How to Change Widget Language on Windows 11

Posted on by Claire Moraa

The Windows 11 widgets are small programs that show information on your desktop. These can display weather, stocks, or news headlines. You can also use them to show pictures or videos on your desktop.

By default, Windows 11 language is set to English, but users claim that the Widgets bar displays a different language. This puts non-English speakers at a disadvantage because they may be unable to use the widgets. 

If you don’t find them useful, you can easily disable the widgets and continue your activities. However, if you find that they make your life easier, the good news is that you can change the language if you want to.

Why are my widgets in a different language? 

If you find your widgets displaying a different language, here are a few reasons why:

  • Country or region settings – You may have noticed that some of your widgets are displayed in a different language than the one you selected for your OS. This is because the country or region setting differs from the language selected for your Windows 11.
  • Your language packs are missing or damaged – There might be some problems with your language packs. To check if there is any issue with your language pack, you can try to uninstall and install it again.
  • Unsupported language – If you have enabled other languages, but they are not supported by your device, the widget may not show up in the desired language. It will instead display a different language than the one you selected.
  • You have not installed any language packs – Language Packs are small files that contain all the necessary resources for displaying your desired language on your computer. If you want to change the display language of your widgets, you need to install these first.

Other reasons include running an outdated OS which you can easily fix by updating your OS to a newer version.

How do I change the Language of my widgets in Windows 11? 

  1. 1. Navigate to your Widgets bar and click on your profile picture icon.

    windows 11 widgets click on profile picture

  2. 2. Go to the bottom and click on Manage your news and interests.

    manage news and interests windows 11

  3. 3. The Microsoft page will now open.

  4. 4. Click on the Experience Settings tab, then select Language & content.

    settings for experience windows 11

  5. 5. In the drop-down menu, choose your desired Widgets language.

    select widgets language options

  6. 6. Restart your PC for the changes to take effect.

    7. Whether the widgets language is causing errors on your PC or you simply want to try out a different one, you can easily change it via Microsoft’s Experience Settings.

    From that section, you can modify both the language and the content of your news and interests feed in a few clicks.

How do I install a language pack on Windows 11?

  1. Press Windows + I to open Settings, go to Time & language from the navigation pane, and then click on Language & region on the right.time & language
  2. Click on Add a language.add a language
  3. Search for the language you want to add, choose the relevant search result, and click Next.select language
  4. Click on Install at the bottom.language pack

After you have added the language pack, you can change the language in Windows 11. And similarly, you can change Windows 10 language from Chinese to English.

How do you update widgets in Windows 11? 

In order to update these widgets, you’ll need to open the corresponding app or service first. For example, the Weather widget uses the Weather app to get weather information. As such, updating the Weather app will consequently update the weather widget.

To find out the associated app or service, follow the steps below:

  1. Hit the three horizontal ellipses next to your selected widget.
  2. At the bottom, you will see Powered by Microsoft Weather (In this case, the weather widget).
  3. You can then proceed to update the app also to update the widget.

If you’re using a third-party widget, you can update it from the developer’s site or Microsoft Store if it’s available there. Ensure you install a reliable antivirus program, especially when downloading programs from untrusted sites.

If you are new to widgets and are wondering what all the fuss is about, we have curated a list of the best Windows 11 widgets to make your life easier.

Remember that widgets can be unforgiving on your RAM, so ensure to keep only those you need. If you find out that they are consuming too much, you can fix your widgets’ high CPU usage, as outlined in our expert guide.

Let us know if you have been able to change your Windows 11 widgets’ language in the comment section.

Error Performing Query Facebook Error: How to Fix It Fast

Posted on by Radu Tyrsina

If you ever get the error performing a query on Facebook or Facebook Marketplace it’s because of server issues or bugs with Facebook. A corrupt cache or an outdated app on your end can also be at fault.

Follow the steps outlined below to fix it:

How do I fix the Facebook error performing query?

Table of contents

1. Refresh the page

1.1 On desktop

  1. Once you encounter the error, press Ctrl key + R or F5 key on your keyboard to refresh the page.
  2. Perform the desired operation again.

1.2 On mobile

  1. While on the Facebook app, use your finger to pull down the webpage to reload it.
  2. Repeat the operation that led to the error.

2. Restart your device

1.1 On your Windows desktop

  1. Press the Windows key and X at the same time, to display the Quick Link menu.
  2. Select Shutdown or sign out and press Restart.
  3. Once the computer has restarted, log into your Facebook account.

2.2 On mobile

  1. Keep the power button pressed for 5 seconds and select Restart.
  2. Once your device has restarted, reopen the Facebook app and the error will have disappeared.

3. Reinstall Facebook

3.1 On your Windows desktop

  1. Open the Start menu by pressing the Windows key on your keyboard.
  2. Type Facebook in the search bar.
  3. Right-click on the Facebook Windows app and click on Uninstall.
  4. Once the process has been completed, reopen the Start menu by pressing the Windows key.
  5. Type microsoft store in the search bar and press Enter.
  6. Once the app has opened, type facebook in the search bar at the top of the screen and press Enter.
  7. Once the Facebook app search result is displayed, click on the Install button.

3.2 On your mobile

  1. Press and hold the Facebook app icon and select App info.
  2. Choose Uninstall.
  3. Find the Play Store in your phone’s app drawer.
  4. Start the application, type Facebook, and click on the Install button.

FAQs about Facebook query error

What does Error performing query mean on Facebook?

It usually indicates a temporary server issue, a session problem, or cached data interfering with your request.

Why am I getting a query error in Facebook Marketplace?

This often happens due to listing glitches, server rollouts, or outdated app/browser versions. Trying again later or switching devices can help.

Can browser extensions cause the query error?

Yes. Ad blockers or privacy extensions may block Facebook scripts. Disable them temporarily to test

Is the query error permanent?

No. It’s usually temporary and clears after updates or when Facebook resolves server-side issues.

We also have a guide on It looks like you were misusing this feature by going too fast message, so don’t miss it. Some users also reported that the Facebook news feed won’t load, but we have a separate guide for it.

Many users reported that the Facebook app is not working or that Facebook Dating is not showing up, but we covered those issues in separate guides.

Some have encountered Something went wrong on Facebook, as well as This content isn’t available right now message, but we have guides for them as well.

Similarly, if your Facebook messages are showing as sent but not delivered, or you’re seeing Facebook’s “An unknown error has occurred (code 1)”, both issues can often be resolved with a few targeted fixes.

We hope that our solutions helped you fix the Facebook Dating error while performing query. If you found a solution on your own, share it with us in the comments.

Slack Won’t Open? 5 Ways to Force Start it

Posted on by Henderson Jayden Harper

Being one of the best collaboration platforms for remote jobs, it can be annoying to experience difficulties with Slack.

Users report that Slack won’t open on Windows 11, which makes it hard for Windows users to access their Slack accounts. Likewise, some users complain about Slack screen-sharing issues on PCs.

Why won’t Slack open on Windows 11?

Slack not opening on Windows 11 can be due to factors plaguing the app. The most common cause for this problem is that Slack servers are down. When the servers are down, the platform won’t function. It mainly occurs during maintenance or upgrades.

However, other factors that can be responsible for the Slack app not working on your PC are:

  • Corrupt/missing Slack data files – You can experience difficulty with the Slack app on your computer if its data file is corrupt or missing. It affects the app’s functionality and causes the app to be unresponsive.
  • Outdated Slack app – When the Slack app on your device is not updated, it won’t be able to fix bugs infecting it. So, the Slack desktop app not opening can be because the app is outdated.
  • Outdated Windows OS – it is common for apps on Windows to malfunction when Windows OS is outdated. It happens because Windows can’t fix bugs affecting it without updates, and it’ll lack the patches to improve performance.
  • Third-party app interference – Apps like antivirus software can impede the activities of the Slack app. Antivirus software can detect malicious activity, blocking it from opening.

What can I do if Slack doesn’t open on Windows 11?

Before trying any advanced troubleshooting on your PC, go through the checks below:

  • Perform a power cycle on your router.
  • Close unnecessary apps on your PC.
  • Temporarily disable antivirus software running on your PC.
  • Restart your computer to resolve startup problems.

After trying the steps above, and you cannot access the Slack app on Windows 11, proceed with the following solutions.

1. Run Slack as admin

  1. Press Windows + S keys to prompt the Search box, type Slack, and click on it.
  2. Select Run as administrator from the drop-down, then click on the OK button to confirm the permission to run the Slack app as an administrator.

When you allow Slack to run as an administrator, it will get past hurdles preventing it from running properly.

2. Check Slack’s server

Go to Slack’s System Status page and check for any updates on the issue. If there is any information about the server being down, all you can do is wait patiently until it is fixed.

However, if there is no update about a server issue, proceed to the other solutions.

3. End the task for Slack to restart the app

  1. Right-click the Start button and select Task Manager.
  2. Select the CPU and Memory usage option in the Task Manager.
  3. Go through the page, right-click the Slack app from the PC, then click on the End task option from the drop-down.
  4. Click OK to confirm that you want to end the task for Outlook (you can also close other apps running in the background on your PC by repeating the steps for unnecessary apps).
  5. Restart your PC and check if the Slack not opening issue still persists.

When you end tasks for Slack in the Task Manager, it will stop background activities, causing it to be unresponsive.

4. Disable Windows Defender Firewall

  1. Click the Start button, input Windows Security in the search space, and press ENTER.
  2. Select the Virus & threat protection option, and click Manage settings.
  3. Toggle off the Real-time protection option to disable the Windows Defender Antivirus.

It will stop Firewall interference with the Slack app on your PC. Read how to fix the Windows Defender if you cannot change settings on Windows 11.

5. Update Windows

  1. Click Start on your Desktop, select the Windows Settings app, or press the Windows + I keys.
  2. Choose Windows Update and select the Check for updates option (if there are any updates available, Windows will search for and install them).

Windows update will fix bugs plaguing your PC, causing it to block the Slack app from opening. Updating the Windows OS also serves as a way of updating your Device drivers to their latest versions.

Is Slack supported on Windows 11?

Yes, Slack is supported on Windows 11 and works flawlessly on the latest iteration. Even the system requirements for Slack list Windows 11 as a compatible OS.

Also, many wonder if you can install 32 bit apps on Windows 11. The answer is Yes. Though a 64-bit iteration, Windows 11 supports 32-bit or x86 apps, so you won’t have a problem running them.

Even the 32-bit version of Slack should run fine on Windows 11, but we recommend you stick with the 64-bit one for better performance.

After fixing Slack not opening on your PC, you should update the app to avoid recurring issues. Read how to fix update issues with Slack on your PC.

Conclusively, we have a detailed guide on how to fix Slack notifications not working on Windows 11. And if it’s not your cup of tea, check out this side-by-side Google Chat vs Slack comparison and make your decision.

For further questions and suggestions, kindly leave them in the comments below.

5 Ways to Fix Microsoft Word Not Opening in Windows 11

Posted on by Henderson Jayden Harper

Below, we’ll show you how to repair Microsoft Word when it’s not opening in Windows 11.

The most likely reason why you can’t open Microsoft Word is because of corrupt or missing files. Issues with Windows updates, interfering antivirus software and an outadte app can also be at fault.

Whether it’s not responding, not opening in Safe Mode, or simply not reacting at all when you’re trying to open it, we’ve got tried and tested solutions below.

All explained step by step.

How to fix Word not opening

1. Reboot your PC in Safe Mode

  1. On the sign-in screen, press the Shift key while holding the Power button.
  2. Press and hold the Shift key to prompt the Advanced Recovery Options page.
  3. Click on Troubleshoot, then select the Advanced options.
  4. Click on Startup Settings and select the Restart option.
  5. Press F4 to Enable Safe Mode. 

Wait until your computer reboots in safe mode. This will fix startup errors that may impact the activity of apps like Microsoft Word.

You can check other ways of rebooting Windows in Safe Mode in a few steps.

2. End the task for Microsoft Word

  1. Right-click Windows Start and select Task Manager.
  2. Navigate through and select the Microsoft Word client from the PC, then click on the End task button from the drop-down.
  3. Click OK to confirm that you want to end the task for the Microsoft Word app on your computer.
  4. Restart your PC and check if you can launch Microsoft Word successfully.

The above steps can also work for ending tasks for other apps that may conflict with your Word running on your PC.

You can also access the Task Manager by other means. Hence, read how to open Task Manager via shortcuts on your PC.

3. Repair corrupt Word files

  1. Click the Start button and type Microsoft Word into the search box, and launch the app.
  2. Click on File and select Open on the left side of the screen. Scroll down and select Browse.
  3. Navigate through and check for corrupted Word files on the PC.
  4. Click on the file, tap the arrow pointing down beside the Open button, and select the Open and Repair option to allow Microsoft Word to fix the corrupt file impeding its performance.

However, you can read about the best tool for fixing corrupt documents in Microsoft Word.

You can also repair Word files by using a specialized such as Stellar Repair for Word. This software is specially designed to repair any issues that may corrupt your files. Using this tool will ensure you don’t lose anything from your file, including hyperlinks, comments, fonts, bookmarks, and many more.

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4. Temporarily disable Windows Defender Firewall

  1. Click Start on the taskbar, type Windows Security in the search box, and press Enter.
  2. Select the Virus & threat protection option from the search results, then click Manage settings.
  3. Toggle off the Real-time protection option to disable Windows Defender Antivirus.

Disabling the Windows Defender Firewall will fix any interference with Microsoft Word. Learn how to fix the Windows Defender Firewall if it can’t change settings on Windows 11.

5. Update Windows

  1. Click Start on your taskbar and select the Windows Settings app.
  2. Click on Windows Update and select the Check for updates option.

If there are any updates available, Windows will search for and install them. Windows update will fix bugs affecting your PC and blocking the Microsoft Word app from opening.

Check our article for a guide on how to fix Windows not connecting to update services on your PC.

6. Repair or reinstall Microsoft Office

  1. Press the Start button, type Control Panel in the search box, and launch it.
  2. Click on Programs and select Programs and Features.
  3. Then find Microsoft Office from the installed apps, click the three dots at the front, and select Repair from the options, then OK.
  4. Click on Repair in the new prompt for confirmation. (If you’re unable to fix the issue after repairing the Microsoft Office app on your computer, proceed to the steps below)
  5. Repeat steps 1-4, click three dots at the front of Microsoft Office, select Uninstall from the options, and then OK.
  6. Restart your computer and install the latest Microsoft Office version available for Windows.

Uninstalling Microsoft Office will fix issues affecting problems affecting Word and other services under it. Also, it’ll help update Microsoft Office to the latest build. Besides, a reinstall will do just as well when Word is not responding in Windows 10.

After installing the app, check how to fix Microsoft Word not activated error per adventure it appears.

You may also be interested in how to remove watermarks in Microsoft Word in a few steps. Also, you can read about fixing errors Word experiences when opening a file on your PC.

If the Read out loud feature is not working in Word, this guide will help you fix it quickly. In case you want to add a code block on Microsoft Word, read this guide for detailed steps.

Don’t forget to let us know which solution worked for you by using the comments area below.

Fix: Wdcsam64.sys Memory Integrity Error on Windows 11

Posted on by Vladimir Popescu

Since Windows 11 launched, some users have experienced memory integrity error often caused by incompatible system files.

The wdcsam64.sys error prevents the system from enabling core isolation. If you’re currently experiencing this error, we’ve got the perfect solutions to help you resolve the error.

What causes wdcsam64.sys memory integrity error?

The following are some of the most common causes of wdcsam64.sys memory integrity error:

  • Corrupt Windows files – If your system has corrupt Windows system files, it can cause the wdcsam64.sys memory integrity error.
  • Incompatible drivers – Incompatible drivers are among the most common causes of the wdcsam64.sys error.
  • Virus and malware – In rare cases, the wdcsam64.sys error is triggered when the system is infected with viruses and malware.

Now that we know what we’re dealing with, let’s fix this issue once and for all.

How do I resolve incompatible drivers for memory integrity?

1. Delete WD Discovery using Sysinternals tool autoruns

  1. Visit the Microsoft Official Autoruns Download Page and download the zip file.
  2. After the download, press Windows key + E to open File Explorer.
  3. On the left pane, click on Downloads and locate the file you just downloaded. Right-click on the file i.e Autoruns.zip and select Extract all.
  4. After the extraction, open the newly created folder, locate supporting.exe, and double-click the file to launch the app.
  5. Once the tool loads successfully, type wdcsam64 in the Search box and hit Enter.
  6. Locate any item related to wdcsam64 and delete them.
  7. Restart your PC to enable memory integrity.

Autoruns is a tool designed specifically for Microsoft to identify software configured to run in a system when the device is booted, or a user logs into their device.

2. Uninstall WD Discovery

  1. Press Windows key + R, type in appwiz.cpl in the dialog box, and hit Enter.
  2. In the Programs and Features window, locate WD Discovery, right-click on it, and select Uninstall.
  3. In the next window, click on Uninstall.
  4. Press Windows key + E to open File Explorer.
  5. In the File Explorer window, hover on the See more tab and select Options.
  6. Navigate to the View tab and check the option to Show hidden files, folders, and drives.
  7. Then, click on Apply and close the window.
  8. On the left pane of File Explorer, click on Local Disk (C:), click on Users, and select the folder with your username.
  9. Locate the .wdc file and hit the Delete key on your keyboard.
  10. Then, open AppData, navigate to Local, and select the Temp directory.
  11. Highlight all the folders titled WD Discovery and delete them.

By uninstalling and deleting the files related to WD Discovery, you should be able to fix the wdcsam64.sys memory integrity error.

3. Remove the WD devices

  1. Right-click the Start button and select Device Manager.
  2. Click on View and select Show Hidden Files.
  3. Locate WD Drive Management devices, right-click on WD SES Device, and select Uninstall.
  4. In the next popup window, check the option of Delete the driver software for this device, and click on Uninstall and restart your PC.

4. Run an SFC Scan

  1. Type in cmd in the Windows Search bar and click on Run as administrator to open the Command Prompt window.
  2. Type the following and hit Enter: sfc /scannow
  3. Wait for the scan to finish.

Windows Resource Protection may indicate that the SFC program detected no integrity issues or found corrupt or broken files but could not repair some.

If Windows displays the message Windows Resource Protection discovered corrupt files but could not fix some of them, you’ll need to run a DISM scan.

If you want to use an automatic alternative for SFC and DISM scans, you can try using a specialized repair tool because it offers a thorough scanning report of your corrupt or missing OS files, and ultimately finds healthy components

Further, the wdcsam64.sys error is usually triggered by incompatible drivers. If you’re installing drivers manually, ensure you install the latest version from the official manufacturer’s website.

We have another guide dedicated to HtcVComV64.sys and its issues, so don’t hesitate to check it out.

In conclusion, you can leave your questions and suggestions below in the comments section if you have any regarding this guide.

Fix: Windows 11 Keeps Installing Old Intel Graphics Driver

Posted on by Vladimir Popescu

The Windows Update Assistant is in charge of selecting updates to be installed. The tool sometimes rolls out older driver versions to be installed. This causes Windows to keep installing the old Intel graphics driver. If you’re experiencing this issue, this article has all the fixes needed to resolve the error.

Why does Windows keep installing old intel graphics drivers?

  • Compatibility problems: If the driver you’re attempting to install is incompatible with your OS, the system will revert to the old graphics driver.
  • Misconfiguration: A glitch or a misconfiguration in a Windows update can cause the OS to install old drivers.
  • Conflicting updates: Driver updates are usually installed as a replacement for the older version, but some updates might install as a new entity. If installed as a new entity, the old and the updated driver might conflict.

Now that we know the problems behind this issue, let’s fix it with the solutions below.

What can I do if Windows keep installing old Intel graphics driver?

Before we proceed with more advanced solutions, here are a couple of quick fixes you can apply:

If the above steps couldn’t fix the error, here are more advanced solutions you can perform.

1. Adjust driver installation settings 

  1. Press the Windows + S, type view advanced system settings, and select Open.
  2. Locate the Hardware tab, select Device Installation Settings, and click OK.
  3. Click on No in the Automatically download manufacturers’ apps and custom icons tab. Then click on Save Changes.
  4. Exit the window and restart your PC.

Changing the driver installation settings is one of the first solutions you should attempt if Windows 11 keeps installing old Intel Drivers.

2. Uninstall the older versions of Intel drivers

  1. Right-click the Start button and select Device Manager.
  2. Locate the Display adapter option and select it to expand the tab. Select your graphics driver from the drop-down menu, right-click it, and select Uninstall.
  3. Restart your PC once the uninstallation is complete.

When you uninstall older driver versions, you’ll have to manually reinstall the drivers. Without the drivers installed, your PC will experience a series of errors.

This process is not always working smoothly and you can encounter driver incompatibilities that may lead to system risks. So, you can switch to a driver-dedicated tool that will scan your PC and reinstall any drivers in no time.

3. Roll back Windows Updates

  1. Right-click the Windows button and select Device Manager.
  2. Locate the Display adapters section, click on it to expand the menu, right-click on the graphics driver, and select Properties.
  3. Navigate to the Driver tab in the pop-up window. Scroll down to locate the Roll Back Driver option and click on OK.
  4. Exit the Device Manager and restart your PC to see if the issue persists.

While trying to roll back the drivers update, you might run into the unable to install drivers error. Ensure to read our guide to help you fix the error.

If the Roll Back Driver option is grayed out, you don’t have an older driver to get back to.

4. Disable Automatic Updates for Windows Drivers

  1. Press Windows + R keys to open the Run window, type in gpedit.msc, and hit Enter.
  2. In the Local Group Policy Editor box, navigate to this path: Computer Configuration\Administrative Templates\Windows Components\Windows Update\Manage Updates offered from Windows Updates
  3. On the right pane of the Windows entry panel, click on the option of Do Not Include Drivers with Windows Update.
  4. In the next window, select Enabled, click on Apply, and click OK to confirm your changes.
  5. Restart your PC to see if the issue persists.

This method of excluding drivers from Windows Update only works with the Pro and Enterprise Edition of Windows 11.

Manually installing drivers is a time-consuming task and often very complex. It’d be more beneficial to use an Automatic Driver Update tool.

Intel has its own tool that can help you update drivers, however, many reported that Intel Driver Support Assistant is not working properly, but that can be fixed.

If you’ve got any more suggestions on how to fix Windows 11 keeps installing old Intel Drivers, you can let us know in the comments below.

YouTube Invalid Response Received: How to Quickly Fix It

Posted on by Henderson Jayden Harper

Several users are experiencing YouTube freezing issues, yet encountering an error message that reads Invalid response received when viewing or uploading videos on YouTube is also common.

This error can be frustrating, and it prevents you from accessing the platform. Hence, we’ll examine some quick and easy steps to fix the YouTube Invalid response received error on Chrome or other browsers.

What causes YouTube’s Invalid response received?

The major causes of the YouTube Invalid response received error are outlined below:

  • Browser timeout – If the web browser fails to connect to the host server within the required time, this results in a browser timeout error. It may be due to network connectivity issues, server overload, or other technical problems.
  • Multiple account issues – If you have multiple accounts logged in on your device, it may lead to this error message when uploading videos.
  • Browser extensions conflict – Extensions are installed on browsers to improve functionality. However, browser extensions like security and ad-blockers can affect its performance.

You should note that the above causes may differ on devices. However, we will examine the possible fixes below.

How can I fix the YouTube Invalid response received?

You should apply the following preliminary checks:

Proceed to the following advanced steps if the error persists.

1. Check the Google Account name

  1. Open your browser app, then visit the Google Account page.
  2. Sign in to your Google account or check if you have logged in to the correct one.
  3. Select Personal info from the left pane and double-click on the Name address bar.
  4. Select the Pencil icon to input your name and click the Save button.

The above steps will allow you to check and verify your accounts. Should you face a problem with signing in to your Google account, then read our guide to fix it.

2. Clear browser cache and cookies

  1. Launch the browser app on your device. Click on the three dots on the top right side and select Settings.
  2. Select the Privacy and Security option and click the Clear browsing data section.
  3. Select All Time from the Time range at the top, check the boxes next to Cookies and other site data, and the Cached images and files option. Then click on Clear now.

Clearing the browser cache and cookies will remove all pre-stored data and refresh the website. However, if you want to clear the cache in Windows 11 as well, look at our guide.

3. Remove third-party extensions

  1. Open the browser, click the three dots at the top right corner, select More tools, and select Extensions.
  2. Alternatively, select the list of Extensions and click on Manage Extensions.
  3. Toggle off the Extensions to disable it and check if the error persists.
  4. Repeat this process for all Extensions to find the one causing the error.

Removing the browser extensions will fix ad-blocker issues that can affect your browser’s functionality. Also, you can read step-by-step details to view extensions on your device without opening the browser.

4. Temporarily disable Windows Defender

  1. Press the Windows button, type Settings, and open it.
  2. Select Privacy & Security and click Windows security.
  3. Select Virus and threat protection and click Manage settings.
  4. Toggle off the switch under the Real-time protection option.

Turning off Real-time protection will fix any antivirus interference with your browser. Further, the Windows Defender can also be disabled by following the steps outlined in this guide.

As outlined above, using the YouTube app might be another alternative if all else fails.

Since most of Youtube’s Invalid response received error complaints are from website users, the app should work smoothly. Hence, you can read about the best software for YouTube on Windows.

Also, take a look at our guide on how to fix errors that occur on YouTube permanently on your devices.

If you have further questions or suggestions concerning this guide, kindly drop them in the comment section below.

Posted in Fix

Fix: WDCSAM64_PREWIN8.SYS Core Isolation Turned Off

Posted on by Henderson Jayden Harper

WDCSAM64_PREWIN8.SYS is an old driver found in both Windows 10 and Windows 11. It is not an essential file in the computer, so its unavailability won’t cause any issues with the system.

Furthermore, WDCSAM64_PREWIN8.SYS is a driver from Western Digital Technologies. The driver can get installed on your PC if you have any Western Digital hard disk drive or other devices.

The error message is often: Core Isolation Memory Integrity Fails to Enable Because of Incompatible Driver WDCSAM64_PREWIN8.SYS. It can occur on your PC due to corrupt system files and missing or incompatible drivers.

What can I do if WDCSAM64 PREWIN8.SYS Core Isolation is turned off?

1. Remove the driver using the DISM and PNPUtil tools

  1. Left-click the Start button, type Command Prompt, and click the Run as administrator option.
  2. Click Yes on the User Account Control (UAC) prompt.
  3. Copy this command and paste, then press Enter after each one: dism /online /get-drivers /format:table
  4. Under the Provider Name table, find the line containing the WDCSAM64_PREWIN8.SYS, then take note of the Published name.
  5. Type in the following command, replacing the Published name with the driver name, for example: pnputil /delete-driver oem46.inf /uninstall /force
  6. Restart your PC and check if the error persists.

Removing the driver can get rid of the interference it has with Memory Integrity. Check our guide on how to fix Command Prompt not working on your PC.

2. Update Windows Operating System

  1. Press Windows + I key to open the Windows Settings app.
  2. Click on Windows Update and click on Check for updates. If any updates are available, it will search for and install them.

Updating Windows will fix the bugs causing errors on your PC and resolve compatibility issues affecting the driver. Read about fixing Windows not connecting to update service if the error occurs on your PC.

3. Update the wdcsam64_prewin8.sys driver and other concerned drivers

  1. Press Windows + R keys to prompt the Run window, type devmgmt.msc, and click OK to open the Device Manager.
  2. Go to the View tab and click Show hidden devices.
  3. Find the device that has a yellow triangle with an exclamation mark inside it or the wdcsam64_prewin8.sys driver. Right-click on the device and select the Update driver option from the drop-down.
  4. Select the Search automatically for drivers option and wait till the update finishes.
  5. Restart your PC and check if the error persists.

Updating the driver will resolve compatibility issues and fix bugs causing it to impede the Memory integrity processes on your PC.

4. Run an SFC scan

  1. Left-click the Start button, type Command Prompt, and click the Run as administrator option.
  2. Click Yes on the User Account Control prompt.
  3. Type the following and press Enter: sfc /scannow 
  4. Restart your PC and check if the Windows update error persists.

Running an SFC scan will scan and repair corrupt system files causing the WDCSAM64_PREWIN8.SYS error.

Check how to fix the Run as administrator option if it’s not working on your PC. Alternatively, you may take a look at our guide on Wdcsam64.sys Memory Integrity Error on Windows 11 for more troubleshooting steps.

Also, you can check our detailed guide about the Brusbsib.sys Incompatible Driver error and ways you can fix it.

If you have any questions or suggestions, kindly drop them below in the comments section.

Caa70004 Microsoft Teams Error: 8 Ways to Fix It

Posted on by Claire Moraa

Teams is an extremely sought-after collaboration app, especially since the Covid-19 pandemic. The application has an impressive library of features, making it one of the top video-chat applications.

While its catalog is no doubt a sight to behold, the app is still plagued by a few errors from time to time. Sometimes the Teams is not working, and other times, it is the Caa70004 that prevents users from launching the app. If you’ve been locked out of your Teams app account, we offer some solutions below.

What is the Caa70004 Teams error in Microsoft Teams?

Standalone apps are great, but sometimes they can be problematic as they encounter issues with launching or loading. The Caa70004 Teams error is an issue that users who try to launch the desktop app encounter.

Some of the reasons why you may be encountering this error are:

  • Outdated application – If your Teams app has not been updated in a while, it may not be optimized for your current version of Windows.
  • Compatibility issues – Sometimes, when you upgrade from one Windows version to another, some files can get mixed up and cause compatibility issues.
  • Corrupt cache – Your Microsoft Teams app can get corrupted over time with cache build-up, so this may be the cause of the error.
  • Conflicting apps – Some similar applications may interfere with the Teams app, so you may have issues launching it.
  • Firewall/antivirus interference – It is possible that your firewall is blocking Teams from launching. Sometimes, your antivirus can flag off a program as a potential risk to your system.

How do I fix the error code Caa70004?

Before you attempt any of the slightly advanced solutions, we recommend you try these first:

  • Close any background processes that may be conflicting with the Teams app.
  • Sign out from Teams, then sign in back again.
  • Check whether you’re using an updated version of the Teams app.
  • Verify from Microsoft on the server status to ensure there is no downtime.
  • Try the Teams web version to establish whether it is an app-related issue.
  • Switch to a different internet connection if available. You can hotspot yourself from your phone’s data and try logging in again.
  • Try logging in from a different device if available.

1. Clear Teams cache

  1. Hit the Windows + R keys to open the Run command.
  2. Type %appdata%\Microsoft\Teams in the Run dialog box and then select OK.
  3. Select all files and folders in the %appdata%\Microsoft\Teams directory and hit the Delete button.
  4. Restart Teams.

2. Disable VPN 

  1. Press the Windows key and select Settings.settings windows 11
  2. Next, select Network & internet and click on VPN in the right-side menu.
  3. Select the VPN connection you want to disable, click on the drop-down and select Remove.remove VPN

3. Disable Proxy 

  1. Press the Start Menu icon and select Settings.settings windows 11
  2. Click on Network & Internet on the left pane, then scroll down and click Proxy on the right pane.Network proxy settings
  3. Select Edit next to Use a proxy server option in the Manual proxy setup section, toggle off Use a proxy server and click on Save.Disable proxy server

4. Run Teams in Compatibility mode 

  1. Hit the Windows + E keys to open File Explorer.
  2. Navigate to the following location: C:\Users\<user folder>AppData\Local\Microsoft\WindowsApps\MicrosoftTeams
  3. Find the Teams executable file, right-click on it and select Properties.
  4. Navigate to the Compatibility tab, then check the Run this program in Compatibility mode for checkbox.
  5. In the drop-down menu, select Windows 8, then click on Apply and OK to save the changes. 

5. Allow Teams through firewall

  1. Hit the Search icon, type Windows Security in the search bar and click Open.
  2. Click on Firewall & network protection.
  3. Select Allow an app through firewall.allow an app through firewall
  4. In the drop-down menu, check Teams or teams.exe, then click OK to save changes.

6. Disable your antivirus temporarily 

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

7. Remove Microsoft Account Credentials

  1. Hit the Windows Search icon, type Credential Manager in the search bar, then click Open.
  2. Click on Windows Credentials.Windows credentials - OneDrive 0x8004deb2
  3. Select MicrosoftAccount, click on it to expand, then hit Remove.
  4. You’ll get a command prompt asking you to confirm whether you want to remove the credentials, so click on Yes.

8. Reinstall Teams

  1. Hit the Start Menu icon on the Taskbar and click on Settings.settings windows 11
  2. Click on Apps on the left pane, then select Apps & features on the right pane.
  3. Navigate to Microsoft Teams app, click on the three ellipses and select Uninstall.uninstalling microsoft teams
  4. Launch the Microsoft Store, search for the Teams app and click Install.
  5. Follow the on-screen prompts and try again.

If all else fails, you can contact Microsoft Support and report the issue. They may be able to recommend other solutions not listed above. You may also run into another similar Microsoft Teams error Caa20002, but we have unpacked the solutions for it in our helpful guide.

We also have a guide on addressing any other Microsoft Teams crashing issues during launch, so don’t hesitate to check out our article.

Let us know if you have been able to resolve this issue in the comment section below.

How to Password Protect a Word Document [Encryption Guide]

Posted on by Henderson Jayden Harper

A security breach is one of the most common issues users experience on their computer computers. It usually results in data theft, scams, phishing, etc. Many users report intruders accessing their documents and confidential data.

Hence, we’ll take you through ways to password-protect Word documents on your PC. Also, we have a detailed guide about Word documents being blank when opened and some steps for fixing the issue.

Why do I need to password-protect a Word document? Password Protect is a feature in Microsoft Word that allows users to create a document and set a unique password to protect it. The sole purpose of the security system is to prevent unauthorized users who happen to have the document from editing or making adjustments.

Furthermore, adding password protection to your Microsoft Word document keeps the contents safe from prying eyes. It limits access to the document by allowing a group of selected individuals with a password to access and edit it.

How can I password-protect a Word document?

1. Use the Encrypt with Password option

  1. Launch the Microsoft Word app on your computer.
  2. In the top-left corner, click the File tab, then select Info from the left sidebar.
  3. Click the Protect Document button on the right pane, then select the Encrypt with Password option.
  4. On the new prompt, type a password to protect the document, then click the OK button.
  5. Retype the password and click the OK button.
  6. On the left sidebar, click the Save button to keep the changes.

Encrypting with a password means every time you open the document, you’ll be prompted to enter a password to decrypt its contents. It prevents unwanted access to the encrypted document. Also, it makes it virtually impossible to open the document.

Check our article about what to do if Microsoft Word has stopped working on your PC.

2. Use the Mark as the Final feature

  1. Open the Microsoft Word app on your computer.
  2. Go to the top-left corner, click the File tab, then select Info from the left sidebar.
  3. On the right side of the screen, click the Protect Document button, then select Mark as Final.
  4. Click OK on the confirmation dialog box indicating that marking a document as final will also save it.
  5. Click OK on the final confirmation dialog box.

Setting the Mark as Final option in the Protect Document feature prevents all typing, editing commands, and proofing marks to the Word document.

Check the best tool for fixing corrupt documents in Microsoft Word.

3. Use third-party software

Users can password-protect Word documents using third-party tools to add unique keys to protect them from unauthorized external access. So, we recommend you find reliable security software to encrypt the file from your computer.

One of the most dependable software you can try in this situation is WinZip as it is an app with which you can encrypt your files safely and securely.

It helps you password-protect your Word documents and other important files, making it impossible for third parties to see or access your content.

It has strong file encryption, turning your Word document into unreadable ciphertext which can only be unlocked by entering your established password.

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In addition, we have a detailed guide on the best free and paid document comparison software you can download on your PC.

Also, you may be interested in our article about how to fix errors Word experiences when opening the file on your PC.

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

Teams Keeps Asking to Sign In: 5 Ways to Stop It

Posted on by Henderson Jayden Harper

Microsoft Teams is one of the best real-time communication and professional collaboration platforms for individuals and organizations. A login session should have your account signed into the app until you log out or make any changes.

However, users report that Microsoft Teams keeps asking them to sign in with their password. Likewise, you can read our guide on fixing Microsoft Teams status stuck on Out of Office on your PC.

Why is Microsoft Teams constantly asking me to sign in?

Teams constantly asking users to sign into their accounts with their login credentials makes it tasking to keep your account signed into the app. Some likely factors that can cause the issue are:

  • Corrupt Teams cache – Microsoft Teams keep app cache files to help it run smoothly and faster. These files can become corrupted when they are stored for a long time and can cause issues with the app’s performance. So, a corrupted Teams cache can trigger the constant demand for sign-in.
  • Teams Account issues – Encountering Teams sign-in problems can result from logging issues or account-related errors impeding its operations. It can affect other parts of the app and cause it to be unresponsive or malfunctioning.
  • Outdated Windows OS and Office client – Running an outdated operating system on your PC can cause bug infections. It can affect the programs running on your computer and cause the Teams app to crash or malfunction. Also, the issue can be if the Office app is outdated.

Other factors not highlighted above may be responsible for the issue. Fortunately, there are a couple of solutions you can follow to fix it.

What can I do if Teams keep asking me to sign in?

Before proceeding with any advanced troubleshooting steps, go ahead with the following:

If the issue persists, proceed with the solutions below:

1. Restart the Microsoft Teams app

  1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc keys to open the Task Manager.
  2. Select the Microsoft Team app, click the End task option from the drop-down, then click OK.
  3. Restart your PC and check if the Teams sign-in issue persists.

Ending tasks will refresh Microsoft Teams processes and stop every background activity affecting its performance. Check our article about shortcuts for accessing the Task Manager on your PC.

2. Clear Microsoft Teams cache

  1. Press the Windows + R keys to open the Run dialog box, type %appdata%, and press Enter.
  2. Go to the Microsoft folder on the left side and click on it.
  3. Find the Teams folder and double-click to open it.
  4. Press Ctrl + A to highlight all the folders in the Teams folder, and press Delete to clear them.
  5. Close and relaunch Microsoft Teams to see if the recurring sign-in issue persists.

When you clear the Microsoft Teams app cache, it deletes the corrupt data files causing the apps to malfunction and allowing them to collect new data.

3. Sign out and sign into your Microsoft Teams account

  1. Left-click the Start button, search for Microsoft Teams and open it from the search results.
  2. Click on the profile picture in the top-right corner, click on the Signout option, and click OK.

Signing out of your account from Microsoft Teams will fix any sign-in issues causing it to ask for a new login session. Read our guide on how to fix Microsoft Teams keep restarting issue on your PC.

4. Update Microsoft Teams

  1. Launch the Microsoft Teams app on your PC and click on the three dots in the top-right corner to open the Menu.
  2. Click on the Check for updates option from the drop-down. If there are any updates available, Teams will check and automatically install them.

Updating Microsoft Teams will resolve bugs impeding its functionality and install new features to improve its performance.

5. Update Windows Operating System

  1. Press Windows + I key to open the Settings app.
  2. Click the Windows Update option and click on Check for updates. If any updates are available, it will search for and install them.

Updating Windows OS will fix the bugs affecting it and add new features to improve your system performance.

Check our guide about fixing Windows not connecting to update service if the error occurs on your PC.

In conclusion, you can check our article on how to keep Teams status green [Active] on your PC. Also, we have a detailed guide on ways to recover deleted chats in Microsoft Teams.

Can’t Resize or Move an App? Here’s How to Force It

Posted on by Claire Moraa

In Windows 11, moving or resizing an app is as easy as dragging it on your desktop. You may be looking to space out or make your app icons more compact on your desktop but are stuck.

While this may seem like a normal function, some users have found themselves unable to do either. If you’re in the same predicament, we have some solutions below to help you regain this functionality.

Why can’t I resize or move an app in Windows?

If you are using a PC and it is not possible to move or resize an app, here are some possible reasons:

  • Multiple versions of the application – If you have more than one version of an app, there may be incompatibility issues between them. 
  • Buggy update – A recent Windows update may have brought about this change. Some updates may come coupled with some bugs.
  • Corrupt user profile – If the integrity of your user profile has been compromised, modifying anything on your PC can be extra hard.
  • Virus/malware – If a malicious code has found itself on your PC, it may be interfering with how some programs behave, and that’s why you can’t move or resize an app.
  • Outdated drivers – Drivers are essential for the proper functioning of your system. If your PC is missing some drivers or they are outdated, there may be a disconnect when you try to perform some actions.

How do I force an app to resize or move?

A few basic tweaks that could help resolve the problem include:

  • Ensure all your drivers are up-to-date.
  • Disable or uninstall any third-party software that you may have recently installed on your computer.
  • Try switching profiles to establish if yours is corrupt. You can create a new one if you don’t already have one.
  • Check for any Windows updates and install them.
  • Check for any disk errors using the CHKDSK command.
  • Turn off your computer and unplug it from the wall. Then plug it in again and restart it.

1. Run a virus scan 

  1. Press the Windows key, search Windows Security and click Open.
  2. Select Virus & threat protection.
  3. Next, press Quick scan under Current threats.
  4. If you don’t find any threats, proceed to perform a full scan by clicking on Scan options just below Quick scan.Scan options
  5. Click on Full scan then hit Scan now to perform a deep scan of your PC.Full Scan Scan Now
  6. Wait for the process to finish and restart your system.

Also, if you have a third-party antivirus for your Windows 11, running a scan may help detect issues that Windows Security may have missed. 

2. Run the DISM and SFC scans 

  1. Hit the Windows key, type cmd in the search bar and click Run as administrator.cmd-run-admin-w11 unexpected kernel mode trap windows 11
  2. Type the following commands and press Enter after each one: DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-Image /Restorehealth sfc /scannow

3. Uninstall recent Windows updates

  1. Hit the Start Menu and select Settings.settings windows 11
  2. Click on Windows Update and select Update history on the right pane.update-history restart to repair drive errors
  3. Scroll down and under Related settings, click on Uninstall updates.uninstall-updates-w11 computer-recognize-logitech-unifying-receiver
  4. This will take you to the most recent installed updates.
  5. Select the topmost update and click on Uninstall.uninstall-update-latest computer-recognize-logitech-unifying-receiver
  6. Restart your PC and check if the problem persists.

4. Perform a clean boot 

  1. Hit the Start Menu icon, type msconfig, and open System Configuration.
  2. Switch to the Services tab.
  3. Select Hide all Microsoft services, click on the Disable all button then hit the Apply button to save the changes.Hide all Microsoft services
  4. Go back and click on the Startup tab.
  5. Select Open Task Manager.
  6. In the Startup tab of the Task Manager, Disable all the Enabled startup items.
  7. Close Task Manager and Restart your PC.

5. Perform a System Restore

  1. Click the Search icon, type create restore point and click Open.
  2. Select the drive you wish to enable system restore for and click on Configure.
  3. Now select Turn on system protection. Set the Max Usage value and click on Apply and OK to save changes.
  4. Go back and repeat step 1.
  5. When the System Properties window opens, click on Create.system properties create restore point windows 11
  6. Enter the desired name for the restore point and then click the Create button.create a restore point windows 11 name
  7. Wait while Windows creates the restore point.
  8. Press the Windows + R keys, type rstui and hit Enter.
  9. Select the restore point you wish to revert to and click on Next.
  10. Now click on Finish.

A quicker and more efficient way of performing a System Restore is by using a dedicated third-party repair tool as it can automatically restore files from system malfunctions after running an in-depth scan to detect them in the first place.

If you’ve tried all these solutions but still can’t get your apps to resize or move, we recommend resetting your PC. This can help you establish whether there were any problems with installing your copy of Windows.

We also have an exciting article that can help you change your icon spacing if the default spacing is not ideal.

You can also change the Taskbar size if it is too small for you using our guided article.

Let us know which solution has solved this issue in the comment section below.

Windows Media Creation Tool Deleted My Files [Recover Guide]

Posted on by Henderson Jayden Harper

The Media Creation Tool on Windows PCs is a utility tool that allows users to upgrade their computers to the latest Windows version. Also, it helps create a Windows installation USB drive disc you can use to perform a clean install or repair a problematic Windows PC.

However, users complain that Windows Media Creation Tool deleted files on their PC when running it. Also, we have a detailed guide on fixing 0x80072f8f – 0x20000 Media Creation Tool Error that appears while upgrading your OS.

Why did Windows Media Creation Tool delete my files?

Windows Media Creation Tool deleting files on the PC occurs when the downloading software starts the download. It can delete a partition or clear all the data on the drive or USB storage device. However, the issue can be due to some factors, such as:

  • Not paying attention to the Windows Media Creation Tool USB Drive warning – During the setup process, the Windows Media Creation Tool prompts a notification asking users to proceed with the installation by selecting a drive or allowing it to delete the files on the drive. So, users might have continued without making the necessary changes to save files, resulting in the file deletion issue.
  • Prior issues affecting the drive – The problem with Windows Media Creation Tool deleting files can sometimes be due to a faulty or corrupt drive. If the selected disk drive isn’t working correctly, it may result in its files being erased or hidden.

Other factors may cause file deletion issues when using the Windows Media Creation Tool. Nonetheless, we’ll take you through some basic steps to fix the problem and possibly retrieve the deleted files.

What can I do if Windows Media Creation Tool deletes my files?

Go through the following preliminary checks:

Follow the steps below to resolve the Windows Media Creation Tool issue and retrieve files:

1. Run the Check Disk Utility

  1. Left-click the Start button, type Command Prompt, and click the Run as administrator option.
  2. Click Yes on the User Account Control (UAC) prompt.
  3. Type the following command and press Enter: chkdsk C:/r/x
  4. Exit the Command Prompt and restart the PC to check if the deleted files are indeed removed from the disk drive.

Running the CHKDSK command allows the system to take control of the disk, read hidden partitions, and troubleshoot issues that may make its data unavailable.

Read this guide if you experience chkdsk.exe running on every boot issue on Windows 11 for fixes to resolve it.

2. Run System Restore

  1. Press Windows + R key to open the run dialog box, type control, then press Enter to open the Control Panel.
  2. Input recovery in the Control Panel search bar and select Recovery.
  3. Then click Open System Restore.
  4. Click Next in the Restore system files and settings window.
  5. Choose the restore point you want to restore from, then click Scan for affected programs.

System Restore will backdate the system to an earlier point. It removes recent activities after the restore point, recovering the system to the previous point with its files intact. Read our guide on how to fix Restore Point if it’s not working on your PC.

3. Use Third-party Data Recovery tools

Users can recover deleted files even if they are no longer in the Recycle Bin on the PC. So, there’s a possibility that you can retrieve the Windows Media Creation Tools deleted files by using third-party Data Recovery tools.

An authentic third-party data recovery tool you can definitely try is Kernel Data Recovery Software because it has a complete collection of solutions to recover your data from corrupt files and devices.

It can help you restore lost files or folders from USBs, SD cards, and even permanently deleted files from the emptied recycle bin.

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However, it may be impossible to recover all your files through the Data Recovery Tools, but it is efficient for recovering most files. You can check our guide on the best File Recovery Software for Windows 11 to retrieve your deleted files.

In conclusion, you may be interested in how to repair corrupted files after recovery to avoid your files being compromised or destroyed.  

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

WHEA Logger: What Does It Mean & How to Fix It

Posted on by Henderson Jayden Harper

The Windows PC is advanced and has many components that make it suitable for various purposes. However, there are several issues users are liable to encounter while using their PC. The WHEA Logger is a recent error common among Windows users, usually accompanied by numerous Event IDs.

It is related to hardware issues and can be generated during any activity on the PC. Also, you may be interested in our detailed article about WHEA Internal Error and some fixes to resolve it.

What is WHEA Logger?

The Windows Hardware Error Architecture (WHEA) is a component in Windows PCs that raises an Event Tracing for Windows (ETW) event whenever a hardware error occurs. It records these hardware error events in the system event log whenever they occur.

Furthermore, the WHEA Logger documents the descriptions of the numerous hardware error events raised by WHEA, making it easier for users to discern the error. Also, hardware error events can be obtained by querying the system event log or by receiving an event notification from an app.

However, the Windows Hardware Error Architecture (WHEA) Logger records hardware-generated events captured by the Operating System. Then, it displays them in the Event Viewer by using Event IDs to identify them distinctively on your PC.

What are the causes of WHEA Logger event IDs?

Because WHEA error events are accompanied by different event IDs such as 1, 17, 18, 19, 47, etc., they can occur for various reasons. Some are:

  • Hardware failures – You can encounter WHEA errors due to hardware failures such as hard drive failures, memory failures, issues with the processor, and others. They prevent the system from communicating with its running hardware, resulting in errors.
  • System Driver issues – When you have outdated or corrupted drivers running on your PC, it can also cause WHEA errors. These drivers are responsible for the hardware on your PC, so the system may malfunction when they aren’t intact or accessible.
  • Power supply issues and Overheating – The system can malfunction when the power supply is unstable. It can impede the activities of the hardware, preventing it from accessing enough power to run. Also, overheating can cause the components of the PC to malfunction.

Other factors not listed above may be responsible for WHEA errors. Nevertheless, we will discuss some fixes to resolve them and get your system working correctly.

How can I fix WHEA Logger?  

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

If the above steps are futile, proceed with the solutions below:

Fix WHEA-Logger Event ID 1

1. Run the SFC and DISM to repair damaged system files

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

Running an SFC scan will detect and repair corrupt system files liable to cause hardware issues on your PC. Check how to fix the run as administrator option if it’s not working on your PC.

Fix WHEA-Logger Event ID 17

2. Update Windows OS

  1. Press the Windows + I to open the Windows Settings app.
  2. Click the Windows Update category and select Check for Updates. Wait for the Windows update result and click on Install Update if a Windows update is available.
  3. Restart your PC.

Updating the Windows OS will install new updates and patches for fixing bugs affecting the current version. Also, it can resolve hardware compatibility problems prompting the WHEA Logger event ID 17 in the Event Viewer.

Read about fixing Windows not connecting to update service if the error occurs on your PC.

Fix WHEA-Logger Event ID 18

3. Use the Hardware Troubleshooter command line

  1. Left-click the Start button, type Command Prompt, and click the Run as administrator option.
  2. Click Yes on the User Account Control (UAC) prompt.
  3. Type the following and press Enter to launch the Windows Hardware and Device Troubleshooter: mysdt.auxiliary diagnostic device 
  4. Click Next to proceed with the analysis and troubleshooting process.

Running the Hardware and Devices troubleshooter will resolve hardware problems that may cause the WHEA Logger event ID 18. Check our guide on how to fix Command Prompt not working on your PC.

Fix WHEA-Logger Event ID 19

4. Update your Keyboard drivers

  1. Press Windows + R keys to prompt the Run window, type devmgmt.msc, and click OK to open the Device Manager.
  2. Expand the Keyboard entry to update, right-click on the device, then select Update driver from the drop-down menu.
  3. Click on Search Automatically for the updated driver software option.
  4. Repeat the procedure for other drivers on your PC.

Updating the device drivers on your PC will fix bugs affecting the device and install new features to improve its performance. Check our guide for more steps for updating drivers on Windows 11 if you have any issues.

If you want to try other methods for updating your keyboard drivers, you can use the Outbyte Driver Updater app, which can help you get the latest updates from its repository after thoroughly scanning your device.

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Fix WHEA-Logger Event ID 47

5. Run the Check Disk Utility

  1. Left-click the Start button, type Command Prompt, and click the Run as administrator option.
  2. Click Yes on the User Account Control (UAC) prompt.
  3. Type the following command and press Enter: CHKDSK C:/r/x
  4. Close the Command Prompt and restart the PC to check if the WHEA Logger event ID 47 persists.

Running the CHKDSK command allows the system to take control of the disk and check for hardware issues.

Read this guide if you experience chkdsk.exe running on every boot issue on Windows 11 for fixes to resolve it. Alternatively, you can check our guide on how to fix WhEA Uncorrectable Error on Windows PC.

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

NTUSER.DAT: What Is It & How to Delete or Fix It

Posted on by Cesar Cadenas

NTUSER.DAT is a file that Windows creates housing all of the information for a user account, like its system settings and various customizations. It is strongly recommended that you do not delete this file.

Without this NTUSER.DAT, Windows won’t be able to load in your settings and may even corrupt your user profile. Instead, you will be replacing the old file with a new one.

What causes the NTUSER.DAT file not to work?

If an NTUSER.DAT file is corrupt or broken in some way, you may get message windows on your computer stating that it failed to load, it’s missing, or some general error occurred.

Below is a list of the most likely culprits of a damaged or missing NTUSER.DAT file.

  • Your computer has corrupt registry files – Corrupt registry files can be caused by a computer virus or faulty Windows update. It’s recommended that you use some repair software to fix the damage.
  • Your hard drive has been infected by malware – Viruses can mess up a computer’s functions. You should download some antivirus software like Bitdefender to clean everything up.
  • The NTUSER.DAT file has been deleted – If you did delete the file, you must restore NTUSER.DAT by copying one from another user profile.

How can I fix the NTUSER.DAT file?

There are several things that you can do to fix performance problems centered around the NTUSER.DAT. Because it’s not always just the file that’s causing errors.

Also, it’s recommended that you do these fixes while using an administrator profile. You can learn how to create one in the first complex solution down below.

  • Run a registry scan to fix files. This can be done by running the Command Prompt as an administrator and entering the SFC scan command.
  • Be sure to download and install the latest Windows Update. These always come with patches for bugs on Windows 11 and may fix the NTUSER.DAT problem.
  • Run Windows System Restore if you have a restore point. It’ll revert things to an older Windows 11 version before you started to have the NTUSER.DAT error.
  • And if all else fails, fully reinstall Windows 11. Doing this will completely restore all of your missing files, including NTUSER.DAT.

1. Create an administrator profile

  1. The first thing you should do is open the Settings menu and go to the Accounts tab.
  2. Click Other users.
  3. There are two ways to do this. You can expand another account in the tab and click Change account type.
  4. Set the account type to Administrator. Then select OK.
  5. If you want to add a new account, click the Add account button.
  6. Enter the login information of the account that you want to add in the new window that appears.
  7. Now perform the previous steps of changing the account type to Administrator.

As a reminder, this is the first step you should take because it impacts all the solutions; both simple and complex.

2. Remove NTUSER.DAT

  1. First, you will need to create an account with administrator-level permissions or log into it if you already have one ready.
  2. Log into the admin account you just created and launch File Explorer. Type C:\\Users in the address bar of the window.
  3. Open the folder for the account housing the NTUSER.DAT file you want to delete.
  4. Scroll down to find the NTUSER file. If you don’t see it, hover over View.
  5. Hover over Show, then click Hidden items.
  6. Right-click NTUSER and select Rename. Give the file a new name like NTUSER.OLD. If something goes wrong, you can restore it and start over.
  7. If you ultimately decide to delete it, don’t forget to empty the Recycle Bin to get rid of it completely.

Once you remove NTUSER.DAT, go on to the next part. If you still don’t see the file after selecting Hidden Items, try booting your computer in Safe Mode. It should appear then.

3. Recover the NTUSER.DAT file

  1. Using the same admin account, enter another user folder that doesn’t have a corrupt NTUSER.DAT file. Profiles like Guest or Public work as well.
  2. Highlight NTUSER.DAT in this second profile and copy it.
  3. Go to the user account folder that has the problematic NTUSER.DAT file and paste the new one in.
  4. Log out of the administrator account and log into the account that you previously had trouble with. It should work now.

4. Delete the user profiles

  1. Launch the Settings menu and go to the Accounts tab.
  2. Expand the account that you want to get rid of. Click Remove.

This should be considered a last-ditch effort if you can’t fix a corrupt user profile.

5. Use Third-Party Tools

In some cases, it may be possible to repair a corrupted NTUSER.DAT file using a third-party tool designed to fix registry problems.

However, some tools can cause further damage or compromise the security of your system, so you should be careful and use only reputable tools. Always back up your system before attempting any repairs.

What can I do if other important system settings go missing?

Understanding the importance of the NTUSER.DAT file and how it affects Windows user accounts is essential to maintaining a smooth and stable computing experience.

Knowing how to repair, restore, or replace this critical file can help prevent potential problems and keep your system in top shape.

Regularly checking for Windows updates, running antivirus software, and making backup copies of important files can also help avoid problems related to the NTUSER.DAT file and other system components.

To solve this problem, it’s recommended that you run an SFC scan as stated earlier, and uninstall recent Windows 11 updates. Sometimes the updates aren’t tested as well as they should be.

Feel free to comment below if you have questions about other Windows 11 errors. And please tell us if there’s a specific guide you’d like to see regarding other registry file errors.

This Site Is Temporarily Unavailable: How to Bypass It

Posted on by Claire Moraa

When you visit a website, and it says that it’s unavailable, it means that the site is down. It can be because of a server issue or because of technical issues. But what happens when this is a Microsoft site you desperately need to activate your copy of Windows?

Well, this is what some users have to deal with as they try to access the Microsoft site. This site is temporarily unavailable due to maintenance. Please try again later is the message displayed on the screen even after numerous sign-in attempts. Stay with us as we unpack some solutions for this.

What does it mean when a website is temporarily unavailable?

When a website is temporarily unavailable, there is a problem with the server, and your browser cannot access it. If the Microsoft website is unavailable, it can happen for various reasons. 

Some common reasons for this include:

  • Computer problems – This can be caused by computer problems such as viruses, malware, or hardware issues. You should contact your Internet Service Provider (ISP) for further assistance.
  • Technical error – Your computer may be having problems connecting to the server where the website is hosted. Most websites are hosted on servers, and sometimes these servers can be overloaded or have other problems.
  • Internet service provider (ISP) issues – Your ISP may have enforced bandwidth limits, or there are other errors in routing.
  • Browser issues – Sometimes, it just happens to be the browser you’re using that has issues. 
  • Website maintenance – Websites have maintenance windows that will go offline for short periods. This is usually done to fix bugs and improve their site’s functionality.

In light of all these, you may be wondering how long does Microsoft lock you out? It’s hard to come up with a definite timeline, especially when the issue is not server related. Usually, Microsoft gives a timeline on when the scheduled maintenance will be done.

If the issue has to do with your ISP, hardware, or any other problem listed above, you can try the solutions listed below.

How do I get past the This site is temporarily unavailable error?

Before you attempt any of the recommended solutions, we advise you to check the following:

  • Check and remove any bandwidth limits that may be placed on your PC.
  • Ensure your internet speeds are optimal.
  • Close any other tabs or background processes.
  • Ensure you’re using an updated version of your browser.
  • Refresh your browser and try again.
  • Try with another browser and see if the error persists.
  • Verify from the Microsoft official page on the server status.

1. Update your personal information

  1. Navigate to your Microsoft Edge browser and log in to your Microsoft account.
  2. Click on Your info.
  3. Check for any outdated info that may be inconsistent then Edit accordingly. Ensure your names match then click to Save.
  4. Now try accessing the website again.

Updating your personal information may reactivate your Microsoft account, especially if it had been flagged off as being dormant.

It’s also important to use Windows official browser: Microsoft Edge or Internet Explorer depending on your version of the OS. Other browsers may still work, but we recommend using this one.

2. Clear browser cache and cookies

  1. Open Microsoft Edge and click on the three horizontal ellipses at the top right corner.
  2. Click on Settings.settings-edge-option there was a problem playing this video
  3. Select Cookies and site permissions then click on Manage and delete cookies and site data.
  4. Expand See all cookies and site data.
  5. Select Remove all.

The process for clearing cache and cookies will vary across the board depending on the browser you’re using, but these steps should give you a general idea of the process.

3. Disable extensions 

  1. Open Microsoft Edge and click on the three horizontal ellipses at the top right corner.
  2. Click on Extensions.
  3. Next, select Manage extensions.
  4. Locate any recently added extensions and toggle the off button.

Extensions generally add functionality to a browser, but they can sometimes interfere with how it works. Some extensions can block you from accessing certain web pages, so disabling them may resolve the issue.

If you’re still getting this site is temporarily unavailable error when you try to access the Microsoft site, it would be best to contact Microsoft support. Sometimes, it may be your account having issues, and just an isolated case.

Other related issues include the webpage may be temporarily down but have a look at our fix guide to address the error.

If you solved this error with any other solutions other than the ones mentioned above, we’d love to hear about them. Drop us a comment down below.

SD Card Automatically Deletes Files: 5 Ways to Fix It

Posted on by Henderson Jayden Harper

Many users rely on SD cards to keep media files on their phones, tablets, and computers. However, there are many reported issues that SD card automatically deletes stored files. In this article, we will explore the causes of this issue in detail and provide tips on how to fix losing your files on SD cards.

Alternatively, check our guide about how to fix Windows 11 not reading SD cards.

Why did my SD card auto-delete files?

There could be several reasons why your SD card auto-deleted files. Here are some possible explanations.

  • Viruses and malware – viruses and malware attacks can corrupt an SD card causing it to malfunction and causing files in the SD card to auto-delete.
  • Corrupt system files – If the system files are corrupt, it can affect the services it is responsible for. It can also affect the devices and media tools connected to the system.
  • Physical damage – exposure to dust, water, and crack can damage an SD card which can make files auto-delete. It can impede its performance.
  • Factory defect – The SD card can auto-delete files when an error in production which can make the SD card malfunction.

The reasons for SD cards automatically deleting files can vary depending on the device. The explanations provided above outline possible reasons why this might occur.

What can I do if my SD card auto-deletes files?

Apply the following preliminary checks for SD card auto-delete issues:

  • Check for physical damage.
  • Check the SD card available space.
  • Scan SD card with antivirus software.

If the preliminary checks do not fix the issue, proceed with the following advanced steps.

1. Unmount and reinsert the SD card

  1. Press the Windows + E to open the Windows File Explorer.
  2. Navigate to the SD card drive on the left-hand pane, right-click, and click Eject to safely unmount it.
  3. Physically remove the SD card and reinsert it, then check if the error persists.

Unmounting and reinserting the SD card will troubleshoot the SD card, allowing the pc to read the portable storage.

2. Format the SD card

  1. Press the Windows + E key to open the Windows File Explorer.
  2. Select This PC, right-click on the SD card drive, and select Format from the context menu.
  3. Select the file system with NTFS or FAT32 for 32GB cards and exFAT for 64GB and click on Start.

Formatting an SD will clear all the data and reset it, preparing it for new users. Check our guide about the best apps to format SD cards.

3. Run SFC/DISM scan

  1. Press the Windows button, type Command Prompt, and click on Run as administrator to open it.
  2. Click Yes if the Windows User Account Control prompt appears.
  3. Type the following and press Enter: sfc /scannow
  4. Then type the following command and press Enter: Dism/Online/Cleanup-Image/RestoreHealth
  5. Restart your PC and check if the error persists.

Performing an SFC/DISM scan will troubleshoot the storage device and repair corrupt storage. Check our guide about fixing SFC scannow not working on Windows.

Another reliable possibility you can opt for performing an SFC/DISM scan is a dedicated repair tool that can do the job for you.

4. Perform the chkdsk command on your SD card

  1. Insert your SD card on your PC.
  2. Right-click on the start button, type cmd and click on Run as administrator to open the Command Prompt.
  3. Type in the following command prompt and press Enter. chkdsk D:/f/r/x
  4. The letter D refers to the drive letter you want to repair.
  5. Close the Command Prompt and check if the issue persists.

Running chkdsk on an SD card will check and repair faulty storage sections on the SD card and help you point out issues on your SD card, hinting you the remaining life span of it.

Read about how to fix the chkdsk command taking forever to run on Windows.

5. Re-Clean your SD card

  1. Left-click the Start button, type Command Prompt, and click the Run as administrator option.
  2. Click Yes on the User Account Control (UAC) prompt.
  3. Type this command and press Enter: diskpart 
  4. Type this and press Enter to identify the list of storage disks on your PC: list disk
  5. Input the disk letter of your SD card to select your SD card. You can check your drive letter in File Explorer.
  6. Type the following and press Enter to re-clean your SD card: Clean

Users should check the letter of their SD drive on their PC and ensure to input the correct disk letter. Read about how to use disk cleanup to free space on Windows.

In addition, read about how to fix Windows that cannot recognize micro SD cards on your device. Likewise, you can find the best software to repair corrupted SD cards for Windows OS.

Conclusively, all questions or suggestions concerning SD cards automatically deleting files can be dropped in the comments section.

How to Repair Corrupt System Files in Windows 11 [SFC, DISM & More]

Posted on by Henderson Jayden Harper

Corrupted system files in Windows 11 can slow down your PC, break apps, or cause crashes. This often happens after malware infections, failed updates, or sudden shutdowns.

To fix the problem, you can use built-in tools like the System File Checker. Just run the SFC command ito scan and repair missing or broken files. In tougher cases, DISM or help from the Microsoft Fix It Windows 10 site support can help you replace Windows corrupt files quickly.

Follow the steps below to learn more.

How can I fix corrupted system files on Windows 11?

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

If you can’t fix the corrupt system files, proceed with the troubleshooting steps below:

1. Run the SFC and DISM to repair damaged system files

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

Running an SFC scan will detect and repair corrupt system files liable to cause issues with your computer. Check how to fix the run as administrator option if it’s not working on your PC.

As an alternative solution to the manual method above, you can try third-party software that can proceed with this action automatically to save time and effort.

2. Update Windows OS

  1. Press the Windows + I to open the Windows Settings app.
  2. Click the Windows Update and click on Check for Updates. Next, wait for the Windows update result and click on Install Update if a Windows update is available.
  3. Restart your PC to check if you fixed the corrupted system files.

Updating the Windows OS will install new updates and patches for fixing bugs corrupting your system files. Read about fixing Windows not connecting to update service if the error occurs on your PC.

3. Uninstall recent Windows updates

  1. Press Windows + I key to open the Settings app.
  2. Go to Windows Update and select Update history.
  3. Click the Uninstall updates button and select the most recent update.
  4. Click on Uninstall.

Uninstalling the recent Windows update will resolve issues with the last installed update causing system files to be compromised. Read our guide on how to uninstall updates on Windows 11 for more steps.

4. Run System Restore

  1. Press Windows + R key to open the Run dialog box, type control, then press Enter to open the Control Panel.
  2. Input recovery in the Control Panel search bar and select Recovery.
  3. Then click Open System Restore.
  4. Click Next in the Restore system files and settings window.
  5. Choose the restore point you want to restore from, then click Scan for affected programs.

The System Restore will backdate the system to an earlier point. It removes recent files, apps, drivers, and updates installed after the restore point, which may corrupt system files. Read how to fix Restore Point if it’s not working on your PC.

5. Run System Maintenance Troubleshooter

  1. Press Windows + R key to open the Run dialog box, type control, then press Enter to open the Control Panel.
  2. Navigate to the top-right corner and expand the drop-down for Category, then select Large icons.
  3. Select Troubleshooting from the list.
  4. Click on View all on the left pane.
  5. Then, click on System Maintenance from the list of Troubleshooters.
  6. Click Next to proceed with the troubleshooting process.

The System Maintenance troubleshooter will find any issues causing corrupt system files. If any error is found, it will recommend solutions you can use to fix it.

6. Reset your PC

  1. Press Windows + I key to open the Windows Settings app.
  2. Click on System from the left pane and click on the Recovery option.
  3. Under the Recovery options section, go to Reset this PC and click on the Reset PC button.
  4. On the Reset this PC page, choose either the Keep my files option or the Remove everything option to perform a complete reset.
  5. After choosing, click on Next to proceed with the instructions based on your selection.
  6. Press the Reset button in the next window to confirm the action and reinstall Windows 11 to factory mode.

Resetting your PC is the last option we recommend if you can’t fix corrupt system files. It will remove files and programs from your computer depending on your specific needs and may lead to data loss.

In addition, you can check our guide on fixing corrupt system files on Windows PC for more solutions to use. Also, you can read our detailed review of the best Windows 11 antivirus software for your PC.

If you have further questions or suggestions on fixing corrupted system files in Windows 11, kindly drop them below.

Share Feature on Microsoft Edge Not Working: How to Enable It

Posted on by Henderson Jayden Harper

The Windows Microsoft Edge browser offers a fast and reliable way to share web content with others. However, users encounter issues using Microsoft Edge shared features on their devices.

Therefore, this guide will take you through the causes of shared features on Microsoft Edge not working and how to enable it. Alternatively, you can read about how to fix Microsoft Edge not connecting to the internet on your device.

Why is the share feature not working on Edge?

The shared features function on the Microsoft Edge browser can malfunction due to the following reasons:

  • App bug – Bugs are viruses or malware in the programming code of a software application that can cause an app not to function as intended. Thus, an app bug on Microsoft Edge can affect the share function and impede its performance.
  • Extension conflict – Installing third-party software apps that enhance the browser can affect the browser’s performance. Therefore, an incompatible extension software can affect the Microsoft Edge share features.

The reason listed above can cause the Microsoft Edge share function to malfunction, and it varies on different PCs.

What can I do if the share feature is not working on Edge?

Users should apply the following before trying advanced troubleshooting:

  • Close and reopen the Microsoft Edge browser.
  • Restart your Windows device.
  • Close all background running apps.

You can proceed with the following advanced troubleshooting if the error persists.

1. Add or remove the Share button on the Microsoft Edge toolbar

  1. Open the Microsoft Edge. Click on the three dots and right-click on the Share option.
  2. Select Hide from toolbar to hide the share button.
  3. Repeat steps 1 and 2 and select Show in toolbar to show the share button.

The process above will enable and disable the Share button on the Microsoft Edge toolbar.

2. Clear Microsoft Edge cache and cookies

  1. Launch the  Microsoft Edge app on your device. Click on the three dots on the top right side and select Settings.
  2. On the left side panel menu, select the Privacy, search, and services option. Navigate to the Clear browsing data section, and select the Choose what to clear option.
  3. Select All Time from the Time range at the top, check the boxes next to Cookies and other site data, and the Cached images and files option. Then click on Clear now.

Clearing the browser cache and cookies will troubleshoot all pre-stored data about a web page that can affect the browser’s performance. Check our guide about how to clear the computer cache in Windows 11

3. Update the Microsoft Edge app

  1. Open the  Microsoft Edge app on your device. Click on the three dots on the top right and select the Help and feedback option.
  2. Select About Microsoft Edge from the side menu. Microsoft Edge will automatically check for updates on the About page if there are any.
  3. Toggle on the Download Update over metered connections to allow the app to download and install.

Updating the Windows Edge browser software will fix all bugs in the previous versions. Read about how to download & install Microsoft Edge Offline Installer for 32/64-bit computers.

4. Remove browser extensions

  1. Open the Microsoft Edge browser and click the three dots at the top right corner. Navigate through and click on Extensions.
  2. Select from the list of Extensions and click on Manage Extensions.
  3. Toggle off the Extension to disable it and check if the error persists.
  4. Repeat this process for all Extensions to find the Extensions causing the error.
  5. Select Remove to remove the Extensions causing the error.

Removing the browser extensions will fix issues with Extensions causing the browser to malfunction. You can read step-by-step details to view browser extensions on Windows.

5. Disable Windows Firewall

  1. Click the Start button, type control panel, then press Enter to open the Control Panel.
  2. Select the Windows Defender Firewall option.
  3. Click the Turn Windows Defender Firewall on or off option from the left side.
  4. Go to the Private network settings and Public network settings, then click the radio buttons for the Turn off Windows Defender Firewall (not recommended) option.
  5. Exit the Control Panel and restart your PC.

Disabling the Windows Defender will troubleshoot Windows Defender interference with the Edge browser.

Check our guide on how to disable windows defender if you encounter issues with it.

You can also read how to fix Microsoft Edge not opening on your Windows device. Even more, check how to fix Microsoft Edge when it is slow on Windows devices.

Do not hesitate to let us know which solution worked in the comments area below.

Windows 10 File Explorer Keeps Opening: How to Stop It

Posted on by Henderson Jayden Harper

File Explorer is the default file manager software for Windows. However, our readers reported that Windows 10 File Explorer keeps opening itself. Hence, it causes interruption while using the PC.

Also, we have a detailed guide for fixing File Explorer preview pane not working on Windows PCs.

Why does the Windows 10 File Explorer keep opening?

There isn’t a specific reason why File Explorer keeps opening on Windows 10. However, some probable causes are:

  • File Explorer bug – If this happens right after an update or a severe crash, the app may simply be bugged, and it also may result in File Explorer crashing repeatedly or malfunctioning.
  • The AutoPlay feature is enabled – If enabled on your PC, it can cause File Explorer to keep opening by itself.
  • Corrupt or missing system files – If the system files are corrupt on Windows 10 or not accessible, it can cause the program to malfunction or affect other programs running on the system.
  • Viruses and malware infection – Apps opening by themselves might be a sign of infection. Also, viruses and malware can cause File Explorer to work slowly on the computer.

Fortunately, there are some troubleshooting steps you can follow to fix the problem and get File Explorer working correctly.

What can I do if Windows 10 File Explorer keeps opening?

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

  • Turn off background apps running on your computer.
  • Restart Windows in Safe Mode and check if you can fix File Explorer opening without the user’s consent.
  • Make sure you installed all the latest updates to your OS. A patch fixing the File Explorer may already be issued.

Should the problem persist, go ahead and proceed with the solutions below.

1. Perform a Clean boot on your PC

  1. Press Windows + R key to open the Run dialog box, type msconfig, and click OK.
  2. Click the Services tab, check the box for the Hide all Microsoft services option, then click the Disable all button.
  3. Go to the Startup tab and click Open Task Manager.
  4. Select the startup programs and click the Disable button.
  5. Restart your PC and check if the issue persists.

Performing a Clean boot stops services interfering with File Explorer from running when you boot the system. It disables startup apps from running on your computer when not prompted.

2. End tasks for File Explorer processes on your PC

  1. Press Windows + R key to open the Run dialog box, type taskmgr.exe, and click OK to open Task Manager.
  2. Find the File Explorer app, right-click it, then select End Task from the drop-down menu.
  3. Click on File from the taskbar and select Run new task from the menu.
  4. Type explorer.exe in the box and click OK to restart the File Explorer process on your computer.
  5. Restart your PC and check if the issue continues.

Ending tasks and restarting the File Explorer processes on your computer will stop background activities prompting it to open randomly. Also, it fixes ongoing actions liable to impede its performance.

3. Disable the Use AutoPlay for all media and devices option

  1. Left-click the Start button, type control panel, then choose the best match to open the Control Panel.
  2. Click the View by icon and change it to Large or Small icons.
  3. Under All Control Panel items, click the AutoPlay option.
  4. Uncheck the box for the Use AutoPlay for all media and devices option, then change the Removable drive option to Take no action.
  5. Click on the Save button to confirm the changes.
  6. Restart your PC and check if File Explorer keeps opening.

Disabling the AutoPlay feature stops apps from opening automatically to perform tasks on the PC.

4. Run a System File Checker (SFC) scan

  1. Left-click the Start button, type Command Prompt, and click the Run as administrator option.
  2. Click Yes on the User Account Control prompt.
  3. Type the following and press Enter: sfc /scannow
  4. Restart your PC and check if the issue persists.

Running an SFC scan on your PC will find and repair missing or corrupt system file issues that may cause File Explorer to malfunction.

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

5. Run Windows Defender scan

  1. Left-click the Start button, type Windows Security, then choose the best match to open the app.
  2. Click on Virus & Threat Protection from the menu and select Scan options.
  3. Then click the Full scan button to initiate an extensive scan and click the Scan now button.
  4. Lastly, wait while the scan completes.

Running a Windows Defender scan will find and remove any malware and viruses affecting the File Explorer on your computer.

Read how to fix the Windows Virus and threat protection not working on Windows 11.

In conclusion, you may be interested in our guide on how to fix File Explorer freezing or not responding & more issues on Windows computers. Also, check how to extract files from multiple folders in File Explorer.

If you have further questions or suggestions, kindly use the comments section.

How to Enable or Disable Printing in Application Guard

Posted on by Claire Moraa

Aside from Windows Defender and third-party antivirus tools for Windows 11, there are more ways that you can secure your system. The Microsoft Defender Application Guard is one of Windows’ features that can help you keep viruses and malware at bay.

Although this feature is much welcomed in most users’ PCs, some may find it limiting as it can restrict some functionalities, such as printing. Whatever the case, in this article, we show you how to enable or disable it, depending on your needs.

What is Microsoft Defender Application Guard managed mode?

Microsoft Defender Application Guard is a service in Windows 11 that provides additional protection from malware. When turned on, Microsoft Defender Application Guard provides a safe environment to run your applications.

This allows you to run your apps in an isolated environment that prevents them from performing malicious actions. When enabled, Application Guard enforces many restrictions on what an application can do on the system, such as:

  • Restricts third-party modification – Application Guard prevents malicious programs from modifying or reading files on your system.
  • Prevents installing malicious files – Application Guard can also prevent malicious programs from installing software as an administrator.
  • Creates a safe environment – Create and manage a list of trusted applications allowed to run on an endpoint.

How do I enable printing in Application Guard?

1. Use Windows Security 

  1. Hit the Windows key, type Windows Security in the search bar, and click Open.
  2. Click on  App & browser control on the left pane, then under Isolated browsing, select Change Applications Guard settings.
  3. To enable printing, toggle on the button under Print files.
  4. Restart your PC to effect the changes.
  5. If you would like to disable it, simply toggle the off button.

If, for some reason, you have enabled printing but are still unable to do so, there may be a build-up of corrupt cache and cookies on the Edge browser. You may have to clear the corrupt cache and cookies, then try printing again.

It’s also worth checking out if your printer drivers are updated and that the printer is in good working condition.

2. Use Registry Editor

  1. Hit the Windows + R keys to open the Run command.
  2. Type regedit in the dialog box to open the Registry Editor.
  3. Navigate to the following location: Computer\HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Hvsi
  4. Double-click on EnablePrinters to modify, and under Value data enter 1 to enable then hit OK.
  5. If you’d like to disable it, set the Value data to 0.

Given that not every Windows user is tech-savvy, we have to give a disclaimer at this point. The registry can be a very dangerous place to edit if you don’t know what you’re doing. You risk making your PC inoperable if anything goes wrong.

We recommend that you create a restore point before editing the registry. This is useful if you are not sure what change you are making. It will be easier to roll back any changes when you have a restore point.

How do I know if my Application Guard is enabled?

The easiest way to find out whether Application Guard has been enabled is through the Group Policy. To check, follow the steps below:

  1. Hit the Windows + R keys to open the Run command.
  2. Type gpedit.msc in the dialog box and hit Enter to open the Group Policy.GPEDiT.msc -Windows Remediation Service Failed to Start?
  3. Navigate to the following location: Computer Configuration\Administrative Templates\Windows Components\Microsoft Defender Application Guard\Turn on Microsoft Defender Application Guard in Managed Mode setting
  4. If the Enabled check box is not selected, it has not been enabled. You can select it, then click on Apply and OK to save the changes.

Once you’ve enabled the feature, when you enter a URL in Edge, Application Guard will verify if it is a trusted site. If it is not, it will be redirected to the isolated environment.

Onto more good news, the feature is now widespread, and Chrome and Firefox users can also enjoy the protection by downloading the Windows Defender Application Guard extension.

You may also be looking to enable or disable copy-paste in Application Guard, so check out our step-by-step article on how to do it.

Please leave a comment down below on whether you have been able to enable or disable printing in Application Guard.

How to Password Protect Notepad File: 2 Easy Ways

Posted on by Henderson Jayden Harper

Notepad doesn’t offer built-in password protection, but there are safe ways to lock your text files using free tools or manual methods. This guide shows you how to protect Notepad files with a password on Windows using beginner-friendly solutions.

Also, you can read about how to enable and fix Notepad not opening on Windows 11.

How can password-protect Notepad files?

Table of contents

1. Password protect Notepad file with Windows File Encryption

  1. Navigate to the Notepad file and right-click on it, then select Properties from the drop-down menu.
  2. Click on the Advanced button under the General tab.
  3. Check the box for Encrypt content to secure data, click the OK button and select Apply in the Properties window.
  4. Click on Encrypt the file only option from the new dialog box and select OK.

The above steps will allow users to encrypt the target Notepad file, adding a security key to be required every time it is opened.

Users can now move the file to devices that support NTFS file format and FAT32 encryption. You can read about how to encrypt files and folders on Windows PCs.

2. Use of a third-party app to passwords protect the Notepad file

Users can resort to third-party file and folder password-protect apps to protect Notepad files on their devices.

Most third-party password protection software in the store is either free or paid-for apps.

Therefore, the go-to software that will help you encrypt your Notepad files and avoid any viruses is WinZip, as it can easily lock up any files on your PC with strong password protection.

You only need to install the software and start protecting Notepad files with its enhanced file security and powerful compression tools.

For more support, check out our guide about the best password manager with emergency access for your device.

Can you lock Notes in Notepad on Windows?

Notepad has no built-in feature to lock or password-protect individual notes or files from external access. It is a basic text editor designed for simple text editing tasks and does not have advanced security features like encryption or password protection.

However, users can download third-party programs from the app store to add password protection to individual files or folders on their computers. You can use these programs to password-protect your important notes created in Notepad or any other text editor.

Alternatively, you can use a cloud-based note-taking application like Microsoft OneNote or Evernote, which offers built-in password protection and encryption features to secure your notes.

In addition, you may be interested in our guide on how to add a dark Notepad to Windows 11. Also, we have a detailed article on how to recover Notepad documents in Windows 11.

Should you have further queries on this or other topics, kindly drop them in the comments section.

How to Get Rid of Chrome Notifications Permanently

Posted on by Henderson Jayden Harper

Google Chrome notifications alert you about important events, such as email messages, calendar appointments, and news updates. However, different users have complained about receiving many notifications that are irrelevant to them.

Thus, we will examine why you keep getting Chrome notifications and how to turn them off Chrome notifications. Also, you can read about how to manage browser ls notifications on Windows operating systems.

Why do I keep getting Chrome notifications?

Here are some reasons you might be getting Chrome notifications on your device.

  • Malicious adware – Adware is software designed to display advertisements on a computer, usually pop-ups or banners. Adware is installed on users’ devices without their knowledge and is often malicious. Thus, malicious adware can cause browsers automatically open unwanted ad notifications in the Chrome browser.
  • Website notification is Enabled – the Google Chrome browser often asks if Users want to receive notifications when visiting a website for the first time. If the User clicks on Allow on the pop-up, this will enable notifications for that website, and users may receive messages even when they’re not actively using the site.
  • Browser extensions – extensions are third-party browser software that enhances browser functions. Most Chrome browser extensions are beneficial. However, some may send notifications as part of their functionality.

The above-stated reasons vary on different devices. However, we will discuss how to turn off Google Chrome notifications.

How do I turn off Chrome notifications?

Try out the following preliminary checks before:

You can proceed with the following advanced steps if the preliminary checks do not fix it.

1. Disable Chrome notifications in Windows Setting

  1. Press the Windows + I key to open the Windows Settings app.
  2. Select the System category and click on Notifications.
  3. Navigate to the Get Notifications from these senders section.
  4. Locate Google Chrome from the list of apps and turn off the toggle next to it.

The Windows operating system has an in-built feature that allows users to manage app notifications in the Windows Settings. So, you can toggle off the notifications for Chrome there.

Check our guide about how to fix Windows Settings not opening on your device.

2. Turn off notifications in Chrome Settings

  1. Open Google Chrome on your PC. Click the three-dot icon in the top right corner, and select Settings.
  2. Click on the Privacy and Security tab from the left sidebar and select Site settings from the right pane.
  3. Navigate to the Permissions section and click on Notifications.
  4. From the Default behavior, select Don’t allow sites to send notifications to turn off Google Chrome notifications.

Performing the process above will allow users to disable Chrome notifications using Chrome settings. You can read about how to fix chrome not opening on your device.

3. Disable notifications for specific websites

  1. Open Google Chrome on your PC. Tap the three-dot icon in the top right corner, and select Settings.
  2. Click on the Privacy and Security tab from the left sidebar and select Site settings from the right pane.
  3. Navigate to the Permissions section and click on Notifications.
  4. Select the Add button next to Not allowed to send notifications.
  5. Input the URL for the website you want to turn off notifications and click on Add.

The following steps will allow users to turn off notifications for specific websites, preventing them from sending ads or timely prompts.

4. Disable chrome extensions

  1. Open Google Chrome on your PC. Click the three-dot icon in the top right corner, and select Settings.
  2. Select Extensions from the left sidebar.
  3. Turn off the toggle switch under the Extension you want to disable from the list of Extensions.

Disabling the browser extensions will stop notifications caused by Extension functionalities.

Check our guide about the best security and privacy Extensions for Chrome browsers to enjoy your browsing experience.

In conclusion, you can read about how to disable notifications on Windows 11 devices. Also, check our guide about how to fix the notification panel not opening on Windows 11.

Do you have further questions or suggestions about this guide, then leave them in the comments section.

How to Recover a Deleted Operating System

Posted on by Henderson Jayden Harper

We’ll discuss how to recover the deleted Operating System on your PC. Also, we have a detailed guide on easy methods to Rebuild Boot Partition on Windows 10 and get your PC to boot again.

Can you reinstall Windows after deleting it? Deleting an operating system means deleting the whole system partition responsible for its functionality. It makes it impossible to access the operating system and leaves your PC blank. There’s no loaded software to help your computer boot due to missing BOOTMGR and BCD.

However, it is possible to reinstall an operating system at any time after deleting it from your PC. Also, it doesn’t cost more stress or time than it usually does with a preloaded installation of the operating system. So, deleting the operating system from your computer allows you to reinstall even a higher version.

How can I recover a deleted Operating System?

Go through these preliminary checks:

  • Ensure to plug your computer into a stable power source.
  • Disconnect any external devices or peripherals plugged into your PC.
  • Create a bootable USB drive for Windows Operating System.
  • Plug your bootable drive into the PC to boot from a drive.

The above preliminary checks will prepare the system and the necessary tools needed for the operating system recovery and reinstallation.

1. Use a Windows installation media to rebuild system reserved partition

  1. Insert the installation disk into your PC.
  2. Press the power button on your PC, and select boot from the Windows installation disk from the option.
  3. Click the Repair your computer option on the Install now screen.
  4. Click on the Troubleshoot option, and then select the Advanced options.
  5. Select the Command Prompt option.
  6. Type the following and press Enter: bootrec /fixmbr
  7. Type the following command and press Enter: Diskpart select disk 0 list partition
  8. select partition n: n means the drive letter of the Windows OS partition.
  9. Then type and press Enter: active exit
  10. Type the following command and press Enter to fix the boot information: bootrec /fixboot bootrec /rebuildbcd

The above commands help rebuild the system reserved partition and restore the operating system from the partition where it was installed.

2. Use third-party recovery tools

There are numerous data recovery tools you can use to retrieve a deleted operating system on your computer, which can work in different ways and vary in function, but overall can help you recover important data easier.

To simplify the process, we recommend you try reliable products like Kernel Data Recovery Software, as it can help you recover lost files or folders after a Windows corruption incident.

Furthermore, you can restore data from removable devices, such as USBs, and from emptied recycle bin folders.

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In conclusion, you may be interested in our article about easy methods to access Recovery Mode from every part of the OS on Windows 11. Also, you can check how to fix the can’t create Recovery drive error on Windows 11.

To see how to safely delete your OS, check our guide on how to remove Windows and keep all your files.

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

Forza Horizon 5 Crashing on PC: 3 Ways to Get It Working

Posted on by Henderson Jayden Harper

Forza Horizon 5 is a racing video game by Playground games. It is popular because it offers an exploration of the vibrant open-world landscapes of Mexico and features fun driving action in the world’s best cars.

However, users complain about some issues they encounter with the game, and Forza Horizon 5 crashing on PC is a common problem. Also, we have a detailed guide on what to do if Forza Motorsport 7 crashes on your PC.

Why is Forza Horizon 5 crashing on PC?

Experience the Forza Horizon 5 game crash on your PC can be due to numerous factors impeding its performance. Some notable factors are:

  • Compatibility issues – Forza Horizon 5 has system requirements determining the PCs that can run it. So, if your system doesn’t meet the requirements for running the game, it may cause it to malfunction or crash. Also, it prevents the game from functioning efficiently because the system isn’t strong enough to handle it.
  • Outdated graphics card – Graphics cards are responsible for the graphics content on your screen. Forza Horizon 5 uses lots of graphics power to run and can run into issues if graphics drivers are outdated. It indicates that the graphics device isn’t intact to run the game.
  • Corrupt game files – The game may crash on your PC if its game files are corrupt or missing. These game files are responsible for the interaction between the game and the system. So, you may experience issues with the game if its files are corrupt.

Other factors may cause Forza Horizon 5 to crash on your PC. Fortunately, you can fix the problem by troubleshooting your PC and tweaking the game.

How can I fix Forza Horizon 5 if it crashes on PC?

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

  1. OS – Windows 10 version 1909 or higher.
  2. CPU – AMD Ryzen 3 1200 / Intel Core i5-4460.
  3. RAM – 8GB.
  4. GPU – AMD Radeon RX 570 / Nvidia GeForce GTX 970.
  5. Storage – 110GB available (HDD or SDD).

1. Run Forza Horizon 5 as an Administrator and in Compatibility Mode

  1. Press Windows + E to open File Explorer.
  2. Locate the Forza Horizon 5, right-click on it, and select properties from the drop-down.
  3. Navigate to the Compatibility tab, check the box for the Run this program as an administrator option, and check the box for Run this program in compatibility mode.
  4. Choose a Windows version from the drop-down.
  5. Click OK to save the changes.

Running the game as an administrator will fix permission issues or settings that caused it to crash. Also, it’ll resolve compatibility issues.

Check what to do if running as administrator is not working on Windows 10/11.

2. Update the Nvidia graphics driver

  1. Press Windows + R keys to prompt the Run window, type devmgmt.msc, and click OK.
  2. Click on Display Adapters, and right-click the driver from the drop-down menu, and click the Update driver.
  3. Select the Search automatically for drivers option.
  4. Restart your PC and check if the Forza Horizon 5 crash issue persists.

Updating the graphics driver will fix bugs affecting the game and install the latest features to improve its performance. Check other steps for updating graphics drivers on Windows 11 if you have any issues.

Alternatively, with a specialized program like Outbyte Driver Updater, not only you can fix gaming-related bugs but you can also prevent them by updating your drivers with the latest options from its advanced database.

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3. Check the integrity of the game file

  1. Left-click the Start button and type Steam, then double-click to open it.
  2. Select the Library tab, right-click on Forza Horizon, and choose Properties.
  3. Click the Local Files tab and select the Verify Integrity of Game Files button.

Checking the game’s integrity will verify and resolve all corrupt or missing game files.

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

Alternatively, you can check our guide on Forza Horizon 4 not launching and ways to fix it on Windows 11. Also, we have a detailed article about how to fix Forza Horizon 5 stuttering on Windows 11.

In conclusion, this guide should help if Forza Horizon 5 keeps crashing on your PC. However, if you have further questions or suggestions, kindly drop them below in the comments section.

Posted in PC

No Desktop Folder in Users: How to Get It Back

Posted on by Henderson Jayden Harper

The computer Desktop is a folder in the User profile for default storage that you access quickly and has the frequently used apps, files, and folders. However, users have reported having issues with the Desktop missing in the Users folder.

Thus, we will examine the causes of the no Desktop folder in the User and how to fix the error. Alternatively, you can read how to fix no file on the desktop for Windows devices.

Why is there no desktop folder in Users?

You may encounter issues with Desktops Folder missing in Users due to the following causes.

  • Virus attacks – Viruses are malicious programs that replicate and extend to other devices. Viruses disrupt normal computer operations and steal data which can cause desktop folders not to show in user profiles.
  • Location error – System location deals with the physical location of a file or folder on the computer’s hard drive. Any abrupt or sudden change in the desktop folder location can cause an error in the User folder, making it unavailable.
  • Windows update error – Users update Windows OS to enhance system performance, fix bugs and improve security. However, installing a corrupt or faulty Windows update may inadvertently delete or overwrite a file.

The above-listed are the causes of no desktop folder in windows. Nevertheless, we’ll take you through basic fixes to resolve them.

What can I do to get the desktop folder in Users?

Before anything, try the following:

  • Use of third-party Recovery software – Third-party recovery software is a type of software that helps users recover lost or deleted data from various storage devices.

1. Show hidden files and folder

  1. Press the Windows + E to open File Explorer.
  2. Click on the View tab and check the Hidden items box in the Show/hide category to show the hidden file and folder.

Showing all hidden files and folders on your device will help you see the desktop folder if hidden. Read about how to show hidden folders and files on windows devices.

2. Perform chkdsk on your PC

  1. Left-click the Start button, type Command Prompt, and click the Run as administrator option.
  2. Click Yes on the User Account Control (UAC) prompt.
  3. Type in the following command prompt and press Enter: chkdsk D:/f/r/x
  4. The letter D refers to the drive letter you want to repair.
  5. Close the Command Prompt and check if the issue persists.

Using the chkdsk command on your PC will help find and repair issues with the Desktop folder. Read about how to fix the chkdsk command taking forever to run on Windows.

3. Run SFC scannow

  1. Press the Windows button, type Command Prompt, and click on Run as administrator to open it.
  2. Click Yes if the Windows User Account Control prompt appears.
  3. Type the following and press Enter: sfc /scannow
  4. Restart your PC and check if the error persists.

Running an SFC scan will help to locate and recover missing or faulty system files. Check our guide about fixing SFC scannow not working on Windows.

You can also try another possibility to perform an SFC scan, which is a dedicated repair tool that can detect all corrupt system files and automatically find healthy replacements from its online vault.

4. Restore the Desktop folder to the default path

  1. Press the Windows + E key to open Windows Explorer.
  2. Right-click on the Desktop tab on the left pane and select Properties from the context menu.
  3. Click on the Location tab, select the Restore Default button, and click OK.
  4. Click Yes If the Windows prompt to create a Desktop folder at the default location.
  5. Select Yes to move contents from the old location to the default location.

Performing the following steps will help recover the Desktop folder and its contents to the previous version of the folder. Check our guide about how to recover deleted files on Windows.

If the error persists after trying the above methods, using a third-party recovery tool can be the last resort when folders are missing in Windows 11.

Conclusively, read about how to fix files and folders missing on your Windows operating system. Also, you can check our guide about how to fix Desktop icons not showing on Windows 11.

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

Fix: PowerShell Export-CSV Access to the Path Is Denied

Posted on by Cesar Cadenas

PowerShell is a task automation management app that allows users to perform admin-level tasks with command-lets, also known as cmdlets. There’s one in particular that users have had trouble running.

And that is Export-CSV, as some users are denied connecting the cmdlet to a path. You can try running ErrorAction to give you an idea of what action to take next, but there are solutions worth exploring.

Why is the PowerShell Export-CSV giving me trouble?

Before going into why the cmdlet is giving you a hard time, it’s important to go over why this problem occurred in the first place. Because a lot of the time, it comes to two things.

Either there’s something wrong systemically on your computer, or you just made some small error that cascaded into a bigger problem.

  • You may have incorrect syntax – Syntax in PowerShell refers to a specific set of rules that control the program’s structure. Having incorrect syntax will cause commands not to work.
  • PowerShell had missing modules – If your machine’s Powershell lacks certain modules or is damaged, they won’t work. Luckily, Microsoft has a set of instructions on how to fix this.
  • The computer may have some damaged files – Damaged files can cause various programs not to work. Be sure to download some repair software to fix the software.
  • Your computer is infected with malware – Like damaged files, a computer virus can mess with the system’s functionality. Be sure to install some antivirus software to clean up your hard drive.

How can I stop PowerShell from denying me access?

Getting past this PowerShell issue is pretty tricky to do. At the most basic level, it involves diving into the various systems on Windows 11 and even a bit of programming.

But before diving into the solutions, there are a few things that you can do to fix this problem:

  • The best thing you can do is download the latest Windows 11 update. Microsoft rolls out an update at least once a month, bringing all kinds of bug fixes.
  • Be sure that you’re running PowerShell with administrator permissions. You can do this by selecting Run as Administrator in the Start menu when you search for PowerShell.
  • Double-check the code of the script that you’re trying to run. Ensure there aren’t any extra spaces in the path, like a forward dash or anything else that shouldn’t be there.
  • Additionally, check for any spelling errors in PowerShell. If the power can’t understand your instructions, then nothing will happen. This’ll be tricky to do if there’s a lot of text.
  • Be sure to name your CSV file. Something as simple as that has been shown to fix this error instantaneously.
  • Make sure you’re using the correct cmdlet. Similar to the previous point, the wrong one can cause commands not to function properly. Microsoft has guidelines on how to implement these properly.

1. Configure task security options

  1. If you plan to create a new task on your computer, launch the Task Scheduler.
  2. Click Create Task on the right-hand side.
  3. Click the boxes next to Run whether user is logged on or not as well as Run with highest privileges.
  4. Next, go to the Actions tab and click New at the bottom of the page.
  5. On the Action menu, select Start a program.
  6. Under the Program/script section, click the Browse button. Locate PowerShell in your system files and add it to the Task Scheduler.
  7. As an example, PowerShell was discovered in the following address of Windows 11: C:\Windows\System32\WindowsPowerShell\v1.0
  8. Double-click PowerShell once it’s been found. Click OK to close the window, then OK again.

2. Run the ExecutionPolicy command

  1. Bring up Windows PowerShell and select Run as Administrator.
  2. In PowerShell, type in the following command and hit Enter on your keyboard: Set-ExecutionPolicy AllSigned
  3. If asked if you want to execute the policy change, press the Y key.
  4. Now enter the same command again into PowerShell.

3. Change the administrative account

  1. The easier way to do this is to launch the Settings menu and go to the Accounts tab.
  2. Select Other users.
  3. Click your user account and select Change account type. In the new window that appears, change the Account Type to Administrator.
  4. Another method involves first launching the Control Panel, then selecting User Accounts at the bottom of the window.
  5. Click the account you want to give administrator permissions to. Select Change your account type.
  6. Select Administrator, then click the Change Account Type to apply the changes to your account.

It’s also possible to change your account into an administrative one using either PowerShell or the Command Prompt if you prefer those methods. Be sure to check out our guide on how to do this.

What can I do if Try-Catch isn’t working on PowerShell?

Try-Catch can be used in PowerShell to fix errors, and exceptions in a code and can be used to address the Export-CSV cmdlet error. But it doesn’t always work due to similar syntax errors.

Like the solutions above, you can try double-checking the spelling of your code and give yourself administrator permission to run it. You can also try setting the ErrorAction value.

While we have you, it’s recommended that you learn how to print out an environmental variable. It’s a function that stores data information for all the programs on an operating system.

Feel free to comment below if you have questions about other PowerShell errors. And please tell us if there’s a specific guide for any Windows 11 issues you’d like to see.

Fix: Microsoft Office Click to Run (SxS) High Disk Usage

Posted on by Cesar Cadenas

All the apps in Microsoft Office depend on the Click-to-Run feature to run properly. It boosts the performance of the software like Word and Excel so that they can launch quickly.

However, Click-to-Run has its share of problems. In addition to taking up a lot of CPU resources, the feature has been known to have high disk usage resulting in performance problems.

What causes Click-to-Run to have high disk usage?

Before going into solutions on how to stop Click-to-Run from taking up resources, it’s important to get into why this happens. That way, you can prevent this from occurring in the first place:

  • Your computer has been infected by malware – This is, by far, the most likely reason why the feature is taking up a lot of resources. Install some antivirus software to get rid of the malware.
  • You don’t have the latest Windows Update – Be sure to stay updated on the security patches. And there are two ways to do this: automatically through the Settings menu or from Microsoft itself.
  • Corrupt files are ruining system functions – Corrupted files can result from a computer virus infection and must be addressed separately.

How can I fix Microsoft Office Click-to-Run?

Luckily, there are many ways to resolve Office Click-to-Run problems, both simple and complex solutions for those particularly stubborn times. Here’s what you should first do:

  • The first thing that you should do is restart your computer. Most of the time, a simple reboot will fix Click-to-Run so Office apps can run smoothly.
  • Be sure to download and install the latest Windows 11 Update. These patches always come with a variety of fixes in tow.
  • Launch the Office apps in Safe Mode and see if they run properly. If they do, it’s recommended that you either download the latest Office update or repair the files.
  • In a similar vein, repairing files can also fix corrupt system files. You can do this by either running an SFC scan or the Disk Cleanup tool.

1. Delete cache files

  1. Launch the File Explorer and paste the following into the address bar (be sure to replace USERNAME with your own): C:\Users\USERNAME\AppData\Local
  2. Open the Microsoft folder.
  3. Scroll down and double-click the Office folder.
  4. Enter the 16.0 folder.
  5. Delete the Wef folder.
  6. Go back to the Local folder, scroll down, and open Packages this time.
  7. Locate the folder titled Microsoft.Win32WebViewHost_cw5n1h2txyewy and open it.
  8. Go into the AC folder, then double-click #!123.
  9. In there, there should be a folder titled INetCache. Delete it.

If the INetCache folder isn’t there, you’re fine. You don’t have to do anything else. Also, do not delete Microsoft.Win 32 folder mentioned earlier.

2. Disable Click-to-Run in Services

  1. In the Windows Search bar, bring up the Services app. Click the entry when it appears.
  2. Scroll down until you locate Microsoft Office Click-to-Run Service. Right-click it, and in the context menu, select Properties.
  3. Expand the menu under Startup Type and select Disabled.
  4. Click Apply, then OK.
  5. Restart your computer to enable the changes.

3. Uninstall Click-to-Run

  1. Launch the Control Panel and click Programs and Features. If you don’t see this entry, set View By to Large Icons.
  2. Locate Microsoft Office Click-to-Run, right-click it, and select Uninstall.
  3. If asked to remove all apps installed by Click-to-Run, click Yes.

4. Repair Click-to-Run

  1. Launch the Control Panel and return to the Programs and Features section as seen in the previous solution.
  2. Right-click an Office app. Select Change in the context menu.
  3. A User Access Control window may appear asking if you want to make changes. Select Yes.
  4. In the new window that appears, click Online Repair to repair the office program. Quick Repair is faster but isn’t as thorough.
  5. Click the Repair button to begin and wait for the process to finish.

5. Set priority

  1. Start by launching the Task Manager.
  2. Click the three-line icon on the left side. This will take you to the Details panel.
  3. Scroll down until you locate OfficeClickToRun.exe.
  4. Right-click the entry and hover over Set Priority.
  5. Set the priority to High. If that doesn’t, set it to Real Time.

Conversely, if the problem continues, lower the priority even further and see if that works.

6. Disable Superfetch

  1. Launch the Services app. Scroll down until you find SysMain.
  2. Right-click it and select Properties in the context menu.
  3. Set the Startup Type to Disabled.
  4. Click Apply, then OK.
  5. Restart your computer to enact the changes.

7. Disable metered connection

  1. Launch the Settings menu.
  2. Go to the Network & Internet section. Select your Wi-Fi‘s Properties tab.
  3. Toggle the Metered Connection switch to turn it off.

Is it possible to get a fresh copy of Click-to-Run?

Sort of. You can’t download Click-to-Run by itself, but what you can do is reinstall the Office apps. Doing this will net you a fresh version of the feature, and there are multiple ways to do this.

You can try to go to the Microsoft Office website, log in and reinstall the software. Or download the Office Deployment Tool, but you should only try this if you’re an IT professional.

While we have you, it’s recommended that you learn how to fix Microsoft Office Error Code 147-0, which prevents apps in the suite from opening. It usually happens when you try to start launching one.

The error can be caused by corrupt system files or faulty software installation. Deleting the Office Registry Subkeys works in addressing the problem as well as updating the software.

This can be a nasty issue, and if you’re still having this problem, your only option might be to remove Office Click to Run.

Feel free to comment below if you have questions about other Windows 11 errors. And please tell us if there’s a specific guide for any Office app you’d like to see.

511 CPU Fan Not Detected: How to Fix This Boot Error

Posted on by Henderson Jayden Harper

The CPU fans help to keep the computer in a cool and healthy state, dispersing heat generated by the processor and other components of the PC.

However, many Windows users have complained of getting an error message that says the 511 CPU fan not detected. It indicates the CPU fan isn’t working correctly or is not responsive to the device’s activities.

You may be interested in our guide on the best CPU Temperature Monitoring Software for Windows 11.

Why am I seeing the 511 CPU fan not detected error?

The 511 CPU Fan not detected error may pop up on your computer for many reasons. It means the system can’t connect or use the 511 CPU fan. Some probable causes that may prompt the error are :

  • Physical damage on the PC – Any physical damage may affect a component inside or outside the computer. So, your system falling can cause physical damage to CPU fans, heatsink, or motherboard, preventing it from reducing heat in the system. Hence, it can prompt the 511 CPU fan not detected error.
  • Dusty or dirty CPU fan – The CPU fans on your computer may not work if they are filled with dust or dirt. It can prevent them from spinning or contacting the fan header surface. Also, the fan can malfunction if the internal composition hasn’t been maintained in a long time and can affect other parts of the motherboard.
  • Issues with the BIOS settings – The BIOS Settings Manager allows users to control advanced hardware components like fan speed. So, issues with the CPU fan not being detected or responsive can be due to a misconfiguration in the BIOS system.
  • CPU fan connection issues – If the CPU fan does not connect firmly to the motherboard, it can cause the system not to detect it when starting the PC. So, the 511 CPU fan not detected error can be due to the CPU fan not fitting correctly in its socket.

These causes may vary on different devices. Nonetheless, we’ll take you through some basic steps to fix the error and get your CPU fan running again.

What can I do if 511 CPU fan is not detected?

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

  • Disconnect external devices plugged into the computer.
  • Restart the PC in Safe Mode and check if the issue persists.
  • Check your PC for physical damages – You can check the outer case of the system while it is closed and open.
  • Replace the CPU fan – Replacing the fan with a new and functional one will help fix the issue.

If you can’t fix the issue, proceed with the solutions below:

1. Secure CPU fan connections

  1. Unplug the PC from its power source.
  2. Close the apps running on your PC, then hold the power button to shut down the system and drain power.
  3. Open the back case of the computer, then find the CPU fan and the port on the Motherboard.
  4. Loosen the fan screws, remove the locks, and take the fan out. Wait for some minutes and plug it back into the port.
  5. Couple the PC and restart it to check if the issue persists.

2. Clean the CPU fan and its port on the motherboard

Note icon NOTE
Before attempting any cleaning process on the motherboard, we recommend you read the system manual. You can consult a professional for help because any damage to the motherboard can result in pricey repairs.
  1. Unplug the PC from its power source, then press and hold the power button on your PC to drain any power residue.
  2. Carefully unscrew the back casing of your PC to access the motherboard, then remove all the cables connected to it.
  3. Get a blower, a brush, or a clean microfiber cloth to clean the dust.
  4. Repeat the above step for the CPU fan to remove dust and dirt from the CPU Fan’s rotors and heatsink.
  5. Reconnect all the components to the Motherboard and ensure each unit is well-seated in its port.
  6. Power on your PC and check if the 511 CPU fan not detected error persists.

Cleaning the inner compartment of the PC removes the dirt and dust that may cause it to be stuck or grounded.

3. Update your Windows PC

  1. Press the Windows + I to open the Windows Settings app.
  2. Select the Windows Update category and click on Check for Updates. Wait for the Windows update result and click on Install Update if a Windows update is available.
  3. Restart your PC to check if the fan works.

Updating the Windows OS will install new updates and fix compatibility issues that may prompt the 511 CPU not detected errors. Read about fixing Windows not connecting to update service if the error occurs on your PC.

4. Reset BIOS

  1. Press the Windows + I to open the Windows Settings app.
  2. Select the System category and click on Recovery.
  3. Then, click Restart Now under Advanced startup.
  4. Tap on Troubleshoot.
  5. Then select Advanced options and click on UEFI Firmware Settings.
  6. Click Restart, and your system will restart and take you to the BIOS.
  7. In BIOS Mode, find the Reset to default option and click on it to perform the resetting operation.

Resetting BIOS (Basic Input/Output System) on your computer will refresh the output/input system and fix hardware errors. It’ll resolve corrupt BIOS components causing the 511 CPU not detected an error.

We also have a guide on what to do if your CPU fan is not spinning, so don’t miss it.

Conclusively, you may be interested in our guide on the best cooling pads you can get for your PC. Kindly use the comments section if you have any questions or suggestions.

The Drive Is Not a Valid Backup Location: How to Fix It

Posted on by Claire Moraa

System images are a great way to back up your computer. They allow you to create a snapshot of your entire system, including your files, settings, and programs. This is useful if you want to recover from a catastrophic event like a hard drive crash or virus infection.

However, things don’t always go as planned, and your selected drive may be written off as an invalid backup location. If this is the case, you’ll find this article worth your time as we explore why this happens and possible fixes.

Why can’t I create a system image on USB?

System images can be created using an external hard drive or the built-in Windows recovery tools. The best way to create system images is to use an external hard drive because this will ensure that you have a saved copy in case something goes wrong with the original one.

If you’re having trouble creating a system image on a USB drive, below are some possible causes:

  • Faulty drive – If the disk is in a bad state, it may be impossible to run a system image on it, making it unreliable.
  • The disk is not formatted correctly – If your USB drive does not have the correct file system or a partition error, it won’t work.
  • OS support – The ability to create a system image on USB depends on whether or not your operating system supports this feature. 
  • Insufficient storage space – To create an image of your entire hard drive, you have to have at least 10 GB of free space or check the space requirements for the version of Windows you have.
  • USB flash drive is write-protected – If you try to copy the system image to a USB flash drive, but it is write-protected, Windows will not allow you to write files to the USB device. 

Can I put a system image on a USB flash drive?

Yes, you can. You might be able to create a system image on USB, but it’s not recommended. System images are good for reinstalling Windows after installing a new hardware or software update. 

To create a new system image, you’ll need to use an external hard drive that has enough space for the new image. If you don’t have an external drive, you can find out how much space is needed and get a USB drive with enough space.

How do I make a drive a valid backup location?

First things first, ensure the following are in check:

  • Try deleting some files or folders from your backup location to free up space on that drive.
  • Run an antivirus scan on the drive involved in this backup project – especially if multiple users share it.
  • Ensure your USB ports are in good working condition, as some ports may not be working.

1. Format the drive

  1. Hit the Windows + E keys to open File Explorer.
  2. Locate the USB drive, right-click on it, and select Format.
  3. Navigate to the File system option, select NTFS from the drop-down menu and hit Start.
  4. Try again and see if the error persists.

The main purpose of formatting a USB drive is to prepare it for use on your PC. This process makes sure the data you have stored on the drive is accessible by your operating system and that everything is in working order.

2. Share USB as a network drive

  1. Right-click on the Start Menu and select Disk management.Disk Management
  2. Locate your USB drive, right-click on it, and select Properties.
  3. Navigate to the Sharing tab and select Advanced Sharing.
  4. Check the Share this folder, then click on Permissions.
  5. Under Group or user names, select Everyone then allow Full Control permissions.
  6. Hit the Windows key, type cmd in the search bar, and click Run as administrator.cmd-run-admin-w11 unexpected kernel mode trap windows 11
  7. Type ipconfig and hit Enter. Take down the IPV4 address and keep this information close to be used in the next steps.setup vpn windows 10
  8. Hit the Start Menu icon, type Control Panel in the search bar and click Open.control-panel-search fallout new vegas runtime error
  9. Click on Backup and Restore.
  10. Select Create a system image.
  11. Select the On a network location option, then click on the Select button.
  12. Enter the information collected in 7 above under Network Location and your login credentials.
  13. Click Next and select your backup drive.

3. Use a third-party backup software

The most common reason for backup failures is a corrupt or damaged backup file. This is often due to insufficient storage space on your computer, but it could also be caused by malware or other issues.

If you’ve got an SSD and a backup hard drive, you might be wondering how to make your backups fast and reliable. The answer is simple: use a third-party backup software such as AOMEI Backupper. It’s fast, reliable, and safe.

⇒ Get AOMEI Backupper

Hopefully, you’re no longer stuck with a drive that is an invalid backup location after these steps. You may also experience a Windows backup error, so don’t hesitate to check out our helpful guide.

Let us know if you have been able to solve this issue in the comment section below.

Fix: Couldn’t Install Updates Because the PC Was Turned Off

Posted on by Henderson Jayden Harper

Installing updates on Windows computers allows you to install patches and builds to help fix bugs and improve system performance. You can install updates for a particular app or the update system.

However, users report We couldn’t install some updates because the PC was turned off error message when initiating the update process. It impedes the update from installing.

Also, we have a detailed guide on the Something didn’t go as planned update installation error on Windows 11.

Why do I get couldn’t install updates because PC was turned off?

We couldn’t install some updates because the PC was turned off error on Windows 11 shows up while trying to run Windows Update. It occurs when updating via the Settings app compared to other means.

Some notable factors that may cause the error are:

  • Issues with Windows Update Service – Users can encounter error on their Windows computers due to problems with the Windows Update Service. It assigns the necessary settings and components for updating Windows devices. Hence, a wrong configuration or disabling the service can cause the error.
  • Faulty or corrupt Windows Update – If the update you’re trying to install on your Windows PC is corrupt or doesn’t have complete update files, it can cause errors during installation. Also, the system can’t read the updated installation file if the corrupt system files on the PC impede it.
  • Interference from Antivirus software – Antivirus software will scrutinize and monitor the activities on your PC, including Windows updates. So, it may wrongly pick up a threat from the update installation process, causing it to block it, resulting in the couldn’t install some updates error.
  • Power outage while downloading the update – The installation error can occur when there’s a startup or power issue on the system. It can cause problems with the activities running on the system resulting in Windows updates not working on the PC.

These factors may vary in different systems. Nonetheless, we’ll discuss some basic steps you can follow to fix the issue and get the update installation process working smoothly.

What can I do if I couldn’t install updates because PC was turned off?

Before trying any advanced troubleshooting steps, go ahead with the following:

If you can’t fix the update installation issue, proceed with the troubleshooting steps below:

1. Perform a Clean boot on your PC

  1. Press Windows + R key to open the Run dialog box, type msconfig, and click OK.
  2. Click the Services tab and check the box for the Hide all Microsoft services option, then click the Disable all button.
  3. Go to the Startup tab and click Open Task Manager.
  4. Select the startup programs and click the Disable button.
  5. Restart your PC and check if the issue persists.

Performing a Clean boot stops services interfering with other features on your PC from running when you boot the system. It prevents them from launching when you start the update process.

2. Run Windows Update Troubleshooter

  1. Press Windows + I key to open the Windows Settings app.
  2. Click System and select Troubleshoot.
  3. Then click on Windows Update and click the Run button beside it.
  4. Follow the on-screen prompts and restart your PC afterward.

The Windows Update troubleshooter will repair issues causing the Windows update not to work and problematic installation on your PC.

Also, this solution might be effective If the error pops We couldn’t install updates because there’s a problem with the date and time.

3. Reset the Windows Update process

  1. Left-click the Start button, type Command Prompt, and click the Run as administrator option.
  2. Click Yes on the User Account Control (UAC) prompt.
  3. Type the following commands and press Enter after each one: net stop wuauserv net stop cryptSvc  net stop bits  net stop msiserver
  4. Run the following command one after the other: ren C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.old  ren C:\Windows\System32\catroot2 Catroot2.old
  5. Type the following commands and press Enter after each one: net start wuauserv   net start cryptSvc   net start bits   net start msiserver
  6. Exit the Command Prompt and restart your PC.

The above steps will repair the Windows update process and fix the issues in Windows update services settings. Also, it can clear the outdated caches on your PC.

4. Disable Windows Firewall

  1. Click the Start button, type control panel, then press Enter to open the Control Panel.
  2. Select the Windows Defender Firewall option.
  3. Click the Turn Windows Defender Firewall on or off option from the left side.
  4. Go to the Private network settings and Public network settings, then click the radio buttons for the Turn off Windows Defender Firewall (not recommended) option.
  5. Exit the Control Panel and restart your PC to check if the update installation works.

Disabling the Windows Defender Firewall on your PC will resolve any interference it’s causing in the update installation process.

5. Run Windows update via the Command Prompt

  1. Left-click the Start button, type Command Prompt, and click Run as administrator.
  2. Click Yes on the User Account Control prompt.
  3. Type the following commands to start checking for updates:
    • Check for updates: UsoClient StartScan  
    • download updates: UsoClient StartDownload
    • Install the downloaded updates: UsoClient StartInstall
    • Restart your device after installing the updates: UsoClient RestartDevice
    • Download and install updates: UsoClient ScanInstallWait to check

The computer restarts after the installation process is complete, and you should be able to install your updates.

6. Clear Windows Update cache via File Explorer

  1. Press the Windows + E key to open File Explorer on your computer.
  2. Go to Local Disk (C), right-click on it, then select Properties from the drop-down menu.
  3. Click on the Disk Clean-up option, then the Cleanup system files button.
  4. Check the boxes for Windows upgrade log files and Temporary Windows Installation files, then click OK.
  5. Restart your PC and try the update installation to see if the issue persists.

You can check our guide on what to do if File Explorer keeps crashing on your PC.

Alternatively, you can check our guide on fixing slow Windows updates on their PCs. Also, we have a detailed guide on Windows Update error 0x8007045b and some fixes.

If you have further questions or suggestions, kindly drop them in the comments below.

Fix: Windows Cannot Load the Device Driver Code 39

Posted on by Henderson Jayden Harper

Users tend to install new hardware on their devices to upgrade system performance. However, users have reported encountering hardware errors and driver communication on their devices.

Thus, In this article, we will discuss some effective methods to resolve the Windows cannot load the device driver code 39 error. Also, you can read about how to fix driver issues on Windows OS.

Why can’t Windows load the device and give error code 39?

Different factors can cause Windows not loading the device driver error code 39. Some causes are listed below.

  • Driver issues – The system driver pack allows the Windows operating system to communicate effectively with the system hardware components. Thus, an outdated or corrupt system driver pack can lead to device driver code 39 on your pc.
  • Corrupt system file – The effect of virus activity, corrupt hard disk sector, and software conflict can cause a corrupt or missing Windows system file on a computer. Therefore, a corrupt system registry can cause the Windows OS not to load a device’s hardware driver.
  • Hardware failure – A system hardware part can be faulty due to wear and tear, power surge, and system overheating can cause the components not to connect with the operating system. Also, an incompatible hardware component can cause Windows not to load the device driver error code 39.

The above-stated are the specific cause of the device driver error code 39, which vary on various devices.

What can I do if Windows cannot load the device error code 39?

Apply the following preliminary checks:

  • Scan your device with antivirus.
  • Restart your PC in Safe mode.
  • Check for the Windows hardware compatibility list (HCL).
  • Replace hardware part – trying new hardware components on the user’s PC will help ascertain if the error is associated with incompatible parts.

Proceed with the following advanced steps if the error persists.

1. Update Windows drives

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

Updating the Windows driver will aid the Operating System’s effective communication with the newly installed hardware components.

Users can read about how to update system driver packs on Windows on their devices.

2. Run System Restore

  1. Press Windows + R key to open the run dialog box, type control, then press Enter to open the Control Panel.
  2. Input recovery in the Control Panel search bar and select Recovery.
  3. Then click Open System Restore.
  4. Click Next in the Restore system files and settings window.
  5. Choose the restore point you want to restore from, then click Scan for affected programs.

Performing a system restore will troubleshoot all settings or recent activities that can cause the windows not to load the device driver error code 39. Read how to fix Restore Point if it’s not working on your PC.

You can also try automatic repair programs to detect corrupt system files and locate healthy, new components as replacements from its massive repository.

3. Delete the UpperFilters and LowerFilters registry values

  1. Press the Windows button, type regedit, and press Enter to open the Registry Editor.
  2. Copy and paste the following part to your Registry Editor address bar and press Enter: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Class\
  3. Locate problematic device folders under the Class folder and delete the LowerFilters and the UpperFilters in the device folder.
  4. Close the Windows Registry Editor and restart your PC.

The above steps apply to users who can locate the LowerFilters and UpperFilters in the folder. You can read about how to fix a broken registry in Windows 11.

Note that you should repair faulty hardware parts if the error persists after trying all the above recommendations.

Alternatively, read about how to fix errors activating Windows after hardware change on a PC. Also, check our guide about how to diagnose hardware on Windows 11 OS.

Conclusively, if there are further questions or suggestions concerning this problem of Windows not loading device driver code 39, then drop them in the comments section.

How to Format USB to FAT32 on Windows 10 & 11

Posted on by Sagar Naresh

A USB is an essential tool as it provides extra storage space you can carry without worrying about the size. While the NTFS format is popular now on Windows, many still prefer FAT32 to move files between different OS.

This guide will show you the different ways you can format a USB to FAT32 on your Windows 10 and Windows 11 PC. So, let us get right into it.

How can I format USB to FAT32 on Windows 10 and Windows 11?

Note icon NOTE
The steps shown here are similar for Windows 10 and Windows 11 PCs. Therefore, you can follow the same methods for either operating system.

1. Via File Explorer

  1. Press the Win + E keys to open the File Explorer.
  2. Right-click on your USB drive and select Format from the context menu.
  3. Under the File system drop-down, select FAT32.
  4. You can give a name to your volume label or live it as is.
  5. Click the Start button.
  6. The drive will be ready once the format is complete.

This is probably the easiest way to format a USB drive to FAT32. All you need to do is open File Explorer and follow the steps to convert your USB to FAT32.

2. Via Disk Management

  1. Open the Start menu by pressing the Win key.
  2. Type Disk Management and open Create and format hard disk partitions.
  3. Right-click on your USB drive and select Format.
  4. Here you can give a Volume label.
  5. Select FAT32 from the File system drop-down.
  6. Click OK.

You can use the Disk Management tool to format drives, as the File Explorer method lets you format partitions.

3. Via Command Prompt

  1. Press the Win key to open the Start menu.
  2. Open the command prompt as an admin.
  3. Type the below command and press Enter. format /FS:FAT32 X (Here, replace the X with the drive letter of your USB drive)
  4. The operation will start.
  5. Once complete, the drive can be used from File Explorer.

You can run the same command on Windows PowerShell and format your USB drive to FAT32.

4. Via Diskpart

  1. Press Win + R keys to open the Run dialogue.
  2. Type diskpart and press Enter.
  3. Run the below commands and press Enter one by one. list disk select disk n (replace n with the disk number of the USB flash drive) list partition select partition m (replace m with the USB flash drive partition number) format fs=fat32 quick

5. Via a dedicated tool

  1. Download and install the AOMEI Partition Assistant tool.
  2. Launch the program.
  3. Right-click on your USB drive and select Format Partition.
  4. Choose FAT32 from the File system drop-down.
  5. Click OK.
  6. Click on Apply.

AOMEI Partition Assistant is a professional tool that you can use to resize or move partitions, merge partitions, split and format partitions, and much more.

However, you can also use it to convert your USB to FAT32 quickly and accurately. Do note that formatting removes all data present on your USB. So, back up the data before proceeding with the above methods shown.

Also, you can check out our guide that lists some of the best tools that can help you format an SD Card.

If you are having issues formatting your external HDD, then you should check out our guide, which will give you some practical solutions to fix the problem.

Why should I format my USB to FAT32?

FAT32 stands for File Allocation Table, and 32 represents the number of bits that file systems use to store file addresses.

FAT32 is widely used as most devices are compatible with it. Another exciting benefit of FAT32 is that it works cross-platform and across operating systems. Also, users who found that Windows 11 does not recognize exFAT switched the file system to FAT32.

However, there are also downsides attached to the FAT32 format. It isn’t as efficient as other modern file systems, such as NTFS. Moreover, it is less secure and comes with a maximum file size of 4GB and a partition size of 8 GB. So, there are limitations to FAT32 as well.

If you want to learn more, we suggest reading our Converting exFAT to FAT32: Step-by-Step guide for more information.

Feel free to let us know in the comments below which solutions helped you format the USB drive to FAT32.

Microsoft Teams Error Code CAA20002: How to Fix It

Posted on by Loredana Harsana

Microsoft Teams might be slowly replacing Outlook due to the features and capabilities of the app. However, like Outlook, MS Teams has a few occasional errors. 

If you’re experiencing the Microsoft Teams error code caa20002, this post will provide the steps to resolve the error.

What causes the Microsoft Teams error code caa20002?

MS Teams’ code caa20002 is similar to Microsoft Outlook error code caa20002. The following are a couple of reasons causing code caa20002 error on MS Teams:

  • Poor Internet connection – Microsoft Teams requires a strong internet connection to launch the app. If your PC can’t connect to network, you’ll need help accessing Microsoft Teams.
  • Corrupted files – If corrupted cache files are in the Microsoft Teams folder, the error caa20002 might be triggered.
  • Compromised Password – If Microsoft detects that your Microsoft Teams password has been compromised, it might prevent you from accessing the app.
  • Multiple device logins – If you’re logged in to Microsoft Teams on too many devices, you might run into the caa20002 error code. 

Now that we know the reasons causing this issue, let’s apply the solutions below to fix it.

How do I fix the Microsoft Teams error code caa20002?

Before we proceed to more advanced solutions, here are some quick fixes you can apply:

  • Fix network congestion and restart your router.
  • Turn off your VPN if you’re using any.
  • Close and relaunch the Microsoft Teams app.

If those steps couldn’t resolve the error, here are some advanced fixes:

1. Clear the Microsoft Teams cache

  1. Right-click on the Start button and select Task Manager.
  2. Locate the processes of Microsoft Teams, select it, and click End task.
  3. Press Win + R on your keyboard to open the Run program, type %appdata%\Microsoft\teams inside the box, and hit Enter key. 
  4. Delete the folders named: application cache, blob_storage, Cache, databases, GPUcache, IndexedDB, Local Storage, and tmp. 

Clearing the Cache should relieve the Microsoft Teams app of corrupt files or folders and prevent the caa20002 error code from popping up.

2. Enable TLS 1.2

  1. Click the Search icon, type internet options, and click on Intenet Options.
  2. Select the Advanced tab, then scroll down and check the Use TLS 1.2 box. Also, make sure that 1.0 and 1.1 above it are unchecked.
  3. Click on Apply and OK to acknowledge the changes and try to open Microsoft Teams again.

Microsoft Teams error code caa20002 is mostly caused by an improper connection to the server which uses TLS 1.2. Thus, this solution is a simple fix that will sort out the problem.

3. Log out from other devices

  1. Launch Microsoft Teams.
  2. Navigate to your Profile Picture at the top right corner of the app and select Sign Out.

Repeat this for every secondary device you’ve signed in with your MS Teams credentials.

After logging out of the devices, you must sign in with your credentials to gain access to Microsoft Teams.

4. Change the MS Teams Password

  1. Visit Microsoft’s account page to sign in. Sign in using the same credentials for Microsoft Teams.
  2. Go to Security from the navigation bar and submit your password again.
  3. Locate the Password Security tab and select the Change my password option.
  4. On the Change my Password page, type in your current password, then the new one. Click Save. 
  5. Relaunch MS Teams.

We also recommend a guide to help you fix the Microsoft password reset if it doesn’t work.

5. Reinstall Microsoft Teams

  1. Press Windows + R keys to open the Run dialog box, type appwiz.cpl, and click OK to open the Programs and features.
  2. Select Microsoft Teams and click Uninstall. Click Yes to confirm.
  3. Follow the instructions on the installation wizard to finish the uninstall.
  4. Download Microsoft Teams from the official Microsoft website and click on Download for Desktop. 
  5. Open the file and follow the instructions to reinstall it.

Reinstalling Microsoft Teams should automatically fix any errors that existed previously. However, you should delete the app after applying all the fixes without getting a positive result.

If you still can’t resolve the error after attempting all our fixes, you can launch the web version of Microsoft Teams until the error is fixed.

You might also be interested in reading our guide on what to do if Microsoft teams is not working on Windows 11 for more information.

With these solutions, you should be able to fix the Microsoft Teams error code caa20002 easily. If you need further guidance or have questions, kindly drop them in the comments section.

Windows Server Time is Out of Sync: 2 Best Ways to Force Sync

Posted on by Vladimir Popescu

If your Windows Server time is out of sync, you came to the right place. Not having the correct time on your Windows server can be extremely annoying, especially if you are using apps that require time to be synced.

We already showed you how to fix time on Windows 10, and today we will show you how to deal with this issue on Windows Server.

Why is my Windows time always out of sync?

There are several reasons for this issue on Windows Server:

  • Group Policy settings – In most cases, incorrect group policy settings can cause this problem. Change them accordingly, and the issue will be gone.
  • Improperly configured settings – Sometimes Windows Time isn’t configured properly. Use Command Prompt to configure it and fix the problem.

What can I do if Windows Server time is out of sync?

Before we start fixing this issue, there are a few checks that you can perform:

  • Enable UDP port 123 – Windows uses this port for time synchronization, so ensure your hardware or software firewall isn’t blocking it.
  • Make sure that your host time is properly configured – If you’re running a server inside of a virtual machine, check if the time on the host device is correct.

1. Use Command Prompt

  1. Open Search and enter cmd. Right-click Command Prompt and choose Run as administrator.
  2. Run the following command: w32tm /query /source
  3. In case it shows a different server, correct the time on that server and run the following command: w32tm /resync /rediscover 
  4. If the command from step 2 says comes back as free or running local CMOS, run the following commands:
    net stop w32time
    w32tm /config /syncfromflags:manual /manualpeerlist:"0.pool.ntp.org 1.pool.ntp.org 2.pool.ntp.org 3.pool.ntp.org" /reliable:yes /update
    net start w32time
    w32tm /config /update
    w32tm /resync /rediscover

You can follow this detailed guide on how to configure an NTP server in Windows Server to ensure your system syncs correctly and avoids future time drift.

2. Modify the Group Policy

  1. Press Windows key + R and enter gpedit.msc. Press Enter.
  2. Now navigate to Computer Configuration and choose Administrative Templates. Next, expand System and go to Windows Time Service. Lastly, choose Time Providers.
  3. Double-click on Configure Windows NTP Client.
  4. Enable the policy and set the following settings:
    NtpServer: tick.usno.navy.mil  (or your preferred server of choice)
    Type: NTP
    SpecialPollInterval: 3600
  5. After doing that, open Enable Windows NTP Client and Server services, end set each to Enabled.
  6. Keep in mind that these settings should be only on your master clock. To ensure that run the following commands:
    root\CIMv2
    Select * from Win32_ComputerSystem where DomainRole = 5

The rest of your computers should be configured as follows:

  1. Open Group Policy Editor.
  2. Go to Computer Configuration and expand Administrative Templates. After that, choose System. Lastly, go to Windows Time Service.

  3. Double-click on Global Configuration Settings.
  4. Set it to Enabled and save changes.
  5. Next, go to Time Providers in the left pane.
     
  6. Select Configure Windows NTP Client.
  7. Enable the policy and configure it as follows:
    Type: NT5DS
    CrossSiteSyncFlags: 1
    SpecialPollInterval: 3600
  8. Save changes.

Because we understand how important it is for you to have a correct time set on your machine, for both personal and software-related reasons, following the above steps will surely help.

Many reported that the Windows Time service is missing, but we fixed that issue in one of our other guides.

You can do this by using the comment section found below this article.

DAX3API.exe: What is it & How to Uninstall it

Posted on by Sagar Naresh

There are multiple user reports regarding the DAX3API.exe running in the Task Manager. Because the DAX3API.exe stopped running, some users are treated with different error messages with a blue screen. People are confused about whether this DAX3API.exe is a virus, threat, or an essential Windows program.

And if it is a virus, how can they eliminate it? If you are also one of such users looking for answers, you are in the right place. Because in this guide, we will give you a complete explanation of what DAX3API.exe is and how you can uninstall it from your PC. Let us get right into it.

What is DAX3API.exe?

DAX3API.exe is a Windows service that runs in the background. It is associated and gets installed with devices that have Dolby Atmos components.

The usual path of this file is C:\Windows\System32\dolbyaposvc. This is a file that the Dolby Laboratories software developer develops. The EXE file extension indicates that it is an executable file.

However, attackers can easily clone such files and inject them into the target’s PC as a virus or malware. Therefore, if you encounter system-related issues on your PC and the error message points towards DAX3API.exe, it is better to remove it from your PC.

How to check if DAX3API.exe is legit or not?

Method 1

  1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc buttons to open the Task Manager.
  2. Right-click on the column section and select Publisher.
  3. Scroll down and locate DAX3API.exe and check its publisher.

This process or file is legit if the publisher’s name is Dolby Laboratories. However, if it is something else or a random name, then it is a virus or threat.

Method 2

  1. Go to the below-mentioned location in File Explorer. C:\Windows\System32\dolbyaposvc
  2. Locate the DAX3API.exe file.
  3. If you could find the file inside the mentioned location, it is legit.
  4. If there is no such file, then this is a threat.

Method 3

  1. Open the Start menu by pressing the Win key.
  2. Open Device Manager.
  3. Expand the Software components section.
  4. Right-click on DolbyAPO SWC Device and select Properties.
  5. Switch to the Driver tab.
  6. Click on Driver Details.
  7. See if there is a reference to the DAX3API.exe file or not.
  8. If yes, then this is a legit file.

If you cannot find the file in the said location or by following any of the methods mentioned above, then you should uninstall it from your PC. Check out the next section below to learn how to uninstall DAX3API.exe from your PC.

How to uninstall DAX3API.exe from your PC?

1. Delete from its location

  1. Press Win + E to open the File Explorer.
  2. Navigate to the below path. C:Program Files>Dolby Laboratories>DAXAPI >DAX API
  3. Locate DAX3API.exe_uninstall.exe.
  4. Open the file and follow the steps to uninstall the program.

2. Delete from the Settings menu

  1. Press the Win + I keys to open the Settings menu.
  2. Click on Apps on the left pane.
  3. Select Installed apps.
  4. In the search apps field, type DAX3API or Dolby Laboratories.

3. Use a dedicated uninstaller

  1. Download and install IObit Uninstaller.
  2. Launch the program.
  3. Click on Programs on the left pane.
  4. Locate Dolby associated program and click on the Bin icon.
  5. Click Uninstall.

Well, we recommend you use a dedicated software uninstaller to remove sticky and virus programs.

Often you won’t be able to find such programs in their usual locations, and it is better to use such software. Our guide lists some of the best software uninstallers you can use on your Windows 11 PC.

That is it from us in this guide. However, there are files, including Netfilter2.sys and Gdrv2.sys, that can be potential viruses, and you should immediately remove them from your PC.

Feel free to let us know in the comments below if you could remove the DAX3API.exe file from your PC and if it was present as a threat on your PC or not.