat with a support agent. And if Get Help is not working in Windows 11, reset the app.

3. Use the Get Started app

  1. Left-click the Start button, type Get Started in the search bar, and press Enter to open the app.
  2. Click on the Get Started button, and then Windows will show all the settings to customize your experience.
  3. Ensure you enable the Get tips and suggestions when I use Windows option.
  4. Press Windows + I key to open Settings.
  5. Select System in the sidebar and go to Notifications.
  6. Scroll down and click on Additional settings, then check the box next to Get tips and suggestions when using Windows.

The Get Started app is a feature Microsoft incorporated in its latest versions to demonstrate new features and services in Windows 11.

You can read our guide about what to do if Windows 11 Search Bar is not working on your PC.

Searching for answers on the search tab would direct you to the corresponding Settings page. Also, it provides a list of sites that contain a solution sourced from Bing that you can go through.

4. Use the Troubleshooting options

  1. Left-click the Start button, type Troubleshoot settings, and press Enter.
  2. Click on Other troubleshooters on the right pane.
  3. You will see a list of dedicated troubleshooters that can help with your concerns.
  4. Click the Run button against the troubleshooter to start it.

Running the troubleshooter will help you check for issues affecting the selected component and proffer solutions to help.

If the Start button is not working on your Windows PC, click the link to read about fixing it.

5. Use Microsoft social media help platforms

You can resolve issues without consulting or contacting Microsoft Support using social media platforms. You can tweet regarding your problem or query to @microsofthelps on Twitter.

In addition, our readers may be interested in how to enable Cortana on their computers since it can help them with specific issues.

Microsoft OneNote adds Scratch-out gesture for easy deletion

Microsoft has announced the release of a new feature dubbed Scratch-out gesture for OneNote users. The feature is the latest improvement shipping to the Pen & Ink experience in OneNote on Windows.

It’s designed to help enhance the user’s productivity by making it easier for them to erase mistakes or flawed drawings. With the feature, users can quickly draw a scribble over the ink to erase the ink behind it.

To access the new feature, you need to have the pen tool selected, then “quickly draw a scribble (loopy or zig-zaggy stroke) over the ink you want to erase.” The ink behind the scribble you’ll have made will then be erased. Here’s an illustration of how the feature works:

Animation of the Scratch-out gesture to erase ink

It is also worth noting that you can retrieve the ink by selecting Undo in case you erased an item mistakenly. The feature is currently shipping to Beta Channel users running Version 2304 (Build 16322.10000) or later. OneNote for Windows 10 users won’t be able to access this feature.

In related news, Microsoft recently released detailed information highlighting how AI Copilot will work in OneNote. The company indicated that this addition will transform existing text by summarizing, rewriting, formatting, and adding visual context.

Back 4 Blood Keeps Crashing? 5 Quick Ways to Fix it

Players complain about Back 4 Blood crashing on their PCs during gameplay and startup. This problem makes it difficult to play the game. Hence, this article will take you through the steps to fix and get the game working properly.

Alternatively, our readers may be interested in our article about ways to fix games crashing on Windows PC.

Why is Back 4 Blood crashing?

Many factors may cause the Back 4 Blood game to crash on Windows 11 frequently. Some are:

  • Outdated graphics cards – Games like Back 4 Blood demand lots of graphic power and resources to help run it on your PC. So, be sure to update the graphics driver.
  • Corrupt or missing Game files – For games to work on the computer, their installation files must be intact. However, you may experience Back 4 Blood crashing when the game installation files are corrupt or missing from your PC.
  • System requirement issues – If your PC doesn’t meet or have the required minimum hardware specs for running the game, it can cause the game to crash or not work.
  • Outdated Windows OS – An outdated Windows operating system can cause compatibility issues with Back 4 Blood, resulting in the game frequently crashing on your computer: Should the Windows Update fail, try the steps outlined here to fix it.
  • Interference from other apps – The Back 4 Blood game crashing on startup can be due to the activities of apps like antivirus software or background apps impeding its functionality.

Nevertheless, you can fix the issue by following the steps outlined below.

How can I fix it if Back 4 Blood keeps crashing?

Before proceeding with any advanced troubleshooting steps, try the following:

If the issue persists, proceed with the solutions below:

1. Update your Graphics driver

  1. Press Windows + R keys to prompt the Run dialog box, type devmgmt.msc, and click OK to open the Device Manager.
  2. Expand the Display Adapter, right-click on the device driver, then select Update driver from the drop-down menu.
  3. Click on Search Automatically for the updated driver software option.
  4. Restart your PC and check if the game runs smoothly.

Installing the updates for your graphics drivers will fix bugs affecting them and add features to improve the game’s performance.

Anyhow, you don’t need to follow all the manual steps and possibly not get compatible drivers for your display device.

The key solution here is a software app specialized for driver updates with their official manufacturers’ version.

Outbyte Driver Updater

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2. Verify the Integrity of Game files

  1. Left-click the Start button and type Steam, then double-click to open it.
  2. Click the Library tab, right-click on Back 4 Blood, and select Properties.
  3. Click the Local Files tab and select the Verify Integrity of Game Files button.
  4. Start the game and check if the issue persists.

Checking the integrity of game files resolves corrupt or missing game files causing Back 4 Blood to malfunction or crash. Check our guide on what to do if the verify the integrity of game files is not working.

3. Run the Game in DirectX11 mode

  1. Left-click the Start button and type Steam, then double-click to open it.
  2. Click the Library tab, right-click on Back 4 Blood, and select Properties.
  3. Select the General option on the left pane, then go to the Launch Option tab and type -dx11.
  4. Close the Properties window and click on Play, then select the Play in DX11 Compatibility Mode option.
  5. Click the Play button and check if the error is fixed.

Running the game in DX11 mode will resolve hardware compatibility and feature problems affecting the game.

4. Update Back 4 Blood

  1. Left-click the Start button, type Steam, and open it. Then, click on Library.
  2. Now, right-click on the Back 4 Blood and choose the Properties option.
  3. Next, move to the Updates tab and make sure the Always keep this game updated option is selected.
  4. After that, restart Steam and let it download and install the latest game patches for Back 4 Blood.
  5. Once done, you can try launching your game and see if the problem is fixed.

5. Allow Back 4 Blood through Windows Defender Firewall

  1. Left-click the Start button, type firewall and open Windows Defender Firewall.
  2. Navigate to Allow an app or feature through Windows Defender Firewall.
  3. Select Back 4 Blood from the list of apps. Check the boxes for both Private and Public.
  4. Click OK to save the changes and restart the game to see if it works.

The above steps prevent Windows Firewall from interfering with or blocking the game processes.

Read our guide on how to fix Windows Firewall blocking other app features on your PC.

Further, you can read Steam crashing when uninstalling a game on Windows computer.

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

How to Start Outlook in Safe Mode [Force Open It]

Starting Outlook in Safe Mode helps to fix issues and reduce the startup apps or services that run during launch. However, running Outlook in Safe Mode can be impossible due to some underlying issues.

Hence, we’ll show you how to open the app in Safe Mode as we dive into the article. Also, you can read about ways to fix the 0x80040900 Outlook error on Windows 11.

What does it mean to run Outlook in safe mode?

Outlook Safe Mode is a feature of Outlook that allows you to start it only with essential features. By doing so, the application will use only essential files to operate.

This will prevent it from starting with any third-party add-ons that might be causing issues. Safe Mode is an incredibly useful feature to troubleshoot the application, especially if you’re having any issues with it.

How to open Outlook in Safe Mode?

Go through the following preliminary checks before trying any advanced troubleshooting steps:

  • Close background apps, and other Office applications running on your computer.
  • Repair the Microsoft Office app to cleanse all corrupt files.
  • Try to log out from all profiles before restarting in Safe Mode.

If you can’t start Outlook in Safe Mode, follow the solutions below:

1. Via the Command line

  1. Press Windows + R key to open the Run dialog box, type outlook /safe, and click OK to open Outlook in Safe Mode.
  2. Select the default Outlook option in the Choose Profile window and choose OK to open that profile.

Restarting Windows in Safe Mode will resolve startup apps preventing Outlook from starting in Safe Mode. You can read our guide on how to fix the Safe Mode not working on Windows 11.

2. Create shortcut for Outlook in Safe Mode

  1. Right-click the blank area on your desktop. Then choose New and select Shortcut.
  2. Type the full path of Outlook.exe and type / safe at the end of the path, then click Next.
  3. Name the Shortcut as Outlook Safe Mode and click Finish.
  4. Then, double-click the Outlook shortcut whenever you want to open it in Safe Mode.

Creating the switch shortcut allows you access to a dedicated Outlook app that can only start in Safe Mode at your disposal whenever you need it.

3. Run via Command Prompt

  1. Press the Windows key, type the command prompt, and click Run as administrator.
  2. Input the following command and press Enter: C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\Office16\outlook.exe” /safe

Running the command prompt is a very effective method to force start Outlook. However, if the Command Prompt is not running as an administrator, check out the steps outlined in our article.

Read about fixing Windows not connecting to update service if the error occurs on your PC. In addition, you can check how to fix the missing toolbar in Outlook on their PCs.

After reading this guide, you know how to run Outlook in Safe Mode. If you have further questions, kindly drop them in the comments section.

0x80070050 Error Code: How to Fix It on Windows 10 & 11

Errors when updating the Windows OS have become quite common lately. During many years of working with various Windows systems, I have encountered many of them, and not all of them are easy to work around.

The error code 0x80070050 is one of the common update errors I encountered, this error code indicates a failing hardware component or corrupt system files.

In this guide, I will discuss the causes and some of the ways to resolve it on Windows 10/11. Also, you can check how to fix Windows Update error 0x8007045b on Windows 11.

How can I fix the error code 0x80070050?

Before attempting any advanced troubleshooting steps, go through the following:

  • Delete the Windows caches to remove corrupt files.
  • Download and install the missing DLL files.
  • Run the CHKDSK command.
  • Restart Windows in Safe Mode and check if the update error 0x80070050 persists.

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

1. Run Windows Update troubleshooter

  1. Press Windows + I key to open Settings.
  2. Click on System, select Troubleshoot, then tap the Other troubleshooters button.
  3. Go to Most Frequent and select the Run button beside Windows Update.
  4. Follow the prompts to complete the process and restart your PC to take effect.

Running the troubleshooter will resolve background issues affecting the Windows updates installation process.

You can check ways to run the Windows Update troubleshooter on Windows 11 for more detailed steps.

As opposed to this manual process, you can always use third-party software to scan your PC quickly and potentially fix this error code. A system repair tool will be able to scan your whole system and identify any broken or corrupted files. Once the scan process is completed, these allow you to replace any of the files that have issues, with clean and genuine ones from their database.

2. Check your Date and Time Settings

  1. In the lower-right corner of the desktop, right-click on the date and time, and then click Adjust date and time settings.
  2. Firstly, toggle off the Set date and time automatically. Click on the Change button beside Set the date and time manually.
  3. Set the correct details and click Change.
  4. Restart your PC and try to see if the Windows update process works.

Setting the correct time and date on your computer allows it to use a valid region and connect faster with Windows update servers.

3. Run a System File Checker (SFC) scan

  1. Left-click the Start button, type command prompt, and click on Run as administrator.
  2. Click Yes on the User Account Control (UAC) window.
  3. Type the following and press Enter:  sfc /scannow
  4. Restart your PC and check if the error persists.

Running a System File Checker scan will repair corrupt system files causing the update error.

Our readers can check what to do if nothing happens when you select run as administrator on Windows 11.

4. Reset the Windows Update components

  1. Left-click the Start button, type Command Prompt and select Run as administrator.
  2. Click Yes on the User Account Control (UAC) prompt.
  3. Copy and paste the following commands and press Enter after each one: net stop wuauserv  net stop cryptSvc  net stop bits  net stop msiserver
  4. Then input the following and press Enter after each: ren C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.old    ren C:\Windows\System32\catroot2 Catroot2.old
  5. Copy and paste the following commands and press Enter after each one: net start wuauserv  net start cryptSvc  net start bits  net start msiserver
  6. Close the Command Prompt, restart your PC, then check if error 0x80070050 persists.

Resetting Windows update components will restart the malfunctioning update components, allowing them to refresh and fix issues.

What causes error code 0x80070050?

The error can be due to the following:

  • Missing DLL files – If DLL files are missing or are inaccessible to the system during the update process, it can cause an error.
  • Incorrect Date & Time – You can also run into the error code 0x80070050 when updating Windows on your device if your data and time settings are incorrect. It causes issues with time zones and regions.
  • Incorrect registry entries – An error may erupt when you install something new, and its values and keys are correctly stored in the Registry.
  • Corrupt system files – It is common for users to encounter several issues due to corrupt system files on their computers. It makes it difficult for the update system to access files needed for the process.
  • Corrupt Windows cache – Cache files are stored in an update folder to help improve the update process. If these folders become corrupt or the cache files are compromised, it prevents the system from writing new files, affecting the new update installation.

The above-listed causes can vary on different PCs. Nonetheless, you can fix the error by following some steps enumerated below.

Read our article if you encounter issues running the Command Prompt as an administrator on Windows 11.

Alternatively, feel free to check our guide about ways to fix Windows Update error 0xc1900401 on Windows 11. Also, we recommend you read about what to do if your computer’s Windows update is slow.

Although our solutions focus mainly on Windows 11, due to the similarity of Windows 11 and Windows 10, all the solutions will work on previous versions as well.

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

0xc1900101 0x30017: How to Fix This Update/Install Error

Many users have complained about facing the 0xc1900101 0x30017 error when trying to update or install the latest version of Windows on their PC. This usually happens due to insufficient disk space or malware infection.

In this guide, we will discuss some of the tested solutions to fix the error so that you can update your Windows to the latest version without any hassle.

What causes the 0xc1900101 0x30017 error on Windows 11?

This update/install error could occur due to several reasons; some of the common ones are mentioned here:

  • Outdated BIOS – If the BIOS is outdated, it could affect your system functionality and cause other issues, including this error. Make sure there are no pending firmware updates to fix the issue.
  • Insufficient space – It is recommended to have at least 16 GB free space to install an upgrade or Windows update on your computer. Remove junk files and unwanted apps to retrieve space.
  • Antivirus interference – Windows Defender or third-party security software might be able to block the update. Disable your antivirus tool and try to install the update.
  • Corrupted system files – If the update files or the system files related to the Windows update are corrupted or damaged, you might see this error message. To fix it, you need to repair these files.
  • Obsolete drivers – Device drivers, if outdated or missing, could affect your system performance and cause other issues, including this one. You need to update all the device drivers to fix the issue.

Now that you know the causes let’s see how we can fix the error.

How do I fix the 0xc1900101 0x30017 error on Windows 11?

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

If these tweaks didn’t work, let us check out the advanced fixes.

1. Run Windows update troubleshooter

  1. Press Windows + I to open Settings.
  2. Go to System, and click Troubleshoot.Troublshooter 0xc1900101 0x30017
  3. Click Other troubleshooters.Other Troubleshooters
  4. Locate Windows Update and click Run.Windows Update Run
  5. Follow the onscreen instructions to complete the process.


2. Repair the system files

  1. Press the Windows key, type cmd, and click Run as administrator.CMD elevated d3dx9_34.dll
  2. Copy and paste the following command to repair the system files and hit Enter: sfc/scannowSFCSCANNOW CMD
  3. Wait until the process completes, type the following commands one by one to repair Windows OS, and press Enter after every command: Dism /Online /Cleanup-Image /CheckHealth Dism /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth Dism /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealthcmd_DISM 0xc1900101 0x30017
  4. Restart your computer to let the changes take effect.

If you’re searching for other possibilities for repairing your system files, you can use reliable third-party software capable of detecting corrupt files and replacing them automatically with new parts.

3. Disable the Secure Boot option

  1. Press Windows + I to open Settings.
  2. Go to System, then click Recovery.System - Recovery Windows 11 0xc1900101 0x30017
  3. Locate Advanced startup and click Restart now.Recovery Advanced Startup
  4. On the Choose an option screen, click Troubleshoot.Choose an option - Troubleshoot
  5. Select Advanced options.Advanced options 0xc1900101 0x30017
  6. From the Advanced options screen, select UEFI Firmware settings.UEFI 2 0xc1900101 0x30017
  7. Click Restart.UEFI Restart
  8. When your computer restarts, choose an appropriate option to enter BIOS.
  9. In BIOS, go to Security or BOOT options, locate Secure Boot, and select Disabled.
  10. Click Save & Exit to confirm the changes.

4. Delete the Software distribution folder

  1. Press the Windows key, type cmd, and click Run as administrator.CMD elevated 0xc1900101 0x30017
  2. Copy and paste the following commands one by one to stop Windows update, Cryptographic, Background Intelligent Transfer & Windows Installer services, and press Enter after every command: net stop wuauserv net stop cryptSvc net stop bits net stop msiserverCmd stopping services 0xc1900101 0x30017
  3. To rename the Software Distribution folder, type the following command and press Enter: ren C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.old ren C:\Windows\System32\catroot2 catroot2.old
  4. Now to restart the services you stopped, copy and paste the following commands one by one and press Enter after every command: net start wuauserv net start cryptSvc net start bits net start msiservercmd_starting the services 0xc1900101 0x30017
  5. Reboot your computer.

If you are facing any Windows installation errors, we recommend you check out this guide.

5. Run a disk check

  1. Press Windows + E to open File Explorer.
  2. Go to This PC, right-click C, and choose Properties.Properties Scan 0xc1900101 0x30017
  3. Switch to the Tools tab, under Error-checking, and select Check.Check
  4. Click Scan drive. Once the scan is finished, click Show Details.scan drive 0xc1900101 0x30017

This is how you can check for disk errors, help repair, clean up your PC, and improve its performance.

6. Restart your computer in a clean boot

  1. Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog box.msconfig run command  0xc1900101 0x30017
  2. Type msconfig and click OK to open System Configuration.
  3. Go to the Services tab, select Hide all Microsoft services, and click Disable all.Clean boot Disable all
  4. Next, switch to the Startup tab, and click Open Task Manager.Open task Manager Clean boot 0xc1900101 0x30017
  5. Locate each enabled item, right-click, and select Disable. Close Task Manager.Disable Start 0xc1900101 0x30017
  6. Click Apply and then OK to confirm the changes.CLEAN BOOT 5
  7. Next, click Restart.

Once your computer restarts, check if you are able to install the updates on Windows 11. If you still can’t, we recommend you perform a clean installation of Windows.

So, these are steps you can follow to fix the 0xc1900101 0x30017 installation error on Windows 11. If you have any questions or suggestions, please let us know in the comments section below.

Error 0x80131700: What Is It & How to Quickly Fix It

Encountering the error code 0x80131700 is usually relevant to the old version of the .NET Framework installed on your PC. It can appear while trying to run troubleshooters or performing other tasks on the system.

Fortunately, you can fix the error by troubleshooting your device. Likewise, you can check how to download and install Microsoft .NET 8 on their PC.

What is error 0x80131700?

Some notable factors that can cause the error are:

  • Issues with the Client Profile .NET Framework installed – If you’re running an older version of .NET Framework installed on your system, it can cause compatibility issues. The system will use a recent version because the built-in version of Microsoft .NET Framework is 3.5, resulting in the Error code 0x80131700.
  • Corrupt system files or protected resources – Every process and task on the system uses the system files and resources to run per their needs. If these system files are corrupt or the protected resources are not the correct version, it can prompt the error.
  • Outdated version of Windows OS – The error may also occur if the version of Windows running on your PC doesn’t support the version of Microsoft .NET Framework. Update your drivers following the steps outlined in this guide.

The following factors listed above may vary on different computers depending on the circumstances. Nevertheless, we’ll discuss ways to resolve it.

How can I fix the error 0x80131700?

Before trying any troubleshooting steps, we recommend you go through the following:

  • Restart Windows in Safe Mode and check if the error persists.

If you can’t resolve the error, proceed with the following solutions:

1. Install the update for Microsoft Enterprise

  1. Launch a browser on your PC and navigate to the Microsoft Enterprise Single Sign-On v4 (KB2252691) update page.
  2. Scroll down the page and click on System Requirements to check if your PC can install the update.
  3. Click the Download button in red to start the download, then select the files you need.
  4. Also, you can select a different language from the Select Language drop-down list.
  5. After the download is complete, double-click the file to start the installation immediately.

Installing the update will fix issues preventing the ENTSSO service from starting after installing .NET Framework 4.

It will update the ENTSSO assembly registration with the correct version of the .NET framework.

2. Using the Regasm tool to re-register the SSOSQL assembly

  1. Left-click the Start button and type cmd, then select Run as Administrator.
  2. For 32-bit Server run the following commands: C:\Windows\Microsoft.NET\Framework\v2.0.50727regasm “C:\Program Files\Common Files\Enterprise Single Sign-On\ssosql.dll”
  3. For 64-bit Server run the following: C:\Windows\Microsoft.NET\Framework64\v2.0.50727Type each of the following and hit Enter: regasm “C:\Program Files\Common Files\Enterprise Single Sign-On\win32\ssosql.dll”      regasm “C:\Program Files\Common Files\Enterprise Single Sign-On\ssosql.dll”
  4. Restart your PC and check if the error is resolved.

The above commands use Regasm.exe, included in the .Net Framework, to re-register the SSOSQL assembly.

3. Repair .NET Framework

  1. Right-click the Start button and select Control Panel from the drop-down menu.
  2. Select Programs and Features, then find all versions of Microsoft .NET Framework.
  3. Click Uninstall/Change and select the Repair option.

Repairing the .NET Framework will fix issues causing the 0x80131700 scheduled task error.

4. Run a System File Checker (SFC) scan

  1. Left-click the Start button, type command prompt, and click on Run as administrator.
  2. Click Yes on the User Account Control window.
  3. Type the following and press Enter: sfc /scannow 
  4. Restart your PC and check if the error appears again.

Running a System File Checker scan will repair corrupt files causing the error when using the .Net Framework.

We recommend you check what to do if nothing happens when you select run as administrator on Windows 11.

In addition, do not hesitate to check our guide about how to install the .Net Framework in Windows 11. Also, you may be interested in how to fix common .NET Framework 3.5 errors in Windows 11.

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

KERNEL32.Dll: What Is It & How to Fix All Related Errors

Some of the most critical files on a device are DLL files. They serve many functions and are essential in the successful execution of many computing processes, and kernel32.dll is not an exception.

This article explores the kernel32 Dynamic Link Library and offers some of the best fixes for many errors surrounding this file.

What is kernel32 DLL?

It is a DLL that is native to the Windows OS. The library holds vital information for several procedures in the operating system. Among its uses are the following:

  • Error handling – This is a role more evident to developers. However, for the everyday user, this shows as error messages often caused by bugs during program execution.
  • Memory management for processes – It manages functions that create and end app and system processes and allocates memory to running processes.
  • Information and configuration – It retrieves vital system information, such as querying registry or device version information.
  • Threading and synchronization – It manages the processes of object synchronization and handles signaling events and waiting for objects on the OS.
  • Input and output management – The DLL provides the functions that handle your file I/O requests. Hence, it manages tasks such as reading, writing, and opening or closing connected devices.
  • Control of time and date – This DLL provides all the functions that manage working with the system’s time and date.

However, as functional as it is, users may run into a few kernel32.dll problems. The most prominent is the missing DLL error. So, we will show you some of the best fixes. Please note that these fixes will generally work for several kernel32-related errors.

How do I fix kernel32 DLL errors?

1. Use specialized DLL tools

Most kernel32.dll errors are easily resolved using specialized DLL repair software. There are many to choose from but for Dynamic Link Libraries native to the Windows OS, such as kernel32, your best bet is using a dedicated DLL repair tool. These can guarantee a 100% fix for bad or missing files.

2. Run a virus scan

  1. Type Windows Security in the Search bar, and click on the relevant search result.
    kernel32.dll
  2. Now, click on Virus & threat protection.
    kernel32.dll
  3. Click on Scan options.
    kernel32.dll
  4. Select Full scan and click the Scan now button at the bottom.
    kernel32.dll

When the scan is complete, open the app that triggered the kernel32.dll error and verify it is resolved.

3. Run a file scan

  1. Press Windows + R, type cmd, and hit Ctrl + Shift + Enter.
    kernel32.dll
  2. Type the script below and hit Enter.
    sfc /scannow
  3. Wait while the scan executes; it may sometimes take several minutes.

4. Update the OS

  1. Press Windows + I to open the Settings app.
  2. Click on Update & Security.
  3. On the right pane, select Windows update, and on the left click the Check for updates button.
    kernel32.dll

5. Reinstall the program

  1. Press Windows + R, type appwiz.cpl, and hit Enter.
    kernel32.dll
  2. From the list of programs, click on the problematic one and select the Uninstall button.
  3. Follow the prompts from the wizard to complete the uninstallation.
  4. Download a fresh copy of the uninstalled program, and reinstall it.

This fix is effective because corrupted app files may trigger a kernel32.dll error. This makes a reinstallation the only valid fix in such situations.

6. Repair the OS

  1. Shut down the computer.
  2. Click the start button and tap F11 (the key may differ depending on the manufacturer) continuously before it comes on.
  3. Navigate Troubleshoot, Advanced options, then click on Startup repair.
    kernel32.dll
  4. Follow the instructions presented to complete the process.

You may reset your PC as a last resort, but this should not be necessary in most cases.

While all the solutions will not work for every single situation, you should be successful using at least one of them. For more information check our Fixing Inetcpl.cpl Errors: A Comprehensive Guide.

Please tell us in the comments section which solutions solved your kernel32.dll problem.

What Is Microsoft.office.interop.dll & How to Download It

This article explores everything you need to know about Microsoft.office.interop.dll and shows you the best way to download it on your Windows computer.

Like every other DLL file, this file contains essential code or instructions for performing various processes on a computer.

Before getting into it, you may also want to refer to our guide that explores all you should do if you have missing DLL files on Windows 11.

What is Microsoft Office Interop Excel DLL?

Interaction among applications is one role that DLLs fulfill, and the Microsoft Office Interop Excel DLL serves this role as relates to the Excel application. It is a .Net file containing a set of classes and interfaces that help you use the Excel spreadsheet.

The library helps developers to read/write and perform complex manipulation of the MS spreadsheet. Some of its most important uses include the following:

  • Visualizing data – It is essential for creating visual representations in spreadsheets, such as pivot tables, graphs, and charts.
  • Analyzing data – It helps devs to read and analyze huge data from the spreadsheet with functions like filtering, sorting, and aggregation.
  • Data migration – It aids data transfer from Excel to other applications, especially for storage.
  • Automation and data integration – With the DLL, devs will perform automation for reports, and these can be integrated with other .NET programs.
  • Reporting – Devs use the DLL for report generation, a useful feature for businesses and large organizations.

Since we have established how useful this file is, let us explore how you may download it.

How do I download microsoft.office.interop.dll?

1. Using specialized DLL tools

Using specialized tools is the most recommended solution to downloading the .NET DLL file. This is because they automate the process and will be helpful if you encounter any DLL-related problems.

This is because microsoft.office.interop.dll is native to Windows OS, and these tools guarantee 100% download success for files native to the operating system. With a single click, you should be well on your way.

2. Download from dll-files.com

  1. Navigate to dll-files.com.
  2. The topmost entries are the most updated versions. Click the Download link for one matching your system architecture.
    microsoft.office.interop.dll
  3. Right-click on the downloaded ZIP file and select Extract All.
    microsoft.office.interop.dll
  4. Lastly, you can copy the extracted Microsoft.Office.Interop.Excel.dll file and add it to any program’s installation folder that needs the DLL.

3. Download with Microsoft Office 2010: Primary Interop Assemblies Redistributable

  1. Go to the Primary Interop Assemblies Redistributable download link.
  2. Save the downloaded file.
    microsoft.office.interop.dll
  3. Lastly, double-click PIARedist to install and follow the wizard.

The Primary Interop Assemblies Redistributable is one of Microsoft’s installer packages that contain microsoft.office.interop.dll. Once you successfully install this package, you will have the DLL installed on the article.

Any of these three solutions should work just fine, so feel free to try whichever feels the most convenient. While we encourage using some automatic DLL installer, as long as you complete the process successfully, this will not matter.

D3dx9_34.dll Missing: How to Fix It

D3dx9_34.dll is a legit Dynamic link library for Microsoft DirectX for Windows developed by Microsoft Corporation. 

This executable file is responsible for the working of most Windows-based games and graphics software. 

If d3dx9_34.dll is missing or corrupted, this guide can help! We will discuss some solutions to restore the DLL file in no time. 

What causes the d3dx9_34.dll missing error? 

The missing DLL error could be caused due to several reasons; some of the common ones are:

  • Faulty app – If the game or software using the DLL file is corrupted or damaged, you might see this error. Reinstalling the affected app can help! 
  • Malware infection – A virus on a computer could damage system files causing this error. You need to run a deep scan using an antivirus program. 
  • Corrupted system files – If the system files are deleted, corrupted, or misplaced, it could lead to this DLL missing error. You need to repair the system files to get rid of this error.
  • Broken registry – Broken registry entries could cause a lot of issues along with this one. You need a registry cleaner to fix the invalid entries.

Now that you know the causes, let’s move to the fixes.

How can I fix the d3dx9_34.dll missing error?

Before moving to the advanced troubleshooting steps, go through these: 

If these didn’t help you, move to the fixes mentioned below. 

1. Run a DLL fixer

Replacing or adding missing DLL files can be difficult and may harm your computer if not done correctly. Therefore, it is advised to use a DLL fixer to repair the corrupted files.

The DLL fixers use their database to scan and detect DLL errors on your computer. By restoring a DLL file like d3dx9_34.dll, these programs can fix problems like app crashes, system instability, and other performance issues.

2. Run SFC & DISM commands

  1. Press the Windows key, type cmd, and click Run as administrator.CMD elevated d3dx9_34.dll
  2. Copy and paste the following command to repair system files and hit Enter: sfc/scannowSFCSCANNOW CMD d3dx9_34.dll
  3. Wait for the process to complete, type the following command to repair the Windows image, and press Enter: DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestorehealthRestore health
  4. Restart your computer to let the changes take effect. 

3. Run a malware scan

  1. Press the Windows key, type windows security, and click Open.Windows Security open Windows key  d3dx9_34.dll
  2. Go to Virus & threat protection and click Scan options.V& T Scan options
  3. Select Full scan and click Scan now to run a deep scan. Full scan - d3dx9_34.dll
  4. The tool will scour your computer for infected files; once the scan is complete, it will list out the bad files and delete them to fix the issue. 

4. Perform a System Restore

  1. Press the Windows key, type control panel, and click Open.Control Panel start menu d3dx9_34.dll
  2. Select View by as Large icons and choose Recovery. Recovery Control Panel d3dx9_34.dll
  3. Click Open System Restore.Open system restore
  4. On the next window, go with the recommended restore point or select Choose a different restore point and click Next. Next Choose a different restore point
  5. Select the restore point and click Next. Choose a point
  6. Click Finish to start the restoring process. This may take a few minutes. Finish d3dx9_34.dll

If the System Restore option is greyed for you or if it is not working, then we recommend you check this guide.

5. Download DLL files from a trusted source 

  1. Download the DLL file from the DLL-Files website.
  2. Double-click on the folder and copy the d3dx9_34.dll file from it.
  3. Navigate to this path and paste this file: C:\windows\System32System 32 d3dx9_34.dll
  4. Reboot your computer to confirm the changes.

If you are facing trouble because of missing DLL files on Windows 10, we suggest you read this guide to get your PC back to normal.

So, these are the steps you need to follow to fix the d3dx9_34.dll missing issue. If you have any questions or suggestions, feel free to mention them in the comments section below.

Akisp11.dll Missing? Here’s How to Fix It

Akisp11.dll is an executable Dynamic link library file developed by some third-party developer. This DLL file could be useful to run some apps smoothly on your computer.

If you are facing the akisp11.dll missing error, this guide can help. We will cover tested solutions to restore the missing DLL file and enhance system performance.

What causes the akisp11.dll missing error?

This DLL file could be missing due to various reasons; some of the common ones are mentioned here:

  • Incorrect installations – If any applications using the DLL file are incorrectly installed, you might face this error. You need to check for any recently installed apps and reinstall them.
  • Malware infection – A virus or malware, if present on a computer, can corrupt your system files, including these files. You must use an antivirus tool to remove the infection.
  • Faulty programs – If the software or program using the DLL file is corrupted, you can encounter this error. Reinstall the app causing the issue to resolve the problem.
  • Registry issues – If the registry files of your computer are broken, deleted, or corrupted, you might face various issues, including this one. You must use a registry fixer tool to fix the problem.

Now you know why the DLL file is missing, let us find out how to recover it.

What can I do if akisp11.dll is missing?

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

  • Sometimes, restarting your computer could fix the issue.
  • Reinstall the program which shows you the error.
  • Ensure there is no pending Windows update.

If these workarounds didn’t help you, move to the troubleshooting steps below.

1. Run a DLL fixer

DLL files are essential components of Windows OS and could cause issues if misplaced or deleted. To restore them and fix the problem, you need a DLL fixer.

These file repair tools have an extensive database of DLL files, registry entries, and more to help you with several system errors.

Some DLL fixers can help you restore third-party DLL files like akisp11.dll, resolving the conflict between third-party programs and the Windows operating system.

2. Run SFC & DISM scans

  1. Press the Windows key, type cmd, and click Run as administrator to open the elevated Command Prompt.CMD elevated akisp11.dll
  2. Type the following command to repair system files and hit Enter: sfc/scannowSFCSCANNOW CMD akisp11.dll
  3. Wait for the scan to complete. Now copy and paste the following command to repair the Windows OS image and press Enter: Dism /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestorehealthRestore health
  4. Once the process is complete, restart your PC to let the changes take effect.

3. Run a full scan using Windows Security

  1. Press the Windows key, type windows security, and click Open.Windows Security open Windows key akisp11.dll
  2. Go to Virus & threat protection and click Scan options.V& T Scan options
  3. Select Full scan and click Scan now to initiate a deep scan.Full scan - akisp11.dll
  4. Now the tool will search for malicious files on your computer and show you results if found. Delete the infected files and check if the issue persists.

4. Use a reliable source to download the DLL file

  1. Go to the DLL-files website and download the appropriate version of the akisp11.dll file.AKISP11.DLL
  2. Double-click the folder to open and copy the DLL file.
  3. Now navigate to this path and paste the file here: C:\windows\System32
  4. Restart your computer to save the changes.

5. Perform a System Restore

  1. Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog box.Run command Sysdmcpl akisp11.dll
  2. Type sysdm.cpl and click OK to open System Properties.
  3. Go to the System Protection tab, and click the System Restore button.System restore 1 akisp11.dll
  4. Now either go with the recommended restore point or select Choose a different restore point and click Next.Next Choose a different restore point api-ms-win-crt-string-l1-1-0.dll
  5. Select the restore point and click Next.Choose a point
  6. Click Finish to initiate the restoration process.Finish

Are you troubled by missing DLL files on Windows 10? We recommend you read our guide and discover expert tips and solutions to fix the issue and get your system back on track.

We hope the solutions listed helped you in fixing the akisp11.dll missing error. If you have any questions or suggestions, please feel free to use our comments section below.

How to Use Ashampoo Photo Optimizer App to Improve Your Images

If you are looking to enhance your pictures and make them truly stand out, you need an image optimizer. Its powerful features and an easy-to-use interface can help you achieve stunning results.

Here we are talking about one such tool Ashampoo Photo Optimizer, which can help you unleash your creativity and bring out the best in your images.

What are the benefits of using Ashampoo Photo Optimizer?

Ashampoo Photo Optimizer is a versatile photo editing software that offers a wide range of features to help you bring out the full potential of an image.

Here’s how this photo editor can enhance your photographs:

  • Auto optimization automatically analyzes and enhances your pictures in a single click. This feature is helpful for beginners and a quick way to improve image quality without manual editing.
  • Manual photo editing – The software gives you complete control over the editing process. You can adjust brightness, contrast, color saturation, sharpness, & more to fine-tune a photograph to your liking.
  • Batch processing – It allows processing multiple images at once by applying the same optimization settings in a few clicks, thereby saving time and effort.
  • Advanced editing– The addition of tools to reduce digital noise, fix red eyes in portraits, whiten teeth, and remove stains & other impurities make this program a must-have for photo editing.

Now that you know how it can help you, let us see how it works!

How do I use Ashampoo Photo Optimizer to edit images?

1. Download and install the tool

  1. Download Ashampoo Photo Optimizer from the official site.
  2. Double-click the setup file on the Setup wizard, and click Agree & Proceed.Setup process 1 Ashampoo
  3. Click Next. The tool will install, and once done, click Finish.Finish Setup

2. Optimize your images

  1. On the home screen, click File, then select Add file to add a single picture or Add folder button to add a folder.Add file step 1 Ashampoo Photo optimizer
  2. Now locate the photos with the images and click OK. Repeat the same process if you want to add more folders.Step 2
  3. Click the Double-sided arrow to see all photos. Select an individual picture by clicking on them or all by clicking the Select all button.Step 3 Ashampoo Photos optimizer
  4. Click Auto optimize.step 3 Ashampoo Photo optimizer
  5. Click Yes to confirm the choice. The optimization process can take a few minutes.
  6. Once optimized, click on the button on the right side of the image to choose from Original, Result, Tile horizontal, and Tile vertical to view the image. Select view
  7. Click Save.Photooptimizer Save the changes
  8. The photos are saved on your computer in the Ashampoo folder. If you don’t like the changes, go to Basics, then click Undo to revert the changes.Undo changes

3. Edit the images manually

  1. To edit photos manually, use the options available in the top right corner of the tool. The options are:Photooptimizer9_Ashampoo® Photo Optimizer 9
    • Favorites – Save favorite features for easy access
    • Basics – Rotate/Mirror, Free Rotation, Drop, Resize, Watermark, Text & Delete
    • Correction – Correction, Light Curves, Color, Straighten horizon, Perspective, Crop, Sharpen, & Adaptive Sharpen
    • Face – Remove Red Eyes, Whiten Teeth, & Remove Spots
    • Effects – Image Age, Image overlay, Frame, Emboss, Shade, Blue Shift, Oilpaint, Charcoal, Sketch, Posterize, Solarize, Threshold, &Adaptive Threshold
    • Manipulate – Clone Area, Blur, Motion Blur, Adaptive Blue, Noise, Median, Spread, Shear, Wave, Swirl, Implode/Explode
    • Export – Mail, Ashampoo Web Upload, Wallpaper & Print.
  2. Once you have made the changes, click Yes on the Save changes window to confirm the changes.Photooptimizer Save the changes

This is how you can manually edit the photos.

Right now, Ashampoo has an incredible limited offer for Photo Optimizer: you can get the tool for $25 instead of $40. Hit the link below to benefit from this opportunity!

Ashampoo Photo Optimizer

Transforms your photos from ordinary to extraordinary in a few simple steps.

What are the best features of Ashampoo Photo Optimizer?

Ashampoo Photo Optimizer is a comprehensive editing tool that offers advanced functionalities to create breathtaking images. Some of the key features of the software are:

  • Perspective correction – This image optimization tool comes with a perspective correction tool that can fix distorted lines and help you achieve a visually pleasing composition.
  • RAW image support – It supports RAW image files, which is a useful feature for a professional photographer who requires advanced editing capabilities.
  • Backup and restore – The software allows you to create backups of your original photos before making edits, ensuring you can always revert to the original version.
  • Preview option – You can compare the original image to the optimized one in real time to observe the differences, and it helps you make informed decisions during the editing process.
  • Easy sharing – You can upload the optimized images on social media platforms, send them via email, set them as wallpaper, and more.

Ashampoo Photo Optimizer is the go-to choice for transforming photos into stunning masterpieces. While using the tool, we observed that it was light on system resources, efficient, & responsive, and we were able to optimize the images without any problems.

Have you tried Ashampoo Photo Optimizer? If so, tell us all about your experience in the comments section below.

Api-ms-win-crt-string-l1-1-0.dll Missing: 5 Ways to Fix

Api-ms-win-crt-string-l1-1-0.dll is a legit Dynamic link library (DLL) file developed by Microsoft Corporation for Windows 11, 10, and other earlier versions. Several apps or games may need this file to function properly.

However, if api-ms-win-crt-string-l1-1-0.dll is missing, it could throw an error message when you try to open games or apps.

Why is api-ms-win-crt-string-l1-1-0.dll missing?

There are several reasons why the DLL file can’t be found, some of them are mentioned here:

  • Malware infection – When your computer is infected with viruses, it could corrupt your system files, including the DLL files. You must run a deep scan using trusted antivirus software.
  • Damaged Windows registry – If your Windows registry files are damaged or broken, it could cause various issues, including this error. To fix it, you need to run a registry cleaner tool.
  • Corrupted software – The DLL file could be damaged or missing if the software using the file is corrupted. You need to reinstall the program to fix the issue.
  • Accidentally deleted – If you have deleted or misplaced the DLL file by mistake, it could lead to this error message. You need to restore the file to its original location.

Now that you know the causes, let us move to the methods to fix the problem.

How can I fix the api-ms-win-crt-string-l1-1-0.dll file is missing?

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

  • It seems unusual, but rebooting your PC can help.
  • Make sure Windows is up to date.
  • Reinstall the program which is throwing the error.

If these tweaks didn’t help, don’t sweat! Let’s check out the solutions mentioned below.

1. Run a DLL fixer

Fixing DLL errors can be cumbersome, especially if you don’t know your way around your computer. It is advised to use a DLL repair tool.

DLL fixers are Windows repair tools designed to repair and restore missing DLL files, including api-ms-win-crt-string-l1-1-0.dll, fixing issues like application crashes, system instability, etc.

With its extensive database of Windows DLL files, these can fix your problem. Also, you can rest assured that your DLL files are always up to date.

2. Run SFC & DISM scans

  1. Press the Windows key, type cmd, and click Run as administrator.CMD elevated api-ms-win-crt-string-l1-1-0.dll
  2. Copy and paste the following command to repair system files and hit Enter: sfc/scannowSFCSCANNOW CMD api-ms-win-crt-string-l1-1-0.dll
  3. The tool will scan your computer and fix the broken or damaged system files.
  4. Type the following command to repair Windows image files and press Enter: Dism/Online /Cleanup-Image /RestorehealthRestore health
  5. Wait for the scan to complete, then restart your computer to let the changes take effect.

3. Run a malware scan

  1. Press the Windows key, type windows security, and click Open.Windows Security open Windows key api-ms-win-crt-string-l1-1-0.dll
  2. Click Virus & threat protection from the left pane, and select Scan options from the right.V& T Scan options api-ms-win-crt-string-l1-1-0.dll
  3. Select Full scan and click Scan now to initiate the deep scan.Full scan - api-ms-win-crt-string-l1-1-0.dll
  4. Now the tool will scan all the areas on your computer to scour malicious files. Once completed, it will show you the infected files and delete them when prompted.
  5. Reboot your PC and check if the issue persists.

4. Perform a System Restore

  1. Press the Windows key, type system restore and click Create a restore point from the results.System restore API-MS-WIN-CRT-STRING-L1-1-0.DLL
  2. Under System Restore, click System Restore button.System Restore System config
  3. Now, you can either go with the recommended restore point option or choose a different one and click Next.Next Choose a different restore point api-ms-win-crt-string-l1-1-0.dll
  4. Select the restore point before the api-ms-win-crt-string-l1-1-0.dll missing error and click Next.Choose a point
  5. Click Finish and wait for the process to get completed. Finish api-ms-win-crt-string-l1-1-0.dll

If you cannot restore your computer to the previous version, we recommend you go through our guide on System Restore not working.

5. Download the DLL file from a reliable website

This method is not recommended as the file might harm your computer or contain malware.

DLL file download manually api-ms-win-crt-string-l1-1-0.dll

However, if you choose a trusted source like DLL-files, download the DLL files to fix the problem. On the other hand, you can copy the file from a healthy computer and paste it into this folder on your PC to make it work: C:\Windows\System32

So, this is how you can fix the api-ms-win-crt-string-l1-1-0.dll missing error and improve the overall performance of your Windows operating system.

This isn’t the only file that can cause issues, and we have a guide on api-ms-win-core-localization-l1-2-0.dll error, so don’t miss it.

For any other questions or advice, please feel free to mention them in the comments section below.

Lame_enc.dll Missing: How to Fix This Error

Lame_enc.dll is an encoder module that also functions as an audio compressor. It is employed by some of the top open-source apps like Audacity for different tasks.

However, some users complain about a lame_enc.dll file missing error on their PC. If you are also troubled by this issue, we will show you how to fix it and restore normalcy on your device.

What is a lame_enc DLL file?

Lame_enc.dll is known as one of the best encoders at mid-high bitrates. This MP3 encoder module is a standard for audio compression.

Among the top apps that make use of Lame_enc.dll are VideoLAN and Audacity. Hence, if this DLL file is missing on Windows 10 or 11, these apps will suffer greatly.

How can I fix the Lame_enc.dll missing error?

1. Use a dedicated DLL fixer

Lame_enc.dll is a non-system file that comes with software installed on your PC. Hence, any error concerning this DLL file is likely due to compatibility issues between the DLL file and your PC.

The easiest way to rectify this and get the file firing again is to use a dedicated DLL repair tool. This is because this tool fixes compatibility issues and eases the sync between your PC and any third-party DLL file.

2. Update your PC

  1. Press the Windows key + I and select Windows Update in the left pane.
  2. Click Check for updates in the right pane.
    update lame_enc.dll
  3. Finally, download and install all available updates and restart your PC.

Sometimes, the lame_enc.dll missing issue can be due to an outdated PC. You can fix this easily by updating your operating system.

3. Reinstall the faulty program

  1. Press the Windows key, type control, and select Control Panel.
    control panel
  2. Select Uninstall a program under the Programs option.
    uninstall a
  3. Now, right-click the faulty app and choose Uninstall.
    uninstall
  4. Finally, go to the official website to reinstall the program or use the original installation disk.

At times, the app giving the lame_enc.dll missing might cause the issue. Reinstalling the app should do the trick here.

4. Perform a system restore

  1. Press the Windows key + R, type rstrui.exe, and click OK.
    rstrui lame_enc.dll
  2. Now, click Next.
    next
  3. Select your preferred restore point and click Next.
    restore point lame_enc.dll
  4. Finally, click the Finish button.
    finish

In some cases, this lame_enc.dll issue might show up because of some changes made to your PC. You need to restore your PC to a point when everything is working perfectly.

5. Download from a third-party website

  1. Go to a trusted third-party website like DLL me.com.
  2. Click the Download button.
    download
  3. Next, unzip the downloaded file if it is zipped and move the lame_enc.dll file to the path below on a 32-bit PC:C:\Windows\System32
  4. If you are on a 64-bit PC, move it to the path below instead:C:\Windows\SysWOW64
  5. Finally, restart your PC.

If you still can’t get past this error after applying the fixes above, you have no choice but need to download the lame_enc.dll file from a third-party website. While this is not encouraged, some secure websites are still out there.

Also, if you are facing this issue on Audacity, follow the steps below to upload the DLL file on it:

  1. Launch Audacity and select Edit > Preferences.
  2. Click the Libraries option.
  3. Now, select Locate after MP3 Library.
  4. Click the Browse button and select the folder containing the lame_enc.dll file.
  5. Finally, click the Open button.
    audacity

With this, we can conclude this detailed guide on the lame_enc missing error. All that is left for you to do is follow the instructions carefully, and things should return to normal.

Similarly, if some DLL files are missing on Windows 11 besides this one, check our detailed guide to restore them. We also have a new guide on avformat-52.dll, so don’t hesitate to check it out.

Feel free to let us know the solution that helped you fix this issue in the comments below.

D3d9.dll is Missing: How to Fix & Download It Again

D3d9.dll is an integral DLL file used by Windows PC to run graphics-intensive programs. However, an important file can sometimes misbehave, as some users complain of a d3d9.dll missing error.

While this error can be caused by a series of factors like corrupt files and a faulty app, it is not the most difficult to fix, as we will show in this guide.

What is d3d9 DLL?

D3d9.dll is one of the many files that make up Microsoft DirectX. DirectX is an important software used by many games and advanced graphics software on Windows PC.

Hence, if d3d9.dll or any other DirectX DLL file is missing on your PC, it will affect most of these Windows-based programs.

How do I fix the d3d9.dll missing error?

1. Use a dedicated DLL fixer

While the d3d9.dll missing error can be frustrating, it is not the end of the world because the file can be restored. Restoring it doesn’t necessarily have to involve downloading or copying the file.

Instead, you should consider using a top-notch DLL fixer that can restore the d3d9.dll file automatically. And with this being a system DLL file, you know this tool will 100% restore it.

2. Install the latest version of DirectX

  1. Visit the official website to download the latest version of DirectX.
    download d3d9.dll
  2. Double-click the downloaded file to run it and accept the license terms.
    accept d3d9.dll
  3. Finally, follow the onscreen instructions to complete the process.

Since the d3d9.dll file is part of DirectX, installing the latest version of the software should help restore it if it is really missing on your PC.

3. Reinstall the faulty program

  1. Press the Windows key + S, type control, and select Control Panel.
    control panel
  2. Now, click Uninstall a program under Programs.
    uninstall a d3d9.dll
  3. Next, right-click the faulty app and choose Uninstall.
    uninstall
  4. Finally, go to the official website to reinstall the program or use the original installation disk.

Sometimes, the app giving the d3d9.dll error might be faulty, leading to the error message. In this case, you need to uninstall the app and reinstall it from official sources.

4. Run an SFC scan

  1. Press the Windows key, type cmd, and select Run as administrator under Command Prompt.
    cmd admin d3d9.dll
  2. Type the command below and hit Enter:sfc /scannowsfc scan
  3. Finally, wait for the command to finish running and restart your PC.

Sometimes, the d3d9.dll can be due to broken or missing system files. Restoring these files should help you get past the error message.

5. Perform a system restore

  1. Press the Windows key + R, type rstrui.exe, and click OK.
    rstrui
  2. Click the Next button on the next page.
    next
  3. Now, choose a restore point and click Next.
    restore point d3d9.dll
  4. Finally, click the Finish button.
    finish

At times, you might face this d3d9.dll issue because of recent changes to your PC. Performing a system restore to a point when everything was working well should do the trick.

6. Download from a third-party website

  1. Visit a trusted third-party website like DLL files.com.
  2. Click Download.
    download
  3. Now, unzip the downloaded file and move the DLL file to the path below on a 32-bit PC:C:\Windows\System32
  4. If you use a 64-bit PC, move it to the path below instead:C:\Windows\SysWOW64
  5. Finally, restart your PC.

If none of the solutions above helped you restore the d3d9.dll file, you might need to download it from a third-party website. This is the last resort, but you can still get some safe websites out there.

Also, ensure you scan any file you download to ensure its safety.

The d3d9.dll missing error can be frustrating, as it affects a lot of apps and software. Fortunately, it is an issue that can be easily fixed, provided you follow the steps in this guide.

In the same vein, if DLL files are missing on Windows 10, check our detailed guide to restore them.

Feel free to let us know the solution that helped you fix this issue in the comments below.

How to Convert OST Into PST Using Stellar Converter for OST

Whether you use Microsoft Outlook with Microsoft Exchange Server or IMAP mail protocol, OST (Offline Storage Table) files are automatically created and saved on your computer.

Despite the popularity of Outlook, it is not free from errors, and users often complain about random crashes. Sometimes due to crashes, the OST file might get corrupted, and you may lose access to your mailbox.

Therefore, you need a reliable OST to PST converter that can help you recover important emails, contacts, calendars, and other data stored in the OST file. One such reliable software is Stellar Converter for OST.

In this guide, we will discuss how to convert OST into PST files and repair your Outlook emails without any hassle.

Why do you need an OST to PST converter?

Converting an OST (Offline Storage Table) file to PST (Personal Storage Table) format can be significant for recovering your mailbox content. Here are some scenarios wherein you can need it:

  • Inaccessibility – If the Exchange Server crashes or the OST file becomes corrupt, you might lose access to your data on email. OST to PST conversion can help you recover emails, contacts, calendars, and other data.
  • Migrating data – If you are switching to a new email client or migrating to a different Exchange Server, then OST to PST converter can help you transfer your data from one system to another.
  • Backup and archiving – The conversion can also be useful for creating backups or archives of your data. PST files can be easily stored, transferred, or backed up to a different location.
  • Limited storage space – Outlook has a limit on OST file size, and if the file exceeds the size, there may be performance issues. You can convert this file to PST to reduce the size.
  • Lost your mailbox data– If your mailbox data is deleted, converting the OST file to a PST file can help recover data.

No matter why you want to do this, Stellar Converter for OST checks all the boxes.

How can the Stellar Converter for OST help you?

PST and OST files are both file formats used by Microsoft Outlook to store mailbox data. The former is available on the local computer or network, and the latter is located on the Exchange server.

If the server becomes inaccessible or the OST file is corrupt, you can’t access your emails. To repair these emails, you need an OST to PST file converter such as Stellar Converter for OST.

With the OST PST conversion tool, you can recover all your mailbox content, including emails, calendars, tasks, attachments, journals, contacts, notes, etc, and save them in RTF, PDF, EML, HTML, and MSG.

The software allows you to scan and preview the converted OST file contents and can convert the first 20 emails per folder for free.

Let’s see how we can use this software to support OST PST conversion and recover Outlook emails.

How do I recover my emails using Stellar Converter for OST?

1. Convert OST to PST

  1. Go to Stellar Converter for OST website and click Free Download.Download Stellar  Convert OST to PST
  2. Double-click the installer file and click Yes on the UAC prompt to launch the installation wizard.
  3. Follow the on-screen instructions to install the software on your computer. Once the process is complete, click Finish to close the setup and the tool will be launched.Finish convert OST TO PST
  4. If you know the file’s location, click Browse to choose the OST file or the Find option to search and choose the PST file. Click Convert.Convert Browse Convert OST Into PST
  5. If you don’t know the location, go to the Profile List tab. Click List Profiles. It will show you all the OST files related to Outlook profiles from the default location. Choose the OST file and click Convert.List profiles profile list Convert OST Into PST

Once the process is complete, you can see the preview Outlook mailbox folders and deleted items (red colors) in the left pane.

If you want to find a specific email, go to the Home tab, click the Find Message option, enter parameters such as To, From, Subject, & Date, and click Find Now. You can double-click on the email to see the preview.

2. Recover your PST file

  1. Go to the Home tab and click Save Converted File.Save converted file
  2. On the Save as window, click the radio button next to Save as PST and click Next. You can select a different format by clicking the drop-down next to Other Formats.Save as page
  3. On the Save as PST window, you will get three points:Save PST NORMALLY Convert OST Into PST
    • Save PST normally will allow you to save data as a PST file normally
    • Compact and Save PST compresses the PST file and reduces the amount of disk space they occupy
    • Spilt and Save PST can split converted PST files into different sizes
  4. On the Select Destination page, either choose the default location mentioned or click Browse and select a preferred location. Here you will get three more options:Select Destination of OST file
    • Recover Deleted Items is selected by default. You can uncheck it if you don’t want to recover deleted items.
    • Auto split PST file is selected by default. You can remove the checkmark if you don’t wish to split the converted OST file.
    • Apply Advance Filter option can be used to apply various filters on recovered emails such as Include Junk Email older, Include Deleted Items folder, Date Range, and more.
  5. Click OK.
  6. The conversion process will start, and it may take some minutes, depending on the size of your mailbox.File scan Convert OST Into PST
  7. You will get a window that will show you the location and the file size, click OK to close it.OK done Convert OST Into PST

This OST to PST converter tool is intuitive and simple to use. The process of conversion is also quite straightforward, and the app instructs you throughout to get to the result.

Hurry up and get the latest deal for Stellar Converter for OST Corporate Edition. By using the EMAILOFF10 coupon, you will get a 10% discount on this product.

Stellar Converter for OST

Recover your lost emails by converting the OST file to PST, RTF, PDF, EML, HTML, and MSG.
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3. Import the recovered data into Outlook

  1. Launch Outlook. Click File.File tab Convert OST Into PST
  2. Now click the Account Settings dropdown and select the first option.Account settings outlook
  3. Click the Data Files tab, select the existing OST file, and click Remove.Click CLOSE Convert OST Into PST
  4. Go to the File menu again, and click Open & Export.Open export
  5. Click Import/Export.Import export Convert OST Into PST
  6. Select Import from another program or file and click Next.Select a program
  7. Choose Outlook Data File (.pst) and click Next.import file
  8. On the next page, either go with the default file or click Browse choose a different one, and click Next.BROWSE IMPORT
  9. Click Finish to complete the process.OUTLOOK_j file imported

Stellar Converter for OST tool is intuitive and simple to use. The process of conversion is also quite straightforward, and the software instructs you throughout to get the best results. Overall, this OST to PST converter tool is very useful for admins in critical scenarios, as listed above.

This is how you can recover your deleted or lost emails from Outlook and import them back into the email client.

What are the benefits of using Stellar Converter for OST?

This comprehensive OST PST conversion tool can easily convert inaccessible OST files to PST files. It gives you the option to either save the PST file or export mailboxes directly to Microsoft Office 365 or Live Exchange.

Here is the list of key advantages:

  • Quick and efficient – The software has a user-friendly interface and can quickly convert the OST files to the desired format without any data loss.
  • Supports batch conversion – You can select multiple OST files and convert them to PST files in a single process, saving you time.
  • Advanced Scanning – The tool can even scan corrupt or inaccessible OST files, extract data from them and convert it.
  • Selective conversion – It allows the selection of specific folders or items from the OST file, saving disk space.
  • Preview feature – You can preview the converted items before saving them, which allows you to determine the accuracy of the recovered file.

What are the other methods to convert OST into PST?

1. Use the Import/Export option

  1. Launch Outlook and click File.File tab
  2. Go to Open & Export.Open export Convert OST Into PST
  3. Click Import/Export.Import export
  4. Select Export to a file and click Next.ClicK Export
  5. Choose the Outlook Data File(.pst) option and click Next.export1
  6. Select the folder you want to export and click Next.Select folder
  7. Click Finish to complete.Finish export Convert OST Into PST

Now that you have the PST file, you can export it to another system or replace it with the existing one whenever you like using the steps mentioned above.

2. Use the Auto Archive Settings

  1. Launch Outlook and click File.File tab
  2. Go to Options.Options Convert OST Into PST
  3. Select Advanced from the left pane and click AutoArchive Settings.Archive settings
  4. Place a checkmark next to the Run AutoArchive entry option, and select the other settings accordingly and click OK.Autoarchive

This method will save all your emails and other content except your contacts. So, if you don’t wish to save contacts, you can use these steps.

Final words

Losing important emails or access to your mailbox is scary, as you could lose your important data. However, with the help of this OST PST conversion tool, you can retrieve deleted or lost mailbox data in no time.

Stellar Converter for OST tool is intuitive and simple to use. The process of conversion is also quite straightforward, and the software instructs you throughout to get the best results.

Overall this OST to PST converter tool is very useful for admins in critical scenarios as listed above.

We hope the information provided helped you recover your emails using Stellar Converter for OST. If you have any suggestions or questions, please mention them in the comments section below.

Microsoft reportedly working on a Dev Home app for Windows 11

Toward the end of last year, we saw that Microsoft was pushing Windows 11 to Windows 10 22H2 users via the OOBE.

It seems that the tech giant wants to use the out of box experience for even greater things, and we’re about to look at one option right now.

Before we do, be sure to check this month’s Patch Tuesday rollout. Microsoft released fixes for a total of 97 CVEs in April.

The Windows 11 OOBE reveals a lot about upcoming plans

As you know, a few days ago, Microsoft released a special OOBE (Out of Box Experience) update for Windows 11 22H2 and 21H2, as well as all supported versions for Windows 10.

In truth, these new updates address some compatibility issues, similar to the previous release, so there’s really nothing new and exciting going on yet.

Furthermore, the Redmond tech giant is also looking at making changes to the OOBE with a new Development customization preset for configuring the PC.

And, the description of this feature mentions a new Dev Home app, and it goes on to briefly discuss what the function of the new Dev Home app will be. 

Apparently, when using it, you can monitor your workflows with the widgets dashboard and see suggested tips to boost PC performance and discover new developer settings.

Also, if Development is pre-selected, Windows has found that your previous PC has been used for developer workloads and might benefit from this customization.

Keep in mind that this change was spotted in Canary build 25336, even though the option was not yet available inside the Device Usage section in Settings.

Microsoft has apparently removed the Development option since then in the most recent Dev build, in case you weren’t aware.

The tech giant is also working on a Dev drive or developer volume option, based on the ReFS file system. Leave a comment below expressing your opinion on the matter.

Zlib1.dll Not Found: 6 Ways to Fix It or Get It Back

Different DLL files play important roles in the execution of different processes. One of them is zlib1.dll, which is used by a wide range of software.

However, some users are complaining about the zlib1.dll not found issue while trying to open some apps. If you are one of those encountering this issue, be sure to read this guide to the end for effective solutions to fix it.

What is zlib1 DLL?

The zlib1.dll, otherwise known as the Zlib data compression library, is associated with Zlib. It plays an important part in file compression and operating different apps.

Hence, if the DLL file is missing on Windows 11, the associated apps will be affected.

How do I fix zlib1.dll if it is not found?

1. Use a dedicated DLL fixer

The zlib1.dll not found issue is likely due to file corruption. While some might recommend manually downloading and installing the file, we recommend using a DLL fixer tool.

This automatically detects and replaces any missing DLL files with little to no input from you. Also, with zlib1.dll being a system file, rest assured that this special tool will 100% restore it.

2. Reinstall the faulty app

  1. Press the Windows key + R, type control, and click the OK button.
    control zlib1.dll
  2. Select Uninstall a program under the Programs section.
    uninstall a
  3. Now, right-click the faulty app and select the Uninstall option.
    uninstall
  4. Finally, go to the official website to reinstall the program or use the original installation disk.

In some cases, the zlib1.dll not found error message might be due to issues with the app you are trying to run. The easiest way to get the file working again is to uninstall and reinstall the app from official sources.

3. Download from a third-party website

  1. Visit a trusted third-party website like DLL files.com.
  2. Click Download.
    download zlib1.dll
  3. Next, unzip the downloaded file if it is zipped and move the DLL file to the path below on a 32-bit PC:C:\Windows\System32
  4. If you are using a 64-bit PC, move it to the path below instead:C:\Windows\SysWOW64
  5. Finally, restart your PC.

If everything else fails to restore the zlib1.dll file, you might need to download it from a third-party website. While this is the least preferred option, there are still some safe websites.

However, ensure you scan any file for malware to ascertain its safety.

Another option is to copy the DLL file from a perfectly working PC and move it to the paths above on your device.

4. Update your PC

  1. Press the Windows key + I and select Windows Update in the left pane.
  2. Click the Check for updates button.
    windows update
  3. Finally, download and install all available updates and restart your PC.

Sometimes, the zlib1.dll not found issue can be due to an outdated operating system. You can fix this effectively by updating your PC.

5. Scan for malware

  1. Press the Windows key, type virus, and select Virus & threat protection.
    virus zlib1.dll
  2. Click the Scan options link.
    scan options
  3. Finally, select your preferred scan option and click Scan now.
    scan now

At times, this zlib1.dll issue can occur because of system file corruption caused by viruses. The solution is to perform a full virus scan to eliminate malware.

Another option is to use excellent antivirus software in ESET NOD32 to scan for and eliminate the most hidden malware on your PC.

This software scans deeply into your PC, including the Windows files, and removes viruses before they can cause issues.

We have reached the end of this comprehensive guide. You only need to follow the instructions therein, and the zlib1.dll file not found issue will be history.

Similarly, if DLL files are missing on your Windows 10 PC, check our detailed guide to restore them effortlessly.

Feel free to let us know the solution that helped you fix this issue in the comments below.

Valve releases Proton 8.0 update with Steam Deck and Linux gaming improvements

Proton 8.0 is out now, bringing with it a slew of improvements for Linux gaming, including for Steam OS.

For those unfamiliar, Proton is the compatibility layer tool (note: not an emulator) used by Steam OS to run Windows games, similarly to Wine on other Linux distros like Ubuntu.

Aside from a ton of bug fixes, Proton 8.0 introduces a long list of newly compatible games for Steam OS, including some heavy hitters like Dead Space Remake, Forspoken and Nioh 2. See the complete list of newly playable titles below.

  • Forspoken
  • Samurai Maiden
  • Dead Space (2023)
  • Creativerse
  • Nioh 2 – The Complete Edition
  • One Piece: Pirate Warriors 4
  • Atelier Meruru
  • Atelier Lydie & Suelle: The Alchemists and the Mysterious Paintings
  • Atelier Sophie: The Alchemist of the Mysterious Book DX
  • Blue Reflection
  • Atelier Rorona: The Alchemist of Arland
  • Disney Dreamlight Valley
  • Romance of the Three Kingdoms XIV
  • ToGather:Island
  • Warriors Orochi 3 Ultimate Definitive Edition
  • Exceed – Gun Bullet Children
  • Gungrave G.O.R.E.
  • Chex Quest HD

This along with last week’s news that Microsoft may be planning a Windows 11 handheld mode for devices like the Steam Deck, mean that it’s an exciting time to be a Steam Deck owner.

As for the requirements for Proton 8.0, gamers will need a GPU with Vulkan 1.3 support. Proton Experimental will also see an update later this week. View the full Proton 8.0 patch notes here.

Via Steam Deck HQ.

Featured image via Rockpapershotgun. 

Coming soon to Xbox Game Pass: Minecraft Legends, Redfall and more

April 2023 is turning out to be pretty stacked in terms of Xbox Game Pass. Along with several other additions we’ve already seen a major first party release in April with Bethesda’s Ghostwire: Tokyo. And today (April 18) another big game arrives on Xbox Game Pass with the release of Minecraft Legends (check out our Minecraft Legends review roundup, by the way).

And there is plenty more on the slate for the remainder of April heading in to May. Check out the games headed to Xbox Game Pass in the next few weeks.

Minecraft Legends (April 18)

Minecraft Legends

The piglins’ Nether corruption is spreading across the Overworld, scorching everything it touches. Are you the hero who will protect this gentle land? Plan your strategy and face the piglins in epic battles – but be warned: they always fight back. Take on piglin bases by day and defend your allies after dusk. Explore lush biomes filled with treasures and perils, meet new friends, and reunite with familiar mobs. With the allays by your side, all that’s left to do is save the world.

Coffee Talk Episode 2: Hibiscus & Butterfly (April 20)

Coffee Talk Episode 2: Hibiscus and Butterfly

In a time where people are isolated from each other, Coffee Talk is a place where we can reconnect over a cup of warm drink.

It’s time to revisit your favorite late-night coffee shop and reconnect with your fantasy friends over a warm drink or two. You are a barista, and your customers aren’t always humans, listen to their stories and influence their hearts with a warm cup of coffee or two.

Medieval Dynasty (April 20) (Xbox One)

Medieval Dynasty

In Medieval Dynasty, you take on the role of a young man who has fled from war and wants to take his fate into his own hands. From being alone, inexperienced and poor you will develop into a master of many skills, a leader of your community and the founder of a prosperous dynasty which is meant to last and prosper for generations to come.
Defending against wild animals while hunting for food, gathering resources and crafting equipment, building a house and erecting a whole bustling village while founding a family all contribute to a unique gameplay experience across many genres. Tough winters and unexpected events challenge your skills and dexterity as you strive to build your own legacy.

Homestead Arcana (April 21)

Homestead Arcana

Become a farming Witch and pioneer the range that has been mysteriously corrupted with Miasma. Discover the secret behind its appearance, grow plants to power up your spells, and use nature’s magic to heal the land.

Cassette Beasts (April 26)

Welcome to New Wirral, a remote island inhabited by strange creatures you’ve only dreamed of, nightmares you hopefully haven’t, and a cast of brave folks who use cassette tapes to transform for battle. To find a way home you’ll need to explore every inch of the island, and record monsters to your trusty cassette tapes to gain their abilities!

BlazBlue: Cross Tag Battle Special Edition (April 27)

BlazBlue: Cross Tag Battle Special Edition

BlazBlue: Cross Tag Battle lets you create your own cross-over dream team with the beloved characters from a total of 8 titles! Fight with your favorite characters from the popular titles BlazBlue, Persona 4 Arena, Under Night In-Birth, RWBY, and more. Get ready for a dream tag battle crossing series lines!

The Last Case of Benedict Fox (April 27)

update main gallery with image: Benedict Fox explores a dimly lit cellar.

Dive into a twisted world of secret organizations, forbidden rituals, and cold-blooded murders. Enter the consciousness of the victims to explore their memories in search for clues. Take up the last case of Benedict Fox, a self-proclaimed detective bound to his demon companion.

Redfall (May 2)

Redfall

Redfall is an open-world, single player and co-op FPS from Arkane Austin, the award-winning team behind Prey and Dishonored. Continuing Arkane’s legacy of carefully crafted worlds and immersive sims, Redfall brings the studio’s signature gameplay to this story-driven action shooter.

Wrap up

Whew! That’s a lot of Xbox Game Pass goodness right there. There’s so much for Game Pass subscribers to get excited about. And if you don’t already have a subscription, there’s never been a better time to join. If interested, you can do so here. With so much on the Game Pass slate, gamers might be hard-pressed finding the time to play all these awesome games.

How to hide your email address from login screen on a Windows PC

So you want to hide your email address from the Windows login screen? If you work in cafes or similar public places, it is, in fact, an excellent idea if you want to keep yourself protected peeping possible hackers.

Let’s look at the best ways to remove your personal information, in this case, your email address, from the login screen for good.

1. How to hide your email address from the Windows login screen with Settings app

The Windows Settings app is your recourse to fix almost all kinds of problems, big and small, on your PC. For example, you can also use it to remove your email address on Windows PC.

Here’s how:

  • Head to the Start menu search bar, type in ‘settings’, and select the best match.
  • Now, move to Accounts > Sign-in options.
  • Under the Additional Settings option, toggle off the Show account details such as my email address on the sign-in screen switch.

sign in options

That’s it; your email address details will be removed from the login screen from here on.

2. Registry Editor

While the above method is straightforward and the most recommended one, like everything in tech, it can sometimes fail. If that happens to you, you still need a way to hide the email address.

This is where the Registry editor can help.

The second way to hide your email address is by editing the Registry Editor. 

Note that before you jump in to edit the registry, we highly recommend you first create a backup for your registry. This is because even a slight error in your registry can wreck the working of your operating system.

Now that you’ve backed up your registry follow the steps below to hide your email address using the Registry editor:

  1. Head to the Start menu search bar, type in ‘run’ and select the best match.
  2. There, type in ‘regedit’, and hit Enter.
  3. Now head to following address:
    HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE > SOFTWARE > Policies > Microsoft > Windows > System
  4. Right-click on System key and select New > DWORD (32-bit) Value.
  5. Now rename the DWORD to BlockUserFromShowingAccountDetailsOnSignin.
  6. Double-click the newly created DWORD and set the Value data field to 1. Finally, click on OK.

Your registry will be edited, and the email address will be hidden from the login screen moving on. From here, you’ve to restart your PC for the changes to take effect.

Hiding your email address from the login screen on Windows PC

Leaving your details, such as your email address, on your login screen can be a doorway to getting hacked later on, especially if you work at places other than your home or office. So follow the simple tricks from above and remove your email address from the login screen for good.

DFS_FILE_SYSTEM (0x00000082): How to Fix This BSoD

The Distributed File System (DFS) enables users to access file storage from multiple hosts through a computer network. However, this process can result in an error DFS_FILE_SYSTEM (0x00000082). Hence, this guide will take you through steps to resolve the error.

Likewise, you may be interested in our guide about DistributedCOM 10005 error and some ways to fix it.

What causes DFS FILE SYSTEM (0x00000082)?

A couple of factors can be responsible for the DFS file error on your computer. Some are:

  • System files are corrupted – If your system files are corrupt, they can prevent the Distributed File System (DFS) from allowing clients to access file storage from multiple hosts.
  • Permission issues – The error can appear when you try to access a distributed file without enough permission from the remote server. It can cause the DFS_FILE_SYSTEM error accompanied by a Blue Screen of Death.
  • Corrupt or outdated drivers – The DFS_FILE_SYSTEM errors are often caused by related hardware, software, and device drivers, that are corrupt to outdated. They impede the activities of the component accessing the distributed file system.
  • DFS_FILE_SYSTEM-related files corrupted from virus infection – The activities of viruses and malware on your computer can cause issues with the system’s performance. Important files related to DFS may be infected, causing the error.

These factors can be distinct from each other in different computers, depending on why the error occurred. Nonetheless, you can fix them by following the troubleshooting steps highlighted below.

How can I fix the DFS FILE SYSTEM (0x00000082)?

Before proceeding with any advanced troubleshooting steps, try the following:

If you can’t resolve the error, try the steps below:

1. Run SFC and DISM scans

  1. Left-click the Start button, type Command Prompt, and click the Run as administrator option.
  2. Click Yes on the User Account Control (UAC) prompt.
  3. Type the following and press Enter: sfc /scannow
  4. Type the following commands and press Enter: DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
  5. Restart your PC and check if the error persists.

Running an SFC scan will detect and repair corrupt system files causing the Blue Screen DFS_FILE_SYSTEM errors and restore disk health. Check how to fix the run as administrator option if it’s not working on your PC.

Anyhow, you can also consider a specialized repair solution to troubleshoot your PC and repair broken system files automatically.

2. Update device drivers

  1. Press the Windows + I key to open the Windows Settings app.
  2. Go to Windows Update and select the Advanced options.
  3. Click on the Optional Update button.
  4. Click the drop-down button on the Driver Update and checkmark the list of updates available.
  5. Select the Update and Install button and wait for the drivers to install.

Updating your device drivers via Windows update allows you to fix bugs causing them to malfunction and improve performance.

You can read about ways to diagnose and fix Windows Update if it’s not loading on your PC.

3. Run the CHKDSK command

  1. Left-click the Start button, type Command Prompt, and click the Run as administrator option.
  2. Click Yes on the User Account Control window.
  3. Type the following commands and press Enter: chkdsk C: /r chkdsk/f
  4. Restart your PC to see if the error 0x00000082 Blue Screen of Death appears.

Running the Chkdsk command scans the disk drives and fixes the STOP error (DFS_FILE_SYSTEM) from the corrupt hard disk. Check our guide on what to do if Command Prompt keeps crashing on your PC.

4. Update Windows OS

  1. Press Windows + I to open the Settings app.
  2. Click on Check for Updates on the left pane of the Windows Update screen. Wait for the Windows update result and click on Install Update if a Windows update is available.
  3. Restart your PC to see if you can access the DFS system.

The Windows update installs new updates and patches for fixing bugs affecting your PC and resolving the remote connection with other devices.

Read about ways to fix Windows updates not working if you encounter any problems during the update process.

5. Run System Restore

  1. Press Windows + R key to open the Run dialog box, type control, then press Enter to open the Control Panel.
  2. Type recovery in the Control Panel search bar and select Recovery.
  3. Then click Open System Restore.
  4. Click Next in the Restore system files and Settings window.
  5. Choose the restore point you want to restore from and click Next.
  6. Click on Finish when the process is complete.

The above steps will restore the system to the previous point with its files intact, allowing you to use the Distributed file system. Read our guide on how to fix Restore Point if it’s not working on your PC.

Alternatively, there are various causes of BSoD errors. If you encounter BSoD, check out our guide to figure out why.

Kindly drop your comments if you have any questions or suggestions regarding this guide.