If you’re an Outlook.com user with a personal Microsoft email account (hotmail.com, msn.com, outlook.com, etc), you may have noticed an increase in spam emails, which seems to have become noticable roughly two months ago. That came to a head yesterday when the offending emails jumped from 3-5 per day to over 20 for a number of users, including our personal mail here.
It seems to be a common problem, as noted by the many responses to Mary Jo Foley’s tweets on the issues from yesterday.
Later in the day though, the Outlook Twitter account reported that the issue was fixed:
Hi there, we're sorry about the inconvenience. Our team investigated and confirmed the spam issue should now be resolved, thanks for your patience.
And indeed, this morning, instead of the multiple spam messages in our inbox, there was only one, a great advancement. Have you been inundated with spam in your Outlook.com accounts? Did it get better today? Let us know in the comments below.
Excel is a resourceful app that offers many features to help users with their sheet documents and other tools. It has a native app that runs on different operating systems. However, users report problems with Excel only opening in Safe Mode on Windows 11.
Also, users complain about the Excel toolbar not working, preventing them from accessing some Excel features.
Why does Excel only open in Safe Mode?
Running into problems with launching apps on your PC indicates that something obstructs the regular launch. It causes Excel not to respond, then recommends starting in Safe Mode.
Furthermore, some notable factors that can cause Excel to only open in Safe Mode are:
Corrupt Office installation files – You can encounter several issues with the Excel client if the Microsoft Office files are corrupt or compromised.
Outdated Excel app on your PC – If you don’t install the latest updates of the app, Excel may encounter problems like only starting in Safe Mode.
Issues with Excel Add-ins – Add-ins on Excel can become corrupt or malicious, causing problems with Excel and its activities.
Other factors not mentioned here may be responsible for Excel only opening in Safe Mode on your PC. Nonetheless, we’ll take you through some fixes for the issue.
How do I stop Excel from opening in Safe Mode?
Before proceeding with any advanced steps for fixing Excel, try the following:
Restart Excel and your PC and check if the problem persists.
If the problem persists, proceed with these advanced solutions.
1. Repair Microsoft Office
Press Windows + R key to prompt the Run window, type appwiz.cpl, and click OK to launch Programs and Features.
Right-click on Microsoft Office and tap on Change from the drop-down.
Choose the Quick Repair option on the new page, then click the Repair button.
If the Quick Repair option doesn’t fix the problem, proceed with the steps above and select the Online Repair option.
Repairing Microsoft Office fixes any missing or corrupt app file that may impede Excel from normally starting, causing it to only work in Safe Mode. Read our guide on adding the Run command to the Start menu in Windows 11.
2. Download the latest updates for Excel
Start Excel in Safe Mode and click on Files in the top-right corner.
Click on Account from the menu on the left, select the Update Options, then click on the Update Now option.
Restart your PC and check if Excel starts without Safe.
If any update is available, it will automatically install it. The update fixes bugs and installs the latest features for Excel to improve its functionality.
Elden Ring seems to be the talk of the town these days, and everyone is deeply engaged in obtaining the best gear and defeating all the powerful bosses. But for some users, Elden Ring is missing from GeForce Experience.
Other issues, too, seem to plague the title, for instance, users being unable to use controllers on Elden Ring. But for now, let’s focus on the issue dealing with Elden Ring and GeForce Experience and how to add the latter to the former.
Why is GeForce Experience not finding Elden Ring?
Here are a few reasons GeForce Experience is not finding Elden Ring:
Compatibility issues: If you’re wondering why you can’t find Elden Ring in the list of games displayed by your GeForce app, it’s not a glitch. It’s simply because Elden Ring is not yet on Nvidia’s supported list.
Missing permissions: In many cases, missing administrative privileges can lead to this problem.
Path not accessible: If the specified path for Elden Ring is not accessible due to limited permissions, GeForce Experience will have trouble recognizing or finding it.
Misconfigured firewall settings: Another reason many users encountered the error was when the firewall blocked either GeForce Experience or Elden Ring.
How can I add Elden Ring to GeForce Experience?
1. Manually add Elden Ring
OpenGeForce Experience.
Click the ellipsis near the top-right and chooseOptimize all games and apps.
Click the cogwheel button at the top.
Select theGames & Apps tab from the navigation pane.
Under theScan Locationbox, clickAdd.
Select theElder Ring folder and open it in the program.
ClickScan Now.
Allow the scan to finish and go to theHometab. Your game will show up there.
2. Whitelist in firewall
Press Windows + S to open Search, type Allow an app through Windows Firewall, and click on the relevant search result.
Click on Change settings.
Next, click on Allow another app.
Click Browse.
Locate the GeForce Experience launcher, select it, and then click Open.
Click Add.
Now, make sure the checkboxes for Private and Public are ticked for GeForce Experience, and then click OK to save the changes.
Similarly, whitelist Elden Ring in the firewall and restart the computer.
For both apps to function effectively and get data from their servers, they must be whitelisted in the Firewall. Once done, check if Elden Ring now appears in GeForce Experience.
If the previous two solutions didn’t work, you could raise a ticket with Elden Ring support, apprising them of the problem and requesting a deadline in case Elden Ring remains incompatible with GeForce Experience for long.
Besides, if the game has been added, but you still face the problem, contact NVIDIA support via Live Chat and get things up and running quickly.
A popular game like Elden Ring missing from GeForce Experience sounds odd and can significantly affect user experience. And with GeForce Game Ready NVIDIA drivers supporting Elden Ring, it is just a matter of time before the game gets listed under the list of compatible ones.
If you get poor performance while playing Elden Ring game, it could be due to it not recognizing your main GPU. Check out our guide on how to fix this, usually, updating your drivers will specialized software like Outbyte Driver Updater is enough to fix the issue.
There are several errors users can run into on their Windows computers. Some of these errors can render the system inaccessible or prevent you from using its installed programs. This device cannot start. (code 10) error on Windows 11 pops up on the screen when Windows can’t run hardware.
What causes the error code 10, this device cannot start?
This device cannot start Code 10 appearing on your computer indicates that Windows can’t run a piece of hardware on your PC. So, if your PC can’t run the needed components, it can run into an error.
Some factors that can cause the error are:
Outdated or faulty driver – If the drivers are outdated or inaccessible, Windows may not be able to start the devices, depending on their services.
Outdated Windows OS – It is undisputed that Windows can run into several problems when it is not up-to-date.
Incompatible hardware – If your hardware device is too old or freshly launched, you may encounter compatibility issues with Windows 11.
Some of our readers also identified the error stating that This device cannot start code 10 Wi-Fi on Windows 11. Don’t worry because our solutions will help you deal with all such issues.
How do I fix this device cannot start (Code 10) error on Windows 11?
Before proceeding with any advanced fixes, try the following:
Unplug and reconnect external devices to your computer.
Restart your PC and check if the error persists.
Install all the latest Windows updates.
If you can’t fix the error, proceed with the following solutions:
1. Update the drivers
Press Windows + R key to prompt the Run dialog box, type devmgmt.msc, and open the Device Manager.
Look in the list of devices and see if any of them has an exclamation mark on its right. Right-click on the device you want to update and click the Update driver option from the drop-down.
Then select Search automatically for drivers.
Restart your PC and check if the error persists.
Updating the drivers on your computer will help their devices run properly and fix bugs affecting them. Check our guide on how to update drivers on Windows 11 for other methods to use.
1.1 Update the drivers automatically
Updating your device drivers can spare you from various system errors or even prevent them from happening in the first place.
That’s why we usually recommend third-party software because it saves time and effort and it makes sure your drivers have the correct versions.
2. Modify your Registry
Press Windows + R key to open the Run dialog box, type regedit, then press OK to open the Registry Editor.
Navigate to the following Registry key: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Class
Press Windows + R key to prompt the Run dialog box, type devmgmt.msc, and open the Device Manager.
Find the device causing the error and double-click on it.
Click on the Details tab, change the Property dropdown box to Class Guid, then go to Value to note the strings of characters it contains.
Go back to the Registry Editor window and click the characters’ string that matches the device on the left pane.
Find the UpperFilters and LowerFilters, right-click on them, and select Delete from the drop-down.
Restart your PC and check if the error appears.
Clearing the filter driver values can fix the issue with the device and Windows.
Left-click the Start button, type Restore, and choose Create a Restore Point.
Click the System Protection tab and select System Restore.
Choose a different system restore and click Next to select a specific Restore Point.
Select a recovery point before this problem started to manifest and click Next.
Click the Finish button.
System Restore reverts your system to the selected restore point when it works properly. Check how to fix Restore Point if it’s not working and if you have any issues running it.
Conclusively, this guide should help you troubleshoot This device cannot start. (code 10) error on Windows 11. If you have further questions or suggestions, kindly drop them in the comments section.
Sticky Notes is one of the built-in features that came with Windows PCs. However, if Sticky Notes is not working, sometimes you have no choice but to find alternatives for Windows 11 that can serve the same purpose.
The Sticky Notes app has been a great app on Windows PC for a long time. It helps you create notes on your Windows 11 PC and access them on other devices.
However, many of our readers complain about the Sticky Notes app not responding, not signing in, not sticking notes, etc. Fortunately, there are apps you can install on Windows 11 to use the Sticky Notes feature.
What are the best Sticky Notes alternatives for Windows 11?
Notezilla is one of the best alternatives for the Sticky Notes app for Windows 11. It is available on other platforms, making it easier to access your notes across different devices. The app has many features that help you keep yourself well-equipped and well-organized.
Furthermore, you can create sticky notes to attach to your desktops, making them easy to access. Its always-on-top feature provides access to your existing notes and allows you to type into notes without changing the tasks.
However, Notezilla provides an advanced feature to automatically sync sticky notes between your computers and access them on all desktops. Also, you can insert pictures in your sticky notes for more details.
Key features:
Easy-to-use user interface
Allows sharing to webpages, documents, programs, apps, folders, etc.
Picture insertion feature
Advanced & secure sync feature that can be partial or full
Stickies is another reliable alternative for the Sticky Notes app on Windows 11. Unlike others, it comes with many advanced features like Always On top. It is easy to navigate and allows the creation of sticky notes with a simple keyboard shortcut.
Likewise, it offers lots of options to ease its use. You may create and customize hotkeys to perform tasks like creating, deleting, hiding, copying, and pasting notes. Also, it allows setting up alarms for tasks, a list of friends to share notes with, and lots more.
More so, Stickies sticky notes come in various forms. The app has unique checklist sticky notes where you can create a to-do list with checkboxes to tick off at will. Also, you can arrange your notes on the desktop and tidy up your space.
Key features:
Easy-to-use and interactive user interface. Also, it is free to use
Set reminders for tasks noted in the sticky notes
Wide range of shortcut options and hotkeys to ease your experience
7 Sticky Notes comes with loads of features that help users have the best experience creating and using notes. It allows setting up alarms on notes and a buzzer or shakes on notes to wiggle when it’s time. It has an attractive interface.
Also, you can label each note to differentiate them and change note colors to make them different. You can use many options when you right-click on notes like rearrange, refactors, etc.
Likewise, it comes with a Note manager that allows you to view and organize all your notes in one tab. It makes it easier to clean up your notes and make adjustments where needed.
Key features:
Note manager feature for organizing notes
Customize note colors, labels, fonts, font sizes, and colors
Hott Notes is a simplified version of Sticky Notes. It has an easy-to-use interface making it appropriate for professional and general use. It is one of the best alternatives to consider.
Furthermore, it uses several hotkey functions to create a simple and easy atmosphere to work. Also, it allows you to customize what double-clicking its app icon does on your desktop.
Likewise, you may edit fonts, font colors, and font sizes to suit your needs. There is a reminder that allows notifications about a note.
Like every other sticky note recommendation on this list, Sticky Notes 8 is a great alternative. It offers a straightforward and easy-to-use interface that lets users customize their notes.
There are numerous colors you can choose from to create your notes. It allows you to stick your notes on the desktop for as long as possible without falling off.
However, Sticky Notes 8 is regarded as a newbie in the genre as it doesn’t have as many features as others. Nonetheless, it is worth considering as it allows you to customize the shape and size of your notes.
This was our selection of the best alternatives for Sticky Notes on Windows 11. Alternatively, check our guide on fixing notes not syncing to iCloud on macOS and Windows.
One of the biggest complaints regarding Sticky Notes is that you can pin them on top, but we have a guide that shows you how to keep Windows 11 Sticky Notes always on top, so don’t miss it.
In conclusion, you should be able to decide on the Sticky notes alternative you want from the list above. Should you have further questions, kindly drop them in the comments section.
If you’ve ever looked through your Task Manager, you may have noticed a process called dllhost.exe or COM Surrogate. At first glance, this may seem like a suspicious process that you should disable, but it’s an integral part of the Windows operating system.
In this article, we’ll dive into what dllhost.exe is, whether or not you can disable it, and other important information related to this process.
What is dllhost.exe?
Dllhost.exe, also known as COM Surrogate, is a process that Windows uses to execute COM objects outside of their own process space.
COM stands for Component Object Model, which is a system that allows different software components to communicate with each other. In other words, dllhost.exe runs programs that use COM components.
The COM Surrogate process creates a new instance of dllhost.exe for each COM object that must run outside its process space. This allows the COM object to run independently and prevents it from interfering with other unnecessary PC processes on the system.
Can I disable Dllhost exe?
In short, the answer is no; you should not disable dllhost.exe. As mentioned, this process is essential for running programs using COM components. Disabling it could cause specific programs to stop working correctly or not work at all.
Additionally, malware can sometimes use the name dllhost.exe to disguise itself, so disabling the process could leave your system vulnerable to attacks.
Should I disable COM Surrogate on startup?
You may have noticed that dllhost.exe sometimes runs in the background, even when you’re not actively using programs requiring COM components.
Windows uses dllhost.exe to generate thumbnail images of specific files, such as photos and videos. However, if you’re experiencing performance issues or other problems related to thumbnail generation, you may be tempted to disable COM Surrogate on startup.
However, doing so could cause other problems with your system. Instead, try optimizing your system or updating your drivers to resolve performance issues.
What is the dllhost.exe location?
Dllhost.exe is located in the System32 path of your computer as indicated below:
C:\Windows\System32
To find it, right-click the COM Surrogate, then click Open file location.
Typically, it will go to the authentic dllhost.exe on the System32 folder.
It could be malware if you see dllhost.exe in a different location or with another name. In this case, you should run a virus scan on your system to ensure it’s not infected.
As we said above, the malicious software could be removed manually if you found it in folders other than System32.
But this is not a safe and efficient method, so we recommend a specialized program to remove the infection on your computer.
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As we mentioned earlier, malware can sometimes use the name dllhost.exe to disguise itself. Additionally, some viruses and other types of malware can exploit vulnerabilities in the COM system.
However, the actual dllhost.exe process in your Task Manager is not a virus or malware. However, if you’re concerned that your system may be infected, you should run a virus scan or use a malware removal tool to remove any threats.
To end, dllhost.exe or COM Surrogate is a necessary process that Windows uses to run programs that use COM components.
It should not be disabled, as doing so could cause problems with your system. Additionally, make sure that you’re running a reputable antivirus program to protect your system from malware that may try to disguise itself as dllhost.exe.
The hosts file is an essential component of your computer. If it has changed for some reason, don’t panic, you can quickly reset Windows 10 hosts file.
So, in this article, we’ll explore some common triggers of host file changes and show you how to set the default values for this file on the MS operating system.
What is a Windows hosts file?
The Windows hosts file is a text file in the Windows operating system that maps hostnames to IP addresses. It acts as a local DNS resolver and allows you to map domain names to IP addresses manually.
This file is usually used to block or redirect network traffic and can be helpful in a variety of scenarios, such as:
Blocking ads – You can add entries to the hosts file that point to the IP address of ad servers, effectively blocking all ads from displaying in your browser.
Website testing – You can use the hosts file to test a website before it goes live by pointing the domain name to a specific IP address.
Redirecting traffic – You can redirect traffic from one domain name to another by pointing the domain name to a different IP address in the hosts file.
However, sometimes the hosts’ file can become corrupted or modified by malware, which can cause issues with network connectivity.
In such cases, resetting to its default state can be helpful. Here are some common reasons why someone may want to reset this file:
Malware infection – Malware can modify the hosts file to redirect your web traffic to malicious sites or block access to legitimate sites. Resetting the hosts file can help to remove these malicious entries and restore normal network connectivity.
Incorrect manual edits – If you have manually edited the hosts file and made an error, this can cause issues with network connectivity. Resetting the file can help to remove any incorrect entries and restore proper functionality.
Upgrading to a new version of Windows – Upgrading to a new version of Windows can sometimes cause issues with the hosts file. Resetting the file can help resolve compatibility issues and restore normal network connectivity.
How do I reset my hosts file in Windows 10?
Press Windows + E to open File Explorer and enter the following location:
C:\Windows\System32\drivers\etc
Find hosts file, and rename it to host.bak (You may be required to take ownership of the file first).
Press Windows + R, type Notepad, and hit Enter.
Paste the following text in Notepad:
# Copyright (c) 1993-2009 Microsoft Corp. # # This is a sample HOSTS file used by Microsoft TCP/IP for Windows. # # This file contains the mappings of IP addresses to host names. Each # entry should be kept on an individual line. The IP address should # be placed in the first column followed by the corresponding host name. # The IP address and the host name should be separated by at least one # space. # # Additionally, comments (such as these) may be inserted on individual # lines or following the machine name denoted by a '#' symbol. # # For example: # # 102.54.94.97 rhino.acme.com # source server # 38.25.63.10 x.acme.com # x client host # localhost name resolution is handle within DNS itself. # 127.0.0.1 localhost # ::1 localhost
Click on File, then Save As.
Save it to the path below as hosts: C:\Windows\System32\drivers\etc
How do I edit and replace the host file in Windows 10?
In Windows search, type notepad, right-click on it, and choose the Run as administrator option.
Now select File, then Open in your Notepad. Then navigate the path below, click on the hosts file, and choose Open. C:\Windows\System32\Drivers\etc
Now, you should be able to make the changes to your hosts you want to, and simply click on save when you are done.
Your hosts file is now back to its default values, but creating a backup copy of the hosts file is recommended, so you can easily replace it again if needed. For example, you can use your old hosts file as a backup and keep it in the Drivers folder next to the original.
Resetting your hosts file is a beneficial solution for fixing connectivity issues on your Windows computer. So, if your Internet connection is not as stable as it should be, use this method to fix it.
It is worth mentioning that your hosts file may sometimes be locked for editing. If this is the case, we’ve got your back. We have already compiled a list of solutions for this particular issue, which you can check in this guide.
Your hosts file can sometimes cause Can’t reach this page error in browser, so it’s important to know how to access it and reset it in order to fix that.
Please use the comments section below if you have any comments or suggestions.
Want to use WiFi and Ethernet simultaneously to boost performance or split network tasks? Windows allows you to connect both WiFi and Ethernet, you just need to tweak a few settings manually.
Here’s how to run Ethernet and WiFi together without conflicts:
How can I use WiFi and Ethernet at the same time on Windows?
Reconfiguring the Ethernet adapter settings should do the trick in most cases, and it’s probably the simplest way to use Wi-Fi and Ethernet at the same time.
1. Press Windows + R to open Run, type ncpa.cpl, and hit Enter.
2. Right-click on the Ethernet adapter, and choose Properties.
3. Click on Configure.
4. Navigate to the Advanced tab, and choose Priority and VLAN (or Packet Priority and VLAN) under Properties.
5. Select Priority and VLAN Disabled from the Value dropdown menu, and click OK to save the changes.
2. Use the Bridge Connections setting
Press Win + R on the keyboard to open Run.
Type the following command and press Enter to open the Network connections window: ncpa.cpl
Press and hold CTRL on the keyboard and select both WiFi and Ethernet connections.
Release the button, right-click on either connection and choose Bridge connections.
Restart your PC.
Now, your PC will use both of these connections. You can easily work on two different networks by bridging the connections.
It is more helpful when you have multiple local networks. However, the computer may or may not use the internet from both of these networks simultaneously.
You can learn more about this option in a detailed guide on how to create a network bridge in Windows, which explains the full process and when it offers the best results.
3. Change your TCP/IPv4 settings
Open the Network connections window again.
Right-click on the ethernet adapter and go to its Properties.
Double-click on the Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4). You can use IPv6 instead if necessary.
Click on Advanced.
Uncheck the Automatic metric.
Set the value to 15 and click on OK.
Do the same for the WiFi adapter as well.
Restart your PC.
From now, Windows will equally use the ethernet and WiFi connection together. In some cases, it may create problems for some software and services. But, in other cases, you may get a significant boost in download speed.
Rather than bridging, you may prefer this method if combining internet connections and getting more download speed from some specific sites is your primary target.
Also, keep in mind you should always check whether you are connected to the WiFi and Ethernet at the same time or not. If not, Windows will continue using the single available connection.
There are a few software solutions that also can help you use Ethernet and WiFi at the same time. You can find many options, like Connectify Hotspot. You can use any of them on Windows if necessary.
This type of software can combine multiple networks you are connected to using different adapters and give you a fast and easy internet experience.
This article has explained how to use WiFi and Ethernet simultaneously and the procedures. You can let us know your opinion on this if you want.
FAQs
What are the differences between WiFi and Ethernet?
WiFi is a wireless medium to transmit data, while Ethernet is a wired medium. In terms of performance, Ethernet is much faster. However, modern WiFi, especially WiFi 6 with 5 GHz, can perform very fast. But it is still slower than the wired ones. The speed also depends on the adapter’s capacity. Theoretically, you can get more than 1 Gbps speed on both. But, in the practical world, wireless signals may not give you full performance.
Why is Wi-Fi so slow but Ethernet fast?
Even under ideal conditions, Wi-Fi won’t deliver as fast Internet as the Ethernet, but in some cases, the difference is stark. And here are a few reasons the Internet speed is slow over Wi-Fi but fast on Ethernet: PC is at a distance from the router: The most common reason you are getting slow speed is that the PC is placed far from the router. With wireless connections, the lesser the distance, the better the speed. You can prioritize your Wi-Fi connection for more stability if you have multiple connections. Misconfigured network settings: Wi-Fi and Ethernet adapters have dedicated network settings, and the Internet speed will be affected if the ones for Wi-Fi are misconfigured. Many also wonder if using Wi-Fi and Ethernet simultaneously delivers faster Internet. The answer is No. It all depends on the router, and you can only obtain the maximum speed it provides, even when using both a wired and wireless connection.
Why can’t I use WiFi and Ethernet at the same time?
Are WiFi and Ethernet not working at the same time on Windows 11, 10, or 7? It may be because of several reasons. It includes the following: Outdated network drivers: Properly working stable network drivers are necessary to operate smoothly. Physical damage on the adapters: If any of your network adapters are damaged physically, it may create problems. Any internal errors: You may fail to combine Ethernet and WiFi for any internal bugs. Lack of permissions: If you are not an administrator of your PC, you may not configure connections due lack of sufficient privileges and use them together.
Several of our readers recently reported that they could not start the Dolby audio driver on Windows 10, which is becoming frustrating by the day. Even though various factors may hinder Dolby audio driver from functioning well, we have provided some fixes for this problem.
How do I start Dolby audio?
Press Windows + R to open Run, type mmsys.cpl in the text field, and hit Enter.
Right-click on your headphones, and select Properties.
Now, head to the Spatial sound tab, select Dolby Atmos for Headphones from the dropdown menu, and click OK to save the changes.
This would start Dobly audio, and you can now enjoy its surround sound experience.
Why can’t I start Dolby audio driver?
There can be several reasons for the unable to start Dolby audio driver error message that pops up for some users in Windows 10. However, the following are some obvious reasons for the error message:
Outdatedor corrupted audiodrivers – There are instances when the OS receives driver updates which may be due to several driver issues. Updating them will solve the issue.
Misconfigured audio settings – If the audio enhancement is wrongly configured in Windows 10, the Dolby audio driver may fail to start. Check out the best ways to reset all sound settings on Windows 11. Although it’s a Windows 11 guide, you will find that it also applies on Windows 10.
Output sound devices not well-connected – If the audio output devices, such as speakers and headphones, are not connected to the right ports, this problem may also arise.
Disabled audio devices – Some necessary audio services are not enabled in Windows 10.
Once you can determine the cause of the problem, you should rest assured that you can fix this problem by using our solutions below.
What can I do if I cannot start the Dolby audio driver?
Before proceeding to explore the advanced solutions to fix the problem, you should consider performing the following preliminary checks:
Confirm that your audio cables are correctly connected to the audio output ports, not the audio input ports.
If, after performing the above checks and the problem persists, you can work your way down this article to know what fix works for you to be able to start Dolby audio driver.
1. Update your audio drivers
Right-click on the Start icon in the Taskbar or press the Windows+ Xkeys to launch the Quick Access menu and select Device Manager.
Double-click the Sound, video, and game controllers options, right-click on the Dolby Audio device, and select Update driver from the menu.
Then, select the Search automatically for drivers option, and Windows will search for the best drivers on your system.
Install any suggested updates after enabling the Windows driver updater to search for drivers and restart your PC. Also, check how to download the audio driver in Windows 10 if you want to update drivers from your computer.
2. Uninstall and reinstall the Dolby audio driver
Left-click the Start button, type control panel, and launch it.
Click Uninstall a program under Programs.
Select Dolby Digital Plus Advanced Audio and click Uninstall.
Launch the app after downloading and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation process.
Reinstalling the Dolby audio driver is a perfect solution if the problem lies with the version of the audio driver. You can also check this guide to reinstall audio drivers in Windows.
However, you should run the Audio troubleshooter if the problem persists after reinstalling the audio driver.
Locate and click on Troubleshoot on the right pane and select Additional troubleshooters from the right.
Next, click on Other troubleshooters.
Now, select the Playing Audio troubleshooter and click on Run the troubleshooter.
Then, select the audio output device you have issues with and click on Next at the bottom of the screen.
Using the Windows troubleshooter enables you to identify any issues with the device or configured settings and fix them.
Also, ensure that you carefully follow the instructions once the errors are identified to completely fix the inability to start Dolby audio driver on Windows 10.
If you’ve tried all the solutions in this article on fixing your Dolby audio driver, and none seem to work, you should check our guide for other sound solutions.
Fortnite is a trendy game that allows you to team up with your friends and go on a multiplayer battle against another team. However, multiple users are facing multiple errors with the game, one of which is the Invalid game executable file application error.
Because of this error, users aren’t able to play the game, as this error message pops up randomly. While some users could fix the error by dismissing the error message after a couple of tries, some couldn’t go through the error.
What causes the Fortnite Invalid game executable file application error?
After some research, we have deduced a list of reasons that could trigger the issue of Fortnite Invalid game executable file application error:
You are using a trainer: Some make use of mods or trainers to help them with the game and complete missions, which could conflict with the actual game files.
Corrupt game files: If some important game files are missing or corrupted, then multiple issues can occur with the game, such as Fortnite Invalid game executable file application error. This also triggers Error Code 91 in Fortnite.
Antivirus is blocking the game: Chances are your antivirus software is blocking the game from accessing certain game or system files.
How can I fix the Fortnite Invalid game executable file application error?
Here are a few things that you can try out before applying advanced troubleshooting methods:
Restart your computer and check if this resolves the issue. Often, temporary glitches or bugs can be easily fixed via a simple restart.
Check if the internet connection is working and stable. Due to connectivity issues with the official server, the game might throw up multiple errors.
Scan your PC for viruses or malware. If a virus or malware infects your PC, then you will face issues with the installed programs.
Let us check out the advanced troubleshooting methods that have helped users to resolve the problem.
1. Update the EasyAntiCheat file
Open the File Explorer.
Navigate to the below path and press Enter: C:\Program Files\Epic Games\Fortnite\FortniteGame\Binaries\Win64\EasyAntiCheat
Run the EasyAntiCheat_Setup.exe as an administrator.
Click Repair Service.
Follow the on-screen prompts and check if this resolves the issue or not.
2. Stop MyColor2, lightingservice.exe, or SelLedV2
Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open the Task Manager.
Locate MyColor2 under the Processes tab.
Click on MyColor2 and select End Task.
You can follow the same process for ending the lightingservice.exe, and SelLedV2 processes. Several users have reported MyColor2 to be the culprit behind this problem.
MyColor2 is software that ships with certain laptops to control the LEDs on my keyboard and fan customization. The same applies to lightingservice.exe and SelLed, which ship with particular brand laptops.
These are often reported to be conflicting with the Fortnite game. If ending the MyColor2, lightingservice.exe, or SelLedV2 process resolves the issue, you can go ahead and uninstall them.
Navigate to the below path and press Enter: C:\Users\Username\AppData\Local
Locate the folder FortniteGame.
In case you cannot find the folder, click on View at the top. Then check the Hidden items option.
Right-click on the folder and select Delete. Otherwise, you can open the folder and select all files, and delete them.
Start Fortnite and check if this resolves the issue or not.
If the game files are corrupt or some important ones are missing, you can delete the FortniteGame folder and check if this resolves the issue.
Do not worry about the game files, as they will get re-downloaded as you relaunch the Fortnite game. Re-downloaded data will replace the corrupt ones.
4. Verify the game files
Open Epic Games Launcher.
Click on Library.
Click on the 3-dot icon and select Manage.
Hit the Verify button.
This is another way of checking if the game files are missing or corrupt. Verifying the game files will help you check and resolve the issue.
5. Adjust compatibility mode
Open File Explorer.
Navigate to the below path and press Enter: C:\Program Files\Epic Games\Fortnite\FortniteGame\Binaries\Win64\ (If you have installed the game in a different folder, then open it accordingly. The above is the default path)
Right-click on FortniteClient-Win64-Shipping.exe and then click Properties.
Click the Compatibility tab.
Check the box next to Run this program in compatibility mode for.
Select Windows 8.
Check the box next to Disable fullscreen optimizations.
Click Apply and OK.
Relaunch Fortnite.
You can also try adjusting the compatibility mode for the Fortnite game, as it has helped users fix the Fortnite Invalid game executable file application error.
How do I fix Fortnite error code LS 0016?
The LS 0016 Launch Failed error usually appears when servers are down, generally for maintenance. This can be verified using a reliable tool like Downdetector, and things should, most likely, be up and running in a few hours.
If the error code still appears, terminate the Epic Games process and relaunch it or verify the integrity of game files. In case nothing works, you may remove the game using an uninstaller software and then install Fortnite from scratch.
The error code LS 0014 signals an issue with the game files, either a corrupt state or a change in path. So, your primary approach should be to verify that the game files have not been moved from the default folder.
Also, check the integrity of game files using the built-in option. Besides, running the launcher as administrator or using Google’s DNS server instead of the default might also get things up and running.
That is it from us in this guide. If you are experiencing Fortnite packet data loss, then you can take a look at our guide, which lists some solutions to resolve the problem.
You probably want to know how to download Stereo Mix on Windows 10 because your Stereo Mix does not show up in the Sound section of the Control Panel.
In this article, we will explore in detail why this happens and how you can download Stereo Mix on Windows 10 and bring it back to your sound Control Panel.
Why don’t I have Stereo Mix on my PC?
There are many reasons why Stereo Mix is missing from your Sound settings from Control Panel. Fortunately, in most cases, something simple is the cause.
No Realtek audio card – Stereo Mix is a specific feature for those devices, so if you don’t have a Realtek audio card, you can’t use the app. In fact, you will see that you don’t have the Realtek HD Audio Manager either.
Invalid association of system files – Sometimes, during Windows installation, some files go missing or get corrupted, which may cause a faulty file association in the system files.
Incompatible driver – Additionally, it can be because the computer does not recognize the driver. Check your audio chipset’s manufacturer and see if any update is available.
Now that we know the possible reasons why you don’t have Stereo Mix on your PC, let’s try to fix the problem.
How can I download Stereo Mix on Windows 10?
Let’s crosscheck some prerequisite measures:
Check if you have a Realtek sound card. You can easily verify that by accessing the Sound, video, and game controllers from Device Manager. If you see Realtek in the list of controllers, you can go on with the solutions below.
Unhide Stereo Mix from the Sound Control Panel. If you don’t know how to do that, follow the second solution from our guide.
Make sure you have the latest Windows updates.
If you need Stereo Mix on your PC, read the solutions below to get it.
Then, choose the driver version that matches the architecture of your CPU (32-bit or 64-bit).
Read and agree with their terms and conditions, then click the Download button.
After downloading, launch the installation wizard to install the audio codec and follow the on-screen instructions.
Reboot your system and check if you have Stereo Mix now.
The Stereo Mix Realtek high-definition audio Windows 10 download will fix the problem, but only if you have a Realtek audio card or chipset.
2. Unhide Stereo Mix
First, click on the Start menu and type control panel, then click on the app from the results.
Next, find the Sound option and click on it.
Then, click on the Recording tab. Right-click inside the area with all the devices in it and choose Show Disabled Devices.
Right-click on the Stereo Mix device and click on Enable.
Stereo Mix is hidden by default, and if you do not unhide it, you will not be able to see it.
3. Install a driver updater tool
Another way to get Stereo Mix is to download and install a driver updater tool, as an out-of-date or missing driver could cause the problem.
The tool we recommend is Fortect Driver Updater. This software will thoroughly scan and look for missing or outdated drivers on your computer after installation.
After identifying them, it will update them automatically and resolve issues like missing audio drivers and Stereo Mix.
Press Windows + R to open Run, type mmsys.cpl in the text field, and hit Enter.
Under the Playback tab, select your speakers, and click on the Configure button.
Click Test to check.
Now, choose the relevant setting, and click Next.
Finally, click Finish to save the changes.
That’s it! This will set up stereo sound in Windows 10, and you can always reconfigure the setting using the same process.
How do I use stereo mix in Windows 10?
Stereo Mix is a handy feature on your sound card that allows recording whatever is output through the speakers. It’s particularly useful to gamers and can be quickly enabled via the Recording tab in the Sounds window.
In some cases, Stereo Mix may also be listed as What U Hear, depending on the sound card though the former term is more commonly used. And if you cannot find Stereo Mix, the sound card most likely doesn’t support the feature.
How do I fix Stereo Mix not detecting sound?
Click on the Start menu, type the control panel, and click on Control Panel from the results.
Then, go to Sound.
Head over to the Recording tab.
Right-click on Stereo Mix and click on Properties.
Go to the Levels tab and ensure the level is set correctly. Also, make sure Stereo Mix is the default recording device in Windows 10 and the default input device in your recording application.
If you have successfully installed and enabled Stereo Mix, but it does not detect any sound while recording, there is some problem.
Stereo Mix captures the internal audio of your computer. So, the volume of your speaker and headphone do not affect it. However, the internal volume of your system impacts its sound level, and you may want to switch to mono audio instead.
Now that you have learned about Stereo Mix Windows 10 download, you should know that sometimes, these solutions will not fix your problem.
If this is the case, you must check to see if your audio chipset is compatible with Windows 10 and if it is working properly.
Also, the main reason Stereo Mix does not detect sounds is that people often do not remember to check the volume of their recording software.
Experiencing software errors is as common as it is frustrating, and, unfortunately, no software is immune to glitches or bugs. Zoom users, for example, reported running into error 5003 when trying to connect and use the application.
Today, we will go over what this error code means, the causes that trigger it, and how properly to deal with the situation.
As a side note, we can also show you how to fix Zoom error code 1001 if you also got this one while using the app.
What is error code 503 in Zoom?
Error 5003 appears on your screen when the connection has failed. Thus, this issue will keep you from initiating video calls, rendering the app useless. Here are a few reasons you encounter the error on Zoom:
Server issues: In most cases, it’s a server issue responsible for the error code, and things are usually automatically up and running in a while. To verify whether the Zoom servers are facing an outage, check Downdetector or the official status page.
Conflicting apps: A third-party antivirus or firewall can often prevent Zoom from communicating through the servers, and as a result, you get Zoom error 5003.
Misconfigured network settings: An incorrect DNS or IP address or even issues with the network drivers can trigger the error.
How do I fix error 5003 on Zoom?
1. Restart the Zoom app
Press Ctrl + Alt + Del and then select Task Manager.
Select Zoom from the list and press the End Task button.
Search for Firewall and open the Firewall and Network Protection app.
Click on Allow an app through firewall.
Press the Change Settings button, then click on Allow another app.
Press on Browse, locate Zoom and then press Add.
6. Disable all Proxy servers
Press Win + I to bring up Settings.
Select Network & Internet, then choose Proxy.
Disable the Use a Proxy server option.
7. Reinstall Network drivers
Search for Device Manager and open the app.
Expand Network adapters, right-click the one you are using and select Uninstall device.
Reinstall the Network driver.
Restart your PC.
Why is my firewall blocking Zoom?
There have been several instances of the firewall blocking Zoom on both Windows and Mac. Here are a few reasons why it happens:
Zoom is flagged as a threat: Whenever a program is flagged by the firewall, it’s automatically disabled from running or sharing data with the servers. And in some cases, Zoom, too, could be flagged as a threat.
Misconfigured settings: The firewall has separate settings for programs on Private and Public networks, and it could be that Zoom is enabled on only one.
Issues with the firewall: The firewall itself could be outdated or unreliable since programs like Zoom are never blocked. Here, we recommend you uninstall the program and switch to a more effective firewall.
How do I allow Zoom on my firewall?
You can just go ahead and open the Search function in the taskbar and look for your Windows Firewall protection settings.
Next, simply select the Allow an app through firewall option, and if you do not find Zoom on the list presented to you, you will have to add it yourself.
We explained this step with full details on solution number 5 in the guide above, so all the information you need on this topic is right there.
It’s a simple process, and it will only take up a couple of minutes of your time. So, when encountering Zoom error code 5003, the solutions above should help you fix the issue.
Share with us in the comments section below if this guide helped you through this annoying situation involving the Zoom app.
Since Microsoft launched the beloved Surface Pro product, many users have reported that some touchscreen devices have dead spots.
This can be a big problem depending on the affected surface area.To help solve this problem, we prepared a list of possible fixes in this guide.
Why is the Surface Pro touchscreen not working?
A series of factors can cause the Surface Pro touchscreen to have dead spots. Below are some of the prevalent ones:
Outdated OS: If your Surface Pro 3, 4, or 7 touch screen is not working on the right side or in some other areas, it might be because your operating system is outdated. Hence, you need to update your OS to the latest version.
Outdated driver: This problem might be caused by faulty or outdated touchscreen drivers. You must reinstall or update your driver to get past the issue.
How can I fix Surface Pro touchscreen dead spots?
Below are some troubleshooting steps to try before delving into the sophisticated solutions in this section:
Perform a two-button shutdown (press and hold the power + volume buttons till the logo appears)
If the Surface Pro touchscreen has some dead spots, you should try to update your drivers by following the steps above. You can also visit the Surface Pro website and check if an updated driver is available.
However, downloading drivers manually is a process that carries the risk of getting the wrong driver installed, which may lead to severe malfunctions.
Hence, we strongly recommend the Outbyte Driver Updater tool to update your drivers to avoid damage to your PC. To keep your PC, including hardware components, safe and efficient, the latest drivers should permanently be installed, like touchscreen drivers.
This great tool was developed, so you do not have to manually download and install your drivers.
Outbyte Driver Updater
Outbyte Driver Updater automatically installs the latest touchscreen drivers for you to keep your PC and hardware components safe.
Right-click the Start icon and selectDevice Manager.
Expand the Human Interface Devices category and right-click your touchscreen device.
Now, select the Uninstall option.
Finally, click the Uninstall button to confirm the action and restart the Surface device.
If updating your driver does not eliminate the Surface Pro touchscreen dead spots, you need to uninstall the drivers completely. Then, after restarting your Surface device, the drivers will be reinstalled automatically.
3. Install system updates
Press the Windows key + I to open the Settings app and choose Update & Security.
Click the Check for updates button.
Finally, install the available updates and restart your PC.
Another potential cause of the Surface Pro touch screen dead spots is an outdated operating system. This makes your device misbehave until you install the latest patches.
Press the Windows key + I and select Update & Security.
Select Recoveryin the left pane and click the Get Started button under Reset this PC.
Finally, select the Keep my files option and follow the onscreen instructions to complete the process.
If the Surface Pro 3, 4, or 7 screen problems continue after applying the fixes above, you must reset your device to default. This will reverse the changes you might have made to your device that are causing the problem.
These four solutions can help you fix the Surface Pro touch screen dead spots problem. If resetting the Surface device fails to solve the issue, contact Microsoft Support or see a technician to check it out.
There’s an abundance of possible critical errors one can struggle with on the Windows 10 platform. One of those errors is the Overlap: Duplicate ownership for directory messages.
This error has a series of potential causes, making it sometimes difficult to fix. Thankfully, we have gathered the surefire fixes to eliminate the error message in this detailed guide.
Why does the Error – overlap: Duplicate ownership for directory appear?
Below are some of the reasons for the duplicate ownership for directory error on Windows 10:
Issues with the SFC tool: In some cases, this problem might be due to issues with the SFC scan. To get past the error message, you must run the DISM tool instead.
Faulty system files: A broken or missing system file is another potential cause of this problem. You need to repair this file to get past this issue.
How can I fix Duplicate ownership for directory error?
1. Run DISM with an ISO drive
Mount your Windows 10 installation media, either USB or ISO DVD.
Press the Windows key + S, type cmd, and select Run as administrator under Command Prompt.
Now, type the commands (replace X in the third command with the drive letter of the ISO drive) below and hit Enter after each: DISM /online /Cleanup-Image /CheckHealthDISM /online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealthDISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth /source:WIM:X:SourcesInstall.wim:1 /LimitAccess
Remember to wait for one command to finish running before running another.
After the last command finishes, type the command below and hit Enter: sfc /scannow
Then, finally, wait for the command to finish running and restart your PC.
If you get the Duplicate ownership for directory error message while running the SFC scan, you can fix it by running the DISM tool.
Unlike SFC, the DISM scan runs deeper and repairs the system image.
2. Use PowerShell
Press the Windows key + X and select the Windows PowerShell (Admin) option.
Type the command below and hit Enter to run it: Get-AppXPackage -AllUsers | Where-Object {$_.InstallLocation -like "*SystemApps*"} | Foreach {Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode Register"$($_.InstallLocation)\AppXManifest.xml"}
Finally, wait for the command to finish running.
3. Reset this PC
Press the Windows key + I to open the Settings app and select Update & Security.
Select the Recovery option in the left pane and click the Get started button under the Reset this PC section.
Finally, select the Keep my files option and follow the onscreen instructions to complete the process.
If you still can’t fix the Duplicate ownership for the directory error message, you need to reset your PC to default. This will clear up the potential glitches that might be causing the problem.
If everything fails, you might have to reinstall Windows 10. This is because the problem might have gotten deep into your system files.
Performing a clean installation of your OS should give you a new version of Windows 10.
With this, we can conclude this guide on fixing Duplicate ownership for directory errors. You might have to contact the Microsoft Support team for more guidance on this error.
Some Windows users reported experiencing the Something’s not right Gmail problem. This occurs when accessing the web version of the email client on any browser, preventing many users from getting into their email.
If you also face this issue, this guide contains effective solutions to eliminate errors and restore access to your email.
Why am I getting Something’s not right in Gmail?
A series of factors could cause the Something’s not right error message on Gmail. Below are some of the notable ones:
Faulty browser data: Gmail might not work on your PC because of a corrupt browser cache and cookies. You need to clear this data manually or with the help of a PC cleaner to solve this problem for good.
Issues with extensions: Many users have had trouble connecting to Google and some of its products because of issues with add-ons. It would be best if you disabled these extensions temporarily to fix the problem.
Internet connection issues: In some cases, this problem might be because of an unstable or inactive internet connection. Verifying your network strength and switching to a better one is a quick way around this.
How can I fix Something’s not right Gmail error?
Before proceeding to the sophisticated fixes in this section, below are some troubleshooting steps you need to perform:
Launch your browser and click the Menu button (three vertical dots) in the top right corner.
Select More tools > Extensions.
Now, toggle the switch before each extension to disable it.
While extensions help improve your browser’s functionality, they can sometimes cause problems. According to many users, this has proved true for the Something’s not right error on Gmail.
Hence, you need to disable the extensions on your browser and try to load your email client again. If this fixes the issue, you can enable the add-ons in batches to know the one causing the problem.
Lastly, we have used Google Chrome as an example, but the steps are similar in most modern browsers, with a few tweaks here and there.
2. Clear browser data
Launch your browser and click the menu button in the top right corner.
Select More tools > Clear browsing data.
Now, click the Time range dropdown at the top and select All time.
Check the boxes for Cookies and other site data and Cached images and files.
Finally, click the Clear data button.
Browser data help to improve the overall browsing experience. But when they can get corrupted when they accumulate and cause different issues like the Something’s not right problem on Gmail.
In this case, the best thing to do is to clear your browser data and restart your PC.
3. Temporarily disable your antivirus
Press the Windows key, type virus, and select the Virus & threat protection option.
Click the Manage settings link.
Now, toggle the switch for Real-time protection backward to disable it.
Finally, if you have third-party antivirus, right-click its icon on the taskbar and select the Disable option.
Multiple firewalls, antiviruses, and other monitoring programs may prevent you from accessing Gmail. This might lead to the Something’s not right error or other Gmail issues.
After disabling your antivirus, try to reaccess the email client. Should this fix the issue, you should re-enable your security software.
Press the Windows key + R, type appwiz.cpl, and click OK. a
Right-click your browser and select the Uninstall option.
Now, follow the onscreen instructions to complete the removal process.
Finally, go to the browser’s official developer website to download and install the latest version.
Another way of fixing the Something’s not right Gmail problem is by uninstalling the web browser and installing it again.
However, make sure that the latest version is installed. Alternatively, you can update your web browser and then try accessing Gmail afterward.
5. Use another web browser
In addition, if Something’s not right, the Gmail error persists after trying all the solutions mentioned above.
Then, you might want to consider using alternative web browsers. We suggest opting for a browser like Opera One with a built-in ad blocker and native AI.
Alternatively, it would be best to consider disabling browser add-ons or extensions; this may be responsible for the error.
Meanwhile, you may also try using Google Chrome in an incognito window or Mozilla Firefox in Safe mode and then try to access your Gmail account afterward.
Opera One
Opera One is a modern browser driven by privacy and security, making it ideal for your default option.
With this, we can conclude this detailed guide on fixing the Something’s not a right error on Gmail. Follow the steps above carefully, and the issue should be resolved for good.
OneDrive is one of the top cloud storage that helps to keep your files and data safe. However, there can be some hiccups along the way, as some users complain that OneDriver shared folder is not syncing.
This leaves some of your files out of the cloud storage. If you also face this issue, this guide will walk you through the surefire solutions to fix it for good.
Why are my OneDrive folders not syncing?
Below are some of the reasons your shared folders might not be syncing on OneDrive:
Outdated PC: Sometimes, the OneDrive shared folder is not updating because of an outdated operating system. The solution is to update your PC to the latest version.
Issues with OneDrive: In some cases, this problem can be caused by glitches with the OneDrive app. You need to reset and reconnect the app to fix this.
How can I sync a shared OneDrive folder?
1. Disable antivirus
Press the Windows key, type virus, and select the Virus & threat protection option.
Select Manage settings.
Now, toggle the switch for Real-time protection backward to disable it.
Sometimes, your security software might prevent your shared folder from syncing on OneDrive. You can fix this by disabling your antivirus software.
2. Change permissions
Press the Windows key + E to open File Explorer and right-click the OneDrive icon in the left pane.
Select the Properties option.
Now, click the Security tab at the top.
Click the Advanced button.
Now, under SYSTEM, Administrators, and your user name, you should have Full Control permissions.
Finally, check the Replace all child object permission entries with inheritable permissions from this object option and click OK.
Sometimes, the OneDrive shared folder not syncing issue can be caused by a lack of appropriate permissions. This prevents some folders from syncing. Following the steps above should permit you to sync any folder.
2. Update the PC
Press the Windows key + I to open the Settings app and select Update & Security.
Click the Check for updates button.
Finally, install any available updates and restart your PC.
An outdated operating system can cause the OneDrive sync shared folder not working issue. The solution to this is to update and restart your PC.
3. Reset OneDrive
Press the Windows key + R, type %localappdata%\Microsoft\OneDrive\onedrive.exe/reset, and click OK.
Now, sign in to your account and click the Settings tab at the top.
Finally, check the box for Start OneDrive automatically when I sign in to Windows and click OK.
At times, the OneDrive shared folder not syncing issue might be due to minor glitches with the app. You can fix this by simply resetting the app to default.
Go to your downloads folder and double-click the installer to run it.
Finally, follow the onscreen instructions to complete the process.
If the solutions above do not fix the OneDrive shared folder not syncing issue, you must update the app. You can also uninstall OneDrive and reinstall the latest version.
That is about it for the OneDrive shared folder not syncing issue. With the detailed steps in this guide, you should be able to fix the problem for good.
If you still cannot sync some of your folders, you must consider using other effective cloud storage apps capable of syncing the files in real-time across multiple devices.
In the comments below, let us know the solution that helped you fix this issue.
The Windows Update Medic Service is one of the numerous additions to Windows 10 to improve user experience. However, this new feature makes many users curious about what it does and its importance.
If you also need firsthand information about this service, this guide contains everything you need to know.
What is Windows Update Medic Service?
The Windows Update Medic Service is a new background service introduced with Windows 10 and how this OS handles updating.
Its only purpose is to repair the Windows Update service so your PC can continue receiving updates unhindered.
It also handles the remediation and protection of all Windows Update components. As such, even if you disable all Windows Update-related services, WaasMedic will restart them at some point.
Do I need Windows Update Medic Service?
While this is an important Windows service, you can always disable the service. However, making your PC more vulnerable to update issues is not recommended.
Hence, you should disable the service if there is no tangible reason.
How do I stop the Windows Update Medic service?
1. Use the Registry Editor
Press the Windows key + R, type regedit, and click OK.
Follow the path below in the left pane: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\WaaSMedicSvc
Now, double-click the Start option in the right pane.
Finally, set the Value data to 3 or 4 and click OK.
With this, you should be able to disable the Windows Update Medic Service without getting an access denied prompt.
2. Use the Service Manager
Press the Windows key + R, type services.msc, and click OK.
Double-click the Windows Update Medic Service to open its properties.
Now, set the Startup type to Disabled and click the Stop button.
Finally, click the Apply button and OK to confirm the changes.
Most users get an access denied prompt while trying to disable the service using the Service Manager. However, this issue has been fixed in the recent updates, and you should be able to use it.
Launch the Windows Update Blocker and select Menu > Windows Services from the list.
Look for Windows Update Medic Service and double-click it to open its properties.
Next, copy the Service name.
Return to the folder where you extracted Windows Update Blocker and open the ini file with Notepad.
Now, paste the service name right under dosvc=2,4 and =3,4 in front of it.
Finally, return to the Windows Update Blocker window and click Apply now.
Another option is to block the service through a third-party blocker. One perfect option is Windows Update Blocker.
Thanks to this handy tool, you can disable any Windows service without error messages.
What happens if you disable Windows Update Medic Service?
If your PC does not run into update issues, you wouldn’t feel the impact of disabling the Windows Update Medic Service.
However, if there are update issues, some components might get damaged with this vital service disabled. Finally, disabling the service might make your PC unstable.
This is pretty much everything there is to know about this vital service, from how to disable it to the impact of removing it.
Installation errors are rare, and in most cases, the process goes through relatively smoothly. However, many users reported Error 1603 during installation. And it’s not just limited to a particular program but can be encountered in many.
The error message doesn’t reveal much about the underlying cause, but you could go through the error log to learn more about the situation. However, before you do, we have solutions that work in most cases and have helped several users fix Error 1603.
Why am I receiving error 1603?
Here are a few reasons why you may be getting Error 1603 in Windows:
The program already exists on the PC: If the program you are trying to install is already on the PC, you may receive Error 1603, especially on MSI.
Missing permissions: Often, the folder where the program is to be saved is missing access permissions, and the files can’t be installed.
The target folder is encrypted: In some cases, users later realized that the folder where the program files were to be saved was encrypted, which triggered Error 1603.
Security software blocking the installation: Your third-party antivirus or other similar security software may prevent the program’s installation. You need to disable or uninstall the software to fix this.
Where can I find error code 1603, and what does it look like?
The error message may differ depending on the situation and how it appears, depending on the application throwing it. For example, here are a few programs that are likely to throw Error 1603:
Error 1603 Adobe: Several users installing Adobe applications reported the error, and it’s usually caused due to incorrect permissions.
FortiClient Error 1603: The FortiClient installer, too, throws the error and rolls back any changes made.
Error 1603 AMD: A common issue encountered by users trying to install AMD drivers.
Error 1603 QuickBooks: The QuickBook Tools Hub usually comes to the rescue of users.
Altiris Error 1603: Here, users receive the message, Error 1603: A fatal error occurred during installation, and our solutions would fix things.
Error 1603 Revit: It’s a particularly tricky situation, and users had to go through a great deal of effort to get things working.
How do I fix error code 1603?
Before we head to the slightly complex solutions, here are a few quick ones for you to try:
Verify if the program is already installed on the computer. Sometimes, the desktop launcher may not be available after an upgrade, so you must check the list of installed programs and confirm the same.
Restart the computer.
Launch the installer with administrative privileges. To do that, right-click on it, and select Run as administrator.
Check for Windows updates and install the latest available version.
In case none of these works, try the solutions listed next.
1. Clear the contents of the temp folder
Press Windows + R to open Run, type %temp% in the text field, and hit Enter.
Press Ctrl + A to select all the files here and hit Delete.
Choose the appropriate response in case a confirmation prompt pops up.
This is the most straightforward fix if you encounter Error 1603 in Windows 10 while installing any application. Sometimes, the Temp folder may run full, and as a result, installers encounter an issue while executing critical processes, leading to the error.
2. Disable antivirus software
Press the Windows key, type virus, and select Virus & threat protection.
Click the Manage settings option.
Now, toggle the switch for Real-time protection backward to disable it.
Finally, if you have a third-party antivirus, right-click the icon on the taskbar and select the Disable option.
If you are facing Error 1603 on AutoCAD or AutoDesk, it might be due to interference from your antivirus. In this case, you must disable your third-party antivirus and Microsoft Defender.
You can also temporarily disable your firewall too. After installing the program, you can now enable your antivirus and firewall.
3. Clear storage space
Press the Windows key, type cleanmgr, and select Disk Cleanup.
Choose the drive you want to clear files on and click OK.
Now, select the files to clear and click the OK button.
One of the significant causes of Error 1603 on Java and other apps is insufficient storage space for the installation process. You can create space by deleting some files in File Explorer.
Press Windows + R to open the Run, type appwiz.cpl in the text field, and click OK.
Locate any application that controls the aspect related to the program you are trying to install, right-click it, and click on Uninstall.
Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the process.
Conflicts triggered by third-party apps are a common reason behind Error 1603, and the best solution here is to uninstall the problematic app. For instance, Adobe reports that Google Desktop may affect the installation of its application.
Also, you could use a software uninstaller tool to remove any traces of the concerned app altogether.
One of the best tools available is CCleaner. It removes all junk files on your PC and all programs, including all associated files.
5. Run the Program Install and Uninstall troubleshooter
When faced with issues in Windows, the ideal course is to always look for a dedicated troubleshooter. And you have one, in this case, the Program Install and Uninstall troubleshooter, which is easily downloadable.
Once downloaded, run it, choose the appropriate responses, follow the on-screen instructions, and make the recommended changes to fix Error 1603 in Windows 10.
Press Windows + R to open Run, type services.msc, and click OK.
Locate the Windows Installer service, right-click on it, and select Properties.
Now, click on the Start button and then on OK to save the changes.
Again, press Windows + R, paste the following command, and hit Enter:msiexec /unregister
Similarly, execute the following command in Run:msiexec /regserver
After restarting the Windows Installer service, you can fix the FortiClient Error 1603.
7. Grant Full Control Permission to Installation Drive
Press Windows + E to open File Explorer, right-click on the installation drive for the software (usually C:), and select Properties.
Navigate to the Security tab, and click the Edit button.
Select SYSTEM, tick the checkbox for Full Control, and click OK.
Now, click on Advanced.
Click the Change Permissions option.
Select SYSTEM from the list, and then click the Edit button.
Choose This folder, sub-folders, and files from the Applies to the drop-down menu, and click OK to save the changes.
Click OK on all opened windows as well.
That’s it! If the previous methods didn’t work, modifying the permissions certainty would have an Error 1603 fixed. You can now seamlessly install the application that earlier threw the error.
The “failed to load DLL from the list – error 126” message typically means the system can’t locate a required file, such as custom.dll or xgameruntime.dll. The complete version may say: LoadLibrary failed with error 126: The specified module could not be found.
Here’s how to fix LoadLibrary error 126, explained step by step.
How can I fix failed to load DLL from the list error code 126?
Right-click the app’s shortcut or executable file and select Properties.
Click the Compatibility tab at the top.
Now, check the Run this program as an administrator box.
Finally, click the Apply button and OK to save the changes.
Some apps need you to have administrative rights to run their executable files. Hence, if you are getting the failed to load DLL from the list error code 126, you need to run the app as admin.
2. Temporarily disable the antivirus protection
Press the Windows key + S, type virus, and select Virus & threat protection.
Click the Manage settings option.
Finally, toggle the switch under Real-time protection backward to disable it.
Your antivirus can delete or quarantine specific files, patches, or DLLs associated with programs, games, or even apps. This can lead to the failed to load DLL from the list error code 126 issue on your PC.
That’s why disabling your antivirus can temporarily fix the issue. To prevent the issue from happening again, consider whitelisting the specific app or game that triggers such issues.
3. Update Microsoft NET Framework
You might experience these two DLL errors if Microsoft NET Framework is outdated. So, it would be best to try to update this built-in software as it might help you fix the problem.
Right-click the faulty game and select Properties.
Now, select the Local files tab in the left pane.
Next, click on Verify integrity of game files.
Finally, restart Steam and try to play the game again.
If you are facing the failed to load DLL from the list error code 126 on Steam, the issue might be with the game you are trying to play. Verifying the integrity of the game file should clear up the potential causes of the issue.
5. Use a system repair tool
At times, corrupt system files might be responsible for defective DLL from the list error code 126 issue. You can fix this easily by running a multi-functional PC repair software.
Additionally, you’re fully covered against DLL errors after using these repair tools, as they automatically detect broken files and replace them with new ones from their extensive repositories.
Not only that, you can get reports of Windows system files to verify and fix any problematic files, such as broken DLLs.
6. Run the DirectX End-User Runtime Web Installer toolkit
Reinstalling DirectX can also address DLL problems. This is also a program developed and offered by Microsoft. To reinstall it on your computer, go to Microsoft’s official webpage.
Press the Windows key + R, type appwiz.cpl, and click OK.
Right-click the app and select the Uninstall option.
Finally, follow the onscreen instructions to complete the process.
If you are still getting the failed to load DLL from the list error code 126 after applying the fixes above, you need to reinstall the app causing the error. This is because the executable files might be corrupt.
Alternatively, you can use specialized software to uninstall stubborn programs. One of the best ones that are easy to use and you may be familiar with is Fortect.
8. Update your drivers
Press the Windows key + X and selectDevice Manager.
Double-click the Display adapters option to expand it and right-click the device there.
Now, select the Update driver option.
Choose Search automatically for drivers and follow the onscreen instructions to complete the process.
Finally, repeat steps 2 and 3 for the Firmware field and restart your PC.
9. Run the System File Checker
Type Command Prompt in the search bar and select Open as an administrator.
Type: sfc /scannow and press Enter.
Wait for the scan to complete and follow any on-screen instructions.
10. Perform a Clean Boot
PressWin + R, type msconfig, and press Enter.
In the Services tab, check Hide all Microsoft services, then click Disable all.
Go to the Startup tab and click Open Task Manager.
Disable all startup programs and restart the system.
After rebooting, try running the app again to see if the issue persists.
A clean boot starts Windows with minimal services and drivers to help identify conflicts.
11. Disable Display Scaling and Fullscreen Optimizations
Right-click the executable → Properties
Open the Compatibility tab
Enable:
Disable fullscreen optimizations
Override high DPI scaling behavior
Helps apps avoid resolution or scaling errors that interfere with DLL calls.
12. Manually Replace the Missing DLL File
Identify the missing DLL from the error (e.g., custom.dll)
Locate the correct version from the app’s installation media or official site
Copy it to the program’s root directory (next to the main .exe)
Avoid downloading DLLs from untrusted sources to prevent malware infections.
13. Register the DLL Manually
Open Command Prompt as administrator
Run: regsvr32 “C:\Path\To\Your\File.dll”
This tells Windows to officially load and track the specified DLL file.
14. Verify System PATH and Environment Variables
Go to System Properties → Advanced tab → Environment Variables
Under System variables, check the Path entry
Remove or fix broken paths that could mislead DLL resolution
Broken or outdated entries here can stop the OS from finding valid DLLs.
Wrapping up
It is likely to encounter updating limits while applying the steps above, as the manual process may not find available drivers for your case.
Regardless of that, you can employ valuable driver update tools to diagnose your Windows and find outdated drivers to fix right away.
The troubleshooting methods above should help you address the failed to load DLL from the list error code 126 issue. If you used other solutions that might work for this problem, share them with our readers.
If you are facing other issues, like downloader.dll missing, check our detailed guide to fix it quickly.
Several users have reported that they’re not able to boot up virtual machines (VMs) on Windows 11 Server 2022 after installing the February 2023 Patch Tuesday. Microsoft has confirmed the issue on the Windows Health Dashboard, promising that it is working to investigate the issue and provide more information in the near future.
“After installing KB5022842 on guest virtual machines (VMs) running Windows Server 2022 on some versions of VMware ESXi, Windows Server 2022 might not start up. Only Windows Server 2022 VMs with Secure Boot enabled are affected by this issue. Affected versions of VMware ESXi are versions vSphere ESXi 7.0.x and below.”
While the Secure Boot option itself is designed to prevent malware to take over the device during the boot time and blocking programs without valid signatures to run, it seems to backfire on some users. One Reddit user says that they’re not able to boot the VM until Secure Boot is disabled in the VM options, while others even lost a server to this issue.
Microsoft says there’s currently no fix to this issue, but there are still a few workarounds to be done to prevent it.
How to prevent VM not booting after Windows update?
1. Disable secure boot.
With the vSphere Client inventory open, right click on the virtual machine ➔ Edit Settings.
On VM Options tab, expand Boot Options.
Make sure that the firmware is set to EFI.
Untick Secure Boot to disable secure boot.
Hit OK.
2. Download vSphere ESXi 8.0 & upgrade.
1. Go to VMWare‘s website and click Customers Connect.
2. Enter your email and password, then hit Sign In.
The LastPass autofill feature is one of its endearing attributes for users. This is because manually entering passwords and user IDs into different sites can be inconvenient.
However, some users are complaining that this all-important auto-fill feature is not working for some reason. If you also face this issue, this guide will show quick ways to restore normalcy to your password manager.
Why is my LastPass not auto-filling?
Below are some of the reasons LastPass might not be auto-filling on your browser:
Autofill is disabled: As simple as this may look, if LastPass is not auto-filling on Chrome, Firefox, or Edge, it might be because the feature is disabled. You need to log into the extension and enable autofill.
Issues with the extension: LastPass can sometimes malfunction, leading to this issue. In this case, you might need to recreate the password entry or switch to another password manager.
What can I do if LastPass autofill is not working?
1. Check that LastPass autofill is enabled
Click the LastPass icon in your web browser toolbar.
Select the Preferences option in the left pane.
Now, select General.
Finally, enable the setting Automatically Fill Login Information and click Save.
The first thing to do if the LastPass is not auto-filling is to check if the feature is enabled. If it is and your credentials are not filled in automatically, you can proceed to the next solution.
2. Use another password manager
Since the whole point of a password manager is to remember all passwords for you and autofill them in the right websites, you need a fast fix.
A good solution is to switch to a different password manager. We use RoboForm because of its excellent security features and unlimited password storage.
RoboForm already has smart imports from most password managers, including LastPass. This tool allows you to back up and sync your passwords across all your browser and devices.
The top-notch security is maintained by two-factor authentication, easy password access, and a powerful password generator.
RoboForm will help you generate unique and strong passwords instead of weak or reused password options.
RoboForm
Secure your digital activity and store your passwords and private data with RoboForm.
4. Export LastPass autofill data and use the browser’s autofill
Access your LastPass account.
Select Advanced Options > Export in the left pane.
Now, enter your Master Password and click Continue.
This will download your data as a CSV file.
Finally, you can open this data with the appropriate sheet (e.g., Excel) and copy the information into your browser to use the autofill option.
If everything above fails to make the LastPass autofill work, you can use your browser’s default instead. This should save you stress and data.
We have reached the end of this detailed guide on the LastPass not auto-filling issue. You should now be able to fix this issue quickly by applying the solutions therein.
Similarly, if you want to use your browser’s default but Chrome autofill is not working, check our detailed guide to fix it effortlessly.
In the comments below, let us know the solution that helped you fix this issue.
Issues with the audio input and output are common in computers, but these are easily fixable. With the right approach, you can get things up and running quickly. This guide will tell you what to do when the HP Envy x360 sound is not working.
So if you are facing this issue, follow the steps in this guide carefully, and you will be able to fix it quickly.
Why isn’t the sound working on my HP Envy?
If the HP Envy x360 is not working, it might be due to one of the following factors:
Outdated driver: The first thing to check if your HP Envy or Pavillon laptop sound is not working on Windows 11 is the driver. If your sound driver is outdated, you must update it to the latest version to fix the issue.
Conflicts between software and driver: Sometimes, the issue might be due to conflicts between the software you are trying to play sound from and your driver. It would be best if you ran the sound troubleshooter to know the cause and potential fix for the issue.
What do I do when the sound is not working on the HP Envy x360?
1. Run Playing Audio troubleshooter
Press Windows + I to launch Settings, and click on the Troubleshoot option on the right in the System tab.
Next, click on Other troubleshooters to view all the available options.
Now, locate the Playing Audio troubleshooter and click on the Run button next to it.
The built-in troubleshooters effectively eliminate most of the issues leading to sound not working in the HP Envy x360. So, it’s best to try running the troubleshooter and then move to the other methods if it doesn’t work.
Press Windows + S to launch the Search menu, enter Device Manager in the text field, and click on the relevant search result.
Double-click on the Sound, video and game controllers entry to expand and view the devices under it.
Right-click on Realtekaudio, and select Update driver from the context menu.
Finally, select Search automatically for drivers in the Update Drivers window.
Your system will now scan for the best available driver on the drive and install it.
The update process here should be quick, but if you cannot install the latest version using the Device Manager, you can try other ways to update the driver.
Or, you can use a specialized driver updating tool which will quickly scan for and update all your drivers in just a few minutes.
After updating the driver, check if the sound is working in the HP Envy x360.
3. Perform a system restore
Press the Windows key + R, type rstrui.exe, and click OK.
Click the Next button on the page that pops up.
Now, select a restore point and click the Next button.
Finally, click the Finish button and follow the onscreen instructions to complete the process.
If the fixes above have not worked, you can perform a system restore to get things up and running. The idea is to return your system to a point where the error doesn’t exist.
This is especially useful if your HP Envy x360 laptop has no sound from speakers, but headphones work, or the sound is too low.
After the restore, you will notice several changes, but the personal files won’t be affected. If performing a restore doesn’t eliminate the sound not working issue in the HP Envy x360, reset Windows 11 to its factory settings.
One of the above methods must have helped fix the sound problem, and you should have it working now. Also, if you are facing a problem with a USB speaker, it could be that the USB port is not working on HP Envy.
Tell us which fix worked and your experience with the HP Envy x360 in the comments below.
The 0x00000124 error is a scary Blue Screen of Death issue that shuts down or restarts your Windows, causing you to lose any unsaved data.
It presents an extended error message that states, The system encountered an uncorrectable hardware error. The error message includes the 0x00000124 code and clarifies that this is primarily a hardware issue.
If your desktop or laptop has displayed this error message more than once, this is how you can fix the issue.
What causes bug check 0x00000124?
Faulty system files: Like most BSOD issues, this error code can be caused by missing or faulty system files. To get rid of the error code, you need to repair these corrupt files.
Outdated drivers: Sometimes, the bugcheck was: 0x00000124 can be due to broken or outdated drivers. You must update your drivers to the latest version to solve the problem.
Overclocking: Another potential trigger of this error code is straining your PC resources via overclocking. This pushes your hardware to the limit and causes serious damage. The solution is to disable overclocking and remove the related software.
How can I fix error 0x00000124?
1. Run the CHKDSK utility in Safe Mode
Power on your PC and forcibly shut it down when the manufacturer logo appears. Repeat this thrice to enter the Advanced startup menu.
Select Troubleshoot > Advanced options.
Now, click the Startup Settings option.
Click the Restart button.
Press the corresponding key to Enable Safe Mode with Command Prompt when your PC restarts.
After your PC boots up, press the Windows key, type cmd, and select Run as administrator under Command Prompt.
Now, type the command below and hit Enter to run it: chkdsk c: /f /r
Finally, press Y if prompted and restart your PC to complete the process.
In most cases, the 0x00000124 error is caused by issues with a hardware component such as the memory. Windows has a built-in tool that checks and repairs bad memory sectors.
2. Run the Memory Diagnostic tool
Press the Windows key + R, type mdsched.exe, and click OK.
Select Restart now and check for problems (recommended).
Now, wait for your PC to restart, and the scan will begin automatically.
Sometimes, the 0x00000124 error can be due to an issue with the RAM. Running the Memory Diagnostic tool should detect any problem with the component and help fix it quickly.
If the built-in tool does not work, you can use an excellent third-party tool in MemTest86 to check for issues with your RAM.
3. Disable driver signature enforcement
Repeat Steps 1 to 4 in Solution 1.
Now, press 7 or F7 to Disable driver signature enforcement.
Finally, check if the error persists.
Sometimes, the 0x00000124 error code can be because the driver signature enforcement feature prevents some drivers from installing and working correctly. Disabling the feature should circumvent this and restore normalcy to your PC.
4. Change processor minimum and maximum state
Press the Windows key, type power plan, and select Edit power plan.
Click the Change advanced power settings link.
Now, click the + sign next to Processor power management to expand it.
Expand the Minimum processor state option and set the Plugged in and On battery value to 10.
Next, expand the Maximum processor state and set its Plugged in and On battery value to 69.
Finally, click the Apply button followed by OK to save the changes.
We rarely use the processor to its maximum capacity. Yet many users set the value to the highest it can be. This could be the cause of the 0x00000124 error.
The solution is to reduce the minimum and maximum processor state by a few percent.
Press the Windows key + S, type cmd, and choose Run as administrator under Command Prompt.
Type the command below and press Enter: sfc /scannow
Finally, wait for the scan to complete and restart your PC.
Corrupt OS system files might be responsible for the blue screen 0x00000124 error. The System File Checker is a tool you can utilize in the Command Prompt.
The SFC scans for corrupted system files and might also repair any it detects. This is how you can run an SFC scan.
6. Update your PC
Press the Windows key + I and select Update & Security. to open the search menu.
Click the Check for updates button.
Finally, download and install any available updates.
Windows updates also update drivers and might include hotfixes for blue screen errors, like 0x00000124. Windows 10 usually automatically update itself unless you switch off the update service.
However, you can manually check for updates to see if any are available.
7. Update your drivers
Press theWindows key + X and Device Manager.
Double-click the section you want to update drivers for and right-click the device there.
Now, selectUpdate driver.
Finally, choose Search automatically for drivers and install any available updates.
Drivers can cause BSoD errors, like the 0x00000124 stop code. This might be because they’re outdated or broken. Updating them to the latest version should eliminate the issue.
You should also:
Disable overclocking and remove any overclocking software
Check your processor and HeatSink
Check the cable and other hardware
We have concluded this detailed guide on how to fix the BSOD stop code 0x00000124. You should now be able to resolve the issue permanently and get your PC working properly.
When using a Windows Mixed Reality headset, you should know that connecting it to your PC is easy. However, you can sometimes encounter connectivity issues, as some users report that Windows Mixed Reality USB 3.0 is not working.
This can be frustrating, as it limits their connectivity options. If you are also troubled by this issue, this guide will walk you through the steps to fix it quickly.
Why is Windows Mixed Reality USB 3.0 not working?
Below are some of the factors that can cause the Windows Mixed Reality USB not to work on your PC:
Outdated PC: One of the major causes of this problem is an outdated operating system. You need to update your PC to fix the issue.
Faulty connections: Sometimes, the Windows Mixed Reality not detecting USB 3.0 issues can be due to connectivity issues between your headset and PC. You need to uninstall and reinstall WMR to solve the problem.
What can I do if Windows Mixed Reality USB 3.0 is not working?
Before proceeding to the solutions in this section, below are some of the troubleshooting steps you should try:
Connect WMR to another USB port
Connect your headset to another PC
If the steps above fail to solve the problem, you can explore the solutions below:
1. Check for Windows Updates
Press the Windows key + I to open the Settings app and select Update & Security.
On the left side, click on Windows Update, then select Check for updates from the right side.
On the left side, click on Apps & features, and type Mixed Reality in the search box from the right side.
Click on the result, and select Uninstall.
2.2 Unpair your motion controllers
Open the Settings app and click on Devices.
From the left side, select Bluetooth & other devices.
Select each controller, and then click on Remove device.
NOTE
To reinstall Windows Mixed Reality, plug your headset back into your PC.
3. Use a third-party software
You can also automatically fix this issue by using a third-party software tool. The driver updater program will quickly scan your computer and list any hardware devices that have outdated drivers.
It is highly recommended to use a safe automated driver updater assistant such as Fortect Driver Updater to make your PC’s Windows Mixed Reality USB 3.0 recognizable.
This solution has a sizeable daily-updated driver database, so it will propose the most recent drivers available after scanning your system. You will also receive a comprehensive report outlining the actual state of your Windows 10’s missing, damaged, or obsolete drivers.
Press the Windows key + S, type device, and select the Device Manager option.
Check if the headset is listed under Monitors.
Select the Action tab on the top menu, then click Scan for hardware changes.
One of the effective ways to fix the Windows Mixed Reality USB 3.0 not working issue is to scan for any hardware changes on Device Manager. This will reinstall any driver or device that has been removed.
These were the most valuable options to fix the Windows Mixed Reality USB 3.0 not working issue. If you still can’t fix the problem after applying the solutions above, your headset might be faulty.
Also, for a general application, feel free to check some extra available options to solve the USB ports not working issue.
Moreover, you should share your thoughts in the comments below and let us know which solution worked best for you.
Dealing with a Disk Write error in DotA 2? You’re not alone. The popular multiplayer is no short of errors. From bad disk sectors, antivirus interference and outdated drivers, we’ll help you address all causes of this issue.
So if you want to get it fixed quickly, just follow the steps below.
How do I fix disk write errors for DotA 2 on Windows 10?
1. Check your hard drive for errors
Press the Windows key, type cmd, and select Run as administrator under Command Prompt.
Type the command below and hit Enter: chkdsk c: /r
Now, press Y when prompted and restart your PC.
Finally, when your PC restarts, wait for the scan to complete. You can also run the command below to repair system files: sfc/scannow
Some users reported also experiencing this particular DotA 2 error due to interference from their third-party antivirus. This is especially true for the IObit antivirus, as many users could fix the issue by disabling it.
You must remove the software if disabling the antivirus does not work. Then, you can switch on Microsoft Defender or consider switching to an antivirus tool with better flexibility.
3. Verify the integrity of the game cache
Launch the Steam client.
Click the Library option at the top.
Right-click on DotA 2 and select Properties.
Now, click Local Files.
Finally, select Verify integrity of game cache… and wait for the process to complete.
Another way to repair corrupted files is through Steam‘s integrity checker.
4. Update your drivers
Press the Windows key + X and select the Device Manager option.
Double-click the sector you want to update drivers for and right-click the device there.
Now, select the Update driver option.
Finally, choose Search automatically for drivers and install any available updates.
Outdated drivers have also been commonly associated with the DotA 2 disk write errors, especially if the ones powering your HDD are incredibly old or possibly never updated.
Unlike other hardware components, where it is easy to visit the manufacturer’s website and get the driver, these are a bit trickier. Therefore, it is best to leave them in the hands of dedicated third-party software.
5. Reset winsock
Press the Windows key + S, type cmd, and select Run as administrator under Command Prompt.
Type the following commands and press Enter after each: netshwinsock reset
Finally, wait for the command to finish running and restart your PC.
In some cases, the DotA 2 disk write error can be caused by issues with your network. So, you should reset the needed components and restart your PC.
Go to the drive where you have your game and navigate to the path below: Steam/steamapps/downloading
Finally, delete all the files in the location and restart DotA 2 update.
Sometimes, the DotA 2 disk write error can be due to corrupt or incomplete downloads. Delete the downloaded files and restart the update process to get past the error.
There you go; we hope these solutions helped you fix the DotA 2 update disk write errors on Windows 10, and you can enjoy the game.
If you face an FPS drop on DotA 2, check our detailed guide to fix and restore normalcy.
Let us know the solution that helped you fix this issue in the comments below.
Online multiplayer games have become increasingly popular over the years, but cheating and hacking remain significant issues that can ruin many players’ gaming experiences.
To combat this, anti-cheat software like BattlEye has been developed to detect and prevent cheating in games. However, sometimes, players may encounter the BattlEye Corrupted Memory error, which can prevent them from playing the game.
This article will explore what causes and what you can do to fix the issue.
Why does BattlEye’s corrupted memory error appear?
The BattlEye Corrupted Memory error typically occurs when the BattlEye anti-cheat software detects that the game’s memory has been corrupted. This can happen for many reasons, including:
Hardware issues – Corrupted game memory can be caused by hardware issues such as faulty RAM, a failing hard drive, or overheating computer components.
Software conflicts – Sometimes, conflicts between software applications or drivers can cause game memory to become corrupted. For example, if you have multiple antivirus programs running simultaneously, they can interfere with each other and cause memory issues.
Malware – Viruses and malware can cause memory corruption, triggering the BattlEye Corrupted Memory error.
Overclocking – If you have overclocked your computer’s CPU or GPU, it can cause instability in the system and lead to memory corruption.
Incompatibility – In some cases, BattlEye may not be compatible with a particular piece of software, and this incompatibility can cause memory corruption.
If you encounter the BattlEye Corrupted Memory error, it is recommended to use the solutions we recommend below.
How can I fix the Corrupted memory error in BattlEye?
Select the drive you wish to have cleaned up, and select OK.
Under the Files to delete section, select the files you wish to remove.
Select OK.
Sometimes your machine might experience slowdowns that can lead to Corrupted memory in BattlEye. You can solve it if you run the steps above.
2. Verify your Steam game
Open up the Steam window.
Click the Library to open the game collection.
Then right-click on your game and select Properties.
Click Local Files and press the Verify integrity of game files button.
Sometimes corrupted files can cause Corrupted memory error in BattlEye. To fix this problem, you need to verify the game cache.
3. Close all background programs
Press Windows + I to open Settings, then click on Privacy.
Click on Background apps.
Lastly, from the Choose which apps can run in the background, select which programs you wish to stop.
There are instances when programs running in the background could be conflicting with BattlEye and causing the Corrupted memory error. To fix this issue, do the following:
Alternatively, you can open your Task Manager by pressing Ctrl + Shift + Esc on your keyboard and close all unnecessary programs running in the background.
We hope that these solutions were of help to you in the meantime. Finally, let us know in the comment section below what other issues you have faced with BattlEye.
Are you curious about how to remove hackers from your Windows 10 computer? We have included every relevant detail in this article.
Many issues can occur on your PC, but one of the most troubling ones is when your computer has been compromised.
When this happens, your data, personal information, login credentials, and your PC are at a hacker’s disposal, and he can do with them as he pleases.
Speaking of which, even websites can get hacked, and many reported This site might be hacked messages in their browser.
How to tell if your computer has been hacked Windows 10?
1. Inability to login into certain services
If you can’t log in to a specific service, such as your email, for example, there’s a possibility of a hacker attack
Hackers will usually try to steal your accounts and change their passwords so they can keep using them. So if you can’t log in to a particular service anymore, and you’re 100% sure that your password is correct, you may be dealing with a hack.
Remember that this can affect any online service, including your email provider, bank, social networks, Microsoft Account, etc.
We have a specialized guide on what to do if your Microsoft Account is hacked, so we advise reading it for more information.
2. Suspicious logins
Some hackers are more subtle, and instead of stealing your account and changing your password, they will continue using it without your knowledge to collect other data.
If you manage to log in to your account, always check the account activity and history. If you notice unusual logins, somebody may access your account.
Remember that this information isn’t always 100% correct, but if you notice login sessions from a different country, there’s a good chance that someone hacked you.
3. Changes to your software
Unusual changes on the computer are a sign of a malware attack. In most cases, you might get suspicious applications suddenly appearing or random pop-up windows.
Sometimes these applications will start automatically with your PC, so you won’t even know they are running.
Many of these applications will also try to connect to the Internet, so if you notice any unusual traffic, it could be a sign that your computer has been compromised.
In less severe instances, your default start page and search engine in the browser will change, but that is easily fixable.
4. Your accounts send unwanted messages
If your computer has been compromised, you’ll notice suspicious activity from online accounts. The most common occurrence is sending unwanted emails from your account.
So be sure to check all communication platforms for any messages unknown messages. If you find some emails that you don’t remember sending, your account is likely hacked.
5. Performance issues
If your PC is hacked, you might experience slowdowns and other issues. Some viruses constantly work in the background, thus negatively affecting the system’s performance.
While specific applications use resources for no reason, others can utilize the power of your PC to generate cryptocurrency; therefore, be sure to keep a close eye on your performance.
How can I remove hackers from my Windows 10 computer?
1. Scan your PC for malware
Press Windows + S and type defender. Select Windows Security from the list.
Navigate to Virus & Threat protection and select Quick scan.
If this scan doesn’t find anything, click on the Scan options.
Select Full scan and click the Scan now button.
Wait for the process to finish.
For extremely pesky malware, we suggest using the Microsoft Defender Offline scan feature.
So how good is Windows Defender? It’s one of the secure antivirus applications and is available on all versions of Windows.
While Windows Defender offers some great features, it might not have specific advanced options that some users require.
5. Block unknown applications from going through your firewall
Press Windows + S and type firewall. Select Allow an app through Windows Firewall.
You’ll now see a list of applications interacting with your firewall.
Look for any suspicious applications.
Double-click the application to see its location and additional information.
Be sure to quickly search online and confirm that the application you want to disable is malicious.
Click on Change settings.
Uncheck the application that you want to block.
Click on OK to save changes.
It’s crucial to do proper research before disabling applications. Disabling the wrong one may lead to issues with specific software or Windows components.
But generally, this may be how to remove hackers from your Windows 10 computer.
6. Reset your browser to default
NOTE
The steps are to reset Google Chrome, and the concept is similar for all major browsers. Again, check the Support section on the browser’s official website to find the exact steps.
In your browser, click on the More button and select Settings.
Click on Advanced and then select Reset and clean up.
Navigate to Restore settings to their original defaults.
Click on Reset settings to confirm.
By doing so, you’ll reset the browser to the default, and remove all your browsing history, extensions, and bookmarks will be removed.
This method is helpful if you’re getting a compromised computer message or if you notice any other strange behavior in your web browser.
7. Clean install Windows and format your hard drives
NOTE
This process will completely remove all files from the PC, so you might want to back up the essential ones before proceeding.
Connect the flash drive to your PC and restart it.
Press F4 or any other assigned key to open the boot menu.
Select your USB flash drive.
Choose Install now.
Now select Custom install.
Select your drive and click on Format.
Do the same for all your partitions.
Now select the correct drive and start the installation.
Follow the instructions on the screen to complete the process.
Remember that this is an advanced solution; therefore, use it only if you know how to reinstall Windows 10 properly and if other solutions didn’t help you remove the malware.
Why am I seeing Your computer has been compromised message?
If you are seeing a message that says your computer has been compromised, it is likely a type of scam known as a tech support scam.
These scams often involve a pop-up message or a phone call fronting a legitimate company such as Microsoft or Apple. They attempt to trick you into giving away personal or financial information or paying for unnecessary tech support services.
Here are a few possible reasons why you may be seeing this message:
Malicious software – If you’ve downloaded malware or other malicious software onto your computer, it may cause the pop-up message to appear. Malware can infect your computer in various ways, such as through email attachments, fake software updates, or visiting malicious websites.
Phishing – Phishing is a scam where attackers attempt to trick you into providing sensitive information, such as your login credentials or credit card information. A pop-up message claiming that your computer has been compromised may be an attempt to get you to give away this information.
Adware – Adware is software that displays unwanted advertisements on your computer. Some types of adware may display fake security warnings to scare you into downloading more software or paying for unnecessary tech support services.
We have explored how to remove hackers from your Windows 10 computer, and depending on the severity of the issue, you might not have to use them all.
If you want to ensure that your PC remains safe, we strongly suggest you consider using anti-hacking software since it will prevent malware from running on your computer.
What methods do you use to deal with hacked PC? Let us know in the comments section below.
Xbox is one of the most loved platforms in the gaming community, primarily owing to the wide variety of games available. But, several users have reported that the Xbox installer is stuck in the Making things awesome window with no progress.
The Xbox app in Windows 11 and the previous iteration allows users to connect their Xbox account and play games with friends across devices. In addition, the Xbox Game Pass allows users to play over 100 games after purchasing the subscription.
But, the inability to install the Xbox app changes the equation. Therefore, we have dedicated this guide to help you eliminate the issues causing the Xbox installer to get stuck at the Making things awesome screen.
Why is my Xbox stuck on installing?
There could be several reasons why your Xbox is stuck on installing. However, here are a few elements to have in mind:
Slow or unstable internet connection – If your internet connection is unstable or slow, it can affect the download speed and cause the installation to get stuck. This can be especially problematic for larger game downloads.
Overheating – If your Xbox is overheating, it may cause the installation to get stuck. This can happen if the console is in an enclosed space or has been running for an extended period.
Full storage space – If your Xbox’s storage is full, there may need to be more space to install the game or app. This can cause the installation to get stuck or fail altogether.
Corrupted game files – If the game or app files are corrupted, it can cause the installation to get stuck. This can happen if the download is interrupted or a problem during the installation process.
Outdated Xbox software – If your Xbox’s software is obsolete, it may not work with the game or app you’re trying to install. This can cause the installation to get stuck or fail altogether.
Xbox Live service issues – Sometimes, Xbox Live may experience service outages or other problems affecting game installations.
Based on our research, we have listed the most effective fixes for the error and recommend executing them according to the likely trigger of your specific situation.
What can I do if the Xbox installer is stuck on making things awesome?
Before venturing into any fixes, check if your system matches the requirements for the Xbox app.
If your Xbox installer is stuck at the Making things awesome screen, it could be because the Xbox app doesn’t support your system. Xbox has listed the minimum system requirements on its official website to run the app. We have listed them here to save you some time:
OS: Windows 11/10 (version 22H1 or higher)
Processor: Intel Core i5, AMD Ryzen 5 (Quad-core or higher)
Memory: 8 GB RAM
GPU: AMD Radeon RX 560, NVIDIA GTX 1050
DirectX: DirectX 12
Free storage: 150 GB
Display: 1080p
Also, verify that Windows 11 is legit and activated and reboot your computer.
If you have an active OS that matches these requirements, one of the methods below should eliminate the underlying issues preventing the installation of the Xbox app. If it doesn’t match, we recommend upgrading the system.
1. Update Windows 11
Press Windows + I to launch the Settings app, and select Windows Update from the tabs listed in the navigation pane on the left.
Next, click on Check for updates on the right to scan for any available newer versions of the OS.
If any newer versions exist, download and install them on your PC to update Windows 11 and fix the Xbox installer stuck at Making things awesome.
2. Run the Windows Store App troubleshooter
Press Windows + I to launch the Settings app, and click on Troubleshoot on the right in the System tab.
Next, click on Other troubleshooters.
Locate the Windows Store Apps troubleshooter and click on the Run button next to it.
Please wait for the troubleshooter to diagnose the problem and follow the instructions to eliminate it.
3. Repair the Microsoft Store app
Press Windows + I to launch the Settings, and select Apps from the tabs listed in the navigation pane on the left.
Next, click on Apps & features on the right.
Locate the Microsoft Store entry, click on the ellipsis next to it, and select Advanced options from the menu that pops up.
Now, locate and click on the Repair button.
Repairing is a quick way of fixing issues with an app. It scans for problems with the app files and replaces the corrupt or problematic ones. Also, it checks the Registry entries and the installation files while ensuring that your data and settings are intact.
4. Reset the Microsoft Store app
Press Windows + I to launch Settings, and select the Apps tab from the navigation pane.
Click on Apps & features.
Click on the ellipsis next to the Microsoft Store entry, and select Advanced options from the menu that appears.
Next, click on the Reset button.
Again, click Reset on the confirmation prompt that appears.
After the download, double-click on it to launch the setup.
Finally, follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation process.
In many cases, users were able to bypass the Xbox installer stuck the Making things awesome by downloading the app from the official website instead of the Microsoft Store.
These are the most effective fixes for the Xbox installer stuck at the Making things awesome screen. You can reset Windows 11 to its factory settings if the above methods don’t work.
EAC heavily interferes with the startup of newer titles, such as Lost Ark or Elden Ring, driving players mad and making them go through a fixing process to play.
And, since Lost Ark and EAC are not best buddies, we will step in again and detail how other players got past this error since an official fix isn’t out there yet.
Why is my Lost Ark not launching?
Like many online games, Lost Ark uses an anti-cheat system to prevent cheating and maintain fair play. If you’re having trouble launching the game and suspect that the anti-cheat system may be causing the issue, there are several things you can try:
Compatibility issues – Your computer may not meet the game’s minimum system requirements.
Missing or corrupted files – The game files may be missing or corrupted, preventing the game from launching. One of the fastest ways to fix errors related to missing DLL files is to usededicated repair software.
Outdated drivers or software – Ensure your computer has the latest version of drivers and software required to run the game. Outdated software or drivers can cause compatibility issues with the game.
Security software conflicts – The anti-cheat system used by the game may conflict with security software such as antivirus or firewall.
Incompatible third-party software – Third-party software running in the background can conflict with the game and prevent it from launching.
Server issues – The game server may be down or experiencing maintenance, which can prevent the game from launching.
Gamers are concerned as they are unable to go past the EAC screen. As soon as they reach the EasyAntiCheat screen, Lost Ark either crashes or force-closes right at that instance itself.
The error codes for this situation are:
Cannot Find WININET.dll. Please re-install this application
Easy Anti-Cheat window. Untrusted system file (uxtheme.dll)
You should try our recommendation below.
What can I do if Lost Ark is not launching after anti-cheat?
1. Reinstall or repair Easy Anti Cheat
Launch Steam, then click the Library menu.
Right-click the game giving you trouble and select Properties from the drop-down menu.
Select the Local Files tab and then Browse Local Files.
Navigate to the folder named EasyAntiCheat and double-click to open it.
Inside the folder, run the file EasyAntiCheat_Setup.exe.
When the Easy Anti-Cheat setup window opens, click the Repair Service button. To uninstall and then reinstall Easy Anti-Cheat completely, you can click on the Uninstall button instead.
Let the process complete, then close the setup window.
Restart your game and see if the issue is resolved.
2. Exit open third-party apps
Pres Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open the Task Manager.
Go through the processes displayed.
Right-click on any process you feel may be causing a conflict and select End Task.
If Lost Ark is not launching after the anti-cheat loads, it may be due to a conflict with third-party applications on your computer.
Some programs, such as antivirus or other security software, may interfere with the operation of the anti-cheat system.
Exiting open third-party applications may resolve the issue because it can reduce the chances of conflicts or interference.
Closing other programs free up system resources that the anti-cheat system and the game need to run smoothly. This can help prevent conflicts and errors that prevent the game from launching.
3. Verify Steam game file integrity
Launch Steam, then click the Library menu.
Right-click the game giving you trouble and select Properties from the drop-down menu.
Select the Local Files tab and then Verify integrity of game files.
Press Windows Key, type internet options and open the app.
Click the Connections tab and click the LAN Settings button.
Untick Use a proxy server for your LAN and click OK.
Also, disable your VPN service if you are using on.
If Lost Ark is not launching after the anti-cheat loads, it may be due to conflicts with proxy or VPN-related services on your computer. Proxy or VPN services can interfere with the anti-cheat system and prevent the game from launching correctly.
Disabling proxy or VPN-related services can resolve the issue by preventing these services from interfering with the anti-cheat system.
These are the steps that have been proven to work for other Lost Ark players that found themselves in the same situation you are in right now.
Which of the steps mentioned above worked in your case? Please share your experience with us in the comments section below.
Are you experiencing issues with your TP-Link router, which shows an Unidentified Network error message. This is a common problem that many router users face.
When this error occurs, your computer cannot establish a connection to the router, so you cannot access the internet.
So, let us explore the possible causes of the Unidentified Network error and provide step-by-step solutions to help you troubleshoot and fix the issue.
Why does my TP-Link say Unidentified network?
If your TP-Link router shows an Unidentified Network error message, it usually means that your computer cannot identify its connected network. This can happen due to various reasons, including:
IP address conflict – If your computer and another device on your network have the same IP address, it can cause a conflict and prevent your PC from identifying the network.
Driver issues – If the network adapter driver on your computer is outdated or corrupted, it can cause connectivity issues and prevent your computer from identifying the network.
Router settings – Additionally, if the router’s configuration settings are incorrect, it can cause issues with network connectivity, leading to the Unidentified Network error.
Network cables – Also, if there are issues with the network cables connecting your router and computer, it can cause connectivity issues and prevent your device from identifying the network.
Malware or virus infections – Malware or virus infections on your computer can cause network connectivity issues and prevent your laptop from identifying the network.
These are the common reasons for this error. By identifying the cause of the issue, you can take steps to resolve it and get your network back up and running.
How can I fix the Registry Filter Driver Exception error?
Type cmd in Windows Search. Right-click on cmd and select Run as Administrator.
In the Command Prompt, type these commands and hit Enter. netsh winsock reset catalog netsh int ipv4 reset reset.log netsh int ipv6 reset reset.log
Close the Command Prompt window and reboot your system. Finally, restart, connect to the Powerline adapter, and check for improvements.
2. Disable / re-enable the network card
Press Windows Key + R to open the Run dialog box, type control, and hit Enter.
In the Control Panel, click on Network and Internet.
Click on Network and Sharing Center.
From the left pane, click on Change Adapter settings.
Right-click your adapter and select Disable.
Right-click on the disabled network adapter and select Enable.
Lastly, reboot your system and check for any improvements.
3. Disable IPv6 for network properties
Press Windows Key + R to open the Run dialog box, type control, and hit Enter.
In the Control Panel, click on Network and Internet.
Next, click on Network and Sharing Center.
From the left pane, click on Change Adapter settings.
Now right-click on the problematic network and select Properties.
In the Properties window, uncheck Internet Protocol Version 6(TCP/IPv6).
Click OK to save the changes.
Finally, reboot your computer and check for any improvements.
IPv6 is the successor to the popular IPv4. However, not all devices are fully compatible with the IPv6 protocol, which can cause the TP-link unidentified network error.
4. Update/uninstall the network adapter
Press Windows + X and select Device Manager.
In the Device Manager, expand Network Adapters, right-click on your ethernet card, and select Update driver.
Lastly, select Search automatically for updated driver software.
Check for any improvements. If not, do the following:
Right-click on your ethernet adapter again and click Uninstall. Click Yes to confirm.
Once uninstalled, click on Actions and select Scan for hardware changes.
Finally, if the drivers are not installed after the hardware scan, reboot your system, and Windows will install them automatically after the restart. This should solve the TP-link unidentified network error.
You can also use dedicated software such as Outbyte Driver Updater. It will save you some time and automatically match your hardware with the best driver version available. In addition, you can set it up to make regular updates and repairs to your drivers while you take care of more important tasks.
Connect the Powerline adapter to a Windows computer.
Download and install the TP-Link Management Utility. You don’t need to download this utility if you have the source CD provided with the adapters.
Open the Management Utility, go to System, and click the Reset Local Devices button.
Once the reset is over, disconnect the adapter, connect it to the wall socket, and check for any improvements.
As a last resort, you can try to factory reset the Powerline adapter. The steps to factory reset adapters may differ depending on the maker of the adapter.
Also, if you have the Wireless Powerline adapter, you can reset it by pressing and holding the Reset button using a pin for 10 seconds.
Encountering an unidentified network error with your TP-Link router can be frustrating and can cause disruptions to your internet connectivity. However, there are several steps that you can take to troubleshoot and resolve the issue.
So, by following the tips and solutions discussed in this article, you can effectively identify and address the root cause of the problem, whether it be a hardware issue, software issue, or configuration issue.
Lastly, remember to tell us what worked for you using the comments below.
As more and more people rely on the internet for work and entertainment, the use of proxy servers has become increasingly common. However, in some cases, the proxy server keeps turning on Windows 10.
This can be frustrating and pose a security risk, as it could allow unauthorized access to a user’s online activity.
This article will explore why the proxy server keeps turning on in Windows 10 and provide step-by-step instructions on disabling it to ensure a safer and smoother internet experience.
Why does my computer keep turning on the proxy server?
There can be several reasons why your computer keeps turning on the proxy server. Some of the most common reasons are:
Malware or virus infection – Malware or viruses can change the proxy settings on your computer without your knowledge or consent and turn on the proxy server.
Network settings – If your network or internet service provider requires you to use a proxy server to access the internet, your computer may be configured to turn on the proxy server automatically.
Windows updates – In some cases, updates to the Windows operating system can change the default settings and turn on the proxy server.
User settings – If you or someone else who uses your computer has enabled the proxy server and saved the settings, your computer may turn on the proxy server automatically based on those saved settings.
Regarding this problem, time after time, various users reported proxy issues, such as:
Proxy server keeps turning on Windows 10 – in this case, you might not be able to turn your proxy off, as it can keep switching back on
Windows 10 proxy settings keep changing, won’t save – most likely occurs due to registry problems
Can’t change proxy settings Windows 10 – often happens if your user profile is corrupted
Proxy settings, server won’t turn off – occurs whenever certain services aren’t running
Proxy won’t stay off, disable – can happen for a bunch of reasons, but we’ve got some quick fixes right below
To determine the problem’s specific cause, you should troubleshoot and investigate each possibility. Once you have identified the reason, you can disable the proxy server and prevent it from turning on automatically.
What can I do if the proxy server keeps turning on in Windows 10?
1. Use a VPN
Often, proxy servers are the preferred choice instead of VPNs because they are usually free. However, using a VPN could boost your connection in terms of privacy, security, and even speed if you’re lucky enough.
Private Internet Access, for instance, has a great network of over 22,000 servers (and counting) that you can choose from.
It won’t log any of your online activity details, so you can rest assured knowing that your privacy is in good hands.
PIA also offers SOCKS5 and Shadowsocks proxy support, so you can always use those in addition to standard VPN features.
On the downside, using a VPN won’t automatically disable your proxy, so you might want to try our suggestions above before installing a VPN.
Private Internet Access
Try this excellent VPN service with high-speed levels to protect your online privacy at all times.
Type Windows Security in the Search bar, and click on the relevant search result.
Now, click on Virus & threat protection here.
Click on Scan options.
Now, select Full scan and click on the Scan now button at the bottom.
As we briefly explained above, being unable to turn off the proxy can signify malware infection. This is the worst-case scenario, so you’ll want to act quickly if your proxy won’t turn off.
Therefore, a complete system scan is in order. Even if it doesn’t detect anything, you can at least rule out this scenario and try other suggested methods.
If you’re unsatisfied with Windows’ built-in security features, check out the best antivirus software for your Windows 10 PC.
3. Edit your registry
Press Windows Key + R.
Type regedit and press Enter or click OK.
Navigate to the path below: Computer\HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Internet Settings
Double-click the ProxySettingsPerUser DWORD and set its value to 1.
If the DWORD isn’t available, right-click the right pane, choose New, DWORD (32-bit) Value, and name it ProxySettingsPerUser.
Now double-click it and set its value to 1.
If the above does not work, some users also suggest making the following changes in the same location:
Change ProxyEnable value to 0
Change ProxyHttp1.1 value to 0
Remove ProxyOverride key
Remove ProxyServer key
Many users reported that this solution worked in their case.
On the other hand, it’s worth mentioning that modifying the registry is a risky procedure, especially if you have no experience with the RegEditor.
4. Check if your proxy has been disabled properly
Open the Settings app (use the Win Key + I combination).
Navigate to the Network & Internet section.
Go to the Proxy category, and disable all options in the Proxy section.
This might sound like the equivalent of restarting your computer when something goes wrong.
However, you have no clue how often users complain about things not working without starting them.
With that in mind, kindly check if you correctly turned off your proxy before panicking about it and refusing to disable it.
5. Check if any apps or services run on port 8080
5.1 Check listening ports
Press Windows + X, and select Command Prompt (Admin).
Type the following command and hit Enter: netstat -abno | findstr LISTENING | findstr :8080
Check if any apps on your system run on port 8080.
Other applications might use port 8080 on your system, which could sometimes cause proxy issues. For that reason, you should check quickly and see if any apps on your system are running on port 8080.
Reportedly, ISUSPM.exe frequently uses port 8080. Thus, to fix your proxy issues, you need to disable them.
5.2 End listening processes
Launch the Task Manager using Ctrl + Shift + Esc.
Locate the ISUSPM.exe process or any other process discovered using the port.
Right-click it and choose End task from the menu.
Navigate to this path on your PC: C:\Program Files (x86)\Common Files \Install Shield \ Update
Then, locateISUSPM.exe, and rename it to ISUSPM-old.exe.
Now you have to restart your PC, and the problem with the proxy should be gone.
6. Create a new user account
Open the Settings app using Windows + I.
Head over to the Accounts section.
Now choose Family & other people, then click Add someone else to this PC.
Select I don’t have this person’s sign-in information.
Click the Add a user without a Microsoft account button.
Type a username and a password for the new account and click Next.
Sometimes your user account can get corrupted, and as you can see, it can cause many issues.
If this is the case, you might be better off creating a new account than trying to recover your old, corrupted one.
After doing so, switch to the new account and check if the problem persists.
If everything is alright, you can start moving your files from your old account and delete the corrupted account once you’re done.
7. Enable WinHTTP Web Proxy Auto-Discovery Service
Press Win Key + R on your keyboard.
Type services.msc and press Enter or click OK.
Locate WinHTTP Web Proxy Auto-Discovery Service and double-click it.
Click the Start button, then Apply, and OK.
Check if the issue is still present after starting the service.
If you notice that the service was already running when you arrived at it, this method doesn’t apply to you, and you can skip it.
Sometimes your proxy not turning off problem may be caused by certain services on your system.
To be more specific, WinHTTP Web Proxy Auto-Discovery Service, or its absence, could be responsible for this issue. So, naturally, you have to start this service to fix it.
8. Disable your browser’s proxy settings
Launch your browser.
In the address bar, input the path below and hit Enter (this example uses Chrome, which will be different for other browsers). chrome://settings/system
Click Open your computer’s proxy settings, and toggle off the Setting.
In some instances, you might be able to fix this problem simply by disabling your proxy settings in your browser.
This process is different for each browser; however, it shouldn’t be too complicated, regardless of your browser.
You need to open the Settings page in your browser, locate the Proxy section, and ensure everything is disabled. Then, you may need to start your browser as an administrator to apply the changes.
After disabling all proxy settings from your browser, check if the problem persists. If it does, try restarting your PC and checking once more.
As it turns out, sometimes your PC may refuse to turn off the proxy server connection, which can happen for many reasons.
However, we managed to identify most (if not all) of them and offer practical methods to solve this issue, regardless of its cause.
If you managed to disable the proxy on your system, it would be wise to invest in a trustworthy VPN service such as PIA.
It offers greater privacy and security features minus all the hassle a proxy server brings.
Like Twitter which just got ridden of its free tier of API pricing plans, Microsoft is in hot water for increasing the prices for Bing Search APIs. Starting May 2023, developers can expect massively skyrocketing prices for this feature by up to 10 times the current prices—a definitely uneasy decision in this time.
The reason? Well, Microsoft believes the new polarizing announcement is made to align the market demands with offered services in the wake of the new AI-powered Bing, although a 1,000% increase still seems a little over too much.
“The price increase will apply to all markets. Starting May 1, 2023., you’ll be charged the new price for all Microsoft Bing APIs. We periodically assess the value and pricing of our services to meet market demands and align the pricing of our products and services with customer consumption trends and preferences. The new pricing model reflects more accurately the technology investments Bing continues to make to improve Search.”
There are 10 available pricing plans. One is the free issue which includes Bing’s image, news, video, visual, web, and entity searches, as well as autosuggest and spell check, billed at 1,000 transactions free per month for all markets for only 3 tps (transactions per second). Others vary from $10 to $200 per 1,000 transactions and $25 per 25,000 transactions under faster tps rates.
Read along to find out how expensive the Bing API cost for URLs.
How much does the Bing API cost for URLs?
You can see the full prices in this table. Each paid plan includes an optional Bing statistics add-in at $10 per 1,000 transactions, which was previously only costing $1.
Bing Web Search Bing Image Search Bing News Search Bing Video Search Bing Entity Search Bing Autosuggest* Bing Spell Check*
$7 per 1,000 transactions $7 per 25,000 transactions*
$25 per 1,000 transactions $25 per 25,000 transactions*
S2
100 TPS
Bing Web Search Bing Autosuggest* Bing Spell Check*
$3 per 1,000 transactions $3 per 10,000 transactions*
$15 per 1,000 transactions $15 per 10,000 transactions*
S3
100 TPS
Bing Web Search Bing Image Search
$4 per 1,000 transactions
$18 per 1,000 transactions
S4
100 TPS
Bing Web Search Bing Video Search
$4 per 1,000 transactions
$18 per 1,000 transactions
S5
100 TPS
Bing Web Search Bing News Search
$4 per 1,000 transactions
$18 per 1,000 transactions
S6
100 TPS
Bing Web Search Bing Entity Search
$3 per 1,000 transactions
$15 per 1,000 transactions
S7
150 TPS
Bing Web Search Bing Image Search Bing Video Search
$5 per 1,000 transactions
$20 per 1,000 transactions
S8
150 TPS
Bing Web Search Bing Image Search Bing News Search Bing Video Search
$6 per 1,000 transactions
$22 per 1,000 transactions
S9
30 TPS
Bing Visual Search
$3 per 1,000 transactions
$15 per 1,000 transactions
“Bing Search APIs are invoiced based on number of transactions (also known as API calls). These plans are pay-as-you-go and doesn’t incur additional cost for complex queries and more than 10 results (up to 50 results in most cases).”
For those with large language models, Microsoft presents two tiers of pricing plans. For less than 1 million requests per day, the plan costs $28/1,000 transactions. For those with over 1 million, it starts from $200/1,000 transactions.
How badly is Microsoft’s plan to increase Bing API’s cost for URLs affecting you? Let us know in the comments!
Duplex printing or double-sided printing is a great feature to help you print both sides of the document in one go on your Windows 11 device.
However, not all printer models support duplex printing, or it may be possible that the feature is not turned on.
What is automatic duplex printing?
Nowadays, most printer models offer you the option to automatically print on both sides of a paper. This is called automatic duplex printing.
But, if you do not know if your printer prints both sides automatically, you can refer to its manual or check with the OEM to find out if it supports the feature.
However, if the printer does not support the feature, you can check its manual to understand how to manually print the second side (manual duplex printing).
In this post, we will not only guide you through the process of how to print double-sided in Windows 11 but will also explain the duplex printing process for different apps.
How to turn on double-sided printing in Windows 11?
Press the Win + R keys simultaneously to launch the Run console.
Here, type control printers in the search bar and hit Enter to open the Devices and Printers window.
Now, right-click on your printer model and select Printing Preferences.
In the Printer Preferences (for the printer software) window, go to the Print Profiles tab, and check if you already have Duplex Printing/2-sided print enabled.
Now that the profile is selected, look for the Multiple Page sections, and here you should see the 2-Side option.
Alternatively, for some printers, you can right-click on the printer model under Devices and Printers and select Printer Properties.
Next, check for the Duplex Unit option under different tabs. It can be under the Device Settings or the Quick Setup tab.
Here, check the Installable Options section which should say No Installed next to the Duplex Unit. Change it to Installed.
NOTE
You may find the Duplex Printing option under a different tab also, based on the printer model and the OEM design.
How do I print both sides of a document?
1. PDF in Windows 11 browser
Open the PDF file in your browser, and then click on Print. Make sure you have the same printer connected for which you turned on Duplex Printing.
Once you have selected the Destination where you want to save the PDF, pages, and the number of copies, check the box next to Two-sided to print both sides of the paper.
You can also change between the long and short edges. Now, press Print.
But, if you are printing from Acrobat/Reader, select Print On Both Sides Of Paper in the Print dialog. Press the Print button.
Now that you have successfully set up the double-sided print option in Windows 11, it should now print your PDF document on both sides.
2. Printing an Office document
Open any office document, for example, Word, and click on File.
Next, click on Print on the left, and select the printer on the right.
Now, go to Settings, and click on the drop-down to select Print on both sides.
You can now configure other options, Orientation, Page Size, Margins, etc. Once done, click on Print.
Alternatively, you can also select Printer Properties, Preferences, or Printer Setup after Step 2.
Now, under the Layout, Features, or Finishing tab, click on the Print on Both Sides Manually drop-down, and then select Flip on Long Edge or Flip on Short Edge.
Next, select the Printing Shortcut tab, and select Two-sided (Duplex) Printing in the list.
Now that you have successfully configured the printing options, it should print the document on both sides.
Open the Word Pad file you want to print, click on the File menu and select Print.
Next, in the Print window, select the printer, and click on Preferences.
In the Printing Preferences window, go to the Layout tab, and check for the Two-Sided/Print on Both Sides option (or anything similar). Make sure you enable it.
You can also choose to save this setup as preset to turn on double-sided printing permanently.
At the same time, you can invest in a duplex scanner with OCR that will not just scan both sides of your documents but also convert printed characters into electronic text.
If you have any other queries related to printers & scanners, or duplex printing, you can let us know in the comments section below.
Some users have encountered issues when trying to uninstall Epic Games Launcher. Those users have reported they see error messages when attempting to uninstall that software via the Control Panel.
If you can’t uninstall Epic Games Launcher, this article with causes and potential resolutions might help you uninstall it.
Why can’t I uninstall Epic Games Launcher?
Here are some possible reasons why you might be having trouble uninstalling Epic Games Launcher:
App running in the background – If the game Launcher is still running in the background, it can prevent the uninstaller from removing all of its files. Make sure the launcher is completely closed before trying to uninstall it.
The uninstaller may be corrupted or incomplete – If the uninstaller for Epic Games Launcher needs files or has become corrupted, it may not be able to remove the launcher from your computer.
Some files may be in use – Some files associated with the Epic Games Launcher may be in use by other programs or services on your computer, which can prevent them from being deleted.
Other programs or components – The Epic Games Launcher may have installed other programs or components, such as game files or system drivers. These additional components may need to be removed separately.
Modified system settings or registry entries – The Epic Games Launcher may have modified your computer’s system settings or registry entries, making it difficult to remove completely.
Privileges issues – If you’re not logged in as an administrator, or your user account needs sufficient privileges, you may be unable to uninstall the Epic Games Launcher.
Antivirus or security software – Some antivirus or security software may block or interfere with the uninstallation process, making removing the Epic Games Launcher difficult or impossible.
How to uninstall the Epic Games launcher without deleting games?
If you want to uninstall the Epic Games Launcher without deleting your games, you can back up your game files and then restore them after reinstalling the launcher.
You must locate the game folder, usually in the path below, and copy it to a safe location.
C:Program FilesEpic Games
When you uninstall the launcher, you will not affect the backed-up games. Instead, you will have to return them to the default folder after reinstalling the launcher.
What can I do if I can’t uninstall Epic Games Launcher?
1. Uninstall Epic Games Launcher in Safe Mode
1. The first step is to click theu003cstrongu003e Poweru003c/strongu003e button on the Windows Start button.
2. The next step is to click u003cstrongu003eRestart u003c/strongu003efrom the available options.
u003cspanu003e3. Then you’ll need to selectu003c/spanu003eu003cstrongu003e Troubleshootu003c/strongu003eu003cspanu003e.u003c/spanu003e
4. After selecting u003cstrongu003eTroubleshootu003c/strongu003e, click on u003cemu003eAdvanced Optionsu003c/emu003e.
5. Furthermore, select the u003cstrongu003eStart-up Settingsu003c/strongu003e option and then click u003cemu003eRestartu003c/emu003e.
6. Press the keyboard button 4 to select the u003cstrongu003eEnable Safe Modeu003c/strongu003e option when Windows restarts.
7. Boot the PC in Safe Mode and uninstall the Epic Games Launcher from within it.
In our guide above we presented you the process of uninstalling Epic Games Launcher by booting your PC in Safe Mode. This ensures a safe and secure uninstallation of the app in just a few steps.rnrnIn some cases, Windows won’t uninstall the Epic Games Launcher even if you try many methods. But, in safe mode, you can easily remove this software without facing additional issues.
2. Uninstall Epic Games Launcher with a third-Party uninstaller utility
If you can’t uninstall the Launcher on Windows 11, a dedicated third-party tool can do it. It also saves time as you won’t have to follow extra steps.
Numerous alternative third-party software removal utilities will uninstall Epic Games Launcher without any issues.
Uninstallers are completely safe utilities that not only remove the selected app but also scan your PC for any leftover files or registry entries related to that app and remove them as well.
This guarantees that your PC is clutter-free, and you can reinstall the program in the future without old files interfering with new ones and causing errors such as crashing your installation.
For this task, we recommend IObit Uninstaller. This is a powerful dedicated tool that will allow you to remove any programs that might get stuck in your system. This tool will remove any trace of the problem app even from your registries, so you will have no issues when trying to reinstall it in the future.
IObit Uninstaller
Keep your system in top shape by removing any clutter with this powerful uninstaller.
We hope our article helped you delete the Epic Games Launcher from your PC. Let us know in the comments section below if you have any questions about this topic.
Computer errors can always be a problem, but the most problematic ones are usually Blue Screen of Death errors. The fatal error Windows 10 belongs to this category.
These errors can be quite a nuisance, so in today’s article, we’ll show you how to fix Fatal system errors on Windows 10.
Why does my computer say fatal error?
When your computer says “fatal error,” it means that an unexpected error has occurred, which is severe enough to cause the program or system to crash. The most common reasons your PC might display a fatal error include the following:
Corrupted files – If one or more critical system files or application files are damaged, deleted, or modified, it can cause a fatal error.
Software incompatibility – If you have installed software incompatible with your operating system or other software programs, it can cause conflicts, leading to a fatal error.
Hardware failure – If there is a problem with any hardware component of your computer, such as the hard drive, RAM, CPU, or motherboard, it can cause a fatal error.
Virus or malware infection – Malicious software programs can infect your computer, causing a fatal error.
Insufficient system resources – If your computer does not have enough memory or processing power to run the program or task, it can cause a fatal error.
Overheating – If your computer overheats due to inadequate cooling, it can cause a fatal error.
Now we know the causes, let us recommend the most valid solutions.
How do I fix the Fatal error on Windows 10?
1. Use the DISM command
Restart your computer a few times during the boot phase to trigger the repair process.
Choose Troubleshoot, then Advanced options.
Select the Command Prompt option.
When Command Prompt opens, enter the line below: dism /image:c: /cleanup-image /revertpendingactions
Press Enter to run it.
Wait for the process to complete and check if the error is resolved.
Sometimes your Windows 10 installation can become corrupt due to a particular patch or for some other reason, and if that happens, you can fix it using the DISM command.
Users reported that they fixed the Fatal disk error on Windows 10 by running a system installation from bootable media using the DISM. To do that, follow the steps above.
2. Repair your PC with a great tool
One of the most recurrent causes for BSoD errors is a damaged system, particularly compromised files; we recommend you fix this issue with a professional repair tool.
These tools can repair the broken or corrupted files mainly responsible for the Blue Screen of Death issues and remove any secondary effects from previous virus infections.
3. Disable driver signature enforcement
Restart your computer a few times during the boot phase to start the Automatic Repair process.
Choose Troubleshoot, then Advanced options.
Select Startup Settings.
Press F7 to select Disable driver signature enforcement.
One potential solution to fix the BSoD problem is to disable driver signature enforcement. To do that, you need to follow the steps above.
After going through the troubleshooting process and you managed to disable the driver signature enforcement, you should check if the Blue Screen of Death issue is resolved.
4. Replace the corrupted files
Corrupted system files can often cause a fatal system error, and users reported that Winlogon, Userinit.exe, and msgina.dll are the files you need to replace.
These files are usually located in the WindowsSystem32 directory, and you can replace them by copying the duplicate files from a different Windows 10 PC.
After copying these files from a different device, the system failure on Windows 10 should be resolved entirely.
Remember that you should copy these files from the same version of Windows 10. For example, if you use a 64-bit version of Windows 10, copy these files from another 64-bit Windows 10 PC.
5. Repair your registry
Press Windows + E to open File Explorer.
Go to the location below and copy the DEFAULT, SAM, SECURITY, SOFTWARE, and SYSTEM files to a different location. C:\Windows\System32\config
Go to the folder below: C:\Windows\System32\Config\Regback
Paste the copied files.
After doing that, check if the issue is resolved.
A few users reported fixing this issue simply by repairing their registry. Windows creates a backup of your registry, and you can replace it by following these steps:
6. Install the latest updates and drivers
Press the Windows Key + I to open the Settings add and click on Update & Security.
Then click Check for updates.
Let Windows check and install any necessary updates.
You can fix many issues with Windows 10 simply by installing the latest updates. Those updates bring many fixes related to hardware and software, so be sure to use Windows Update to download the necessary updates.
Besides updates, it’s also essential that you install the latest drivers for your PC. To do that, visit your hardware manufacturer’s website and download the latest drivers for your device.
We recommend a third-party tool (100% safe and tested by us) to download all outdated drivers on your PC automatically.
When you use a driver updater, it not only downloads and installs drivers but also helps you manage them by detecting faulty drivers, backing up, and restoring them. As a result, it is worthwhile using one!
The specialized software can scan your PC for out-of-date drivers as soon as you install it and provides an accurate report of all the elements that need to be updated.
All you have to do is decide whether you want to update all of the drivers at once or one by one if you have reasons not to.
Many of these tools also allow you to schedule regular driver scans. This means you will get an automatic update whenever it is necessary. As a result, you won’t have to think about the issue again and avoid the BSoD bug.
7. Run the SFC scan
Restart your computer a few times during the boot phase to trigger the repair process.
Choose Troubleshoot, then Advanced options.
Finally, select the Command Prompt option.
Type the command below and press Enter: SFC /SCANNOW /OFFBOOTDIR=C: /OFFWINDIR=C:Windows
The SFC scan is designed to repair corrupted files, and if corrupted system files cause this error, you might be able to fix it by performing an SFC scan.
Restart your computer a few times during the boot phase to trigger the repair process.
Choose Troubleshoot, then Advanced options.
Finally, select the Command Prompt option.
Type in the following command then hit Enter: chkdsk /r C:
Replace the letter C with the letter of your partition.
Another potential solution is to use the chkdsk command. This command will scan your hard drive for any corrupted files and repair them.
To perform a detailed scan, scan all hard drive partitions by entering the same command and replacing C: with the letter that matches your hard drive partition.
Restart your computer a few times during the boot phase to trigger the repair process.
Choose Troubleshoot, then Reset this PC and Remove everything.
Insert the installation media if you’re asked to.
Select Only the drive where Windows is installed, then Just remove my files.
Click the Reset button to start the process.
Follow the instructions to reset Windows 10.
If you can’t fix this error, you might want to reset Windows 10. To do that, restart your computer a few times during the boot process to enter Automatic Repair. After that, follow these steps:
If the reset process doesn’t help, perform a clean install of Windows 10. Remember that both these processes will delete all files from your C partition, so be sure to back up important files.
To better manage the Blue Screen of Death errors, we advise you to check out this comprehensive guide dedicated to the leading causes of the BSoD problem.
In the world of virtual assistants, Microsoft’s Cortana is a renowned reliable, intelligent personal assistant. However, some Windows 10 users may encounter an issue where Cortana is not available with their account.
This can be frustrating, especially for those who rely on Cortana to streamline their daily tasks.
This article will explore why Cortana may not be available with your account and provide solutions to help you resolve the issue.
Why does it say Cortana is not available?
There can be several reasons why Cortana may not be available with your account. Some of the most common reasons are:
Unsupported region or language – Cortana is only available in certain regions and languages. So, Cortana may not be available with your account if your region or language is not supported.
Disabled Cortana – In some cases, Cortana may be disabled by default. This can occur in enterprise environments or if a system administrator has disabled Cortana.
Outdated Windows version – Cortana may only be available if you use an updated version of Windows 10. Cortana requires a specific version of Windows 10 to work correctly.
Microsoft account issue – Cortana may not be available if you are not signed in with a Microsoft account or if there is an issue with your Microsoft account.
Privacy settings – If the privacy settings on your computer are not configured correctly, Cortana may not be available. Cortana requires access to specific data on your computer to function correctly.
Disabled Windows Search service – Cortana relies on the Windows Search service to function correctly. If the Windows Search service is disabled, Cortana may not be available.
One can face system errors when trying to activate the OS assistant, including Cortana missing Windows 10, Can’t find Cortana, No Cortana Windows 10, Can’t turn Cortana in Windows 10, and Can’t enable Hey Cortana.
So, we’ve put together a few solutions to help you deal with this issue.
What can I do if Cortana isn’t available with this account?
Press Windows + I to open Settingsand go to Time & Language.
Click on Region and Language from the sidebar, then find the Country or region option, and select a country from the list that supports Cortana.
Save your settings.
This neat little trick lets you try Cortana even if you’re in a country that doesn’t support it.
We must warn you that changing your system country or region might have some consequences, such as a change in the default currency or time and date format.
In addition, Microsoft Store might show you the apps designed for your newly-selected country.
If you need to download an app available only in your initial country or make a purchase, you can easily switch it to your original country, as we showed before.
2. Disable the antivirus
Click on the hidden access arrow in the Taskbar.
Click on your antivirus icon, hover over Avast shields Control and select Disable for 10 minutes (This step varies for different antivirus software).
Third-party antivirus programs are sometimes a silent blocker of Windows 10 features. The antivirus will protect you from malicious attacks but can also disable some vital system functions.
To see if Cortana is among those functions, disable your antivirus for a couple of minutes, and try to activate Cortana again.
If you succeed, your problem is solved.
However, leaving your device unprotected is dangerous, especially since you can find a valuable antivirus alternative that protects your system without much interference.
3. Enable Windows Search service
Press Windows + R, type services.msc, and hit Enter.
Search for the Windows Search service.
Right-click on it, and if it is stopped, click Start.
Enabling the Windows Search service can help resolve the issue of Cortana isn’t available with this account because Cortana relies on the Windows Search service to function correctly.
The Windows Search service is responsible for indexing the files on your computer and providing quick search results when you use the search bar.
If the Windows Search service is not running, Cortana will not be able to access the indexed data and may not function correctly.
4. Run the Search troubleshooter
Press Windows + I to open Settings, then head to Updates & Security.
Click Troubleshoot, select Search and Indexing, and click Run the troubleshooter.
Wait for the process to finish and restart your computer.
5. Turn on the location
Press Windows + I to open Settings, then head to Privacy.
Click Location; if the Location service is turned off, you’ll see the message Location for this device is off. Click Change, and toggle location On.
Restart your computer.
6. Restart the Cortana process
Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open the Task Manager.
Scroll down through the list of processes, and locate Cortana.
Click the Cortana process, and select End Task.
Finally, restart your computer.
7. Reinstall Cortana
Go to Search, type powershell, and open PowerShell as Administrator.
Type in the following command, and press Enter: Get-AppXPackage -AllUsers | Foreach {Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register "$($_.InstallLocation)AppXManifest.xml"}
Wait for the process to finish.
Finally, restart your computer.
This is as far as we will discuss. However, it should be enough to help you if you get the message that Cortana isn’t available with this account.
While not all solutions may be appropriate, you should try whatever seems the best for your situation.
Lastly, let us know if one of these solutions helped you activate Cortana on your Windows 10 devices. You can use the comments sections.
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