Netflix Low Quality on Chrome: Improve it With These 4 Fixes

Posted on by Matthew Adams

Have you also experienced low quality while using the Netflix service on Chrome? You and many other users may have been through this.

When this happens, the picture quality in Chrome is pixelated and crummy. In addition, jerky video playback is not entirely uncommon in Chrome.

We covered playback issues in the past, and for more information, visit our YouTube videos won’t play guide.

How do I fix low quality Netflix on Chrome?

1. Update Google Chrome

  1. Click the Menu button and select Help. Next, click on About Google Chrome.
    netflix low quality on chrome
  2. The browser will automatically check for updates. You may be given the option to install any found updates.
  3. Once the updates are installed, relaunch your browser.

2. Adjust Netflix video quality

  1. Launch the Chrome browser and log in to your Netflix account.
  2. Click on the Account icon on the top right of the website and select Account.
    netflix low quality on chrome
  3. Scroll to the bottom and select Playback settings.
  4. From the list of options, select High.
    netflix low quality on chrome
  5. Click Save.

3. Turn Off Hardware Acceleration

  1. Click the ellipses, and select Settings.
  2. In the left pane, select System.
  3. Disable Use hardware acceleration when available option.

4. Disable extensions

  1. Click the Menu icon and select More tools. Next select Extensions.
  2. Disable all extensions.
  3. Restart your browser.
  4. If the problem doesn’t appear anymore, enable extensions one by one.

5. Use another browser

Try streaming using a lighter browser such as Opera One. It uses way fewer system resources and is one of the fastest browsers on the market.

It runs on a Chromium engine and is compatible with most Chrome extensions. The extension shop has many YouTube and streaming dedicated options to improve your experience even more.

Opera One

Watch high-quality YouTube videos and enhance the experience with this highly integrated browser.
Free Visit Website

Why is Netflix’s quality worse on Chrome?

Netflix quality may appear to be worse on Chrome due to various reasons such as:

  • Codec limitations – Chrome uses the VP9 codec to stream videos, while other browsers, such as Safari and Edge, use the more efficient HEVC codec. VP9 can compress video files to a smaller size, but this compression can sometimes result in lower quality.
  • Widevine Content Decryption Module – Netflix uses the Widevine Content Decryption Module to stream videos on Chrome. This module can sometimes cause issues with video quality, resulting in blurry or pixelated images.
  • Hardware Acceleration – Chrome’s hardware acceleration feature can also affect the quality of Netflix videos. Hardware acceleration uses the graphics card to process video data, but if the graphics card is not powerful enough, it can result in lower-quality videos.
  • Browser settings – Chrome’s default settings can also affect the quality of Netflix videos. For example, if Chrome uses a lower resolution, the video quality will be lower.
  • Internet connection – The quality of Netflix videos is also affected by the speed and stability of the internet connection. So, when the connection is unstable or slow, it can cause buffering, resulting in lower-quality videos.
  • Device specifications – The specifications of your device, such as the CPU and RAM, can also affect the quality of Netflix videos. If your device needs to be more powerful to handle the video streaming, it can result in lower-quality videos.

So, these are various ways users can fix poor-quality video playback in Chrome. Users can usually fix bad video quality in Chrome by adjusting playback settings on the video or streaming service websites.

This isn’t the only problem that users encounter, and we covered similar issues in our YouTube black screen in Chrome guide, so be sure to check it out. We also have another article on how to deal with common Netflix connection errors and other browser-related Netflix errors.

If you’ve got another tip on how to get better video quality in Chrome, drop us a line in the comments section.

PlayStation CEO Jim Ryan’s troubling remarks to Activision and Sony’s wild claims against Microsoft

Posted on by Robert Collins

Some pretty troubling remarks from PlayStation CEO Jim Ryan to Activision executives were unearthed yesterday in a Twitter conversation with Tom Warren of The Verge. Activision Blizzard CCO and EVP of Corporate affairs Lulu Cheng Meservey told Warren that Ryan told Activision execs “I don’t want a new Call of Duty deal. I just want to block your merger.”

The remarks apparently came at Brussels back in February. If they are indeed accurate, then it’s a clear demonstration of bad faith on the part of the PlayStation CEO, and stark contradiction to the face Sony has been putting on for regulators.

This comes as some pretty wild claims from Sony were also revealed in the CMA’s most recent filings. In this latest round of responses between Microsoft and Sony, the latter implied that Microsoft would be able to sabotage Call of Duty’s success on PlayStation by purposefully introducing bugs into the PS versions of games.

While it’s probably needless to say at this point, the ongoing drama over Microsoft’s pending acquisition of Activision Blizzard King keeps getting spicier by the day, it seems. Sony’s suggestion that Microsoft would intentionally hamper what would be one of it’s own IPs seems pretty out there. Anyways, be sure to check back in, as we’ll keep you posted on more Activision Blizzard news as it happens.

MOM.exe: Everything you Need to Know About It and its Issues

Posted on by Madalina Dinita

Many Windows users are encountering the MOM.exe file error when starting their systems. However, not much information is available about the origin of this file and why it causes Windows errors.

MOM.exe errors affect all Windows versions, but it appears they are prevalent for Windows 7.

What is MOM.exe process?

It is a process related to the AMD Catalyst Control Center. It is a software application used to manage the settings and features of AMD graphics cards.

AMD’s Radeon Software Crimson replaced CCC, so MOM.exe errors are more frequent on Windows 7 computers. Windows 10 devices rely on the newer Crimson driver. This offers speed improvements and better gaming, video, and display quality settings.

The process is responsible for monitoring and managing the various settings of the AMD Catalyst Control Center. These will often include display resolution, color depth, and other visual settings. It is typically located in the path below:

C:\Program Files\ATI Technologies\ATI.ACE\Core-Static" folder

While the MOM.exe process is generally safe and necessary for the proper functioning of the AMD Catalyst Control Center, it can sometimes cause issues such as high CPU usage or crashes. If this folder is, by any chance, located elsewhere, it could be malware hiding as a CCC file.

If you are experiencing problems with the process, consider updating your AMD graphics card drivers or reinstalling the AMD Catalyst Control Center software.

What are common MOM.exe errors?

Some common errors associated with this process that users may experience include:

  • MOM.exe high CPU usage – In some cases, the process may use up a significant amount of CPU resources, slowing down your system and causing other programs to run slowly.
  • MOM.exe crashes – Occasionally, the process may crash or stop responding, which can cause the AMD Catalyst Control Center to become unresponsive or stop working altogether.
  • The MOM.exe missing or not found – You may see the error if you delete or remove the process. Also, if there is a problem with installing the AMD Catalyst Control Center, you may see an error message indicating that MOM.exe is missing or not found.
  • MOM.exe startup error – Sometimes, the process may fail to start properly when you log in to Windows, preventing the AMD Catalyst Control Center from working correctly.
  • MOM.exe catalyst control center: monitoring program –
  • The MOM.exe application error – There is a problem with the application, possibly due to a corrupt installation, outdated drivers, or other issues.
  • MOM.exe bad image in Windows 10 – The MOM.exe file, associated with the AMD Catalyst Control Center, is either missing, corrupt, or incompatible with your OS.
  • MOM.exe .net Framework 4.0 – If you encounter errors related to the process and .NET Framework, it may indicate a problem with the installation or configuration of the .NET Framework on your computer.

Updating your AMD graphics card drivers should fix the problem when you have this error message. Also, reinstalling the AMD Catalyst Control Center software should work. Also, check for malware or viruses on your system, as these can sometimes interfere with the MOM.exe process.

This is all we will cover in this guide. So, please let us know if there are any other things you want to know about this process.

Internet Drops When Downloading: 7 Fixes for Your Connection

Posted on by Milan Stanojevic

For a few users, the internet drops when downloading. This can be an issue as it affects some other processes. It means all processes needing an internet connection must share a limited bandwidth.

This guide considers the many users facing this problem and has recommended some of the best fixes.

Why does my Internet go down when downloading?

There are many reasons why your internet goes down when downloading files. Here are some possible explanations:

  • Bandwidth saturation – Downloading large files can consume a lot of bandwidth and saturate your internet connection, which may cause it to slow down or even disconnect temporarily.
  • Network congestion – If many people use the same internet connection or network, it can cause congestion and slow down your connection or cause it to drop altogether.
  • Router or modem issues – A faulty or outdated router or modem can cause connectivity issues, including intermittent internet drops during downloads.
  • Software or hardware conflicts – Sometimes, software or hardware conflicts can cause connectivity issues. For example, certain antivirus software or firewalls can interfere with downloads and cause internet drops.
  • ISP issues – Your internet service provider (ISP) may be experiencing service disruptions or outages in your area, which could affect your internet connection.

What are other Wi-Fi issues?

There are various problems with your Wi-Fi connection that you can encounter, and speaking of Wi-Fi, here are some common issues that users reported:

  • Wi-Fi keeps disconnecting in Windows 10 – Sometimes, Wi-Fi can disconnect due to glitches on your system.
  • Wi-Fi keeps dropping and reconnecting – Some common problems can occur with Wi-Fi networks, but you should be able to fix them using our solutions.
  • Wi-Fi keeps dropping during large downloads – Sometimes, this problem can occur due to your router’s configuration. To fix the problem, simply disable certain features, and the issue should be resolved.
  • Wi-Fi slows down when Bluetooth is connected– If your Wi-Fi signal is affected when you turn on a Bluetooth device, it’s probably because they’re on the same frequency.
  • Wi-Fi disconnects frequently – This problem can appear if your drivers are out of date, so be sure to update them and check if that solves your issue.

In today’s article, we will show you how to fix these issues that can occur with Wi-Fi.

What can I do if the Internet drops when downloading?

Here’s what you can do:

  • You could avoid going through all our solutions by changing your ISP. Sometimes, the service provider may not be as efficient as you wish. Switching to a different network may guarantee constant internet speeds even during downloads.
  • Also, check your cables. In some rare instances, this problem may occur due to a damaged cable. Sometimes your network cable that goes to your wireless router might be damaged, which can cause the connection to disappear.
  • Reset your router, so open its configuration page and locate the Reset option. Remember that this option is available only if you log in with administrative credentials. If you’re having trouble finding this feature, you can reset your router by pressing the hidden Reset button on your device. Hold this button for about 5 seconds, and your router should reset to the default settings.
  • You may also consider replacing your router and wireless adapter. We suggest using GCDN 300M Wireless Adapter.

1. Make sure your drivers are up to date

  1. Press Windows + X and select Device Manager.
    internet drops when downloading
  2. Expand the Network adapters category, right-click on your driver, and select Update driver.
    internet drops when downloading
  3. Choose the Search automatically for drivers option.
    internet drops when downloading

If your Wi-Fi connection drops when downloading files, perhaps the issue is related to your drivers.

Sometimes outdated drivers can lead to this and many other problems, and to fix the issue, it’s advised that you keep your drivers up to date.

To do that, you need to find the model of your wireless adapter and download the latest drivers for it. Once you download the latest drivers, install them, and check if that solves your issue.

Downloading drivers manually can be tedious, especially if you don’t know how and where to search for them.

However, you can always use third-party tools such as Outbyte Driver Updater to download the missing drivers with just a few clicks automatically.

This software will scan your system and compare the found drivers with those in its built-in database. Next, it will repair and fix the broken or missing ones.

⇒ Get Outbyte Driver Updater

2. Run flushdns command

  1. Press Windows Key + X to open Win + X menu.
  2. Now choose Command Prompt (Admin) or PowerShell (Admin).
    Internet connection drops when downloading large files Windows 10
  3. When Command Prompt opens, type the script below and hit Enter:
    ipconfig /flushdns
  4. Finally, renew the DNS using the script below:
    ipconfig /renewdns

3. Close unused processes

  1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open the Task Manager.
  2. Go through the list of processes.
  3. If there is any process you do not need that may use up your internet connection, right-click on it and select End task.
    internet drops when downloading

Many running processes may affect your internet speed, especially if you have to download. Some of these processes may be background processes, and you may not have an idea unless you intentionally check for this.

4. Change your uTorrent settings

  1. Launch your uTorrent.
  2. Click on Options, then Preferences.
    internet drops when downloading
  3. Set the Global maximum number of connections to 50 and the Maximum number of connected peers per torrent to 20.
    internet drops when downloading

Users reported that certain settings in uTorrent, such as Max global connections and Max connections per torrent, could interfere with your Wi-Fi connection and cause various issues.

Keep in mind that you can use lower values if you want. Also, other torrent clients have these options available, so even if you’re not using uTorrent, you need to check your settings and make these adjustments.

5. Upgrade/downgrade your firmware

According to users, sometimes Wi-Fi issues can occur due to your router’s firmware. If your Wi-Fi connection drops when downloading, the problem can be your firmware, so it’s advised that you upgrade it.

Bear in mind that firmware upgrade is an advanced procedure, and if you’re not careful, you can permanently damage your router.

We’re not responsible for any potential damage that may occur, but to avoid any damage, be sure to check your instruction manual for detailed instructions and follow them carefully.

Once your router firmware is upgraded, check for the problem. Several users reported that they fixed the problem simply by downgrading their router firmware, so you might want to try that as well.

6. Disable DoS Protection

  1. Log on to the router’s admin page (We use Netgear in this case).
  2. Go to the Advanced tab.
  3. Tick the Disable Port Scan and DoS Protection feature in the WAN Setup.

Some users reported that their Wi-Fi connection drops when downloading large files.

It seems that DoS Protection causes this issue, and to fix the problem, you need to find and disable this feature on your router.

Remember that this feature might be available on other routers, so disable it and check if that helps.

7. Change your power settings

  1. Press Windows Key + X and choose Device Manager from the list.
    Losing Internet connection during large downloads
  2. Once Device Manager opens, locate your wireless adapter and double-click it to open its properties.
  3. Head over to the Power Management tab and uncheck Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power option.
  4. Now click OK to save changes.
    WiFi keeps disconnecting Windows 10

Good internet across all processes is a must for most computer users. And deeps in speed, especially when running multiple processes, can be very discouraging.

We hope one of these solutions helped you fix the Wi-Fi connection issues. If the internet drops when downloading, you should find success using any of the methods we have recommended above.

This is as much as we will be sharing in this article. Please let us know in the comments section below if you have additional suggestions or recommendations.

Farming Simulator 17 Won’t Launch on PC: 4 Ways to Start It

Posted on by Madalina Dinita

Farming Simulator 17 is generally a stable game. Unfortunately, it can sometimes be limited by a series of technical issues. Some users have complained that Farming Simulator 17 won’t launch on PC.

If you’ve encountered this bug, follow the troubleshooting steps listed in this article to fix them.

Why won’t Farming Simulator 17 launch on PC?

There could be several reasons why Farming Simulator 17 is not launching on your PC. Here are a few users have observed:

  • Insufficient system requirements – The PC’s hardware may not meet the minimum system requirements for Farming Simulator 17, such as not having a compatible graphics card, processor, or sufficient RAM.
  • Corrupted or missing game files – This could occur due to incomplete or interrupted game installation, malware, or file system errors. Corrupted or lost files can prevent the game from launching.
  • Outdated or incorrect drivers – Graphics cards, sound cards, and other drivers can become outdated or malfunction, resulting in game or software issues.
  • Antivirus software – Some antivirus software may detect Farming Simulator 17 as a potential threat and block the game from launching.

What can I do if Farming Simulator 17 won’t launch on PC?

1. Update the graphics card

  1. Press Windows + X and select Device Manager.
    farming simulator 17 won't launch pc
  2. Expand the Display adapters category, right-click on your driver, and select Update driver.
    farming simulator 17 won't launch pc
  3. Choose the Search automatically for drivers option.
    farming simulator 17 won't launch pc

The first thing that you should do is update your graphics driver. Downloading it manually is a process that carries the risk of getting the wrong driver installed.

This may lead to serious malfunctions later, so the easier way to update drivers on a Windows computer is by using an automatic tool.

In that regard, we can only recommend Outbyte Driver Updater. All device drivers are essential software that helps hardware components work smoothly, and this tool acts accordingly.

As you can see, it can update all your drivers at once and has you covered with a large database that gets updated daily.

More so, you can manage different aspects regarding your drivers, installing the latest driver versions or finding missing ones automatically.

Thus if you need reliable support to update any of your drivers, use a dedicated tool confidently.

⇒ Get Outbyte Driver Updater.

2. Verify game files integrity

  1. Launch Steam and go to Library.
    farming simulator 17 won't launch pc
  2. Right-click Farming Simulator 17 and select Properties.
    farming simulator 17 won't launch pc
  3. Finally, go to the Local Files tab, and click Verify the integrity of the game cache.

3. Repair Microsoft DirectX

  1. Go to Microsoft’s Support page and download DirectX End-User Runtime by clicking the download button.
  2. Save the app directx_Jun2010_redist.exe, then double-click to run it.
  3. Enter the path C:TMP and click OK to extract the installation files to the folder TMP on the Local Disk (C:).
  4. Open the Local Disk, open the folder TMP, and run the application DXSETUP.
  5. Lastly, once Microsoft DirectX has been updated or repaired, delete the TMP folder

4. Run Farming Simulator 17 in administrator mode

  1. Launch Steam and go to Library.farming simulator 17 won't launch pc
  2. Right-click Farming Simulator 17 and select Properties.farming simulator 17 won't launch pc
  3. Go to the Local Files tab and click Browse local files or Browse.
    farming simulator 17 won't launch pc
  4. Right-click FarmingSimulator2017.exe and select Troubleshoot compatibility.
  5. Click Troubleshoot program, check The program requires additional permissions and hit Next.
  6. Select Test the program…, quit the game, and hit Next.
    farming simulator 17 won't launch pc
  7. Select Yes, save these settings for this program, and click Close.
  8. Open the x64 folder, run FarmingSimulator2017Game.exe, and click Troubleshoot compatibility.
  9. Click Troubleshoot program, check The program requires additional permissions and hit Next.
  10. Select Test the program…, quit the game, and hit Next.farming simulator 17 won't launch pc
  11. Finally, select Yes, save these settings for this program, and click Close.

That is as much as we will cover in this guide. If you have read through, you should be able to scale the problem of Farming Simulator 17 won’t launch on PC.

Lastly, if you’ve encountered other workarounds to fix various Farming Simulator 17 issues, please list the troubleshooting steps in the comment section below. We’ll update this article accordingly.

Fix: The Identity of This Website Cannot be Verified

Posted on by Andrew Wafer

Security alerts are the worst, especially when such messages are randomly displayed on your Windows 10 device. Although most of these alerts are indicated by the Windows system when an untrusted website is accessed, they can also be a sign of a malware attack.

Suppose you recently received a new Windows 10 security alert that stated that The identity of this website or the integrity of this connection cannot be verified. In that case, you should know that this is a scam.

It’s important to act wisely to remove this particular security alert trying to trick you into purchasing specific software or paying money for a so-called helping hand.

But, right from the start, you need to know that it is all a scam and that some malware is trying to hack your Windows 10 system. So, it would be best if you learned how to remove this malware and its associated files.

What does The identity of this website cannot be verified mean?

The message the identity of this website cannot be verified typically appears when a user attempts to access a website that does not have a valid SSL/TLS certificate or when the SSL/TLS certificate has expired or is not configured correctly. 

Web browsers usually display this warning message as a security measure to protect users from potentially malicious websites. Some common causes of the error message include:

  • Expired certificate – If the website’s SSL/TLS certificate has expired or the configuration is incorrect, you will get the error.
  • Unknown CA – Users also see the error if the website’s SSL/TLS certificate issuer is untrusted or an unknown Certificate Authority (CA).
  • Self-signed certificate – Also, you will get the error when the website uses a self-signed SSL/TLS certificate, not recognizable by the browser as a trusted certificate.
  • Mis-match in domains – Another trigger is if the website’s domain name does not match the domain name listed in the SSL/TLS certificate.
  • Outdated website elements – Websites using an obsolete or unsupported version of SSL/TLS protocol that is considered insecure by modern web browsers will cause the error.
  • Malware – Finally, when the website has been compromised or serves malicious content, the browser warns the user not to proceed.

How can I fix The identity of this website cannot be verified security alert?

Do note that the malware can limit your Windows 10 access. So, if you cannot complete the steps below, first choose to restart in Safe Mode with Networking. This can be done by the following:

  1. Access the Run box – press the Win + R hotkeys.
  2. Type msconfig and press Enter to launch System Configuration.
    the identity of this website cannot be verified
  3. From the window that will be opened, switch to the Boot tab. Choose Safe Boot, and also select the Network option.
  4. Apply all changes and close the window.
  5. Restart your Windows 10 system.

1. Remove the processes related to the malware

  1. Click on the Search icon – located near the Windows start button.
  2. In the Search field, type Programs and features, and click the Apps & features option.
    the identity of this website cannot be verified
  3. Scroll down between recently installed apps and files and choose to remove any software that might be related to the malware.
  4. To remove a certain process: click on the entry and select uninstall. You may have to confirm your choice.
    the identity of this website cannot be verified

First of all, search for recently installed apps. Among them, you will find the processes that caused the up-mentioned The identity of this website or the integrity of this connection cannot be verified pop-up.

Of course, you need to remove/uninstall these processes and the related files.

2. Remove infected extensions from the web browser

2.1 Remove extensions in Chrome

  1. Open the web browser and press Alt + F keyboard keys.
  2. Choose More tools and click on Extensions.
    the identity of this website cannot be verified
  3. Finally, click Remove to remove any extensions that may be infected.
    the identity of this website cannot be verified

2.2 Remove extensions in Firefox

  1. Launch Firefox.
  2. Press Shift + Ctrl + A and select the extension related to pop-up.
  3. Click the ellipses or 3 dots and select Remove.

2.3 Remove extensions in Edge

  1. Click on the Extension icon on the toolbar beside the URL locator and select Manage extensions.
  2. Search for the malicious extension and click on Remove.
    the identity of this website cannot be verified

Additionally, you should reset your web browser app. We also recommend you delete the Chrome, Firefox, and Microsoft Edge shortcuts and create new ones before doing anything else.

3. Perform a full scan

  1. Type Windows Security in the Search bar, and click on the relevant search result.
    the identity of this website cannot be verified
  2. Now, click on Virus & threat protection here.
  3. Click on Scan options.
  4. Lastly, select Full scan and click on the Scan now button at the bottom.

If you do not want to use the built-in tool, the next thing to do is install proper antimalware to find and remove the infected files from your computer.

We recommend you use TotalAV for exhaustive system scanning and multilayered security from risky internet malware.

Run the antimalware program and choose to perform a full scan – it might take a while, depending on how many folders and files are located on your PC. When prompted, remove/delete/uninstall the files that cannot be trusted.

Also, set up a web browser filter and apply dedicated security settings for securing your web browser navigation. Don’t forget to enable Windows Firewall on your computer and initiate regular scans to ensure all the files are clean.

Hopefully, after following the guidelines, you will be able to manage the website’s identity cannot be verified malicious pop-up.

Lastly, feel free to share your experience and personal observations in the comments below.

Fix WiFi Doesn’t Have a Valid IP Configuration Error: 9 Easy Ways

Posted on by Milan Stanojevic

Encountered the “WiFi doesn’t have a valid IP configuration hotspot” error in Windows 10? This message stops you from connecting to any wireless network, even though you have the right username and password. Below, we’ll break down why the error appears and share the most effective fixes so you can get back online quickly and fix the “valid IP configuration” problem

What can I do if WiFi doesn’t have a valid IP configuration?

Before going into the fixes below, try these quick tricks:

  • Make sure that the security type on your PC matches the one set by your router because sometimes, IP configuration failure can be caused by your security type. To do that, open your router settings page and check what type of security is used.
  • While in the router settings, ensure the Wi-Fi PMF (Protected Management Frames) setting is disabled. It’s not available on every router, but disabling it should work for the ones where you find the setting.

If these solutions didn’t help, move to the ones listed below.

1. Uninstall your wireless adapter driver

  1. Press Windows + X and choose Device Manager.
  2. Locate your wireless device, right-click it, and choose Uninstall device.uninstall device
  3. If available, check the Attempt to remove the driver for this device box and click Uninstall.
  4. Finally, restart your PC.

Windows 10 will automatically install the default wireless driver after the restart. If the default driver works well, you can continue using it, but if there are any problems, you might have to download and install the latest driver.

Keep in mind that updating your drivers is an advanced procedure. If you’re not careful, you can cause permanent damage to the system by downloading the wrong driver version; therefore, exercise extra caution.

We strongly recommend using a specialized tool such as Fortect Driver Updater to download outdated drivers on your PC automatically.

⇒ Get Fortect Driver Updater

2. Reset TCP/IP

  1. Search for cmd and click on Run as administrator to open Command Prompt with administrative privileges.
  2. Click Yes in the UAC prompt.
  3. Paste the following commands individually and hit Enter after each:
    • netsh winsock resetnetsh winsock reset command prompt ip configuration failure
    • netsh int ip resetnetsh int ip reset dhcp is not enabled for wifi
  4. Lastly, close Command Prompt and restart your PC.

Remember that if you use a static IP address, you’ll have to set it again. So if the previous commands didn’t work, you might want to try these commands as well:
ipconfig/release ipconfig/flushdns ipconfig/renew

If you can’t run Command Prompt as an administrator, fix that part and then use the commands listed here.

3. Change the wireless SSID and password

It was reported that you could fix the WiFi doesn’t have a valid IP configuration hotspot error by accessing your modem and changing the wireless SSID and password.

To do that, you’ll have to connect your PC to your modem using the Ethernet cable, access your modem and change the wireless SSID and password.

For more details on how to do that, we strongly suggest you check your modem’s manual.

4. Set the channel width to Auto

  1. Press Windows + X and select Network Connections from the menu.
    wifi doesn't have a valid ip configuration hotspot
  2. Right-click your wireless connection and choose Properties from the menu.properties
  3. Click the Configure button.configure
  4. Go to the Advanced tab, locate 802.11n Channel Width for band 2.4, and set it to Auto.set to fix WiFi doesn't have a valid IP configuration
  5. Finally, click OK to save changes.

This method is reliable in solving the WiFi doesn’t have a valid IP configuration hotspot error. If you don’t know what WiFi channel to use, use these fantastic WiFi analyzers to help you choose.

5. Set your IP address manually

  1. Press Windows + X and choose Network Connections.
    wifi doesn't have a valid ip configuration hotspot
  2. Right-click your wireless network and choose Properties from the menu.
    wifi doesn't have a valid ip configuration hotspot
  3. Select Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) and click the Properties button.
  4. Select the Use the following IP address option and enter the values presented in the image in the IP address, Subnet mask, and Default gateway fields (you might have to enter different data).
    wifi doesn't have a valid ip configuration hotspot
  5. Lastly, click the OK button.

6. Remove your antivirus software

  1. Click on the hidden access arrow in the Taskbar.
    wifi doesn't have a valid ip configuration hotspot
  2. Click on your antivirus icon, hover over Avast shields Control and select Disable for 10 minutes (This step varies for different antivirus software).

Antivirus software or firewall can often interfere with your Internet connection and cause IP configuration failure. Therefore, you might want to temporarily remove your antivirus or firewall as a workaround.

Users reported that Avast and AVG antivirus could cause this issue, and after removing the problematic software, the problem was resolved.

Remember that almost any antivirus software can cause this problem, so temporarily remove all third-party antivirus tools.

A normal uninstallation process can’t entirely uninstall many antiviruses and other software. They often leave some files behind that can clog your system or prevent a proper reinstallation.

That’s why we recommend using a professional uninstaller tool that eliminates any trace of your antivirus, even from the Registry.

If removing the antivirus software fixes the problem, you can install the latest version of your antivirus or switch to a different one.

We recommend using reliable antivirus software that optimizes your computer’s process activity, which might prevent you from many problems that might appear while using your PC (including this type of PC errors).

7. Change the number of DHCP users

According to some users, you can fix this problem by increasing the number of DHCP users. However, some routers are usually limited to 50, which can cause the IP configuration failure message to appear.

To fix this issue, you must access the router configuration page and manually increase the number of DHCP users.

Users reported that after increasing the number, all issues were resolved. Check the router manual or head to the manufacturer’s website for the exact steps for your model.

In addition, some users also suggest that you can fix the problem with the IP configuration by increasing the number of maximum wireless users.

Some routers are limited to only 10 wireless users, and the issue was resolved by increasing the maximum number.

8. Perform a Clean boot

  1. Press the Windows + R, type msconfig, and then press Enter.
     wi-fi valid ip configuration mcsonfig run window
  2. Choose Selective startup and uncheck Load startup items.
  3. Go to the Services tab, check Hide all Microsoft services, and click the Disable all button.
  4. Go to the Startup tab and click on Open Task Manager.open task manager
  5. Right-click each item on the list configured to launch at startup, then choose Disable.
  6. Now, go back to the System Configuration window, and click Apply and OK to save the changes.
  7. Finally, restart your computer.

If the problem doesn’t appear, you might want to enable the disabled services and applications and find the one causing this issue so you can remove or update it.

9. Make sure that DHCP is turned on

  1. Press Windows + R to open the Run command, enter ncpa.cpl in the text field, and hit Enter.ncpa.cpl
  2. Locate your network adapter, right-click it, and choose Diagnose.
  3. Finally, wait for the scan to finish.

Problems with WiFi IP configuration can prevent you from accessing the Internet, but we hope you managed to fix this problem after using one of our solutions.

Why does WiFi doesn’t have a valid IP configuration error keeps happening?

This error can occur on a Windows computer when the network adapter or the network settings has an issue. 

This error message means the computer cannot obtain a valid IP address from the router or the DHCP server. Here are some common reasons why this error may occur:

  • Incorrect network settings – Sometimes, the network settings on the computer may be incorrect, which can prevent it from obtaining a valid IP address from the router. This can happen if the network settings are manually configured or if the settings are corrupted.
  • Network adapter driver issue – If the network adapter driver is outdated, corrupted, or incompatible, it can cause problems with the network connection, including the error.
  • DHCP server issue – If there is an issue with the DHCP server, which assigns IP addresses to devices on the network, it can cause the error.

The WiFi doesn’t have a valid IP configuration hotspot message can prevent you from accessing the Internet. There are some variations of this error, and speaking of similar issues, here are the most common ones:

  • No valid IP configuration in Windows 10 – This can occur due to your antivirus or security settings. You should be able to fix the problem by disabling your antivirus.
  • WiFi doesn’t have valid IP configuration on Lenovo, HP, Windows 10 Toshiba, ASUS, Surface Pro 4, and Dell – It can appear on almost any device, and your drivers usually cause it. So be sure to update your drivers to the latest version.
  • WiFi doesn’t have a valid IP configuration hotspot unidentified network, no Internet access, no Internet secured – These are some variations of this error, but you can fix all of them by using the solutions from this article.

If your WiFi is not working on the laptop, but it does on other devices, things are not as complex as they appear and can be fixed in no time.

And if you’re experiencing slow internet on your PC, perhaps changing your MTU settings in Windows 11 will give you the boost you need.

Lastly, if you have any other advice or possible solutions for the WiFi that doesn’t have a valid IP configuration hotspot, don’t hesitate to provide them in the comment section below.

Bonjour Service Error: 4 Ways to Fix it if it’s Missing

Posted on by Aleksandar Ognjanovic

If you’re an avid user of Apple’s products, the iTunes suit is a must. And, even though it’s native to MacOS, the Windows platform version is quite well-optimized and designed.

However, that doesn’t make this software perfect. Many users experienced issues with Bonjour service, the essential part of the iTunes suite. One of the most common errors goes by the 100 code.

To address this, we offer some of the most effective solutions. If you’re constantly experiencing issues with Bonjour service, check out the steps below.

What is Bonjour service error?

Bonjour service error is an error message that occurs when the Bonjour service, a networking protocol developed by Apple Inc., encounters a problem. Here are some common causes of Bonjour service errors:

  • Incompatible software – Bonjour service errors can occur if the software on your device is incompatible with the Bonjour protocol. This can cause conflicts and result in errors.
  • Network issues – Network issues, such as connectivity problems or a firewall blocking the Bonjour service, can cause errors.
  • Corrupt files – Corrupt Bonjour-related files will usually trigger this error.
  • Outdated drivers – If your device’s network adapter drivers are outdated, it can cause Bonjour service errors.
  • Malware or viruses – Malware or viruses can cause problems with the service and other network protocols, resulting in errors.
  • Apple software update issues – If there are issues with an Apple software update, it can cause problems with the Bonjour service.
  • System conflicts – Conflicts between the Bonjour service and other system components or software can cause errors.

How can I fix Bonjour service error?

1. Start the service

  1. Press Windows + R, type services.msc, and hit Enter.
  2. Double-click on Bonjour service.
  3. Set the Startup type to Automatic and click Start.
    bonjour service error
  4. Click Apply and OK.
  5. Lastly, reopen the application that triggered the error; hopefully, this will resolve the error.

2. Download the Bonjour service

  1. Launch your browser.
  2. Navigate to the Bonjour print services website.
  3. Click on the Download button.
    bonjour service error
  4. Double-click on the downloaded file and follow the wizard to install it.
  5. Finally, reopen the application that triggered the error; hopefully, this will resolve the error.

3. Repair the Apple app

  1. Press Windows + R, type appwiz.cpl, and hit Enter.
  2. Click on the Apple app from the app list and select Repair.
  3. Follow the wizard to complete the repair process.
  4. Lastly, reopen the application that triggered the error; hopefully, this will resolve the error.

Discover the ins and outs of this service in Windows and the steps to remove Bonjour effectively with our in-depth guide.

4. Reconfigure the Registry

  1. Press Windows + R, type regedit, and hit Enter.
    bonjour service error
  2. Navigate to the path below:
    Computer\HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\Bonjour Service
  3. Click on the ImagePath key, and ensure the path is set to Program Files rather than Program Files (x86).
  4. If not, change the path to the below indicated:
    C:\Program Files\Bonjour\mDNSResponder.exe
  5. Finally, reopen the application that triggered the error; hopefully, this will resolve the error.

That should resolve the ”100” error within Bonjour service and get you going. However, if you have a better alternative, please share it in the comments section below.

6 Best Network Performance Management Software [Free & paid]

Posted on by Vladimir Popescu

Since computer networks and their performance are one of the most important aspects of any IT infrastructure business, having the right tool to measure it is equally important.

Networks are prone to many errors and, unfortunately, if left undiscovered or unattended in due time, they can affect the end-user performance.

How can a network performance management app help me?

If you’re an IT manager, your first concerns are network security and its performance. A healthy network is not easily maintained but that’s why dedicated apps are a must.

A network performance management tool is crucial to monitor all aspects of your network infrastructure, including servers, endpoints, and other devices.

By monitoring key performance metrics of your network, you will be able to detect and fix any possible bottlenecks, intrusions, or attacks and take action immediately.

In this article, we’ve handpicked the best network performance management software solutions and tested them as well in order to better help you in making an informed decision.

What are the best network performance management tools?

Site24x7 – Best network performance management

Site24x7 is definitely one of the best network performance management software tools that you can get your hands on.

It’s an SNMP-based solution that identifies all the devices on your network based on their IP, or by using the Classless Inter-Domain Routing (CIDR) technology.

After you set discovery rules, device, and interface filters, you will gain access to all the data concerning network traffic behavior,

That’s because the built-in On-Premise Poller tool will retrieve the requested information like traffic, bandwidth, packets, error, discards, and other such parameters.

After all, is set in place, it’s time to customize your dashboards to generate specific reports on network security that can also be shared with your peers.

The availability of a free trial version makes it all a lot easier because you can test its features before purchasing the software.

Key features of Site24x7:

  • In-depth device and application tracking
  • Uses more than 60 performance metrics
  • Cloud-based configurable dashboard for easy access even on the go
  • Classless Inter-Domain Routing (CIDR) technology
  • Detailed graphical statistics and data

Site24x7

Manage your network with a professional-grade tool that monitors over 60 performance metrics.
Free trial Visit Website

ManageEngine OpManager – Complete network management

With ManageEngine OpManager, all the factors that impact your network performance will be closely monitored and analyzed.

Since network downtime has high financial repercussions, this tool helps you maintain continuous uptime by pinging all monitored devices at defined intervals.

If any device is slow to respond or packet loss is huge, then you’ll immediately receive a notification in order to promptly address the situation.

Moreover, the CPU memory, traffic, errors and discards, and the WAN performance are other important factors that ManageEngine OpManager helps you keep an eye on.

Key features of ManageEngine OpManager:

  • Monitor parameters such as temperature, power, and voltage 
  • SNMP, WMI, Telnet, SSH, and VMware native API to monitor devices
  • Network performance monitoring tools
  • NetFlow module for in-depth visibility of network traffic patterns

ManageEngine OpManager

Identify and monitor all devices on your network quickly to prevent and fix any issues before they become critical.
Free trial Visit Website

PRTG Network Monitor – Good real-time monitoring

PRTG Network Monitor comes with advanced network monitoring tools that will help maintain a congestion-free network that will keep the business up and running.

This software has multiple built-in features designed to make your work as easy as possible. The incorporated alert and notifications system will let you know in real-time where the issues occur so that you can intervene.

You’ll also be able to identify bottlenecks thanks to complex data analysis and traffic monitoring tools. Moreover, you can also upgrade your network to meet the specific needs that your business may have.

All in all, this is the perfect tool to ensure that your network level of uptime is as close to 100% as possible.

Key features of PRTG Network Monitor:

  • Built-in alert and notifications system
  • Helps you increase the overall uptime of your network
  • Monitors all key performance metrics
  • Easy to implement and manage
  • Detailed statistics about every application running in your network

PRTG Network Monitor

Get the best network performance monitoring with PRTG Network Monitor and ensure high performance to your network.
Free trial Visit website

WhatsUp Gold Network Traffic Monitor – Great traffic monitoring

If you are looking for a tool that makes network performance management easy, then WhatsUp Gold Network Traffic Monitor is a great choice.

With the integrated Log Management, and outbound REST APIs this tool makes it easier to keep an eye on any network issues that could appear.

You will have full visibility to the status and performance of applications, network devices, and even servers in the cloud or on-premises.

Moreover, you’ll get real-time alerts to ensure optimal performance by addressing the found issues on time.

The intuitive workflows and available customizations will definitely help you reduce MTTRs.

All in all, the management data, integrated into an intuitive interface makes it easy to monitor the network performance.

Key features of WhatsUp Gold Network Traffic Monitor:

  • Integrated Log Management
  • jFlow, and sFlow to monitor network bandwidth
  • REST API to integrate network monitoring data
  • Bandwidth Consumption complex analysis
  • Comprehensive Top Protocols, Top Senders, Top Application reports

⇒ Get WhatsUp Gold Network Traffic Monitor

SolarWinds Network Performance Monitor – Easy to use

The multi-vendor network monitor capabilities of this software will scale and expand the performance of your network.

SolarWinds Network Performance Monitor offers complex network monitoring tools, network insights to increase visibility, and intelligent maps.

The NetPath and PerfStack features are perfect for easy troubleshooting all the problems that could happen.

Moreover, thanks to the advanced alerting system you will be promptly informed of anything that is not working as it should in order to quickly address and fix the issue.

Key features of SolarWinds Network Performance Monitor:

  • Customizable topology and dependency-aware intelligent alerts
  • Critical path visualization
  • Intelligent mapping available
  • Detailed monitoring of F5 BIG-IP family of products

⇒ Get SolarWinds Network Performance Monitor

Nagios Network Analyzer – Great graphic reports

Nagios Network Analyzer provides complete analyzing and monitoring tools that allow for easy access to data and charts.

Thanks to the built-in features you’ll have access to networks status, and you’ll be able to quickly detect any network outages or protocol failures.

This software is a cloud-based monitoring tool that provides a centralized view of all network traffic alongside granular data and in-depth network analysis.

Moreover, the tool will let you set up bandwidth restrictions where needed, especially when critical thresholds are exceeded.

⇒ Get Nagios Network Analyzer

These software solutions help you better analyze and have a central view of your network performance. As you can see, with the right tool this can be a much easier task than first thought.

We also have a selection of the best server monitoring tools that might also help you with some ideas.

Let us know what software worked best for you and if you tried any of the ones we recommended above, in the comments section below.

How to get your Xbox Velocity Green controller

Posted on by Rafly Gilang

Another day, another new controller for made for Xbox Series X/S and Xbox One. 

Microsoft just rolled out the design of its Xbox Velocity Green wireless controller. Sporting a textured grip, hybrid D-pad, 40 hours of battery life, a 3.5mm headset jack, and the gaming giant’s signature color, the newest addition to its line of colorful wireless controllers are priced at $64.99 on Microsoft’s Official Store. 

Share with your friends your best clips and highlights using the dedicated Share button, which can be customized to record or take screenshots using the Xbox Accessories App.

While on the Accessories app, you can customize your controller even further with button remapping and create custom controller profiles. Feel free to take your controller beyond the Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One consoles, with Bluetooth technology that allows for wireless gaming on your PC and mobile devices.

Besides the signature green, Xbox has also rolled out its Shock Blue, Pulse Red, Deep Pink, and Electric Volt variants. They all support the next-gen consoles of Xbox Series X/S and the older gen of Xbox One. 

It also comes with a purchase option of Razer’s universal quick charging stand of the same color, priced at $39.99, and an Xbox velocity green hoodie at $60 on the Xbox Gear Shop to compliment the style.

How to get your Xbox Velocity Green controller

1 Head over to Microsoft Gaming’s official website.

2 Click Add to chart.

3 Click Checkout.

4 Fill in your data (address, payment method, etc.)

The news itself came not too long after the tech giant announced a contest to win a Disney’s Mandalorian-style gaming gear, consisting of customized Xbox Series X/S and a human-sized pram replica.

That’s all we know about Xbox’s latest venture in revamping your gaming experience. Feel free to leave comments!

8 Best Network Packet Loss Monitoring Tools [Tested 2026]

Posted on by Milan Stanojevic

Having a stable connection is important, and one common problem that can affect your connection’s stability is packet loss.

To keep an eye on these types of issues, it’s advised to use a packet loss monitor, and in this article, we’re going to show you the best software for this task.

How can I prevent packet loss?

Packet loss is a network disruption problem when some of the data packages fail to reach their destination and it’s usually caused by network congestion.

Of course, there are many other reasons for this phenomenon like problematic software, interferences, or even network hardware issues.

Before getting to the list where we included the best network monitoring software, let’s see how you can prevent this inconvenience:

➡ Check the local connection

First of all, you have to make sure that all your local network resources work fine. This brings us to monitoring software but you can also verify your hardware’s settings.

So, check all the cable connections with the router and/or modem and make sure that the devices are set up properly.

➡ Use a VPN client

Because packet loss is mostly produced by traffic congestion, the use of a VPN client can prevent this problem by bypassing a lot of your nodes from the route to the destination.

Try to connect through it and see if you experience any changes. If you don’t have one, we have a list including the best VPNs to prevent packet loss.

➡ Minimize local traffic

The network congestion can be triggered by too many connections from your side so try to check if you have any other applications like download managers or browsers with excessive network activity.

To do that, perform the following easy steps:

  1. Type resource monitor in the Search tab and click on the app from the results.
  2. Click on the Network tab and you will see the traffic for all the running apps. You can click on the individual apps to see their detailed connections.

After you’ve determined which app consumes too much of your bandwidth, you can simply close it to improve the situation.

However, Resource Monitor is a basic app that can only tell you so much about this problem. The apps in our list offer a lot more information and options to tackle packet loss.

What is the best packet loss monitoring software?

Site24x7 – Best packet loss monitoring

Packet loss can be a real headache for any IT administrator but Site24x7 is certainly one of the best network packet loss monitoring tools for the job.

This tool will help you supervise your entire network infrastructure, including the servers and all the devices and connections.

Within its dedicated Heath Dashboard, it will be easy to monitor all the top devices based on response time and packet loss but also the top interfaces based on traffic, bandwidth utilization, errors, and discards.

With Site24x7 it’s possible even to assess the quality of VoIP services by tracking different metrics like jitter, latency, and packet loss.

Collecting data like packet loss is very easy because this SNMP-based solution uses over 60 performance metrics and it can detect all the devices within a specified IP range or with the help of CIDR technology.

You will be happy to discover that Site24x7 offers a free trial version so put all these features and more to good use and convince yourself of its efficiency.

Site24x7 best features:

  • Friendly configurable dashboard
  • Cloud-based capabilities
  • Analyzes more than 60 performance metrics
  • Monitors all the network infrastructure, including the devices and their connections
  • Advanced packet loss logging based on your required settings

Site24x7

With this SNMP-based tool, you will get all the relevant network metrics, including the packet loss data.
Free trial Visit Website

ManageEngine OpManager – Complete network monitoring

If you need to monitor any packet loss on your network ManageEngine’s Op Manager will do that and a lot more.

Actually, the solution helps you monitor your entire network traffic using asynchronous SNMP trap messaging.

You will have all the tools needed to check the availability and network performance to counter any such problems as packet loss.

OpManager can be used to identify all the devices within your network at any time even as a scheduled task.

After installing the agents on all machines, you will receive reports for all key performance metrics, including response times and packet loss.

Actually, you will get alerts on any possible issues well before they become critical.

We saved the best for last because Op Manager’s dashboard is accessible from anywhere in the world because it’s cloud-based.

ManageEngine OpManager key features:

  • Asynchronous SNMP trap messaging
  • Advanced network device discovery features
  • Receive reports on key performance metrics reports on your network performance
  • Packet loss, breakdowns, shutdowns, and other issues alerting
  • Single web-based dashboard accessible from any location in the world

ManageEngine OpManager

Detect packet loss and any other problems on your network with a complete solution for network management.
Free trial Visit Website

Paessler PRTG Network Monitor – Great management tools

Paessler PRTG Network Monitor is an advanced monitoring tool that allows you to keep a close eye on bandwidth usage, network speed, and network hardware.

The software uses SNMP, Flow, and packet sniffing technology to detect network issues. As for packet loss, there are three sensors that can help you detect packet loss.

PRTG Ping sensor measures the availability of your devices, QoS Round Trip monitors your network paths, and the Cisco IP SLA measures packet loss on your Cisco devices.

The software also supports packet sniffing, but you can also monitor your database, applications, cloud, server, local network, and much more.

Paessler PRTG Network Monitor is one of the best choices as it can monitor packet loss as well as your entire infrastructure, so be sure to consider it.

Paessler PRTG Network Monitor best features:

  • Ability to monitor all systems and devices in your network
  • Bandwidth monitor
  • Packet sniffing and packet loss monitoring
  • Ability to monitor databases, servers, clouds
  • QoS Round Trip monitoring for network paths

Paessler PRTG Network Monitor

Paessler PRTG Network Monitor is an advanced network monitoring software that can quickly detect packet loss and other network issues.
Free trial Visit Website

Obkio – Great with mobile devices

If you need to monitor all the network segments including end-users, clouds, and network locations, Obkio Network Monitoring is the all-in one-solution you should try.

The most important component of this solution is the Monitoring Agent that monitors, measures, and troubleshoots network and application performance and availability.

It can be installed in every network location and continuously exchange synthetic traffic to monitor and analyze network performance.

Although it offers detailed network reports, Obkio is very easy to implement. It is a SaaS application that stores data in the Cloud.

That makes the tool easy to install and simple to use and it also comes with Web and mobile apps for iOS and Android.

About its efficiency, we can say that every 500 ms, Obkio measures core network metrics between Monitoring Agents like packet loss, latency, and jitter so you can identify a potential problem immediately.

This tool also uses SNMP Device Monitoring to test the performance of all the network devices like firewalls, routers, switches, and Wi-Fi access points.

Obkio comes with a free trial version so you can test it and see if it meets your expectations before committing to a purchase.

Let’s go through some of the most important features of Obkio:

  • End-to-End network monitoring
  • Monitoring using synthetic traffic (no packet capture)
  • Continuous network metric measurement
  • Alerts for intermittent network problems
  • Interface Bandwidth Monitoring 
  • Network path discovery and analysis through Traceroutes
  • SNMP Device Monitoring with ultra-fast polling 
  • Easy to install and use

⇒ Get Obkio

ManageEngine NetFlow Analyzer – Detailed reporting

Manage Engine NetFlow Analyzer is another great traffic analytics tool that can monitor packet loss with ease.

The software has a bandwidth monitor so you can see which users and apps are using most of your bandwidth. Speaking of bandwidth, the software can also provide you with detailed reports.

As for supported technologies, Manage Engine NetFlow Analyzer supports the following: NetFlow, sFlow, IPFIX, Netstream, J-Flow, and AppFlow.

The software is also optimized to detect a wide array of internal and external security threats, which is always useful.

Overall, Manage Engine NetFlow Analyzer offers great features, and if you want an advanced packet loss monitor tool, you should try it out.

Take a look at its best features below:

  • Bandwidth monitor
  • Ability to monitor packet loss
  • Detailed reports
  • Easy implementation
  • Support for NetFlow, sFlow, IPFIX, Netstream, J-Flow, and AppFlow

ManageEngine Netflow Analyzer

Monitor packet loss with ease and give this software a try.
Free Trial Visit Website

Solarwinds Network Bandwidth Analyzer – Good bandwidth monitoring

If you’re looking for software that works as a packet loss monitor, then Solarwinds Network Bandwidth Analyzer Pack might be just what you need.

This tool is designed to detect and diagnose network performance issues. It measures the response time, the availability of your devices, and the uptime of your network hardware.

The Solarwinds Network Bandwidth Analyzer Pack easily detects devices that are using an unusual amount of bandwidth, and you can also monitor the packet loss in your network.

The software also supports advanced alerts to receive notifications when certain conditions are met.

Overall, Solarwinds Network Bandwidth Analyzer Pack is a great tool if you need to monitor your network and packet loss, so be sure to consider it.

Let’s see some of its most important features:

  • Can monitor your entire network
  • Designed to detect and reduce performance issues
  • Ability to monitor packet loss
  • Response time measurement
  • Intelligent mapping

⇒ Get Solarwinds Network Bandwidth Analyzer Pack

EMCO Ping Monitor – Monitor hosts independently

EMCO Ping Monitor offers simultaneous host monitoring, and it achieves that by pinging the host on a regular basis.

The free version monitors up to 5 hosts, but you can extend the number depending on the version you’re using.

This software also provides valuable networking information, and it will test the quality of your connection based on packet loss, latency, and jitter.

With EMCO Ping Monitor, you’ll get a detailed report of all your hosts, allowing you to keep track of your hosts at all times. If needed, there’s also the option to view raw ping data for every host as detailed information.

These are some of the most notable features, and if you’re looking for a reliable packet loss monitor, EMCO Ping Monitor might be just what you need.

EMCO Ping Monitor best features:

  • Ability to monitor multiple hosts independently
  • Can monitor hundreds of hosts
  • Connection quality tracking
  • Detailed connection performance and statistics
  • Extensive alert system

⇒ Get EMCO Ping Monitor

PingPlotter – Very easy to use

Another great packet loss monitor that we want to show you is PingPlotter. This software allows you to visualize network performance in order to easily detect issues with your network.

The software will show you important data such as latency, connection jitter, and packet loss for each node in your connection route in the form of a graph.

PingPlotter can be deployed anywhere, ranging from workstations, remote servers, or cloud virtual machines.

The software is incredibly simple to use, and since it visualizes important information such as latency, jitter, and packet loss, you should be able to find network issues easily with PingPlotter.

Some of the best features you’ll benefit from are:

  • Visualizes network performance
  • Displays information such as latency, connection jitter, and packet loss
  • Easy to use and to read
  • Remote usage
  • Can be installed on workstations, remote servers and cloud virtual machines

⇒ Get PingPlotter

Keeping an eye on packet loss is important, especially if you want to ensure that your connection or server is stable and reliable.

There are many tools that can do that, but if you want professional tools, we suggest that you consider some of our top entries on the list.

If the packet loss reaches top values, consider reading our guide about 100% packet loss and how to fix that problem.

Do you use some of the tools listed here? Then feel free to describe your experience in the comments section below.

Trace SNMP Traffic Using the Best Monitoring Tools [Full guide]

Posted on by Tashreef Shareef

Simple Network Management Protocol or SNMP is a framework widely used for managing devices on the network as it comes with a set of operations for monitoring and managing the network.

You can trace SNMP traffic with the best monitoring tools to leverage the protocol to better monitor devices’ key metrics, receive timely alerts, and take polling. 

How does SNMP monitoring work?

SNMP monitoring works by sending protocol data units, known as SNMP Get requests to network devices. Network monitoring tools track these communications and fetch data from SNMP.

You may use SNMP monitoring to keep an eye on network and bandwidth usage and monitor other important issues such as uptime and traffic status.

What are the best tools to trace SNMP traffic?

Site24x7 – Best for tracing SNMP traffic

If you’re looking for the best SNMP monitoring software, Site24x7 can take care of that with excellent results.

Moreover, SNMP traffic tracing is only a small feature offered by this complex tool that will provide all the options to manage your network performance.

Whether they are application servers, mail servers, web servers, virtual or database servers, Site24x7 offers more than 60 performance metrics of up to ten servers.

This solution also helps you analyze the Microsoft applications’ performance. The list includes IIS, SQL, Exchange, Office 365, and a lot more.

All the data is easily accessible from a single command center, even if you’re running Debian, SUSE, CentOS, or another system.

Server monitoring can be also implemented by using plugins and the ones for Nagios, MySQL and Apache are included but you can also build your own.

Key features of Site24x7:

  • Easy SNMP traffic monitoring
  • Apache, MySQL and Nagios plugin integrations
  • Control everything from a single dashboard
  • Monitor more than 60 performance metrics
  • Manage customer accounts and endpoints securely

Site24x7

Track the SNMP traffic easily and monitor over 60 metrics with this great tool.
Check price Visit Website

ManageEngine OpManager – Great for SNMP management

ManageEngine OpManager offers comprehensive and scalable SNMP Trap processing for large IT networks.

Using the SNMP trap as the passive monitoring technique, you can gather information related to performance deviation and device health-related issues when it happens between two polls.

With a robust rule-based trap processing engine, ManageEngine OpManager can handle around 300 SNMP traps per second.

It allows you to easily create SNMP trap processes, troubleshoot trap queries in real-time using SNMP, and with SNMP trap forwarding, you can forward traps received in OpManager to any other NMS.

Key features of ManageEngine OpManager:

  • Offers granular control over SNMP traps at Varbind level 
  • Easy to create SNMP trap processors 
  • Troubleshoot trap queries in real-time using SNMP trap view 
  • Forward received traps to other NMS platforms 

ManageEngine OpManager

Keep your network healthy with this network management tool with SNMP message trapping.
Free trial Visit Website

PRTG Network Monitor – Quick alerting

PRTG Network Monitor is an all-in-one network monitoring solution that offers multiple monitoring methods, including SNMP monitoring.

Unlike other tools in the market, it uses sensors as the basic monitoring element of the tool. Each sensor is tasked with monitoring different components such as CPU load, storage allocation, temperature, etc.

The users can create sensors to trace SNMP traffic on a device that provides traffic data to monitor traffic using Simple Network Management Protocol. 

PRTG Network Monitor allows you to define the displayed sensor name with port name templates. All the sensors support IPv6 protocol and have a very low impact on the network performance.

The auto-discovery feature creates SNMP traffic sensors for all the interfaces whose SNMP traffic counters are above 0.

Key features of PRTG Network Monitor:

  • SNMP compatible with a large range of manufacturers
  • Built-in alert feature with a custom threshold value 
  • Management console with a dashboard view 
  • IPv6 compatible and low impact on system performance 

PRTG Network Monitor

Easily trace SNMP traffic on your network with this poweful and easy to use tool.
Free trial Visit Website

Kaseya Network Monitoring and Visualization – Highly customizable

Kaseya Network Monitoring solution makes it easy to perform standard SNMP device monitoring for different types of devices, including routers, switches, and printers on your network.

It provides SNMP monitoring for network devices, routers and switches, and printers.

The VSA Network Topology Map provides complete IT Network visualization. Integrated Kaseya VSA, a network, and remote monitoring package that tacks everything from hypervisors to routers and firewalls.

Key features of Kaseya Network Monitoring:

  • SNMP monitoring for network devices, routers, switches, and printers
  • VSA Network Topology Map for complete IT network visualization 
  • Customizable automation programs with Lua
  • Excellent set of monitoring utilities 

⇒ Get Kaseya Network Monitoring

SNMP monitoring is a commonly used method to monitor large networks with several hundred or even thousands of sensors.

Apart from network usage monitoring, SNMP can also monitor other network parameters such as CPU usage, temperature, and other readings on requested queries and devices.

Skimming through loads of SNMP traps can add too much stress to everyday IT operations.

SNMP traffic monitoring tool can help you set alerts for specific SNMP traps and filter unwanted trap-based alerts while also other vital data related to your network performance.

Take a look at our selection of the best server monitoring software because you might get more information and product ideas.

Leave us your insights on the products if you’ve tested them. Other suggestions are also appreciated so use the comments section below.

How to integrate ChatGPT with Slack

Posted on by Rafly Gilang

If ChatGPT-powered Bing’s integration with Skype and Edge on mobile isn’t enough, prepare for the next big thing in the workforce. The hotly-discussed chatbot is coming to Slack, a Salesforce-owned instant messaging service for professionals.

The company just rolled out its beta waitlist for Slack ChatGPT, which will be coming within the Slack App directory.

Noah Desai Weiss, Slack’s chief product officer, also promised that the move could give customers new superpowers by helping them tap the collective knowledge of their organization’s channel archives.

OpenAI has been a great Slack customer, and we’re even more excited for them to be an amazing Slack partner. The ChatGPT app for Slack deeply integrates the power of OpenAI’s cutting edge large language models into Slack’s conversational interface. There couldn’t be a more natural fit.

If anything, this could be a million-dollar move that changes the way we work remotely. While the news has been met with some perplexing receptions, it’s still a highly-anticipated technology that could help you summarize threads, compose important messages and even research information from the outside.

The app was built on top of Slack’s trusted platform, and will be available alongside more than 2,600 other integrations in the app ecosystem. This ensures customers have granular controls to safely manage third-party access of Slack data. Any data that the app has permission to access will not be used to train ChatGPT’s language model.

How to integrate ChatGPT with Slack

1. Open OpenAI’s website for Slack.

2. Fill in your details

3. Click Join waitlist.

The news itself came amidst Salesforce’s announcement of Einstein GPT, its world’s first generative AI for CRM. Together, the two forces combined ChatGPT’s enterprise-grade tech with the company’s private AI models, so here’s hoping for a much better experience than the polarizing-viewed Bing AI chatbot.

It’s also worth noting that Microsoft, the tech giant behind its Teams platform, has spent over $10 billion in OpenAI, ChatGPT’s company, so it could be interesting to see this feature rolling out on Slack, notably a direct rival to Teams.

What are your thoughts about this feature? Let us know in the comments!

7 Best SNMP Monitoring Tools

Posted on by Milan Stanojevic

Managing an entire network or a server can be a challenging task, but it doesn’t have to be if you use the proper tools for the job.

To do this, you’ll need software that supports SNMP monitoring, and in today’s article, we’re going to show you the best SNMP monitoring tools on the market.

Table of contents

How does the SNMP monitoring works?

First, SNMP is an acronym that is translated by Simple Network Management Protocol and it’s a layer included in the Internet protocol suite that is used by virtually all communication devices.

SNMP basically talks to all devices within a network by sending and receiving messages called PDUs (Protocol Data Units).

And based on this exchange, the system is able to retrieve any information from the devices about traffic and other metrics.

Therefore, an SNMP monitoring tool is essential to assess the availability and health of a network environment and offers the most important data for IT administrators.

What are the best SNMP monitoring tools?

Site24x7 – Best SNMP monitoring

The Site24x7 network monitoring tool is SNMP-based so you’re right on target with this complex solution.

To discover the devices on your network you may either specify an IP range or use the Classless Inter-Domain Routing (CIDR) technology.

Of course, you are also able to set discovery rules and device and interface filters and that will definitely provide a more accurate discovery.

Once you identified and added the devices, the On-Premise Poller tool quickly starts retrieving data like traffic, bandwidth, packets, error, discards, and other performance data from them.

Setting up threshold limits for selected performance metrics at the device and interface level will further help you fix any possible breach and keep the network healthy.

Although it can monitor your entire network with more than 60 performance metrics, Site24x7 also helps you with Microsoft applications.

These include key products like Exchange, IIS, SQL, Windows server backups, SharePoint, Office 365, Active Directory, Failover Cluster, and Hyper-V.

Site24x7 features:

  • Discovers all the devices on your network based on IP or CIDR
  • Cloud-based, single dashboard control
  • Monitors more than 60 performance metrics
  • Efficient device and interface filtering
  • Extensive logging and data display features

Site24x7

Use this SNMP-based tool to discover all the devices on your network and monitor their activity quickly.
Free trial Visit Website

ManageEngine OpManager – Complete SNMP reporting

If you’re looking for a professional-level SNMP monitoring tool, you can’t overlook ManageEngine’s Op Manager.

The solution uses asynchronous SNMP trap messaging to extract all the management information on all the network devices.

It comes with all the tools needed to monitor availability and network performance. That will make it easy for the IT staff to manage and correct any network faults in your devices.

First, OpManager will automatically identify all the devices that are connected to your network at any given time, a crucial feature to keep everything organized. You may even schedule the device discovery to automate the process.

With OpManager you will then get comprehensive reports for key performance metrics, such as network availability, response times, throughput, and resource usage.

Then, the SNMP agent running on a machine will provide a report of any network faults. Actually, OpManager’s monitor SNMP alerts you well in advance of network issues such as breakdowns and slowdowns.

And everything is displayed on a single dashboard that can be customized with over 200 performance widgets.

ManageEngine OpManager features:

  • Automatic and scheduled network device discovery
  • Key performance metrics reports on network availability, response times, throughput, and resource usage
  • Asynchronous SNMP trap messaging
  • Single web-based dashboard accessible from any location in the world
  • Simple and easy implementation for any organization size

ManageEngine OpManager

Keep your network in top shape and fix any performance issues in record time with this great tool.
Free trial Visit Website

Paessler PRTG Network Monitor – Wide array of sensors

PRTG supports SNMP protocol, and it comes with several SNMP sensors, including Cisco, HP, Dell, and Synology. Of course, support for custom SNMP sensors is available as well.

The software supports alerts via email SMS, or push notifications, so you’ll be notified as soon as any issues appear in your network.

Thanks to the auto-discovery feature, you can easily detect all devices available for NSMP monitoring, and with extensive reports, you’ll keep a close eye on neatly organized data.

The software also offers extensive bandwidth, database, application, cloud, server, LAN monitoring, and much more.

Paessler PRTG Network Monitor is an extensive and professional monitoring software, and if you’re looking for reliable SNMP monitoring software, PRTG is the way to go.

Paessler PRTG Network Monitor features:

  • SNMP monitoring support with Cisco, HP, Dell, Synology sensors
  • Alerts via email, SMS, and push notifications
  • Automatic discovery
  • Bandwidth, database application monitor
  • Cloud, server, LAN monitor

PRTG Network Monitor

This tool includes all the sensors from major manufacturers and offers LAN monitoring.
Free trial Visit Website

ManageEngine NetFlow Analyzer – Ideal for bandwidth monitoring

ManageEngine NetFlow Analyzer snmp monitoring tools

Another great software for SNMP monitoring is the ManageEngine NetFlow Analyzer. The software uses flow technologies such as NetFlow, sFlow, IPFIX, Netstream J-Flow, and AppFlow.

The application works as a bandwidth monitor, and it can provide you with real-time information regarding your network bandwidth. The information is clearly displayed and easy to read, to detect issues easily.

ManageEngine NetFlow Analyzer will allow you to easily view your network traffic, devices, interfaces, access points, and all other network hardware.

The software can also detect a wide array of security issues thanks to the Continuous Stream Mining Engine technology, and you can even detect network anomalies and zero-day threats.

Overall, ManageEngine NetFlow Analyzer offers great features when it comes to network monitoring, and if you want to monitor SNMP devices, this might be the best tool for the job.

ManageEngine NetFlow Analyzer features:

  • Bandwidth monitor
  • Real-time information
  • Detailed and easy-to-read reports
  • Ability to view all network devices in the network
  • SNMP monitoring

ManageEngine Netflow Analyzer

Get the latest flow technologies and extract all the management information with ManageEngine.
Free Trial Visit Website

Solarwinds Network Bandwidth Analyzer Pack – Great alert system

Solarwinds Network Bandwidth Analyzer Pack snmp monitoring tools

If you’re looking for SNMP monitoring software, Solarwinds Network Bandwidth Analyzer Pack might be just what you need.

The software can track the status of your SNMP device so you can easily see data such as response time, availability, network bandwidth performance, and traffic patterns.

Support for advanced alerts is available, and you can customize the alerts and be notified about the most crucial ones.

As for alerts, they can be delivered by email or text, and they offer extensive information.

The software also supports intelligent mapping thanks to Orion Maps, to easily visualize your entire network, network devices, and nodes.

Overall, Solarwinds Network Bandwidth Analyzer Pack is a great software for SNMP monitoring, so be sure to try it out.

Solarwinds Network Bandwidth Analyzer Pack features:

  • Ability to monitor SNMP devices
  • Bandwidth monitor
  • Extensive alert system
  • Intelligent mapping

⇒ Get Solarwinds Network Bandwidth Analyzer Pack

Kaseya VSA – Good automation features

Kaseya VSA snmp monitoring tools

Kaseya VSA software allows you to manage your IT environment with ease. With this software, you can view all devices on your network as well as the status of your endpoints.

The software supports SNMP monitoring, and it can also generate reports and visualize all important data in dashboards allowing you to keep track of important information.

Speaking of visualizing information, you will see all discovered endpoints on the network topology map. Kaseya VSA also supports automatization, so you set automated tasks that can fix common problems.

The software can also automate patch management in order to eliminate security vulnerabilities. For extra security, there is also available to control the access with 2-factor authentication.

Kaseya VSA offers a wide array of features, and we just covered some of the most basic ones. If you need a professional SNMP monitoring tool, Kaseya VSA might be the right choice for you.

Kaseya VSA features:

  • Support for SNMP monitoring
  • Detailed reports
  • Network and domain discovery
  • Automatization support
  • Remote endpoint management

⇒ Get Kaseya VSA

Pulseway – Great for mobile devices

pulsesay snmp monitoring tools

Pulseway is another remote monitoring software optimized for mobile devices so that you can always keep track of your network.

The software can easily and automatically detect all your network devices, and you should be able to easily see all your endpoints and deploy Pulseway.

In addition to network discovery, the SNMP monitoring feature is also available. The software supports automatization to create smart triggers and easily fix common issues automatically.

Additional features include patch management, so it’s easy to ensure that OS and third-party applications are up to date.

The remote control feature is available from both desktop and mobile clients, allowing you to easily fix all sorts of issues. Overall, Pulseway is a great monitoring software, so you should consider it.

Pulseway features:

  • Optimized for mobile applications
  • SNMP monitoring
  • Automatization and smart triggers
  • Remote control
  • Auto-discovery

⇒ Get Pulseway

These are some of the best SNMP monitoring tools that you can use, so be sure to consider all of them.

We have to mention that all the tools listed above can be used on Windows 11 without any problems and some of them have cloud-based interfaces that will work on virtually any system.

As we’re on the subject, you may also go through our selection of the best server monitoring software because you might find other tools that match your needs.

Do you have any other ideas about other software that worked for you? Let us know about them in the comments section below.

Error Code 264 in Roblox: Quickest Fixes

Posted on by Matthew Adams

Roblox is a popular online sandbox gaming platform for Windows and Apple iOS. However, some players have reported an error code 264 issue for Roblox. That error message says:

Disconnected… Same account launched game from different device. Reconnect if you prefer to use this device. (Error Code: 264).

As a result, players can’t play Roblox whenever that issue occurs.

Some other players have reported this error even when playing Roblox on one device. In this case, corrupted cache data for the game is another possible cause for error code 264.

How do I fix error code 264?

1. Log out of all Roblox accounts

Ensure you’ve logged out of all Roblox accounts on all devices you play the game. For example, select Settings at the top right of Roblox to log out on a Windows PC and click the Logout option.

Login to Roblox page roblox error code 264

When you’ve logged out of all your Roblox accounts, try logging back in on just your Windows PC. You can log back in from this Login to Roblox webpage.

Clearing cache and logging out & logging in can help you fix similar issues like error code 267; to learn more, read this guide.

2. Clear Roblox’s cache files

  1. Press Windows + X to select the Run shortcut option on your Power User menu.
    Run option roblox error code 264
  2. Type this text into Run: %temp%\Roblox
  3. Click OK to open a Roblox data folder.
    OK button roblox error code 264
  4. Press the Ctrl + A key combination to select everything.
  5. Then press the Shift + Delete hotkey to delete the selected data entirely.
  6. Click Yes on the Delete Multiple Items window.
    Yes option roblox error code 264
  7. Finally, log out and back into your Roblox account.

Clearing app cache can help you fix similar issues like error code 403; to learn about other solutions, read this guide.

Note icon NOTE
You can try clearing the Temp folder if a Roblox data folder doesn’t open. First, enter %temp% in Run, then select to delete everything in the Temp folder.

3. Flush the DNS cache

  1. Please open the file search tool in Windows (click the magnifying glass on your taskbar to view it).
  2. Next, input cmd within the Type here to search box.
  3. Select Run as administrator on the right side of the search tool to launch Command Prompt.
    Run as administrator roblox error code 264
  4. Type in this flush DNS command and hit Return: ipconfig /flushdns
    ipconfig command roblox error code 264

This solution may also fix the Roblox Error Code E01 but this guide will provide additional solutions.

How to fix Roblox error code 264 for iPad?

Try applying the abovementioned method to fix error code 264 for playing Roblox on an iPad. In addition, you can log out of the Roblox iPad app by tapping its … button and selecting Log out at the bottom of the menu.

If that’s not enough, we recommend clearing the Roblox app’s data by reinstalling it. You can reinstall the Roblox iPad app in the following steps:

  1. First, tap the Settings app on your iPad.
  2. Select General and iPhone Storage within Settings.
  3. Then select the Roblox app from there.
  4. Next, tap the Delete App option for Roblox.
  5. Finally, tap Get on the Apple Store page for Roblox to reinstall the app.

There aren’t many confirmed potential resolutions for fixing the Roblox error code 264 issue. However, resetting your Windows browser and switching to an alternative DNS server might be worth trying.

If you cannot play Roblox due to error code 524, it could be due to network congestion; read this guide to learn more about it.

You can contact Roblox support if you still need to fix error code 264 after applying the resolutions specified above. To do so, fill out the form on this Contact Us page.

Before you leave, check some quick tips to optimize your PC for gaming and get the best experience. And don’t forget to read about Roblox Error Code 1001, the scariest prank doing rounds on the Internet.

You can talk about the Roblox error code 264 by entering comments ago. Have you found another way to fix error code 264? If so, let us know about it below.

Fastest Browsers to Access High-Traffic Websites

Posted on by Radu Tyrsina

There’s nothing wrong with wanting to cut corners, especially when you want to access high-traffic websites faster. First and foremost, you need a resilient and trustworthy browser to access a busy website.

The good news is, that there are a few great options available if you want to know how to access a site when it has high traffic:

  • Opera One – Resource-friendly browser to open heavy traffic websites easily
  • Chrome – Faster page loading for priority on websites
  • Edge – Improved compatibility to access busy websites
  • Vivaldi – Fully-featured browser to load & access websites faster
  • Brave – Private browser to access blocked sites without VPN
  • Firefox – Best way to open high-traffic sites when the server is busy
  • Puffin – Rendering websites on cloud servers

Let’s take a closer look at what they offer.

What is the best browser to access a busy website?

1. Opera One – Best browser for busy websites

opera one interface

Using the Chromium-based rendering engine, the Opera One browser is the fastest on the list. 

We tested it numerous times and it always ranks better than Chrome when it comes to swiftness.

Plus, Opera One’s features, such as the ad blocker, battery saver, Turbo mode, and VPN, help to optimize and accelerate the browser’s performance.

Main features:

  • Low resource usage
  • Built-in ad-blocker for faster page loading
  • Opera Turbo feature to compress data
  • Option to turn off images and browser sessions
  • Extend battery life with battery-saver mode

Opera One

Opera One is the go-to browser for busy websites thanks to its low resource usage and built-in adblocker for faster page loading.
Free Visit Website

2. Google Chrome – Faster page loading

google chrome interface

Chrome loads pages much faster than most of its competitors. Best of all, most of the website codes are compatible with the browser.

While there could be some website issues occasionally due to high traffic, Chrome manages it well with most websites most times.

As a matter of fact, the mobile version of Chrome is more capable when it comes to loading busy websites.

Major features:

  • Follows the latest World Wide Web rules for displaying websites
  • Incorporates more recent technology and the latest web coding benchmarks
  • Effortless integration with all Google products
  • Wide choice of extensions
  • Useful tools for troubleshooting broken websites

⇒ Get Google Chrome

3. Microsoft Edge – Improved site compatibility

microsoft edge download page

When talking about opening a heavy-load website, the updated and swanky Microsoft Edge browser does pretty well.

It runs fast thanks to its efficient Chromium engine. Edge loads web pages quickly and smoothly.

Apart from its unique privacy features, it’s also known for its site compatibility.

Key features:

  • Improved performance in terms of memory and disk usage
  • Saves memory on tabs when not viewing
  • Extensions like The Great Suspender help faster web page loading
  • Option to optimize new tab page experience
  • Effortlessly loads some Microsoft-specific links

⇒ Get Microsoft Edge

4. Vivaldi – Fully-featured browser

vivaldi user interface

Vivaldi’s hibernating tab function optimizes its overall speed and performance.

It frees up the system resources by keeping the selected tabs open but not running.

Best of all, this Chromium-based browser works with most of the extensions offered by the Chrome web store.

Main features:

  • A customizable browser that does not need extensions as extra load
  • Reduced RAM usage
  • A great option for power users
  • Improved web applications management
  • Faster page loading even with several tabs open

⇒ Get Vivaldi Browser

5. Brave – Private browser

brave user interfae

A good alternative to Chrome and Edge, Brave is another great option if you want to access busy sites.

Despite the robust privacy and security features, Brave does not compromise on speed and emerges as one of the fastest and most intuitive browsers.

Its powerful built-in ad blocker ensures complete privacy and security of your personal data as you browse through websites.

Main features:

  • Efficient usage of memory resources
  • No privacy extension required
  • Shows no latency at high page loads
  • Private browsing available for unreachable websites
  • Fewer extensions increase the speed

⇒ Get Brave Browser

6. Mozilla Firefox – Privacy-focused browser

firefox user interface

An outstanding browser for daily tasks like working on emails or browsing, Firefox records a good speed and performance.

Furthermore, its strong privacy feature gives it an edge over Edge or Chrome. 

It helps you to access unreachable websites using 3rd party servers without worrying about the security of your data.

Main features:

  • Easy to use
  • Wide choice of extensions
  • The Reader View option frees up a cluttered webpage
  • Lesser memory usage
  • Uses just enough memory for better performance

⇒ Get Mozilla Firefox

7. Puffin – Rendering websites on cloud servers

puffin browser download page

The best part about Puffin is that it shifts the device workload to its own cloud servers, thus, facilitating faster page loading.

Moreover, with its robust privacy policy, it protects devices from web threats that you may come across while trying to access a high-traffic website.

As a bonus, you can also stay updated with the latest happenings across the world, with its Newsfeed.

Key features:

  • Top-notch security
  • Excellent data-saving ability
  • Uses minimum resources
  • Simple interface with minimum load
  • Easy to use

⇒ Get Puffin Browser

How do I access high-traffic sites?

  1. Go to Google search and type the name of the website.
  2. As the website name appears, click on the three dots next to it. click on three dots next to website
  3. Here, go to the bottom right and click on Cached. click on Cached

To access a website that fails to open due to excess traffic, you can use a CDN (Content Delivery Network) service.

It’s a collection of geographically distributed proxy servers that work along with data centers to bring the cache copy of the website to your location.

For example, to use a free service like CoralCDN, simply add .nyud.net at the end of your website URL. This will open Google’s cache of the said website with all the content in place.

You may often come across situations when you click on a URL and the page opens to an error code. There can be many different reasons why a site is unreachable:

How do I access a website that is down?

You can visit the Wayback Machine page for Internet archives to access a website that is down. 

So, when a website is unreachable, you can try changing the browser to the one from our recommendations to access the desired content easily.

However, if you are unable to connect to websites due to browser security verification loops, you can refer to our detailed post for solutions.

If you are still struggling to open a website due to any other errors, do let us know in the comments box below.

5 Best Software to Check Ports [Open Ports & Advanced Scanners]

Posted on by Vladimir Popescu

Software that allows checking open ports and act as advanced scanners are great for performing vulnerability assessments in your network.

Finding and solving these vulnerabilities, digital and non-digital, is essential in ensuring that the network is working properly.

In this article, we will present you some of the best software you can use to check open ports so make sure to keep on reading.

What are the best software to check ports I can use?

ManageEngine OpUtils – Best network monitoring tool

OpUtils is a comprehensive IP address and switch port management tool that enables effective switch and system port scanning capabilities.

Businesses can either use OpUtils as a standalone product or integrate OpUtils with OpManager, a ManageEngine network monitoring tool where you can monitor and manage your entire network infrastructure while also monitoring and managing IP Addresses and switch ports. 

You can also specify a timeout value for the scan and choose to run a Basic or Advanced scan. The Advanced scan option will provide detailed information on open ports, including the service name and version.

This is extremely useful to identify potential security vulnerabilities by recognizing the open ports that attackers could use to gain access to sensitive information.

You can scan a single IP address or a range of IP addresses to see if they are open or closed. It also identifies the ports blocked by firewalls or other network devices, real assets to troubleshoot network connectivity issues.

OpUtils monitors your network devices, including servers, routers, printers, and switches, in real-time. The software offers threshold-based alerts and notifications that help determine and resolve issues before they escalate into critical problems.

With the Switch Port Mapper feature, the solution enables you to map the physical connectivity of your network devices, such as switches, routers, and servers. You can also identify the devices that are connected to each switch port and can help troubleshoot network issues related to them.

You also have a bandwidth monitoring feature for real-time usage monitoring across your network, allowing you to identify bandwidth-hogging applications or users and take corrective measures.

Key features of ManageEngine OpUtils:

  • Enables you to remotely power on network devices
  • Allows you to back up, store and restore the configuration files of your network devices.
  • Helps you to avoid IP conflicts and provides an accurate view of IP usage across your network.
  • Monitors the network’s bandwidth usage and generates utilization reports for various parameters.
  • Resolves domain names to IP addresses, helping administrators identify network devices.

ManageEngine OpUtils

Monitor the key performance of your network performance and scan your ports safely!
Free trial Visit Website

PRTG Network Monitor – Complex port monitoring

PRTG Network Monitor is widely used in the monitoring software industry and is without a doubt our number-one choice also.

With the help of this tool, you can monitor all the infrastructure including network links, applications, servers, and devices that are connected to the network.

The software has two kinds of port sensors included that can monitor and report back their activity.

By doing this, you will be able to easily see which port is open or closed, and even how long it took for the connection to happen.

Key features of PRTG Network Monitor:

  • Scan and add private IP addresses automatically thanks to the IP scanner with auto-discovery feature
  • IP sensor to check the reachability with your IP Network
  • Complex network analysis
  • Pre-configured SNMP sensors that are compatible with multiple vendors

PRTG Network Monitor

Monitor up to 100 port sensors for free with PRTG Network Monitor in order to get the best view of ports status at all times.
Free trial Visit website

SolarWinds Network Performance Monitor – Easy installation

SolarWinds Network Performance Monitor is our next recommendation thanks to the OS detection feature.

The tool allows you to detect the closed and open ports and you’ll see the results in a comprehensive report.

Moreover, the tool offers mapping features, nodes configuring, SNMP trap receiver, interactive dashboard and customizable notifications.

All in all, SolarWinds Network Performance Monitor is the perfect tool to use for measuring performance metrics, port status, and bandwidth usage.

Key features of Solarwinds Network Performance Monitor:

  • Comprehensive network visualization maps
  • Customizable and flexible notifications
  • Easy-to-use dashboard
  • Detailed monitoring of F5 BIG-IP family of products

⇒ Get Solarwinds Network Performance Monitor

Angry IP Scanner – Fast port scanning

Angry IP Scanner is one of the fastest and most reliable port scanners out there. With this tool, you will easily scan the IP address and the ports in range.

Angry IP Scanner has a cross-platform utility, which means that is compatible with both Windows and Mac and other operating systems as well.

The scan results can be saved and exported in several file formats CSV, TXT, XML, or IP-Port.

Moreover, the Angry IP Scanner offers access to NetBIOS information, IP address ranges, web server detection, and many more.

Key features Angry IP Scanner:

  • Reliable cross-platform IP scanner
  • Pings and optionally resolves hostname, scans ports, and determines MAC address
  • NetBIOS information gathering
  • Can save and export data in multiple formats

⇒ Get Angry IP Scanner

Network Scanner by LizardSystems – Ideal for home usage

This software is widely used in corporations where large IT networks are present but can just as well be used in small home networks with a lesser number of devices.

Network Scanner by LizardSystems will scan the IP addresses and devices along with the allocated number of computers and subnets.

Thanks to the Terminal Services Manager you will also be able to see the details of the users connected, the sessions, and their active processes as well.

Key features of Network Scanner:

  • A great choice for network administrators and regular users.
  • Scan multiple computers per minute.
  • Excellent filtering options.
  • Network resource audit to check access rights to resources. 

⇒ Get Network Scanner by LizardSystems

With this last software, we will conclude our list of the best software to check ports and perform scans.

Most of the tools presented here are cross-platform compatible, meaning they work with Windows 10 and other operating systems as well.

If you have additional recommendations, we would love to hear them in the comments section below.

7 Best VPNs for Windows 10: Free & Paid

Posted on by Elena Constantinescu

In this article, we’ll rank the top VPN apps for Windows 10 PCs, laptops, and tablets, making it easy for you to choose the best one for your needs.

Whether you’re looking to secure your online activity, access geo-blocked content, or maintain privacy while browsing, we’ve reviewed the most reliable VPNs that work flawlessly with Windows 10

What are the top VPNs for Windows 10?

Table of contents

1. ExpressVPN – Best VPN for Windows 10

expressvpn

ExpressVPN has over 3,000 VPN servers in 160 locations. It also runs zero-knowledge DNS servers to ensure your online traffic remains private. China users can run ExpressVPN, too.

You can use this VPN app to unblock Netflix US and other streaming services and engage in torrenting activities safely. It supports a kill switch called Network Lock and a Smart DNS feature called MediaStreamer.

More about ExpressVPN:

  • Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, Android, Chrome, Firefox, Edge, routers
  • Up to 5 simultaneous connections
  • A zero-logging policy backed by TrustedServer technology
  • 24/7 live chat support
  • 30-day money-back guarantee
  • 7-day free trial for iOS and Android
expressVPN

ExpressVPN

Get unlimited VPN data & zero censorship internet with ExpressVPN!
Check price Visit website

2. NordVPN – Best for security

To raise your security and privacy level, look no further than NordVPN. Its reputation precedes itself, delivering consistent results in the VPN market.

NordVPN has more than 5,400 VPN servers in 59 countries. You can use the OpenVPN and NordLynx protocols, obfuscation mode, P2P, Double VPN, and Onion-over-VPN servers.

More about NordVPN:

  • Windows, Android, Mac, iOS, Android TV, Linux, Chrome, Firefox, routers
  • Protect up to 6 devices at once
  • No logs or leaks
  • 24/7 live chat support
  • 30-day money-back guarantee (no free trial)
NordVPN

NordVPN

Boost privacy and security with NordVPN. Unlock content and browse safely!
Check price Visit website

3. Surfshark – Best for multiple devices

Surfshark is another fan favorite, thanks to affordable subscription plans, advanced security features, and the fact that you can set it up on any number of devices. It’s actually the best VPN for multiple devices.

Moreover, Surfshark has a malware blocker called CleanWeb, a kill switch, multi-hop VPN connections, split tunneling, and obfuscated servers (Camouflage Mode).

More about Surshark:

  • Mac, Windows, Linux, iOS, Android, Chrome, Firefox, routers
  • Unlimited simultaneous connections
  • A strict no-logging policy
  • 24/7 live chat and email support
  • 30-day money-back guarantee
  • 7-day free trial for Android and iOS
Surfshark

Surfshark

Connect unlimited devices with Surfshark for top security and unrestricted streaming.
Check price Visit website

4. CyberGhost VPN – Best free VPN

CyberGhost server locations

You can use CyberGhost to unblock the best Netflix libraries, including Netflix US, UK, and Canada. Plus, you can set it up on devices without native VPN support by using its Smart DNS feature.

The app successfully unblocked restricted websites in our evaluation, without error. Discover our experience with this VPN service in our detailed CyberGhost VPN review.

More about CyberGhost VPN:

  • Windows, Linux, Mac, iOS, Android, Chrome, Firefox, Fire TV, routers
  • 7 device connections at the same time
  • No identifying or traffic logs
  • 24/7 live chat support
  • Up to 45-day money-back guarantee
CyberGhost CTA

CyberGhost

Try CyberGhost VPN’s free trial for secure, safe browsing and streaming!
Check price Visit website

5. Private Internet Access – Best for anti-censorship

PIA vpn user dashboard for gameloop

Private Internet Access has become a name in the VPN industry thanks to fast network connections and superior encryption methods.

It also supports port forwarding, split tunneling, static and dynamic IP addresses, and a browser malware blocker called PIA MACE.

More about PIA:

  • Windows, iOS, Android, Mac, Linux, Chrome, Opera, Firefox, routers
  • 10 simultaneous device connections
  • A zero-logging privacy policy
  • 24/7 live chat support
  • 30-day money-back guarantee (no free trial)
PIA

PIA

Enjoy fast, secure browsing with Private Internet Access. No censorship, just freedom!
Check price Visit website

6. IPVanish – best for speed and file sharing

IPVanish is a great choice if you want fast connections, even for file sharing. It supports P2P, offering excellent performance. With over 2,000 servers in 75 locations, it offers unlimited bandwidth with no speed throttling.

Moreover, the intuitive app interface and wide device compatibility makes it a great choice not only for your Windows 10, but for the other devices you use internet on.

More about IPVanish:

  • Platforms: Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, Fire TV, routers
  • Unlimited simultaneous connections
  • Advanced security with AES-256 encryption
  • Automatic kill switch and DNS leak protection
  • 24/7 live chat support
  • 30-day money-back guarantee
IPVanish

IPVanish

Enjoy a high-speed VPN for streaming and secure file sharing!
Check price Visit website

7. VyprVPN – Great for bypassing restrictions

VyprVPN is a great option if you want to bypass online restrictions an censorship. For that, it uses it proprietary Chameleon protocol with built-in obfuscation.

In essence, this hides the fact that you use VPN. The tool operates its own server network, ensuring robust privacy wth no third-party involvement.

VyprVPN

VyprVPN

Unlock the internet securely and bypass restrictions with VyprVPN!
Check price Visit website

To conclude, using a VPN boosts your online security by protecting your identity, unblocking content, and securing your data.

For better privacy, try VPN extensions or the Windows 10 VPN client. For full control, opt for a commercial VPN instead of built-in options like adding VPN connections.

Lastly, remember that VPNs are key for privacy, but backing up your data is equally important. Learn more with our backup software for servers guide. Have experience with any VPNs? Share your thoughts in the comments!

Microsoft Edge Flickering on Windows: Fixed

Posted on by Ivan Jenic

Microsoft Edge is nowhere near what it used to be when it was first launched a few years back. It is one of the best browsers for all devices, boasting many features. But many reported the Microsoft Edge flickering problem.

Complaints against it are mounting, and so is the clamor for a solution. Unfortunately, while the Microsoft Edge flickering issues continue to be pervasive, a sure-fire solution is still elusive.

There are a few workarounds available that can be of help. However, before we get to the solution, it could be worth shedding some more light on the problem itself.

Why are my tabs flashing orange?

If you were wondering what it means when your screen flashes, the problem is hard-coded in the browser itself if it can be referred to as such. This feature is designed to be beneficial by drawing attention to anything Edge feels you should be attending to.

So any changes in a dormant tab, such as getting logged out automatically or a download that has finished, will set the tab flashing and will continue until you click on it.

By that time, another tab might have started blinking, and you could soon be reduced to playing a nice game of whack-a-mole. Not bad, except that you didn’t ask for it.

This brings us to the next logical question, how to get rid of it. There aren’t many options here, though you can try the ones listed below, which worked for many users.

Quick Tip:

Switch to another reliable browser until we resolve the issue with Edge. As you get familiar with the design, in Opera One you can navigate between various tabs, workspaces, tab islands and built-in social media chat.

The browser has versions for PC, mobile, Mac, or Linux. Besides, you can synchronize the Opera One browser across all your devices and it has a built-in AI

Opera One

Sync devices and use tab management in groups and workspaces to avoid flashy orange tabs.
Free Download Visit website

How do I fix Microsoft Edge flickering issues?

1. Change flag settings

Note icon NOTE
Flags are experimental features in Edge and can be removed by the developers after they make their way to the stable builds. So, if you can’t find Vulkan, check the browser settings for the option, and in case it’s not there, move to the next solution.
  1. Launch Edge, paste the following path in the address bar, and hit Enter:edge://flags/edge flags
  2. Search for Vulkan, click on the dropdown menu next to the relevant entry, and select Disabled.disable
  3. Finally, click on Restart for the changes to come into effect.restart

If you have Microsoft Edge flashing, the easiest way to fix things is to disable the relevant flag. The fix was shared by one of our readers and will help others facing the Microsoft Edge screen glitch.

2. Disable content on the Edge home screen

  1. Launch Edge, click on the Page settings icon, and choose Custom from the Layout dropdown menu.page settings
  2. Now, turn off the toggle for Recent Bing searches, Show greetings, Office sidebar, and New tab tips.disable content to fix microsoft edge flickering
  3. Finally, under the Content dropdown menu, choose Content off.content off

That’s it! Once you are done disabling all forms of informational or other display items from Microsoft Edge, flickering should automatically stop. In case it doesn’t, head to the next solution.

3. Uncheck visual notifications

  1. Press the Windows key + R to open the Run prompt.
  2. Type control in the run box and click the OK button.
    run tabs flashing edge
  3. Click on the Ease of Access option.
    ease
  4. Select the Ease of Access Center option.
    ease center
  5. Click on Use text or visual alternatives for sounds.
    use visual tabs flashing edge
  6. Uncheck the box for Turn on visual notifications for sounds (Sound Sentry) checkbox is activated.
  7. Click on Apply to exit the dialog box.
    turn on

This should prompt your browser to play a notification sound instead of Microsoft Edge flickering screen on the laptop. At least many have claimed this worked for them. Once done, verify whether this fixes Microsoft Edge flickering in Windows 10.

If Microsoft Edge keeps flickering, the next solution might do the trick.

4. Choose a Light theme

  1. Click the menu button (three horizontal dots) at the top right corner.
  2. Select the Settings option.
    settings tabs flashing edge
  3. Choose the Appearance option in the left pane.
    appearance
  4. Select the Light theme.
    light theme

Again, this is believed to have worked for many in preventing the Microsoft Edge flickering in Windows 11 and the previous iterations. So, if you have Microsoft Edge white flash, switching to the light theme would help.

How do I toggle tabs in Edge?

  1. Press the Windows key + I to open the Settings app on your PC.
  2. Select the System option.
    system
  3. Choose Multitasking in the left pane.
    multitasking
  4. Click the dropdown in the Alt + Tab section and choose your preferred option.

The Microsoft Edge screen flickering issue can quickly dent your browsing experience. Fortunately, it is not difficult to fix. But remember to verify whether the problem lies with the browser or if the screen is flickering in Windows.

Also, find out what to do if Edge is slow or laggy and the most effective fixes to eliminate webcam flickering in Windows. Besides, many reported that Microsoft Edge keeps flashing black screen, and the problem is usually easy to resolve.

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

Error 0x80070057 in Windows Update: 7 Easy Fixes

Posted on by Ivan Jenic

We suppose you are reading this article because you installed the latest Windows 10 OS version on your computer and want to fix error 0x80070057.

We’ve got a piece of good news for you: if you carefully follow the steps listed below in the order they are described, you can get on with your Windows 10 usage in no time at all.

What is error 0x80070057 in Windows Update?

The 0x80070057 Windows 10 update error points to a problem with the system storage, usually the storage drive. So, your primary approach should be to check for issues with it. Here are a few reasons you are getting the error:

  • Issues with the file system: If you have an incorrect file system, one not compatible with Windows, it will lead to issues downloading and installing OS updates.
  • Corrupt system files: When the system files are corrupt, it affects the PC’s performance and may even trigger BSOD errors.
  • Third-party apps blocking the update: Oftentimes, a third-party app, usually a security software, may be blocking the updates and causing error 0x80070057 in Windows update.

How can I fix the Windows Update error 0x80070057?

Before we start making complex changes, here are a few quick ones to try:

  • Restart the PC.
  • Make sure to disable any antivirus or security software installed on the computer. A few users reported that disabling Cybereason Ransomware did the trick for them.

If these don’t work, move to the solutions listed next.

Tip icon Tip
For you to fix the 0x80070057 error code, you will need to have administrator rights on Windows 10 for the Group Policy Editor, not available in Home edition. Also, you will need to have administrator rights to run the required command lines in the Command Prompt window.

1. Configure Automatic Updates

  1. Press Windows + R to open Run, type gpedit.msc, and hit Enter.
  2. Now that you have the Local Group Policy Editor in front of you, double-click on the Computer Configuration icon present in the right side.
  3. Now double-click to open the Administrative Templates folder.
  4. From the Administrative Templates folder, double-click to open Windows Components folder.
  5. From within the Windows Components folder, double-click to open Windows Update folder.windows update group policy editor
  6. In the Windows Update folder, search for Configure Automatic Updates, and make sure it is set to Not Configured.configure automatic updates group policy editor
  7. Once done, again press Windows + R to open Run, paste the following command, and hit Enter:gpupdate /force
  8. Let the process finish, and then reboot your Windows 10 computer.

2. Repair your partition/ Run Disk Cleanup

  1. Right-click on the problematic partition, and choose Properties.
  2. Go to Tools, and under Error checking, click on the Check button to check your drive for system errors.
check drive system errors

Error 0x80070057 often occurs when the partition that you reserved for your OS is damaged. Fortunately, you can quickly fix this issue by running a dedicated hard drive repair software to restore your partition health.

Temporary files and other junk files may also cause your hard drive and OS partition to behave erratically. You can fix this by running Disk Cleanup.

3. Run the Windows Update troubleshooter

If you’re looking for a quick and reliable method to fix Windows update errors, you can try running the built-in Windows Update Troubleshooter.

This tool quickly scans and repairs Windows Update components so that you can then install the available OS update without any problems.

4. Download the latest Servicing Stack Update (SSU)

First of all, you need to see what OS version you’re using: 32-bit or 64-bit Windows. To do this, go to Settings > System > About > scroll down to System type.

Now, go to Microsoft’s Update Catalog and simply download the version of the latest SSU.

5. Reset Windows Update components

  1. Launch Command Prompt as administrator and then paste the following commands and hit Enter after each:
    • net stop bits
    • net stop wuauserv
    • net stop appidsvc
    • net stop cryptsvc
  2. Delete the qmgr.dat update files by running this command:Del "%ALLUSERSPROFILE%Application DataMicrosoftNetworkDownloader*.*"
  3. Clear the Windows Update cache by executing these commands:rmdir %systemroot%SoftwareDistribution /S /Q rmdir %systemroot%system32catroot2 /S /Q
  4. Now, you’re going to register all the Windows Update DLL files on the Windows Registry. All you need to do is enter the following commands and then hit Enter after each one:
    • regsvr32.exe /s atl.dll
    • regsvr32.exe /s urlmon.dll
    • regsvr32.exe /s mshtml.dll
    • regsvr32.exe /s shdocvw.dll
    • regsvr32.exe /s browseui.dll
    • regsvr32.exe /s jscript.dll
    • regsvr32.exe /s vbscript.dll
    • regsvr32.exe /s scrrun.dll
    • regsvr32.exe /s msxml.dll
    • regsvr32.exe /s msxml3.dll
    • regsvr32.exe /s msxml6.dll
    • regsvr32.exe /s actxprxy.dll
    • regsvr32.exe /s softpub.dll
    • regsvr32.exe /s wintrust.dll
    • regsvr32.exe /s dssenh.dll
    • regsvr32.exe /s rsaenh.dll
    • regsvr32.exe /s gpkcsp.dll
    • regsvr32.exe /s sccbase.dll
    • regsvr32.exe /s slbcsp.dll
    • regsvr32.exe /s cryptdlg.dll
    • regsvr32.exe /s oleaut32.dll
    • regsvr32.exe /s ole32.dll
    • regsvr32.exe /s shell32.dll
    • regsvr32.exe /s initpki.dll
    • regsvr32.exe /s wuapi.dll
    • regsvr32.exe /s wuaueng.dll
    • regsvr32.exe /s wuaueng1.dll
    • regsvr32.exe /s wucltui.dll
    • regsvr32.exe /s wups.dll
    • regsvr32.exe /s wups2.dll
    • regsvr32.exe /s wuweb.dll
    • regsvr32.exe /s qmgr.dll
    • regsvr32.exe /s qmgrprxy.dll
    • regsvr32.exe /s wucltux.dll
    • regsvr32.exe /s muweb.dll
    • regsvr32.exe /s wuwebv.dll
  5. You can now restart the relevant services by running these commands (don’t forget to hit Enter after each one):
    • net start bits
    • net start wuauserv
    • net start appidsvc
    • net start cryptsvc

6. Run DISM and SFC commands

  1. Open Command Prompt as administrator, type the following command, and then hit Enter:DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-image /Restorehealth
  2. Now use the System File Checker tool by executing this command:sfc /scannow
  3. Once done, restart the computer, and check for Update again.

If you’re experiencing error 0x80070057 Windows 11 or even the other iterations, Microsoft recommends you run the DISM tool and SFC scan.

7. Uninstall third-party tools

Some users confirmed that uninstalling third-party software helped them fix the problem. So, if you recently installed new apps on your computer, uninstall the program and then check for updates again to see if this fixed the problem.

Follow the steps above and get the Windows Update feature up and running in just a few minutes of your time.

Where else can I find this error?

Now, error code 0x80070057 is primarily linked to the Windows 10 upgrade, but unfortunately, it can transcend this scenario to plague even more platforms, apps, and actions. Let’s take a closer look.

  • Windows Update client failed to detect with error 0x80070057 (In some cases, there is a more comprehensive message displayed: There were some problems installing updates, but we’ll try again later. If you keep seeing this and want to search the web or contact support for information, this may help: (0x80070057).
  • 0x80070057 related to Windows 10 installation
  • Error 0x80070057 the parameter is incorrect
  • error 0x80070057 on Xbox
  • Windows 10 activation error 0x80070057 (If this error prevents you from using your license key, you might be forced to activate Windows again).
  • Error 0x80070057 Google Earth
  • 0x80070057 in Windows 7
  • We couldn’t format the selected partition error 0x80070057

Another common Windows Update error is 0xc1900130, and we have a dedicated guide on it for you to check out.

If you have any questions about this guide, feel free to write in the comments section below.

Location Is Not Available Access is Denied: 4 Methods to Try

Posted on by Milan Stanojevic

Certain error messages, or rather notifications, are meant to protect your files. But being prevented from accessing, copying, deleting, or modifying a file/folder because of inadequate permissions is no fun. And the Location is not available error does present a similar situation.

When you get the Access is denied error that reads Location is not available on desktop in Windows 10, it’s usually a trivial issue and can be fixed in no time. Let’s find out all about it.

Why am I getting Location is not available access is denied?

Here are a few reasons you might be getting the error:

  • Missing ownership: When you don’t have the drive or folder ownership, this might trigger errors when trying to access it.
  • Permissions were changed: Sometimes, the folder or drive permissions change inadvertently, thus resulting in Location is not available on Windows 10.
  • Third-party app blocking access: When Location is not available if the location is on this PC, it could be third-party applications, usually antivirus or security software, preventing access to certain folders and files.
  • Issues with the drive: A hard drive with bad sectors or malfunctioning hardware, too, can lead to the problem.

How do I fix Location is not available on Windows 10?

Before we start making major changes, here are a few quick things you can try:

  • Restart the computer and check whether the Location is not available folder is now accessible.
  • For an external hard drive, connect it to another PC and check whether the affected folder can be opened. If yes, the permissions are misconfigured, or a third-party app is blocking access.
  • Disable Windows Security, the built-in antivirus, or any third-party antivirus you may have installed.
  • Check for corrupt system files on the PC, and run the DISM tool and SFC scan to fix things.
  • If you haven’t updated the OS in a while, check for pending Windows Updates and install them.

Let’s now head to the solutions listed next.

1. Change permissions

  1. Right-click on the folder/drive that’s throwing the error, and select Properties.properties
  2. Head to the Security tab, and then click on Advanced.advanced
  3. Click on Change.change ownership to fix location is not available
  4. Type your current username in the text field, click on Check Names, and then OK.check name
  5. Now, tick the checkboxes for Replace owner on subcontainers and objects and Replace all child object permission entries with inheritable permission entries from this object, and click OK.replace owner to fix location is not available
  6. Click Yes in the confirmation prompt.confirm
  7. Again, click OK to save the changes.
  8. Next, open the folder/drive Properties, head to the Security tab, and click on Edit.edit
  9. Click Add.add
  10. Enter the username you used earlier, and click on Check names followed by OK.user name
  11. Select the user account, tick the checkbox for Full control, and click OK.full control to fix location is not available
  12. Click OK on all subsequent windows for the changes to come into effect.

That’s it! In most cases, reconfiguring the permissions and taking ownership of the affected folder/drive should fix the Location is not available error in Windows.

2. Check the disk for errors

  1. Press Windows + R to open Run, type cmd, and hit Ctrl + Shift + Enter.cmd
  2. Click Yes in the UAC prompt.
  3. Now, paste the following command and hit Enter:chkdsk /rcheck disk to fix location is not available
  4. Hit Y and press Enter to schedule the tool.confirm
  5. Restart the computer, let Check Disk run, and it will automatically fix issues with the drive.

For the Location is not available The parameter is incorrect error, the best fix is to run Check Disk, a built-in tool, in Windows. It can fix a range of issues, in addition to identifying and repairing bad sectors.

3. View hidden folders and hide protected files

  1. Press Windows + S to open Search, type File Explorer Options, and click on the relevant search result.file explorer options
  2. Go to the View tab, select Show hidden files, folders, and drives under Hidden files and folders, tick the checkbox for Hide protected operating system files (recommended), and click OK to save the changes.hide protected files to fix location is not available
  3. Restart the computer and check if you can now access the folder that earlier threw the error.

4. Perform in-place upgrade

Note icon NOTE
Before proceeding, make sure you are connected to the Internet and have a decent Internet speed because the method requires downloading Windows.
  1. Go to Microsoft’s official website, and download the Media Creation Tool for Windows 10.media creation tool
  2. Run the setup, click on Yes in the prompt, and let it get things ready.getting
  3. Click Accept to agree to the license terms.accept
  4. Now, choose the Upgrade this PC now option, and click Next.upgrade this PC now to fix location is not available
  5. Wait for the setup to download Windows, and then follow the on-screen instructions to complete the in-place upgrade.in-place upgrade to fix location is not available

The in-place upgrade usually takes a few hours to complete, but it wouldn’t delete any files, remove any apps, or reconfigure the chosen settings. The PC would be the same as before, except that all issues with the OS would be eliminated.

Tip icon Tip
If nothing works, you can always use a reliable File Manager in Windows. The error is found to affect the built-in File Explorer, but third-party tools continue to work fine. So, try that until you identify the underlying cause or Microsoft fixes the problem in the subsequent updates.

One of the solutions here should help get rid of the Location is not available error in Windows 10. If none do, it could be an issue with the hard drive, one that requires physical inspection. So, you might consider consulting a hardware expert on the matter.

And while we are on the subject, find out what to do if the File Explorer is slow, a problem reported by many.

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

Best VPN for Laptop [Out of 25 Tested in 2026]

Posted on by Milan Stanojevic

A virtual private network (VPN) protects your privacy while online and secures your Internet connection by creating an encrypted environment. Using a VPN for laptop is an easy way to protect yourself from ISP or vicious attacks from hackers, that is why a lot of users install VPNs on their PC right after they buy it.

What makes VPNs popular among computer and Internet users is that all the traffic on the network flows through the VPN without being seen by anyone, including your internet service provider.

VPNs prevent other people from intercepting your Internet traffic. They are very useful when you’re using public Wi-Fi or traveling as they hide your actual IP address and you can’t be tracked easily online.

A VPN is also good when your personal and/or professional security is at stake, as an investigative journalist, or if your profession also requires heightened safety so that you can communicate with others across the world.

If you’re looking for the best VPN software for laptops, you need to check for affordability, reputable service, performance, encryption and transparency, support (tech or otherwise), ease of using the VPN, among other features.

What are the best VPNs for laptops?

Express VPN – Best VPN for laptop overall

This Express VPN International Ltd. service ranks number one among its rivals judging from independent and user reviews, as well as ratings.

It is the number one trusted leader in VPN with high speed, ultra-secure protection, ease of use, and instant setup.

With ExpressVPN, you can access any content across 94 countries and unblock the sites and apps you love, avoiding hacking or tracking using powerful encryption, backed by 24/7 support through live chat.

You also get blazing-fast VPN speeds on a huge network of over 1700 global VPN servers, unlimited bandwidth, and an easy-to-use VPN service for Windows and other operating systems.

Zero restrictions on streaming and downloading from anywhere while your IP is hidden, plus offshore privacy protection with no activity or connection logs are also part of the package.

Other features include protection from hacking and surveillance with 256-bit AES encryption, DNS/IPv6 leak protection, kill switch, and split tunneling.

ExpressVPN

Want the best privacy protection for your laptop? Don’t waste any more time and get ExpressVPN.
Check price Visit website

NordVPN – most advanced privacy features

Developed by Tefincom & Co., S.A., NordVPN is everything you need to protect your privacy online.

As one of the best VPNs for laptops, NordVPN offers features such as double VPN combinations to encrypt your Internet traffic, and CyberSec technology to protect yourself from intrusive ads and malicious online threats.

Even more, its DNS leak protection ensures data protection. As for the no-logs policy, you’re assured your data isn’t tracked or monitored.

You can also secure your browsing on Chrome or Firefox, enjoy a secure streaming experience with SmartPlay technology, and join the NordVPN network of over 5400 servers in 59 countries globally.

The benefits of using NordVPN include lightning speeds, ease of download and installation, plus you can connect up to 6 devices simultaneously and protect your privacy on the go with mobile apps.

You also get a dedicated IP address for better connectivity and a faster VPN experience, plus if you need any assistance, NordVPN’s customer service is on standby to assist you anytime.

NordVPN

Wasting sleep trying to find the best VPN for your laptop? Look no further, check out NordVPN.
Check price Visit website

Surfshark – best for multiple devices

Surfshark is one of the few VPN providers to offer unlimited access to all types of devices. If you are a laptop user, you can easily get connected to the web using this VPN’s large number of servers – 1700+ in over 63 countries.

Your local IP address is totally masked when you’re using this VPN’s servers. You’ll also have access to top-notch AES 256-bit encryption.

When you need to hide your local IP address at a Wi-Fi hotspot, this Surfshark LTD VPN solution is a secure, reliable choice.

Your privacy will also be protected by their strict no-logs policy, which makes sure that your activity on the Internet is only known by you.

In addition, there’s a kill switch feature that protects you if the service ever disconnects.

One of the top benefits that you’ll receive when using Surfshark is the fast speeds that you’ll get with their servers.

They also offer one of the best ways to access Netflix with 14 Netflix libraries available.

Besides being able to connect with your laptop that uses macOS or the Windows operating system, you also have access to apps for Android and iOS, which can come in handy if you only have your smartphone with you.

The support team at this VPN is available 24/7 if you ever have any issues.

Private Internet Access – largest server network

Private Internet Access (PIA) offers top-notch security and privacy for all those eager to find the best VPN software for laptops.

Developed by the online privacy company Kape Technologies, PIA uses advanced encryption algorithms and proudly adheres to a strict no-logs policy.

Creating your account only means revealing an email address and your payment information. However, even these can be done anonymously if you feel safer this way.

Private Internet Access supports multiple VPN technologies such as PPTP, L2TP/IPsec, SOCKS5, OpenVPN, and even the new WireGuard.

Most users still prefer the OpenVPN protocol, which is open-source software, therefore its code has zero vulnerabilities.

It’s also worth noting that PIA doesn’t log user activity and includes DNS leak protection. On top of that, it has a secure killswitch to ensure your data isn’t leaked even if VPN connection drops.

Private Internet Access

Enjoy optimal protection on your laptop with Private Internet Access. Currently available at a major discount!
Check price Visit website

CyberGhost VPN – best-in-class encryption

CyberGhost is a favorite among the best VPN software tools for laptops as it protects your privacy on a multi-platform privacy solution.

Features include the highest encryption available with 256-bit encryption technology, hiding of your IP, and Wi-Fi protection if in a public area.

You also get a strict no-logs policy that doesn’t track your Internet activity, multiplatform apps for all your devices, security for transactions and conversations, plus access to over 6400 VPN servers in 89 countries.

The benefits of using CyberGhost include access to restricted content, protection for all your devices, ad blocking, malware blocking, and the highest possible speeds you can get on a VPN.

? Which VPN is free and best for laptops?

Good VPNs should have up-to-standard encryption, no logs policy, proven connection speed, and a decent number of servers. Not many free clients include all these, but we have a reliable option:

Tunnel Bear – proven zero logs and great free version

TunnelBear is an intuitive VPN service created by McAfee LLC with dedicated applications for multiple platforms, including Windows-operated laptops.

This VPN has a simple, yet witty and fun user interface that lets you connect to a private server at the press of a button.

Users can connect to an automatically determined server or pick the location of their choice manually.

This VPN service places no limit on data usage and secures your connection with military-grade AES-256-bit encryption.

TunnelBear keeps your data private even in case the connection drops. It blocks all traffic data until you are able to reaccess a VPN server.

With proven fast speed rates, Tunnelbear offers a map view of all its VPN locations that are spread across 49 different countries.

It

TunnelBear is a very reliable VPN that has both free and paid versions. The free version has a daily data limit but is a good option in terms of privacy and speed. The paid version has two plans, for personal and business use.

Is it good to have a VPN on your laptop?

Yes, a VPN protects your data when connected to the Internet, so you are less likely to be tracked down by malicious third parties.

Thanks to the encryption, your connection will be secure even on Public Wi-Fi.

There are other key benefits of using a VPN, including the possibility to bypass geo-blocks, stop ISP throttling and improve connection speed.

How do I set up a VPN on my laptop?

Most VPN clients come with easy-to-install native applications for all major operating systems, so you’ll be able to set it up in no time:

  1. After you decide which VPN to use, head to its official website and get a subscription. We use ExpressVPN because it’s very reliable, fast, and easy to use.
  2. Download the dedicated app to your device and install it.
  3. Launch ExpressVPN and click on the power button in the main UI to connect to a server.

A VPN will tunnel and encrypt your traffic through its secure servers so no information about your activity or identity can be leaked.

Good VPNs like the ones we mention in this article can be used on any type of laptop model, including Dell laptops or Lenovos.

Ready to start using the best VPN software for laptops? Let us know your favorite pick.

If there’s one you use that didn’t make the list, tell us about it by leaving a comment in the section below.

Windows 11 Pinned Apps Not Showing: Get Them Back in 4 Steps

Posted on by Kazim Ali Alvi

We all often pin apps, programs, and websites to the Taskbar for quick access, which seriously saves a lot of time otherwise spent searching and launching them. However, many users have reported that pinned apps or their icons are not showing in Windows 11.

This could be due to a bunch of reasons, having to do with a corrupt icon cache, issues with the Windows Explorer process, or misconfigured Local Group Policy Editor, amongst other issues. All these can be easily fixed, and you can have the pinned item back in no time.

So, let’s go through the most effective methods to fix the pinned apps not showing error in Windows 11.

What can I do if pinned apps aren’t showing in Windows 11?

Before we head to the slightly complex solutions, restart the computer and verify whether Windows 11 disappeared apps are now available; check for corrupt system files.

1. Restart the Windows Explorer process

  1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to launch the Task Manager.Task Manager to fix windows 11 pinned apps not showing
  2. Locate the Windows Explorer process, right-click on it, and select Restart from the context menu.Restart Windows Explorer to fix windows 11 pinned apps not showing

If you were wondering how to fix taskbar icons not showing in Windows 11, remember that the Taskbar is bundled with the Windows Explorer (explorer.exe) process, and problems with the latter can lead to pinned apps not showing in Windows 11.

Just restarting the process should fix the error for you. Also, this would work when pinned apps are not showing on taskbar in Windows 10.

2. Update the graphics driver

  1. Press Windows + S to launch the Search menu, enter Device Manager in the text field at the top, and click onthe relevant search result that appears.Device Manager
  2. Now, double-click on the Display adapters entry here.Display adapters
  3. Right-click on the graphics adapter, and select Update driver from the context menu.Update driver to fix windows 11 pinned apps not showing
  4. Select Search automatically for drivers from the options that appear in the Update Drivers window.Search automatically for drivers
  5. Wait for the system to find the best available driver and install it.

An outdated graphics driver is another likely issue behind pinned apps not showing in Windows 11. So, it’s best that you update the graphics driver and verify if the error is eliminated.

Also, you can try other ways to update the driver, in case the Device Manager method does not work and Windows 11 icons are still not displaying correctly.

3. Delete the icon cache file

  1. Press Windows + E to launch File Explorer, paste the following path in the address bar, and hit Enter. Just make sure to replace Username with the actual user account in your case. Or you could simply navigate the path.C:\Users\Username\AppData\LocalLocal
  2. Now, click on the View menu, hover the cursor over Show, and select Hidden items from the flyout menu.Show hidden items
  3. Select the IconCache.db file, and hit the Del key.Del IconCache.db to fix windows 11 pinned apps not showing
  4. Restart the computer for the changes to fully come into effect.

The IconCache.db has a copy of every app icon, and when required, Windows directly retrieves it from here instead of going through the app files. If it’s corrupt, you may find the app icon not showing in Windows 11.

Once you delete the cache file and restart the computer, it will be recreated which will remove any corruption.

4. Reconfigure Local Group Policy Editor

  1. Press Windows + R to launch the Run command, enter gpedit.msc in the text field, and click on OK to launch the Local Group Policy Editor.gpedit.msc
  2. Next, click on Administrative Templates under User Configuration, double-click on Start Menu and Taskbar, and then double-click on the Remove pinned programs from the Taskbar policy on the right.Remove pinned programs from the Taskbar to fix windows 11 pinned apps not showing
  3. Set it to Not Configured, and click on OK at the bottom to save the changes.Not Configured to fix windows 11 pinned apps not showing
  4. Restart the computer for the changes to apply.

That’s it, the pinned apps or icons not showing in Windows 11 error should now be fixed, and you can easily access your favorite apps with a click.

Also, several users have faced the taskbar apps disappearing error in Windows 10, and others said the Xbox app kept repinning itself to the taskbar after a restart. If so, the linked guides will help you fix it.

Do not hesitate to tell us which solution worked for you in the comments section below.

Windows 10 Start Button Not Working: 9 Ways to Enable It

Posted on by Ivan Jenic

If your Windows 10 Start button is not working, you might have some issues accessing certain features on your PC.

Start Menu is an integral part of Windows, but unfortunately, many reported that Start Menu isn’t working at all for them.

This can be a major problem, and in today’s guide, we’re going to tackle this issue and show you how to fix it properly.

Why is the Start button not working on Windows 10?

There are several reasons why the Start menu isn’t working on Windows 10, and here are the most common ones:

  • System glitches – If Start menu has disappeared or you’re having any other issue with it, it’s possible that there’s a glitch on your system.
  • Issues with the Windows Explorer process – In case this happens, you just need to open Task Manager and end restart the process.
  • Corrupted registry – Sometimes corrupted registry can cause this issue. You can use Registry Editor to fix the issue.

Start Menu is integral to Windows, but many users reported various issues. Speaking of issues, here are some common problems that users reported:

  • Windows 10: Start Menu and Cortana not working
    • Start Menu and Cortana are closely related, and if one of those features isn’t working, try installing the latest updates and check if that helps.
  • Windows Start button not working on Windows 10, quit working on Windows 10
    • Many users reported that the Start button stopped working on their Windows 10 PC.
    • To fix this problem, you might have to use Powershell and re-register all preinstalled applications.
  • Start Menu button is frozen, won’t open on Windows 10
    • This is another common problem with Start Menu; a temporary glitch usually causes it.
    • Sign out of your account and log back in to fix the problem.
  • Start Menu crashing in Windows 10, missing in Windows 10
    • According to users, sometimes Start Menu could be crashing or even missing on your PC.
    • You might have to create a new user account and switch to it to fix the problem.

What to do if Start Menu and Taskbar are not working on Windows 10?

There are all sorts of issues that can occur with the Start Menu, and many reported an unresponsive Taskbar in Windows 10.

This can be a problem, but it can be fixed by restarting the Windows Explorer process.

In some rare instances, you might get a Critical error in Start Menu, and if this happens, it’s advised to repair your profile or installation.

Luckily for you, fixing these issues isn’t hard, and in today’s guide, we’ll show you how to do it.

What can I do when the Start button is not working in Windows 10?

1. Check for Windows updates

  1. Press Windows Key + I to open the Settings app.
  2. Now go to the Update & Security section.
    Windows Start button not working Windows 10
  3. In the right pane, click the Check for updates button.
    Windows 10 Start Menu and Cortana not working

Updates will be downloaded automatically in the background if any updates are available. Once your system is up to date, check if Windows 10 Start button and search are still not working.

2. Use the PowerShell to fix this issue

  1. Press Windows key + X and choose Windows PowerShell (Admin).
  2. Paste this into PowerShell:
    Get-AppXPackage -AllUsers | Foreach {Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register "$($_.InstallLocation)AppXManifest.xml"}Windows 10 Start Menu and Cortana not working
  3. Press Enter to run it.

That would be all, and your Start button should be working now.

You can try this workaround if your Windows button is not working. This isn’t a permanent solution, but it gets the job done and fixes the issue temporarily, so if the problem manifests itself again, you might need to repeat this process.

For the permanent solution, make sure that you check for the latest Windows 10 updates regularly.

3. Sign out of your account

  1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Del.
  2. Now click the Sign out button.
    start menu button not working
  3. Wait for a few moments and sign back into your account.

After signing back in, check if the problem is still there.

Sometimes, Windows 10 Start Menu and Taskbar are not working due to glitches. But, according to users, the simplest way to fix this problem is to sign out of your account and log back in.

Since your Start Menu and Start button aren’t working, you’ll need to sign out using the steps we mentioned

4. Restart Windows Explorer

  1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
  2. Locate Windows Explorer on the list.
  3. Right-click it and choose Restart from the menu.
    Start Menu button frozen

Once Windows Explorer restarts, check if Windows 10 Start Menu is still not working. Remember that this is a temporary solution, so you’ll have to repeat it once the problem reappears.

Many users reported that you could fix the problem with the Start Menu button simply by restarting Windows Explorer.

The Start Menu is a part of Windows Explorer, and by restarting Windows Explorer, you’ll force Start Menu to restart as well.

5. End certain processes

  1. Press Windows Key + X and choose Windows PowerShell (Admin) from the menu.
  2. When PowerShell starts, run the command below and hit Enter. cd C:\Users\Your_username_here\AppData\Local\Packages\Microsoft.Windows.Search_cw5n1h2txyewy
  3. Next, type the following two commands and hit Enter after each one.
    Taskkill /F /IM SearchUI.exe
    RD /S /Q Settings

After the commands execute, the damaged files will be rebuilt, and you should be able to use Start Menu again without issues.

Sometimes Windows 10 can’t open Start Menu or Search due to certain Cortana files. According to users, you can fix this problem simply by deleting these files from PowerShell.

These are just temporary files; your PC will recreate them, so there’s no need to worry.

6. Modify your registry

  1. Press Windows key + R and enter regedit. Press Enter or click OK.
  2. In the left pane, navigate to this key: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\WpnUserService
    Windows Start button quit working Windows 10
  3. In the right pane, double-click Start DWORD, set Value data to 4, and click OK.

After making these changes, restart your PC and check if the problem is resolved.

Occasionally, issues with the Start Menu button can occur due to Dropbox. Note that Dropbox can sometimes interfere with Windows processes, leading to this and many other problems.

However, you should be able to fix this problem by making a few changes to your registry.

7. Create new values in your registry

  1. Start Registry Editor.
  2. In the left pane, navigate to this key: HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advanced
  3. In the right pane, right-click the empty space and choose New and then DWORD (32-bit) value.
  4. Enter EnableXamlStartMenu as the name of the new DWORD.

After doing that, close Registry Editor and restart Windows Explorer from the Task Manager. Once the Explorer restarts, your Start Menu should be working again.

The problem might be related to your registry if you’re having issues with the Start Menu button. According to users, they managed to fix this problem simply by creating new value in their registry.

8. Enter Safe Mode

  1. Open the Settings app and go to the Update & Security section.
    Windows Start button not working Windows 10
  2. From the menu on the left, choose Recovery. In the right pane, click Restart now button in the Advanced startup section.
    Windows Start button quit working Windows 10
  3. A list of options will appear. Choose Troubleshoot and then choose Advanced options. 
  4. Next select Startup Settings, and click the Restart button.
  5. Once your PC restarts, select any version of Safe Mode by pressing the appropriate key.

Once you enter Safe Mode, check if everything is working. If so, restart your PC, boot back to your account, and check if the issue is resolved.

According to users, you might be able to solve this problem simply by entering Safe Mode. This is quite simple to do, following the above steps.

9. Create a new user account

  1. Open the Settings app and go to the Accounts section.
    Windows Start button not working Windows 10
  2. Navigate to Family & other people in the left pane. In the right pane, click Add someone else to this PC.
    Start Menu button frozen
  3. Choose I don’t have this person’s sign-in information, then Add a user without a Microsoft account.
  4. Enter the desired user name and click Next.
    Start Menu crashing Windows 10

After creating a new user account, switch to it, and check if that solves your problem.

If the problem doesn’t appear on the new account, you’ll need to move your files to the new account and check if that solves your problem.

We believe you must have repaired the Start Menu button not working issue by now. Note that these solutions are not written in any particular order, and we recommend starting with whatever solution looks most appropriate to your situation.

Remember that this isn’t the only issue you can encounter, and many reported that Windows Tiles won’t show in Start Menu.

If you have any comments, suggestions, or maybe some other solutions for this problem, write them down in the comments section.

Fix: Your Organization’s Data Cannot Be Pasted Here

Posted on by Claire Moraa

Seeing the “Your organization’s data cannot be pasted here” message in Outlook or Office? This error usually means clipboard actions are blocked by your organization’s security policies.

It can also happen due to outdated apps, character limits, or protected files. Below are proven ways to fix it fast.

How to Fix the “Organization Data Cannot Be Pasted Here” Error

Table of contents

1. Create a New File

Copy the content into a blank document using plain text paste. Save it and retry. This helps if the original file is corrupted or flagged.

2. Change Intune Copy-Paste Policy

  1. Log into Microsoft Intune.
  2. Go to Client apps → App protection policies.
  3. Select the policy in use.
    Intune policy settings
  4. Expand the Data Transfer section.
  5. Set Restrict cut/copy/paste between apps to Any app.
    Intune restrict clipboard

3. Reinstall Microsoft Office

  1. Open Settings.
    Windows Settings
  2. Search for and open Control Panel.
    Control Panel
  3. Click Uninstall a program under Programs.
    Uninstall a program
  4. Select Microsoft Office and uninstall it.
    Uninstall Microsoft Office
  5. Download and reinstall Office.

4. Use Clipboard in a Web App Instead

If using Outlook desktop causes issues, log into Outlook Web or Word Online and try pasting there. Many web-based apps bypass Intune restrictions applied only to installed software.

5. Remove Conflicting Security Apps

Some third-party security software or clipboard managers might interfere. Temporarily disable or uninstall them, especially if this started after a recent update.

6. Repair Office Installation

Go to Settings → Apps → Installed apps → Microsoft Office, click Modify, and choose Quick Repair. If that fails, use Online Repair.

FAQs

What does “Your organization’s data cannot be pasted here” mean?

It means your IT admin has restricted copy-paste actions between apps or devices using tools like Microsoft Intune.

How do I remove copy-paste restrictions set by my organization?

If you’re an admin, change the Intune policy to allow clipboard sharing between any app. Otherwise, ask your IT team to adjust permissions.

Can I bypass this error on my personal device?

If the device is enrolled in corporate management, you can’t bypass the restriction without admin rights.

Does reinstalling Office fix the issue?

Yes, if the error is due to corruption or outdated settings, reinstalling Office can help restore default clipboard behavior.

Wrapping up

If none of these fixes work, contact Microsoft Support for further assistance.

If the issue appears while copying from certain websites, follow this guide on bypassing browser copy restrictions.

Let us know in the comments if these steps helped resolve the error.

Dual Boot Menu Is Not Showing: How to Get It Back

Posted on by Henderson Jayden Harper

There are times when you’d need to run another operating system to get things done on the same PC. Dual boot lets you select which operating system loads when you start your computer. Sadly, our readers report that the dual boot menu not showing on their PC.

Why is the dual boot menu not showing?

The dual boot menu not showing while booting up can occur for many reasons. Some notable causes of the problem are:

  • Fast startup is enabled – The fast startup option allows the system to boot directly into the default operating system. So, not disabling the fast startup option during dual boot may cause the issue.
  • The dual boot option is disabled – Because not all systems have two operating systems installed, the option isn’t enabled automatically. Hence, you may not see it.
  • Corrupt system files – Corrupt system files on your PC can cause the boot manager to malfunction, resulting in the dual boot option not showing during startup.

Whatever the cause, we’ll discuss getting the dual boot menu to appear again on your PC.

How do I get the Dual boot menu to show back?

Apply the following preliminary checks before proceeding with any advanced troubleshooting steps:

  • Ensure the second operating system is present on the PC and it’s bootable.
  • Disconnect USB devices and peripherals and verify whether GRUB menu is not showing Windows 10 dual boot.

If the dual boot option is still missing, go ahead with the solutions below.

1. Enable the Boot Menu via the Command Prompt

  1. Left-click the Start button, type command prompt, and click the Run as administrator option.
  2. Click Yes on the User Account Control prompt.
  3. Type the following command and press Enter: bcdedit /set {bootmgr} displaybootmenu yes 
  4. You’ll see a prompt informing you that the operation was completed successfully. Then, restart your PC and check if the dual boot option appears.

If you have been wondering how do I enable dual boot, the above will do it, prompting the dual boot menu to appear whenever you start your PC. This should, in all likelihood, fix things when the dual boot menu is not showing Windows 10 and Ubuntu.

Read about fixing the run-as-administrator option if it’s not working on your PC.

2. Configure the Default Operating System in Startup and Recovery

  1. Press Windows + I key to open the Settings app.
  2. Go to System and select the About tab from the left pane.
  3. Navigate to the Related links menu and click on Advanced system settings.
  4. On the System Properties page, go to the Startup and Recovery tab and click the Settings button.
  5. Click the drop-down button for the Default operating system and choose your preferred OS.
  6. Check the box for Time to display list of operating systems and set it to 30 seconds, then click OK to save the changes.
  7. Restart your PC and check if the dual boot menu appears.

Configuring the default operating system and setting a time limit for showing the list of operating systems fixes things when the dual boot menu is not showing Windows 11 and Ubuntu.

3. Disable the Windows Fast Startup option

  1. Click the Start button and type control panel, then open it.
  2. Click on System and Security, then select Power Options.
  3. In the left pane, click on the Choose what the power buttons does option.
  4. Click on Change settings that are currently unavailable.
  5. Under Shutdown Settings, uncheck the Turn on fast startup (recommended) option.
  6. Click the Save changes button.
  7. Restart your computer to see if fast startup is disabled and the dual boot menu appears.

Disabling Fast Startup prevents the system from loading the default operating system from the boot and shows the boot menu.

If the Dual Boot menu not showing after the Windows update is probably because Fast Startup was reactivated. Read how to disable fast startup on Windows 11 for more information.

4. Restore the Dual Boot menu via the System Configuration tool

  1. Press Windows + R key to open the Run dialog box, type msconfig, and click OK to open the System Configuration utility.
  2. Go to the Boot tab, select the OS to set as default, and click the Set as default button.
  3. Under the Timeout tab, set the value as 30.
  4. Click OK and Apply to save the changes.
  5. Restart your PC and check if the dual boot menu appears.

Tweaking the System Configuration utility restores the Boot Manager and sets it to appear for 30 seconds during startup. This has helped many when Windows 10 dual boot menu is not showing.

In addition, our readers can check our article on how to fix a PC stuck on Choose an operating system prompt after the Windows update.

Our readers can check our guide on how to Dual Boot Windows 11 and Linux Mint on a single device. Also, you may be interested in our guide on Dual Boot Windows 11 and macOS on a single device.

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

How Google hesitated on moving forward with AI powered search

Posted on by Radu Tyrsina

Shortly after taking up the role of CEO of Google in 2016, Sundar Pichai declared that from then on, Google – which was worldwide known for its search engine – would become the AI-First company.

The statement was made at the Google I/O developer conference and was one of the first moves for Pichai after assuming the top-dog position at the company. Two years earlier, Amazon surprised Google by launching its voice assistant Alexa, which quickly became a household name. While this constituted a major coup for Amazon, it was very disheartening for Google to witness, according to the Wall St Journal report. At the conference that followed, Google released its competitor, Google Assistant, as Pichai straddled the initiative to focus more on the development of helpful AI.

Today, in a similar situation, Google has been once again beaten to market in a space they should have dominated. However, this time the challenge has come from OpenAI, a much smaller San Francisco startup, not a tech giant like Amazon. ChatGPT, a bot that can write on almost any subject as if generated by a human, was unveiled in November and has captured the public’s attention. Its development relies upon a technological breakthrough pioneered by Google several years ago. This is significant because, two years before, Google had presented LaMDA, another similar technological advancement.

The outlook is not encouraging for Google as its primary competitor, Microsoft, is providing a significant financial investment of $10 billion towards OpenAI, and has released a new version of Bing that has Artificial Intelligence chat features that surpass those of ChatGPT—which may have far-reaching implications for the future of online search.

Google has built a reputation for being more conservative when it comes to its AI endeavors, a legacy forged over the years by the debates over the bias and accuracy of its systems and the termination of a staff member who asserted its AI had achieved sentience in the previous year.

Executives faced heightened trepidation regarding the potential backlash that a public display of AI products might incur because of past episodes. This fear was amplified due to the significant amount of revenue generated by Alphabet Inc’s search-advertising business; they yielded almost $283 billion in revenue in the past year.

Without question, Google failed to capitalize on the market in which it should have had a commanding lead. As a way to rectify the situation, the firm launched Bard, its artificial intelligence chatbot. Unfortunately, the endeavor proved to be unsuccessful, with the bot supplying incorrect answers in its initial launch and causing Google a total loss of $100 million.

Windows 11 Ads: How to Get Rid of Them in 5 Easy Steps

Posted on by Loredana Harsana

We all know how ads can be annoying sometimes. How ads pop up at the most unwelcoming times; how they lead you to unwanted platforms; worst still, some ads are known to pose malware threats.

So, if you’ve been wondering how to get rid of the constant Windows 11 ads but don’t know how, here’s the help you’ve been waiting for.

Why do I get ads in Windows 11?

Despite the urgency of the need to want to get rid of Windows 11 ads, we think it is worth knowing what triggers these ads and why you get them:

  • Features added from the recent Windows update – Features like News and Interests can make it difficult to use your PC without sending a notification. Also, it can prevent you from using the PC.
  • Adware on your browser – When the adware is installed on a user’s PC or browser, they may notice ads appearing frequently. Sometimes it’s difficult to get rid of them, and they might be malevolent.
  • Cross-promotion of Microsoft products – Microsoft included even more ads in Windows 11 to promote their products in the user interface. However, you may block them.
  • Your computer’s program notifications – Microsoft has numerous titles for these adverts, such as sync provider notifications or tips and suggestions, and they are displayed on Windows 11.

Several other causes may prompt ads to pop up on your Windows 11 PC. Nevertheless, you can fix the problem by tweaking your computer.

How can I remove Windows 11 ads?

Before engaging in any advanced troubleshooting or settings tweaks, try the following checks:

  • Check if the issue still exists by restarting Windows in Safe Mode.
  • Disable background apps that are active on your PC.

Having confirmed the above checks, but the ads keep popping up on your Windows 11 PC, you can try any of the steps below to remove Windows 11 ads.

1. Remove Windows 11 Lock screen ads

  1. Press the Windows button to open the Start menu, then click Settings.
  2. Now, go to the Personalization tab and click on Lock screen from the options on the right pane.
  3. Next, uncheck the box beside Get fun facts, tips, tricks, and more on your lock screen.  

It is only when your Windows lock screen is set to Picture or Slideshow that you can turn off the adverts on it. There is, yet, no way to stop the adverts on it if it is set to Windows Spotlight.

2. Remove ads from Windows 11 Start menu

  1. Click on the Windows icon to open the Start Menu.
  2. Locate the promoted app you want to remove. Right-click on the app and then select Unpin from Start or Uninstall from the options.

Since some of the promoted apps are installed on your PC, while Windows 11 only pin others as shortcuts to their pages from the Microsoft Store, you can use the above steps to remove Start menu ads.

3. Remove ads from File Explorer

  1. Press the Windows key + E to open File Explorer.
  2. Click on the See more menu button at the top (its button looks like three suspension °°° dots). Next, click on Options.
  3. In the Folder Options window, select the View tab and uncheck the Show sync provider notifications box. Then, click OK.

Your Windows 11 File Explorer, just like Windows 10, is also an ad space. Follow the steps above to remove Ads from Windows 11 File Explorer.

4. Remove suggestions from the Settings app

  1. Press the Windows key + I to open the Settings app.
  2. Select Privacy & Security from the sidebar and click on General from the options under Windows Permissions.
  3. Turn off the Show me suggested content in the Settings app toggle to disable suggested content.

Due to recent upgrades, the Settings app can suggest things across Windows 11 to help you find features or advice for content and applications in various ways.  

5. Remove ads in your Windows 11 browser

  1. Open the Chrome browser on your computer, click on the Menu button, and choose Settings from the drop-down menu.
  2. Click on Privacy and security. Scroll down and click on the Play button next to the Site settings option to expand it.
  3. Navigate to the Content tab, then click the Pop-ups and redirects option.
  4. On the Default behavior section, choose the radio button next to the checkbox for Don’t allow sites to send pop-ups or use the redirects option.
  5. Close your browser and check if the pop-up ads have been disabled.

Disabling the option that blocks browser ads from showing on your desktop is one of the viable ways to remove ads from your PC.

And that’s it on how to remove Windows 11 ads from your PC. We have to state, though, that Windows 11 ads are not as bad as most people take them.

Unlike other programs or platforms wherein ads cannot be turned off, Windows 11 ads can be removed, and you can use any of the steps provided above to do this.

For Windows 10 PC users, you can find out how to turn off ads on your Windows 10’s lock screen and other methods here.

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

How to Get Rid of Ghost Touch Bubbles in Windows 10 & 11

Posted on by Loredana Harsana

One rare error with touchscreen PCs is the ghost bubbles effect. When this happens, the computer flashes bubble spots around the screen while the mouse cursor bounces around them.

If your PC is currently experiencing ghost touch bubbles, this article will provide you with the best steps to help you get rid of ghost touch bubbles in your Windows PC.

What causes ghost bubbles in Windows?

Ghost bubbles are a pretty rare occurrence in Windows. Here are some of the common causes of ghost bubbles in Windows:

  • Faulty Windows update – You may notice the ghost touch bubbles in your PC after installing an update. Uninstalling or rolling back the update would help resolve the error.
  • Faulty screen hardware – In some cases, ghost touch bubbles are not software-related problems but hardware. If your PC’s touchscreen is faulty, it can cause ghost bubbles to appear.
  • Virus or malware – In some cases, ghost touch bubbles might appear in Windows due to viruses or malware in a computer. You can scan your PC for viruses to determine if your PC is corrupted.

After filtering out the probable causes, let’s go to the actual solutions to fix this problem.

How can I fix ghost bubbles in Windows?

Try these steps first before anything else:

  • Check your PC for hardware problems. You can contact your manufacturer’s hardware support or take it to any certified technician to get your screen hardware checked out.

Ghost touch bubbles will render your PC useless as it won’t respond to user input. Here are a couple of fixes you can attempt to help resolve this error.

1. Disable the visual touch feedback

  1. Press the Windows key + I to open the Settings app.
  2. Then, click on Ease of Access and navigate to Vision.
  3. Click on Cursor & Pointer, and scroll down to locate the Change Touch Feedback option.
  4. To disable Touch Feedback, click the toggle the Change Touch Feedback button to Off.
  5. Close the Settings app and restart your PC.

2. Change the Power Management settings

  1. Right-click the Start button and select Device Manager.
  2. Locate Human Interface Device, double-click on it, and select the HID Compliant Touchscreen.
  3. In the popup window, navigate to the Power Management tab, and uncheck the option of Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power.
  4. Click OK, and restart your PC.

If your power management tab is missing, here is a complete guide showing how to restore the power management tab.

3. Roll back the latest Windows update

  1. Press the Windows key + I to open the Settings app.
  2. Select Windows Update and click the Update history tab.
  3. Then, click on Uninstall updates.
  4. Click on the update you wish to remove, and select Uninstall.
  5. Restart your PC and check if the error persists.

Oftentimes, while attempting to update your Windows PC, you might run into errors that are triggered after the update. Rolling back or removing these updates can help get rid of ghost touch bubbles in Windows.

4. Run the Hardware Troubleshooter

  1. Press the Windows key + R, type in the following command in the dialog box, and hit Enter to open the Hardware and Devices troubleshooter: msdt.exe -id DeviceDiagnostic
  2. In the popup window, click on the Next button.
  3. When the scan is completed, Windows will indicate if it found any problems with your Hardware and automatically fix them.
  4. Then, check to see if the issue persists.

While trying to run the hardware troubleshooter, you can run into the human and devices troubleshooter is missing. Be sure to read our guide on how to fix it.

5. Reinstall the Human Interface Device

  1. Right-click the Windows icon and select Device Manager.
  2. Locate the Human Interface Devices, and click on it to expand the selection, then right-click on the Touchscreen option and select Uninstall.
  3. Then restart your PC and Windows will automatically install a generic driver for the Human Interface Device.
  4. Check to see if the issue persists.

Windows use the Human Interface Device to accept user input. If the driver is faulty, your device will be unable to accept user input and thus trigger the ghost touch bubbles in Windows.

Uninstalling and reinstalling the device can help resolve the ghost touch bubbles in Windows.

6. Disable the HID Compliant Touchscreen

  1. Right-click the Windows Start button and select Device Manager
  2. Locate the Human Inteface Devices option, and select HID Compliant Touchscreen. Right-click on the HID Compliant Touchscreen, and select Disable.
  3. Then, close the Device Manager window and restart your PC.

If you’ve attempted all troubleshooting techniques and you’re still unable to get rid of ghost touch bubbles in your Windows PC. Your last option is to get your laptop’s touchscreen checked.

Fixing ghost bubbles in Windows is a relatively easy task that requires little to no technical knowledge. With the steps listed above, you should be able to rid your PC of ghost bubbles.

After disabling the touchscreen driver, you can restore full touch functionality anytime by following this guide on how to enable Tablet PC touch input on Windows 11 safely.

We also recommend reading our guide on how to fix the touchscreen on Windows 11 if it’s not working.

If you’ve got alternative solutions on how to fix ghost bubbles in Windows, you can drop them in the comments below.

Fix: Join Button Not Working/Missing in Teams

Posted on by Claire Moraa

Teams is a great collaboration app that allows you to use two Teams apps on your Windows 11. While all this is fascinating, users have now reported that the Teams join button no longer works.

You can’t join the same meeting with a second device. The join button is present for some, but they can’t get in. In others, the button is completely missing. If this sounds like a similar predicament you have encountered, keep reading as we uncover some solutions.

Why am I not able to see the join button in Teams meeting?

The Teams meeting feature is a great way to share ideas, see what others are working on, and collaborate with colleagues. But if you’re not seeing the join button in Teams meetings, here’s why:

  • Network connection issues – If there is an issue with your network connection or server location when attempting to connect, this feature won’t work.
  • Wrong version – While you can use any Teams version, some older versions may be incompatible with newer features hence why some features may be missing.
  • Buggy update – Not all updates are good. Sometimes, app updates come with buggy features that can interfere with the normal functioning of the application.
  • Corrupt cache – It is also possible that the Teams app has accumulated cache over time which has since become corrupted. This could be causing the Teams join button not to work.
  • Wrong account – Since you can login to Microsoft Teams with multiple accounts, the join button may be missing because they are two different accounts.

What can I do if the Teams app is missing the join button?

We recommend you try the following basic workaround before the complex solutions:

  • Sign out from both devices, then sign in again.
  • Ensure that both devices are signed into the same Microsoft account.
  • Check for any available updates for the Teams app and download them for both devices.
  • Switch to a different internet connection if available. For instance, you can create a mobile hotspot and rejoin the meeting from both devices.
  • Verify that your computer is not behind on the time and date.
  • Try using the Teams web version and see if there is a difference.
  • Attempt to join the meeting using other alternatives. For instance, you can use a code, an invite link, or the calendar.
  • Finally, try restarting your PC to clear out any temporary glitches.

1. Clear Teams cache 

  1. Hit the Windows + R keys to open the Run command.
  2. Type %appdata%\Microsoft\Teams in the Run dialog box and then select OK.
  3. Select all files and folders in the %appdata%\Microsoft\Teams directory and hit the Delete button.
  4. Restart Teams and check if you’re now able to hang up calls.

2. Disable antivirus temporarily

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

If you have a third-party antivirus installed, also ensure you disable it temporarily and try again.

3. Repair/Reset teams 

  1. Hit the Windows key and click on Settings.settings windows 11
  2. Click on Apps on the left pane, then select Apps & features on the right pane.
  3. Navigate to Microsoft Teams app, click on the three ellipses, and select Advanced options.
  4. Hit the Repair button.
  5. Try joining your Teams call and see if the issue persists.
  6. If you’re successful, there’s no need to reset, but if the issue is still present, repeat steps 1 to 3, and this time, hit the Reset button.

4. Reinstall Teams

  1. Hit the Start Menu icon on the Taskbar and click on Settings.settings windows 11
  2. Click on Apps on the left pane, then select Apps & features on the right pane.
  3. Navigate to Microsoft Teams app, click on the three ellipses, and select Uninstall.uninstalling microsoft teams
  4. Launch the Microsoft Store, search for the Teams app, and click Install.
  5. Follow the on-screen prompts and try again.

If the above steps don’t yield the desired results and the Teams join button is still not working, we recommend that you reach out to the Microsoft support team. They should be able to come up with a solution for the issue.

Still, on Teams’ errors, you may also come across the Caa20002 error code, or the vertical scroll bar can’t be found but worry not, as we have already covered various ways to address these issues.

Aside from errors, you may also want to jump on the AI bandwagon and enable Teams integration with ChatGPT.

Let us know of any other solutions not mentioned here that have successfully eliminated this error.

Starfield release date finally set for September 6

Posted on by Robert Collins

The Starfield release date has at last been announced. We thought we would have to wait until the upcoming special Starfield showcase event (which itself was also given a broadcast date of June 11th) Bethesda has been promising since January’s Xbox Developer_Direct to find out when we’ll finally get our hands on the game. Instead, Xbox and Bethesda have revealed the launch date ahead of the showcase and, well…it’s a bit later than many of you were probably hoping for.

While the bulk of the speculation hinted at a May or June Starfield release date, the game will be coming out on September 6. This obviously misses the first-half target most were expecting. While it may be a bit disappointing, at least Xbox gamers will have Redfall to keep them occupied beginning May 2.

Starfield promises to be an open-world roleplaying sci-fi adventure like no other. And while the wait for it has been grueling, it is most likely soon to be over. Here’s hoping it will be well worth it (and don’t forget about the Starfield Direct on June 11).

0xC004d302: How to Fix This Activation Error

Posted on by Vlad Turiceanu

Some of our readers have recently reported that they received one of the windows activation errors, such as the 0xC004D302 error code on their Windows PC and as a result, some functions stopped working.

This error appears on a computer running Microsoft Windows non-core edition. It can be triggered when the trusted data memory is reactivated. You can work your way through this article to fix the issue.

What causes the 0xc004d302 error?

Below are some of the potential reasons behind the 0xC004d302 windows activation error code:

  • Fake or incorrect product key – One of the most common reasons you are receiving the 0xC004d302 error code is because the product key you entered is not valid or is incorrect.
  • Issues with RSA MachineKeys – This error can be triggered during activation if there are changes in the default permissions of RSA MachineKeys.
  • License files (Token.dat) are corrupt – The Windows activation files are stored in the Token dat file of the operating system. If these files get damaged, this error may occur after activation.
  • Using different commands for activation – If you have executed the Slmgr. vbs/rearm command, and you try to run another command for activation, such as /dlv or /dli, before restarting your PC; the error will appear.

Now that you know some of the potential reasons for the 0xC004d302 activation error code, you can explore the solutions in the next section to help you fix the issue.

How can I fix the 0xC004d302 error code?

Before engaging in the advanced troubleshooting fixes provided in this article, you should consider performing the following preliminary checks, which can help you prevent the error next time:

Having confirmed the above checks and you still require further assistance, you can explore the dedicated fixes on how to fix the 0xC004d302 error.

1. Run an SFC scan

  1. Press the Windows key, type cmd in the Search box, and select Run as administrator.
  2. In the CMD window, type the following command in the text field and press Enter: sfc /scannow
  3. The scanning process may take some time, so wait till the verification reaches 100%.

Running the System File Checker scan could help fix the error since one of the underlying causes is the presence of corrupt license files (Token.dat).

2. Edit the Windows Registry

  1. Press the Start button and type Registry in the Search box, and open the Registry Editor application.
  2. Navigate to the following location: Computer\HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\sppsvc
  3. Go to the right panel and right-click on SkipRearm. Select the Modify option, and a dialog box with Edit DWORD 32-bit folder should appear.
  4. Set the Value Data to 1 and click the OK button.
  5. Restart your PC.
  6. Now, go to the Start menu, search for Command Prompt, and select the option to Run as an Administrator.
  7. Type the following command and press Enter: slmgr –rearm
  8. Now check if the issue is resolved.

If the Registry Editor is not working well, check out this guide dedicated to solving errors while accessing the Registry to get it working.

3. Perform a System Restore

  1. Press the Windows key + R key to open the Run box, type rstrui in the text box and press Enter.
  2. Click on choose a different restore point and then press the Next button.
  3. Now, select Restore my computer to an earlier time option and then click Next. when the error didn’t happen.
  4. Click the Next button, and then click on Finish.
  5. Check to see if the problem is fixed.

The System Restore tool can revert your system to a previous point.  By this, you should be able to fix the issue.

4. Use a specialized tool

Not scanning your PC for corrupt, malfunctioning, or missing files can lead to multiple system errors that can be hard to tackle.

Thus, using dedicated third-party software can be a great solution because it is a program designed to scan and repair system components automatically.

And that’s it on how to fix the 0xC004d302 activation error code. You can work your way through any of the solutions provided above.

In the case where CMD is not working in Windows 11, here is an easy fix to apply. Additionally, if the Windows product key is not working, you can explore our dedicated guide on how to fix it.

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

Windows Detected a Hard Disk Problem: How to Fix This Error

Posted on by Vlad Turiceanu

There have been several reports of hard disk problems from some of our readers. Recently, Windows detected a hard disk problem that has now topped the list of errors and has got most of our readers worried.

Fortunately, we have gathered some simplified fixes for this error. You can read through this article to know what works for you.

What caused Windows detected a hard disk problem error?

If you want to prevent a problem like this from occurring again, knowing what the cause could be would be very useful:

  • Hard drive or disk failure – This error can also manifest whenever a computer suffers hard disk failure wherein stored information becomes inaccessible.
  • Damaged or corrupted system files – Some users also claim that this error may be triggered by corrupt or damaged system files. Eliminating these files should fix the error.
  • Malware or virus infection – If your hard drive is infected with viruses or malware, it can damage your computer and steal information from it. Get the best antivirus solution here.
  • Logical error – This error can also be caused by logical damage to the hard drive file structure or the software, making your data inaccessible.
  • System registry error – Registry errors can cause several problems, such as preventing your computer from restarting, shutting down, and causing hard disk failure.

Regardless of the causes, you should be able to resolve the Windows detected hard disk problem error using the solutions we recommend below.

How can I fix Windows detected a hard disk problem error?

Before diving into advanced solutions, you should consider performing the following troubleshooting processes:

  • Check if your PC is not overheating or making any strange noise.
  • Back up your files to prevent loss of data. You can also use professional and free backup software.
  • Uninstall recently installed programs.

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

1. Run the SFC scan

  1. Click the Windows icon, then type cmd in the text field, and choose Run as administrator.
  2. In the Command Prompt window, type the following command in the text field and press Enter: sfc /scannow
  3. The scanning process may take up to 15 minutes, so wait till the verification reaches 100%.

The System File Checker is a Microsoft tool that is used to verify the integrity of system files and also repair files that are scanned to have problems.

Often, many users decide to run an SFC scan by using a dependable third-party tool because they will automatically repair your corrupt system files by locating brand-new ones.

2. Use the Check Disk utility

  1. Click the Start button, then type cmd in the text field, and choose Run as administrator.
  2. Next, type the following command (replace C with your drive letter) and press Enter to run it: chkdsk C: /f /r /x
  3. Follow the prompts that come afterward to restart your PC.

Hard disk failure is one of the major causes of this problem as reported by some users. However, the Check Disk Utility (CHKDSK) can be used to fix any disk errors. If the error persists, check the next fix.

3. Use the System Restore

  1. Power down the PC a few times by using the Power button until the Automatic Repair message comes up.
  2. Navigate to Troubleshoot.
  3. Click on the Advanced options, and choose System Restore.
  4. Next, choose your username and type in your password.
  5. Click on Next, choose the desired restore point, and follow the on-screen instructions to restore your System.
  6. Now restart your PC and check whether the issue persists after the System Restore.

A System Restore will help you to fix the Windows detected a hard disk problem error by reinstating your computer to its previous state before the error.

With these, you should be able to fix your PC’s Windows detected a hard disk problem error message.

Alternatively, if you’re getting the Windows found errors on the drive warning message, you can check our post for quick fixes to apply.

To be on the safe side, you should consider running a Disk Cleanup to improve your hard drive’s performance and soundness.

Finally, some readers claim that our article on Windows 11 not recognizing SSD helped them to resolve the issue swiftly. It might be worth a check for you too.

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

Can’t Change Your Monitor Refresh Rate? How to Force It

Posted on by Vlad Turiceanu

In some cases, Windows users have reported that they cannot change their refresh rate, which prevents them from maximizing their PC’s display capabilities. If you need help changing your monitor’s refresh rate, this article will provide the steps to help you if you can’t change the monitor refresh rate on Windows 10.

Why can’t I change the monitor refresh rate?

The following are some of the common reasons why you can’t change the monitor refresh rate on Windows 10:

  • Outdated/Incompatible drivers – If your system runs an incompatible version of your graphics card, you might need help to change your monitor refresh rate.
  • Incompatible display cable – If the display cable is faulty or incompatible, you might be unable to change the refresh rate on your monitor.
  • Incompatible monitor – If you’re trying to max out your refresh rate, your monitor must be capable of running the desired rate.
  • Wrong display configurations – If your PC’s display isn’t correctly configured, you’ll find it hard to change the refresh rate of your PC.

Now that we know why this happens, let’s apply the solutions below to fix it.

What can I do If I can’t change the monitor refresh rate?

Before we proceed with more advanced troubleshooting techniques, here are some quick fixes you can attempt:

  • Make sure you are using the right cable for the specifications of your monitor and PC. For instance, if you are using DVI, you need a dual-link DVI cable to use 144 Hz.
  • If you use a USB monitor, connect it to a USB 3.0 port.
  • Change your display cable or try the monitor on another PC.
  • Check to see if your monitor supports the required refresh rate. You can do this by searching for your monitor’s specs online.
  • Make sure you install all the pending Windows updates.

If those quick fixes couldn’t resolve the error, here are a couple of advanced solutions you can attempt:

1. Update your graphics card driver

  1. Press the Windows key + S, type in Device Manager, and hit Enter.
  2. In the Device Manager window, locate and click on the Display adapters tab. Select your graphics card, right-click, and select Update driver.
  3. In the next popup window, select Search automatically for updated driver software.
  4. Close the Device Manager window and restart your PC.

Alternatively, you can download the graphics card, i.e., Nvidia or Intel, from the manufacturer’s official website and install it manually.

If none of the methods mentioned above doesn’t suit your expertise, you can try third-party software to download the latest driver versions from its database automatically.

⇒ Get Fortect Driver Updater

2. Change your adapter settings

  1. Press the Windows key + I to open the Settings app.
  2. Click on System, and navigate to the Display tab.
  3. On the right pane, scroll down and select Advanced Display Settings.
  4. In the next window, click on Display adapter properties for Display 1.
  5. In the properties window, navigate to the Monitor tab. Under the Monitor Settings, click on the Screen refresh rate drop-down menu and select your desired refresh rate.
  6. Click OK, and close the Settings app.

If you’ve been unable to change the refresh rate on your PC, you’ll find it hard to play games optimally. Games are graphics intensive, and some require the highest system configurations. Even more, some of you might be wondering: Is variable refresh rate good for gaming? Rest assured that you’ll find the answer in our dedicated guide.

This can be a big problem, especially if your monitor is stuck at 60Hz on Windows 11, and you can’t fully utilize your GPU.

You might also be interested in reading our guide on how to enable dynamic refresh rate in Windows 11.

Luckily, with the steps listed above, you should be able to change your PC’s refresh rate.

Svchost.exe Error 0x745f2780: How to Fix It

Posted on by Claire Moraa

The Svchost.exe error 0x745f2780 is a common issue that occurs when Windows fails to load the necessary files and registry keys required for the correct operation of your computer. 

Your system may have been infected with malware that prevents it from running correctly.  It could also be caused by a program you installed on your computer recently. To fix this error, we explore some possible solutions in this article.

Why am I getting the Svchost.exe error 0x745f2780?

Some of the most common causes for this error include:

  • Bad registry file – When Windows encounters a bad registry file, it will try to repair it automatically. This process can take some time and can create errors along the way.
  • Corrupt software update – A corrupt Windows update is the most common cause of the Svchost.exe error. This can happen when an update fails to install properly or has bugs.
  • Malware infection – The most common way to get this error is from a malicious website that has infected your computer with a virus or malware. 
  • Improperly configured programs – Another possible cause is that you may have accidentally used an incorrect path when installing or uninstalling software or hardware drivers for your computer’s operating system.

How do I fix the svchost.exe error?

A few workarounds that could help you resolve this issue before any technical solutions include:

1. Restart the Windows Update service

  1. Hit the Windows + R keys to open the Run command.
  2. Type services.msc and hit Enter.run services.msc command
  3. Locate Windows Update service, double click on it and select Properties.
  4. Navigate to the General tab, under Startup type, select Automatic from the drop-down options, and click the Start button.windows update - startup type - automatic
  5. Next, click Apply and then OK.

2. Re-register Windows update DLL

  1. Hit the Windows key, type cmd in the search bar, and click Run as administrator.cmd-run-admin-w11 unexpected kernel mode trap windows 11
  2. Type the following commands and press Enter after each one: REGSVR32 WUAUENG.DLL REGSVR32 WUAUENG1.DLL REGSVR32 ATL.DLL REGSVR32 WUCLTUI.DLL REGSVR32 WUPS.DLL REGSVR32 WUPS2.DLL REGSVR32 WUWEB.DLL

3. Delete corrupted Windows update files

  1. Hit the Windows key, type cmd in the search bar, and click Run as administrator.cmd-run-admin-w11 unexpected kernel mode trap windows 11
  2. Type the following command and press Enter: net stop WuAuServ cd %windir% 

4. Uninstall recent Windows updates

  1. Hit the Windows key and select Settings.settings windows 11
  2. Click on Windows Update and select Update history on the right pane.update-history restart to repair drive errors
  3. Scroll down, and under Related settings, click on Uninstall updates.uninstall-updates-w11 computer-recognize-logitech-unifying-receiver
  4. This will take you to the most recent installed updates.
  5. Select the topmost update and click on Uninstall.uninstall-update-latest computer-recognize-logitech-unifying-receiver
  6. Restart your PC and check if the problem persists.

How do I know if my Service Host is a virus?

First, it’s important to understand that service hosts are not viruses. They’re just programs that run on your computer and allow the software to be installed or updated. 

A virus is a piece of software that infects other files, programs, and data. Malicious software can be written to do many things, such as steal information, change settings on your computer, or even damage your hard drive.

To test whether or not your computer has been infected with malware, run antivirus software on it first. If no problems are found after running scans for malicious software, you should feel safe.

Another way to check if your Service Host or svchost.exe is a virus is by checking its location. Any other location should call for suspicion unless you moved it. It will usually be located in the following folder: %SystemRoot%\SysWOW64\ or %SystemRoot%\System32

If the problem persists, you may try to restart the computer in Safe Mode. This will help you isolate the cause of the problem and allow you to run an antivirus scan on your system again.

Make sure you also check out our detailed article on other svchost.exe errors that you may encounter in both Windows 10 and 11.

We’d love to hear any additional solutions you may have on this error, so leave us a comment below.

Fix: I2C HID Device Driver Not Working in Windows 11

Posted on by Loredana Harsana

If you downloaded the I2C HID Device Driver but it’s not working on your Windows 11 PC, you’re in the right place.

What can I do if the I2C device driver is not working in Windows 11?

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

  • Restart the computer.
  • A user suggested that accessing the BIOS, and then rebooting Windows helped fixed things when the I2C HID device Dell touchpad was not working. So, you might try it as well, even with other devices. To enter the BIOS, press F2, F10, F12, or Del as soon as the display lights up when you turn on the PC.

1. Update your driver

  1. Right-click on the Start icon in the Taskbar or press Windows+ X to launch the Quick Access menu and select Device Manager from the list of options from the pop-up menu.
    device-manager i2c hid device driver not working
  2. Locate and double-click on the Human Interface Devices option.
    hid-driver i2c hid device driver not working
  3. Right-click on the I2C HID Device and select Update driver from the context menu.
    update-i2c-driver i2c hid device driver not working
  4. Select the Search automatically for drivers option as Windows will find the best drivers on your system.
    search-automatically-i2c i2c hid device driver not working

Upon completing the installation of the update, restart the computer to check if the I2C Device driver not working error has been repaired. We strongly recommend that you use a specialized tool to do automatic scans for out-of-date drivers on your PC.

Using a dedicated tool will help with I2C HID device driver download in Windows 11 and eliminate the problem in no time.

⇒ Get Fortect Driver Updater

2. Reinstall the I2C HID device driver

  1. Right-click on the Start icon in the Taskbar or press Windows+ X to launch the Quick Access menu and select Device Manager from the list of options from the pop-up menu.
    device-manager i2c hid device driver not working
  2. Locate and double click on the Human Interface Devices option.
    hid-driver i2c hid device driver not working
  3. Right-click on the I2C HID Device and select Uninstall device from the context menu.
    uninstall-i2c-driver i2c hid device driver not working

If you were wondering how do I reinstall I2C HID, the Device Manager comes to your aid. Restart your computer after you have uninstalled the driver and Windows will now reinstall and update the driver to the most recent version that is currently available.

It will also clean up any corrupted driver files that may have been present at the time of installation and trigger the I2C HID device driver download in Windows 11 on Dell and other devices.

3. Check if there are any hardware issues

  1. Press the Windows key + S to open the search function, type in cmd, and right-click on the most relevant result to run it as administrator.
    cmd-search-admin kernel security check failure windows 11
  2. After the Command Prompt launches, type in the following command and press Enter:
    chkdsk C: /f /r /x

    chkdsk kernel security check failure windows 11

In this case, Check Disk will do a study of the disk and then correct any faults that it discovers, assuming that the disk is not already in use.

4. Update Windows

  1. Press the Windows key + I to open the Settings app, then click on Windows Update in the left panel.
    windows-update-settings kernel security check failure windows 11
  2. If you have any new updates to download, click on the Install now button and wait for the process to finish, otherwise click on the Check for updates button.
    checl-for-updates kernel security check failure windows 11

If you are running an older version of Windows 11, it is possible that this is a contributing factor to the error, which can be rectified by updating the operating system. Most likely, the bug will be addressed in a subsequent update of the software.

Also, when you update the OS, it checks for missing driver updates and downloads them. So this could be the way forward for the I2C HID device driver download in HP.

5. Run System Restore

Note icon NOTE
No files will be deleted as a result of System Restore. However, newly installed apps, changes in settings, and driver updates may be removed due to the process.
  1. Press the Windows key + S, search for Create a restore point, and click on the most relevant search result.
    create-restore-point-search i2c hid device driver not working
  2. The System Protection tab will automatically open. Click on System Restore under it.
    system-restore i2c hid device driver not working
  3. The recommended restore point will be selected by default, but you can select another one by clicking on the Choose a different restore point option. After this, click on Next at the bottom.
    next-restore i2c hid device driver not working
  4. If everything looks fine, click on the Finish button at the bottom.

Following a successful restoration of your system, the I2C HID Device driver issue will be promptly resolved by the operating system, without the need for further action.

What do HID devices do?

Many often ask what the I2C HID device driver is. In computing, a Human Interface Device (also known as HID) is a type of computer peripheral typically used by people and accepts input from them and outputs to them in response to that input.
hid-devices i2c hid device driver not working

When you hear the phrase HID, you’re probably thinking of the USB-HID specification.

The standard was developed to allow for greater innovation in PC input devices. It’s also simplifying the process of installing such devices. Before this,devices such as mice, keyboards, and joysticks were typically designed to conform to strict protocols.

Although the HID protocol has its limits, all modern major operating systems will identify standard USB HID devices. such as keyboards and mice, without the need for a specialist driver to be installed on the computer.

Once your I2C HID Devie Driver not working issue is fixed, you may be interested in further customizing your touchpad. For more information and a guideline, see our article on how to set touchpad gestures in Windows 11.

Comment below and tell us which approach worked the best for you. Thanks for reading!