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!

Microsoft announces new open source Azure AI tools

Posted on by David Allen

In its commitment to Open Source Technology Microsoft has announced a handful of tools on Azure AI to make building more intelligent apps both easier and more accessible. Tools to fine-tune AI deployments highlight the offerings.

Foundation Models in Azure Machine Learning allows users to fine-tune pre-trained open-source models from Hugging Face throughout Azure ML.  The partnership with Hugging Face was announced last Spring.  Responsible AI Toolbox additions were announced last week. The Responsible Mitigations AI Library and the Fairlearn fairness assessment tool are open-source tools to make the adoption of responsible AI practices easier.

There’s also been new capabilities added in Vision Services and the Florence foundation model in Azure Cognitive Services. With these new capabilities, developers are able to improve content discoverability through automatic captions and video summaries.  Features such as background removal, and retrieval of images are able to be fully automated.  Users can also track movements and analyze environments in real-time.

To learn more check out the Azure Open Source Day Blog.

 

The Xbox Series S Oreo edition unboxing pics have surfaced

Posted on by Robert Collins

In one of the more…interesting gaming promotions in recent memory, Xbox teamed up with Oreo to create the Xbox Series S Oreo edition. Going by the pics, this playful console looks pretty sweet (pun intended), and features a standard, fully-functioning Xbox Series S with the Oreo cookie shell attached.

Xbox has definitely been showing off its whimsical side of late; only a day ago we reported on leaked images of an upcoming Xbox Series S toaster. Whether this product is real or not only time will tell.

The Xbox Series S Oreo edition was part of a promotional giveaway which also included in-game Oreo-themed skins and other content in Sea of Thieves, Forza Horizon 5, and Halo Infinite. The promotion was only run in Europe, and there’s no indication that it will be repeated in other territories. If it sounds familiar, it’s because this isn’t the first time Xbox and Oreo have teamed up—an Oreo-inspired Xbox One was given away a few years back as well.

You can check out more Xbox Series S unboxing pics over at neogaf.com.

Featured image via neogaf. 

7 Easy Ways to Fix Srttrail.txt BSOD Error in Windows 11

Posted on by Kazim Ali Alvi

BSOD errors are the most frustrating of all since these cause the OS to crash and lead to the loss of unsaved data. When you encounter one, the Startup Repair utility comes to aid. But that, too, is an ineffective fix against the srttrail.txt error in Windows 11.

The error is generally encountered when you turn on the computer, but there’s a possibility of it occurring even when the system is in use. The message reads, Automatic repair couldn’t repair your PC SrtTrail.txt in Windows 11. After it occurs, you will find the log file at: C/Windows/System32/Logfiles/Srt/SrtTrail.txt

This path is mentioned and presented with two options, Shut Down or Advanced options. If you choose the former, Windows will enter an endless reboot loop.

The error could happen due to several reasons, with each having a specific fix, as discussed in the following sections. By the time you reach the end of the article, the srttrail.txt error in Windows 11 should be resolved.

What is a Srttrail TXT error?

The Srttrail.txt error indicates an issue with the automatic repair system. From here on, users can run the Advanced Repair or shut down the computer. And the former is generally the ideal fix for the Srttrail.txt error in Windows 11.

If you are wondering what it is, the Srttrail.txt file is a log kept by Windows of the instances it couldn’t boot properly. Also, for those trying to go for SrtTrail.txt Windows 11 download, the file is already stored on the PC and cannot be downloaded on the web.

What causes the srttrail.txt error in Windows 11?

If you are wondering what causes SrtTrail txt error, we have listed all possible reasons below.

  • Conflicting software: Many programs may trigger the BSOD error, and the only solution is to uninstall the program responsible for it.
  • Corrupt system files: A PC with corrupt system files does not function well, has slow performance, and often crashes with a BSOD.
  • Malware or virus infection: When a computer is infected with malware or virus, you are just as likely to encounter the error.
  • Issues with the hardware: A hardware component, for instance, the RAM, or even an external peripheral, when not connected properly or malfunctioning, can lead to the BSOD error.

How can I fix the srttrail.txt BSOD error on Windows 11?

1. Disconnect non-critical devices

Your primary approach when dealing with BSOD errors is to disconnect the non-critical external devices. Many incompatible devices are known to conflict with the functioning of the OS, thus leading to errors.

After disconnecting the devices, restart the computer and check if the srttrail.txt error in Windows 11 is fixed. If that’s the case, reconnect the removed devices one at a time and restart the computer to identify the one causing the problem.

2. Disable Automatic Repair

Note icon NOTE
To execute the fix, press the power button to turn on the system, and as soon as the OS is about to boot, hold the power button pressed to turn the system off.

Repeat this thrice, and the Automatic Repair will kick in the fourth time.

Wait for it to complete, and you will then have two options listed, Shut Down and Advanced Options. The following fix starts from this window.
  1. Select Advanced Options from the Automatic Repair window.Select Advanced options to fix srttrail.txt in windows 11
  2. Click Troubleshoot.Troubleshoot
  3. Next, again select Advanced Options from the two listed here.Advanced options to fix srttrail.txt windows 11
  4. Click on Command Prompt.Command Prompt in Advanced options
  5. Now, paste the following command and hit Enter to disable Automatic Repair.bcdedit /set {default} recoveryenabled NoDisable Startup Repair to fix srttrail.txt windows 11
  6. After the command is executed, restart the computer.

After disabling Automatic Repair, check if the srttrail.txt error in Windows 11 is eliminated.

3. Repair Master Boot Record (MBR)

Note icon NOTE
You now know how to reach the Advanced Options and all the fixes from now on will start from this window only.
  1. Launch the Command Prompt window from Advanced options.Select Command Prompt
  2. Paste the following command and hit Enter.bootrec.exe /rebuildbcdExecute command to fix srttrail.txt windows 11
  3. Next, execute the following command.bootrec.exe /fixmbrPaste command
  4. Finally, type/paste the following command and hit Enter to execute it.bootrec.exe /fixbootRun command to fix srttrail.txt windows 11

Once done, restart the computer and check if the srttrail.txt error in Windows 11 is fixed.

The Master Boot Record or MBR, is stored on the first sector of the storage drive and contains the necessary code required for the system to boot. If there are problems with it, you are likely to encounter issues booting the OS.

4. Verify device partition

  1. Go to the Advanced options window and select Command Prompt from the listed options.Command Prompt
  2. Paste the following command and hit Enter.bcdeditExecute bcdedit command to fix srttrail.txt windows 11
  3. Now, check if partition=C: is listed next to device and osdevice.Check partitions
  4. If that’s not the case, execute the following commands one a time.bcdedit /set {default} device partition=c: bcdedit /set {default} osdevice partition=c:Change device partitions to fix srttrail.txt windows 11
  5. Now, restart the computer.

5. Run SFC and Check Disk scan

  1. Select Command Prompt from the options listed in the Advanced options windows.Click on Command Prompt
  2. Next, type/paste the following command and hit Enter to run the SFC scan.sfc /scannowRun SFC scan to fix srttrail.txt windows 11
  3. Once the scan is complete, execute the following command to run the Check Disk utility.chkdsk /r c:Run Check Disk utility

After running both commands, restart the computer. If Windows couldn’t repair srttrail.txt, running an SFC scan might do the trick. Also, it might work as a SrtTrail.txt Windows 10 fix.

The SFC (System File Checker) scan is used to identify corrupt system files. And if any are found, they are replaced with a cached copy stored on the computer. The limitation here is that only the system files are scanned, which is where the Check Disk utility comes into the picture.

The Check Disk utility scans your drive for any corruption and bad sectors and effectively eliminates both. Since it scans the whole drive, the utility takes more time as compared to the SFC scan. Thus it’s recommended that you first run the SFC scan and if the error is not fixed, go with the Check Disk utility.

6. Check system hardware

If the methods listed above haven’t worked, the problem could likely be with the hardware itself. In which case, you would be required to either get it repaired or replaced.

But, before you do that, let’s first make sure that all connections are properly done. For this, remove and reconnect your hard drive, battery, and RAM while wiping any dust fragments during the process. Make sure you remove and reconnect these while the system is turned off.

For the RAM, you could run Windows Memory Diagnostics or Memtest86+, two highly effective tools for identifying and eliminating issues with the system memory.

If that, too, doesn’t fix the srttrail.txt error in Windows 11, check if any of the hardware components are damaged and get them either repaired or replaced.

7. Reset your Windows 11 PC

In case the hardware components seem to work fine, you have no other option but to reset Windows 11 to its factory settings.

There are various ways you can do this, but since you cannot boot the OS, we recommend either going with the Command Prompt method or selecting the Reset this PC option in the Troubleshoot window.

Reset Windows 11 to fix srttrail.txt windows 11

Resetting the PC will remove all saved applications and configured settings, though you have the option to keep the files. Once the PC is reset, it should work the same way it did when you first purchased it and the srttrail.txt error in Windows 11 would be fixed.

In case the reset feature is not working, check our dedicated guide to eliminate the underlying problem.

How do I prevent BSOD errors in Windows 11?

BSOD errors are regarded as one of the most dreaded and intricate ones owing to the prolonged troubleshooting time and the lack of available information.

The stop code following the error doesn’t divulge much about the underlying cause, which makes it further difficult to diagnose and eliminate the issue.

BSOD errors chart

A few simple tips and tricks will come in handy to prevent or eliminate most of the BSOD errors in Windows 11 as well as the previous iterations.

Always keep the installed drivers up-to-date, make sure all the connected peripherals are compatible, do not install shady third-party apps that might potentially harm the system, and never make unnecessary changes to the Registry.

If you have any malfunctioning or problematic programs installed, learn how to uninstall apps in Windows 11.

How do I fix the automatic repair loop in Windows 11?

An automatic repair loop, as the name suggests, is when your computer tries to fix things with Automatic Repair but is unable to, and it goes on in a loop.

Though fixing the automatic repair loop in Windows 11 isn’t as tricky as it sounds, and all you have to do is identify and eliminate the root cause behind it. This includes issues with the Registry, problematic files, incompatible hardware, or malware.

That’s all there’s to the srttrail.txt error in Windows 11 and the most relevant fixes for it. Once you are done executing the methods listed above, the error should be eliminated, and the system will be up and running in no time.

In case you are encountering the error on the previous iteration, find out how to resolve the srttrail.txt error in Windows 10.

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

PowerToys v0.68.1 ships with bug fixes

Posted on by Radu Tyrsina

Last week, Microsoft released PowerToys 0.68.0 which featured two nifty features, the Mouse Jump and Paste as Plain Text utilities. The update also featured the usual fixes and improvements.

However, Microsoft has released another version bumping Powertoys to version 0.68.1. The release is fairly minor because it doesn’t feature any new utilities. The update is a patch release and mainly focuses on fixing bugs discovered.

Here’s the full changelog:

  • #24446 – Support Ctrl+V as activation shortcut for Paste As Plain Text, as requested by some users. Warning: Overriding a default system shortcut might have unintended consequences.
  • #24437 – Paste As Plain Text – Support pasting multiple times as Ctrl+V does (on pressing activation key while holding modification keys)
  • #24491 – Set Paste As Plain Text default shortcut to Ctrl+Win+Alt+V to avoid conflicting with new Windows volume mixer shortcut.
  • #24600 – Add PowerToys Run setting to disable thumbnails generation for files in order to narrow down the root cause of the crash.

If you already have PowerToys running on your device, it should automatically notify you of this update. Alternatively, you can get this update today by launching your app, then clicking on General followed by the Check for Updates, and then the Install Now button.

This version of the app is also available on GitHub as well as the Microsoft Store if you do not have it already.

Have you experienced any of the issues highlighted above? Let us know in the comments.

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Paramount Plus Fatal Error: 5 Safe Ways to Fix It

Posted on by Srishti Sisodia

Many users have been facing the Paramount Plus Fatal error when streaming their favorite movies or TV shows on their browsers, Apple TV, Android TV, and other platforms. 

In this guide, we will explain all the tested methods to fix the error right after discussing the causes of the issue. Let’s get started! 

What causes the Paramount Plus Fatal error?

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

  • Network connectivity issues –  If you have an unstable or weak internet connection, it could cause a fatal error on Paramount Plus. Check your internet connection or talk to your ISP to resolve the issue.
  • Outdated app – If you are using the old or obsolete version of the Paramount Plus app, it could cause an issue. To fix it, you must ensure you have the latest app version.
  • Corrupted files – If the files related to the Paramount Plus app are damaged or corrupted, then you might see this error.
  • Server issues – Sometimes, the Paramount Plus server may be down or face some problems, which could lead to this error. 

What can I do to fix the Paramount Plus Fatal error? 

Before moving to the advanced troubleshooting steps, you need to go through preliminary checks: 

  • Restart your device. 
  • Check your internet connection.
  • Sign out and sign in from the Paramount Plus app.
  • Finally, check your Paramount Plus subscription.

1. Check the cables & reset your router 

  1. Check if the cables are correctly plugged in and are not damaged. 
  2. Next, to power cycle your router, unplug it, remove the modem, and wait 2-3 minutes. 
  3. Replug the router into the power socket and let it start again.

2. Restart the app

  1. On the Paramount Plus app, click OK on the error page to close it.
  2. Try to play the video again. If the error appears again, close the app.
  3. Wait for a few seconds, and go to Settings.Settings
  4. Now select Apps.Apps paramount plus fatal error
  5. Choose the Paramount Plus app and click Force stop.Force stop
  6. If you are not using the app but using the browser to access Paramount Plus, press Ctrl + F5 to refresh the browser. 

Forcing the app to close can help you clear out other issues like Paramount Plus error code 3205; read this guide to learn the other detailed steps.

3. Update the app or your browser

  1. If you are using the app on your TV, go to the App Store, and click Paramount Plus.
  2. Click Update and wait for the process to complete. 
  3. If using a browser, go to Settings.Settings Chrome paramount plus fatal error
  4. Check if it is updated to the latest version; if not, install the updates.Setting up to date Chrome

4. Reinstall the app

  1. Go to Settings on your TV. Settings
  2. Select the Apps.Apps paramount plus fatal error
  3. Locate and select the Paramount Plus app. Choose the Uninstall option.Uninstall app 1 paramount plus fatal error
  4. Once uninstalled, go to the App Store and, search for Paramount Plus, install it. Paramount install

5. Contact Paramount Plus support

paramount plus fatal error

If nothing has worked for you, you can contact Paramount Plus support. Explain to them the issue and steps you have taken so that they can help you fix the problem.

We also recommend reading our guide on how to fix Paramount error code 3005 and how to troubleshoot error code 3002 for further solutions.

So, these are methods to fix the Paramount Plus Fatal error. Try them and let us know what worked in the comments section below. 

12 Best Microsoft Teams Backgrounds For Meetings

Posted on by Srishti Sisodia

Post-pandemic, the trend of remote work and virtual meetings has increased. Finding the appropriate backgrounds for your Microsoft Teams meetings is essential to set the right tone.

You can create a professional image that can create a great first impression and help you focus on the task.

In this guide, we will explore the best Microsoft Teams backgrounds for professional or personal meetings. Let’s dive in!

How can I add background to your Microsoft Teams meetings?

  1. Launch Teams and join your meeting.
  2. Once you are in the meeting, go to the three-dot menu in the meeting controls and choose Show background filters.Background filters
  3. Select the Add new button and choose the Add image option.
  4. Select the image you want to set from your computer; you can preview it and adjust it as needed.
  5. Click Apply.

What are the best Microsoft Teams backgrounds for meetings?

A Galaxy Far, Far Away

Galaxy Far, Far Away - best Microsoft Teams backgrounds for meetings

If you are a Star Wars fan and about to get on a call with people who share the same enthusiasm about the series, then it can be fun to use them as backgrounds for your meetings.

It can provide you with a visually engaging background. You can go for Starfield, Snoke’s Star Destroyer, Tatooine, or a Star Wars logo.

Using any backdrop can help you create a sense of escape from the mundane.

⇒ Get Galaxy Far, Far Away

The Simpsons Couch

The simpsons couch

Remember The Simpsons? If you are about to get on a call with the fans of the show or popular culture in general, then choosing this background could be a great conversation starter.

It can be a fun and memorable reference to the show that could bring memories of the popular animated show. If the purpose and context of the call create a lighthearted and playful tone, this could be a great choice.

⇒ Get The Simpsons Couch

Pixar Movies

best Microsoft Teams backgrounds for meetings - UP

Who doesn’t love and remember the cute and heart-touching story of the UP movie? The movie is known for its vibrant and colorful visuals; using it as background could add an interesting element to your video call.

If the purpose of the call is to send a positive message about friendship and perseverance, then this could be a great way to do that.

This background can create an uplifting and motivating atmosphere for your call. You can use the living room from the UP image to your video meeting as a backdrop and be a part of Carl’s journey in fulfilling his wife’s dreams. Wouldn’t that be awesome?

⇒ Get Pixar Movies

Embrace the Nature

Nature backgrounds

If you are a nature lover, these are for you! Nature backgrounds can be calming and relaxing, thereby choosing one can help create a sense of serenity and tranquility which can help reduce stress and anxiety for you and the participants on your video call.

Whether you like snow, rain, or the beach, you can add them as your virtual background in a video meeting on Teams.

⇒ Get Embrace the Nature

Simple office setting

Simple office setting -best Microsoft Teams backgrounds for meetings

If you want something plain and simple, an uncluttered background for your next video meeting on Teams, then you can use this one.

This can be the best backdrop for your online events as the background look aesthetic, professional, neutral, and less distracting.

It can help you protect your privacy and maintain confidentiality, preventing your participants from seeing any sensitive information that may be visible in the surroundings.

⇒ Simple Office setting

Borderlands 3

Borderlands 3

If you are Borderlands 3 fan, too, then we have the good news! You can add these fun backgrounds to your next video chat with friends with the same compassion for the game.

These backdrops allow you to virtually hang out with Mordecai, Brick, and Tina, making your home office look less boring. With its colorful and stylized graphics, you can add a visually interesting and appealing background for your video call.

⇒ Get Borderlands 3

Game of Thrones

Game of Thrones - best Microsoft Teams backgrounds for meetings

This is for everyone who fantasized about sitting on the Iron Throne after watching Game of Thrones; now it is possible, at least virtually.

This collection of the best Game Of Thrones scenes and logos can be a fun and visually appealing way to create a pop culture reference.

You can add this as your video call backdrop if you are on a call with Game of Thrones fans, as it could help you break the ice and create a sense of camaraderie among the participants.

⇒ Get Game of Thrones

Airbnb Homes

Airbnbs

If you are missing traveling and staying in your favorite Airbnb, we can help! You can virtually work from home from your favorite Airbnb Homes and create a sense of novelty and adventure.

This beautiful collection will satisfy your wanderlust without spending a dime. Airbnb homes are known for comfort and artistic & eclectic decor; if you want to create a casual and friendly atmosphere for your video call, this can be a great choice.

⇒ Get Airbnb Homes

Libraries

Libraries -best Microsoft Teams backgrounds for meetings -

A wall of amazing books looks sophisticated and can be an interesting conversation starter. You can position yourselves in front of a stack of books, and it could depict a sense of professionalism and academic expertise.

Libraries are known for a quiet atmosphere; choosing this as your background can help you create a sense of calm and focus that can help to improve the quality of video calls and reduce distractions.

⇒ Get Libraries

Meeting rooms

If you are at work or a business meeting, it is very important to look professional and committed. With these meeting room backgrounds, you can depict how serious you are about the work, set the context and remind the participants of the purpose of the call.

These Microsoft Teams backgrounds will help you stay focused on the agenda of the meeting, therefore, could be the best for professional meetings.

⇒ Get Meeting rooms

Marvel background

If you and your participants are fans of the Marvel Cinematic Universe or superheroes, then using a Marvel background can be a great way to break the ice.

Depending upon the scene you choose for your online event, you can create a sense of drama, action, and suspense that can be captivating and engaging.

The superheroes are known for their bravery, courage, and perseverance; if you want to inspire and motivate your participants or talk about leadership, teamwork, and problem-solving, you can choose any.

⇒ Get Marvel background

Warner Bros Backgrounds

Warner Bros backgrounds can provide a visually exciting and engaging experience for your video call. If you and your participants are Warner Bros work’s fans, it can be a fun and memorable reference and a great conversation starter.

A wide range of options are available; you can choose any of them depending on the purpose and context of your call, thereby setting the mood as per your call.

⇒ Get Warner Bros backgrounds

So, these are the best Microsoft Teams backgrounds that you can use to elevate the virtual presence to the next level.

While on the subject, you may also check our list of the best Teams Halloween backgrounds. Or, you can always set animated backgrounds in Teams.

You can choose any of these and add a touch of personality, professionalism, and creativity to your video calls.

Try them and let us know your favorite in the comments section below.

4 Ways to Turn Off Metered Connection in Windows 10

Posted on by Srishti Sisodia

When using a limited data plan or mobile hotspot, setting up a network connection as metered on Windows 10 can help conserve internet bandwidth and save data. 

However, there may be times when you want to turn off the metered connection and use the internet at its full capabilities. 

In this guide, we will discuss some of the methods to disable the setting on Windows 10. Let’s get started!

What can I do to turn off the metered connection on Windows 10?

1. Use the Settings app

  1. Press Windows + I to open Settings.
  2. Go to Network & Internet.Network & Internet Windows 10 set up as metered connection
  3. Select the Ethernet or WiFi which you want to set as metered.
  4. Click Properties.Properties turn off metered connection windows 10
  5. Under the Metered connection, locate the Set as metered connection option.Metered connection turned off
  6. Toggle off the switch to turn off the metered connection.

2. Use the Command Prompt

  1. Go to the Search bar, type CMD, and click Run as administrator.Command Prompt Windows Run as Administrator
  2. Type the following command after replacing Your WiFi Name with the name of your WiFi and Press Enter: netsh wlan set profileparameter name="YOUR_WIFI_NAME" cost=Unrestricted
  3. Then, restart your computer to let the changes take place.

3. Use the Registry Editor

  1. Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog box.REGEDIT RUN COMMAND
  2. Type regedit and press Enter to open Registry Editor.
  3. Navigate to this path: Computer\HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\NetworkList\DefaultMediaCostturn off Metered connection Windows 10
  4. Locate and double-click on Ethernet or WiFi to modify. For example, change the Value data from 1 to 0.
  5. Click OK.

4. Use the Group Policy Editor

  1. Press Windows + R to open the Run console.GPEDIT turn off metered connection windows 10
  2. Type gpedit.msc and press Enter to open Group Policy Editor.
  3. Navigate to this path: Computer Configuration\Administrative Templates\Network\Windows Connection Manager
  4. Locate and double-click the Set metered network option.
  5. Select Disabled and click OK to save the changes.
  6. Close the Group Policy Editor.

So, you can use these methods to turn off the metered connection on Windows 10. Please let us know in the comments section below if you have questions or concerns about metered connection.

Windows Cannot Find Updater.exe: How to Fix It

Posted on by Loredana Harsana

If you’re attempting to update an application, you might run into the Windows cannot find updater.exe error. When this error pops up, the desired application will be rendered inoperable. 

If you bump into this error message, it’s nothing to worry about. This article will provide you with the necessary steps to resolve the error. 

Why does updater.exe crash?

There are a lot of reasons causing updater.exe to crash. Usually, a updater.exe error is commonly associated with corrupted Windows files. However, here are some other reasons triggering this error:

  • Missing executable: If the updater.exe file isn’t available in the specified file path, Windows cannot locate the executable. In this case, this can trigger the error. 
  • Corrupt drivers: If you don’t know how to install a driver, you might have messed up the process, which can corrupt the drivers. Corrupt drivers can prevent Windows from locating updater.exe. 
  • Malware or virus: Some skilled hackers can utilize Windows updates to spread viruses. If you have an infected PC, the malicious code might prevent Windows from locating updater.exe. 
  • Software conflicts: In rare cases, running too many background apps affects the ability of Windows to locate updater.exe. 

What can I do if Windows cannot find updater.exe?

Before moving to advanced troubleshooting techniques, here are some quick checks:

  • Ensure you have a stable internet connection if it’s a live update.
  • Close all background applications. Here is a guide on how to turn off all background apps.
  • Make sure you install the latest drivers. 

If those quick fixes didn’t resolve the error, here are a couple of advanced techniques you can try.

1. Perform a Clean Boot

  1. Left-click the Start button, type in msconfig, and select System Configuration from the displayed results.
  2. In the System Configuration window, select the Services tab. Check the box to Hide all Microsoft Services and select Disable all.
  3. Navigate to the startup tab and select Open Task Manager.
  4. Right-click on all enabled programs in the Task Manager window and select Disable.
  5. Close the Task Manager.
  6. In the System Configuration window, select OK, and restart the computer.

Performing a clean boot will ensure your PC boots up with only the required services and applications, eliminating third-party and background processes. 

2. Scan for malware or virus

  1. In the search bar, type in windows security and press Enter.
  2. Select the Virus and Protection tab and click on the Scan options on the right side of the window.
  3. Select the Full scan option and click the Scan now button.

Once this step is completed, Windows Defender will scan the entire PC for threats and isolate and eliminate them. 

We have a list of other antivirus and anti-malware software suitable for all Windows versions to check if this fails.

3. Run the SFC/ DISM scans

  1. In the Windows search bar, type in cmd and press Enter.
  2. Type the following commands and click Enter: sfc /scannow 
  3. Then, type this and press Enter: DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
  4. Close the Command Prompt and restart your PC to take effect.

If the scan detects errors, it’ll display a message detailing its findings. Typically, it’ll try and fix the errors automatically. If the SFC scan fails to work, then read this guide to troubleshoot the causes. 

Another efficient and intuitive way that we recommend is using a trustworthy tool to restore your PC’s health automatically. It may help you run a scan of your entire system to fix Windows Registry problems and replace any damaged components of the OS as well, optimizing your device altogether.

4. Restore PC to latest restore point

  1. Press the Windows key, type Create a Restore Point, and press Enter.
  2. Select the System properties tab in the popup window, and click on System Restore (If the option is greyed out, you have no existing system restore points).
  3. Check the Choose a different restore point and hit the Next button to select a previously created one.
  4. Choose the desired restore point and select Next.
  5. Follow the onscreen prompts to navigate the process of restoring to the previous point.

Once you’ve finished this process, the system will restart and boot up from the last working state of the computer. 

If you don’t have an existing restore point, read this detailed guide on how to create a restore point in Windows 11.

If you have more questions or suggestions, feel free to leave them in the comments below.

How to Turn On Or Off A Metered Connection on Windows 11

Posted on by Srishti Sisodia

Setting a network connection as metered on Windows 11 is useful to limit data usage and conserve internet bandwidth. This can be helpful when you are on a limited data plan or using mobile data.

This guide will discuss ways to turn on or off metered network connections on Windows 11. 

How can I turn on or off the metered connection on Windows 11?

1. Use the Settings app

  1. Press Windows + I to open Settings.
  2. Go to Network & Internet.
  3. Click the WiFi or Ethernet, depending on the connection you want to set as metered.
  4. Click the network and toggle on the switch for Metered connection.Set as metered connection Windows 11
  5. To disable toggle off the switch anytime you want.

2. Use the Command Prompt

  1. Press the Windows key, type CMD, and click Run as administrator.DOS COmmand Prompt
  2. Copy and paste the following command, replace your WiFi name with the name of the WiFi, and press Enter after every command: netsh wlan set profileparameter name=YOUR_WIFI_NAMEWIFINAME
  3. Type the following command, replace the WiFi network name with the name of your WiFi to enable a metered connection, and press Enter: netsh wlan set profileparameter name="Wi-Fi network name" cost=FixedCMD FIXED WLAN
  4. To disable a metered connection, copy and paste the following command, replace the WiFi network name, and press Enter: netsh wlan set profileparameter name="Wi-Fi network name" cost=UnrestrictedCMD set as metered connection Windows 11

3. Use the Registry Editor

  1. Press Windows + R to open the Run window.REGEDIT RUN COMMAND
  2. Type regedit and press Enter to open Registry Editor.
  3. Navigate to this path: Computer\HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\NetworkList\DefaultMediaCost
  4. Double-click Ethernet or WiFi from the right pane. 
  5. Change the Value data from 0 to 1 to enable the metered connection. Click OK.Ethernet set as metered connection Windows 11
  6. To disable the metered connection, change the Value data from 1 to 0. Click OK.WIFI disable metered connection Windows 11

So, these are methods that you can turn on or off the metered connection on Windows 11. Please let us know in the comments section below if you have any questions or concerns about metered connection.

When will Hogwarts Legacy come out on Xbox One & PS4?

Posted on by Rafly Gilang

Avalanche Software, the game developer behind Hogwarts Legacy, announced that it has pushed the release date of the hotly-anticipated game on older-gen consoles of Xbox One and PS4 to May 5, 2023.

Hogwarts Legacy has faced several pushbacks in release dates, especially for older consoles. For Xbox One and PS4, it was previously set to in 2021, then to February 2023, then to April of the same year.

What’s all the fuss with Hogwarts Legacy?

The action-packed open-world RPG game takes the players to the 1800s in Hogwarts castle. As a fifth-year student, you’ll learn different magical abilities to help you uncover a deeply-buried ancient secret of the world you’re living in.

Hogwarts Legacy is an immersive, open-world action RPG set in the world first introduced in the Harry Potter books. For the first time, experience Hogwarts in the 1800s. Your character is a student who holds the key to an ancient secret that threatens to tear the wizarding world apart. Now you can take control of the action and be at the center of your own adventure in the wizarding world. Your legacy is what you make of it.

Reception has been overwhelmingly positive towards Hogwarts Legacy, despite being critically perplexing in the eyes of the critics.

The game has sold over 12 million copies within the first two weeks with over $850 million made globally, according to Warner Bros’ figures. While the game has been released on Windows, PS5, and Xbox Series X/S on February 10, 2023, it’s going to take a little while for it to arrive for the majority of people.

As for Nintendo Switch users, the game will arrive on July 25, 2023.

Are you excited about Hogwarts Legacy on Xbox One and PS4? Let us know in the comments!

Windows Keeps Booting into OOBE: How to Force it Out of It

Posted on by Srishti Sisodia

When users turn on their Windows computers for the first time, they are greeted with the Windows Out of Box Experience. It is a series of screens where users must accept the license terms, connect to the internet, login, and sign up for a Microsoft Account. 

However, if you are stuck with the OOBE screen every time you start your computer, then it could be frustrating. This guide will discuss the various methods to fix Windows that keeps booting into the OOBE issue. 

Why does my Windows keep booting in OOBE?

There could be several reasons why Windows restarts in an OOBE environment; some of the common ones are: 

  • Corrupted installation files – If the installation files for Windows are corrupted, the setup process could fail, hence the error.
  • Incorrect configuration settings – Misconfigured system settings can also be the reason for setup failure. Therefore, you get stuck with the OOBE screen.
  • Hardware issues – Failing hard drives or other damaged components could cause the Windows installation process to fail. Hence, you see the screen. 

How can I fix the Windows keeps booting into the OOBE issue?

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

  • Restart your computer.
  • Remove the unwanted external peripherals.

1. Perform an Automatic Repair 

  1. Power on and off your computer three times. 
  2. Then, on the 3rd time it restarts, it will take you to the Preparing Automatic Repair page, then boot in Advanced startup.
  3. On the Choose an option page, click Troubleshoot.Choose an option - Troubleshoot -Windows keeps booting into OOBE
  4. Click Reset this PC.Reset this PC
  5. Now select Keep my files.
  6. Click Cancel.
  7. Choose your account, enter your password, and click Continue. 
  8. Now click Reset. 

2. Use the Command Prompt

  1. Press the Windows key, type CMD, and click Run as administrator.DOS COmmand Prompt
  2. Copy and paste the following command to come out of audit mode and press Enter: sysprep /oobe /generalize
  3. Restart your computer. This will reset the Windows licensing state to default. You need to enter your license key again. 

3. Use the Run window

  1. Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog box. Run command to Generalize - Windows keeps booting into OOBE
  2. Type the following command and press Enter: %WINDIR%\system32\sysprep\sysprep.exe
  3. Now on the next window, place a checkmark next to Generalize and click OK. Generalize Windows keeps booting into OOBE
  4. Finally, reboot your computer and check if the issue persists. 

The System Preparation tool can help you fix the OOBEEULA error; to learn more about the issue, read this guide.

4. Reinstall Windows 

4.1 Create an installation media 

  1. On a different computer, go to Windows 11 download page.
  2. Under Create Installation Media, click Download now.Create Windows media Windows keeps booting into OOBE
  3. Double-click the downloaded file and click Yes on the UAC prompt. 
  4. Plug in a USB flash drive with 8 GB of free space.
  5. You will get the Windows Setup wizard; click Accept to agree to the license terms. Accept the terms
  6. On the Select language and edition page, choose Language &  Edition and click Next. Windows 11 edition
  7. On the Choose which media to use page, select USB flash drive and click Next. Click Next media
  8. Follow the onscreen instruction to create an installation media and click Finish on the last screen. 

4.2 Reinstall Windows on your PC

  1. Plug the USB drive into the affected computer, and restart your computer. 
  2. Press F2, F10, or the designated key when your PC boots up, depending on your device manufacturer. 
  3. Go to the Boot menu and Change the boot order in the BIOS. Select USB flash drive. Boot-order Windows keeps booting into OOBE
  4. When prompted, press any key to continue booting. 
  5. When the computer restarts, you will get Windows 11 setup wizard. 
  6. Select the Language to install, Time & currency format, and the Keyboard or input method on the next screen. Choose accordingly. Click Next.English US
  7. Click Install and follow the onscreen instructions to complete the process.Install now

So, these methods can be used to fix the Windows keeps booting into OOBE. Try them and let us know in the comments section below. 

How to download & install Outlook for free on Mac

Posted on by Rafly Gilang

Do you use Microsoft Outlook on Mac laptops/PCs?

If so, we have some good news for you. Microsoft just announced that its beloved email app is free to use on Mac, meaning that users on those devices will no longer require to have a Microsoft 365 subscription or Office license.

Microsoft Tech Community’s Jeremy Perdue said in a blog post that Outlook on Mac will support the OS’ interface with enhancements that rely mostly on Apple Silicon (M1 & M2 chips) to ensure faster performance. 

Whether at home, work or school, Mac users everywhere can easily add Outlook.com, Gmail, iCloud, Yahoo! or IMAP accounts in Outlook and experience the best mail and calendar app on macOS. The Outlook for Mac app complements Outlook for iOS – giving people a consistent, reliable, and powerful experience that brings the best-in-class experience of Outlook into the Apple ecosystem that so many love.

Moreover, the Redmond official also promised that its freeware status won’t stop the app from getting more features although there won’t be plans to update it to a progressive web app. 

A widget for calendar entries is in the work, allowing you to quickly peep at upcoming events on your calendar through your desktop. Plus, the new Handoff feature and new functionality to switch between emails with Outlook Profiles through Apple Focus are also coming.

How to download & install Outlook for free on Mac

1. On your Mac device, open the App Store. 

2. Type ‘Outlook‘ in the search box.

3. Click Get, then enter your Apple ID & password to confirm.

4. Wait until the installation process is finished.

The news itself came amidst Microsoft’s attempt to rejuvenize Outlook on Windows. The tech giant has been testing out the web version of Outlook before combining it and the Windows Mail app into a single client.

Also, starting October 10, 2023, Microsoft’s support for Office Word, Outlook, PowerPoint, and Excel 2019 apps will be stopped on Mac devices. 

What do you think about this nice addition? Let us know in the comments!

Windows 11 Taskbar Icons Missing: How to Get Them Back

Posted on by Milan Stanojevic

Windows 11 brings various changes; the Taskbar is one element that was changed the most. However, new issues come with new features, and this element is no exception.

Many users reported missing Windows 11 Taskbar icons, while others claim their Taskbar is broken on Windows 11. This can be a significant problem since you won’t be able to access certain features with your mouse, and you’ll have to rely on workarounds.

Why are my icons not showing on my Taskbar Windows 11?

There are a few reasons why icons may be missing on your Taskbar; among these include:

  • Windows Explorer issues – If, for some reason, there is a problem with Windows Explorer, this could make your icons disappear.
  • Account settings – This could be the case for users logged into a different account. In this situation, you will get your icons working once you log into your regular account. You may also have to create a new user account.
  • Malware – In some situations, you may have been compromised and exposed to malware. That is why we recommend the best antivirus.

Luckily, a couple of solutions can fix this error, so we encourage you to follow our instructions closely and go through all the steps mentioned below.

How can I fix missing Taskbar icons on Windows 11?

Before delving into our recommended solutions, you should start a simple PC reboot. This is especially helpful if Windows 11 taskbar icons are missing after sleep.

1. Restart Windows Explorer

  1. 1. Press the  Ctrl+ Shift+ Esc keys at the same time on your keyboard.

  2. 2. The Task Manager window will open.

  3. 3. In the list of processes, locate Windows Explorer.

    windows explorer task

  4. 4. Right-click it so that a drop-down menu opens.

  5. 5. Choose Restart from the menu.

    restart windows explorer task

  6. 6. This should restart the Windows Explorer and the issue with the Taskbar should be resolved.

  7. 7. Check if the taskbar icons are showing now.

    8. A temporary fix to the icons not showing on taskbar issue is to restart the File Explorer service via Task Manager.

Remember that this is just a workaround, so the issue might reappear.

2. Try using just a single monitor

  1. Disconnect or turn off the second monitor.
  2. Wait for a few moments.
  3. Check if the problem persists.

Users say this is a useful workaround if Windows 11 Taskbar icons are missing on a second monitor.

3. Install the latest build

  1. Press Windows Key + I to open the Settings app.
  2. Now go to the Windows Update section.
    windows update settings
  3. Check for updates and be sure to install any missing updates.
    windows 11 check for updates

If you’re experiencing issues with the Settings app, we suggest checking our guide on how to fix Settings app crashes in Windows 11.

If the Windows 11 Taskbar icons are missing, the issue is most likely caused by bugs in the current build, so be sure to update to the newest version as soon as you can.

If the update isn’t available yet, you might be able to fix this issue by restarting the File Explorer or disconnecting additional displays.

Before you leave, find out if there are any ways to hide the battery icon in Windows 11, something that was relatively simpler on the previous iteration.

Are you having any Taskbar issues on Windows 11? Let us know in the comments section below.

How to Unlock Drive in Windows 10: 5 Ways to Remove a Lock

Posted on by Ivan Jenic

The drive where Windows is installed is locked, which is one of the widespread errors preventing users from getting full access to their PCs. With this comes a surge in the number of people who want to know how to unlock a drive in Windows 10.

If you are also facing this issue, this guide will show the efficient ways to remove any lock on your drive.

Why is my drive locked?

Below are some of the reasons your drive might be locked on Windows 10:

  • Bad disk sector: One of the major causes of the locked hard drive issue is a bad disk sector. The solution to this is to repair the faulty sectors.
  • Corrupt system files: Sometimes, you might need to unlock your Windows 10 drive because of the impact of faulty system files. Repairing and restoring these corrupt files should get rid of the problem.
  • Faulty boot files: Another known cause of this problem is a broken or corrupt boot file. To fix this, you need to run a few commands on the Advanced Startup page.

How can I unlock the drive in Windows 10?

Below are some basic troubleshooting steps to apply before proceeding to the more sophisticated fixes in this section:

  • Check if your drive is connected correctly
  • Disconnect other drives
  • Ensure the hard drive is set as the boot source

1. Run the CHKDSK command

  1. Insert the Windows 10 installation media inside your PC and boot from it.
  2. Enter your preferred language and other information, and click the Next button.
    language how to unlock drive in windows 10
  3. Now, click the Repair your computer option in the bottom left corner.
    repair computer
  4. Next, select Troubleshoot > Advanced options.
    advanced
  5. Choose Command Prompt.
    command prompt how to unlock drive in windows 10
  6. Finally, type the command (replace C with the letter of the drive you want to unlock) below and hit Enter to run it: chkdsk c: /f /rchkdsk

The first thing to do to unlock your drive on Windows 10 is to try to fix the bad sectors. This will eliminate the most prominent cause of the error message.

You can also use this method to unlock an external hard drive on Windows 10.

2. Run the SFC command

  1. Repeat steps 1 to 5 in Solution 1.
  2. Type the command below and hit Enter to run it: sfc /scannowsfc scan
  3. Finally, wait for the scan to complete and restart your PC.

If the CHKDSK scan can’t unlock your drive on Windows 10, you might want to try using the SFC scan instead. This will repair and replace any corrupt system file causing the issue.

3. Fix boot records

  1. Repeat steps 1 to 5 in Solution 1.
  2. Type the following commands and press Enter after each: bootrec /RebuildBcdrebuild bcd how to unlock drive in windows 10 bootrec /fixMbrfixmbr bootrec /fixbootfixboot how to unlock drive in windows 10
  3. Finally, wait for the commands to finish running and restart your PC.

The common cause for The drive where Windows is installed is locked error is corrupted boot records. However, you can easily unlock your drive on Windows 10 by following the steps above.

The first three solutions above are how to unlock your drive in Windows 10 using Command Prompt. In case you are looking for ways to reset only the C drive on Windows 11, we have an excellent guide for you.

4. Ensure you’re using UEFI

UEFI is a modern and more advanced version of BIOS, and most new motherboards support it. Check your motherboard manual for detailed instructions to switch to UEFI.

The switching process is relatively simple; you must find and change a single setting in BIOS. So, it would be best if you switched to UEFI to unlock your drive in Windows 10.

    5. Use diskpart

    You can fix The Drive Where Windows is Installed is Locked error by using the diskpart command in Command Prompt.

    Before we start, we have to mention that diskpart is extremely powerful tool, so be extra cautious while using it.

  1. 1. Repeat steps 1 to 5 in Solution 1.

  2. 2. Type the following command in Command Prompt: diskpart

    Reset your PC The drive where windows is installed is locked

  3. 3. Now, you need to select the hard drive that has Windows on it. If you have only one hard drive, enter sel disk 0. If you have two or more hard drives, you might have to use a different number.

    The drive where windows is installed is locked dual boot

  4. 4. Next, enter list vol in cmd.

  5. 5. Look for FAT32 partition on the list. If you don’t have it, this solution won’t work for you, so you can just skip it. Once you find FAT32 partition, select it by typing sel vol X (replace X with the number of the volume).

  6. 6. Run the assign letter=z: command.

    The drive where windows is installed is locked GPT

  7. 7. Type exit and press Enter to run it.

    The drive where windows is stored is locked

  8. 8. Enter cd z:EFIMicrosoftBoot

    Reset your PC The drive where windows is installed is locked

  9. 9. Now run the bootrec /fixboot command.

    The drive where windows is installed is locked GPT

  10. 10. Lastly, run bcdboot c:Windows /s z:

    The drive where windows is installed is locked dual boot

After doing that, your Windows should start working again. Remember that this is an advanced solution, so be extra cautious.

You are using this tool at your own risk, and we aren’t responsible for any potential damage or file loss that might occur.

With this, we can conclude this guide on how to unlock your drive on Windows 10. Ensure you follow the instructions in the letter, and things should return to normal.

If you face other issues like resetting this PC, this drive is locked; check our detailed guide to fix it quickly.

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

More than 14 custom mouse gestures coming to Microsoft’s Edge browser

Posted on by Alexandru Poloboc

We know that many of you haven’t really explored all of the browsing software options out there and have decided to stick with Microsoft’s Edge browser.

On that note, know that you’ve come to the right place to get stuff like An error has occurred download interrupted fixed for Edge.

However, if you want to explore other browsing software options, we’ve compiled a list of the best browsers for your PC.

Circling back to Edge, we would like to inform you that you are about to get some improvements, as Microsoft announced recently.

Get ready to get more mouse gestures in Edge

If you remember, several weeks ago, we reported a new policy for Microsoft Edge describing upcoming mouse gestures, a feature that lets you perform various tasks by making gestures with your mouse.

Gestures are a popular capability available in many browsers, and now they are coming to Microsoft Edge, and a newly published screenshot reveals what the feature will look like.

This above-mentioned screenshot was published on a Chinese website, showing about fourteen different-shaped gestures.

Observing the picture, we learn that each gesture can be customized to your liking and assigned a specific action.

As an example, close the current tab by holding the right-click button and making an L-shaped gesture. How’s that for futuristic mouse commands?

Note that this feature provides an easy way for users to complete tasks like scrolling forward or backward, opening new tabs, refreshing pages, etc.

Of course, they can finish a task by pressing and holding the mouse right button to draw certain patterns on a webpage, instead of clicking the buttons or using keyboard shortcuts.

Also, according to the above-mentioned source, mouse gestures are currently available to some Edge testers in the Dev Channel.

Therefore, Insiders can expect the company to announce the much-anticipated feature soon. Microsoft Edge is a feature-rich browser with menus that have grown to head-scratching sizes.

Please keep in mind that adding mouse gestures will help customers use those features faster and with fewer clicks.

If you need some help in figuring out how to use mouse gestures in Edge, we got you covered, so don’t even worry about that.

What other features do you think Microsoft’s Edge browser would benefit the most from? Share your thoughts and ideas with us in the comments section below.

Printer Only Printing in Grayscale: 4 Ways to Get Color Back

Posted on by Tashreef Shareef

Modern printers allow you to print in grayscale (Black and White) and color options. However, your device can sometimes misbehave, printing in grayscale only.

This can be pretty frustrating, as it deprives you of the opportunity of printing in other colors. In this guide, we have gathered the tested and proven solutions to help you get color back on your printer.

Why is my printer only printing in black and white?

Listed below are some of the notable reasons your printer might be printing in grayscale only:

  • Issues with printer software: If your Brother or HP printer is printing only in black and white, it is likely due to problems with the printer software. The solution is to uninstall the program and reinstall it from the official sources.
  • Faulty printer driver: Sometimes, this problem can be caused by a corrupt or outdated printer driver. You can fix this by reinstalling or updating the driver.

How do I get my printer to stop printing in grayscale?

1. Uninstall and Reinstall the printer software

  1. Press the Windows key + R, type appwiz.cpl, and click OK.
    appwiz printer only printing grayscale
  2. Right-click your printer and select the Uninstall option.
    uninstall control
  3. Now, follow the onscreen instructions to complete the removal process.
  4. Finally, download the latest software version to the manufacturer’s website.

If any printer brand is printing only in grayscale, it is likely due to problems with the software. Hence, the first thing to do is to uninstall and reinstall the program.

2. Remove from the Device Manager

  1. Press the Windows key + R, type devmgmt.msc, and click OK.
    devmgmt
  2. Double-click the Print queues option and right-click your printer.
  3. Now, select Uninstall device.
    uninstall device printer only printing grayscale
  4. Finally, click the Uninstall button and restart your PC.
    uninstall button

Sometimes, your printer will only print in grayscale because of faulty drivers. You must remove the problematic driver and reconnect your printer to fix the issue.

3. Remove the printer in Control Panel

  1. Press the Windows key, type control, and select Control Panel.
    control panel
  2. Click View devices and printers under the Hardware and Sound section.
    view devices
  3. Now, right-click your printer and select Remove device.
    remove device printer only printing grayscale
  4. Follow the onscreen instructions to complete the process and restart your PC.
  5. Finally, repeat steps 1 and 2, click Add a printer at the top and follow the onscreen instructions to add your printer again.
    add a printer

Sometimes, you might need to remove your printer from the list of devices to stop it from printing in grayscale. The quickest way to do this is via the steps above.

4. Delete Temporary Files

  1. Press the Windows key + R, type %temp% in the box, and click OK.
    temp printer only printing grayscale
  2. Select the files and folders to remove and press the Delete button.
    temp file
  3. Finally, restart your PC and check if the issue persists.

Another factor that can cause your printer to misbehave is the presence of excessive junk files generated by your printer. Clear these files and restart your PC to solve the problem.

How to turn off grayscale printing on Windows 10?

  1. Press the Windows key, type printers, and select Printers & scanners.
    scanners
  2. Select your printer and click the Manage button.
    manage printer
  3. Now, select Printing preferences.
    preferences printer only printing grayscale
  4. Click the Paper/Quality tab.
  5. Finally, disable the Print in grayscale option.

We have reached the end of this guide on stopping your printer from printing in grayscale only. You should now be able to fix the issue convincingly, provided you follow the steps in this guide.

Elsewhere, your printer may print inaccurate colors but here’s how to go around this issue.

If your Epson printer doesn’t print black and white without color ink, check our detailed guide to fix it quickly.

In the comments below, let us know the solution that helped you fix this issue.

WordPerfect Won’t Print: 3 Easy Solutions That Will Help

Posted on by Madalina Dinita

WordPerfect by Corel won’t print is a complex issue, and it can get users in a critical state due to their unanswered questions. They hit Print, and nothing happens even if they’ve got the confirmation that the issue isn’t printer related.

That’s what users describe over forums:

Word Perfect has decided to not print to my printer. Everything else prints just fine. Libre Office docs and spreadsheets, pdfs, websites etc.

If you are also struggling with getting WordPerfect to communicate with your printer, here is a list of tips you can follow.

Why is WordPerfect not printing?

There could be several reasons why WordPerfect is not printing. Here are some potential causes:

  • Printer connectivity – If your printer is not correctly connected to your computer or there is an issue with the connection, WordPerfect may be unable to communicate with the printer to send print jobs.
  • Printer driver – The printer driver allows your computer to communicate with the printer. If it’s corrupted, outdated, or incompatible, WordPerfect may be unable to print.
  • Printer settings – If the printer is not configured correctly, WordPerfect may be unable to print. This could include paper size, orientation, print quality, and other printer-specific settings.
  • Document issues – If there is an issue with the WordPerfect document itself, such as corruption, formatting errors, or incompatible fonts, it may not be able to print.
  • WordPerfect software issues – If there is an issue with the WordPerfect software itself, such as a bug or compatibility issue with the operating system, it may not be able to print.

Regardless of the cause, users have found a few fixes very handy. Below we go through the best of these.

What can I do if WordPerfect won’t print?

1. Reset the WordPerfect print engine

  1. Close all applications first.
  2. Press the keyboard shortcut Windows Key + R to open the Run box. Next, type Regedit and press Enter.
    wordperfect won't print
  3. While in the Windows Registry, go to File, then click Export.
    wordperfect won't print
  4. In the Save in option, select Desktop, type in the word: Backup in File Name, under Export Range, choose All and click Save.
    wordperfect won't print
  5. Navigate to the path below:
    Computer\HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Corel
  6. Right-click the folder PrintEngine and select Rename. Then rename it PrintEngine1 or PrintEngineOld.
  7. Closeout of the registry.

2. Clear the Print Spooler queue

clear the Print Spooler queue
  1. Press the Windows and R keys simultaneously, and type services.msc inside the search box and hit Enter.
    wordperfect won't print
  2. Please scroll down to Print Spooler, right-click it, and select Stop.
  3. Press Windows + E to open File Explorer, then navigate to the path below:
    C:\Windows\System32\spool\PRINTERS
  4. Delete all the files in this location.
  5. You can now return to the Services window.
  6. Finish the process by clicking Start in the left pane when Print Spooler is highlighted.
  7. This will effectively restart the Print Spooler service.

3. Update printer driver/WordPerfect

Updates are additions to software that can contribute to preventing or fixing problems and improving your overall computing experience.

To rule out a potential update problem, you’ll want to ensure that you use the most current printer driver from the printer manufacturer or one of the best driver-updating software tools.

Updating to the latest build of WordPerfect Office is also mandatory. If you’re facing a critical error and Windows deletes your files in the update process, our guide will surely help you get all your files back.

Uninstalling and reinstalling your current WordPerfect program is also an option to consider. Remember that you may have as many as seven versions of the program installed on a Windows system simultaneously for testing purposes.

Feel free to try all the above solutions and let us know which one worked for you.

How to Fix the EFI Bootloader on Windows 11: 9 Easy Steps

Posted on by Cesar Cadenas

The EFI (Extensible Firmware Interface) Bootloader refers to a series of files on UEFI systems that tells a computer how to boot. This is a very important function.

A malfunctioning EFI Bootloader can cause problems like having your computer boot very slowly. It is possible to fix this error, and the good news is that it’s easy to do.

What causes the EFI Bootloader error?

Problems with the EFI Bootloader are rare and don’t happen often, but it’s important to identify what causes them so you can be prepared if they do occur.

  • Your computer is infected with malware – Computer viruses are usually the number one culprit of hardware problems. Download some antivirus software like ESET to clean up your computer.
  • The MBR is corrupt – The master boot record may have gotten corrupted. You should scan the drive for errors, but if that doesn’t work, you may need to rebuild the MBR.
  • The power supply is faulty – A PSU (power supply unit) not working properly can cause all sorts of problems. Check the hardware for any defects. You may need to replace the CMOS battery.

How can I fix the EFI Bootloader?

There are several ways to fix the EFI Bootloader on Windows 11, ranging from quick and easy solutions to slightly more complex ones.

  • The first thing that you should do is restart your computer. Performing this step will fix EFI Bootloader problems the majority of the time.
  • If that doesn’t work, try using PC repair software like Advanced SystemCare. These apps can solve a variety of errors to make sure your computer runs smoothly.
  • It’s also recommended you fix the Windows 11 MBR (Master Boot Record) if it gets corrupted. This can be done by either running Windows Troubleshoot or some special software.
  • And if all else fails, reinstall Windows 11 as a last-ditch effort. Fortunately, it’s pretty easy to do. You’ll need to create a bootable drive for the reinstallation.

1. Use Start-up Repair

  1. Launch the Settings menu. Stay in the System section, scroll down, and select Recovery.
  2. Select the Restart now button next to Advanced Startup.
  3. After your computer finishes booting, select Troubleshoot in the Choose an option screen.
  4. On the following page, click Advanced options.
  5. And now select Startup Repair.
  6. Give your computer ample time to finish rebooting.
  7. Sign into your account when prompted.

For a clear explanation of what the EFI system actually does, read our complete guide on what EFI is in Windows.

2. Reassign the drive letter

  1. Launch the Disk Management app. See where the EFI System Partition is located. In this example, it’s Disk 0.
  2. In the Windows Search bar, bring up DiskPart and select the first entry you see.
  3. In the command line, enter select disk 0 then list volume.
  4. EFI will be located in the partition in the FAT32 file system. In this example, it’s Volume 2.
  5. In the command line, enter select volume, then the partition number housing EFI. For example, select volume 2.
  6. Next, type in assign letter, then add a new letter for the drive. For example, assign letter=X. It can be any letter so long as it’s not currently used.
  7. Now enter exit and run the command to exit DiskPart.

3. Boot from the installation media

  1. Begin by inserting your installation media device, be it a DVD or USB drive, into your computer. Boot from the installation media.
  2. After restarting, select Repair your computer.
  3. In the Choose an Option page, select Troubleshoot.
  4. Next click Advanced Options, then Command Prompt.
  5. Select Administrator after Windows finishes booting, enter your password, and click Continue.
  6. Enter diskpart into the Command Prompt. Run the command.
  7. As in the previous solution, type in select disk then the number of the disk with EFI. In this case, it’s select disk 0.
  8. Enter list vol and run the command. Take note of the partition running the FAT32 file system and its hidden status. It houses EFI.
  9. Next, type and run the select vol command with the number of the EFI volume after it. For example, select vol 3.
  10. Now with assign letter and give Volume 3 a new assigned letter, such as assign letter=X

If you want to know how to create Windows 11 installation media, check out our guide on the Windows Media Creation tool. It’s free for everyone to use, and it’s pretty easy to do.

4. Repair if you don’t have installation media

  1. As shown previously, launch the Windows 11 Settings menu, navigate go to the Recovery tab of the System section, and perform an Advanced Startup.
  2. And like before, select Troubleshoot then Command Prompt.
  3. Wait for a moment. When Windows reappears, choose Administrator, then enter the admin password.
  4. Just like in the previous solution, type in diskpart and enter the following commands one after the other: select disk 0 list vol
  5. Take note of where the EFI partition is located. In this example, it is in Volume 3.
  6. Type in the following commands and hit Enter on your keyboard after each one: select vol 3 assign letter=X exit
  7. It’s also recommended that you repair the boot record. First, type in cd /d D:\EFI\Microsoft\Boot\
  8. “D:” is your hard drive letter. Swap this out if your drive has a different letter.
  9. Enter the following command, then hit Enter on your keyboard: bootrec /FitBoot

5. Run Command Prompt

  1. Bring up Command Prompt in the Windows 11 Search bar and select Run as administrator.
  2. There are several commands you’ll need to run. First, enter bootrec /scanos
  3. Give Command Prompt enough time to finish its process.
  4. Next, type in the following commands and hit Enter after each one: bootrec /fixmbr bootrec /fixboot
  5. If Command Prompt denies the FIXBOOT command, enter bootsect /nt60 sys
  6. Finally, type the following: bootrec /rebuildbcd

What can I do if booting Windows 11 is still really slow?

So if you’re still experiencing slow boot-up even after fixing EFI Bootloader, there are several things that you can still do. First, you can free up some disk space on your hard drive.

Uninstalling unnecessary apps and deleting temporary files are the best ways to clear up space. Doing so should improve drive performance resulting in a speedier launch.

We also recommend testing your hard drives with diagnostic software like IoIo System Mechanic Pro to make sure that they’re running properly so you won’t experience any slowdown.

Feel free to comment below if you have questions about other important system functions. Also, leave comments about reviews you’d like to see or information on other Windows 11 features.

The Windows Insider Program is getting a Canary Channel

Posted on by Alexandru Poloboc

We constantly keep talking about the Windows Insider Program and the Channels where users get the latest test builds and new features.

However, you might not be ready for the latest announcement Microsoft made in regard to the above-mentioned Insider Program.

If you guessed that we are getting a brand new Channel introduced to the program, then you were right. No, seriously, we are getting a new one.

Dev Channel Insiders are being moved to the Canary Channel

As you know by now, Microsoft regularly makes updates to its Windows Insider Program to potentially improve the way that preview builds are seeded to members.

Today, the Redmond-based tech colossus has announced some annual changes to the program, with the highlight being the introduction of a new Canary Channel.

This Canary Channel for the Windows Insider Program will get releases much faster than the Dev, Beta, or Release Preview Channels.

As a matter of fact, Microsoft has hinted that it may get new features as soon as they are built, with incomplete documentation and validation.

Know that they may contain major modifications to the Windows kernel and APIs, requiring a longer lead time before general release, which is why the idea is to get these changes into the hand of volunteering customers for testing as soon as possible.

Please keep in mind that, previously, such features were made available through the Dev Channel, which is the most experimental of them all.

You are probably also wondering about build numbers, so know that moving forward, the build numbers for each Insider Channel will be as follows:

  • Canary Channel: 25000 series
  • Dev Channel: 23000 series
  • Beta Channel: 22000 series
  • Release Preview: Released versions of Windows 10 and Windows 11

Also important is the fact that current Dev Channel Insiders are being migrated to the Canary Channel and they will be informed of this change via an email too.

There’s a downside to it, though. Those who want to remain on the Dev Channel will need to perform a clean install, which is usually the case when switching to a lower Channel.

Furthermore, those currently enrolled in the Beta Channel but want to test out newer features are recommended to join the Dev Channel instead, with no clean install needed.

Even though the Canary Channel is supposed to get new releases and features the fastest, Microsoft has interestingly noted that the Dev Channel may still receive new capabilities earlier than Canary, due to its A/B testing process. 

Microsoft mentioned that it will control the state of individual features and experiences included in the builds released to Windows Insiders across the channels.

The company will achieve this with Controlled Feature Rollout (CFR) technology, which allows it to roll out features in stages to monitor quality and feedback in addition to trying out different variations of features.

That being said, if you are a Dev Channel Insider who does not want to be moved to Canary, follow this guide to perform a clean install.

However, if this doesn’t work, Microsoft says that in its email about the changes to the Windows Insider Program, it will also include instructions on how you can order a clean installation kit.

What is your take on this change to the Windows Insider Program? Share your thoughts and opinions with us in the comments section below.

Disney Plus 4K Quality on PC: Can You Force This Resolution

Posted on by Don Sharpe

Many users wonder if there is a way to stream Disney Plus in 4K on PC, but PCs seem to have certain limitations.

Today we will take a closer look and see which resolutions this service supports and if there’s a way to stream in this quality on your PC.

Why won’t Disney Plus play in 4K on PC?

This is a licensing limitation, and most browsers can only stream in 720p or 1080p due to Google’s Widevine DRM. The same applies to Disney+ Windows Store app.

This is likely an anti-piracy measure since it prevents users from distributing content. Some users speculate that 4K resolution isn’t a standard for most PCs, so support for it is still unnecessary.

How do I force a Disney Plus 4K resolution on a PC?

Does Disney Plus have 4K on PC?

The short answer is no. The software is limited to streaming in 720p or 1080p, and you can’t force the context to play in 4K.

What resolution is Disney Plus on PC?

On the Disney support page, you can see which resolutions are supported. However, this page doesn’t offer any information regarding supported resolutions on different platforms.

However, users claim that only 720p resolution is available in both browser and the Disney+ app.

Is Disney Plus really 4K?

Yes, Disney Plus does offer 4K content. However, it’s not available on all platforms. Currently, 4K is supported only on smart TVs, streaming sticks, STBs, and gaming consoles.

How do I get 1080p on Disney Plus on PC?

It seems that Disney has removed 1080p support on PC as well. The 1080p and 2160p are a part of L1 DRM on Disney+ and browsers use L3 DRM that is limited to 720p.

In the past, the Disney+ app for Windows could handle 1080p content, but it has been converted to a browser wrapper, so it’s now limited to 720p as well.

Disney + offers a vast library of content, including movies and TV shows, however, if you want to experience it in 4K, PC isn’t the right platform to do so, due to licensing limitations.

This isn’t the only streaming problem, many reported that Disney Plus keeps buffering or that Disney Plus is not streaming in full screen.

Many also reported No valid bitrates error in Disney Plus, but we tackled this issue in a separate guide.

What was your experience with Disney Plus like? Let us know in the comments below.

Bad Boot Sector Corrupt MBR: 4 Easy Ways to Repair it

Posted on by Aleksandar Ognjanovic

A corrupted MBR or boot sector means a lot of trouble. You’ll have difficulty booting into Windows until you deal with it.

If you’ve tried to boot into Windows 10 and the boot sector error appeared on a dark screen, this almost always points toward corrupt MBR or critical HDD failure.

We have a few ways to resolve this, so check the steps below.

What causes MBR corruption?

From user experience, we gather that MBR (Master Boot Record) corruption can be caused by various factors, including any of the following:

  • Malware or virus infections – Malicious software can damage or corrupt the MBR, making the system unbootable.
  • Hardware issues – Problems with the hard disk, such as bad sectors or disk failure, can cause the corruption of the MBR.
  • Power surges – Power surges or sudden power failures can interrupt the boot process and cause corruption of the MBR.
  • Human error – Deleting or modifying the MBR can cause it to become corrupted and prevent the system from booting.
  • Operating system errors – Errors during the installation or configuration of the operating system can also lead to MBR corruption.

Do note that the solutions we will recommend below will resolve the following related MBR issues:

  • MBR keeps getting corrupted – MBR is essential every time you start your computer. That’s why tune-up utilities such as Ashampoo Win Optimizer are mandatory for dealing with HDD issues.
  • Is MBR corrupted? Can’t use mouse/keyboard – If your PC fails to recognize them, don’t hesitate to apply the solutions detailed in this guide on how to fix mouse or keyboard not detected.
  • Power outage MBR corrupt – An improper shutdown or power glitch can easily corrupt the MBR. If the issue persists, use this guide dedicated to fixing power outage consequences.
  • Can’t boot MBR corrupt – bootrec – A confirmed solution for the issue is to use a command prompt and run the bootrec. Rebuilding MBR is described in detail above.

What can I do if a boot sector is corrupted?

  1. Use third-party optimization tools
  2. Scan for HDD errors
  3. Rebuild MBPR
  4. Perform a clean reinstallation

1. Use third-party optimization tools

This isn’t one of those common errors you’ll deal with regularly. Instead, issues with the boot sector mainly occur due to HDD corruption or misuse of specific system files.

The black screen and boot failure are pretty intimidating for an inexperienced user. However, using Ashampoo Win Optimizer can resolve them with no extra effort.

This incredible optimization is known for its great HDD scans, brand-new Defrag with minimal performance drain to worry about, and accurate analysis logs.

Ashampoo Win Optimizer

Ashampoo Win Optimizer

Ashampoo Win Optimizer is the go-to tune-up utility when facing large-scale MBR issues.
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2. Scan for HDD errors

  1. Boot with the USB installation media and press the Shift + F10 keyboard shortcut to open the Command Prompt.
  2. In the command line, type the following script and hit Enter. 
    chkdsk /f /r
    boot sector corrupted
  3. After resolving the HDD issues, restart your PC and try booting into Windows again.

A boot sector failure and MBR corruption won’t occur without any reason. This mostly happens in scenarios when your HDD is on its deathbed, and you should seriously consider replacing it.

This is, on many occasions, a clear sign that you should back up your data as soon as possible, as the HDD either has corrupted sectors or it’s malfunctioning.

On the other hand, this isn’t a rule of thumb. So before you ditch your storage, make sure to inspect it. Some errors can be repaired with the proper tools, either third-party tools or a built-in ChkDsk.

You can run chkdsk from the command line in a System Repair section if you cannot boot. This is a relatively simple task, but it still requires bootable media.

3. Rebuild MBR

  1. Insert the Windows 10 bootable media (USB stick or DVD) and restart your PC.
  2. During restart, enter your BIOS; you may do this by pressing F10, F2, F12, or F1 during restart.
  3. Navigate to the Boot menu, and set the bootable media as the primary boot device with the Windows 10 installation. Then, change the boot order by entering the Boot menu or within BIOS settings.
    boot sector corrupted
  4. Press any key to boot.
  5. The loading process of the installation file should commence.
  6. Select the preferred language, time/format, and keyboard input. Hit the Next button.
    boot sector corrupted
  7. Select Repair your computer from the bottom left corner in the following dialog box.
    boot sector corrupted
  8. Open Troubleshoot from the selection menu.
    boot sector corrupted
  9. Choose Advanced Options.
  10. Open Command Prompt. If prompted, select your account and enter the password.
  11. In the command line, type the following commands and press Enter after each:
    • bootrec /FixMbr
    • bootrec /FixBoot
    • bootrec /ScanOs
    • bootrec /RebuildBcd
  12. Exit, remove the installation drive, and try starting the system in the usual manner.

Rebuilding the MBR and fixing the boot sector error is one way to solve this problem. However, this requires specific preparations made on another PC.

You must download the Media Creation Tool and create a bootable installation drive. You can use a DVD and burn the setup files, but we prefer a USB flash drive with at least 6 GB of storage space.

4. Perform a clean reinstallation

  1. Download the Media Creation Tool.
  2. Plug in the USB flash drive with at least 6 GB.
  3. Run Media Creation Tool and accept the License Terms.
  4. Choose Create installation media (USB flash drive, DVD, or ISO file) for another PC, then hit Next.
  5. Choose the fitting language, architecture, and edition, and click Next.
    boot sector corrupted
  6. Select USB flash drive and then click Next.
  7. Media Creation Tool will download the setup and copy the installation files onto the USB flash drive.
  8. Plug the USB drive into a troubled PC and boot from it.
  9. Enter all required information and choose Install Windows only.
  10. Format the system partition and install Windows 10 there.

In the end, if you’re confident that your HDD is in good health but still unable to boot into Windows, we can only suggest a clean reinstallation.

This, of course, means you’ll lose all data from the system partition. So, if there’s any way for you to connect your HDD to another PC and back up the data – do it.

After that, we can boot with the installation media and install a clean version of Windows. That way, the problem should be resolved.

With that said, we can conclude this article. In case you have additional questions or possibly an alternative way to fix corrupt MBR, feel free to tell us in the comments section below.

5 Best Switch Port Monitoring Software to Monitor Traffic

Posted on by Vladimir Popescu

Keeping track of switch ports in use and free is one of the most demanding and challenging tasks. While you can do this manually, it is advisable to use one of the best port monitoring software.

With this tool, you will be better equipped to have an overview of your network, including bandwidth monitoring. But with the number of port management software available, you need a detailed review such as this guide to pick the best one.

How do I monitor ports in Windows?

Windows PC has built-in port and switches monitoring tools. Below are some of the options available to you:

  • Use the Command Prompt: The most popular built-in option for monitoring ports on your PC is the netstat command on Command Prompt. This command has different variations for different tasks you may want to perform.
  • Using Task Manager: Another built-in option on old PCs is to use the Processes tab on Task Manager. This method requires sorting and filtering to know the process tied to specific ports.
  • Port monitoring software: The third option is using a dedicated third-party tool to monitor and check your ports. These tools save you the stress of managing your ports manually. Also, they provide you with an excellent interface to view and take complete control of your data.

What is the best switch port monitoring software I can use?

ManageEngine OpManager – Best switch port monitoring software

opmanager port monitoring software

ManageEngine OpManager has a great reputation and is one of the most used tools for switch port monitoring.

This tool is one of the best network management tools and comes with some fantastic features, such as auto-discovery, that will find devices and map your network to give you a uniquely customized dashboard.

Another powerful feature that this software offers is the alert functionality. It will help you identify, detect and troubleshoot network issues before becoming severe problems.

Key features of ManageEngine OpManager:

  • Monitor parameters such as temperature, power, and voltage 
  • Uses SNMP to collect hardware health data
  • Historical reports on hardware health status 
  • Alerts to quickly detect and identify network issues

ManageEngine OpManager

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PRTG Network Monitor – Available on different devices

prtg

Paessler has created PRTG Network Monitor, and thanks to its excellent performance, we recommend you try it.

This tool can monitor all devices, traffic, and applications in your IT infrastructure.

PRTG Network Monitor does not rely on external modules or add-ons. Therefore, you don’t need to download and install this type of thing to benefit from the software.

Thanks to its integrated nature, the monitor software can be easily downloaded and installed on your device.

Key features of PRTG Network Monitor:

  • Temperature monitor software
  • Automatically recognizes a wide range of devices and systems
  • Can create custom maps for data display
  • Customizable alerts and notifications
  • Available for Android, iOS, and Windows phones

PRTG Network Monitor

The PRTG Network Monitor is a powerful switch port monitor software that will keep you updated with all the traffic and system status.
Free trial Visit Website

Zenoss CiscoMonitor ZenPack – Real-time port monitoring software

zenoss

 CiscoMonitor ZenPack by Zenoss is perfect for switching and routers, providing a performance monitor.

The features included that are of great use are monitoring, discovery, and class-based QoS monitoring.

This tool will allow you to monitor all your physical and virtual networks as part of a real-time model that will include all your cloud and on-premise infrastructure.

The in-depth data collection of metrics, events, logs, streaming data, and model data will allow you to see the current state of each business application.

Critical features of CiscoMonitor ZenPack:

  • Performant management platform
  • Unified monitoring of all physical and virtual systems
  • Integration and monitoring of SNMP traps

⇒ Get Zenoss CiscoMonitor ZenPack

WhatsUp Gold Network Traffic Monitor – Real-time bandwidth monitoring

whatsup gold port monitoring software

WhatsUp Gold Network Traffic Monitor allows real-time bandwidth monitoring to identify interfaces, applications, or links and how much they occupy the bandwidth.

The tool can study traffic patterns over a selected period, thanks to the built-in functionalities. After analyzing the data, it can identify bandwidth usage trends and spot potential bottlenecks.

Moreover, the software can identify security issues, such as DDoS attacks, unauthorized downloads, or other suspicious and potentially malicious network behavior, thanks to real-time monitoring.

Key features of WhatsUp Gold Network Traffic Monitor:

  • Real-time bandwidth monitoring
  • jFlow, and sFlow to monitor network bandwidth
  • ToS verification available
  • Comprehensive Top Protocols, Top Senders, and Top Application reports

⇒ Get WhatsUp Gold Network Traffic Monitor

Solarwinds Network Performance Monitor – Cloud monitoring feature

solarwinds

Our last recommendation for the best switch port monitoring software, but not the least performant, is Solarwinds Network Performance Monitor.

This software is also great for cloud monitoring, thanks to the Cisco ACI monitoring feature. This is why it is regarded as the port monitoring Cisco software.

Thanks to its fantastic features, you can quickly detect, diagnose and repair all network performance problems and outages.

This IT management software is a powerful tool to ensure you’ll have all the monitoring information needed to increase overall performance.

Key features of Solarwinds Network Performance Monitor:

  • Customizable topology and dependency-aware intelligent alerts
  • Dynamic wired and wireless network discovery and mapping
  • The capacity to forecast, alert, and report
  • Detailed monitoring of the F5 BIG-IP family of products

⇒ Get Solarwinds Network Performance Monitor

Monitoring the switch port doesn’t have to be difficult, provided you use specialized tools, such as PRTG Network Monitor, to do it.

If you need a list of the best server monitoring software, check our detailed guide for the top ones you can choose today.

Let us know in the comments section below if you have other suggestions or recommendations; we would love to hear them.

Keyboard Works in BIOS but not in Windows: 5 Solutions to Use

Posted on by Tashreef Shareef

If the keyboard works in BIOS but not in Windows, this is mainly caused by a corrupted keyboard driver, but there are many other causes for this problem. First, if this issue manifests on a laptop, try to find an external keyboard or enable the virtual keyboard in Windows (instructions at the bottom of this article).

What can I do if the keyboard works in BIOS but not in Windows?

1. Connect an external keyboard and adjust your BIOS settings

  1. Turn off your computer completely and press the Power button again to restart the computer.
  2. Start pressing the F8 key immediately to enter the BIOS menu. Note THAT on your motherboard, it might be a different key.
  3. Use the arrow keys and open the Advanced tab.
  4. Navigate to the USB Legacy Support and make sure it is set to Enabled.
  5. Press F10 to save the change and exit the BIOS screen. Let your PC restart.

2. Update drivers

2.1. Update manually

  1. Right-click the Start button and select Device Manager.
  2. Click on the device you want to update from the list. Right-click it and choose Update driver.

  3. Click Search automatically for updated driver software.
  4. Wait while Windows tries to update the driver.
  5. If Windows 10 doesn’t update it means you need to go to the manufacturer’s official site and download the new files from there.

One way to fix Windows 10 errors is to update the system manually. This simple method can solve some complex problems that affect other drivers.

If your Asus keyboard works in BIOS but not Windows, try updating your drivers.

2.2. Use an advanced tool

Incompatible, missing, or corrupted drivers are the common reason for keyboard and touchpad malfunction.

You can easily take care of this issue with the help of professional driver updating software. These tools will allow you to perform an entire scan of your system and update any driver in just a few minutes.

3. Disable the Intel Integrated Sensor Solutions driver

  1. Right-click Start button and choose Device Manager from the list.
  2. In Device Manager, expand the System Devices category.
  3. Locate and right-click on Intel Integrated Sensor Solutions device.
  4. Select the Disable device option. Click Yes when prompted to confirm the action.
  5. Once disabled, close Device Manager and restart the computer.

It is important to Disable the Intel Integrated Sensor Solutions device and not uninstall it.

Uninstalling the device will prompt Windows 10 to reinstall the device after the restart, so simply disable it.

After the restart, check if the keyboard and mouse not working in Windows 10 but works in BIOS issue is resolved.

This error seems to occur due to a malfunctioning sensor in the 2-in-1 touch-enabled HP devices.

Try installing the latest Windows and HP update to apply any fixes the manufacturer releases.

4. User System Restore Points for recovery

  1. On the virtual keyboard, press Windows key and then press R.
  2. Enter rstrui and click OK.
  3. Follow instructions on the screen.
  4. Choose the most recently created restore point and then click Next.
  5. Read the description and then click Finish.

Your PC will now restart after successfully restoring your PC to the selected Restore Point. After the restart check if you can use the keyboard and touchpad on your laptop.

5. Attempt repair with Windows installation media 

  1. Turn off your computer and connect your Windows 10 bootable drive to your PC. Here’s how to create a Windows 10 bootable drive, if you don’t have one.
  2. Boot from your Windows 10 drive. You might need to press F4 or any other key to enter the boot menu and then select your flash drive.
  3. Turn on the computer and wait for it to enter the Setup menu. Choose the Repair your computer option.
  4. Choose the Troubleshoot option.
  5. Select Advanced options.
  6. Click the Startup Repair option and follow on-screen instructions. You may need to select your admin account and then verify the credentials to complete the process.

Wait for the repair tool to scan the system for issues and fix them, if any. After the restart, check if the keyboard and mouse work in BIOS, not the Windows 10 problem is resolved. If not, clean installing Windows may be your only option.

How do I enable the virtual keyboard on Windows?

On login screen

  1. On the login screen, click the Ease of Access button in the bottom right.
  2. Now choose On-screen keyboard.
  3. Enter your password.

In Windows

  1. Click the Start button and then choose Settings.
  2. Next, navigate to Ease of Access.
  3. In the left pane, choose Keyboard. In the right, enable Use the On-Screen Keyboard.

Once you enable virtual keyboard, use it to complete all solutions listed in this guide.

How can I clean install Windows 10?

Clean installing Windows will delete all the data in the installation drive. So, backup your valuable data before proceeding with a clean install. Follow our guide on how to clean install Windows 10 for more instructions.

The keyboard working in BIOS but not in Windows can occur due to a driver glitch or system file corruption, but hopefully, our solutions helped you fix the issue.

Did you find a different solution? Share it with us in the comments below.