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.
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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.

7 Ways to Check Wi-Fi Signal Strength on Windows 11

Posted on by Claire Moraa

If you are using Wi-Fi or a wireless router, you may want to check the Wi-Fi signal strength. This is important for your connection. The Wi-Fi signal strength is the strength of the wireless network you are connected to. 

You may experience slower speeds and more dropped connections if you have a weak Wi-Fi signal. Checking the signal strength will help you adjust your router accordingly to boost your speeds. Find out how you can check the Wi-Fi signal strength here. 

What factors influence the Wi-Fi signal strength?

It’s important to check the Wi-Fi signal strength on your computer because if you can’t connect to the internet, you might be unable to do anything. 

The strength of your Wi-Fi signal depends on many factors, including:

  • Your location – If you’re too far from the access point, you won’t get enough power to send a signal back. The further you are from the router, the weaker the signal.
  • The type of device you are using – If you have an older router, it may be having difficulties keeping up with the demand for Wi-Fi. If this is the case, consider upgrading to a newer model that has more processing power.
  • How crowded the area is – If there are many people around, or if there are lots of walls blocking signal, you’ll have trouble connecting to the network and receiving any data.

How do I check my Wi-Fi signal strength on Windows 11?

1. Use the Taskbar

The Taskbar is the easiest tell-tale sign for your Wi-Fi signal strength. When you click on the signal bar at the bottom right, the Wi-Fi menu will pop up along with other available connections. Opening this window shows you how strong your connection is. 

If the bars are full, it means you have a strong connection, but if the bars are one or two, you may have trouble connecting to the Internet. If the signal strength is low, it could mean that you’re not getting enough power from your router or modem. 

2. Use Task Manager 

  1. Hit the Windows key, type Task Manager in the search bar, and click Open.
  2. Navigate to the Performance tab and click on Wi-Fi.
  3. You should be able to check the Wi-Fi signal at the bottom. Again, the strength of the connection is dependent on how full the bars are.

3. Use the Settings app 

  1. Hit the Windows key and click on Settings.settings windows 11
  2. Navigate to Network & internet, then click on Wi-Fi.
  3. Your available networks will be listed, each with its status bar. The fuller the bars, the stronger your connection. 

4. Use the Control Panel 

  1. Hit the Windows key, type Control Panel in the search bar, and click Open.control-panel-search fallout new vegas runtime error
  2. Navigate to Network and Sharing Center.
  3. Your active connections will be listed, and beside each will be a status bar that shows your Wi-Fi signal strength.

5. Use the Command prompt 

  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, then press Enter: netsh wlan show interfaces
  3. Your Wi-Fi signal strength will be listed in form of a percentage. The higher the percentage, the stronger your connection.

6. Use the Powershell Command 

  1. Hit the Windows key, type Powershell in the search bar, and click Run as administrator.
  2. Type the following command, then press Enter: (netsh wlan show interfaces) -Match '^\s+Signal' -Replace '^\s+Signal\s+:\s+',''
  3. Your Wi-Fi signal strength will be listed in form of a percentage. The higher the percentage, the stronger your connection.

7. Use third-party tools

While the built-in Wi-Fi settings on Windows options will give you a rough estimate of the Wi-Fi signal strength, they are not always accurate. As you can see above, each option has a different reading for the same connection.

If you want more detailed information about your Wi-Fi connection and connectivity, you can use third-party tools. Wi-Fi analyzer tools will be useful to get a comprehensive report on your Wi-Fi performance.

They can also help you troubleshoot many connection problems you might be facing. Speed tester tools are also worth checking out if you want to monitor your speeds closely.

One of the third-party tools we recommend you try is PRTG Network Monitor, as it can monitor not only your network connections but all your systems, devices, apps, traffic, and others, basically your entire IT infrastructure.

PRTG Network Monitor

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How do I boost the Wi-Fi signal on a Windows 11 laptop?

When you’re trying to boost your Wi-Fi signal, it’s important to remember that not all Wi-Fi routers are created equal. Still, there are some tweaks you can do to boost the Wi-Fi signal, such as:

  • Use wired connections – If you have an Ethernet cable, you can connect it directly to an available port on your router.
  • Update your network drivers – These drivers will allow your computer to communicate with the wireless adapter, increasing signal strength.
  • Change your network bands – Changing from 2.4GHz to 5GHz band on your wireless router settings will provide more bandwidth for faster internet speed.
  • Use a Wi-Fi extender/repeater – You might also want to consider using a wireless repeater or extender. These are devices that boost the signal for longer distances.
  • Use a Wi-Fi antenna booster – There are several types of antenna boosters available in the market. They work by boosting the Wi-Fi signal of your laptop by amplifying it with a specific frequency. 

And that’s how to check your Wi-Fi signal strength in your Windows 11.

That’s all we had for this article, but keep the conversation going in the comment section below. Let us know your tips to keep your Wi-Fi signal strength stable.

Paramount Plus Keeps Buffering: 3 Quick Ways to Fix It

Posted on by Loredana Harsana

For some of our readers, Paramount Plus keeps buffering, interrupting their viewing. We have compiled a list of solutions to this problem and other streaming issues you might face.

Why is Paramount Plus always loading?

Here are the reasons why your Paramount Plus keeps buffering:

  • An outdated paramount plus account – Make sure that your account is still valid
  • Unreliable or slow Internet connections can cause buffering issues and error codes like 3205
  • Paramount servers can be down when there’s a lot of traffic on the site or when the servers are experiencing technical difficulties

How do I fix buffering issues on Paramount Plus?

Before trying the slightly complex solutions, we recommend restarting your device and the router. Sometimes, the problem goes away like magic.

1. Log out and re-sign into your account

  1. Go to the Account tab.
  2. Select the Sign Out option.
  3. Next, re-sign into your profile account.

The buffering issue could also be because you haven’t updated your Paramount account. To fix this, you must sign out of your account, re-sign, and provide new account details. This will also help when Paramount Plus is skipping episodes.

2. Disable ad blockers and VPN

  1. Click the Menu icon (the three vertical dots) in Chrome, select More tools, and pick Extensions.
  2. Now, disable or remove the problematic extensions.

Ad blockers and VPN could be the cause of Paramount loading issues. Disabling the ad blocker and disconnecting the VPN could improve streaming quality if this is the case.

3. Stream on a different device

It’s possible that the device you’re using isn’t compatible if Paramount Plus is buffering on a smart TV. So, verify that.

Also, restarting the device or installing the latest app updates should fix things when Paramount Plus keeps buffering on LG smart TVs.

If you’re accessing Paramount Plus from your browser, you can switch to a better browser. We suggest a trustworthy and practical browser suitable for streaming on any device due to its VPN and modern features.

➡️ Get Opera One

What can I do if Paramount Plus freezes on my TV?

Some readers reported issues with Paramount Plus buffering and freezing on their smart TVs. This problem is mostly happening on Samsung TV,  Vizio TV, and LG TV, so here is what you can do:

Samsung TV

  • Press and hold the Power button on the Samsung TV for 5 to 8 seconds to force restart the TV.
  • Once the TV is back on, relaunch the Paramount+ app.

Visio TV

  • After closing the Paramount Plus app, hold the Back button on your remote to restart the app. If you short-press it, it will display the exit menu. After this, relaunch the app.
  • Perform a soft restart of the TV. To do that, go to System, select Reset admin, Soft Power Cycle, and Yes.
  • Clear the cache of the app. To do so, press the Home button from the remote, go to Settings, then Apps, select System Apps, and select Paramount+. Then, choose Clear Cache and select OK.

LG TV

  • Turn off the TV and unplug it from the power source for 30 seconds. Then, reconnect it to power, turn on the TV, and start the Paramount+ app.

VIDAA TV

  • The solution here is to power cycle your TV again. To do that, unplug the power cord from the power source, then hold the power button of the TV for 15 to 30 seconds to drain all residual power.
  • Now, connect the TV back to the mains, turn on the TV, and launch the Paramount Plus app.

Also, restart the router/modem for all the TVs and ensure you have a steady internet connection.

What Internet speed do I need?

Most users ask: How can I speed up my Paramount Plus? But first, what Internet speed do you need for Paramount Plus to stream without a hitch?

It would help if you had a minimum internet speed of 4-5 MBs to stream Paramount Plus shows. But if you’d like to stream in 4K, HDR 10, and Dolby formats without interruptions, you need at least 25 MBs of Internet speed.

You can check your Internet speed on the Speedtest website. If your Internet speed is low, you speed it by:

  • Restarting your Wi-Fi
  • Changing the router position
  • Reconnecting the router cables

Is there a problem with Paramount Plus now?

To determine whether Paramount Plus is facing streaming issues today, head to the dedicated Paramount Status page. It will list whether the servers are facing an outage or are under maintenance. Sometimes, too much traffic on the site could lead to buffering or error 3002.

You can also use a reliable service like Downdector and identify if there’s a problem with Paramount Plus at the moment.

These simple fixes should help you have an easy streaming experience without any hitches. You now understand why Paramount Plus Keeps buffering and should solve any of these issues independently.

You should also check our guide on how to fix Paramount error code 3005 because it’s a similar problem or what to do in an error code 1100 situation.

Other solutions you can try to fix the Paramount Plus buffering issue

  • A quick workaround shared by a user involved playing another episode of the same show for a while and then loading the initial one. This has worked for several shows, including Tulsa King, SWAT, and CSI Vegas, on devices like VISO TV, Chromebook, and Windows.
  • When Paramount Plus is buffering on TV, it could be the dedicated app to blame. To verify this, check whether Paramount Plus keeps crashing on TV. Also, you can now connect your laptop to the TV via a reliable HDMI cable and enjoy buffer-free streaming.
  • If Paramount Plus keeps buffering on Firestick, reconnect it or install the latest updates.
  • The little you can do is check the Paramount Plus status page to see if there are any reported outages. You can also check their Twitter account for updates on when the servers will be back up.
  • If you don’t have a good connection, decreasing the video quality or increasing the Internet speed can fix the buffering issues.
  • Alternatively, try restarting your router. You may need to contact your Internet service provider if that doesn’t work.

If you are still experiencing Paramount loading issues after trying our solutions, contact the Paramount team for assistance.

Before you leave, do not forget to find out how to get Paramount Plus for free.

Write any other questions, suggestions, or concerns in the comments below. 

Best Antivirus For Windows 10: Top Protection Software In 2026

Posted on by Ivan Jenic

Looking for the best antivirus for Windows 10? You’re in good hands. In this piece, we’ll break down the best options to keep your PC safe.

Reigning supreme among 65% of Windows users, Windows 10 comes with Windows Defender, which does a decent job. However, a third-party antivirus will give you that extra layer of protection.

Table of contents

You can find the best defense against zero-day threats, be it malware, phishing scams, or ransomware in the anti-virus options below:

Best antivirus for Windows 10:

Here’s a quick look at the best options on the market. You can find more detailed information down below.

Antivirus Features Price
Total AV Excellent malware detection, real-time protection, minimal system impact Paid
Bitdefender Antivirus Plus Lightweight, real-time protection, built-in VPN Paid
Malwarebytes Excellent malware detection, real-time protection, minimal system impact Free and paid
ESET HOME Security Essential Minimal system impact, phishing protection, strong online defense PFree trial
Guard.io Device optimization, cross-platform support, user-friendly Free trial
Intego ONE Real-time protection, low system impact, ransomware defense Paid
Norton Antivirus Plus Low system impact, cloud backup, built-in VPN Paid
Vipre Robust real-time protection, email security, data loss prevention Free trial
Kaspersky Top-tier protection, low resource usage, cross-platform Paid
Avast Free Antivirus Strong free protection, behavior shield, silent mode Free
Avira Antivirus Premium Strong web protection, privacy tools, good detection rates Paid

Need more information? Keep reading!

1. Total AV – Great for browsing security

best antivirus for windows 10
PROSCONS
✅Boost up PC with device optimization tools
✅ Cross-platform compatibility
✅ Excellent real-time protection
✅ WebShield for browser
✅ Built-in ad blocker
✅ User-friendly UI
✅ Data breach monitoring		❌ Expensive renewal pricing
❌ VPN is a separate paid feature

Total AV offers virus protection, safe web surfing, block tracking cookies, as well as verification for breach attempts. Thus we ranked it as one of the best antivirus for a Windows 10 Home user.

It also provides WebShield in your browser to browse the web safely and securely. Hence, it is a defense against fake, scam, or phishing websites that exploit unknowing users. Also, this means that Total AV lets you take control of the browsing experience for browsers.

Total AV

Total AV

A simple solution for a complete package of protection.
Check Price Visit Website

2. Bitdefender Antivirus Plus – Most security features

best antivirus for windows 10
PROSCONS
✅ Cutting-edge lightweight technology
✅ Real-time protection
✅ Low system impact
✅ Excellent malware detection rates
✅ Built-in VPN (limited)
✅ Password manager included
✅ Protection against unauthorized use of your microphone and webcam
✅ Anti-theft features for your devices’ protection
✅ Gives you anonymity on public Wi-Fi
✅Built-in browser protection		❌ VPN limited to 200MB/day
in basic plan
❌ Additional tools like file
shredder and parental controls are missing

Bitdefender has an excellent antivirus technology approach proven to be a cutting-edge solution on Windows. You will soon see why we ranked it as the best antivirus for Windows 10 that doesn’t slow down your computer.

It’s an award-winning antivirus developer that has garnered wide appraisal over the years. This is thanks to its efficiency in fighting off malware balanced with a low system impact.

Bitdefender Antivirus Plus

Bitdefender Antivirus Plus

Secure all your devices with one plan using this reliable antivirus!
Check price Visit Website

3. Malwarebytes – Straightforward tool with award winning security

PROSCONS
✅ Excellent malware detection rates
✅ Real-time protection
✅ Low system impact
✅ Free version
✅ Anti-theft features
✅ Built-in browser protection
✅ Simple, intuitive interface		❌ Lacks a built-in firewall
❌ Limited advanced features in free version
❌ No VPN in free version

Malwarebytes is known for its lightweight software, but don’t be fooled—it’s packed with powerful tools. It combines cutting-edge tech like anti-malware, anti-phishing, and ransomware protection, all with a simple and easy-to-use interface.

It runs quietly in the background with real-time protection, keeping your system safe without slowing it down. Further, it’s fairly affordable and includes a free version.

Malwarebytes

Malwarebytes

Get grade-A protection without breaking the bank or slowing down your system!
Check price Visit website

4. ESET HOME Security Essential – Best Windows 10 antivirus overall

PROSCONS:
✅ Minimal power usage
✅ Gamer Mode
✅ Strong web-browsing and online payment protection
✅ Excellent phishing defense
✅ Military-grade encryption for passwords
✅ Install & forget the antivirus model
✅ Active web-browsing protection
✅ Ransomware and spyware shield
✅ Online banking & payment protection
✅ Suitable for Windows, macOS, and Linux
❌ UI can feel outdated
compared to competitors

ESET HOME Security Essential is ranked as one of the best antivirus for Windows 10. It protects against malware, including viruses, ransomware, worms, as well as spyware.

Additionally, it offers military-grade encryption for all your passcodes when your device is lost or destroyed, so nothing leaks or gets stolen.

ESET HOME Security Essential

ESET HOME Security Essential

A lightweight antivirus that offers just the protection all your devices need against the latest malware.
Free Trial Visit Website

5. Guard.io – Best for internet browsing

best antivirus for windows 10
PROSCONS
✅ Super lightweight browser extension
✅ Effective phishing and malicious site blocking
✅ Very easy to install
✅ Good privacy tools for web browsing
✅ Prevents browser-based data breaches		❌Limited protection outside of the browser
❌ No mobile device support

Firstly, Guard.io is a lightweight Chrome extension that basically works like an antivirus for your browser. It takes seconds to add, and provides immediate online security.

Harmful sites will be blocked immediately, while advanced anti-phishing protection will prevent all attempts to steal your data. Its machine learning and cloud infrastructure, and security research bring state-of-the-art web browsing protection.

Guard.io

Guard.io

Your browsing bodyguard for any online threats.
Free Trial Visit Website

6. Intego ONE – Most descriptive AV report

PROSCONS
✅ Full bulletin virus report on Windows & Mac
✅ Excellent real-time protection
✅ Low impact on system performance
✅ Great ransomware protection
✅ Full system cleanup tools
✅ Advanced reports on malware activities
✅ Cross-platform (Windows & macOS)		❌ No mobile app support
❌ Lacks advanced features like VPN or parental control

Intego ONE is the next tested antivirus and it delivers competitive antivirus technology with real-time virus prevention. This antivirus will generate a complete report with every security aspect, and provide cutting-edge tools for malware removal.

You can thereby stop complex cyber threats like Zero-day or phishing attacks that put your Windows PC at risk.

Intego

Intego ONE

Keep threats away using Intego’s advanced security system!
Check price Visit website

7. Norton Antivirus Plus – Best for home PC

best antivirus for windows 10
PROSCONS
✅ Low system impact
✅ Frequently updated
✅ Excellent real-time malware protection
✅ Cloud backup (2GB) included
✅ Built-in VPN and password manager
✅ Dark web monitoring (premium tiers)		❌ Can be expensive
on a per-device basis
❌ VPN and cloud storage
are limited in basic plans
❌ Intrusive notifications

Norton works silently in the background, having minimum impact on your system’s resources. It has a multi-layered approach that covers all bases: antivirus, email scan, anti malware, and cloud backup.

You receive up to 2GB of cloud backup space to save and defend essential files and documents from hard disk failure and hardware theft. The drawback of Norton is that it is pricey per device.

Norton AntiVirus Plus

Multi-layered, smart encryption helps safeguard your devices from arising from various malware threats.
Check price Visit Website
PROSCONS
✅ Robust real-time protection
✅ Excellent email protection (great for business users)
✅ Low system impact
✅ Data loss prevention features
✅ Good for home and business environments		❌Lacks features like VPN
or parental controls
❌ Some users find the UI
to be too basic
❌ Limited mobile device
support

Does Windows 10 need antivirus on top of Windows Defender?

Yes, Windows 10 certainly needs an antivirus. Even though Windows constantly updates the OS for better security, you’ll always need to use an antivirus that can quickly detect, block, and remove threats. 

Such tools can block access to malicious sites, stop intrusive pop-ups, prevent/detect spam, and protect your privacy against spyware, data theft, hackers, and phishing attacks.

Good cyber hygiene also goes a long way, but no matter how well-versed you are in online security, you can never be too sure. New threats arise daily.

Summary

That concludes our list of the best antivirus tools for Windows 10. We will update the list once more information is uncovered to provide you with the most updated and relevant information.

If interested, check out our guide on Antivirus statistics to know more about the importance of security tools. And finally, check out our antivirus market share report to find out which antivirus is topping the charts.

Did you download the best antivirus for Windows 10? Let us know by leaving your feedback in the comments below.

Couldn’t Connect to Your Device to Samsung TV: 7 Ways to Fix

Posted on by Madalina Dinita

If you can’t connect your PC to your Samsung TV, this guide will help you. Microsoft’s Cast to Device. feature allows connectivity between Windows devices and Smart TVs.

However, people report frequent issues with it. The most common one is simply the inability to connect. Improper connection, poor internet, and faulty settings can all contribute to this problem.

Here is how you fix it:

How can I fix Couldn’t connect to your device to Samsung TV message?

Before you go into these solutions, try the following workaround:

  • Disable your antivirus software.

If after this the problem persists, you may continue to more detailed solutions below.

1. Connect Windows device to Samsung TV properly

  1. Ensure you have connected your Samsung TV and Windows 10 device to the same WiFi/Local Area network.
  2. Press Windows + I on the keyboard to open Settings.
  3. Go to Bluetooth & devices.going bluetooth devices windows 11 settings
  4. Click on Add device.
  5. Select Wireless display or dock.
    connecting wireless display or dock windows add a device
  6. Windows will scan for the wireless display. Select the Samsung TV when it is found.

2. Make sure to have your network card drivers up to date

  1. Open the Start Menu, type Device Manager, and hit Enter.opening device manager windows 11
  2. Expand Network adapters.
  3. Right-click on your network driver and choose Update driver.choosing update driver for network driver
  4. Select Search automatically for updated driver software and go ahead.

Now, check whether it has been fixed or couldn’t connect to your device.

3. Check if you have the network-sharing feature enabled

  1. Open the Start Menu, type Control Panel, and press Enter.
  2. Go to Network and Internet.going network and internet control panel
  3. Go to Network and Sharing Center.going network and sharing center control panel
  4. Click on Advanced sharing settings, as shown in the screenshot.going advanced sharing settings control panel
  5. Enable network sharing for Network discovery and File and printer sharing.enabling network sharing control panel windows
  6. Click on Save changes.

If your Samsung TV is not discoverable on Windows 10 or 11, the problem is most likely related to the aforementioned settings.

4. Make sure Media Streaming is enabled

  1. Like the previous method, go to the Network and Sharing Center.
  2. Click on Media streaming options.going media streaming options control panel windows
  3. Click on Turn on media streaming.turning on media streaming control panel windows
  4. Now, click on OK.

If you can’t connect your laptop to the TV via a wireless network, it’s possible that the media streaming feature wasn’t enabled.

5. Reset the Stream Permission on the Windows 10 device

  1. Open the Start Menu, type Windows Media Player, and hit Enter.
  2. Click on Stream and check Automatically allow devices to play my media.enabling automatically allow devices to play my media windows media player

Resetting the Stream Permission on the computer is an effective solution. For some users, it has worked like magic when Windows 10 can’t connect to TV using wireless means.

6. Make sure that certain services are not disabled

  1. Press Windows + R on the keyboard to open Run.
  2. Type services.msc in the Run box and hit Enter.
  3. Search for the following services. Double-click each service and set its Startup type accordingly:
    • DNS Client – Automatic (Triggered)

    • Function Discovery Resource Publication – Manual
    • SSDP Discovery – Manual
    • UPnP Device Host – Manual

Sometimes specific services are disabled in the system, such as DNS Client, Function Discovery Resource Publication, SSDP Discovery, and UPnP Device Host. Find these services and make sure they are not disabled.

7. Factory reset your TV

Note icon NOTE
Remember that resetting your TV will remove installed apps and revert all your settings to default.
  1. Navigate to Settings and pick All settings.
  2. Next, go to General & Privacy.
  3. Select Reset.
  4. After doing that, enter your PIN. It should be 0000 by default.
  5. Select Reset once again to confirm.

We hope the above solutions help eliminate the Couldn’t connect to your Samsung TV error. You may also find helpful our guide on addressing browser not supported on Samsung TV. For additional streaming fixes, see our guide on YouTube not working on Samsung TV.

Keeping your privacy protected is important, and if you want to do that, we suggest using the best VPN for Samsung TV. A VPN can also help if Samsung TV Plus is not working, so be sure to give it a try.

If your Samsung TV is not connecting to your PC via HDMI, there’s a possibility that the HDMI port is not working properly. This isn’t the only issue you can encounter, and we recently wrote about LG error code 106 in a separate guide, so don’t miss it.

If you have any other suggestions, leave them in the comment section below.

Cisco AnyConnect Authentication Failed: How to Fix it

Posted on by Milan Stanojevic

Using a VPN is one of the best ways to protect your privacy online, however, many users received a Cisco AnyConnect authentication failed message.

As a result, they are denied access to the VPN tool. However undesirable this situation is, tweaking a few settings should restore everything.

It’s worth mentioning that the same error was reported by the users of the following VPN clients:

The causes are, in most cases, similar and refer to either some antivirus settings, VPN settings, or even a corrupt VPN installation. Whatever the cause, take each solution presented below in turn.

Hopefully, you’ll get back access to your VPN tool before reaching the end of this article. So, let’s dig in.

How do I fix a Cisco AnyConnect login failed?

  1. Check your antivirus and firewall
  2. Disable your firewall
  3. Try switching to a different VPN client
  4. Check your login credentials
  5. Check the number of connections
  6. Make sure that your service is paid for
  7. Change your username and password
  8. Reinstall your VPN client
  9. Perform a Clean boot

1. Check your antivirus and firewall

One of the most common causes when getting a VPN authentication failed message is your antivirus or firewall.

The antivirus sometimes blocks VPN clients, detecting them as false positives.

To fix the problem, it’s advised that you check your antivirus settings and make sure to whitelist your VPN client. Additionally, you can try disabling certain antivirus features or disable your antivirus altogether.

If that doesn’t solve the problem, try uninstalling your antivirus. If you’re on Windows 10, you’ll be protected by Windows Defender even if you remove your third-party antivirus, so there’s no need to worry about your safety.

Once you remove your antivirus, check if the problem is still there. If the issue doesn’t appear anymore, it may be time to consider a different antivirus software.

You can find many good Windows 10 compatible antivirus software that won’t interfere with your VPN. Moreover, many worthwhile tools come with integrated VPNs, so you won’t have to invest in two apps.

2. Disable your firewall

According to users, sometimes VPN authentication failed message can appear if your firewall is blocking the VPN client. To fix this problem, users suggest to temporarily disabling your firewall and checking if that solves your problem.

To disable your third-party firewall, you’ll have to open its settings page and find the disable option.

However, Windows also has its own firewall, and you might need to disable it as well in order to troubleshoot this issue.

  1. Press Windows Key + S and enter firewall. Select Windows Firewall from the list of results.
    vpn authentication error firewall search
  2. Choose Turn Windows Firewall on or off from the left pane.
    vpn authentication error turn firewall on or off
  3. Select Turn off Windows Firewall (not recommended) for both Public network and Private network profiles. Now click the OK button to save changes.
    vpn authentication failed disable firewall

After doing that, your firewall will be completely disabled. Bear in mind that disabling the firewall isn’t advised since it can leave your PC at risk.

However, if disabling the firewall fixes the problem with the VPN, the issue is most likely related to your firewall settings, so you’ll need to adjust them accordingly.

3. Try switching to a different VPN client

If other solutions couldn’t fix the VPN authentication failed error message, perhaps the problem is related to your VPN client. If that’s so, it’s advised to switch to a different VPN client.

Consider a VPN provider with a large number of servers across the whole globe, because these can generally ensure a good connection at all times, regardless of the specific online activity you engage in.

Another feature to look for when picking your VPN client is the privacy policy. Get a VPN that has transparent rules and is compliant with the regulations applicable in your area.

The best VPNs for Windows 10 should ensure that there’s no data leakage even if the connection drops, so make sure to look for the kill switch feature as well.

4. Check your login credentials

how do i fix VPN access error

If your firewall or VPN isn’t the problem, perhaps you should check your login credentials.

It’s possible that you mistyped your username or password, and that might be causing your problem. To fix the issue, be sure to double-check your login information and make sure that it’s completely correct.

Be sure to check for uppercase and lowercase letters since they can be the common problem for login issues.

5. Check the number of connections

VPN multiple connections

Many VPN clients allow you to have a limited number of VPN connections at a time, and if you exceed the number of these connections, you might get the VPN authentication failed message.

To fix the problem, be sure to check all the devices that are using your VPN.

If you have multiple PCs and phones using the same VPN service, try disabling the app on certain some of them and check if that solves your problem.

6. Make sure that your service is paid for

Make sure that your service is paid for

If you’re unable to use your VPN due to the VPN authentication failed error message, it’s possible that the problem is caused by unpaid service.

Sometimes, you might forget paying for the VPN service, and that can lead to this and many other problems. So log in to your VPN account and make sure that your service is paid for.

If everything is in order in terms of payment, you can proceed to the next solution.

7. Change your username and password

change username and password

If you’re having issues with your VPN credentials, try to change them. Even if you’re certain that these are correct, you can try changing them to refresh the connection.

It’s possible that there’s a glitch with your VPN client, but you might be able to fix it this way.

8. Reinstall your VPN client

Reinstall your VPN client

According to users, sometimes you can encounter a VPN authentication failed message simply because the VPN installation is corrupted. So the only workaround is to reinstall the client.

This is fairly simple to do, and the best way to do it is to use uninstaller software first. You can also remove it with Windows Settings, but many users reported that the Windows uninstaller utility leaves behind leftover files.

Uninstaller software are specifically configured to find and remove everything related to the app you want to delete. This will ensure that you will be able to seamlessly reinstall your VPN.

Once you remove your VPN client completely, install it again and check if the problem is still there.

9. Perform a Clean boot

  1. Press Windows Key + R to open the Run dialog. Enter msconfig and click OK or press Enter.
    msconfig run dialog vpn authentication error
  2. Navigate to the Services tab and check Hide all Microsoft services Now click the Disable all button to disable all these services.
    disable services vpn authentication error
  3. Head over to the Startup tab and click Open Task Manager.
  4. Right-click the first application on the list and choose Disable from the menu. Repeat this step for all startup applications on the list.
    disable applications vpn authentication error
  5. Once you disable all startup applications, go back to the System Configuration Now you just have to click Apply and OK to save changes and restart your PC.

A clean boot should stop any interference of other applications or processes upon the VPN. So once your PC restarts check if the problem is still there.

If the issue doesn’t reappear, it’s possible that one of the startup applications or services was causing it. To find the cause, you need to enable all disabled applications and services one by one until you manage to recreate the issue.

Bear in mind that you’ll need to restart your PC or at least log out and log back in to apply the changes. Once you find the problematic application or a service, disable it or remove it from your PC.

Although the VPN authentication failed error can be quite problematic, we hope that you managed to solve it by using some of our solutions. In some cases, it might be necessary to download Cisco AnyConnect on Windows 11 again to fix this issue.

We’d like to hear if this article helped. Feel free to drop us a line in the comments below.

[wl_navigator]

Fix Audio Static in Windows 10 Permanently in 6 Easy Steps

Posted on by Ivan Jenic

Static audio is one of the few annoying things you notice if the sound is not working well in Windows 10. This problem can be down to various factors, from hardware faults to software issues.

Irrespective of the cause, this guide will show you to fix this and restore your audio quality permanently.

Why am I getting static audio on Windows 10?

When you get static or sometimes buzzing noise on your PC, it could be because of the following reasons.

  • Wrong power setting – If you get static audio on the Realtek driver on Windows 10, it could be because your power setting is not optimized. The fix is to choose the high-performance power option.
  • Outdated chipset driver – If you are wondering Why does my audio sound static?, outdated drivers could be the underlying cause. You can solve this by updating the drivers from your PC’s manufacturer’s website.
  • Wrong sound format – Some users complained that a wrong sound format caused this issue. By adjusting the sound format, many were able to fix the Windows 10 USB audio static and other forms of the issue.

How can I fix the audio static on Windows 10?

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

  • Restart the computer.
  • Ensure the connection is in order and the cable is not damaged.
  • If you have plugged the audio device into a USB 3.0 port, disconnect it and then connect it to a USB 2.0 port on the PC. Some devices do not yet function optimally with the latest major version of Universal Serial Bus and may cause Windows 10 USB audio static.
  • In case you have a program that modifies the sound parameters or properties, uninstall the app and verify whether the problem is resolved.

If none work, head to the fixes listed next.

1. Download the correct Standard SATA AHCI Controller

  1. Press the Windows key + X and select Device Manager.
    device manager audio static windows 10
  2. Click the arrow next to IDE ATA/ ATAPI Controllers option to expand it and right-click the driver there.
  3. Choose the Properties option.
    properties audio static windows 10
  4. Now, click the Details tab at the top and click the Property dropdown, and select Hardware Ids.
    hardware ids
  5. From here, right-click the top item and select the Copy option under the Value section.
    copy
  6. Now, search for the device ID on Google to download the correct version of the driver for your device.
    google

The Standard SATA AHCI Controller comes as the default driver for IDE ATA/ ATAPI Controllers. However, some users have found it to cause the audio static issue on windows 10.

This is because the available version cannot do the required job. Hence, it is important to download the latest version from the manufacturer’s website.

Also, outdated or corrupt drivers could cause Windows 10 sound cracking with Realtek. In this case, you will need to install the latest Realtek audio driver in Windows 10.

However, we recommend you use Fortect Driver Updater(100% safe and tested by us) to update your drivers automatically. You might also need to update other drivers, like the sound driver, to fix the issue. And doing this manually will be stressful and time-consuming.

This is a tool specialized in driver updates. It automatically scans your PC, finds outdated drivers, and updates them to their latest versions.

⇒ Get Fortect Driver Updater

2. Run the sound troubleshooter

  1. Press the Windows key + I and select Update & Security.
    update audio static windows 10
  2. Click Troubleshoot in the left pane and select Additional troubleshooters.
    troubleshoot
  3. Finally, choose Playing Audio and click the Run the troubleshooter button.
    run troubleshooter

Windows 10 come with various troubleshooters that are handy when it comes to fixing issues. The Playing Audio troubleshooter has proven to diagnose and recommend potential solutions to the audio static windows 10 issue.

3. Change the Minimum Processor State

  1. Press the Windows key, type power and, and choose the Power & sleep settings option.
    power audio static windows 10
  2. Choose Additional power settings under Related settings.
    additional power setting
  3. Now, select the Change plan settings option.
    change plan
  4. Click the Change advanced power settings option.
    change advanced
  5. Now, expand the Processor power management option and followed by Minimum processor state.
    minimum-power audio static windows 10
  6. From here, click the On battery and Plugged in options and set their values to 100%.
  7. Finally, click the Apply button, followed by OK to save the changes.
    hundred

Sometimes, the reason you are getting static audio on Windows 10 is insufficient power allocation. The steps above help to fix this and restore your sound quality.

4. Switch power plan

  1. Press the Windows key + S, type power plan and select Choose a power plan.
    choose audio static windows 10
  2. Select Create a power plan in the left pane.
    create plan
  3. Now, tick the radio for High performance and click the Next button.
    high audio static windows 10
  4. Finally, click the Create button to save your new power plan.
    create button

Sometimes, the Balanced option might not be enough to power the speakers and the audio outputs connected to your PC. This might lead to the audio static on Windows 10 issue.

It should be noted that the High performance plan will drain your battery fast. However, it has proven to solve the issue for many users. Also, changing the power plan will fix audio static in Windows 11.

5. Change the audio format

  1. Press the Windows key + S, type control, and select Control Panel.
    control panel
  2. Choose Hardware and Sound from the options.
    hardware audio static windows 10
  3. Select Sound.
    sound
  4. Double-click your speaker to open the properties.
    speakers
  5. Now, choose the Advanced tab at the top, click the dropdown under Default Format and choose the 16 bit, 44100 Hz (CD Quality) format.
  6. Click Apply, followed by OK to save your settings.
    format audio static windows 10

Some users confirmed that changing the audio format to 16 or 24 bits fixed static audio on Windows 10 issue. So, you can alternate between these two formats and see the one that works for you.

6. Change the display resolution

  1. Press the Windows key + I and select the System option.
    system audio static windows 10
  2. Click the dropdown under Scale and layout and choose the recommended setting.
  3. Finally choose the recommended setting for the Display resolution too and restart your PC.
    display resolution

Sometimes, when you tamper with the display resolution and layout, you might have sound issues on your PC. This is because when you watch a video with a higher resolution than advised, it increases the video load. Consequently, this affects the sound quality.

There you have it. We believe you should be able to fix the audio static on Windows 10 issue with the information in this guide.

Also, find the best audio drivers for Windows, and get a finer audio experience.

Please, feel free to let us know if you could fix this issue with any of the solutions in this guide.

Windows 10 Taskbar Icons Missing? Restore Them in 8 Steps

Posted on by Srishti Sisodia

If your taskbar icons are missing on Windows 10, this guide can help! We will cover all the available fixes to quickly resolve the problem after discussing the causes. Let’s begin! 

What causes missing taskbar icons on Windows 10? 

There are various reasons why your taskbar icons are missing on Windows 10; some of the common ones are:

  • Corrupted or missing system files – If the system files of your computer are corrupt or missing, then you might face this issue. You need to repair the system files to fix the issue.
  • Bad Windows update – If the recent Windows update is corrupt or missing some files, the icons might get missing from Taskbar. To fix it, you need to uninstall the latest Windows update.
  • Taskbar is malfunctioning – If the taskbar is not working correctly, it might not display all the icons.  
  • Outdated drivers – If your computer has obsolete or old display drivers, then your taskbar icons might be missing. You must update the drivers on your computer to resolve the problem.
  • Icons are hidden – Another possibility could be the icons are hidden from view, hence causing the issue. You need to check Taskbar settings to be sure. 
  • Malware infection – If your computer is infected with viruses, your system files might be damaged. This could cause a lot of issues, including this one. 

What can I do if taskbar icons are missing on Windows 10?

Before moving to the troubleshooting steps, make sure you go through these preliminary checks: 

  • Remove all the external peripherals except the default ones.
  • Install Windows Updates.
  • Run a malware scan.
  • Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc keys to open Task Manager, right-click Windows Explorer, and select Restart. 

1. Run the SFC and DISM command

  1. Press the Windows key, type CMD, and click Run as administrator. Command Prompt Windows Run as Administrator
  2. Type the following command to verify the Windows system files’ integrity and press Enter: sfc/scannow 
  3. Copy and paste the following commands one by one to repair the Windows image and press Enter after every command:  DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /CheckHealth DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
  4. Once the process is complete, restart your computer

2. Use the Settings app

2.1 Change the taskbar settings

  1. Press Windows + I to open Settings. 
  2. Go to Personalization. Personalization windows 10 taskbar icons missing
  3. Choose Taskbar from the left pane; turn off the toggle for the Automatically hide the taskbar in tablet mode option.Taskbar 1 windows 10 taskbar icons missing
  4. Now, go to the Notification section and click Select which icons appear on the taskbar.Notification
  5. Turn on the toggle for the icons you want to add. 

2.2 Disable Tablet mode( if using multiple screens) 

  1. Open Settings and go to System.System Windows 10 windows 10 taskbar icons missing
  2. Click Tablet from the left pane. 
  3. Select the Never use tablet mode option from the right pane. Tablet mode
  4. Restart your computer and check if the problem persists. 

3. Update the display driver

  1. Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog box. Device Manager RUN COMMAND
  2. Type devmgmt.msc and click OK to open Device Manager.
  3. Locate and expand the Display adapters list.
  4. Right-click the driver listed and click Update driver.  windows 10 taskbar icons missing
  5. Click Search automatically for drivers.Update driver 2
  6. Follow the onscreen instructions to complete the process.

A different method to manage all the drivers automatically, without any complicated steps, is using an expert driver updating tool capable of updating all drivers at once and solving your Windows issue.

4. Run the Disk Cleanup tool 

  1. Press Windows + R to open the Run window. 
  2. Type cleanmgr and click OK. Cleanmgr Run command
  3. On the Disk Cleanup: Drive selection window, select drive and click OK.Cleanmgr 2 windows 10 taskbar icons missing 
  4. Click Clean up system files.Cleanmgr 3
  5. Again on the Disk Cleanup: Drive selection window, select drive and click OK. 
  6. Select all the content from the Files to delete and click OK. Cleanmgr 4
  7. Click Delete Files on the window. Cleanmgr 5

5. Delete the Icon Cache

  1. Press Windows + R to open the Run console. 
  2. Type %appdata% and click OK. Appdata windows 10 taskbar icons missing
  3. Go to the View tab on Windows Explorer and select Hidden items. 
  4. On the AppData folder, locate IconCache.db and click the Delete icon. ICON
  5. Restart your computer. 

6. Use the Registry Editor

  1. Press Windows + R to open the Run console. REGEDIT RUN COMMAND
  2. Type Regedit and click OK to open the Registry Editor. 
  3. Follow the path: Computer\ HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Local Settings\Software\ Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\ TrayNotify
  4. Locate and delete IconStreams. Regedit
  5. Also, locate and delete pasticonstreams
  6. Restart your computer. 

7. Reinstall Taskbar

  1. Press the Windows key, type PowerShell, and click Run as administrator.Windows Powershell windows 10 taskbar icons missing
  2. Copy and paste the following command and press Enter: Get-AppxPackage -AllUsers| Foreach {Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register “$($_.InstallLocation)\AppXManifest.xml”}
  3. Restart your PC and check if the issue persists. 

8. Use the system restore point to restore system settings 

  1. Press the Windows key, type Control Panel, and click Open. CP windows 10 taskbar icons missing
  2. Select Large icons from View as and click Recovery. Recovery Windows 10
  3. Now select Open System Restore. System restore
  4. On the System Restore window, click Next. Next Restore point
  5. On the next window, select the restore point and click Next. Restore your computer
  6. Now click Finish to let Windows restore your system settings to the chosen point. Restore

So, these are the methods you must follow to fix the taskbar icons missing issue on Windows 10. Try them and let us know what worked in the comments section below. 

How to Enable/Block 3rd Party Cookies in Chrome Incognito Mode

Posted on by Radu Tyrsina

If you’re wondering how to not accept cookies on websites, Chrome has a great option for private browsing that makes it easy for you to block third-party cookies in Incognito.

By default, the Incognito mode does not save browsing history, cookies, site data, or information entered in forms. Speaking of that, you may also choose to manually delete autofill entries from Chrome. However, some users want to allow or enable cookies in Incognito mode.

Many people prefer private browsing because it prevents trackers and protects browsing data. In fact, you can even choose to hide bookmarks made in Incognito for enhanced privacy.

But what are third-party cookies in Incognito anyway? Besides being yummy, cookies, in general, are meant to facilitate your online experience by retaining particular information such as content or ad preferences, sign-in information, and so on.

The ones created by a particular website that you visit are called first-party cookies, while the ones generated by complementary sites (such as the ones providing the ads visible on the particular page you visit) are called third-party cookies.

Now that that’s out of the way, let’s see how to enable cookies in Chrome Incognito mode or block them, as per your needs.

Does Incognito mode use existing cookies?

By default, Chrome Incognito is set to not use existing cookies or other data previously saved in your browser or device. This allows Chrome to act as if you have never visited a particular webpage before whenever you launch it in a new Incognito session.

And speaking of Incognito sessions, all cookies and site data are automatically cleared after ending one in Chrome.

However, users can adjust their settings to enable cookies in Incognito mode if they wish. Users can also:

  • customize the sites for which they want to enable cookies
  • choose to block all third-party cookies or all cookies, including first-party cookies
  • enable cookies for one site and disable them for another
  • delete all cookies for a preferred time range and more

How do I enable/block third-party cookies in Incognito mode?

  1. Enable/Block from New Tab Page
  2. Adjust browser settings
  3. Should I block third-party cookies in Incognito?

1. Enable/Block from New Tab page

  1. Open Chrome and click on the three dots in the top right corner. Open the Google Chrome menu.
  2. Select New Incognito Window (or press Ctrl + Shift + N). Select new incognito window.
  3. Toggle Block third-party cookies to Off in order to enable cookies in Incognito Mode. Set the switch back to On in order to block third party cookies in Incognito.Toggle block third party cookies to off to allow cookies.

This is the quickest and most convenient way to allow or disable cookies in Incognito mode. If you want to customize which sites allow cookies, have a look at the following method.

2. Adjust browser settings

  1. Open Chrome and click on the three dots in the top right corner.
  2. Select Settings. open Chrome settings.
  3. Under Privacy and security, click on Cookies and other site data. Under privacy and security open cookies settings.
  4. Select Allow all cookies.
  5. Alternatively, if you only want to allow cookies from a specific site, you can add the URL under Sites that can always use cookies.
  6. Finally, you can choose to check the box next to Block third-party cookies in Incognito or simply Block third-party cookies.

That is the main difference between the two options: block third-party cookies in Incognito vs block third-party cookies.

3. Should I block third-party cookies in Incognito? ?

If you block third-party cookies, some website functions may no longer work as expected. This happens because many sites rely on these cookies to function properly.

Take for instance session cookies, video controls, sign-in credentials for specific accounts, and so on. Now, you can block third-party cookies in Incognito and there is no specific restriction against this as long as it works well for you.

However, blocking all cookies is not recommended, just as it is clearly indicated in the browser’s settings.

You should now know how to enable cookies in Chrome Incognito or how to allow only cookies from specific sites while browsing privately.

Let us know in the comments below if you had any difficulty or issues when allowing cookies in Chrome Incognito mode.

Disable IPv6 Windows 11: Why & How to Change It

Posted on by Claire Moraa

IPv6 stands for internet protocol version 6, the next generation of internet addressing. It was developed to replace the current Internet Protocol (IPv4). IPv6 is integral to networks because it provides many benefits over its predecessor.

Not every user has warmed up to IPV6, given how long its adoption took. Even though Windows 11 comes with new features that make it ideal for the IPV6 protocol, some still prefer to disable it. If you’re one of them, we show you how to go about it.

Should you disable IPv6 Windows 11?

In the world of the internet, such as gaming and streaming, IPv6 is necessary for the smooth running of a website or application. However, there are some applications where IPv6 is unnecessary, so disabling it can improve your internet speed and security.

It all depends on your hardware and what you need it for. Some advantages of using IPV6 include:

  • Increased security and privacy – IPv6 provides increased protection against many network attacks.
  • Better efficiency – The routing tables in IPv4 are very large and thus inefficient, increasing the overhead required for each packet. In contrast, routing tables in IPv6 are much more compact and, thus, more efficient.
  • Improved management of traffic – IPv6 allows for more control over access to the Internet. This can be used for improved quality of service, such as faster website response times or better bandwidth allocation to specific users.

IPV6 has its disadvantages as well:

  • Limited availability – The first disadvantage is that IPV6 is not widely used. It’s still considered an experimental protocol by most countries.
  • Lack of interoperability with older systems and protocols – To support the new version of the Internet Protocol (IP) standard, many older applications and devices must be modified or replaced.
  • Hardware limitations – Not all routers support IPv6, so you won’t be able to use these devices with IPv6 addresses. You must buy new hardware to use IPv6 on your network.

How do I change IPv6 on Windows 11?

1. Use the Control Panel 

  1. Hit the Windows key, type Control Panel in the search bar, and click Open.
    control-panel-search fallout new vegas runtime error
  2. Click on Network and Internet.
    going network and internet control panel
  3. Navigate to Network and Sharing Center.
  4. Select Change adapter settings.
  5. Right-click on the connection you wish to disable IPV6 and select Properties.
  6. On the Network properties dialog that pops up, uncheck the box beside Internet Protocol Version 6 (TCP/IPv6), then click OK.

2. Use the Command Prompt 

  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: netsh interface teredo set state disabled netsh interface ipv6 6to4 set state state=disabled undoonstop=disabled netsh interface ipv6 isatap set state state=disabled

3. Use Powershell

  1. Hit the Windows key, type Powershell in the search bar, and click Run as administrator.
  2. Type the following commands and press Enter: Get-NetAdapterBinding -ComponentID ms_tcpip6
  3. Take note of the network adapter you wish to disable in 2 above. Next, type the following command and hit Enter. Remember to replace Ethernet with the name noted in 2: Disable-NetAdapterBinding -Name "Ethernet" -ComponentID ms_tcpip6
  4. If you’d like to confirm whether the command was successful, type the following command. The corresponding entry should be False: Get-NetAdapterBinding -ComponentID ms_tcpip6

4. Use the Registry Editor

  1. Hit the Windows + R keys to open the Run command.
  2. Type regedit in the dialog box, then hit Enter to open the Registry Editor.
  3. Navigate to the following location: HKEY_Local_Machine\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\services\TCPIP6\Parameters
  4. Right-click on an empty space on the right pane, select New DWORD (32-bit) Value, and rename it as DisabledComponents.
  5. Double-click on DisabledComponents and enter FFFFFFFF as Value data, then click OK. 
  6. Exit the Registry Editor and restart your PC. IPv6 will be disabled.

Don’t forget to create a restore point before you edit the registry so that you can always roll back to a previous point in case an error happens.

How do I know if IPv6 is enabled in Windows 11?

IPV6 comes enabled by default in Windows 11, but if you want to make sure of its status, you can do so by following the steps below:

  1. Hit the Windows key, type Powershell in the search bar, and click Run as administrator.
  2. Type the following command and press Enter: Get-NetAdapterBinding -ComponentID ms_tcpip6
  3. If the corresponding entry next to your Wi-Fi connection is True, then IPV6 is enabled.

You can re enable the protocol at any time by following this guide on enabling IPv6 on Windows 11.

Although IPv6 offers much more robust security features such as authentication, privacy, and security, it’s still not widely accepted. It’s great, but if you don’t have the requisite hardware to accommodate it, you’ll experience various problems.

If you are encountering issues like IPv6 no internet access, check out this guide to find quick solutions.

The most common one is that your router cannot handle a load of routing packets from all the devices on your home network. When this happens, some of your devices will become unreachable, and others will have intermittent connectivity issues.

For more on IPV6, check out our exciting article on how you can enable IPV6 on your Xbox One.

Have you enabled IPV6 on your Windows 11? If so, we’d love to know your experience thus far. Drop us a comment down below.

Remove Virtual Drive on Windows 10: 2 Simple Ways to Do It

Posted on by Matthew Adams

Virtual drives are virtualized hard drives that operate much the same as additional external hard disk drives with their partitions. Although they can be useful for virtual machines, some users remove virtual drives in Windows 10 when no longer needed.

The process of deleting a virtual drive is different from creating it. And to free up storage space if the virtual drive is not required, deleting it is the best way to proceed. So, let’s find out all about it.

What is a virtual drive?

A Virtual Drive is similar to a regular one and can be created on a connected storage drive. It usually has two extensions, .vhdx and .vhd, with distinct features and individual sets of pros and cons.

To any program or application on the PC, the virtual drive appears as a real/physical device and is used as such. Here are some of the key features of a virtual drive:

  • Easy to create: Virtual drives are easy to create and can be built on an existing storage drive, all in a matter of minutes.
  • Can be quickly moved: A major benefit of virtual drives is the enhanced portability, meaning they can be moved quickly and easily from one system to another.
  • Used by Virtual Machines: Virtual Drives are mostly employed by Virtual Machines to store the OS, programs, and data. So, once done with the latter, you can remove the virtual drive in Windows 10.
  • Slower than regular drives: One of the aspects users often complain about is the slow speed of drives that were created virtually. And there’s ain’t much you can do because that’s how the way it works.

How can I remove the virtual drive on Windows 10?

Tip icon Tip
Many recommend removing the Virtual Drive via the Uninstall Device option in the Drivers tab in its Properties. But, the method wouldn’t work. As soon you restart the computer, the virtual drive will reappear, given that Windows automatically installs the missing driver.

1. Using Disk Management

  1. Press Windows + X to open the Power User menu, and select Disk Management from the list.disk management
  2. In Disk Management, locate the Virtual Drive, right-click on it, and choose Detach VHD.detach VHD to remove Virtual Drive in Windows 10
  3. Click OK in the confirmation prompt to remove the Virtual Disk in Windows 10.ok

This is the simplest method to remove the virtual drive in Windows 10, and it shouldn’t take more than a few seconds. But, if you prefer the command line over GUI, we have a solution for that as well.

2. With Diskpart

  1. Press Windows + R to open Run, type cmd, and hit Ctrl + Shift + Enter.command prompt
  2. Click Yes in the UAC prompt.
  3. Paste the following command and hit Enter:diskpartdiskpart to remove virtual drive windows 10
  4. Next, execute this command while replacing Path of the VHD file with the actual one on your PC:select vdisk file=”Path of the VHD file”virtual drive
  5. Finally, run this command to delete Virtual Drive in Windows 10:detach vdiskdetach to remove virtual drive windows 10

The Virtual Drive has now been removed from Windows 10. Also, you could head over to the file path and delete the .vhd or .vhdx file to free up storage space in case there’s no data on the Virtual Drive.

Besides, if there’s critical data on the virtual drive, we recommend you use a reliable backup tool to store it and only then remove the drive.

How to delete a virtual hard disk on VirtualBox?

  1. Launch VirtualBox, right-click on the Virtual Machine, and select Settings.
  2. Now go to the Storage tab.storage
  3. Right-click on the virtual drive and select Remove Attachment from the context menu.remove attachment
  4. Once done, click OK to save the changes.

If you were wondering how to remove the virtual CD drive, it could be done via the VirtualMachine settings in no time.

These are all the ways you can remove a Virtual Drive in Windows 10 and even on VirtualBox. And while we are on the subject, check our curated list of the best Virtual Machines in Windows.

If you have any queries or want to share additional information on the subject, comment below.

Halo 5 Crossplay: Is it Possible on PC? Everything We Know

Posted on by Claudiu Andone

Halo 5 is a popular First-person Shooter (FPS) game with several modes and exciting features. It has a tremendous user base and is the first choice of a large section of the gaming community. But many wonder if Halo 5 supports crossplay.

Given the massive appeal and popularity, one would expect Halo 5 to be cross-platform, but the answer comes as a surprise to many. So let’s find out.

Does Halo 5 have crossplay?

No, Halo 5 doesn’t support crossplay. As per recent reports, while the team has not outright denied the idea, there are no immediate plans for it. So, Halo 5 won’t support crossplay, at least in the foreseeable future.

But if you are looking for an alternative, Halo 5: Forge is the best option on Windows. The Forge mode is not new. It has existed in Halo 5: Guardians on Xbox One since its release. It lets you forge levels and invite users from the friend list to play in the Custom game mode.

Is Halo 5 on PC?

Halo 5: Guardian is currently available only on the Xbox platform and not on Windows PC. And it wouldn’t be listed for download on PC for some time now, given the company’s denial of any plans to do so.

In case you were planning to play Halo 5 on PC, the wait is going to be a lot longer. If and when it’s available, we will update the guide with the instructions to download it. So bookmark the page and keep checking it regularly.

What are the requirements to play Halo 5: Forge on PC?

First, let’s see if your PC meets the system requirements for playing Halo 5: Forge on your rig. So we’re listing the required specifications below:

➡ Minimum specs

  • CPU: Intel Core i5 @ 2.3Ghz or AMD FX 6350
  • Memory: 8 GB RAM (2 GB VRAM)
  • GPU: AMD R7 260x or GeForce 650 Ti
  • HD Space: 40 GB
  • DirectX 12

➡ Recommended specs

  • CPU: Intel Core i5 -3570K@ 3.4Ghz / AMD FX 8150
  • Memory: 12 GB RAM (4 GB VRAM)
  • GPU: AMD Radeon R9 380 / GeForce GTX 970
  • HD Space: 40 GB
  • DirectX 12 4K

➡ Ultra specs

  • CPU: Intel Core i7 -4770K@ 3.4Ghz / AMD FX 9370
  • Memory: 16 GB RAM (4+ GB VRAM)
  • GPU: AMD Radeon R9 Fury X / GeForce GTX 980 Ti
  • HD Space: SSD + 40 GB
  • DirectX 12

Supported OS: Windows 10 Anniversary (v.1607) or newer

How can I get Halo 5: Forge on PC for free?

  1. Press Windows + S to open Search, type Microsoft Store, and click on the relevant search result.microsoft store
  2. Now, type Halo 5: Forge in the text field and click on Halo 5: Forge Bundle.halo 5 forge
  3. Click on the Get button.halo 5 forge crossplay
  4. Once the download is complete, you can start playing the game.

With a download size of 31 GB, Halo 5: Forge on Windows supports resolutions up to 4K and has an online multiplayer mode that lets you invite your friends as long as they are also on the Windows. Plus, it even lets you change your keyboard control bindings.

How do I use Halo 5 crossplay?

Here’s everything you need to know about Halo 5 crossplay on Windows and Xbox platforms:

  • Ability to create content: The most exciting feature is Halo 5 is the ability to create content using powerful tools in the game creation suite.
  • Content shared across platforms: The content you create on Windows using Halo 5: Forge or on Xbox One using Halo 5: Guardians is shared across both platforms. That means that whether you play the game on Windows or your Xbox console, there will be the option to play the same levels.
  • Can’t play at the same time: Although you get to play the same levels, you won’t be able to play Halo 5 at the same time as Xbox users.
  • Support for mouse and keyboard: While the Xbox controller remains the first choice for many, with Halo 5: Forge on Windows, gamers can finally use their keyboard and mouse to play the game.
  • Halo app comes bundled: When you download Halo 5: Forge, it comes bundled with the Halo app, which offers the latest developments on the platforms, video tutorials, community content, update notes, and a lot more, all in one place.

What more should I know about Halo 5: Forge?

Halo 5: Forge on Windows 10 also comes with all of the original 15 pre-made Arena maps, essentially giving you much of the Halo 5 multiplayer for free. This also means you can host your own custom Arena matches as well and invite your friends for a game.

It’s not all dandy! There are quite a few issues still with the PC release. To name a few, there are quite a few people with mouse input latency issues and frame rate capped at 60 at the moment. And there is no way to find a game since there is no server browser or matchmaking.

Even the interface – while modified for PC – was originally designed for consoles and thus has massive thumbnails and large text.

Halo 5: Guardians cross-platform play

Even if you can’t cross-play Halo 5: Forge on PC and Xbox, you can do so with Halo 5: Guardians.

The Anvil’s Legacy expansion introduced the Content Browser that allows both Xbox One and PC gamers to join custom matches in progress, pretty much like a server browser.

Until then, there is a Discord servers website where like-minded PC players seem to have gathered to organize a few matches themselves.

Many users are complaining that the gameplay is very different on PC from the Xbox console, and the reasons are pretty obvious. That is why not many players want to mix the two worlds together, and the PC multiplayer servers are pretty deserted.

That’s all there’s to Halo 5 crossplay on Windows and Xbox, and by now, you should have a fair understanding of how it works.

Also, if you are a fan of PC games, discover some quick tips and tricks to boost Windows gaming performance.

For any other queries or to share any information we may have missed, drop a comment below.

MSI Dragon Center Not Installing: 6 Methods to Force Install

Posted on by Kazim Ali Alvi

MSI Dragon Center is one of the tools preferred by gamers using computers manufactured by MSI. And it generally comes preinstalled. But, several users who either uninstalled it or didn’t receive the tool reported that MSI Dragon Center is not installing.

Other users even reported that MSI Dragon Center kept crashing and the Gaming mode is not working in MSI Dragon Center, which we have covered separately. But don’t worry! Read the following sections to find out why MSI Dragon Center is not downloading or installing and the solutions for it.

Why I can’t install MSI Dragon Center?

Here are a few reasons MSI Dragon Center is not installing in Windows:

  • Issues with the setup file: Oftentimes, the setup itself is partially downloaded, amongst other issues, leading to a failed installation.
  • Software already exists on the computer: If you already have MSI Dragon Center installed on the computer, that, too, a more recent version, another will not install.
  • Missing permissions: The software requires administrative privileges, in the absence of which, MSI Dragon Center will not work or even install.
  • Installed blocked by another application: A third-party antivirus or firewall can be blocking the installation attempt. Even if you somehow bypass that, the MSI Dragon Center Firewall error may appear.

What does MSI Dragon Center do?

MSI Dragon Center allows users to monitor the computer’s performance and optimize it. There’s also the option to control the RBG effects or use the mobile app to oversee and make the necessary modifications to the PC.

Besides, it allows users to control the fan speed, thus eliminating overheating in Windows. In all, it serves as a great optimization tool for laptops manufactured by MSI.

How do I fix MSI Dragon Center not installing?

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

  • Restart the computer.
  • Make sure you are installing the latest version of MSI Dragon Center. Head to the official website to verify the same.
  • Check for any pending Windows Updates and install them. Once done, verify whether MSI Dragon Center is still not installing.
  • Update the BIOS. The exact steps for it can be found on the manufacturer’s website, but we recommend you be cautious during the update and make sure there’s a steady power supply.

If these don’t work, move the fixes listed below.

1. Run the installer as an administrator

  1. Right-click on the installer, and select Run as administrator from the context menu.Run as administrator to fix msi dragon center not installing
  2. Click Yes on the UAC prompt.Click Yes
  3. Next, follow the on-screen instructions.

If you find that the MSI Dragon Center package installation is not completed, it could be due to a lack of required permissions. To fix that, just run the setup as an administrator.

2. Terminate non-critical processes

  1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager and locate all the non-critical processes.terminate task to fix msi dragon center not installing
  2. Select them individually and click on End task.
  3. Similarly, disable the other background process background tasks as well.

Often, a conflicting background process is the reason MSI Dragon Center is not installing in Windows. So, terminate all non-critical programs, processes, and tasks and then run the setup.

3. Disable the antivirus

  1. Press Windows + S to open Search, type Windows Security, and click on the relevant search result.windows security
  2. Click on Virus & threat protection.Virus & threat protection
  3. Click on Manage settings under Virus & threat protection settings.manage settings
  4. Disable the toggle for Real-time protection.disable antivirus to fix msi dragon center not installing
  5. Click Yes in the UAC prompt.
  6. Finally, you can try running the MSI Dragon Center setup to install the software.

Another common reason why MSI Dragon Center is not installing is the antivirus. With these steps, you can disable Windows Security in case it’s the one erroneously identifying the software as a threat.

For other antiviruses, you will have to check the built-in option to find the setting to disable it. Or you could simply uninstall the app for now and get it again after the installation goes through.

4. Update the graphics driver

  1. Press Windows + X to open the Power User menu, and select Device Manager.device manager
  2. Expand Display adapters, right-click on the graphics adapter here, and select Update driver from the context menu.update driver to fix msi dragon center not installing
  3. Now, select Search automatically for drivers and let Windows install the best available one.search automatically for drivers

Running an outdated driver for the graphics adapter can lead to issues installing MSI Dragon Center, as reported by some users. So, make sure you update the graphics driver.

Remember, the Device Manager will only look for newer driver versions on the computer. So, you might have to manually install the drivers through the manufacturer’s website.

Moreover, an easier and faster solution is using a specialized driver updating tool that can help you automatically locate the latest driver options from its substantial vault.

5. Reinstall the MSI Dragon Center

  1. Press Windows + R to launch the Run command, enter appwiz.cpl in the text field, and click OK.appwiz.cpl
  2. Select the MSI Dragon Center entry, and click on Uninstall at the top.Uninstall to fix msi dragon center not installing
  3. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the process. Similarly, uninstall the MSI SDK file.
  4. Press Windows + E to open File Explorer, paste the following path in the address bar, and hit Enter:C:\Program Files (x86)\MSIpath
  5. Click on the View menu, hover the cursor over Show, and select Hidden items.hidden items to fix msi dragon center not installing
  6. If any files appear, press Ctrl + A to select them, and then hit the Delete key.
  7. Next, go to the MSI Dragon Center’s official website, and click on the Download Now button to get the MSI Dragon Center offline package.Download now
  8. Once completed, right-click on the downloaded file (Zip format), and select Extract all.Extract all
  9. Click on Browse if you want to change the location, tick the checkbox for Show extracted files when complete, and then click Extract.Extract
  10. Double-click on the Dragon Center folder.MSI Dragon Center
  11. Launch the setup for it.Launch setup to fix msi dragon center not installing
  12. Click Yes in the UAC prompt.Click Yes
  13. Select the installation language, and click OK.select language
  14. Click on Install and wait for the process to complete.Install

If nothing listed previously has worked, completely uninstalling and then reinstalling MSI Dragon Center would be a viable solution. In case the error doesn’t go away, you can also try an effective software uninstaller to remove MSI Dragon Center in Windows 11 before reinstalling it.

6. Install MSI Center from Microsoft Store

  1. Press Windows + S, type Microsoft Store, and then click on the relevant search result.microsoft store
  2. Search for MSI Center, and click on the Get button for the software.MSI Dragon center not installing
  3. Wait for it to finish installing, and you should now be able to run MSI Center.

If MSI Dragon Center is not installing in Windows, a simple solution is to install MSI Center from the Microsoft Store. It will be an alternative when MSI Dragon Center is freezing on Windows.

MSI Center is designed to combine all the features offered by the various MSI tools into a single platform and allows users to access and configure the settings quickly.

These are all ways to fix things when MSI Dragon Center is not installing. Also, these would work if you come across the Dragon Center is found. This installation will be canceled error or the This system is not supported.

Besides, find out what to do if Gaming Mode is not working in MSI Dragon Center. If you managed to fix the problem, now you can go ahead and update BIOS using MSI Dragon Center.

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

How to Find Large Files on Windows 11: 3 Different Ways

Posted on by Claire Moraa

Large files are often stored on your hard drive and can take up a lot of space. Sometimes, you may want to find large files on your PC to free up some hard drive space or move them elsewhere. Other times, files and folders have disappeared, and you want to locate them.

Large files commonly cause slow speeds and performance issues in a PC. When you have large files on your computer, it takes longer for programs to load and for your hard drive to access the data. So, if you’ve been looking for a way to locate them, we show you several ways to find them.

How do I find large files on my PC?

1. Use File Explorer 

1.1 Use the search filter 

  1. Hit the Windows + E keys to open File Explorer.
  2. Navigate to This PC and enter the asterisk * on the search bar.
  3. Once the search is complete, click Search options to sort by size. You can now select the size of the large files you’d like to find, ranging from large to gigantic.

1.2 Use the hidden files feature

  1. Hit the Windows + E keys to open File Explorer.
  2. Click on View, select Show from the drop-down menu, and ensure the Hidden items has a checkmark next to it.
  3. Proceed to repeat the steps in 1.0 above and see if you can find more files.

You can also check out File Explorer’s comprehensive feature list and find out how to expand its functionality to make it work.

2. Use third-party tools

Most of the time, these files are located elsewhere in your computer, and they might be hidden somewhere. File finder software can help you find large files. These programs can scan your computer for all the files larger than a certain size and then list them for you.

Copernic Desktop Search is one such tool. It is a powerful program that can help you identify and locate large files on your PC. This search engine searches your entire hard drive and finds all kinds of files, including photos, videos, and documents.

⇒ Get Copernic Desktop Search

3. Use Command Prompt 

  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 prompt to specify the location you want to find the large files. You can replace the drive letter with the corresponding one for your PC where your files are stored: cd C:\
  3. Next, type the following command and hit Enter. Remember to replace size (bytes) with the size of the file you’re looking for. For instance, if you’re looking for files larger than 1GB, your command should be: forfiles /S /M * /C "cmd /c if @fsize GEQ <size (bytes)> echo @path > largefiles.txt" forfiles /S /M * /C "cmd /c if @fsize GEQ 1073741824 echo @path > LargeFilesList.txt"
  4. Windows will create a .txt file where all the large files will be listed.

Finding large files on Windows 11 can be frustrating if you don’t know where to look. Hopefully, you’ve been able to use one or more of our recommended methods above to locate them. If you’re in the same predicament but on Windows 10, we also have a similar article on how to find large files.

Also, if you want to find and get rid of duplicate files, we have amazing tools to remove duplicates. You may also find File Manager software a must-have to keep your files and folders well organized. This will help you save time as you already know where the large files will be.

Knowing how to find large files is crucial if you want to clean the C drive without formatting, so be sure to use it to free up space.

You can always sort files by size in Windows 11 if you want to find the largest file in a specific directory, and we have a special guide that tells you how to do that.

Let us know your preferred method to locate your large files in the comment section below.