If any of the previous two aren’t working, go to Microsoft Support’s page. Click on Show expanded list of products.
Scroll down and click Get help and support.
Type I am unable to receive SMS code while adding a phone number to my account and click Get Help.
Click Contact support.
Select Other Products from the first drop down, and then Select your support category.
A window to Chat with a support agent in your web browser will pop up. Click on it.
Adding your phone number to your Microsoft account shouldn’t be complicated if you’ve played your cards right. Otherwise, you might run into another This alias cannot be added to your account error.
After all, it doesn’t require much technical know-how, and with these simple fixes, you should be able to continue experiencing your Windows 11 to the fullest.
If you encounter a windows.storage.dll crash error, you probably won’t be able to run your desired programs or apps due to crashes.
Also, it isn’t uncommon for DLL files to go missing on Windows 11. Hence, this guide will explore the causes and possible fixes for the Windows.storage.dll crash on your PC.
What is Windows.storage.dll, and why does it crash?
Windows.storage.dll is an essential component for some Windows applications, and the reason for the error message is that the file is corrupt or missing, which affects the application.
Installation issues: If your installation is incomplete or a program deletes DLL files during its uninstallation, then this error will come up. Also, if you are wondering why rundll32.exe windows.storage.applicationdata.dll crashed, this is a reason.
Outdated Windows: If the Windows OS is outdated, bugs could take over the PC, and issues like missing files can occur. If you encounter any issues, you can use the Windows Update troubleshooter.
Registry issues: You can also encounter a PC crash when running a program if the Windows.storage.dll is not properly registered within the folder. Hence, the program can’t locate it.
Although there are other causes, these are the prominent ones from most user complaints.
How do I fix the Windows.storage.dll error on my PC?
It would help if you considered performing the following preliminary checks before engaging in any troubleshooting fixes:
Ensure to check the antivirus whitelist section to check for the missing files.
Try to boot your computer in Safe Mode.
Check your recycle bin to restore the DLL file if you accidentally deleted it. However, if you accidentally empty your recycle bin, our guide will help fix the problem.
If, after these checks, the error persists, kindly hop on the fixes below.
1. Run a system file scan
Right-click the Start button, input Command Prompt, and Run as administrator.
Enter the followingcommand and press Enter: sfc/scannow
Wait for the scan process to complete and restart your computer to check if your DLL file is still missing.
Using the system’s built-in file repair tool, this process is meant to identify the reason for the windows.storage.dll crash. Hence, this should be fixed if corrupt system files cause the error. An SFC scan also works when the winmmbase DLL is missing.
There are numerous third-party DLL fixers and file recovery software that you can use to restore the missing files.
They efficiently scan your whole PC and automatically handle any issues they detect. They automatically download, install, and register the fresh DLLs into your system.
5. Use System Restore
Press the Windows + R keys to launch Run, type rstrui, and click OK.
Select Choose a different restore point, then click Next.
Check the box from Select more restore points for the list with dates.
Select a date to restore Windows 11.
Click on Next and then Finish.
After you have followed these steps, your computer will restart automatically. This should restore the missing files; if it doesn’t, try the next fix.
Click on Windows Update and select Check for updates button (if there are new updates, Windows will automatically identify and install them).
This update should fix the issues related to missing files that may lead to crashes. Check this guide for solutions if Windows Update fails to work.
7. Disable the Windows Firewall
Click the Start button, input Windows Defender Firewall and launch it.
Click Turn Windows Defender Firewall on or off in the left pane.
Select the Turn off Windows Defender Firewall radio buttons in the Private and Public sections.
Click the OK button.
The Windows Defender removes malicious files on the PC; sometimes, DLL files may appear as such. However, if Windows Defender is missing on your Windows 11, take a look at this guide to restore it.
How do I know if a DLL is corrupted?
Several applications share a DLL file. So when it’s corrupt, you will likely find out real soon. Besides, the SFC (System File Checker) scan also helps identify corrupt DLL files on the PC. However, you will have to replace these afterward manually.
SFC Scan
However, the best possible solution to find and fix corrupt DLL files is to use a reliable DLL repair tool. These are highly effective at the job and can quickly replace corrupt DLLs.
All the instructions in this article are a great solution to fixing your Windows.storage.dll crash problem.
If you have installed WinZip Driver Updater on your computer, then you need to remove it from your computer as soon as possible. WinZip Driver Updater is a software application that will display ads, pop-ups, and other types of unwanted content on your computer screen.
This program has been designed to be installed in the background without your permission. The only way you can notice that this program is running on your computer is by looking at the applications list in the Start menu and seeing that a new program has been added.
Should I update WinZip drivers?
If you are asking yourself whether Winzip Driver Updater is safe, it is not. This is a fake driver updater application that is supposedly made by WinZip. The virus is designed to trick you into thinking that your computer’s drivers are out of date and not working properly.
Usually, this type of malware has the ability to download and install other types of viruses onto your computer. This is what makes it dangerous, and why you need to remove the WinZip Driver Updater virus as soon as possible.
You may not even realize it has found its way into your PC. You may have installed this program yourself by accident or it may have been added to your computer when you installed another program.
Once installed, the Trojan may change your browser settings and redirect you to malicious websites. The WinZip Driver Updater is not safe. It is designed to trick users into paying for fake drivers.
The uninstallation process doesn’t always run smoothly so you may hit a bump and the malicious app fails to uninstall. If you are unable to uninstall WinZip Driver Updater, you may have a problem with your computer, disk drive, or the software itself.
Here are some of the other reasons why you can’t uninstall WinZip Driver Updater:
Press the Windows key, search Windows Security and click Open.
SelectVirus & threat protection.
Next, press Quick scan under Current threats.
Wait for the process to finish and restart your system.
To get rid of WinZip Driver Updater, you must remove its components. The next step is to stop all processes related to it. You’ll want to run a virus scan to eliminate any residues.
The WinZip Driver Updater virus is likely to have infected other files on your computer even after you’ve removed the main infection from your PC. There may still be some residual malware lurking on your hard drive.
A virus scan will look for these remaining pieces of malware and remove them if found. The Windows scan may not be sufficient, so we recommend a third-party antivirus program.
To ensure that your PC isn’t affected, you might want to do a full driver check with Outbyte Driver Updater, a tool specialized in driver updates.
Outbyte Driver Updater will scan your entire PC for all drivers that are outdated or missing and will safely install each one of them within a few moments.
Outbyte Driver Updater
Maintain your system’s performance by keeping all your drivers up to date.
You might already be conversant with the Xbox app, a neat tool to check for recommendations, search the catalog, and download video games.
Unfortunately, the tool malfunctions at times. Users have previously complained that the Xbox app is stuck at the preparing screen, while others say it is not detecting gaming services. Let’s get to the bottom of this problem, shall we?
Why won’t my Xbox connect to the Xbox app?
If you are having trouble connecting your Xbox to your Xbox app, several factors could be causing this issue. Here are the main reasons:
Bad internet connection – If you cannot establish a stable internet connection, then you might not be able to connect your Xbox to the Xbox app.
Incorrect time and date – When your Windows PC uses the wrong time and date, you might face this issue since the Xbox app won’t be able to access the servers.
Outdated application – Microsoft pushes updates to the Xbox via Windows Updates. Therefore, not installing the latest Windows version means you risk missing an Xbox app update, too.
Corrupt application – Just like any Windows app, the Xbox app can also get corrupted by viruses which might deter it from working properly.
Gaming services-related issues – Xbox Gaming Services might be experiencing downtime or could be under a scheduled maintenance run.
VPN interruptions – It is apparent that Xbox services like Game Pass are limited to certain regions; therefore, if you are running a VPN on your device, it might disrupt your accessibility.
What can I do if the Xbox app is not detecting gaming services?
Before proceeding to execute more advanced techniques to resolve this issue, we would recommend that you conduct these:
Make sure the Xbox app is up to date from the Microsoft Store.
Verify that Xbox Live services are not experiencing any issues or that there is no scheduled downtime.
Ensure that you have the latest Windows version running on your device.
Reset your router to ensure that you have a strong internet connection.
Restart your Xbox app as well as your Windows PC.
1. Run the Windows Store Apps troubleshooter
Press the Windows key and click on Settings.
Click on System in the left pane and select Troubleshoot.
Select Other Troubleshooters.
Scroll down and click the Run button next to Windows Stores Apps.
Follow the screen prompts to run the troubleshooter.
2. Modify the registry
Press Windows + R to launch the Run command, type regedit in the text field, and either hitEnter or click on OK to launch the Registry Editor.
Paste the following path into the address bar at the top and hit Enter to open it. Alternatively, you can use the navigation pane on the left to find this key: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\GamingServices
Right-click on the Gaming Services key and then select Delete from the context menu.
Click Yes in the confirmation prompt that pops up.
Now, go to the following path, and similarly delete this key as well: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\GamingServicesNet
After deleting both, restart the computer, and the problem should be resolved.
It should be noted that making other changes to the registry in your Windows PC will affect its functionality, but not to worry, we have a detailed post highlighting how you can fix broken registry items in Windows 11
Select Apps from the left side and click on Apps & features from the right.
Type Xbox in the search box, hit Enter, click on the three-dot icon, and select Advanced options.
Scroll down and under the Reset section and click on Reset.
Windows 11 will reset the app.
4. Reinstall the Gaming Services app
Click on the Start menu in the taskbar and type Windows PowerShell in the box and select Run as administrator.
Select Yes when the User Account Control (UAC) prompt appears.
Key in the following command in the console and press Enter to uninstall the Gaming Services app: get-appxpackage Microsoft.GamingServices | remove-AppxPackage -allusers
Now, run the following command to open the Gaming Services app page in Microsoft Store: start ms-windows-store://pdp/?productid=9MWPM2CQNLHN
Finally, click on the Get button to download the Gaming Services app once more.
There are several reasons why Xbox cloud gaming is not working. Your browser might have accumulated faulty browser data or bugs. Additionally, you might be using an internet connection that is not stable.
At this point, you should have already resolved the Xbox not detecting Gaming Services issue and be able to make the most out of Xbox Game Pass for PC.
Storage problems are commonplace on Windows 11. Some users are complaining about not enough memory space on Windows 11, others are fuming about the hard disk being full without files.
If the latter is your case, you can’t store any more data on your hard disk, performing system upgrades is no longer possible, and Windows is now running slow on your PC.
Why is my hard disk full, but there are no files on Windows 11?
Some of the reasons of hard disk is full but no files on Windows 11 include:
Disk errors: Some Windows 11 disk errors can cause the hard disk to malfunction and display the wrong disk space.
Virus or malware attack: Your hard disk could get mysteriously full of files generated by undetected malware and viruses.
Windows installation files: When you update Windows to a newer version, your system stores a copy of the former versions in Windows.old folder. This folder grows huge over time.
System restore points: Auto-saved system files and Windows Registry restore points consume space on your system drive.
Hidden and temporary files: Temporary, cache files, and other systems files can grow big to eat space on your hard disk.
Corrupt system files: Corrupt system files can also cause your hard disk to be full for no reason.
Whatever the cause of the problem, this guide contains effective solutions you can immediately employ to get rid of hard disk full but no files on Windows 11.
How can I fix hard disk full but no files on Windows 11?
Before trying your hands on the advanced fixes below, first, apply these:
Run a virus check: If your hard disk is full, but there are no files, your first action is to run a virus check. Having and running an up-to-date Windows Defender on your PC should be helpful, at the very least.
Show and delete hidden files: Some hidden files and folders can gulp away memory space on your PC without you noticing. You can unhide these hidden folders and files and delete them.
Empty Recycle Bin: Deleting files and folders may not be enough because they end up in the recycle bin, which uses similar disk space. Emptying your Recycle Bin might help.
If your hard disk is still full after applying all these preliminary solutions, you can opt for the following advanced fixes.
1. Delete System restore points
Type Create a restore point into the Search box and select the best match result.
Switch to the System Protection tab, select Local Disk (C:)(System) and click Configure.
Choose Turn on system protection and click OK.
Go back to the System Protection tab, select Local Disk (C:)(System) and click Configure again.
Next, go to Delete all restore points for this drive and click Delete.
Select Continue from the dialogue to confirm delete.
Wait for the process to complete and restart your computer.
After deleting system restore to fix the problem, it’s advisable to create a new one once your computer is back on. This guide on how to create a restore point on Windows 11 will help you.
2. Check and repair disk error
Right-click Windows icon on your taskbar and select File Explorer from the resulting menu.
Select This PC on the left pane, right-click on Local Disk (C:) and choose Properties.
Switch to the Tools tab and select Check under the Error checking section.
Select Scan drive and wait for Windows to complete the scan.
If there are any disk errors, Windows will notify you. Follow the on-screen prompt to repair the Error.
Not all disk errors can be fixed with this method. If you are interested in knowing more, we have a detailed article to guide you on how to fix Windows 11 disk error. Also, this method will help when the D drive is full but no files are in Windows 7.
Type Disk Cleanup in the Search Box and select the best match result.
Select Clean up system files.
Next, select other files you want to clean up under Files to delete and click OK.
Click Delete Files on the dialogue box to confirm delete.
Wait for the cleanup to complete and restart your PC.
Of course, this isn’t the only way to perform disk cleanup. You can use other ways as explained in our guide on running disk cleanup on Windows 11.
Tip
CCleaner is an excellent maintenance program that can help you with disk cleanup by removing unnecessary and build-up junk files that can deteriorate your PC performance. It also offers features like driver updater, PC health checks, and automatic app updates.
4. Run the chkdsk command
Right-click Windows icon on your taskbar and select Run.
Type in or paste the following command and click OK: %WINDIR%\System32
Type cmd on your keyboard,right-click on it and select Run as administrator.
Input the following command and hit Enter on your keyboard: CHKDSK /F
Wait for the scanning to complete and restart your computer.
At times, Windows can get stuck when trying to run the chkdsk command. Here’s what to do when chkdsk got stuck on Windows 11.
Why is my hard drive still full after deleting files?
Here are a few possible reasons behind it:
Files are in the Recycle Bin: When you delete a file, it isn’t automatically removed but first goes to the Recycle Bin. Files here do take up space on the drive and have to be cleared yet again from the bin.
Changes don’t reflect yet: If you have deleted the files, but the drive still appears full, it could be the slow computer performance to blame, as a result of which Windows cannot process the change yet. Restarting the PC should do the trick here.
An app is holding onto the files: There are a few apps that offer a feature to retrieve files deleted from the Recycle Bin. And to achieve that, the app ensures that the files are not completely deleted.
Malware infection: In many cases, a malware infection was found to be why the hard drive was full even after deleting files.
If you’ve been searching for a solution to resolve a hard disk full without files on your PC, now you have some solid fixes.
You may also encounter other memory problems like high RAM usage on Windows 11. Check out our detailed guide to solve it.
Are you able to solve the problem with this guide? Share your experience with us in the comments section.
So, you have seen this error message already. Your keyboard stops working in Windows 10, or you restarted your computer, and while in recovery mode, you can no longer use the keyboard.
One of the most popular issues many users face is Windows not detecting the keyboard. However, it now appears that after entering recovery mode, their keyboard, mouse, or both stop working.
Why is your keyboard not working in recovery mode?
Is Windows 10 not detecting the keyboard on the setup screen? What could be the reason? Here are a few possible causes:
Damaged USB ports – It is possible that there is an issue with your USB ports or other hardware devices on your computer. You can try connecting another device like a USB stick or external hard drive to see if it works properly before making any changes on your computer.
Keyboard is damaged or defective – Your keyboard may be defective. Remove the battery and clean the contacts with a cotton swab. Then, replace it back and try again. If it doesn’t work, it could be damaged. In this case, you should consider replacing your keyboard because it is most likely damaged or defective.
The keyboard driver is not installed properly – If the PC cannot detect the keyboard it could mean the device has been disabled, or the system does not have proper drivers for it. It is also possible that you ended up with a corrupt keyboard driver during the recovery mode.
BIOS corruption – BIOS corruption can occur when you install new hardware or software on your computer. In some cases, it can happen during a power outage or other unexpected event where your PC loses power unexpectedly. If you’re experiencing problems with your keyboard not working after installing new hardware, it is possible that the problem was caused by a BIOS corruption issue.
Now that you know what causes your keyboard to go dead suddenly, here are a few troubleshooting steps that could help you resolve this issue.
How can I fix the keyboard if it is not working in recovery mode?
Before anything, you need to check a few things. These don’t require any technical know-how. They include:
Ensure the keyboard is connected securely to its ports. If using a wireless keyboard, ensure it is in range, and the batteries are charged.
Try different USB ports. It may be a case of a damaged port.
Disconnect other peripherals, then connect only the keyboard. You may have a third-party keyboard installed on your PC, interfering with the default keyboard driver. Check out how to disable the laptop keyboard when using an external one.
Try another keyboard (if available).
After performing these checks and still can’t get your keyboard to work, proceed to the below solutions.
1. Update Keyboard drivers
Right-click the Start button and select Device Manager from the list.
Expand Keyboards, right-click on your keyboard and select Update driver.
Select Search automatically for drivers.
You can also opt to go the automatic way and use a third-party tool. Outbyte Driver Updater is a great tool for updating drivers and repairing your system problems.
The program downloads and installs the latest version of the driver automatically, so you don’t have to worry about manually installing any new software or hardware, which can be difficult for some people.
You may have to activate the On-screen keyboard if navigating using your mouse becomes cumbersome. You can press Windows + Ctrl + O keys simultaneously to bring it up.
Outbyte Driver Updater
A simple way to install driver updates safely straight from the manufacturer.
Press the F10 key continuously until the Boot Menu shows up.
Navigate to the Exit tab and select Load Setup Defaults.
Select Yes to confirm.
Hit F10 tosave changes.
Restart your PC.
Most users may be concerned about data loss when resetting BIOS. Resetting the BIOS is the process of clearing out all settings from your system’s memory. All configuration settings will be cleared out, and default values will be restored.
However, it is always good practice to back up all your files regularly to avoid inconveniences.
Restart your PC and when the login screen appears, click on the Power icon while holding down the Shift key then hit Restart.
Select Troubleshoot.
Click on Advanced options.
Navigate to UEFI Firmware Settings.
Click on Restart.
Navigate to the Boot tab, scroll to Boot mode and set it to Legacy.
Save and exit.
Sometimes, you may have issues entering recoverymode so be sure to check out our article on how to navigate around this problem.
In case you get stuck, we have a guide on how to exit Windows Recovery Mode, so be sure to check it out as well.
Why is my keyboard not working in Windows 10 but working in BIOS?
When your keyboard works in BIOS but in Windows 10, it highlights that the problem lies with the OS or its settings and not the peripheral. Here, you can be sure that hardware malfunction is not the underlying cause.
Yes, a laptop can boot without a keyboard, but you must modify the BIOS settings, depending on the error received at startup. This will be unique to each manufacturer since the BIOS is structured differently.
So, if you plan to boot the laptop with a keyboard, head to the BIOS and make the required changes.
As spotted by Windows enthusiast @PhantomOnEarth, the feature, which was available in Build 25169 (July 2022) but disabled in 25211 (September 2022), can be re-enabled in the latest Dev builds (25300) with a few registry tweaks on ViVeTool.
Apps with interdependencies are those programs that won’t be able to run without another program. For example, games installed through Steam wouldn’t be able to run without the Steam app itself, and so on.
Usually, those apps use a database to store information somewhere else, which resulted in how they perform, compute, interact, etc.
However, with this feature, it seems like you’ll be able to do so, although we’re still curious how that will work.
Read along to find out how to enable/disable apps using ViVeTool on Windows 11.
How to enable/disable apps using ViVeTool on Windows 11?
3. Once downloaded, click Extract all, select the location where you want to extract it by clicking Browse, then hit Extract.
In this case, we extract it at C:\Users\WindowsReport\Documents\Tools\ViVeTool-v0.3.2.
4. Hit ? on your keyboard, then type “cmd” and right-click on Command Prompt -> Run as administrator.
5. Type in cd + the directory where we extracted ViVeTool. In this case, it’s at C:\Users\WindowsReport\Documents\Tools\ViVeTool-v0.3.2, then hit Enter.
6. Type the following command then hit Enter.
vivetool /enable /id:38579715
7. Reboot the computer.
In the meantime, it’s still worth noting that being an insider-only feature that isn’t out for primetime yet, you may be running into some performance problems here and there, so, patience is a virtue.
What are your thoughts about this functionality? Let us know in the comments!
There have been reports from some of our readers that their USB ports suddenly stopped working on the PC. This has been a significant issue since the USB ports allow you to charge, transfer data and connect to other peripheral devices.
Hence, we will discuss fixing issues with the front USB not working on Windows 11. Alternatively, you can read about how to fix USB ports not working in Windows 10.
Why is the front USB port not working?
The front USB ports not working Windows can occur for the reasons listed below.
Physical damage – The system USB port is open, exposing it to humidity, dust, and debris on the terminal. They can affect its proper connection, causing issues with how the front USB ports work.
Outdated drivers – Windows driver is a program that allows the computer hardware to communicate and function effectively with the operating systems. Thus, an outdated or incompatible USB driver will affect the operating system’s function with the USB hardware component.
Power supply issues – The USB port has a specific volt of electricity supply from the motherboard that allows it to either charge or power the connected device. A power surge on the USB or an insufficient power supply output from the motherboard can cause the USB port to malfunction.
Loose connections – The wires that connect the front USB ports to the motherboard or internal USB headers can come loose over time due to frequent use. Also, the USB cable may not be firm on the port.
These factors vary depending on the situation and your devices. Regardless, we’ll guide you through how to get your USB ports working again.
What can I do if the front USB port is not working?
Apply the following quick steps before proceeding with advanced troubleshooting:
Connect the USB device to another PC to see if it works.
Remove all dust and debris to fix the front USB port not working on PS5.
Lift-click the Windows icon, type Device Manager, and press Enter to open it.
Expand the Universal Serial Bus controllers, right-click the device with USB Host Controller from the list, and select Uninstall.
Close the Device Manager and restart your PC. Restarting your PC will automatically reinstall the necessary device.
It helps to troubleshoot hardware issues interfering with how ports work on your device. Hence, this should fix the front USB port if it’s not working on your PC.
Right-click the Windows icon and click on Device Manager.
Click on your Universal Serial Bus controller’s name to highlight it, right-click on the Action tab, and select Scan hardware for changes.
Close the Device Manager and check if your USB ports are working.
The above process will scan and resolve issues will undetected USB ports and devices. Alternatively, you can check our guide to running hardware diagnostics on Windows 10, which can also help fix USB ports not working.
4. Check the power settings
Left-click the Windows icon, type Control Panel, and press Enter to open it.
Select Hardware and Sound and click on Power Options.
Click the change plan settings link and select the Change advanced power settings.
Expand USB settings and click the USB selective suspend setting.
Disable the On battery and Plugged in option.
Select OK and select Apply.
Close the Control Panel and restart your device.
The above method will help fix battery performance settings that could affect the USB 3.0 front port not working or detecting peripheral devices. You can further read about the best power efficiency tweaks in Windows 11.
BSOD errors are undoubtedly the most dreaded among users. It crashes the OS altogether and leads to loss of unsaved data, in addition to highlighting a major fault with the PC. One such is the Invalid IO Boost State error.
While most BSOD errors have been fairly covered, and you will find a number of solutions on the web, there seems to be a dearth of reliable information when it comes to the INVALID_IO_BOOST_STATE error. So, let’s find out all about it.
What does Invalid IO Boost State mean?
In technical terms, the error indicates that a thread exited with a non-zero I/O boost state, which under an ideal scenario should have been zero. Here are a few reasons you might be getting the error:
Malfunctioning hardware: A malfunctioning piece of hardware can affect the PC’s performance and trigger a range of errors.
Incompatible, corrupt, or outdated drivers: If you haven’t got the right ones, or the installed drivers are outdated or corrupt, it might lead to this error.
Corrupt system files: When there are corrupt system files on the PC, you may get this error.
PC infected with malware: Malware or virus on the computer is another reason for this error, and a full system scan will make that clear.
How can I fix the Invalid IO Boost State error?
Before we head to the slightly complex solutions, here are a few quick tips that might help:
Restart the computer and check if the error appears again. In some cases, it could be just a one-time thing.
Make sure all the connections are in order.
Disconnect all non-critical peripherals from the PC while leaving just the keyboard, mouse, and monitor. Now connect them one at a time and see whether the Invalid IO Boost State error reappears. When it does, the peripheral connected last is the problematic one.
Remove any external hard drives connected to the computer.
Check for any pending Windows updates, and if there are any, install them.
Disable any antivirus installed on the PC, except the built-in Windows Security.
If none of these work, head to the fixes listed next.
NOTE
The solutions here require booting the OS. So, if you cannot turn on the PC normally, boot in Safe Mode with Networking and then execute the fixes.
1. Disable automatic restart
Press Windows + S to open Search, type View advanced system settings, and click on the relevant search result.
Click on the Settings button under Startup and Recovery.
Untick the checkbox for Automatically restart under System failure, and click OK to save the changes.
2. Scan for malware and virus
Press Windows + S, type Windows Security in the text field, and click on the relevant result.
Click on Virus & threat protection.
Select Scan options.
Choose Full scan and then click on Scan now at the bottom.
A full system scan using the built-in Windows Security should help if it’s malware or a virus causing the Invalid IO Boost State BSOD error.
3. Update the drivers
Press Windows + R to open Run, type devmgmt.msc, and hit Enter.
Expand the Display adapters entry here, right-click on the graphics adapter, and select Update driver.
Choose Search automatically for drivers and wait for the update process to complete.
Similarly, update all the other drivers for the devices listed here.
Though Windows usually takes care of updates, you should update the drivers every once in a while, especially when getting the Invalid IO Boost State error. If the OS can’t find updates, you can always manually install the latest drivers.
Still, you can also choose the easier way to manage any of your PC drivers with dedicated support from a practical tool like DriveFix.
Shortly, the program will entirely scan the system and find outdated or missing drivers, thus updating them automatically and 100% secure.
Press Windows + R to open Run, type mdsched in the text field, and click OK.
Select Restart now and check for problems (recommended).
Wait for the test to complete. It may take a while.
The built-in Windows Memory Diagnostic tool helps fix issues with the RAM, a probable cause for the Invalid IO Boost State error.
If it doesn’t work, you can use Memtest86+, an open-source and effective memory testing tool. It runs various tests on the RAM, even individually on each module, identifies the problems, and tries to fix them.
6. Perform a system restore
Press Windows + R to open Run, type rstrui.exe, and hit Enter.
Select Choose a different restore point, and click Next.
Now, select a restore point created before you first encountered the error from the list, and click on Next.
Verify the restore details and click on Finish.
Wait for the restore to complete.
System Restore is an effective troubleshooting method to eliminate trivial issues and even the Invalid IO Boost State BSOD error when recent system changes are responsible for it. Also, you don’t lose any files in the process, though it affects the installed apps and configured settings.
If the problem persists, it’s likely a more complex underlying cause difficult to identify manually, and using an effective BSOD repair tool is the best way to proceed.
Tell us which fix worked for you in the comments section below.
Blizzard is a popular gaming platform offering gamers a range of exciting titles, with Battle.net as the client. But its gaming client still isn’t as polished, with many getting the Battle.net Unexpected error at launch.
The error message reads, The application encountered an unexpected error. Since many users have reported encountering it, we researched and identified the solutions to fix the Battle.net Unexpected error.
Why does Battle.net unexpected error appear?
Here are a few reasons you might be getting the error:
Running an outdated version of the app: If the Blizzard.net app has not been updated in a while, you might come across a range of errors with it.
Corrupt cache or game data: A corrupt app cache or issues with the game data can trigger the Battlenet Unexpected error on startup.
Outdated drivers: When running outdated drivers in Windows, you are bound to face issues with devices and apps.
How do I fix the Blizzard Battle.net unexpected error?
Before we start making changes to the PC, here are a few quick solutions you should try:
Update the Battle.net app. Simply connecting to the Internet while launching the gaming client should do it.
Check if there are any updates available for Windows and install them.
Ensure your PC meets the minimum system requirements for the Blizzard Battle.net game you are trying to play.
Disable the installed antivirus, primarily AVG, and check whether the Battle.net unexpected error is resolved. If yes, we recommend you switch to the best antivirus to avoid running into such third-party conflicts.
If none work, move to the ones listed next.
1. Disable GPU
Locate the Battle.net launcher, right-click on it, and choose Properties.
Paste the following at the end in the Target field followed by space:--disable-gpu
Click Apply and then OK to save the changes.
2. Clear the app cache
Press Windows + E to open File Explorer, paste the following path in the address bar, and hit Enter:C:\ProgramData\Blizzard Entertainment\Battle.net\Cache
Press Ctrl + A to select all the folders here, and hit the Delete key.
Choose the appropriate response if a confirmation prompt appears.
Once done, check whether the Battle.net unexpected error goes away. If not, head to the next solution.
Press Windows + R to open Run, type regedit in the text field, and hit Enter.
Click Yes in the UAC prompt.
Paste the following path in the address bar and hit Enter:Computer\HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\OneDrive
Right-click on the empty portion, hover the cursor over New, choose DWORD (32-bit) Value, and name it DisableFileSyncNGSC.
Double-click on the newly created DWORD.
Enter 1 under Value Data, and click OK to save the changes.
Once done, restart the computer.
If OneDrive is enabled on the PC, certain critical files needed to run Battle.net may be synced and become unreachable/unreadable, thus resulting in the Unexpected error. So, disable OneDrive on Windows to fix things. In case this doesn’t work, make sure to revert the changes.
4. Update the drivers
Press Windows + X to open the Power User menu, and select Device Manager.
Expand Display adapters, right-click on the graphics adapter, and choose Update driver.
Select Search automatically for drivers from the options that appear and wait for the process to complete.
Press Windows + R to open Run, type appwiz.cpl in the text field, and click OK.
Select the Battle.net app here, and click Uninstall.
Click Yes, Uninstall in the confirmation prompt.
Now, head to the official website and download the Battle.net client.
Run the setup and click Yes in the prompt.
Make sure the installation path listed here is for the system drive, most likely, the C: drive. If it’s not, click on Change, choose the one listed here, and then click on Continue to proceed with the installation.
Many users reported installing the Battle.net client on a non-system drive can trigger the Unexpected error. Also, if you run out of storage on the C: drive, you can always move the games to another drive.
That’s all there is to the error, and we hope one of the solutions here should have worked for you. Also, find some quick tips and tricks to optimize Windows for gaming.
For any queries or to share a solution that worked for you, comment below.
Starting from Vista, Windows creates a folder called Windows.old when you upgrade the installed iteration. Though it’s practically harmless, many users want to remove Windows.old folder to clear up storage space on the PC.
But what is the Windows.old folder, why you have it, will delete it affects the functioning of Windows, and what are the ways to delete Windows.old folder. These are some of the questions users often ask. Let’s find out the answer to each.
How to delete Windows.old folder from Windows 10?
1. Use Disk Cleanup
Press Windows + R to open Run, type cleanmgr in the text field, and then hit Enter.
Choose C: from the Drives dropdown menu, and click OK to proceed.
Now, select Previous Windows Installation(s) from the options here, and click on OK.
Choose Delete files in the confirmation prompt that pops up.
That’s it! This should remove and delete the Windows.old folder on your PC and clear up storage right away.
2. Via Settings
Press Windows + I to open Settings, and choose System.
Now, go to Storage, and then click on Temporary files under your system drive.
Tick the checkbox for Previous version of Windows and then click on Remove files.
All you have to do now is wait for the OS to remove the Windows.old folder. It shouldn’t take much time.
3. Use Command Prompt
Press Windows + S to open Search, type Command Prompt in the text field, and click on Run as administrator.
2. Click Yes in the UAC prompt that appears.
3. Now, paste the following commands individually and press Enter after each one: takeown /F C:Windows.old /A /Ricacls C:Windows.old /Grant Administrators:F /inheritance:e /Tattrib -r -a -s -h C:Windows.old /S /DRD /S /Q %SystemDrive%windows.old
4. After the commands are executed, close Command Prompt and check if the Windows.old folder is deleted.
An easy and quick method to delete the Windows.old folder on your device is to do this through Command Prompt. All you need to do is run a few deletion commands, then the tool will remove the folder for good.
4. Use CCleaner
NOTE
While CCleaner earlier offered the option to delete Windows.old folder from its free version, the feature is now limited to Advanced users.
If you haven’t already, download CCleaner and run the setup to install the program.
Once done, open CCleaner, go to Options from the left, choose Include, and then click on Add.
Click on Browse.
Now, locate and select the Windows.old folder, and click on OK.
Again, click OK to proceed.
Click Yes in the confirmation box.
Next, click the Analyze button and wait for it to check and report the details.
Finally, click on the Run Cleaner button to delete the folder.
CCleaner is one of the best tools to clear storage on the hard drive, and it can be used to delete a range of files. Besides, the app is capable of running deep scans and identifying files stored deep down.
5. Manually delete the Windows.old folder
Navigate to the C: drive, right-click on the Windows.old folder, and choose Properties.
Head to the Security tab, and then click on Advanced.
Now, click on Change.
Enter your username in the field, click on Check names, and then on OK to proceed.
Once done, click OK to save the changes.
Again, open the Properties, head to the Security tab, and, this time, click on Edit.
Click on the Add button.
Enter the username you entered earlier, click on Check names, and then OK.
Now, select the user you just added, make sure all the permissions are granted, and click on OK to apply the new settings.
Click OK on all subsequent windows.
Finally, you can simply select the Windows.old folder and hit the Del key to delete it.
That’s it! If the other methods to remove Windows.old folder didn’t work, you could always delete it manually. It would require reconfiguring the permissions and taking control of the folder.
Keep in mind that when you install a new version of Windows, such as Windows 10, for example, your system automatically moves your older installation to Windows.old folder. This way, you can quickly roll back to the previous iteration if the new one doesn’t work well.
In addition, this folder works as a backup, so even if the installation process fails for some reason, your PC can use Windows.old folder to restore the previous version of Windows.
The size of the Windows.old folder ranges anywhere between 6 to 30 GB depending on the previous installation.
Yes, you can safely and, in all likelihood, easily remove the Windows.old folder from your PC. Windows, anyway, will delete it after 10 days. That’s the maximum period you can revert to the previous iteration without having to do a complete reinstall.
Remember, once you remove the Windows.old folder, you will have to reinstall the OS using the Media Creation Tool or a bootable USB if you plan to downgrade the OS. So, make sure to verify this beforehand.
Some of our readers have reported running into several DirectX errors when playing high-end games on their PC. One such predominant error message is the Dx11 feature level 10.0 is required to run the engine.
The error message signals that your system lacks the Direct3D hardware feature level required by the game engine. Hence, we will walk you through the methods to fix the issue.
Why do I get DX11 feature level 10.0 is required to run the engine?
This error message, DX11 feature level 10.0 is required to run the engine, occurs when playing high-end games like Valorant, MIR4, VirtualBox, etc. Some of the major causes are:
Incompatible GPU driver – This error often occurs when the graphics card on your PC isn’t compatible with the game or does not support DirectX 11 feature level 10.0. Also, issues with the DirectX Graphics Dxgmms1.sys file can cause it.
Corrupted or missing graphics drivers – The error message may pop up if your game is missing a file or any files associated with the game are corrupt. You can verify the integrity of the game file to fix it.
Issues with the game’s GPU components – The error may be because the game is not using a dedicated GPU or there’s a fault with the GPU system. So, the causes might extend to the game itself.
Nevertheless, we’ll take you through some fixes to resolve the error and get your game working again.
What can I do to fix DX11 feature level 10.0 is required to run the engine?
Before trying any advanced troubleshooting steps, go through the following:
Even more, you have an alternative that can surely help you manage all drivers at once and update or repair broken device drivers. Thus, don’t hesitate and get rid of this DirectX error for good.
Updating the graphics driver can also help you fix the UE4-Game has crashed Fatal error issue; read this guide to learn more about it.
2. Force the app to use the dedicated graphics
Left-click the Start button and select Settings.
Click on system and choose Display.
In the next window, select Graphics from the options.
Click the app prompting the error, select High-performance, check the box for Don’t use optimization for Windowed games, and click Save.
Your PC might switch to low-performance when Power saving mode is on. Hence, this might prevent apps from using the dedicated graphics needed to run high-end games.
This is the perfect solution if you’re looking for a DX11 feature level 10.0 is required to run the engine MIR4 fix.
3. Check the DirectX version and install the runtime environment
3.1 Checking the DirectX version on your PC
Press Windows + R key to open the Run dialog box, type dxdiag, then press Enter to open the DirectX Diagnostic Tool.
Navigate to the System tab.
Go to DirectX Version under the System Information panel to check which DirectX version is listed.
After detecting the DirectX version running on your PC, check the manufacturer’s website for the latest version to know if yours is still up to date.
If the version on your computer is outdated, DX11 feature level 10.0 is required to run the engine error will likely occur if you open VirtualBox. Hence, you need to install the updated version.
Choose the desired language, then click the Download button.
Double-click to open the dxwebsetup executable file you downloaded, choose I agree with the terms and click the Next button.
Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the process.
Restart your PC and check if the DX11 feature level 10.0 error is resolved in the game.
Installing the latest version of DirectX will fix compatibility issues causing the game error. Also, you may check our guide on reinstalling DirectX on your PC if you have problems with the steps above.
This fix is particularly effective if the DX11 feature level 10.0 is required to run the engine error that occurs with Steam games.
DLL-related issues are one of the most common problems Windows users face and are tricky to fix. One such is the Not designed to run on Windows error when running an application.
Though the app or program may have worked fine until recently, it throws this error for users and recommends reinstalling it. But before you reinstall, let’s find out all about the Bad Image error that reads, Is either not designed to run on Windows or it contains an error.
Why am I getting not designed to run on Windows message?
Here are a few reasons you might be getting the error:
Buggy Windows Update: In most cases, users get the error after an update, which indicates a bug in the latest version.
Missing or damaged DLL files: If the DLL files are missing or damaged, applications that rely on them will start throwing the error. This usually happens when a particular program makes unwanted changes to the DLL file or deletes it altogether.
Corrupt system files: Some users also found out that the corrupt system files triggered the error in their case.
How can I fix Not designed to run on Windows error?
Before we head to the slightly intricate solutions, here are a few quick tricks that might work:
Restart the computer and check if you can now run the application(s).
Locate the path for the problematic DLL in the error message. Now, move the same DLL file from another computer (with the same Windows iteration, version, and architecture) to the listed path and then delete the problematic one.
If these don’t help, move to the fixes listed next.
1. Disable unnecessary startup program
Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open the Task Manager, and head to the Startup tab.
Select the non-critical programs listed here one by one, and click on Disable.
Do this for all the unnecessary apps.
2. Uninstall recent Windows Update
Press Windows + I to open Settings, and click on Update & Security.
In the Windows Update tab, click on View update history on the right.
Now, click on Uninstall updates.
Select the last installed update, and click on Uninstall.
Click Yes in the confirmation prompt.
When faced with the Not designed to run on Windows or it contains an error message, the first thing you should do is uninstall the recent update since this helped most users fix the problem. And if it doesn’t work, move to the next solution.
Press Windows + R to open Run, type cmd, and hit Ctrl + Shift + Enter.
Click Yes in the UAC prompt.
Paste the following commands individually and hit Enter after each:DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /CheckHealthDISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealthDISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
Next, execute the following command to run the SFC scan:sfc /scannow
DLLs are very sensible files so it is always recommended to use the utmost care when handling them. A dedicated repair tool can help simplify the process and assure the safety of your system.
With these tools, the scanning and repairing of DLLs is done automatically and in a matter of minutes.
4. Repair/reinstall Microsoft Visual C++
Press Windows + R to open Run, type appwiz.cpl in the text field, and hit Enter.
Locate all the Microsoft Visual C++ entries, select them individually, and click Change.
Click Repair in the window that appears.
If repairing doesn’t work, uninstall the Microsoft Visual C++ entries listed here.
Finally, restart the computer for the changes to come into effect.
A quick fix when you get the msvcp140.dll not designedto run on Windows error is to repair or reinstall the Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributables.
5. Reinstall the affected app
Press Windows + I to open Settings, and click on Apps.
In the Apps & Features tab, select the app that’s throwing the error, and click Uninstall.
Again, click Uninstall in the confirmation prompt.
Once done, head to the app’s official website, download the setup, and run it to complete the installation.
For Chrome not designed to run on Windows error, a viable solution would be to uninstall the program and then get it via the dedicated website or installer setup.
6. Do a system restore
Press Windows + S to open Search, type Create a restore point, and click on the relevant search result.
Click on System Restore.
Select the Choose a different restore point option, and click Next.
Now, select a restore point from the list created before you first encountered the error, and click Next.
Click Finish to start the restore process.
System Restore is a great way to fix issues with the PC, including the msvcp110.dll not designed to run on Windows error. That’s why it’s recommended that you regularly create a restore point.
7. Perform an in-place upgrade
Go to Microsoft’s website, and click on Download Now to get the Media Creation Tool for Windows 10.
Run the setup, and wait for it to get things ready.
Click on Accept.
Select Upgrade this PC now, and click Next.
Wait for the download to complete and follow the on-screen instructions to perform an in-place upgrade.
When nothing else works, an in-place upgrade will help get rid of the Not designed to run on Windows error in no time. Remember, you wouldn’t lose any installed apps or stored files on the PC.
Adding a language pack in Windows helps enhance the experience. While the newer iterations have a built-in way for it with all the languages, Windows 7 and Windows 10 users have to download them manually and sometimes get the 0x800f081e language pack error.
It’s usually encountered while installing the language pack using the DISM command and prevents the process from progressing further. So, let’s find out all about add-windowspackage failed Error code = 0x800f081e.
What is error 0x800f081e when installing language pack?
The error code 0x800f081e when installing a language pack could arise due to the following reasons:
Using an incompatible version: In most cases, users get the error after downloading a language pack that’s not compatible with the version of the OS.
Security software: At times, your antivirus program blocks relevant files making the installation/update causing the problem to appear.
Compatibility mishaps: You may also run into the Windows 10 language packerror 0x800f081e if you have got the wrong version of the chosen language pack.
Corrupt system files: When the system files are corrupt, you will likely encounter issues while installing a language pack.
How can I fix 0x800f081e language pack error?
Before we head to the slightly complex solutions, let’s try these quick ones:
Restart the computer.
Disable your antivirus and check whether the 0x800f081e language pack error disappears. If that’s the case, we recommend you switch to a more reliable third-party antivirus to avoid running into issues.
Make sure you are downloading the correct language pack, one that’s compatible with the OS, along with all the relevant files.
If these don’t work, move to the fixes listed next.
1. Manually install the language pack
Press Windows + I to open Settings, and choose Time & Language.
Navigate to the Language tab from the left, and click on Add a language.
Now, search for the language pack you want to install, select it from the search results, and click Next.
Next, tick all the checkboxes here, and click Install.
Wait for the download to complete.
You can now change the display language by choosing the language pack you installed earlier from the dropdown menu under Windows display language.
One of the easiest ways to fix the 0x800f081e language pack error is to download the language pack manually and set it as the display language. Remember, you won’t get the same results with every pack, and certain elements might still be displayed in the default language.
2. Run the DISM and SFC scan
Press Windows + R to open Run, type cmd, and press Ctrl + Shift + Enter.
Click Yes in the UAC prompt.
Paste the following three commands one after the other, and hit Enter after each:DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /CheckHealthDISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealthDISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
Once done, run the following command: sfc /scannow
If it was the corrupt system files behind the issue, running the DISM (Deployment Image Servicing and Management) and the SFC scans usually do the trick.
Press Windows + I to open Settings, and click on Update & Security.
Now, click on Check for updates on the right.
If an update is listed, click on Download and install to get it.
4. Delete temporary files
Press Windows + E to open File Explorer, paste the following path in the address bar, and hit Enter:C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution\Download
Now, press Ctrl + A to select all the files, and hit the Delete key.
Click Yes in the confirmation prompt.
If the 0x800f081e language pack error doesn’t seem to go away, clearing the SoftwareDistribution folder, which stores the temporary Windows Update files, might do the trick.
Now, wait for the setup to initialize and get things ready.
Click on Accept to agree to the license terms.
Choose Upgrade this PC now and click Next.
Wait for the setup to download Windows and then follow the on-screen instructions to complete the in-place upgrade.
That’s it! If the previous solutions didn’t work, an in-place upgrade will help fix the 0x800f081e language pack error for good. Also, find what to do if language packs don’t work in Windows.
Tell us which fix worked for you in the comments section below.
VMware Enhanced Authentication Plugin not working issues are unfortunately not uncommon. You can stumble across them on pretty much any modern browser from Chrome to Firefox, Edge, and so on.
The theory is simple. This is a vSphere 6.5 release that provides Windows Authentication and smart card functions. However, users report errors.
They claim to have installed the plugin, but it won’t show up in Chrome or Firefox and there is still the option to download it.
While Chrome users tend to associate the issue with specific browser versions such as V105+, Firefox’s minus is that it doesn’t allow self-signed certificates to import. The same goes for Edge.
The common problem is that the entries are there but the plugin keeps breaking and it simply not working. Now, Chromium-fueled browsers are no strangers to plugin issues.
The good news is that vSphere is supported on all major browsers that use HTML5 since the death of Adobe Flash, including Microsoft Edge, Google Chrome, Opera, and Safari.
?️ Quick Tip:
If you keep having errors in Chrome and Firefox, why not consider a different browser altogether? A good alternative is Opera because it’s focused on performance and has very low error rates.
It’s fast and responsive and should be able to work with the VMWare Enhanced Authentication plugin with no issues.
Opera
Use this lightning-fast browser for a secure error-free web experience!
Users need to have a vCenter account and the vSphere Client to download, install and enable the Enhanced Authentication Plugin. After that, it’s a simple and straightforward process.
First, open your browser of choice.
Launch the vSphere Client by typing the address of your vCenter Server in the URL bar of your browser.
Click the Download Enhanced Authentication Plugin button.
Follow the prompts on the screen to complete the installation.
So, if you’re wondering what is VMware CIP message proxy service, this is for you.
The VMware Enhanced Authentication plugin integrates Windows authentication and facilitates the use of smart cards for Windows devices just like the previous CIP (Client Integration Plug-in from vSphere 6.0) did before it.
And speaking of that, users should not encounter any issues with both of the plugins installed.
How do I fix VMware enhanced authentication plugin?
Users report that disabling any ad or pop-up blockers fixed the VMware Enhanced Authentication plugin not working issue, especially when doing this before installing the plug-in.
If you have any third-party ad blockers installed, be sure to disable them.
1.1. Firefox
Open Firefox and click on the three lines in the top right corner.
Click on Settings, then select Privacy & Security.
Scroll down to Permissions and uncheck the box next to Block pop-up windows.
Restart Firefox.
1.2. Chrome
Open Chrome and click on the ellipsis icon in the upper-right corner to open its menu.
Next, click on Settings and select Privacy and security from the left pane.
Open Site Settings and go to Pop-ups and redirects.
Check the box next to Sites can send pop-ups and use redirects in order to disable the blocker.
Alternatively, you can add an exception for the VMware Enhanced Authentication plugin and continue to block most pop-ups.
2. Create a certificate exception
2.1. Firefox
Open Firefox and click on the three lines in the top right corner.
Click on Settings, then select Privacy & Security.
Scroll down to Security and click on View Certificates.
Under Servers, select Add Exception.
Enter the URL https://vmware-plugin:8094 and click Get Certificate.
Click Confirm Security Exception.
Because Firefox blocks the import of self-signed certificates, it may cause issues to arise with the Enhanced Authentication Plug-in and prevent it from working. Creating an exception should fix the issue.
2.2. Chrome
Go to https:vmware-plugin:8094 and click Advanced, then Proceed.
Now, return to your VCenter server and log in using enhanced authentication.
⚠️ As already mentioned, Chrome versions from v105 onwards will not load this plugin automatically because they introduced their own root certificate store.
⚠️ Thus, you’re likely to get a VMware Enhanced Authentication plugin invalid credentials error instead of the Proceed button.
⚠️ You can either roll back to a previous browser version, which is a practice we do not endorse or recommend, or disable this policy via GPO (for enterprise) or directly in your registry. This way, VMware Plugin will be able to add its certificate to the Windows root store.
3. Trust root certificates for vCenter server
3.1. Firefox
Open Firefox and type about:config in the address bar then hit Enter.
In the search bar type security.enterprise_roots.enabled to set the preference to true.
Restart Firefox.
By setting the preference to true, enterprise root support will be enabled for Windows. Firefox will inspect the registry location for vCenter Server Root Certificates and any trusted will be imported.
3.2. Chrome
In Start, type regedit. Select and open the Registry Editor from the list of results.
Navigate to: Computer\HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Google\Chrome
In the central part, right-click with your mouse and select New, then DWORD (32-bit) Value.
Name the new key ChromeRootStoreEnabled and set its value to 0.
Double-check the value in the Chrome policy (chrome://policy/).
The ChromeRootStoreEnabled policy controls whether Chrome uses its own root store or the platform’s root store to verify certificates and it’s by default set to use Chrome’s own root store.
This is one of the main reasons for which plugin incompatibility issues arise and you can tackle the problem easily by setting this value to False (0).
Hopefully, one of the above solutions helped fix the issue of the VMware Enhanced Authentication Plugin not working in Chrome or Firefox issues. If not, you can always go for an alternative browser such as Opera.
For many Internet users, DDoS was a completely new word until recently. Then, millions of Windows users couldn’t access platforms such as Twitter, Reddit, and Amazon due to attacks, and that’s when the idea of a Windows Server DDOS protection software became mainstream.
Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks overwhelm websites by pushing traffic from many sources, usually computers and other network-based devices infected by malware. So, let’s find out more about the subject and the best DDOS protection software.
Does Windows have DDoS protection?
If you are running a domain, Windows can’t do much about protecting it, and third-party software is usually the best bet. But with the built-in Windows Security (Windows Defender), it can identify and remove malware responsible for DDoS attacks.
Microsoft offers Azure DDoS Protection, which provides advanced features to eliminate even the most intricate DDoS attacks. The best part, it doesn’t require any application or changes to the resources.
Let’s now find out the best options for Windows Server DDoS protection.
What is the best Windows Server DDOS protection software?
Sucuri is a web security company that provides cloud-based security services. It is not the software you must install but a subscription service that will keep your website safe from malware, hackers, and DDoS attacks.
Regarding DDoS, Sucuri’s platform detects and blocks DDoS layers 3, 4, and 7 attacks. All these attacks are aggregated and analyzed by the Sucuri platform’s AI to anticipate malicious behavior.
Other features include:
The cleaning process doesn’t affect the website in any way.
A website firewall protects you from malware and hacking, brute force and DDoS attacks, and zero-day exploits.
Constant threat monitoring with a variety of alert options.
Highly optimized CDN that offers greater loading speeds for webpages.
Unlimited malware removal.
Increased page loading speed.
Sucuri
Highly secure your Windows server with this security resource that stops any malware or DDoS attacks.
SiteLock is another great cloud-based website security service that will eliminate all the possible threats that might affect your website, and it offers DDoS protection.
Let’s get straight to the point: SiteLock offers infrastructure, web application protection, and DNS security.
It also detects and blocks application levels of DDoS attacks and gives you detailed reports so you can be up to date with the state of your website after each attack.
Other features include:
Automatic separation for human and bot traffic.
Detects DDoS attempts and starts different protection services accordingly.
Full PCI compliance lets you keep your client’s card details safe from third parties.
The built-in VPN ensures your anonymity online.
Great hosting security that protects your end-users.
FlexProtect is a very reliable tool, offering complete protection from all types of network and application-level DDoS attacks. The tool automatically filters traffic for transparent mitigation and relies on a 2Tbps network backbone for instant overprovisioning.
FlexProtect secures websites against the most fierce and dangerous DDoS attacks without disrupting your business.
Thanks to its cloud-based service, your online business will be up and running even under attack, and your visitors won’t notice anything unusual.
Other features include:
A real-time dashboard that gives you a useful overview of your security.
Uses advanced technologies to reduce the number of false positives to a minimum.
Web application Firewall Gateway.
API security – protects your website and APIs by using a single-stack approach.
Attack analytics – automatically analyzes the threats and adapts to them proactively.
BeeThink’s anti-DDoS tool protects your Windows servers against most DDoS/DoS attacks, such as SYN attacks, IP flood, TCP flood, UDP flood, ICMP flood, slow HTTP DDoS attacks, Layer 7 attacks, Application attacks, Windows Remote Desktop brute force password guessing attacks, and more.
This DDoS protection software is light, robust, and can easily be deployed on Windows website server machines.
Other features include:
Support multiple IP list formats, such as Apache’s .htaccess.
Automatically update the IP list.
Support IP blacklist and white list.
Support exceptional rules.
Look up remote IP addresses and ownership information.
Cloudbric is a reliable Windows Server DDoS protection tool that can be used by anyone with a website and domain, irrespective of the website platforms hosting your online business.
You can activate Cloudbric on your website in less than three minutes – a simple DNS change is all you need.
This tool sets up a shield in front of your website to filter malicious attacks. Penta Security System guarantees that Cloudbric can protect your website against all cyber-attacks.
Major companies activating in various fields, such as Samsung, ING, eBay, and others, rely on Cloudbric to protect their websites.
Other features include:
Easy-to-use interface
The dashboard allows you to have an overview of your entire security settings plan
Deep learning system – COCEP engine that integrates a machine learning platform called VISION
You can download monthly customized reports
⇒ Get Cloudbric
These were the best options for Windows Server DDOS protection, and a few here also offer remote DDOS protection. So, get one of these today to protect your website.
When you print documents from your computer, they are given to the printer and are printed. If the printer is busy with another job or offline, it cannot print your document immediately. However, if everything is working fine but documents disappear without printing, this should cause alarm.
Normally, your printer is just not working and needs a few tweaks, but it can also be another underlying problem unrelated to the printer. In this article, we explore in detail the causes and possible solutions.
Why are my documents in queue and not printing?
If you have tried printing documents but they suddenly disappear from the print queue without printing, below are some possible causes:
The printer is not connected to the network – Most, if not all, printers require an internet connection to print. You may have trouble printing anything successfully if your connection is slow or unstable.
Paper jam issues – Your printer may need a paper jam check to determine whether it is blocking paper from printing correctly in the feeder tray.
The printer is not installed properly – If you have recently taken out your printer’s cartridge, you may have failed to install it back in correctly.
Too many jobs in print queue – There’s a possibility that the number of pages, size, and type of paper in the print queue is too large for the printer to handle.
Unsupported file format – It is possible that your printer does not support the type of file format or resolution you’re trying to print.
Problematic update – If your documents started disappearing from the print queue after a Windows update, it may have bugs that interfere with printing, which is why documents are not going to the print queue.
What should I do if no documents are getting printed from the printer?
A few basic steps that may help you resolve this issue before you move to the more advanced solutions include:
Turn off the printer, wait 30 seconds, and then turn it back on again.
1. Run the Printer troubleshooter
Hit the Windows key and click on Settings.
Select System on the left pane, then click Troubleshoot on the right.
Click on Other troubleshooters.
Find the Print troubleshooter and click the Run button next to it.
2. Restart the Print Spooler service
Hit the Windows + R keys to open the Run command.
Type services.msc in the dialog box and hit Enter.
Locate the Print Spooler service, right-click on it and select Stop.
Right-click on it again, then select Restart.
This is also an effective way of deleting a document from your printer queue that won’t delete.
3. Update the Printer drivers
Hit the Windows key, type Device Manager in the search bar and click Open.
Navigate to Print queues and locate your printer.
Right-click on it and select Update driver.
Select Search automatically for drivers.
Windows will find the most suitable driver and recommend you install it.
If you feel this route has too many steps, we have an alternative method that does not involve multiple steps. There is an automatic tool that will do the detecting, scanning, and installation of the driver for you.
Outbyte Driver Updater is a driver updater tool that automatically searches for the right driver from its huge database and, matches it with yours, then installs it for you.
Outbyte Driver Updater
Take care of your PC drivers and update them in 3 minutes with this reliable software.
Click on Windows Update and select Update history on the right pane.
Scroll down, and under Related settings, click on Uninstall updates.
This will take you to the most recent installed updates.
Select the topmost update and click on Uninstall.
Restart your PC and check if the problem persists.
Can I retrieve a print queue?
Yes you can retrieve a print queue. If you want to check what documents are stuck, you can easily access your print queue by:
Hit the Windows Search icon, type Printers & scanners, then click Open.
Locate your printer and click on it.
Select the Open print queue option to retrieve the print queue.
If documents disappear from the print queue without printing in Windows 10, the same steps apply. You may find printer software helpful in such cases, especially to manage the number of users accessing the printer.
In this article, we will take a look at what RAV Endpoint Protection is, how it ended up on your system, and how to uninstall it.
To start with, you should know that this is a legitimate antivirus, though it may intrusively end up on your PC because it’s bundled into other software. So you don’t have to worry about malware.
Even so, having two antiviruses on a PC leads to errors and malfunctions, so here’s how to get rid of the RAV antivirus:
How do I remove the RAV antivirus?
1. Use Settings
Press Windows + I to launch Settings and select Apps from the tabs listed in the navigation pane on the left.
Click on Apps & features on the right.
Locate the RAV antivirus entry here, click on the ellipsis next to it, and select Uninstall from the flyout menu.
Again, click Uninstall in the confirmation prompt that pops up.
A simple and effective method to remove RAV antivirus if it’s automatically installed is to go with Settings. In some rare cases, clicking Uninstall might not work on the first attempt, and you will have to hit it a few times.
2. Use the Control Panel
Press Windows + R to launch the Run command dialog box, enter appwiz.cpl in the text field, and either click on OK or hit Enter to launch the Programs and Features window.
Next, select the RAV antivirus entry here, and click on Uninstall.
Click Yes in the confirmation prompt that appears.
Now, follow the on-screen instructions to complete uninstall process.
Using Control Panel is another quick way to remove the RAV antivirus when it’s automatically installed on the system. Just make sure to properly follow the on-screen instructions in the app uninstaller.
Even though the built-in uninstaller tools in Windows are reliable, they may leave behind residue files or registry entries. This can cause interference with your system even when the app is no longer on your PC.
To make sure everything related to RAV Endpoint Protection is off of your PC, use a third-party uninstaller software. It will completely remove the app and ensure no trace of it is left behind.
A reputable tool that lets you quickly select the app you want to remove and does all the heavy lifting of deleting installer files, temp files, and registry entries is IOBit Uninstaller.
Press Windows + S to launch the Search menu, enter Create a restore point in the text field at the top, and click on the relevant search result.
Now, click on the System Restore button.
You can either proceed with the recommended restore point or choose a different one manually. Select the relevant option here and click on Next to proceed.
If you selected the Choose a different restore point option earlier, select one from the list and click Next.
Finally, verify the details and click on Finish at the bottom to start the restore process.
When nothing else works, there’s always the option to perform a system restore. When you do that, the state of the computer is reverted to a previous point, referred to as the Restore point.
Any changes made to the computer during the period will be reverted. If your antivirus is blocking system restore or you can’t finalize the task, try running it as an Administrator.
These are all the ways you can remove the RAV antivirus after it is automatically installed on your system.
One of the errors users complain about is the Windows USB port reset failure that appears in the device manager while the computer is trying to read the device.
In addition, receiving an error message such as this indicates that your USB device is not detected by the PC or won’t work properly.
Fortunately, there are some methods you can use to fix the Windows USB port reset failed in Windows 10 error and other related errors like Unknown USB device port reset failed USB C. We’ll go through them all in the following sections.
What does Unknown USB device port reset failed mean?
The Unknown USB device port reset failed is an error message on the USB device descriptor. Whenever the descriptor responds with a failed error message, It indicates that it cannot recognize a USB device or the USB device won’t function properly.
In short, the error message in the USB descriptor means something is wrong with the USB device. As a result, the computer can’t initiate it.
Why does port reset fail?
Broken or old USB drivers: When the USB driver is outdated or broken, it’ll prompt many errors and prevent the computer from reading.
Selective disable: Windows initiates the selectively disable mode to save power. However, if the program prevents USB activities, it can cause issues with the computer accessing it.
Broken USB device: Many things can happen to the USB device if it falls or gets tampered with. Hence, it can prevent it from functioning.
What can I do if the Unknown USB Device Port Reset Failed in Windows 11?
Here’s what you should do first:
One way to determine where the problem lies is to plug the device into another USB port. If it works perfectly, then the issue is with the port; if not, the device may be broken. We recommend you try using the USB device on another computer to be sure if it’s broken.
1. Uninstall the USB drivers
Click Start and open the Device Manager.
Click the drop-down button for Universal Serial Bus Controllers.
Right-click on Unknown USB Device (Port Reset Failed) and click on Uninstall to remove the device.
Restart your PC. (Windows will reinstall the device automatically on startup)
It will help fix the Unknown USB device port reset failed Dell dock error.
2. Update the Generic USB Hub Drivers
Click Start and open the Device Manager.
Click the drop-down button for Universal Serial Bus Controllers.
Right-click on the Generic USB Hub device and select Update Driver.
Select Browse my computer for driver software and select Let me pick from a list of device drivers on my computer.
Tick the box for Show compatible hardware and tap on Generic USB Hub.
Then, Click on the Next button.
Repeat steps 3-5 to update driver software for every Generic USB Hub.
It is a perfect fix for the USB hub that failed to reset the code 43 error. Users can read through our article on how to update drivers in Windows.
3. Disable Fast Startup
Click Start and type in power plan.
Select the Choose a power plan option.
Click on Change Plan Settings and select Change Advanced Power Settings.
Expand the USB Settings, select the USB selective suspend settings, and tap on the Plugged in option.
Select Disabled from the drop-down menu.
Click on Apply, then OK.
After disabling Fast Startup, verify whether the USB device not recognized Port reset failed error is fixed. If not, head to the last solution.
After trying the above fixes and still being unable to solve the problem, we recommend you switch to a new USB device.
What is error code 43 in USB?
The error code 43 in USB is a somewhat straightforward error indicating that Windows detected an error in the USB device.
As a result, Windows has shut down the device’s operation, preventing it from running on the computer.
Furthermore, it indicates that a driver component in the USB device informs Windows about a fault in the device. Consequently, it can prompt the Unknown USB device port reset failed code 43 Windows 10 in Windows.
How to recover data from external USB flash drives with code 43?
An easy way to recover data from a USB drive that shows code 43 would be to use a reliable recovery tool. These come in useful and help recover corrupt or deleted data from flash drives, in addition to when it shows specific error codes.
This copy of Windows is not genuine is one of the most common errors in the Windows operating system.
As a result of encountering this error, the desktop wallpaper set by you will convert into a black screen, the battery life will decrease as this message keeps popping on the laptop, and more.
Some Windows 10 features will no longer work unless you remove this message. This alert can get quite annoying, especially while working with the important stuff, as it pops up at regular intervals.
However, you can still do other things on your PC, like complete your work and use the computer like before.
Why does it say that my copy of Windows is not genuine?
Here are a few reasons behind the message:
OS is not activated: If you got a trial period of Windows and, after it expired, never activated the OS with a product key, you will get the message.
License used on multiple devices: You may also see the error when the same key is used on multiple devices, more than what’s permitted under the license.
Malware attack: A malware or virus can lead to corrupt Windows System Files and files storing the activation data, which would trigger the error.
Windows is indeed not genuine: In most cases, the copy of Windows installed on the PC is not genuine.
How can I fix Windows is not genuine errors?
Here’s what you should first do:
If you have paid for a license, and if you now find that it was a fake one, you could take up the matter with Microsoft, report counterfeit software and see what happens.
Also, you have to contact your vendor as Microsoft support, in most cases, will only help you resolve the issue when you buy Windows OS from Microsoft Store.
1. Use the RSOP command
Press Windows and R buttons from the keyboard to open the Run window.
Type rsop.msc there and press Enter button.
Navigate to Windows Settings, click on Security Settings, and then go to System Services.
Look for the Plug and Play services, then right-click on it and then start looking for the Startup and then click on the Automatic.
Press Windows and R buttons as you did at the first step and paste gpupdate/force into the Run box
Restart your computer.
You can try to solve the error generated on your Windows screen through the RSOP method, as shown above, where RSOP stands for Resultant Set of Policy Window.
2. Use the SLMGR-REARM command
Click the Start button, type cmd, and select Run as administrator from the results.
Type SLMGR–REARM or SLMGR /REARM and press Enter.
You will see a confirmation window. Click on OK and restart your computer.
By using SLMGR (Windows Server License Manager Script), a Windows 7 Not genuine removal tool, and a simple command, you can fix this problem in Windows 32-bit and 64-bit and in all iterations of the Windows operating system.
NOTE
SLMGR is a Windows software licensing management tool. The REARM command will reset the licensing status of the machine.
3. Turn off updates
Click the Start button and select Settings.
Go to Update & Security.
Now, scroll down on the right pane and click on Advanced options.
Look for the Pause updates section, click on the Select date menu and pick a date until you want to pause the updates.
Now, if you go back to the Windows Update menu, you will see that the updates were paused.
To ensure that This copy of Windows is not genuine message does not come back, pause the automatic Windows updates.
NOTE
Your computer is now never getting this error again. However, you cannot upgrade your Windows to the latest version to fix bugs or get new features.
How do I permanently fix Windows 7 is not genuine?
While one way to permanently fix This copy of Windows is not genuine message is to pause Windows Updates, most users won’t be comfortable with it.
So, we recommend you get the valid activation key received at the time of purchasing the computer or the operating system’s CD, enter it, and resolve the error for good.
On some old PC models, the activation key is pasted on a sticker, while for the new ones, it can be located in the Microsoft account.
All in all, we hope the methods described above help you to fix the error message that states your copy of Windows is not genuine.
TikTok is an application used by most young people who create pranks and funny, creative videos and post them for gaining huge popularity and name by receiving comments.
Many users have recently complained that the comments on the TikTok app are not loading or showing properly.
No matter how many times they restarted the application they were unable to see any comments.
Why are comments not loading on TikTok?
The TikTok users are finding this issue where comments are not loading because of the factors listed below:
The corrupted cache – When the cache data of the TikTok application gets corrupted, such problems happen.
Installing the TikTok app incorrectly – This problem is usually faced by users who have not installed the TikTok app correctly on their system.
Weak Internet connection – If you find a problem with the connection, say a slow Internet speed, it is certainly the cause for such an issue with the TikTok app.
Problematic TikTok account – If you have changed your TikTok password, it needs to be updated on the TikTok app by logging out and then logging in with the updated password.
An outdated TikTok app – The TikTok app gets an update regularly, and when the user does not update it, they may find these problems.
However, you can easily fix this issue by using the solutions given below in this guide.
Quick Tip:
One solution to this problem is to open TikTok directly from your browser. We recommend Opera here as it integrates some of the most used social platforms. Therefore, TikTok will not cause any problems.
Opera is a great browser that gives users a sidebar for quick access to built-in apps. Some of these are Twitter, Instagram, and WhatsApp. Light and fast, it’s the perfect solution for TikTok.
Opera
Great built-in apps and compatibility will make your browsing experience smoother.
Before applying any advanced steps, here’s what to do:
These problems arise when there is an unstable or slow Internet connection on the system. So restart the router device after successfully disconnecting it from the system. Connect it back to the system after waiting for a few minutes.
Do the same to the Ethernet connection by unplugging it from the system and then plugging it back in after a while. Once the internet connection is back, we advise our users to log out from the application and then log in back again to make sure that there is no problem with their TikTok account.
1. Reinstall the TikTok app
Open the Settings app by pressing together the Windows and I keys.
Select Apps on the left menu and then choose Installed apps options on the Apps page.
Type tiktok in the search bar on top and click the three-dot menu icon on the right side end.
Select Uninstall option from the list.
Now again click Uninstall to confirm the uninstallation of the application.
Upon clicking it, it will start uninstalling it.
You need to open the Microsoft Store app.
Search for the TikTok app by typing tiktok on the search bar.
Click the TikTok app from the search results.
Once the TikTok page opens, click the Get button once.
This will download and then install the TikTok app on the device.
If TikTok comments are not showing the most liked one, reinstalling the app might work.
2. Reset the TikTok app
Press the Windows key and type installed apps.
Select the Installed apps option from the search results.
On the Installed apps page, search for the TikTok app and select the show more options icon.
Choose the Advanced options from the list.
Scroll down the Advanced options page to the Reset section.
Click the Reset button once to reset the TikTok app completely.
After the reset, you are required to log in again to the TikTok app upon launching it.
Why does TikTok hide my comments?
TikTok can hide comments for several reasons, and here are a few of these:
Use of specific words: TikTok hides comments with certain words, like Instagram or Shop, Link, or Bio, amongst others. So, if your comment has these, you know why it disappears on TikTok.
Against TikTok guidelines: Comments against TikTok guidelines are removed from the platform.
Shadow ban: If your comments automatically disappear on TikTok, the account has likely been shadowbanned. This lasts a fixed period and negatively affects your visibility.
What is the best browser for TikTok?
On researching the browser for using TikTok on the Windows system, we found out that Opera is the best available browser. It can be easily used by adding the TikTok Mobile View extension to your Chrome browser.
Typically, the network or wireless icon appears in the taskbar/notification panel of your PC’s display (even when there is no internet connection or activity).
However, at times, due to one reason or the other, the icon disappears from your Windows 7 taskbar and you cannot use it anymore.
There are a few ways to show the network icon in Taskbar on Windows 7 again.
How can I show the network icon on the taskbar on Windows 10?
Click on the ‘Windows’ icon to open the ‘Start’ menu.
Click on the Settingsicon in the ‘Start’ menu.
In the ‘Settings‘ window, click on the System menu.
Select Notifications & actions.
Click on Add or remove quick actions.
On the list of options, locate the Network and toggle it to On.
Close the window.
Check if the network icon is now displayed in the taskbar.
How can I show the network icon on my taskbar in Windows 7?
If your Windows 7 network icon is missing,you can retrieve it easily by checking the hidden panel with minimized applications. If it’s there, just drag it back to the Taskbar.
If that’s not the case reconfigure the taskbar in System settings or restart Windows Explorer. Read in detail about solutions below.
1. Check the Hidden Panel in the Taskbar
Most times, the network is actually hidden and not missing. When this happens, the user (or a third party) has probably dragged the network icon into the hidden bar.
To get it back, all you have to do is to drag and drop the icon from the hidden panel back to its original location.
To do this, follow the steps below:
Expand the hidden panel in your taskbar. It is typically denoted by a triangular arrow (facing up).
In the hidden bar, locate the network/Wi-Fi icon.
Double-click on the icon, and hold and drag it back to its original location in the taskbar.
You are all set!
Note: This method applies to both Windows 10 and Windows 7
In the event that the network icon did not display in the taskbar and the hidden panel, you can try the next method to resolve the issue.
2. Reconfigure the Taskbar to display the Network icon
If the network icon is not showing up in the Windows 7 taskbar, it is possible that your system has been reconfigured to remove the icon from the taskbar. This could have been done by a third party or even by yourself, unintentionally.
You can reconfigure your taskbar to re-enable the network icon in just a few steps, as shown below.
1. Navigate to the taskbar area and right-click on it.
2. SelectPropertiesfrom the displayed options.
3. Go to theTaskbarsection and navigate toNotification Area.
4. Click on Customize.
5. In the right-hand window, click onSelect which icons and notifications appear on the taskbar.
6. Now, navigate to Iconsand locate the Network option.
7. Go to theBehaviorssubsection (beside Icons), and click on theShow icon and notifications drop-downmenu next to ‘Network’.
8. In the menu, selectOn.
9. Follow the on-screen commands to finish up the process.
10. Exit the program and check if the problem is resolved. If not, you can try the next method.
3. Restart Windows Explorer
To run this procedure, follow the steps below:
Right-click on the ‘taskbar‘ area of your screen.
Select Task Manager from the list of options.
In the ‘TaskManager‘ window, go to the Processes
Locate and right-click on Windows Explorer /exe.
Select Restart (on Windows 10) or select End Process (on Windows 7).
Follow the prompt commands to finish the process. This should fix the issue.
If the above methods could not resolve the issue, you can try and reconfigure the taskbar display in “Registry Editor (Regedit)” and/or the “Group Policy Editor (gpedit)”. The latter – gpedit – is, however, only applicable (for fixing this particular error) on Windows 10.
We hope you managed to show the network icon on your Windows 7’s taskbar following our guide. Let us know in the comments section below whether you have any questions.
One of the most common problems with installing apps on Windows 11 is that you may get an error message saying that the app you are trying to install is not a Microsoft verified app. This can happen if the app was downloaded from a source that is not trusted by your device.
Downloading from any other source means that these apps may not be compatible with your version of Windows. Still, the Microsoft Store doesn’t have all apps you may need, so you need to bypass this error, and we show you how in this article.
Why can’t I install apps that aren’t Microsoft verified?
Microsoft has strict policies for what apps can be installed on a device and how they should work. Also, Microsoft verified apps are regularly updated to fix known bugs and provide enhanced features.
However, the restrictions go beyond updates and bug fixes. Some of the reasons why Microsoft restricts third-party apps include:
Privacy issues – Many apps don’t have privacy policies, which means that they don’t have any way of protecting your data from being shared or stolen by other people.
Security issues – Microsoft has a rigorous process for ensuring all applications are safe and secure. This cannot be said for other third-party sites.
Performance – All of the applications on the Microsoft Store have been tested extensively to ensure that they perform well on your device and meet your expectations.
Incompatible firmware – The firmware of your device may be incompatible with the latest version of an app, or it might require a special version of the operating system.
Certification – If you have an app that isn’t certified by Microsoft, it might not use the most recent versions of its framework or libraries and could contain bugs or vulnerabilities.
What can I do if the app I’m trying to install isn’t a Microsoft verified app?
Before you proceed to the slightly advanced solutions, we recommend the following:
Ensure you’re running a legitimate copy of Windows.
Make sure you’re not on a trial version of Windows and that your license is up-to-date. Some features may be greyed-out in copies of Windows that are yet to be activated.
Aside from Windows Defender, ensure you have a reliable third-party antivirus, as downloading applications from other sites could put your system at risk.
1. Disable app recommendation via Settings
Hit the Windows key and click on Settings.
Click on Apps on the left pane, then select Apps & features on the right pane.
Select the drop-down menu under Choose where to get apps,then select Anywhere.
2. Disable app recommendation via Group Policy
Hit the Windows + R keys to open the Run command.
Type gpedit.msc in the dialog box and hit Enter to open the Group Policy Editor.
Navigate to the following location: Computer Configuration/Administrative Templates/Windows Components/Windows Defender SmartScreen/Explorer
Double-click on Configure App Install Control.
Check the Enabled checkbox then in the drop-down menu, select Turn off app recommendations.
Type regedit in the dialog box and hit Enter to open the Registry Editor.
Navigate to the following location: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer
Locate AicEnabled, double-click on it and under Value data, change from StoreOnly to Anywhere.
Navigate to the following location: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows Defender\SmartScreen
Locate ConfigureAppInstallControl double-click on it, and under Value data, change from StoreOnly to Anywhere.
Close the Registry Editor and restart your PC.
Registry editing is one of those things that can make your system unstable and even crash your computer. If you delete or modify files, this can be a problem because it will have to re-create them from scratch instead of just replacing them with new ones.
However, if it is extremely important and there is no other alternative, consider using registry cleaners or creating a restore point first. This will allow you to roll back to a previous state if necessary.
How do I run an app that is not Microsoft verified?
Microsoft has a list of approved software and hardware partners who are able to provide their software or hardware to customers on Microsoft’s Volume Licensing (ML) program. Users can find the approved software on the Microsoft Store or other Microsoft platforms.
When you run a non-Microsoft app, you’re running an installer. The installer for your non-Microsoft app will look slightly different from the one for a Microsoft app. It will have an apk file extension and may be in a different folder on disk.
Luckily, you can run and install apks in Windows 11. You can also sideload Android apps using the WSA tool, which makes it easier to install non-Microsoft apps. When running these apps, some antivirus programs may detect some of these apps as malware and block them from running properly.
You may have to edit the permissions to allow these apps through the firewall, but be careful, as some contain malicious code.
The BSoD error 0x00000154 occurs when you try to launch an app or a game on your PC with an UNEXPECTED _STORE_EXCEPTION pop-up message.
The Blue Screen of Death is a common error on Windows and can be easily fixed with the fixes outlined in this guide.
What causes BSoD error 0x00000154?
There could be several reasons why the Black Screen of Death (BSOD) error 0x00000154 occurs on Windows 11. Hence, we have outlined the likely causes below.
Outdated Graphics driver – Obsolete or corrupted drivers are often responsible for BSoD issues. You can check out the various ways to fix outdated drivers in Windows 11.
Damaged hardware – One of the causes of the Blue Screen of Death is a faulty hardware component.
Outdated Operating System – Problems with the Windows kernel can occasionally bring on BSoD failures. Installing the latest security patches is very important.
Malware infection – If computer viruses infect your PC, this can affect your PC’s registries and hereby cause the BSOD error 0x00000154.
Now that you know some of the potential factors responsible for the blue screen of death errors, you can explore the solutions provided in this article.
How can I fix BSOD error 0x00000154 on Windows 11?
Before engaging in any advanced troubleshooting or settings tweaks for the BSOD error 0x00000154, make sure you apply the following:
Restart your PC.
Make sure your computer drivers are up to date.
Check your system’s components.
Having confirmed the above checks, and you cannot fix the issue, you can explore the solutions provided below.
1. Reinstall/update your drivers
Right-click the Start button and choose Device Manager from the list.
Navigate to the driver that is causing you trouble and right-click it. From the menu, choose Uninstall device.
Next, click on Uninstall to confirm.
Once the driver is removed, restart your PC and check if the problem is resolved.
To know which driver is causing the issue, check the crash logs or remove any drivers that seem to be recently updated. You can also try updating your drivers, or manually download them from the manufacturer’s website.
Since most of the BSoD errors are related to outdated drivers, keeping the drivers updated to the latest version can help you prevent other errors like EMPTY_THREAD_REAPER_LIST.
2. Run the SFC and DISM scans
Press the Windows + X keys and select Windows Terminal (Admin).
Next, run this command and press Enter: sfc /scannow
If the issue persists, then run the following command: Dism /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
The DISM scan will take some time to run, like the SFC scan, which is one of the most straightforward fixes to apply. However, once the process ends, the issue should be resolved.
Alternatively, you can try dedicated third-party software to make this process less complicated. This kind of tool can also repair BSoD issues such as system_service_exception, and Fileinfo.sys.
3. Perform a memory diagnostic
Click the Search button on the taskbar, type windows memory diagnostic, and click on the app from the results.
Now, select the first option, to restart and check the memory.
After the restart, the tool will inspect any problems with your memory modules.
The BSoD error 0x00000154 may be caused by problems with your memory modules and this troubleshooter will identify any such problems.
After the scan, you will get a report; if something is wrong with one of the modules, you must replace it.
Running a diagnostic scan can also help you fix issues like the BSoD INVALID_AFFINITY_SET error; read this guide to learn about other solutions.
Voice over software tools gives you the possibility to record your voice in high quality and add it to your videos. By doing so, you don’t have to rely on audio recording software anymore.
Of course, there are different types of voice-over programs out there, suitable for distinct needs. Some of them focus more on multi-track recording, while others offer advanced audio editing features.
Click the links to find out more info and how you can download the best voice-over software for your PC to record your voice.
What is the best voice over software for your Windows PC?
Adobe Audition is an excellent voice over software solution. It’s powerful and suitable for intermediate and advanced users.
You don’t need too many arguments to see why Adobe Audition is so popular among users as an audio editing tool. But few know that it also sports a high-quality voice recording feature.
To record voice-over audio in Adobe Audition, you need to select your type of microphone first. So, go to Audition >Preferences > Audio Hardware, select your default input, and set your recording parameters.
After setting the default input microphone, go to File > New > Audio file. Enter a name for your voice over recording, set the sample rate and bit depth, select your channel, and start recording.
Afterward, you can edit your recorded voice in Audition.
Other great features:
Industry-leading audio editing features
Audio enhancement features
Ability to easily remix audio
Audio reparation and restoration
Adobe Audition
Adobe Audition allows you to record, edit, mix and restore audio on your Windows 10 PC, so try it out!
Unlike the other tools listed in this article, this program can not only help you record your voice but also edit voice recordings and add voice to videos.
If you need extra voice-over features, simply click the + button and add another audio track. At the same time, you can add various effects to customize your audio recording.
To learn more about Wondershare Filmora’s great features, you can check out their website, where you will discover efficient functions like audio ducking or other video editing tools.
Therefore, using such a practical tool for voice-over clips decrease your effort and improves sound quality immediately.
Other great features:
Intuitive and sleek user interface
All video editing features are easily available
Powerful audio editing tool
Various effects and transitions
Wondershare Filmora
With Filmora you can simplify your editing work and have a crystal clear voice-over recording experience.
If you need software that works on both desktop and mobile, then look no further than Adobe Premiere Rush.
The software has all the standard video editing features, but you can also use it to create transitions with ease. In addition, there’s a wide array of titles that you can choose and add to your projects.
Audio editing is also supported, and you can adjust the audio and create voiceovers with ease. If needed, you can also easily adjust the speed of your videos.
Color correction is also available, allowing you to enhance your videos and make the colors more vibrant easily.
If you’re looking for a video editing app that can easily create voiceovers, be sure to give Adobe Premier Rush a try.
Other great features:
Available on Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS
Ability to easily add voiceovers
Easy sharing to various platforms
Standard video editing features
Adobe Premiere Rush
Add voiceovers on any platform easily with Adobe Premiere Rush software.
If you need a versatile video editor that can work with voiceovers, this might be the right choice for you. The software supports standard video editing features allowing you to trim, cut, copy, and paste clips.
The editing process is rather intuitive, and it allows you to drag and drop effects to the timeline with ease. Speaking of which, the software has over 180 filters that allow you to achieve some impressive results.
Sound editing is also available, and you can easily record a voiceover and adjust the background sound level. This allows you to ensure that your narration is always loud and clear.
To top it off, the software also has overlays, transitions, stickers, and frames that you can use to enhance your videos.
Overall, Movavi Video Editor is a great video editing software, and it’s a great choice if you want to create audio voiceovers for videos.
Other great features:
Simple to use
Ability to edit audio and create voiceovers
Over 180 different filters
Overlays, transitions and other visual elements
Movavi Video Editor
Edit videos and create professional voiceovers easily Movavi Video Editor.
If you want to create videos from scratch or edit existing ones, Cyberlink Power Director is the right tool for this task, thanks to the numerous available templates.
This is powerful software, and it comes with some advanced features such as AI motion tracking, AI object detection, and green screen support.
That’s not all, you can also use keyframes, and picture stabilization to create more stable shots. Audio editing is also available, and you can adjust the audio, cut it, and create voice overs.
There is also a speech-to-text feature that allows you to create subtitles for any video easily. Of course, all other features, such as transitions, stickers, etc., are also available.
Cyberlink Power Director offers great features, and we barely scraped the surface. If you want to learn more, we suggest that you give this software a try and test it yourself.
Other great features:
Mask designer
Green screen support
AI motion tracking and object detection
Speech to text
Cyberlink Power Director
Edit videos like a pro with the help of AI-powered features.
We tried to keep this list as diverse as possible, including voice recording, video editing, and voice-over software that offers different functionality.
In case you didn’t find a suitable tool on this list, be sure to check our guide on the best free video editing software for more suggestions.
If you have suggestions or questions, feel free to leave them in the comments below.
While using your Windows PC, you might need to invert the colors of your PC. This can be due to personal preference or an error with your display drivers.
If you’d like to invert the colors of your Windows 11 PC, this article provides all the necessary steps to invert colors on a Windows PC.
What does it mean to invert color on an image?
In simple terms, inverting the colors of an image means flipping the current colors of an image to the opposite hue on the color wheel.
You can also say it means changing the colors of an image to negative. For example, a blue image will be inverted to orange, black becomes white, green becomes magenta, etc.
How do I invert colors on Windows 11?
1. Use Microsoft Paint
Press the Windows key + S, type in Microsoft Paint, and hit Enter.
On the top left side of the window, click on the File, and select Open. Alternatively, press Ctrl + O keys to open an image in Paint.
Right-click on the image and select the Invert Color option.
Press Ctrl + S to save your changes and exit the application.
If you’re using Microsoft Paint to invert the color of an image, ensure you save the raw file after making changes.
While using Microsoft Paint, you can experience the Paint can’t save image error, be sure to read our guide on resolving it.
2. Windows Color Filters
Press the Windows key + I to open the Settings app.
Click on Accessibility from the list of options and select the Color Filters option.
On the right pane, locate the Use Color Filters.
Click the toggle button under the Turn on a color filter to switch the selection to On.
Under the Color filters, choose Inverted (reverse colors on the display).
3. Use Windows Magnifier
Press Windows key + S, type in Magnifier in the Windows search bar, and hit Enter. Alternatively, you can press the Windows key and the + button.
On the far end of the window, click on the Options button.
In the right pane, locate the option of Invert colors, and click it to check the option.
Exit the window.
Alternatively, the invert colors shortcut on Windows 11 is to press Ctrl + Alt + I on your keyboard.
Inverting the colors on Windows is a useful feature you can enable using various techniques and mediums.
Hopefully, our guide has provided the necessary steps to help you invert colors on Windows. If you want to personalize the PC further and get enhanced viewability, use a high-contrast theme in Windows 11.
Should you have further questions or suggestions concerning how to invert colors on Windows 11, this guide should have covered it for you. However, you can leave them in the comments section too.
Many Windows 11 users have reported that they cannot open the PNG files on their PC. If you’re experiencing this error, this article provides you with a list of techniques you can apply to help resolve the error.
Why can’t Windows 11 open PNG files?
Corrupt file – If the PNG is corrupted, the file will fail to open.
Corrupt photo viewing software – If the software used to open the PNG file is corrupt or faulty, Windows 11 will find it hard to open such a file.
The software doesn’t have the capability – The default image-viewing software might not be capable of opening this file type.
Now that we know the causes of this issue, let’s go to the actual solutions.
What can I do if PNG files fail to open in Windows 11?
Before we proceed with more advanced troubleshooting techniques, here are some quick fixes you can apply:
The error code Caa20003 in Microsoft Teams often occurs when users try to sign in to the platform. You’ll receive a prompt indicating that your date and time settings might be incorrect or that you’re not authorized to log in.
First, make sure you’re using the latest version of MS Teams. Also, see if you can use the web version and if that’s the case, reinstall or update your app. Checking Microsoft’s server status to outrule outages is also important.
1. Check your date and time settings
Press Windows key and click on Settings.
Select Time & language on the left pane, then click on the Date & time option on the right.
Enable both Set time automatically and Set time zone automatically by clicking on the toggle button.
This should have resolved the error code Caa20003 in Microsoft Teams, and you should now be able to log in.
2. Remove your email account
Press the Windows key and click on Settings.
Click Accounts on the left pane, then select theEmail and Accountsoption on the right.
Then click on the Managebutton to launch the Outlook Account settings dialog box.
Click on the Delete Account from your Device option and selectDelete to disconnect your email address.
The same process applies to both Work and School accounts. All you need to do is launch the Settings app on your Windows PC and select Access work or school on the right pane. Then, repeat steps 3 and 4.
At this point, you can now reconnect your account and check whether you can access Microsoft Teams.
3. Login using Incognito Mode
Launch your browser and open a new window in incognito mode.
You should also ensure that you’ve disabled all your browser extensions. This is because they might block you from signing in to your Microsoft Teams account.
The tips highlighted above should’ve helped you resolve the login error in Microsoft Teams. However, if you still can’t access Teams, we recommend reinstalling the Teams app.
Alternatively, you can launch the web version of Microsoft Teams until the error is fixed. And that’s all we had regarding this error, but be sure to check out our other articles on Teams login errors.
While using your mailing application, there are certain senders you’d like to give priority in your inbox to ensure that their emails get delivered to your Inbox. If you’d like to know how to Whitelist an Email in Office 365, this article provides all the necessary steps to help achieve this.
What is a whitelist in Office 365?
The term whitelist means telling your email provider that you trust the person sending you the email. It means you approve of the sender’s message being delivered to your Inbox at any time.
There are two ways to whitelist an email address in Office 365; Mail Flow rule and Microsoft 365 Defender. However, we recommend using the Mail Flow rule because it is more secure.
1. Whitelisting emails using the Mail Flow rule
Press the Windows key + S, type in Office 365, and hit Enter.
Navigate to the Exchange Admin Center and click Mail Flow.
Click on Rules and click the Plus icon to add a new rule to Bypass spam filtering.
Select The Sender and click on is this person under the Apply This Rule If drop-down list.
Then, type in the correct email address, and click on the Check Names button to move the email address to Add Field.
Click on the OK button and close the window.
In the Do the Following field, the option of Set the spam confidence level (SCL) to Bypass Spam Filtering should be automatically selected.
Click the Save button to save and apply your changes.
Whitelisting emails using the Mail Flow rule ensures maximum security. With the Mail Flow rule, all the security check-ins e.g. SDF and DMARC are carried out.
If you want to merge your Outlook inboxes of multiple accounts, you need to create a unified view on Outlook. To know more, read this guide.
How do I add an email to the Safe Senders list Office 365 admin center?
There is a slight difference between whitelisting an email address and adding an email to the Safe Senders list. In Office 365, messages from email addresses in the Safe Senders list are never considered junk mail.
Proceed with this method to add an email address to the Safe Senders list:
Type in Office 365 in the Windows Search bar and hit Enter.
On the Home tab, select Junk and click on Junk Email Options.
On the Safe Senders tab, check the option to Automatically add people in e-mail to the Safe Senders List.
Close Office 365.
Once done, the selected email address should be added to the Safe Sender’s list. At this point, you will receive the mail, no matter the content of the message.
Whitelisting an email address in Office 365 is one of the surest ways to ensure the delivery of priority messages to your Inbox and not filtered as Spam.
You can whitelist emails using any of the two techniques we’ve highlighted. However, it’d be better to use the mail flow rule to ensure maximum security.
Many users reported that touchpad cursor disappears on Windows 11 and this can prevent them from using their laptop. Luckily, this issue can be easily fixed with these steps.
Why is my mouse not showing a cursor on Windows 11?
This usually happens due to glitches with the touchpad or driver issues. Sometimes Windows updates can cause this issue.
What can I do if my touchpad cursor suddenly disappears on Windows 11?
Before we try anything else, turn off your laptop by pressing and holding the Power button. On your laptop, press the key that has a rectangle with a slash on it to enable the touchpad. Usually that’s F4, F7, F8 or F10 key.
1. Update the touchpad driver
Press the Windows key + X, use the down-arrow key to select Device Manager,and hit Enter.
In the Device Manager window, use the Tab key to focus on the window and use the down arrow key to navigate to Mice and other pointing devices.
Press the right-arrow key to expand the menu, and use the down-arrow key to select your mouse.
Press Shift + F10 or Menu key (next to right Ctrl) to open a drop-down menu. Hit the down arrow key to select Update driver and hit Enter.
In the next popup window, select Search automatically for drivers.
Restart your PC after the drivers are successfully updated.
Alternatively, in step 4, you may also select Uninstall device. After restarting your PC, the system will install a new driver for the touchpad.
If the cursor still keeps disappearing on Windows 11, download the driver from the official manufacturer’s website and try installing manually.
Sometimes, your PC’s generic drivers aren’t updated properly. To get the right driver easily, use a specialized tool like Outbyte Driver Updater to find and update outdated drivers automatically.
2. Disable the touchpad and enable it again
Open the Device Manager again.
Use the keyboard keys to navigate to your touchpad driver.
Open the context menu by using the Menu key on the keyboard and choose Disable.
Wait for a few moments and open the context menu again. This time, select Enable.
If you’ve got other solutions to help when the touchpad cursor disappears on Windows 11, you can let us know in the comments section. We also covered how to get your laptop cursor back in a previous guide, so don’t miss it.
Sleep Mode is a handy feature in Windows that allows users to put their PCs in a low-power state with the programs and files running in the background, and things can be quickly resumed from here. But for many, Windows crashes after sleep.
While Windows crashing is nothing new, and we have all witnessed it at some point, a Windows 10 BSOD after waking from sleep indicates a major problem requiring immediate attention. So, let’s find out all about the problem and the most effective solutions.
Why does my PC crash after waking up from sleep? Here are a few reasons your computer crashes after sleep:
Misconfigured power settings: Certain power settings, when set incorrectly, both in Windows and the BIOS, have been found to lead to a BSOD when the computer goes to sleep.
Incompatible or outdated drivers: If the drivers are outdated or incompatible, Windows will find it difficult to load them after sleep, which might trigger a crash.
Running an older version of the BIOS: BIOS plays a vital role on the PC and needs to be regularly updated for an error-free experience.
Corrupt system files: Another reason often found responsible for computer crashes when hibernating or in sleep mode is corrupt system files.
What can I do if Windows crashes after sleep?
Before we move to the complex set of solutions, here are a few quick ones that worked for others:
Hold the power button to restart the Windows computer and verify whether it still crashes after sleep. If it’s a one-off thing, you are good to go.
Disconnect all non-critical external devices before putting the computer into sleep mode since these are often why the OS crashes.
If the PC is overclocked, revert to the default settings and uninstall the program used for overclocking.
Update the BIOS, and check whether Windows still crashes after sleep.
Make sure all the RAM modules are properly plugged in. Remove all, wipe them with a soft and clean cloth, and place them back in.
Disable VSync in the NVIDIA Control Panel.
If the problem persists, head to the solutions listed next.
1. Run the DISM and SFC scan
Press Windows + R to open Run, type cmd, and hit Ctrl + Shift + Enter.
Click Yes in the UAC prompt.
Type/paste the following commands individually and hit Enter after each to run the DISM tool:DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /CheckHealthDISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealthDISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
Once done, execute the following command to run the SFC scan: sfc /scannow
If the SFC scan identifies issues with a DLL file, either use a DLL repair tool or copy the same DLL from another computer to the affected PC and remove the existing one.
Corrupt, damaged, or missing system and DLL files can cause Windows crashes after sleep, but as we said before, the easiest way to approach this task is by using a DLL repair tool.
2. Uninstall the conflicting application
Press Windows + X to open the Power User menu, and click on Installed apps.
Click on the ellipsis next to the problematic app, and choose Uninstall.
Again, click Uninstall in the confirmation prompt.
While uninstalling an application is quick, identifying the problematic one is the tricky part. For that, you can check the error logs or make a list of apps installed around the same time the error first appeared and remove them one at a time.
3. Disable Fast Startup
Press Windows + S to open Search, type Control Panel, and click on the relevant result.
Click on System and Security.
Now, click on Change what the power buttons do under Power options.
Click on Change settings that are currently unavailable.
Untick the checkbox for Turn on fast startup (recommended), and click on Save changes.
Disabling Fast Startup has helped users fix things when Windows freezes after sleep. So, make sure you give it a try.
Press Windows + R to open Run, type devmgmt.msc, and hit Enter.
Double-click on Display adapters, right-click on the graphics adapter, and choose Update driver.
Now, select Search automatically for drivers and let Windows find and install the most suitable one.
If Windows crashes after sleep, it’s usually linked to the drivers, and updating the graphics driver should do the trick. Also, you could directly head to the manufacturer’s official website to manually install the driver.
Therefore, the most ideal method to update drivers automatically on your PC is with dedicated software such as Outbyte Driver Updater. So, consider it before doing other technical steps that you’re not sure about.
5. Check for issues with the drive
Press Windows + S to open Search, type Command Prompt, and click on Run as administrator.
Click Yes in the prompt that pops up.
Now, run the following command to run the Check Disk utility:chkdsk /r
If you are asked to schedule a scan, press Y and hit Enter, then restart the computer.
6. Test the RAM
When faced with Windows crashes after sleep, you should also look for issues with the RAM. Since you have already cleaned and reinserted the modules as recommended earlier, it’s time to run a bunch of tests. First, go with the built-in Windows Memory Diagnostic tool.
If that doesn’t work, you can use Memtest86+, an open-source memory testing tool, to identify and eliminate issues with the RAM. You should run the tool overnight since it takes considerable time, given its deep scanning of individual modules.
Remember, this will wipe the data stored on the drive. So, it’s recommended that you use a reliable backup tool to retrieve the files after reinstallation.
Tip
If none of the solutions listed here solved the problem, it could be linked to malfunctioning hardware or internal components. Here, you should consult a local hardware professional and get the PC inspected for issues.
These are all the ways you can fix things when Windows crashes after sleep, and things should be up and running in no time.
Whenever you close the lid on any kind of laptop, it will automatically go to sleep. And whenever you open it up, the laptop will turn on again and you can continue using it right where you left off.
This is a very common feature that’s available on all kinds of laptops. However, it’s entirely possible to do away with that feature and have your laptop stay on even with the display closed. That way, you can continue doing certain actions.
Why would I want to change the lid close action on my laptop?
There are cases where you don’t want your laptop to go to sleep whenever you close the lid. Case in point, whenever you are downloading a massive file onto your laptop and you don’t want the laptop to stay open.
There could be an instance where you want to go to sleep but don’t want the glaring glow of the display disturbing you. You may also be recording something or want some other feature to continue working while you take a break.
This guide will show you how you can change the close lid action on your Windows 11 computer so that it continues to work even after you close the device. It will show you what to do if the action isn’t available on your computer.
Note that these solutions are for the Home version of Windows 11. There exist another solution that requires you to open the Group Policy Editor and change the configuration there, but that app only exists on non-Home versions, like Windows 11 Enterprise.
How to change what closing the lid does?
1. Use the Control Panel
Click on the magnifying glass icon in the taskbar.
In the Search bar, search for the Control Panel.
The Control Panel should have its View by set to Large or Small. If it’s on Category, click it.
In the drop down menu, select either Large or Small icons.
Select Power Options.
In this new window, click on Choose what closing the lid does on the left-hand side.
Locate the When I close the lid option on the window.
Click the drop-down menu for On battery.
Select the Do Nothing option.
Do the same for the Plugged in option.
Click the Save changes button at the bottom.
Conversely, you can stay on Category in View by and select Hardware and Sound.
Click on Power Options in the next window.
Then click on Choose what closing the lid does and follow the process as listed above.
2. Change plan settings
If the Choose what closing the lid option isn’t available, you can change the plan settings.
Go back to the Control Panel and select Power Options again.
In this window, select Change plan settings next to Balanced (recommended).
Next click Change advanced power settings to open a new small window.
In this new Power Options menu, click on the Power buttons and lid option.
Then click on Lid close action.
Like before, click both On battery and Plugged in.
Select Do nothing for both entries.
Click Apply and then select OK.
Lid close action may not appear in the Power Options menu found in the Control Panel.
You can fix this by going to the Command Prompt.
3. Enable Lid close action in Power Options
Start by clicking on the magnifying glass icon on your taskbar to bring up the search bar.
Search for the Command Prompt.
Click Run as administrator.
In the Command Prompt, write the following command in the app: REG ADD HKLM\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Power\PowerSettings\4f971e89-eebd-4455-a8de-9e59040e7347\5ca83367-6e45-459f-a27b-476b1d01c936 /v Attributes /t REG_DWORD /d 2 /f
Hit Enter on your keyboard. This will restore the Lid close action in the Power Options of the Control Panel.
Restart your computer to finish the process.
If for whatever reason you want to remove the Lid close action in Power Options, type in the following command in the Command Prompt: powercfg -attributes SUB_BUTTONS 5ca83367-6e45-459f-a27b-476b1d01c936 +ATTRIB_HIDE
Hit Enter on your keyboard.
Restart your computer.
Lid close action has now been removed from the Power Options menu in the Control Panel.
4. Enable Lid close action with the Registry Editor
Click on the magnifying glass icon to bring up the search bar.
Search for the Registry Editor and click it when it appears.
Select Yes on the window that appears.
You will need to go to a specific folder in the Registry Editor.
Start by clicking on KEY_LOCAL_MACHINE.
Click on SYSTEM to bring down another drop-down menu.
Select CurrentControlSet.
Click Control.
In this massive list, scroll down and locate Power. Click it to bring down another drop-down menu.
Click PowerSettings.
Click on the folder highlighted in the following image. This brings down yet another drop-down menu.
Click on the folder highlighted in the following image. This is the folder that will be altered for this guide.
Right-click on the right side menu. New will appear.
Hover over it and select DWORD (32-bit value).
A new entry will appear on the right-hand side. Name it Attributes.
Double-click it so you can edit the value.
Set the value data to 2. Click OK.
The Lid close action option should appear in the Power Options menu found in the Control Panel.
Are there other laptop fixes I should know about?
There have been instances of laptops not locking when closed. This problem is the opposite of this guide where your laptop doesn’t go to sleep when closed. However, you can’t work your way back to fix this issue.
You have to do different steps and go into your Settings to fix your laptop not locking properly. You also may be interested to know what to do if your laptop makes a strange clicking noise. This could be the result of a faulty hard drive or malware.
It’s also worth pointing out that it’s possible to fix your device’s power jack without knowing anything about soldering. No extra expertise is necessary other than booting up the Command Prompt and running some commands.
Feel free to leave a comment below if you have any questions on other Windows 11 apps. Also, leave comments about reviews that you’d like to see or information on other Windows 11 features.
We are no strangers to Microsoft making shady software moves and pushing different apps on our PCs without any prior notice or consent.
And, guess what? Indeed, it happened again, and users are now finding themselves in a situation where Windows Defender got randomly installed on their devices.
However, this only happens to users that are active subscribers to the Microsoft 365 service. Even so, most people are now appalled that new software starts popping up on their systems.
Latest Microsoft 365 update installs Windows Defender
Even though Windows PCs already come with a built-in antivirus solution in the form of Windows Security, Microsoft also offers another standalone utility for Microsoft 365 subscribers.
It’s called Microsoft Defender and most of you are already familiar with the software. Now, note that this tool may now be automatically installed on your PC soon.
Through an email recently sent out to Microsoft 365 subscribers, with the subject Keep your identity saferonline, Microsoft has outlined the benefits of using Microsoft Defender.
However, there’s a catch. Along with mentioning the benefits of stronger online security, the Redmond tech giant has also snuck in an interesting note at the end.
In this above-mentioned message, we learn that the Defender app will soon be automatically added to our Windows 10 or Windows 11 devices during a routine update of your Microsoft 365 apps.
As a result, you can start looking for it in the Start Menu and you have to make sure to sign in to activate your protection.
Needless to say, users have already been caught by surprise seeing Microsoft Defender automatically installed on their PC.
Furthermore, a Microsoft support document discreetly mentions this change and notes that Defender will soon be installed on your PC just like a regular Microsoft 365 app.
Thus, starting in late February of 2023, the Microsoft Defender app will be included in the Microsoft 365 installer by default.
Of course, that means that when you install the Microsoft 365 apps on your Windows device, the Microsoft Defender app will automatically be installed for you along with the other apps.
If you have an active Microsoft 365 subscription and have already installed the Microsoft 365 apps, then the Microsoft Defender app will be automatically installed for you with the next update.
Please keep in mind that you do not necessarily need Microsoft Defender on your Windows PC thanks to Windows Security, but it could serve as a useful one-stop shop for protection across all your supported devices.
Have you also noticed Defender being added to your Windows 10 or Windows 11 PC? Share your experience with us in the comments section below.
Microsoft, strangely enough, has slapped full-screen prompts to urge users to upgrade to Windows 11, for unsupported PCs, again.
As spotted here by Windows enthusiast @PhantomOfEarth, Microsoft offers a free upgrade for devices/VMs with no TPM, RAM as little as 2 GB, and processor Intel Core i5-4690 @ 3.50GHz. The weirdest part is upon upgrading, users will be slapped again with a notification saying that their system doesn’t support the OS—if it’s not weirder than the ad itself having two yes buttons.
Windows 11 free upgrade being offered to unsupported Windows 10 devices/VMs?
Screenshots from a Windows 10 22H2 VM that does not meet the Windows 11 system requirements, big ones being TPM (none) and RAM (2 GB) pic.twitter.com/VNNswgMLiC
Another user, u/SaltRocksicle, said that they got offered the upgrade on their 11-year-old laptop although nothing from their device meets the minimum requirement except the RAM, core count, and storage, and the list of complaints goes on.
So, what’s going on?
Microsoft has a weird habit of pushing unsupported hardware to upgrade to Windows 11
There’s a surge in threads on Reddit and other forums that several users reported the same issue. What makes no sense is that, upon attempting to upgrade, users will still be met with an error notification that their PC does not meet the requirements.
Redmond tech giant is yet to make an announcement.
A few months ago, Reddit reports however indicated that users on unsupported hardware are being offered the upgrade as well, even those on Windows 10.
It's a bug and the right team is investigating it. Thanks for notifying.
— Windows Insider Program (@windowsinsider) June 8, 2022
Know that, after fixing the bug on the very same day, the Redmond tech giant has updated its Windows health dashboard page.
Through this post, Microsoft confirmed that it had inadvertently offered Windows 11 upgrade promos on such unsupported systems.
However, unlike the last time, the upgrade did not really go through which means certain upgrade blocks must have been placed since.
Redmond officials acknowledged and stated that some hardware ineligible for Windows 10 and Windows 11, version 21H2 devices were offered an inaccurate upgrade to Windows 11.
As a result, these ineligible devices did not meet the minimum requirements to run Windows 11, and devices that experienced this issue were not able to complete the upgrade installation process.
Now, this issue is resolved and it might take 24 to 48 hours to propagate to all affected devices. Please keep in mind that affected users do not need to take any steps.
Running tasks on your computer can result in errors due to the various issues impeding its performance. These often reflect as a Blue Screen of Death (BSOD), indicating the error type. The 0x0000001a error BSoD during a Windows upgrade or update is one such error.
The Memory Management error 0x0000001A on Windows 11 is an update error that occurs when there’s a memory issue. Other factors that may be responsible are:
Storage memory and hardware issues – When there’s a severe Memory Management error, you lack enough storage, or a storage device is faulty. Also, other hardware issues like insufficient RAM can cause this problem.
Corrupt system files – If you have corrupt system files on your PC, it will impede the update process and cause the 0x0000001A error to occur on your computer.
Outdated or incompatible device drivers – Device drivers are responsible for the smooth operation of the devices installed on the system. So, Memory Management error 0x0000001A on Windows 11 may stem from outdated storage device drivers.
These factors may differ on various PCs. Nonetheless, we’ll discuss some fixes to resolve the error and get your updates running.
How can I fix the 0x0000001a Blue Screen?
Before proceeding with any advanced troubleshooting steps, apply the following:
If you can’t fix the error, proceed with the following solutions:
1. Update your Device drivers
Press Windows + R keys to prompt the Run window, type devmgmt.msc, and click OK to open the Device Manager.
Expand the device entry you want to update, right-click on the device, then select Update driver from the drop-down menu.
Click on Search Automatically for the updated driver option.
Repeat the steps for other drivers on your PC.
Updating the device drivers will fix bugs causing Windows update issues and install new features to improve its performance on your PC. It can also help you fix the BSoD errors like 139, mainly caused due to corrupted drivers.
Check our guide for more ways to update drivers on Windows if you have any issues with the above steps.
2. Run Windows Memory Diagnostics Tool
Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog box, type mdsched.exe, then press Enter to open the Windows Memory Diagnostics Tool.
Click on Restart now and check for problems (Recommended) to continue.
Wait while the memory diagnostics run and log in after scanning to show all the detected results.
Running the Windows Memory Diagnostics tool will identify and fix Memory Management issues that can prompt the 0x0000001A error. You can check what to do if Windows Memory Diagnostics shows no results in Windows 11.
The Riot client is responsible for popular games like Valorant and League of Legends. However, you can get tired of the game or need to free up space on your hard disk.
If so, you must uninstall the Riot client from your PC completely. In this article, we provide the steps to eradicate Riot clients from your PC completely.
Will I lose my games if I delete the Riot client?
When you uninstall the Riot client, the games will still exist on your PC. The files won’t be lost, but they won’t be playable.
Aside from the games themselves, uninstalling the Riot client still leaves secondary files like anti-cheat, save data, configurations, etc.
If you uninstall Riot, you won’t lose your games; they’ll remain as individual files on your local storage.
How can I uninstall the Riot client in Windows 11?
NOTE
Uninstalling Riot in Windows 11 is a two-step approach. Firstly, you’ll have to uninstall the Riot client application before removing Riot Vanguard.
1. Uninstall the Riot client application
Press Windows key + I to open Settings.
Click on Apps and select Installed apps.
Locate Riot, click the Options button, and select Uninstall.
Uninstalling through Settings is one of the most effective ways to remove an app from your PC.
2. Manually delete the Riot folder
Press Windows key + E to open File Explorer.
Navigate to the path: C:\Users\User_Name\AppData\Local\Riot Games
Right-click on Riot Games and press the Shift + Delete keys on your keyboard.
Press OK to confirm the deletion and close the File Explorer.
Deleting Riot Client from File Explorer ensures no residual files are left after uninstalling the app.
While you’re deleting the Riot Client file, you might run into the deleted files keep coming back on Windows error. Be sure to read our guide on how to fix the error.
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