Page 587 • Windows Report

Caps Lock Reversed: 6 Ways to Get It Back to Normal

Posted on February 18, 2023September 22, 2025 by Henderson Jayden Harper

Users can control how the keyboard functions as Caps Lock works. For instance, when the Caps Lock key is on, the keyboard is meant to type capital letters. In the same way, when it is off, the keyboard types small letters.

However, some users complain about the Caps Lock keys working in reverse order on their PC. It makes it confusing to type correctly. Also, you can read our guide on Caps Lock and Num Lock keys becoming stuck after a recent Windows update.

Why is my Caps Lock reversed?

Many factors may be responsible for the Caps Lock working in reverse on the computer. Some notable causes are:

Hardware issues with the Keyboard – The keyboard may suffer physical damage causing it to malfunction. Also, some keys not working on the keyboard can interfere with other keys. So, you can experience Caps Lock functioning in reverse if the Shift key or Caps Lock is stuck.
Connection issues – The keyboard may malfunction if it is not connected correctly to your computer. It can cause it to be unresponsive or impede some of its functionality, resulting in issues like Caps Lock not working.
Outdated Keyboard device driver – Users may experience issues with the Caps Lock key on their keyboard if the keyboard driver is outdated. It prevents the keyboard from performing efficiently, resulting in problems.
Issues with the keyboard settings – Some configurations in the keyboard settings can cause some of its keys not to work. So, Caps Lock may not function if there’s a settings issue affecting it.

These causes may vary on different computers. Nonetheless, we’ll take you through how to fix the issue and get your keyboard to work properly.

What can I do if my Caps Lock is reversed?

Try the following preliminary checks:

Turn off background apps running on your PC.
Reconnect the keyboard to your computer.
Restart Windows in Safe Mode and check if the keyboard issue persists.
Switch to a new keyboard.

If the issue persists, go ahead with the solutions below:

1. Check if the Caps Lock key is stuck

Left-click the Start button, type on-screen keyboard in the text box, then click on the best match.
Find the Caps Lock key and check if it is highlighted in blue. If it is, then it means it’s stuck.

The Caps Lock key on your keyboard can sometimes malfunction if the key is stuck. So, check if the key is stuck. You can do this by pressing the key to feel if it’s hard when you push it down.

Also, if you’re not sure of the texture of the key, try the steps above. You can also repeatedly tap on the Caps Lock key to repair a stuck Caps Lock key and check if it helps.

2. Run the Keyboard Troubleshooter

Press Windows + I key to open the Settings app.
Select the System and click Troubleshoot.
Select Other troubleshooters on the right pane.
Click on the Keyboard and select the Run button beside it.
Follow the on-screen instructions, then restart your PC to save these changes.

Running the Keyboard Troubleshooter will find and repair issues affecting the keyboard device. Check how to fix mouse and keyboard issues on Windows 11 for more steps.

3. Configure the Keyboard settings via the Ease of Access Center

Left-click the Start button, type Accessibility, then click on the Accessibility Keyboard settings.
Select the Keyboard option under the Interaction tab on the left.
Toggle off the switch for the Use Filter Keys option.
Close the page and check if the Caps Lock reverse issue persists.

The Use Filter Keys option is an accessibility feature that tells the keyboard to ignore brief or repeated keystrokes. So, disabling it allows the keyboard to obey and perform the key functions as it is pressed.

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

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

Running an SFC scan will detect and repair corrupt system files that may be causing the problem. Check how to fix the run as administrator option if it’s not working on your PC.

5. Update your Keyboard drivers

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

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

Another possibility for updating your keyboard driver is using third-party software that automatically obtains the latest updates from its repository after a comprehensive scanning process.

⇒ Get Outbyte Driver Updater

6. Reinstall the keyboard device

Press Windows + R keys to prompt the Run window, type devmgmt.msc, and click OK to open the Device Manager.
Click the Keyboards entry, right-click on your Keyboard device, and then select Uninstall device from the drop-down menu.
Click Uninstall in the confirmation box and wait for the process to complete.
Restart your PC to automatically install the missing driver.

Uninstalling the keyboard device will resolve corrupt files and data, settings issues, and other keyboard-related issues that may cause the Caps Lock reverse problem.

In Conclusion, our readers may be interested in how to fix the keyboard not allowing double letters when typing on Windows 11. Also, we have a detailed guide on keyboard typing numbers instead of letters and how to fix it.

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

Xbox LFG Not Working: How to Access It

Posted on February 18, 2023October 4, 2023 by Henderson Jayden Harper

The Xbox console allows users to play their favorite Xbox games by themselves and with other players. The feature responsible for this is the Looking For Group in Xbox. It allows you to connect with other available players online.

Sadly, players report that the Xbox LFG (Looking For Group) is not working on their consoles, preventing them from accessing other players. Likewise, we have a detailed guide on ways to fix Your Account doesn’t match your Dev Environment error on Xbox.

Why is the Xbox LFG not working?

The Looking For Group feature in the Xbox console not working has no definite cause, but some speculative factors that may be responsible for it are:

Network connection issues – To connect with other players online, you must connect to a stable and fast network connection. So, issues with the network connection on Xbox can prevent the console from accessing the Looking For Group network, resulting in the error.
Xbox server issues – The Xbox servers are responsible for the connection between the console and its Xbox database. If the communication can’t establish itself, it can cause the Looking For Group feature not to work and other issues.
Old/corrupt Cache – Players can encounter the Xbox Looking For Group unable to send request error due to corrupt cache files on their console. It affects how the console works and can cause it to malfunction.

Nonetheless, we’ll help you with some basic steps to fix Xbox Looking For Group not working.

How can I fix Xbox LFG if it’s not working?

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

Check the Xbox servers status – We recommend you check for the Xbox server status to know if there’s any official statement regarding the issue. You can visit the Xbox server status page to check for any updates regarding the server and how to fix it.
Fix network congestion on your PC.
Restart your PC and Xbox console.
Check for Router Firmware updates – Go through your router manual for router Firmware update procedures. Likewise, you may contact the manufacturer for guidance on how to update your router.
Submit a console repair request – Navigate to the Device service and repair page to submit a repair request and wait until you get a response.

If you can’t fix the error, follow the steps below:

1. Restart Windows in Safe Mode

On the sign-in screen, tap the Shift button while pressing the Power button.
Press the Shift button to open the Advanced Recovery Options window.
Select Troubleshoot, then select the Advanced options.
Click on Startup Settings and select Restart.
Press 4 to Enable Safe Mode.

Restarting Windows in Safe Mode will resolve startup issues that may affect the Xbox app on your PC.

2. Reset the Xbox console

Power on your Xbox console and press the Xbox button on the controller to prompt the guide overlay.
Select the System menu and click on Settings.
Click on System to expand it and select Console info from the drop-down.
Click on Reset Console.
Choose between Remove everything or Reset and keep my games & apps.

The Remove everything will delete all data and games, while the Reset console option will restore default factory settings.

In addition, we have a detailed guide on what to do if you can’t add a user to a friends list on Xbox. Also, our readers may be interested in the Xbox error code 80153048 and how to fix it.

Conclusively, the solutions outlined in this guide should help troubleshoot Xbox LFG not working problem. Should you have further issues after this, kindly drop a comment in the section below.

0x800b0003: What Does It Mean & How to Fix It (7 Ways)

Posted on February 17, 2023February 17, 2025 by Srishti Sisodia

Error code 0x800b0003 is a Windows Update error code that can occur when you try to install Windows updates manually. This error indicates a problem with the digital signature verification of the downloaded update file.

In this guide, we will discuss the methods to get rid of the error right after talking about the causes of the issue. Let’s start!

What causes the error code 0x800b0003 on Windows 11?

There could be several reasons for this error code to appear; some of the common ones are:

Internet connectivity – If your computer is not connected to the internet or if you have a slow internet connection, then the system may not be able to verify the digital certificate, hence the error.
Corrupted or missing system files – If the system files important for the digital signature verification process are damaged or missing, the error code may appear.
Digital certificates outdated – The digital certificates can become obsolete, or their associate certified authority can be revoked, causing the error.
Security software interference – The antivirus software can interfere with the digital certificate verification process, causing the error to occur.

What can I do to fix the error code 0x800b0003 on Windows 11?

Before engaging in advanced troubleshooting steps, you should consider performing the following checks:

Restart your computer.
Remove unnecessary external peripherals.
Check your internet connection.

1. Run the Windows troubleshooter

Press Windows + I to open Settings.
Go to System, then click Troubleshoot.
Now, click Other troubleshooters.
Under the Most frequent section, go to Windows Update and click Run.
Follow the on-screen instructions to fix the error.

2. Reset the Windows Update service

Press the Windows key, type CMD, and click Run as administrator.
Copy and paste the following commands one by one and press Enter after every command: net stop wuauserv net stop cryptSvc net stop bits net stop msiserver Ren C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.old Ren C:\Windows\System32\catroot2 Catroot2.old net start wuauserv net start cryptSvc net start bits net start msiserver
Restart your computer once the process is complete.

3. Use the Disk Cleanup

Press Windows + R to open the Run console.
Type cleanmgr and press Enter to open Disk Cleanup.
On the Disk Cleanup: Drive Selection dialog box, select the drive and click OK.
Next, click Clean up system files.
Again on the Disk Cleanup: Drive Selection window, select the drive and click OK.
Click OK on the next window.
Next, click Delete Files.

4. Update drivers

Press Windows + R to open the Run window.
Type devmgmt.msc and press Enter to open Device Manager.
Check all the devices and look for the yellow exclamation mark next to them.
If there is an exclamation mark, right-click on it and select Update drivers.
Click Search automatically for drivers on the next window.
Follow the on-screen prompts to complete the process.

5. Disable Antivirus software temporarily

Press the Windows key, type Windows Security, and click Open.
Go to Virus & threat protection.
Under Virus & threat protection settings, click Manage Settings.
Toggle off the switch for Real-time protection.

6. Launch Windows in safe mode

Press Windows + I to open Settings.
Go to System, then click Recovery.
Now, under Advanced startup, click Restart.
On the Choose an option window, click Troubleshoot.
Click Advanced Settings on the Troubleshoot page.
On the Advanced Settings page, select Startup Settings.
Click Restart.
On the next screen, you can enter Safe mode; select the designated key.
Once in safe mode, try to install the update again.

7. Restore the PC using System Restore

Press Windows + R to open the Run window.
Type rstrui and press Enter to open the System Restore window.
Select Choose a different restore point on the System Restore window and click Next.
Select the restore point from the list and click Next.
Click Finish, and Windows will restore your computer to the chosen point.

So, these are methods you need to take to get rid of error code 0x800b0003. If nothing worked for you, try reinstalling your Windows on your computer to fix the problem. If you have questions or concerns, please let us know in the comments section below.

TCPIP.sys on Windows 10: How to Fix This Blue Screen Error

Posted on February 17, 2023September 28, 2025 by Srishti Sisodia

Tcpip.sys is a driver file associated with Transmission Control Protocol over Internet Protocol. It is a library of rules for connecting various devices over the internet. This system file allows internal hardware components to communicate with other programs and operating systems. If this file gets corrupted or incompatible, it can cause system errors, including TCPIP.sys blue screen error.

This guide will cover all the methods to fix the issue after discussing the causes. Let’s get started!

What causes the tcpip.sys blue screen error on Windows 10?

There are several reasons for this blue screen error on Windows 10; some of the common ones are:

Improper installation of software – If software installation is interrupted in between, it might not work correctly and can cause errors like this. To fix this error, reinstall the application.
Outdated driver – If the network drivers are corrupt or outdated, you might see this BSOD error. To fix this, you need to update the drivers on your computer.
Conflicting antivirus settings – If you use third-party antivirus, and some of the settings are incompatible, you might get this error.
Windows update – Sometimes, a newly installed bad Windows update could cause issues, including this BSOD error. You need to uninstall it to fix the problem.

What can I do to fix the tcpip.sys blue screen error on Windows 10?

Before engaging in advanced troubleshooting steps, you should consider performing the following checks:

Check for pending Windows updates.
Restart your computer.
Check recently installed applications, and if they are not properly working, reinstall them.

1. Reset the TCP/IP

Go to the search bar, type CMD, and click Run as administrator.
Click Yes on the UAC prompt.
Copy and paste the following command and press Enter: netsh int ip reset
The process will take some time to finish; restart your computer to let the changes take effect.

2. Run the troubleshooter

Press Windows + I to open Settings.
Go to Update & Security.
From the left pane, select Troubleshoot.
Under Find and fix problems, locate Blue Screen and click Run the troubleshooter. The troubleshooter will look for errors and issues.
If any errors are found, the troubleshooter will automatically fix them. Once done, restart your PC.

3. Update the network driver

3.1 Update drivers manually

Press Windows + R to open the Run console.
Type devmgmt.msc and press Enter to open Device Manager.
Locate the Network adapters section and expand it. You will get a list of drivers, right-click on the first one and select the Update driver.
On the next window, click Search automatically for drivers.
Follow the onscreen instructions to complete the process. Then, repeat the process for all the drivers listed under the Network adapter section.

3.2 Use a third-party tool

Updating drivers manually can be time-consuming and troublesome. Therefore, it is advised to use a third-party driver updater to keep the drivers updated. One such reliable driver updater tool is Outbyte Driver Updater. It can efficiently scan your computer to find outdated drivers and download the latest ones within a few minutes. To update drivers using Outbyte Driver Updater, follow these steps:

Download and install Outbyte Driver Updater.
Launch the tool and click Scan.
Once the scan is complete, it will show you the list of outdated drivers. Select the driver you want to update and click the Update driver.
The tool will then download and install the compatible drivers.
Follow the onscreen prompts to complete the process.

4. Disable web protection in Antivirus

Launch your antivirus tool from the system tray or shortcut. For demonstration purposes, we are using Avira antivirus.
Click Security from the left pane.
Go to the Protection options module.
Now under Web Protection, click OFF to disable it.

5. Update BIOS

5.1 Check the BIOS version

Press Windows + X to open the context menu and select Command Prompt(Admin).
Type the following command and press Enter: wmic bios get smbiosbiosversion

5.2 Download BIOS update

Locate the device model or serial number and go to your manufacturer’s support page or download center.
For demonstration purposes, we have used HP support. The steps may vary for other devices.
Enter the serial number; when the product is detected, go to the Software and Drivers tab.
Click All Drivers, locate the BIOS file, and check if it is the same version as shown in Command Prompt. If not, download the file.
If it is a zip file, extract it and copy it to a USB flash drive.

5.3 Update BIOS

Connect the USB drive and boot your computer.
Press Windows + I to open Settings.
Go to Update & Security.
Click Recovery, then under Advanced startup, click Restart now.
On the Choose an option screen, click Troubleshoot.
On the next screen, click Advanced options.
Now click UEFI Firmware settings.
Click Restart.
Choose an appropriate option to enter BIOS.
Once in BIOS, look for the BIOS update option and select it.
Now select the file from the USB drive and start the update process.

6. Perform a memory test.

Go to the search bar, type Windows Memory Diagnostic, and click Open.
On the next window, select Restart now and check for problems.
Your computer will restart automatically, and the Windows Memory Diagnostic tool will run.
When the process completes, your computer will restart again.
You will get an error report once you are logged in.

So, these are methods that you need to follow to fix the TCPIP.sys BSOD error on Windows 10. Try them and let us know what worked for you in the comments below.

How to Show Seconds in System Clock on Windows 10

Posted on February 17, 2023October 4, 2023 by Srishti Sisodia

The system clock on Windows computer shows hours and minutes by default. However, if you want it to show seconds as well, it can be done.

This guide will discuss two ways to configure the system clock to show seconds on Windows 10. Let’s get started!

What can I do to configure the system clock to show seconds on Windows 10?

1. Use the Command Prompt

Go to the Search bar, type CMD, and click Run as administrator.
Copy and paste the following command and press Enter: powershell.exe Set-ItemProperty -Path HKCU:\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advanced -Name ShowSecondsInSystemClock -Value 1 -Force
If you don’t see the changes immediately, then restart your PC.

2. Use the Registry Editor

2.1 If the ShowSecondsInSystemClock DWORD is present

Press Windows + R to open the Run window.
Type regedit and press Enter to open Registry Editor.
Follow the path: Computer\HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advanced
Locate and double-click ShowSecondsInSystemClock DWORD and change the Value data to 1.
Click OK. Restart your computer to let the changes take effect.

2.2 If the ShowSecondsInSystemClock DWORD is not present

Press Windows + R to open the Run window.
Type regedit and press Enter to open Registry Editor.
Navigate to this path: Computer\HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advanced
Right-click on the right pane, select New, then click DWORD(32-bit Value).
Now, right-click the DWORD and select Rename. Name the DWORD ShowSecondsInSystemClock.
Double-click the DWORD and change the Value data from 0 to 1.
Click OK. Restart your computer to let the changes take place.

So, these are methods that you can follow to show seconds in the system clock on Windows 10. Try them and let us know which worked for you in the comments below.

SharePoint Edit Web Part Not Allowed: How to Enable It

Posted on February 17, 2023October 4, 2023 by Srishti Sisodia

Microsoft SharePoint is one of the most popular team collaboration tools, which enables users to create and manage websites, lists, document libraries, etc. No matter how useful the platform is, it is not free from errors.

One such error that users generally encounter is the edit web part option not available or grayed out. This means you are not allowed to edit certain web parts on the SharePoint site. This guide will cover all the possible solutions to fix the issue along with the reasons for its occurrence. Let’s get started!

What causes the SharePoint edit Web Part not allowed error?

There are several reasons why the option is not available for your account; some of the popular ones are mentioned here:

Browser cache and cookies – If the permissions for your user account were changed recently and you can’t access the option. The reason why the SharePoint website is not showing the edit web part option could be browser cookies and cache. To fix this, you need to clear cookies and cache.
Permission issues – Every user account needs certain permissions to access the SharePoint site and make changes to it. If don’t have the necessary permissions to customize or edit the web part, you won’t get the option to edit it.
Locked or customized web parts – If the web part you are trying to edit is locked or customized, then you might not get the option to edit it.
Browser extensions – Certain extensions on your browser can interfere with the SharePoint site, which could make the option unavailable. To fix this, you need to remove the conflicting ones.

What can I do to fix the SharePoint edit web part not allowed error?

1. Verify permissions

Go to SharePoint and log in with your user account.
Click the gear icon to open the Settings menu from the top right corner.
Select Site settings.
Under Users and Permissions, click Site permissions.
On the Permissions tab, click Check Permissions.
Under the User/Group field, enter a name or email address and click Check Now to check the permissions levels for the site.
If you don’t have the necessary permissions, proceed to the next step.
Go to Permission Levels.
Click Add a Permission Level and add the permissions accordingly to enable the edit web part option for your user account and click Create. If you can’t access these settings, contact the admin.

2. Check if the web part is locked or customized

Go to the site where the web part which you want to edit is located.
Locate and click the Edit option from the right corner to open the website in Edit view.
Now, hover over the web part you want to edit. You will see the options to Move, Edit, Duplicate, and Delete the web part.
If you see the web part is locked or customized, then you need to have it unlocked to edit it. For that, you need to contact the SharePoint site admin or the person authorized to customize the web part.

3. Delete browser cache and cookies

The steps to delete browser cache and cookies for browsers are similar. Here, we will demonstrate the steps for Chrome.
Click on three dots, and click Settings.
Go to Privacy and security and click Clear browsing data.
On the Clear browsing data pop-up, select Cookies and other site data, & Cached images and files. Now, click Clear data.
If the issue persists, restart your browser or open the SharePoint site on a different browser.

4. Disable browser extensions

Launch Google Chrome. Click on three dots, and select Settings.
Go to Extensions.
Disable or remove extensions one by one and check if the issue persists.

5. Activate SharePoint Server Publishing Infrastructure and SharePoint Server Publishing

Click the gear icon to access the Settings menu.
Go Site settings.
On the Site settings page, locate Site Collection Administration.
Now click the Site collection features link.
Go to the SharePoint Server Publishing Infrastructure option and click Activate.
Now go back to the Site settings page, and locate Site Actions.
Click the Manage site features link.
Go to the SharePoint Server Publishing option and click Activate.

6. Contact SharePoint admin or Microsoft admin center

If none of the above steps worked for you, contact your SharePoint administrator via email or other means provided by the company for further assistance. Explain the complete scenario, along with the steps and relevant details that you have taken to fix the issue. This helps them understand the situation better and help you efficiently.

You can also go to the Microsoft Admin Center Support page and raise a service request to fix the issue if there is nothing wrong with the settings

So, these are the steps that you need to take to fix the SharePoint edit web part not allowed on SharePoint. If you have any questions or concerns about SharePoint, feel free to mention them in the comments section below.

Imm32.dll: What is It & How to Fix It If It’s Missing?

Posted on February 17, 2023April 1, 2024 by Srishti Sisodia

You are not alone if you have encountered an imm32.dll missing error when launching apps or games. In this guide, we will discuss what imm32.dll is and what we can do to fix the missing DLL error. Let’s get started!

What is imm32.dll?

The imm32.dll is a DLL file used by the Microsoft Windows Input Method Manager program. The DLL file controls various input methods, including input commands from your mouse/keyboard on your computer, and turns them into actual processes on your device.

Like other DLL files, it is helpful for your Windows computer, and it is advised not to delete the imm32.dll file. Without it, your computer might not be able to access some files and throw you an error, such as imm32.dll is missing.

What causes the imm32.dll is missing error?

There could be various reasons why your computer can’t find imm32.dll; some of the common reasons are:

Malware infection – When your computer is infected with viruses or malware, it could cause the DLL to get corrupted or deleted. To remove the infection, run a malware scan using a reliable antivirus tool.
Deleted accidentally – If you have uninstalled a program that used an imm32.dll file, it is possible that file got deleted. Hence the error.
Bad sector on the hard drive – Bad sectors on the hard drive cause a lot of issues; one such issue could be the DLL file missing.
The DLL file got corrupted – If the DLL file got corrupted or damaged, you might not be able to use the file. So, when you try to launch an app or game that uses the DLL file, you may get the error.

What can I do if imm32.dll is missing?

Before engaging in advanced troubleshooting steps, you should consider performing the following checks:

Restart your computer.
Make sure your Windows is up to date.
Reinstall the app, causing the issue.

1. Run a malware scan

Press the Windows key, type Windows Security, and click Open.
Go to Virus & threat protection and click Scan options.
Now select Full scan and click Scan now.
The app will scan, find the infection, and will prompt you to remove it.

2. Run an SFC scan

Press the Windows key, type CMD, and click Run as administrator.
Type the following command and press Enter: sfc/scannow
Once the process is complete, restart your computer.

A practical alternative for this Windows process is to run a dedicated repair application that can totally diagnose your PC and repair imm32.dll missing issues like a charm.

3. Reregister the DLL file

Press the Windows key, type CMD, and click Run as administrator.
Copy and paste the following command and press Enter: regsvr32 IMM32.DLL
Restart your PC and launch the application to see if the issue persists.

4. Download the DLL file manually

Go to the DLL website.
Select the version that works for your Windows computer.
Download the zip file. Once downloaded, extract the zip file and save it to an accessible location.
Now navigate to this path: C:\Windows\System32
Locate imm32.dll; if present, rename it as imm32old.dll
Copy and paste the newly downloaded DLL file.
Now open CMD with admin rights using the step mentioned in method 2 or 3, type the following command, and press Enter: regsvr32 IMM32.DLL
Restart your computer.

5. Restore your computer to the last good known configuration

Press the Windows key, type Control Panel, and click Open.
Select View by as Small icons or Large icons and click Recovery.
Under Advanced recovery tools, click Open System Restore.
On the System Restore window, click Next.
Place a checkmark beside Show more restore points.
Select the restore point and click Next.
Click Finish to complete the process. Your computer will restart and restore to the point chosen.

6. Reinstall the Microsoft Visual C ++ Redistributable package

Press Windows + R to open the Run box.
Type appwiz.cpl and press Enter to open Programs and Features.
Go through the list, select Microsoft Visual C ++ Redistributable, and click Uninstall.
Delete all the other variants. Go to the Microsoft website to download the Microsoft Visual C ++ Redistributable.
Download the file and double-click it to run the installation file.
Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the process.

So, these are the methods you can follow to fix the imm32.dll missing error. Try them and let us know what worked for you in the comments section below.

Memory Refresh Timer Error: How To Fix It in 4 Steps

Posted on February 17, 2023October 4, 2023 by Srishti Sisodia

Memory refresh is a process that allows you to maintain the data stored in DRAM (dynamic random-access memory) by reading and writing it over a period of time. It is a background maintenance process that is important for the functioning of DRAM.

A memory refresh timer error occurs in the computer memory when the memory controller in the computer fails to refresh the DRAM cells within a period. In this guide, we will help you identify the causes and provide you with solutions to fix the issue.

What causes the memory refresh timer error?

There can be various reasons for the error; some of the common ones are mentioned here:

Corrupted RAM – If your RAM is corrupted or damaged, it could cause a refresh timer error. You can run a memory diagnostic tool to check the problem.
Motherboard issue – A motherboard controls the refresh timer, and if it malfunctions, it can cause an error.
BIOS issue – If the BIOS is not up to date or has a problem with BIOS, then a refresh timer error can appear.
Overheating – If the computer is overheating, you can face all kinds of issues, including this error.
Power supply issue – If your computer is not getting a proper power supply, it could result in a refresh timer error.

What can I do to fix the memory refresh timer error?

Before engaging in advanced troubleshooting steps, you should consider performing the following checks:

Check your computer for physical damage
Check the power supply unit and power cable
You should also check all the ports for connection.
If your computer can still boot to Windows, backup before starting the process.
An uninterrupted power supply is important, as any interruption could cause BIOS corruption.

1. Check hardware issues

memory timer refresh error - memory module

If the error has occurred due to hardware issues, you need to check the computer for overheating. First, ensure no dirt or debris on the computer fan; if present, clean it. Also, inspect if the fans are working correctly and if there is adequate ventilation.

Next, clean the memory module and slot, as the dirt can prevent the connection between the memory module and slot. If this doesn’t solve the issue, you might need to replace the memory module.

2. Update your BIOS

2.1 Download the BIOS file

On a different computer or laptop, go to your motherboard or computer manufacturer’s website and look for the support page or download center. Enter your device model number. For demonstration purposes, we have used the HP support page and entered the product’s serial number.
Once the product is detected, you will be directed to a different page. Go to the Software and Drivers tab.
Click All drivers and download the BIOS file. If it is a zip file, extract it and move it to a USB drive.

2.2 Update BIOS

Connect the USB drive to your faulty computer and boot your computer. If performing these steps on a laptop, ensure the charger is plugged in.
To enter BIOS, press F2, Delete, F8, or the key designated by the manufacturer to enter BIOS.
In BIOS, select the option to update BIOS and select it.
Now choose the BIOS update file from your USB flash drive and wait while the BIOS updates. The BIOS firmware update process can differ from manufacturer to manufacturer; you need to check the manufacturer’s website.

3. Perform a memory test

3.1 If your computer starts up – use Windows Memory Diagnostic

Press the Windows key, type Windows Memory Diagnostic tool, and click Open.
On the next window, click Restart now and check for problems.
Now your PC will restart automatically, and the Windows Memory Diagnostic tool will run.
Once the process is complete, your computer will restart; log in to your computer, and you will get an error report.

3.2 If your computer doesn’t boot – perform a memory test via BIOS

Restart your computer and press the designated key F2, Esc, F10, or DEL, depending on your device manufacturer, to enter BIOS.
Once in BIOS, look for a menu related to System Diagnostics. Under the tab, look for System Test or Memory Test.
Follow the on-screen instructions to initiate the test. The memory test will run and check all the areas for errors; this process could take a few minutes to a couple of hours.
Once the test is complete, you will get the result. You may have to replace the memory module if there are any errors. However, if there are no errors, exit the BIOS and proceed to the next step.

4. Reinstall the operating system

You might have to reinstall the operating system to fix the problem if nothing has worked for you. To reinstall the operating system, you can follow these steps:

4.1 Create an installation media

On a different computer or laptop, go to the Download Windows 11 page on Microsoft website.
Under Create Installation media, click Download now.
Double-click the downloaded file and click Yes on the UAC prompt.
Insert the USB drive, and make sure the USB drive has 8 GB of space.
The Windows 11 Setup page will appear; click Accept to agree to the license terms.
On the Select language and edition window, choose Language, Edition, and click Next.
On the Choose which media to use window, select USB flash drive and click Next.
Follow the on-screen instructions and click Finish.

4.2 Reinstall Windows 11 on your PC

Insert the USB drive and restart your computer.
The computer will start, press the designated key for BIOS; it could be F2, Esc, F10, or DEL, depending upon the device manufacturer.
When prompted, change the boot order and choose it to restart using USB. You will be instructed to press any key to continue booting.
Once your computer restarts, you will get the screen to install Windows 11.
Choose the Language to install, Time and currency format, and keyboard or input method. Once you have made a choice, click Next.
Follow the on-screen instructions, and click Install on the last screen to start the installation. Please wait for a few minutes to complete the process.

So, these are the steps you need to follow to fix the memory refresh timer error. Try them and let us know what worked for you in the comments below.

ChatGPT will include customization in the future

Posted on February 17, 2023February 17, 2023 by Rafly Gilang

Microsoft-financed OpenAI addressed the future of its ChatGPT product & its customization in a blog post. The AI research laboratory said that it’s working on a feature to let users customize the way they use the chatbot in the wake of the controversy surrounding its political bias.

“This will mean allowing system outputs that other people (ourselves included) may strongly disagree with. Striking the right balance here will be challenging–taking customization to the extreme would risk enabling malicious uses of our technology and sycophantic AIs that mindlessly amplify people’s existing beliefs.”

Previously, ChatGPT faced accusations of anti-Trump biases and a leftist propaganda tool. When users asked the bot to write a poem admiring the former president, the chatbot rejects the request, but when a similar command is directed towards Joe Biden, it wrote every word flawlessly.

They’re turning Chat-GPT into a good little tech worker pic.twitter.com/dwu7gIQxr8
— Echo Chamber (@echo_chamberz) January 30, 2023

The news arrived amidst an attempt to improve the world’s first AI-powered search engine Bing by Microsoft, which invested in the start-up company at least $1 billion back in 2019.

How will customization work in ChatGPT?

Answers on ChatGPT are developed in two phases. After the bot trains using large Internet text datasets, human reviewers review smaller data with guidelines, which they’re still struggling with.

“We believe that AI should be a useful tool for individual people, and thus customizable by each user up to limits defined by society. Therefore, we are developing an upgrade to ChatGPT to allow users to easily customize its behavior.”

This new update will rely on public input on defaults and system behaviors, and its extensive collaboration with external bodies to conduct third-party safety audits.

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

Microsoft caps Bing Chats at 50 per day and 5 per session

Posted on February 17, 2023 by Kip Kniskern

After a flurry of incidents where researchers and journalists were able to get Bing Chat to become “emotional,” spill internal information, or just get confused, Microsoft has made a notable change in the new Bing “based on feedback from you all:”

Starting today, the chat experience will be capped at 50 chat turns per day and 5 chat turns per session. A turn is a conversation exchange which contains both a user question and a reply from Bing.

Our data has shown that the vast majority of people find the answers they’re looking for within 5 turns and that only ~1% of chat conversations have 50+ messages. After a chat session hits 5 turns, people will be prompted to start a new topic. At the end of each chat session, context needs to be cleared so the model won’t get confused. Just click on the broom icon to the left of the search box for a fresh start. As we continue to get feedback, we will explore expanding the caps on chat sessions.

While disappointing, it’s probably most surprising that Bing Chat didn’t start out locked down this way as it’s still in its very early stages and prone to maybe not so much abuse but over-curiosity, at least.

While Microsoft may be over-compensating for what are probably a few well publicized glitches in an otherwise promising new technology, it’s good to see the company get an early handle on the issues as it plans to ramp up entry into the program. Bing Chat is still a long way from being ready for the world, as promising as it is, and these kinds of adjustments are not only necessary but expected.

Are you in the “Copilot for the web” Bing Chat preview? Let us know in the comments below.

Virtual Disk Service Error Delete is Not Allowed [Fix]

Posted on February 17, 2023October 4, 2023 by Srishti Sisodia

The Virtual Disk Service Error: Delete is not allowed error message can appear when you try to delete a protected volume from a hard drive on Windows.

The system volume includes boot volume, crashdump volume, pagefile volume, and hibernation volume.

These are vital for your operating system’s function, and deleting them could make your PC unbootable.

This guide will discuss the expert-recommended fixes to resolve the issue after discussing the causes.

What causes the Virtual Disk Service Error: Delete is not allowed?

There could be various reasons why the error appears; some of the common ones are:

Deleting protected system volume – If you are trying to delete boot, crashdump, pagefile, and hibernation volume, then you will get this error.
Wrong disk partitions – If you have marked a wrong volume as the boot, system, pagefile, or crashdump, then this error could appear.
Disk errors or corruption – If there are errors on the disk or if the disk is corrupted, it could cause the Virtual Disk Service to fail and display the error message.
Disk management software issue – If you have an incompatible disk management software on your computer, then this error may appear. You need to uninstall the disk management tool.

What can I do to fix the Virtual Disk Service Error: Delete is not allowed?

Before engaging in advanced troubleshooting steps, you should consider performing the following checks:

First, remove your HDD and place it back in the slot.
If you input the wrong volume, retry to delete partitions again with the correct volume number.
Create a restore point.

1. Use the Command Prompt

Press Windows + R to open the Run console.
Type cmd and hit Ctrl + Shift and Enter together to open Command Prompt with administrator rights.
Copy and paste the following command and press Enter to boot your computer into Windows Recovery Environment: reagentc /boottore
Restart your computer.
On the Choose an option window, click Troubleshoot.
Now select Advanced Options.
Click Command Prompt.
Enter the recovery key to proceed.
Now on the command prompt window, type the following commands one by one and press Enter after every command: diskpart List disk Select disk 0 List partition Select partition 1 Delete partition Exit

2. Change the boot order

Press Windows + I to open Settings.
Go to System, then click Recovery.
Under Recovery options, next to Advanced startup, click Restart now.
On Choose an option window, select Troubleshoot.
On the Troubleshoot page, click Advanced options.
Now select UEFI firmware settings from the Advanced options.
Click Restart.
Choose the appropriate option to enter the BIOS.
Go to Boot Configuration, then click Boot sequence.
Select the connected hard drive or SSD.
Now, go to Exit and click Save changes & Exit.

3. Disable the paging file

Press Windows + R to open the Run window.
Type sysdm.cpl and press Enter to open System Properties.
Go to the Advanced tab, under Performance, and click Settings.
On the Performance Options window, switch to the Advanced tab, and under Virtual Memory, click Change.
Remove the checkmark next to Automatically manage paging file size for all drives.
Select the drive partition and click the radio button next to No paging.
Click Set and then OK.
Then, on the Performance Options window, click Apply and OK.
Click OK on the System Properties window to confirm the changes.

So, these are the steps you need to follow to fix the Virtual Disk Service error: Delete is not allowed on the current boot, system, pagefile, crashdump, or hibernation volume. Try them and let us know what worked for you in the comments section.

AI Content Detector: 8 Best That You Can Use Today

Posted on February 17, 2023June 11, 2025 by Srishti Sisodia

AI content detectors are one of the latest development in Artificial Intelligence, which helps you monitor and analyze your digital content efficiently. These tools can flag potentially incorrect, fake content and protect your brand from misuse.

In this guide, we will discuss some of the best AI content detectors so that you can make an informed decision.

What are the advantages of AI content detectors?

Efficient – AI content detectors can process extensive volumes of data in real time and accurately analyze large amounts of content.
Content Moderation – These tools can help you moderate user-generated content on websites and social media platforms.
Protects Copyrights – The tools can detect & remove unauthorized copies and reposts to help you protect your content.
Consistent – AI content detectors consistently provide results and eliminate human error and bias in content analysis.
Highly customizable – You can set the AI model to particular data sets for preferred output. For example, you can fine-tune a plagiarism detector on academic papers to keep your literary writing style intact and effectively point out fake content.

What are the best AI content detectors?

Originality.AI – Most accurate

This AI content detector comes with a plagiarism checker and an AI detector that can help keep your content plag-free and original. Originality.AI uses ML tech and linguistic analysis to analyze the structure and language of any article to determine its originality.

The platform shows the AI Detection Score in percentage and can even detect the content written by ChatGPT with great accuracy. It doesn’t offer a free trial, so you must sign up and buy the credits to use it. You need to spend $0.01 per credit, and one credit scans 100 words.

It is simple to use as you need to paste the article’s link or the content and choose both AI content detection and Plagiarism options or either to scan. You will get scores between 0-100% to improvise the content to make it user-generated.

More about Originality.AI

Allows you to add or remove team members and manage access levels via the Team Management feature.
Enables you to keep a complete record of team members’ activity on the tool.
Offers a Google Chrome extension and can scan Google Docs for originality.

⇒ Get Originality.AI

Content at Scale – AI-content creator & detector

Content at Scale has been trained on billions of data pages to accurately predict the text and word strings created by AI generators. Therefore, it can easily detect whether the content is natural or AI, even if you use ChatGPT.

The free AI content detector platform uses ML technology and linguistic analysis to determine whether the content is fake (AI-generated) or real (written by humans). Whether it is SEO content, educational content, academic content, or marketing content, this AI content detector scans the content and displays the results in a few seconds.

The platform is simple to use; you can copy and paste the content and click Check for AI Content to know if the content is real. Content at Scale also has a content creation tool with the same name and uses 3 AI engines, NLP, and semantic analysis to generate content.

More about Content at Scale

The tool is reliable as its accuracy falls between 80-85%.
Comes with multiple language support.
Uses different NLP models to detect AI-generated content.

⇒ Get Content at Scale

GPT Zero -Suitable for educators

GPTZero is a simple and free AI content detector built especially for educators, as it can accurately scan university essays and academic work and detect AI-generated content.

You can choose a file or add text to the box, agree to the terms of service, and click Get Results to learn about your content. It displays scores on the basis of Average Perplexity and Burstiness and highlights the text detected as written by AI.

You can upload multiple files to scan and detect AI-generated content on this AI content detector, and it can give you results for each of them, thus saving you time.

More about GPTZero

Uses variables like perplexity to fingerprint AI-generated content.
Offers easy-to-use API for organizations.
Provides setup and integration support

⇒ Get GPTZero

Writer’s AI Content Detector – Best known for its simple interface

The popular AI content generator company Writers developed an AI content detector to skim fake content. This free platform has a simple interface and easily differentiates between AI-generated and human-written content.

You can either paste a URL for an already live blog in Add a URL field or the content in Add some text box and click Analyze text. The tool can analyze only 350 words at a time and provides results in percentage. The AI content detector can be used as a standalone from its website or with the Writer AI content generator plan. The plan starts at $18 per user/month.

More about Writer

Comes with dedicated customer support.
Has an accuracy of about 80%.
It doesn’t require signing up.

⇒ Get Writer AI Content Detector

Hugging Face – Best for developers

Hugging Face is an open-source platform that allows developers to discover and create in the Machine Learning field. This AI detector platform is designed for free use and testing purposes. To test the content for originality, you need to copy and paste the content and hit Submit. The platform will tell you whether it is Fake or Real.

This AI content detection tool is suitable for people who want to test long-form content. It uses a Robustly Optimized BERT Pre-training Approach (RoBERTa)base detector to analyze your content.

More about Hugging Face

The tool has a simple interface and is easy to use.
It is available for free and open-source.
Detects the GPT2 NLP output accurately.

⇒ Get Hugging Face

GLTR – Best for analyzing content in depth

GLTR (Giant Language Model Test Room) is an AI content detector that can visualize the footprint of AI-generated content. It works well in detecting text generated by GPT2 and uses color coding to show the probability of machine-generated content.

To use it, you can enter the text you want to scan and click analyze. It will then display results by highlighting the words in green, yellow, red, and purple colors.

The text most likely generated by AI is displayed in green, followed by yellow. However, if you have more red and purple highlights in the results, then it indicates that it is human-written. With color coding and graphs, understanding the results and analyzing them could be a bit complicated for a normal user.

More about GLTR

Works perfectly for detecting GPT2-created text.
Can scan scientific abstracts to detect AI content.
Enables you to scan GRE text to find AI-generated content

⇒ Get GLTR

Copyleaks – Multi-lingual

Copyleaks, a popular plagiarism detector, now has the best AI content detection tool, which can easily detect AI-generated content, including ChatGPT, in different languages, including English, French, Spanish, German, and Portuguese. Also, it can determine the source code and platform used to generate the content.

You can input or paste your content and click the Check button. If the content has AI-generated text, it will be highlighted in red, with the message AI Content Detected written in red.

Copyleaks can detect content generated using almost every NLP model and display it much faster. Also, it has a simple interface, is free, and can be accessed without signing up.

More about Copyleaks

Allows you to integrate different types of LMS
It has a Google Chrome extension, making it easy to use everywhere.
Doesn’t show the results in percentage.

⇒ Get Copyleaks

Crossplag – Suitable for SEO

Crossplag works on NLP and machine learning to detect AI-generated content and supports several languages. In addition, it has a bar that shows whether your content is human-written, AI-generated, or a mix of both.

This AI content detector can predict the text’s origin with the help of natural language processing and machine learning algorithms. The tool is trained with a vast data set of content, including both human-written and AI-generated content. This makes it easy for it to check the pattern and characteristics of both and determine the originality of the content.

It works best for educators, publishing houses, and SEO. To check the content’s originality, sign up, paste the text, and click Check. You will get the scores on the bar with the percentage.

More about Crossplag

Supports LTI integrations.
Comes with an inbuilt plagiarism checker.
Simple tool with moderate accuracy

⇒ Get Crossplag

So, if you’re looking for the best AI detector, you will definitely find it in the list above. Some are free and don’t need you to sign up to use them. Try any of them, and let us know what worked for you in the comments section below.

Windows Developer Platform CVP Kevin Gallo to leave Microsoft

Posted on February 17, 2023 by Kip Kniskern

If you’ve watched a Windows “Developer Days” webcast in recent years, you know who Kevin Gallo is. As the face of the popular webcasts touting the latest developer tools and services for building on top of Windows, Gallo is familiar to the developer community, and in a LinkedIn post today he’s announced that he’s leaving after 30 years:

After nearly 30 years working for Microsoft, I made the tough decision this past week to take some time away from my desk at Microsoft. It has been such a great honor and privilege to work with so many amazing people – where together we have invented the technology that everyone uses in their daily lives. Never in my wildest dreams did I imagine that I could be a part of this all. We’ve made some wonderful products and platforms together – and worked with so many great customers, partners, and developers. I am so proud of all that we have accomplished. I just sat and stared at some of my Ship It awards – amazed at just how many teams I have been blessed to be a part of – who built products that seemed impossible to create when we started. Together, we gritted it out, and made something our customers loved.

Whether this move is related to Microsoft’s recent layoffs announcements or not, it’s been a bit of an end of an era to see so many familiar faces move on, and Gallo probably won’t be the last. We wish Kevin all the best (and apologize for the 2016 image!).

Via Mary Jo Foley

Fix: The Function Attempted to Use a Name That is Reserved (0x80071a90)

Posted on February 17, 2023April 1, 2024 by Loredana Harsana

Several of our readers have reported the error code — the function attempted to use a name that is reserved for use by another transaction. This error has been reported to appear when Windows can’t be installed or during the installation of the .NET framework in Windows.

What causes the Windows error 0x80071a90?

The error code 0x80071a90 can be triggered by a myriad of reasons. The error can manifest when trying to add the Hyper-V feature in Windows 10 as -Hyper-V the function attempted to use a name that is reserved for use by another transaction– error message.

Other causes responsible for this error are:

Running incompatible programs simultaneously – Runtime errors can be triggered when programs capable of hindering the Windows Update are being run in the background. Closing some of these programs should fix the error.
Corrupted Memory – If your operating system or graphics driver has virus infections, it can result in a runtime error.
Abrupt system shutdown – When the power supply is interrupted due to a power failure, it can also cause the problem.
Deletion of essential files – When you accidentally delete a necessary system file or system element entry, it can cause a Windows Update error. You should consider restoring the deleted files before conducting another Windows Update.

Having confirmed any of the above possible causes of the error will make it easy for you to fix the problem by trying the recommended solutions.

What can I do if the function attempted to use a name that is reserved for use by another transaction?

Before engaging in any advanced solutions, you should consider performing the following:

Make sure you have enough storage disk space.
Disable or uninstall your antivirus software.
Disconnect all peripheral devices.
Restart your PC.

Having confirmed the above checks, if the problem persists, you can explore the solutions provided below.

1. Run an SFC/DISM Scan

Left-click the Start button, input cmd, and choose Run as administrator.
Type the following command and click Enter: sfc /scannow
Wait for the successful prompt. Then, type the following command and press Enter: DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
Restart your PC after the DISM scan is completed.

After the SFC scan, check if the problem has been fixed. If it persists, you should perform a DISM scan. Alternatively, if you have any issues running the DISM scan on Windows 10/11, check here.

If you want to automate this process, we suggest you try a dedicated tool because it will handle the situation for you.

2. Perform a clean boot

Press the Windows + R keys, input the msconfig, and click OK to open the System Configuration.
Select the Services tab, check the Hide all Microsoft Services box, click Disable all, and select OK.
Click the Startup tab and click Open Task Manager.
Right-click each of the third-party apps and click End task.
Then restart your PC.

If you are unsure about the cause of the error, performing a clean boot might be the best option. You can also check our guide detailing various ways to perform a clean boot on your computer.

3. Run Windows Update Troubleshooter

Press the Windows key + I to open the Settings app.
Next, click on Update & Security.
Select Troubleshoot from the left pane and click Additional troubleshooters.
Expand the Windows Update troubleshooter and click on Run the troubleshooter.
Apply all the fixes discovered by following the on-screen instructions.
Restart your PC.

Running the troubleshooter should fix the Windows Update error code 0x80071a90.

However, if it does not fix your runtime error, you can explore our guide on what to do if you have problems installing updates.

What is the difference between a reserved word and a user-defined identifier?

A reserved word in programming has a specific and defined feature associated with it. There are several of these, for instance, 32 in total in the C language.

An identifier, on the other hand, is generated by the user/programmer to name variables, functions, and arrays. While a reserved keyword can only contain alphabetical characters, an identifier can comprise alphabets, numbers, and underscores.

You can try any of the fixes provided in this article or opt for the suggestions given to fix The function attempted to use a name that is reserved for use by another transaction error in Windows.

Also, before you leave, do not forget to check some quick tips to boost the performance of Windows.

If you have questions or comments, do not hesitate to use the comments section below.

How to activate split screen in Microsoft Edge

Posted on February 17, 2023October 4, 2023 by Rafly Gilang

Microsoft has some good news for Edge users. Besides the new AI-powered Bing that’s being tested, Edge is currently experimenting with a new split-screen feature.

When the feature comes to fruition, you can expect the browser to declutter its user interface by grouping pages into one, letting you pair windows together or place them side-by-side & holding just two windows per tab. With only one address bar and several navigation keys on the screen, the update means a much simpler face for the browser.

Earlier this year, this split-screen feature came to Edge Canary users before making its way to the stable version.

With that being said, however, it’s safe to say that you can expect to run into some problems. As an experimental functionality in the latest Edge build 110.0.1587.49, some users who’d tried reported that they were not able to drag a tab into another split window and it wasn’t a smooth experience overall.

If you’re still curious, however, read along to find out how you can activate this feature in the meantime, before the rollout of its general availability.

How to activate split screen in Microsoft Edge

1. With your Edge browser open, go to the address bar and type edge://flags

2. Scroll down until you find Microsoft Edge Split Screen ➜ Enabled in the dropdown.

3. Hit Restart.

4. Once restarted, click on the split screen button to try.

5. You can start a tab search or open a new tab.

6. Now, you can easily switch between the sites!

Do you think this new split screen feature on Edge will help you multitask better? Let us know in the comments!

Fix: You Exceeded Your Current Quota Error on ChatGPT

Posted on February 17, 2023January 31, 2025 by Henderson Jayden Harper

ChatGPT is a chatbot built on OpenAI’s GPT-3 family of large language models that can understand your conversations and provide meaningful responses. However, our readers complain about Error Code 429: You exceeded your current quota, please check your plan and billing details.

Also, they report the ChatGPT not available for your country error they encounter with the app.

Why do I get the exceed your quota error on ChatGPT?

Many errors affect the ChatGPT program, causing ChatGPT not to work and other issues. You exceeded your current quota, please check your plan and billing details in ChatGPT occurs when you exceed your daily limits.

Furthermore, factors that may cause the error are:

The allotted amount of API requests exceeded – The app allocates a certain number of API requests per user on a time frame basis. Hence, if the daily quota is exceeded, the error message appears.
Network issues – ChatGPT network error may occur when the app cannot communicate with its servers due to local or server-side problems.
Bugs in ChatGPT – The app is fairly new and has yet to undergo a long period of user testing. So, you can encounter the current quota exceeded error on ChatGPT if there’s a bug.

These causes may vary on different computers. However, we have some easy fixes you can use to resolve the error and get ChatGPT.

What can I do if I get you exceeded your quota error on ChatGPT?

Let’s go through some preliminary checks:

Fix network congestion on your PC.
Close and reopen the ChatGPT app.
Restart Windows in Safe Mode and check if you can get past the error.
You could also wait for the quota to reset and refill. It will help you use another quota set for the current day.

If the error appears again, proceed with the following solutions.

1. Try using a VPN

Go to Google Chrome Webstore, search for VPN, and select your preferred option. For this example, we opted for ExpressVPN.

Click Add to Chrome and select Add Extension from the pop-up window.

Click the Extensions icon at the top right corner and select your VPN extension. Then power it on and reload the ChatGPT.

A Virtual Private Network connection will create a new proxy and server for the user to browse. It can help fix your exceeded quota error on ChatGPT and allow users to use more API requests.

Our example focuses on Google Chrome due to its popularity, but you may opt for a browser that already has a built-in VPN.

2. Clear your browser’s cache and cookies

Launch your browser. Click three dots to open the Menu, click on More tools, and select Clear browsing data.
Choose a time range for the data to be cleared, then select All time to delete everything.
Check the boxes for Cookies and other site data and Cached images and files, then click Clear data.
Restart the Chrome browser and check if ChatGPT starts working without running into any errors.

Clearing browser caches and cookies will delete the corrupt files interfering with ChatGPT activities.

Alternatively, you can switch to another browser and check if it fixes the ChatGPT you exceeded your current quota error.

Further, you may be interested in fixing ChatGPT’s too many redirects error on your computer or how to up your boosts on Microsoft Copilot.

Recently, many have encountered Too many concurrent requests error in ChatGPT, but we have a dedicated guide that can help you fix it.

Conclusively, if you repeatedly exceed your quota on ChatGPT, you can always try the above fixes. Hence, do leave a comment if you have any questions or suggestions.

0x80248007 Windows Update Error on Windows 11 [Fix]

Posted on February 17, 2023March 28, 2024 by Henderson Jayden Harper

Microsoft releases updates for the Windows operating system and other components, such as drivers, to improve performance and resolve bugs. Users can download and install these updates on their devices by updating their OS.

However, the process can encounter issues, resulting in error code 0x80248007 and other errors. Since many of our readers have reported this kind of problem, we decided to devise some solutions to solve it for good. So let’s dive in.

What causes the error code 0x80248007?

The error code 0x80248007 on Windows is an update error that occurs when there’s an interference with the download process. Some factors that may be responsible for the error are:

Buggy or missing update packages – When the update you’re trying to install is buggy or corrupt, it can cause your system to run into errors during the process. Also, an essential component may be missing in the update package, causing issues with the update process.
Issues with Windows update services – The error can occur due to issues with Windows Update services not running correctly on your device. The services involved may have a pending process running, causing it not to interact with the needed components.
Unidentified Microsoft Software License Terms – You can run into the error when the update cannot find the Microsoft Software License Terms. It makes it impossible for the update to identify the necessary documents needed for the update process.
Corrupt system files – Corrupt system files can cause the update download error to occur on your computer. They impede the smooth installation process.

Also, you may be interested in the Windows Update Error 0x80073701 and ways to fix it.

How can I fix the error code 0x80248007?

Before proceeding with any advanced troubleshooting steps, fix network congestion on your PC, temporarily disable antivirus software, and restart Windows in Safe Mode to check if the error code 0x80248007 persists.

1. Reset the Windows Update components

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

Resetting the Windows update process helps fix problems causing the Windows update services not to download updates.

2. Run Windows Update Troubleshooter

Press Windows + I key to open the Settings app.
Select System and click Troubleshoot.
Select Other troubleshooters.
Click the Run button beside the Windows Update.
Follow the on-screen instructions and restart your PC.

The troubleshooter will find and repair issues causing the Windows update error code 0x80248007 on your PC.

If you can’t use the steps above, check other ways to run the Windows Update troubleshooter in Windows 11.

3. Verify that the Windows Installer is running

Press Windows + R key to open the Run dialog box and type services.msc, then press Enter to open Services.
Go to Windows Installer and right-click, then select Properties from the drop-down.
Set the Startup type to Automatic and click the Start button. Click the Apply button and OK.
Restart your PC and check if the error persists.

Verifying that the Windows Installer service is running allows the PC to install new programs and updates smoothly.

4. Clear Windows Update cache via Run

Press Windows + R key to open the Run dialogue box, and type services.msc, then click OK to open the Services app.
Double-click Windows Update and select Stop.
Open the File Explorer, and go to the C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution\Download folder
Press Ctrl + A to highlight every file, then delete.
Press Windows + R key, and type services.msc, then press Enter.
Find and double-click on Windows Update, then click Start.
Restart your computer.

Disabling Windows Update services and clearing the distribution directory will clear the cache file.

5. Verify the relevant Windows Update services

Left-click the Start button, type services.msc, and press Enter.
Double-click the Windows Update service.
Click on the General tab. Ensure the Startup Type is set to Automatic or Manual. Click the Start button under the Service Status bar.
Double-click Background Intelligent Transfer Service (BITS).
Then click on the General tab. Make sure the Startup Type is set to Automatic or Manual, then click the Start button under the Service Status bar.
Restart your PC and check if the error persists.

The above steps will help verify and fix issues with Windows Update Service and the Background Intelligent Transfer Service if they aren’t working.

6. Run an SFC scan

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

An SFC scan will find and repair corrupt system files prompting the error code 0x80248007. You can check how to fix the run-as-administrator option if it’s not working on your PC.

7. Disable Windows Firewall

Left-click the Start button, type control panel, then press Enter to open the Control Panel.
Select the Windows Defender Firewall option.
Click the Turn Windows Defender Firewall on or off option.
Go to the Private and Public network settings, then click the radio buttons for the Turn off Windows Defender Firewall (not recommended) option.
Exit the Control Panel and restart your computer.

Disabling the Windows Defender Firewall will fix any problems the firewall is causing in the Windows update process.

8. Run System Restore

Left-click the Start button, type Restore, and click on Create a Restore Point.
Go to the System Protection tab, and click System Restore.
Choose a different system restore and click Next to select a specific Restore Point.
Select the last time you were able to install updates on your PC, and click Next.
Click the Finish button.

System Restore backdates your PC to the Restore Point and fixes issues affecting it. Check how to fix Restore Point if it’s not working and if you have any issues running it.

Conclusively, our readers can check our article for fixing slow Windows updates on Windows 11. Also, we have a detailed guide on Windows Update error 0x8007045b and some fixes.

You might also be interested in our guide on resolving Windows 11 update error 0x8024d001.

Let us know which procedure worked for you in the comments section below.

Invalid Plugin Detected in Adobe Reader: How to Fix it

Posted on February 17, 2023October 4, 2023 by Henderson Jayden Harper

Adobe Acrobat is one of the best PDF reader applications, and it is available for various operating systems. Lately, users report an error message they encounter when launching Adobe Acrobat Invalid plugin detected. It can sometimes prevent the app from launching.

Also, users complain about the Adobe Acrobat Readers DC not responding on their PC.

What does Invalid Plugin detected mean?

Many plugins and programs on your PC can cause problems with other apps. It can indicate that the services of two programs conflict with each other, resulting in errors.

However, running into the Invalid plugin detected, Adobe Reader DC will quit error on Windows 11 means the process of another program installed on your computer is impeding Adobe Reader from launching.

Also, it may indicate that Adobe is having issues with some of its components.

Why do I get the Invalid plugin detected error?

The Invalid plugin detected Adobe Acrobat Reader DC error popping up when launching the app can be due to some factors other than issues with other programs on the PC. Some of these factors are:

Corrupt app files – When essential Adobe Reader installation files are missing or corrupt, it can prevent it from launching or cause Adobe Acrobat internal error to occur.
Third-party app interference – Other apps similar to Adobe Reader on your PC can cause the Invalid plugin detected error to appear or other issues.
Outdated Adobe Acrobat software – App updates come with patches to fix bugs and improve the app’s performance, and if you don’t install them, that may lead to such errors.

Other factors not mentioned above can cause the error. Nonetheless, we’ll take you through some easy steps to fix it and get Adobe Acrobat working again.

How can I fix Invalid plugin detected Adobe Reader will quit error?

Turn off background apps running on your computer.
Temporarily disable third-party antivirus software.
Restart Windows in Safe Mode and check if the error persists.

If Adobe Reader still prompts the Invalid plugin error, apply the solutions below.

1. End task for Adobe Acrobat Reader on your computer

Right-click the Start button and select Task Manager from the menu.
Go to the Processes tab. Click on the Adobe Reader app from the list, right-click on it, and click End task from the drop-down menu.
Restart your computer and launch Adobe Reader to check if the error persists.

Ending tasks for the Adobe Reader app on your PC will stop any background process interfering with its functionality. You can check for shortcuts to open Task Manager on your computer.

2. Update the Adobe Reader client

Launch Adobe Reader or Acrobat app on your PC.
Click on Help, then click on the Check for Updates link.
Follow the steps in the Updater window to download and install the latest updates.
After the update is complete, restart Adobe Reader and check if the error persists.

Updating Adobe Reader or Acrobat will fix any bug in the previous version that can cause the error. Also, it will add new features to improve performance.

3. Perform a clean boot

Press Windows + R key to open the Run dialog box, type msconfig, and click OK.
Go to the Services tab and check the box for the Hide all Microsoft services option, and then click the Disable all button.
Go to the Startup tab and click Open Task Manager.
Click on the startup programs and tap the Disable button.
Restart your PC and check if the Adobe Reader error persists.

Performing a clean boot will prevent all startup running programs that can cause the error from running when you start the system.

4. Remove the ComposerPlayerControl.dll file

Press Windows + E to open File Explorer.
Go to This PC and navigate to: C:\Program Files (x86)\Adobe\Acrobat Reader DC\Reader\plug_ins
Find and right-click on the ComposerPlayerControl.dll file, then select Delete from the drop-down.

The ComposerPlayerControl.dll file is known to be a culprit causing issues in the installation file. So, uninstalling it can resolve the error. If the File Explorer sidebar is missing on Windows 11, you may not gain access to This PC.

5. Uninstall the Babylon translation tool

Press Windows + R keys to open the Run window, type appwiz.cpl, and click OK.
Find the Babylon translation tool and click Uninstall.
Confirm your action and wait for it to complete. Then restart your PC.

Uninstalling the Babylon translation tool can fix the error. The Babylon translation tool is a common program that causes issues with Adobe. They conflict when they are installed together on the same PC.

Further, our readers can check our guide on how to fix Adobe Reader not installing on Windows 11.

In conclusion, these steps will help troubleshoot invalid plugin detected in Adobe Acrobat. Should you have more questions or suggestions, kindly drop them below.

KB5022914 is now available for Beta Channel Insiders

Posted on February 17, 2023October 4, 2023 by Alexandru Poloboc

After presenting the latest Dev Channel Insider build for Windows 11, the time has come to also look toward the Beta Channel.

Before we do, we want to remind you that there has recently been a Patch Tuesday update rollout that you might want to check out.

We provided all the information you need about these updates, even for obsolete OS versions such as Windows 7 or Windows 8.

There’s even a section about the Patch Tuesday security updates that Adobe released for its line of products, so be sure to check it out.

Circling back, let’s look at this most recent Beta build that Windows 11 Insiders have just received today from Microsoft.

What should I check out after installing KB5022914?

The Redmond-based tech colossus is running a bit late today, but it has now finally released the latest Windows 11 beta build (KB5022914) for Windows Insider users.

However, this time, the build numbers are 22621.1325 (with new features turned off) and 22623.1325 (with new features turned on by default).

Through this build. Microsoft is beginning to roll out support for new preview widgets for Messenger, Spotify, Phone Link, and Xbox (Game Pass) to Insiders in the Beta Channel.

If you are curious and want to give them a try, go to the widgets collection in the Microsoft Store and update to the latest version of the apps.

There is also a new policy that enables commercial customers to enable features introduced via servicing (outside of the annual feature update) that are off by default for devices that have their Windows updates managed.

Know that Windows update-managed devices are those that have their Windows updates managed via policy; whether via the cloud using Windows Update for Business or on-premises with Windows Server Update Services (WSUS).

Also, for devices that are Azure Active Directory (AAD) joined, the tech giant is personalizing the experience by delivering AI-powered recommended content within your Start menu.

Now, when you open the Start menu, you will find related content to help you prepare for upcoming meetings, quickly access files you’re collaborating on, and more.

AI-powered recommended content within your Start menu for AAD-joined devices.

This is what we are getting new in this Beta CHannel build. The rest of the changelog talks about fixes and known issues, as you are about to see.

Fixes in Build 22623.1325

[Taskbar & System Tray]

Fixed an issue that was causing taskbar to be cut off after resolution changes.

Fixes for BOTH Build 22621.1325 & Build 22623.1325

Fixed compatibility issues that affected some printers. Those printers used Windows Graphical Device Interface (GDI) printer drivers. Those drivers did not completely adhere to GDI specifications.
Fixed a reliability issue that occurred when you used Task View.
Fixed an issue that affected copying from a network to a local drive. Copying was slower than expected for some users.
Provided support for the United Mexican States’ daylight-saving time change order for 2023.
Fixed a date information issue. It affected the format of dates sent between Windows and some versions of the Heimdal Kerberos library.
Fixed an issue that affected provisioning packages. They failed to apply in certain circumstances when elevation was required.
Fixed an issue that affected which folders appeared in the Browse for Folder picker.
Fixed an issue that affected File Explorer. When you used Shift + Tab or Shift + F6, the input focus did not move.
Fixed an issue that affected the user interface (UI). The volume up and volume down commands from a Bluetooth keyboard did not display.
Improved the reliability of Windows after you installed an update.
Fixed an issue that might have affected lsass.exe. It might have stopped responding when it sent a Lightweight Directory Access Protocol (LDAP) query to a domain controller that had a very large LDAP filter.
Fixed an issue that affected Azure Active Directory (Azure AD). Using a provisioning package for bulk provisioning failed.
Fixed an issue that affected the software keyboard. It did not appear in the Out-of-Box Experience (OOBE) after a Push-button reset (factory reset). This type of reset required an external keyboard to be attached to provide credentials.
Fixed an issue that affected AppV. It stopped file names from having the correct letter case (uppercase or lowercase).
Fixed an issue that affected Universal Print’s Configuration Service Provider (CSP). A command prompt window appeared when you installed a printer.
Fixed an issue that might have affected the touch keyboard and the PIN entry keyboard. You might not have been able to use them to enter text when you signed in to your device.
Fixed an issue that displayed a blue screen during video playback. This occurred after you set high dynamic range (HDR) on your display.
Fixed an issue that affected parity virtual disks. Using Server Manager to create them failed
Fixed an issue that affected IE mode. The text on the status bar was not always visible.
Fixed an issue that affected the Color filters setting. When you selected Inverted, the system set it to Grayscale instead.
Fixed an issue that affected Microsoft Edge. The issue removed conflicting policies for Microsoft Edge. This occurred when you set the MDMWinsOverGPFlag in a Microsoft Intune tenant and Intune detected a policy conflict.
Fixed an issue that affected the Appx State Repository. When you removed a user profile, the cleanup was incomplete. Because of that, its database grew as time passes. This growth might have caused delays when users signed in to multi-user environments like FSLogix.

What can I do if I can’t install KB5022914?

Press Win+ I to access Settings.
Select the System category and click on Troubleshoot.
Press the Other troubleshooters button.
Press the Run button next to Windows Update.

Make sure to report any other issues you might come across, in order for Microsoft to address and improve the overall OS experience for us all.

This is everything you can expect if you are a Windows 11 Insider on the Beta Channel. Leave a comment below if you found any issues since installing this build.

An Account With the Same Name Exists: 3 Ways to Fix it

Posted on February 17, 2023March 29, 2024 by Henderson Jayden Harper

Many users reported An account with the same name exists in Active Directory error, and this can cause various issues login issues.

Luckily, there are several fixes available, so keep on reading to learn how to deal with this issue.

What can I do if an account with the same name exists in the Active Directory?

Before trying any advanced troubleshooting steps try running off all background apps on your computer. You can also try restarting Windows in Safe Mode.

1. Uninstall the KB5020276 Windows Update

Press Windows + I key to open the Settings app.
Navigate to the Windows Update tab and click on Update history.
Click the Uninstall updates button and select the KB5020276 update.
Click on Uninstall and wait while the process completes.
Restart your PC and try reusing the account to see if it creates another user in the Domain.

You can check our guide on uninstalling an update on Windows 11 if you can’t get through the steps above.

2. Remove the existing account and rejoin the Domain

Press Windows + I to open the Settings app.
Click on Accounts and navigate to Access work or school.
Beside the domain name, click the drop-down icon and press the Disconnect button.
Press Yes or Disconnect to confirm and follow the on-screen prompts to complete the process.
Repeat steps 1 & 2, then click on the Connect button.
Click the Join this device to a local Active Directory domain link.
Type in the domain name given by your network administrator when prompted to and seek for necessary permissions to the account.
On the Add an account page, click the Skip button.
Click on Restart now when instructed to restart your PC.
On the Login screen, input the DOMAIN\username or the User Principal Name, then go to Account Settings to check if the account has been added.

Read our guide on what to do if the join domain option is missing on Windows 11.

3. Run System Restore

Left-click the Start button, type Restore, and click on Create a Restore Point.
Navigate to the System Protection tab, and then select System Restore.
Choose a different system restore and click Next to select a specific Restore Point.
Select the last time you were able to perform the account reuse on your PC and click Next.
Click the Finish button.

System Restore backdates your PC to the last time it functioned when adding an account. Check how to fix Restore Point if it’s not working and if you have any issues running it.

If you want to try another method, you can opt for an automated repair tool to scan your PC for corrupt or missing files and locate healthy replacements automatically from its vault.

Can I create two users with the same name in the Active Directory?

Regular users can’t create two users with the same name, while Administrators can reuse an existing computer account in the Active Directory if it has the active roles proxy account as the computer creator.

It allows you to create another user with an existing computer account on a Domain.

We hope that our solutions helped you deal with An account with the same name that exists in the Active Directory issue, and now everything is back to normal.

Conclusively, read our guide on enabling Active Directory users and computers in Windows 11. Also, our readers can check how to install Active Directory on Windows Server.

Many also reported that Active Directory users and computers are missing but we covered that in another guide. Speaking of which, we also have a great article on how to set permissions for users in Active Directory, so don’t miss it.

If you have any other questions or know other solutions to this problem, feel free to let us know in the comments section below.

You can now open Outlook and Edge without switching apps

Posted on February 17, 2023February 17, 2023 by Rafly Gilang

Are you a Windows 11 user with high mobility and a knack for multitasking? If so, you’re in for an exciting update.

Microsoft is set to roll out an update that allows users to open their Outlook email app and Edge browser at the same time without having to switch windows for Microsoft 365 Personal and Family plan subscribers.

That means, you can now open links from email on Edge along with the original message in the browser’s sidebar pane, letting you access all the information within the same window.

“Why are we making this change? To improve the user experience between email and browsing, by letting you see them both at the same time, in the same place—no more switching back and forth between apps.”

Are Outlook and Edge the only apps to have this multitasking integration?

The good answer is no. In the future, Microsoft also promises that the update will be applied to Teams. From then onwards, you can open links from your Teams’ conversations on Edge in a single view that helps you engage better in the topic.

It’s not too big of an update—after all, you can still resize the windows however you want and keep all of them displayed at the same time— but still, it’s a thoughtful step forward to let users multitask smarter with less disruption.

“You can choose to open browser links from the Outlook app in Microsoft Edge right alongside the email they’re from in the Edge sidebar pane, so you can easily access, read, and respond to the message using your matching authenticated profile. No disruptive switching—just your email and the web content you need to reference, in a single, side-by-side view.”

Do you multitask a lot with Edge and Outlook? Let us know in the comments!

KB5022906 for Windows 10 fixes OneDrive and Edge issues

Posted on February 17, 2023February 17, 2023 by Alexandru Poloboc

We’ve just had a Patch Tuesday rollout days ago and everyone thought Microsoft would ease off a bit and not release any other patches.

No such thing actually, as the Redmond-based tech giant is actually gearing up to release more helpful patches and correct past mistakes.

Speaking of Patch Tuesday, make sure to also check out the security patches released for obsolete OS versions such as Windows 7 and 8.

Microsoft also acknowledged that there is a WSUS problem that leads to failing Windows 11 Patch Tuesday updates for some.

Let’s take a look at this cumulative update for Windows 10 and see what Microsoft needed to fix in such an absolute hurry.

Full list of fixes for Windows 10 users through KB5022906

As you know, it has been a little while, but today Microsoft has released a new build to Windows 10 version 22H2 Insiders who are on the Release Preview channel.

You should keep in mind that build 19045.2670 (KB5022906) brings changes to the taskbar search, fixes some important bugs, and more.

We’re about to get into this changelog right now and discover what exactly the problems were, so we no longer have to worry about them.

Fixes

Fixed an issue that stopped hyperlinks from working in Microsoft Excel.
Fixed an issue that affected the Appx State Repository. When you removed a user profile, the cleanup was incomplete. Because of that, its database grew as time passes. This growth might have caused delays when users signed into multi-user environments like FSLogix.
Provided support for the United Mexican States’ daylight-saving time change order for 2023.
Fixed a resource conflict issue between two or more threads (known as a deadlock). This deadlock affected COM+ applications.
Fixed an issue that affected IE mode. The text on the status bar was not always visible.
Fixed an issue that affected cbs.log. This issue logged messages that were not error messages in cbs.log.
Improved how the Remove-Item cmdlet worked for Microsoft OneDrive folders.
Fixed an issue that affected AppV. It stopped file names from having the correct letter case (uppercase or lowercase).
Fixed an issue that affected Microsoft Edge. The issue removed conflicting policies for Microsoft Edge. This occurred when you set the MDMWinsOverGPFlag in a Microsoft Intune tenant and Intune detected a policy conflict.
Fixed an issue that affected Azure Active Directory (Azure AD). Using a provisioning package for bulk provisioning failed.
Fixed an issue that affected a certain streaming app. The issue stopped video playback after an advertisement played in the app.
Fixed an issue that affected MSInfo.exe. It did not correctly report the enforcement status of the Windows Defender Application Control (WDAC) user mode policy.
Fixed accessibility issues. They affected Narrator on the Settings home page.
Fixed an issue that affected the Local Security Authority Subsystem Service (LSASS). LSASS might have stopped responding after you ran Sysprep on a domain-joined machine.
Fixed an issue that affected virtual machines (VM). They stopped responding when you added a new disk to a storage pool in thin provisioning scenarios.

There are absolutely no known issues whatsoever with this recent build, so you don’t have to worry about it at all.

If you aren’t caught up with the latest news from Redmond, know that Microsoft is going to soon retire the MSDT function from the Windows OS.

Also, the Redmond tech company no longer supports Internet Explorer, the popular browser back in the day, so we recommend you use another browser.

Have you found any other issues after installing this brand new cumulative update to your Windows 10 PC? Sjare your experience with us in the comments section below.

How to use the new Xbox Game Pass widget in Windows 11

Posted on February 17, 2023September 29, 2025 by Rafly Gilang

Microsoft’s latest Insider Preview Build 22623 for Windows 11 is now live on the Beta Channel. The update comes with dozens of fixes and tryouts for new features, including enriching the widget board with an addition of the Xbox Game Pass.

Not only that, but Messenger, Spotify, and Phone Link are also being introduced for Insiders. Those who are on Build 22622 are getting an automatic migration to 22623 with the enablement package master switch.

“As you give these and other new widgets a try, please let us know what you think through the Widgets feedback link in the widgets picker. You should expect to see additional new widgets as more developers create and release widgets for their apps.”

Additionally, several improvements for the Start menu for AAD-powered devices and more are also in the pipeline. Follow along to find out what fixes are coming with this Build.

What other features are coming with Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 22623?

[Start menu]

For devices that are Azure Active Directory (AAD) joined, we are personalizing your experience by delivering AI-powered recommended content within your Start menu. When you open the Start menu, you will find related content to help you prepare for upcoming meetings, quickly access files you’re collaborating on, and more.

[Fixes in Build 22623]

Fixed an issue that was causing taskbar to be cut off after resolution changes.
We fixed compatibility issues that affected some printers. Those printers used Windows Graphical Device Interface (GDI) printer drivers. Those drivers did not completely adhere to GDI specifications.
We fixed a reliability issue that occurred when you used Task View.
We fixed an issue that affected copying from a network to a local drive. Copying was slower than expected for some users.
We provided support for the United Mexican States’ daylight-saving time change order for 2023.
We fixed a date information issue. It affected the format of dates sent between Windows and some versions of the Heimdal Kerberos library.
We fixed an issue that affected provisioning packages. They failed to apply in certain circumstances when elevation was required.
We fixed an issue that affected which folders appeared in the Browse for Folder picker.
We fixed an issue that affected File Explorer. When you used Shift + Tab or Shift + F6, the input focus did not move.
We fixed an issue that affected the user interface (UI). The volume up and volume down commands from a Bluetooth keyboard did not display.
We improved the reliability of Windows after you installed an update.
We fixed an issue that might have affected lsass.exe. It might have stopped responding when it sent a Lightweight Directory Access Protocol (LDAP) query to a domain controller that had a very large LDAP filter.
We fixed an issue that affected Azure Active Directory (Azure AD). Using a provisioning package for bulk provisioning failed.
We fixed an issue that affected the software keyboard. It did not appear in the Out-of-Box Experience (OOBE) after a Push-button reset (factory reset). This type of reset required an external keyboard to be attached to provide credentials.
We fixed an issue that affected AppV. It stopped file names from having the correct letter case (uppercase or lowercase).
We fixed an issue that affected Universal Print’s Configuration Service Provider (CSP). A command prompt window appeared when you installed a printer.
We fixed an issue that might have affected the touch keyboard and the PIN entry keyboard. You might not have been able to use them to enter text when you signed in to your device.
We fixed an issue that displayed a blue screen during video playback. This occurred after you set high dynamic range (HDR) on your display.
We fixed an issue that affected parity virtual disks. Using Server Manager to create them failed
We fixed an issue that affected IE mode. The text on the status bar was not always visible.
We fixed an issue that affected the Color filters setting. When you selected Inverted, the system set it to Grayscale instead.
We fixed an issue that affected Microsoft Edge. The issue removed conflicting policies for Microsoft Edge. This occurred when you set the MDMWinsOverGPFlag in a Microsoft Intune tenant and Intune detected a policy conflict.
We fixed an issue that affected the Appx State Repository. When you removed a user profile, the cleanup was incomplete. Because of that, its database grew as time passes. This growth might have caused delays when users signed in to multi-user environments like FSLogix.

How to use the new Xbox widget on Windows 11.

1. On your keyboard, press ?+W to open your widgets board.

2. Click on +

3. You should be able to see the new Xbox Game Pass, Spotify, Messenger, and Phone Link widgets to add.

If you’re not on the Insiders Program, however, you will not be able to see this feature, as it’s still being tested on several select users. You can always opt to join the Windows Insiders Program and leave whenever you want.

Tried Game Pass from the new widget and want to stop charges? Follow our guide to cancel Xbox Game Pass quickly and keep your saves.

Are you excited about this update? Let us know in the comments!

How to Fix Vgk.sys Blue Screen When Playing Valorant

Posted on February 17, 2023October 2, 2024 by Henderson Jayden Harper

Vgk.sys blue screen appears when trying to start the game. It’s associated with the Vanguard security software as well as recent hardware changes, especially CPU.

Before trying anything, ensure that your game client and Vanguard software are updated. Also, disable or turn off any other anti-cheat software before starting the game.

How can I fix vgk.sys blue screen in Valorant?

1. Uninstall Corsair Unity Engine

Right-click the Start Menu and choose Apps and Features.
Locate Corsair Unity Engine on the list.
Click on the three dots next to it and choose Uninstall.
Follow the instructions on the screen.

You might have to remove all files and folders associated with this software to fix this error, especially because CorsairVBusDriver.sys seems to be the culprit.

Some users reported that reinstalling Vanguard using the same methods can help; you can try that as well.

2. Disable the Memory Integrity feature

Press the Windows key + S and enter security. Choose Windows Security from the list of results.
Next, select Device security and click on Core isolation details.
Locate Memory integrity feature and turn it off.
After doing that, restart your device.

In addition to this feature, you need to disable virtualization in BIOS. On AMD machines, it’s usually called SVM. Check your manual for detailed instructions.

3. Reinstall Valorant and Vanguard

Go to Settings and select Apps.
Locate Valorant in the list of apps and click on Uninstall.
Locate Vanguard and do the same.
Go to the Download Section on the Valorant website and hit the Download button.
Run the installer file. It will install both Valorant and Vanguard on your PC.

Reinstalling can help get rid of corrupt game files. It can also help if the underlying issue is caused by corruption of the Vanguard software – which you cannot download separately as a standalone software.

Can Vanguard cause BSoD?

Yes, this software can sometimes cause BSOD. If you don’t use it, it you might want to disable it or remove it.

Also, we receive reports about the Valorant game not working on Windows 11, but our guide will help you fix this issue. For additional errors, check our Valorant VAN9003 error: Step-by-step solutions for Windows 11 guide.

Further, our readers may be interested in our guide on Valorant Win64 shipping exe error and some fixes to resolve it. Also, you can read about what to do if Valorant is not updating and launching your game on Windows 11.

Some users reported that the vgk.sys error also comes with the SYSTEM THREAD EXCEPTION NOT HANDLED BSoD. Click the highlighted link for a guide to fix it if you have the same issue.

In conclusion, Vgk.sys blue screen in Valorant can be fixed by following all the solutions outlined in this guide. Do not hesitate to leave your questions or suggestions in the comments section.

5 Best YouTube Apps for Windows 11: Free & Paid Options

Posted on February 17, 2023November 10, 2025 by Henderson Jayden Harper

YouTube is one of the best platforms for streaming and watching random video content. It’s been around for a long time, but Google has yet to release an official Windows YouTube app for the Microsoft Store. However, this guide will discuss the best YouTube apps for Windows 11 that you can download.

Which are the best YouTube Apps for Windows 11?

Which are the best YouTube Apps for Windows 11?

YouPlay – Genre categorization

YouPlay is the first YouTube app on our list because it is fast and efficient. Its many features set it above other dedicated YouTube apps.

Also, it is suitable for Windows 11 and is available for almost any system specifications. One of the most outstanding features of YouPlay is that it doesn’t have any ads and allows you to watch the content without interruptions.

Pros:

Easy to use and doesn’t require technicalities to navigate
It has an in-built audio and video player
Daily content update with genre categorization
Location-specific YouTube charts and see content from the region

Cons:

Video download is not supported

⇒ Get YouPlay

ATube – 4K and HD support

ATube is a free substitute app for YouTube, specifically for Windows 10 and 11. It offers the best video-watching experience through its beautiful and interactive Users Interface (UI).

Also, it allows users to sign into their YouTube accounts, manage their subscriptions, upload videos on their channels, and watch videos.

It supports 2160p (4K) and 1080p with 60 FPS videos. Also, it allows you to switch to HD video quality depending on your needs.

Pros:

Like, dislike, comment, and interact with the videos
User-friendly and ads-free streaming service
Supports 4K and HD video streaming

Cons:

Only one option for the display theme
You can’t download videos to watch offline

⇒ Get ATube

VidTuber – Offline download support

VidTuber is a YouTube app with a 4-star+ user rating. It is one of the most interactive apps for watching YouTube videos and has many features users can enjoy. It has an easy-to-use User Interface (UI) to browse popular and trending YouTube videos.

You may sign into your YouTube account, use and manage your YouTube subscriptions, upload videos on your channels, and watch videos.

Also, it allows video conversion from YouTube to MP3 and listening to them offline. In addition, you can also watch and download movies on your PC.

Pros:

Supports offline download
Youtube video conversion to an MP3 feature
Access to your Youtube account to manage activities

Cons:

The user interface is too basic and may be horrible to stare at for long hours
Some users report constant issues with bugs

⇒ Get VidTuber

FizzTube – Great for low-end PCs

FizzTube is a free-to-use video & music player for Windows 11. Moreover, it is one of the best substitutes for the YouTube app and allows access to millions of free YouTube videos across the globe.

Further, it has features like an interactive User Interface, easy-to-navigate buttons, well-partitioned pages, and ad-free video streaming.

Like in YouTube, you may watch your favorite videos, like, dislike, and comment on trending posts.

Pros:

Offers a quick search feature for easier access to content
Suitable for low-end PCs due to fewer data and resource consumption
Provides an ad-free video streaming

Cons:

Doesn’t support video download for offline viewing

⇒ Get FizzTube

myTube – Constant updates

myTube has an impressively advanced but easy-to-use user interface and a user-friendly theme. Also, you can log into your YouTube accounts and upload videos to your channels.

Amongst its multiple features, you can watch any YouTube videos in all possible resolutions for the best user experience. Also, it stores watch history and allows bookmarking videos in the app to watch later.

Pros:

Supports video streaming across all video qualities
Allows access to use your YouTube channel
Stores your streaming data and history
Constantly being updated by developers

Cons:

Too many ads interrupt the app

⇒ Get myTube

What are the benefits of using a dedicated YouTube App on Windows 11?

Using a dedicated YouTube App on Windows 11 instead of accessing YouTube via a browser has many benefits. Some are:

You can download it on your PC and watch videos directly through the app.
It mostly comes with a free-use policy, meaning most dedicated apps are without subscriptions.
Save videos to watch later and like and comment on other content on the app.
Some apps allow you to download videos online or on your local disk.
Lesser risk of online threats as many users have fallen victim to hackers and intruders through their browsers.

How do I choose the best YouTube App for me?

Different apps have various distinct features that set them apart. Hence, consider the following to choose the best YouTube app for you:

Check if the app is available on the Windows Store for security purposes.
If you want to build your YouTube channels, check if the app allows you to upload content.
For children, look out for a YouTube app with a simple user interface and parenting control functions.
If you want offline access to your YouTube videos, choose an app with the downloadable video option but watch out for the not enough storage issue.

Further, you may be interested in our guide about the best YouTube live-streaming software for Windows 11.

More so, we have a detailed guide on the best YouTube intro maker software for video content creators.

Likewise, you can review our article about the best free video editor software for Windows 11. We also have a guide on how to download the YouTube app for PC, so check it out if you want to use official software.

For a complete solution that helps you download and manage videos directly on your PC, take a look at this comprehensive iTubeGo YouTube Downloader guide.

In conclusion, these are our top picks for the best YouTube apps for Windows 11. If you have questions about our recommendations, kindly drop them in the comments section.

Microsoft is demoing AI in Minecraft that will build player’s ideas for them

Posted on February 17, 2023 by Robert Collins

Microsoft has produced an internal demo of Minecraft which allows players to direct the game using the power of AI rather than manually playing it, according to a report by Semafor.

Scoop: Microsoft has an internal Minecraft demo where, instead of manually mining/building, etc., you can describe your vision to an AI (like a ChatGPT prompt) and watch your creation come to life. More details here. https://t.co/WHLKS9DGNQ

— Reed Albergotti (@ReedAlbergotti) February 17, 2023

Apparently, in this version of Minecraft players can tell the game what to do via text prompts. However, this doesn’t seem to use the Prometheus model behind Bing’s new AI chat search.

You may recall that the Elon Musk-founded OpenAI—which has been very much in the headlines lately as the company behind ChatGPT—announced last year that its researchers had “taught” an AI model to play Minecraft by feeding it 70,000 hours worth of Minecraft videos.

The Semafor report says that Microsoft currently has no plans to bring AI implementation to the public retail version of Minecraft. However it does beg the question of what AI could mean for gaming in the future. Case in point: at the Game Developer’s Conference in March Sfefano Corazza, Head of Roblox Studio is scheduled to give a talk discussing “Advancing Content Creation with Generative AI.”

SharePoint Export to Excel Not Working: 2 Quick Tips

Posted on February 17, 2023October 4, 2023 by Henderson Jayden Harper

SharePoint is a web-based collaboration platform for managing documents and is also used to build an organization’s intranet, etc. However, users report the SharePoint export to Excel is not working, making it difficult to send out documents or items from SharePoint.

Why should you want to export SharePoint data to Excel?

SharePoint has many features that make it convenient to navigate and use. One of the most notable features is that SharePoint allows users to export and share their document libraries.

Furthermore, due to the recent updates on SharePoint, moving list libraries have become accessible and more intriguing. Some data you can export from SharePoint to Microsoft Excel are: a list created from a template, any app created that’s a list and Metadata in document libraries.

However, the main reason for exporting SharePoint list items to Microsoft Excel is to work with the data in a workbook. But when the export SharePoint list to Excel is not working, you have a problem.

Other readers complained that the SharePoint 2016 export to excel is not working in Chrome. That means you’re unable to export to Excel from SharePoint online.

There are even readers who say that SharePoint export to Excel is missing altogether, but we will help you fix all that.

Why am I unable to export to Excel from SharePoint?

Using the Export to Excel button in SharePoint can sometimes run into an error stating that an unexpected error occurred. Changes to your data cannot be saved. It can occur for the following reasons:

Timeout of this client is exceeded – Excel has a 55-second timeout when importing data from SharePoint. So, you may be unable to export from SharePoint to Excel or run into errors if the timeout of this client is exceeded.
Issues with the browser – Since you’re using SharePoint online, you can run into errors exporting to Excel using a non-32-bit browser.

Other factors may be responsible for the error on your PC. Hence, we’ll take you through some troubleshooting tips for fixing the issue.

What can I do if SharePoint cannot export to Excel?

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

Fix network congestion on your PC.
Stop any download process on your browser.
Switch the browser for SharePoint. We recommend switching to a 32-bit version of Internet Explorer. It is the best browser to use SharePoint with, and it supports ActiveX controls, which aid the smooth use of SharePoint.

If the SharePoint export error persists, follow the solutions below to fix this issue completely.

1. Increase the default Excel timeout value by using a Registry key

Press Windows + R key to open the Run dialog box, type regedit, and click OK to open Registry Editor.
Click Yes if prompted by UAC.
Copy and paste the following registry path: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Office\ClickToRun\REGISTRY\MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Office\16.0\Access Connectivity Engine\Engines
Go to the Edit menu, click on New, and select DWORD Value.
Type DataFetchTimeout and press Enter. Right-click the DataFetchTimeout entry, then select Modify from the drop-down.
Select Decimal for Base, type 90000 in the Value data box, then click OK.
Close the Registry Editor and restart the export process.

Increasing the default Excel timeout value gives the export process more time to execute. This solution will also help you if Sharepoint export to Excel 2013 is not working.

Read how to fix error accessing the Registry if you run into problems using the Registry Editor.

2. Sign out and sign in to Excel

Open Excel on your PC, click the Account link, and click on Sign out at the top of the screen.
Exit the Excel app.
Navigate to your SharePoint list and click the Export to Excel button.
Launching Excel should prompt you to sign in with an account and enter your login credentials.

Signing back into Excel will prompt the list data to load and display in Excel.

Another issue users complain about is SharePoint not opening Excel or Word documents for some reason.

Alternatively, our readers can check our guide on how to fix Excel’s sharing violation error with these easy fixes. Also, we have a detailed article about a problem connecting to the server error preventing the Excel spreadsheet from being imported.

In conclusion, this guide should help you troubleshoot the SharePoint export to Excel not working problem. If you have further questions or suggestions, kindly use the comments section.

NetSupport Your Demonstration Period Has Expired: 5 Easy Fixes

Posted on February 17, 2023October 4, 2023 by Henderson Jayden Harper

Unknown programs and files often find their way into the system, causing issues with how the computer works.

These unwanted programs can start during boot, resulting in the NetSupport Your demonstration period has expired error.

What does NetSupport your demonstration period has expired mean?

Windows users complain about running into the NetSupport: your demonstration period has expired error message when they start their PC. A startup program on your PC prompts the error message.

Furthermore, there is no particular cause for the error message as it is not linked to any app or service. Hence, it may be that the error is due to corrupt system files on the computer. They can impede the computer’s performance, causing it to run into errors.

Also, the error may occur due to a malfunctioning component of an installed app on the PC. However, users can fix the error by troubleshooting their PC.

How do I fix NetSupport Your demonstration period has expired?

We recommend you apply the following preliminary checks:

Uninstall recently installed apps on your PC.
Disable third-party antivirus software temporarily to see if it changes the situation.
Restart your PC and check if the error message pops up.

If the error persists, proceed with the following solutions to fix this problem quickly.

1. Restart Windows in Safe Mode

Press Windows + I key to launch the Settings app.
Click on System and choose Recovery from the right pane.
Go to Advanced Startup, then click Restart now.
Windows will automatically restart into System Recovery, then click on Troubleshoot.
Select Advanced Options and click on the Startup Settings option.
Press the F4 key to enter Safe Mode and click Restart.

Restarting Windows in Safe Mode will minimize the number of programs that start when the system boots. It can stop the error from occurring when logging in.

Read our guide on how to fix the Safe Mode not working on Windows 11 if you run into trouble with this solution.

2. Run an SFC scan

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

An SFC scan will detect corrupt system files that can prevent the user profile from loading. You can check how to fix the run-as-administrator option if it’s not working on your PC.

3. Rename the svrwebui.exe file

Press Windows + E to launch File Explorer.
Navigate to the following path: C:\ProgramData\regid.1993-06.com.microsoft
Right-click on the svrwebui.exe executable file, then select the Rename option from the drop-down.
Type svrwebui.exe~~~ and press OK to save it.
Restart your PC and check if the NetSupport error persists.

Renaming the svrwebui.exe executable file on your PC will prevent the services dependent upon it from running when you boot your system.

4. Enable Real-time protection in Windows Defender

Left-click the Start button, type Windows Security, then click Enter.
Select Virus & Threat Protection from the menu and click on the Scan options.
Select Full scan to initiate an extensive scan, then click the Scan now button.
Wait while the scan completes, then navigate to the Virus & threat protection option.
Click on Manage settings and toggle on the Real-time protection option to enable the Windows Defender Antivirus.

The Full scan will detect and remove any malicious activity on your PC. Also, the Real-Time protection feature will prevent further attacks on your PC.

Read how to fix the Windows Virus and threat protection not working on Windows 11 if you have issues using it.

Unfortunately, sometimes, a Windows Defender scan will not be very effective, so if you still have issues, get a better third-party antivirus and run a full scan.

5. Disable non-Microsoft Startup Programs

Press Windows + I to launch the Windows Settings app.
Click on Apps from the right pane and select the Startup navigation option.
Toggle off the switch next to any programs not associated with Microsoft to disable the startup apps.
Close the Settings app and restart your PC to check if NetSupport persists.

Disabling non-Microsoft startup programs will prevent third-party apps from running when you boot your PC.

In addition, our readers may be interested in the trial period for this app has expired error in Windows and some fixes.

If you have further questions or suggestions on fixing NetSupport, your demonstration period has expired error, kindly use the comments section.

F8 Not Working on Windows: How to Fix It

Posted on February 17, 2023October 24, 2025 by Henderson Jayden Harper

Windows computers have many issues affecting their performance, and one of the most effective fixes is restarting Windows in Safe Mode.

However, F8 not working on Windows prevents users from using the function key for booting into Safe Mode.

How do I get F8 to work?
- Re-enable F8 via the Boot Configuration Data (BCD) Edit command
How can I get into Safe Mode in Windows 10 with the F8 key not working?

How do I get F8 to work?

Re-enable F8 via the Boot Configuration Data (BCD) Edit command

Left-click the Start button, type Command Prompt, and click Run as administrator.
Click Yes on the User Account Control prompt.
Type the following commands and press Enter: bcdedit /set {default} bootmenupolicy legacy
Wait for the operation to complete, then restart your PC.
Press F8 to access Advanced Boot Options before the Windows logo appears, select Safe Mode, then press Enter.

Reactivating F8 by running the above command will allow you to access the F8 boot menus functionality and get across the system’s disabilities.

If you encounter an issue with PC automatically starting in Safe Mode after the above steps, check our guide for fixes.

How can I get into Safe Mode in Windows 10 with the F8 key not working?

1. Enter Safe Mode from the Start menu

Press Windows + I key to open the Settings app.
Click on Update & Security.
On the left pane, click Recovery, go to Advanced Startup, then click Restart now.
Windows will automatically restart into the Choose an option window, then click on Troubleshoot.
Click Advanced Options and click on the Startup Settings option.
Press the F4 key to enter Safe Mode and click Restart.

The above steps will help restart windows in Safe Mode when the F8 key is not working. The Recovery menu houses the functions for troubleshooting the system. Read our guide on how to fix the Safe Mode not working on Windows 11.

2. Enter Safe Mode by System configuration

Press Windows + R key to open the Run dialog box, type msconfig, then press Enter to open the System Configuration menu.
Click on the Boot tab, go to Boot options, and check the box for Safe boot, tick the radio button for Minimal.
Click Apply, then OK, and Windows will restart in Safe Mode using the configuration you set.

Tweaking the System Configuration affects the whole process it initiates. So, you can start Windows in Safe Mode by editing the System Configuration to fit your preferences.

3. Enter Safe Mode via the Boot Recovery mechanism

NOTE

This procedure is best suited when Windows is stuck on boot or can’t boot normally. So, you can boot into Safe Mode via the Automatic Repair menu.

Hold down the Power button until the computer goes off.
Repeat step 1 about two or three times to prompt the Boot recovery mechanism. The Preparing Automatic Repair screen should appear.
The Automatic Repair couldn’t repair your PC message should appear, then click on Advanced options.
Windows will automatically restart into the Choose an option page, then click on Troubleshoot.
Select Advanced Options and click on the Startup Settings option.
Press the F4 button to Enable Safe Mode and click Restart.

Why is F8 not working in Windows 10?

Safe Mode is an integral part of the Windows operating system. It is efficient for starting the operating system in a safe environment that allows a minimal number of apps to run on boot. Hence, it prevents disturbing programs from starting on your PC.

However, Microsoft thought the F8 method of running Windows in Safe Mode became useless since the introduction of Windows 10. They said Windows 10 and other recent versions don’t need the F8 Safe Mode because they load incredibly fast.

Nevertheless, there are numerous options that Microsoft has provided that you can follow to help start Windows in Safe Mode. Likewise, there are some fixes you can navigate to fix the F8 not working on Windows 10.

The Boot Recovery mechanism provides Windows with an option to repair the boot issues, prompting the to troubleshoot into Safe Mode.

FAQs

Why is F8 not working on Windows?

Windows 10 and 11 start up too quickly for the F8 key to open the Advanced Boot Options menu, as this feature is disabled by default.

How can I enable F8 for Safe Mode again?

You can turn it back on by opening Command Prompt as an administrator and entering the command to set the boot menu policy to legacy mode.

Can I access Safe Mode without F8?

Yes, open Settings, go to System, then Recovery, and under Advanced startup select Restart now to access recovery options.

Is there a way to fix F8 not responding at startup?

Try using a wired keyboard or check your BIOS settings to make sure USB keyboard support and function keys are enabled.

There are other ways to start Windows in Safe Mode that you can try. Nonetheless, you don’t need to try all the procedures; try one and see if it works.

Laptop keyboards can add extra layers that block F8; try this guide on function keys not working on Windows 10 laptop to fix the problem.

This guide on how to enable F8 for Safe Mode will also work on Windows 11 as well, so it’s worth trying.

Also, users complain about Safe Mode crashes in their PC that’s been frequent lately on Windows 10.

Alternatively, our readers can check our guide on how to lock and unlock the Function keys on Windows 10. Likewise, we have a detailed guide on installing Windows updates in Safe Mode.

In conclusion, feel free to tell us which of these steps worked as an alternative to enable Safe Mode when F8 is not working.

Microsoft is meeting with advertisers over Bing Chat ad plans

Posted on February 17, 2023 by Kip Kniskern

In an exclusive post on Reuters, the news service is reporting that Microsoft has begun meeting with major advertisers to pitch plans to “allow paid links within responses to search results.”

The (major advertising) company said it is taking traditional search ads, in which brands pay to have their websites or products appear on search results for keywords related to their business, and inserting them into responses generated by the Bing chatbot, the ad executive said.

…

Microsoft is also planning another ad format within the chatbot that will be geared toward advertisers in specific industries. For example, when a user asks the new AI-powered Bing “what are the best hotels in Mexico?”, hotel ads could pop up, according to the ad executive.

Media agency Horizon Media, who also have received a demo of the new Bing, said that the links at the bottom of Bing Chat responses could be another place for ads, according to Horizon CVP Michael Cohen to Reuters:

“They seem intent on starting off immediately with paid ads integrated,” Cohen said, adding that Microsoft said more information about the strategy could come in early March.

During the initial media event, Microsoft CVP told reporters that ads would be there “from the start,” so it’s not surprising that the company is moving forward with monetization plans, but it’s been unclear just how ads in the new Bing would work, but that picture is becoming clearer as Microsoft pitches ad companies.

Windows 11 Switch User is Missing: 4 Ways to Enable It

Posted on February 17, 2023September 16, 2025 by Claire Moraa

Some users have reported that Windows 11 Switch User feature is missing from the login screen. If there is no Switch User option in Windows 11, that is usually because of improperly configured user accounts or a corrupt user profile. Before trying the solutions below, ensure you’re using a legitimate v e rsion of Windows and check if you’re using a trial version, because that would prevent you from accessing this tool.

How do I enable the Switch user option in Windows 11?

1. Create another user account

Hit the Windows keys and click on Settings.
Click on Accounts on the left pane then select Family & other users.
Select Add account.
Follow the on-screen prompts to create a user account, then try switching users again.

In case you’re unable to add another user account, check out our helpful guide to bypass this restriction.

A professional repair software can also help solve the operating system errors and missing files much faster and more safely.

2. Enable the user account

Hit the Windows + R keys to open the Run command.
Type lusrmgr.msc in the dialog box and hit Enter to open the Local users and groups console.
Click on Users on the left pane, then select the user you want to switch to in the right pane.
Right-click on the user and select Properties.
Navigate to the General tab and ensure the Account is disabled option is unchecked.
Click on Apply and OK to save changes.

3. Enable fast user switching

Hit the Windows + R keys to open the Run command.
Type regedit in the dialog box and hit Enter to open the Registry Editor.
Navigate to the following location: HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\System
Click on System but if it’s missing, right-click on Policies and select New Key then rename it as so.
Now go to the right pane, right-click on an empty space and select New DWORD (32-bit) Value then rename it as HideFastUserSwitching.
Double-click on it, set the Value data to 0 and press OK.

We also must remind you that if you’re not familiar with the registry and don’t know what you’re doing, you could permanently damage your computer.

You can easily delete a registry key or value that causes problems for your computer, or you may inadvertently change a setting that prevents the operating system from starting properly.

If you make changes to the registry, it’s a good idea to create a restore point before you start. A restore point is an image of your system at a specific time that you can revert back to if things go wrong.

4. Restore Local security policy settings

Hit the Windows key, type cmd in the search bar and click Run as administrator.
Type the following command and press Enter: secedit /configure /cfg %windir%\inf\defltbase.inf /db defltbase.sdb /verbose

Before you choose this solution, remember that resetting the Local security policy will erase all standard user accounts, and you’ll be left with only the administrator account. Therefore, if you have any unsaved work or files that could get lost, this is not your option.

If the Switch user option is missing from your lock screen, it may be because of one of the following reasons:

Incorrect configurations – Some user accounts may be improperly configured and hence won’t appear on the login screen.
Corrupt user profile – If your current user profile has become corrupted somehow, you may be unable to access some features.
A glitch in the system – Sometimes Windows undergoes random glitches, which usually resolve themselves after a few moments. If you can’t switch users in Windows 11, you may have to wait it out.
Disabled/missing account – The account that you want to switch to may also be disabled or even missing entirely from the computer.
Outdated OS version – It’s possible that an update or lack of has caused this issue with the Switch User option missing in Windows 11.

Hopefully, one of these methods has helped you bring the switch user option back if it was missing in your Windows 11. You may also be interested in enabling/disabling password expiration, so be sure to check out our detailed article on how to go about it.

If your user account has expired, we show you how to get it back in a few easy steps. To learn more about user accounts, we have a great guide on how to switch users on Windows 10, so be sure not to miss it.

Share with us what method worked for you in the comment section below.

How to Enable S3 Sleep on Windows 11? Use These 3 Methods

Posted on February 17, 2023January 15, 2024 by Henderson Jayden Harper

Newer computers use a different sleep feature called Modern Standby, and many users aren’t pleased with it, so they are wondering how to enable S3 to sleep again.

This can be a challenge, depending on your hardware, and in today’s guide, we will show you a couple of methods you can use to do this.

How does S3 sleep work?

S3 sleep turns off most components to save power, but it keeps the data in RAM. This lets users quickly boot the PC and continue where they left off.

How do I enable the S3 sleep state on Windows 11?

1. Use a Registry script

Press Windows + R key to open the Run dialog box, type notepad, and click OK to open a new Notepad file.
Copy and paste the following script into the notepad file: Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00 [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Power] "PlatformAoAcOverride"=dword:00000000
Click on File in the top-left corner and select Save As.
Enter the file name as Disable_Modern_Standby.reg, click the Save as type drop-down, select All files, and click Save to save the registry file.
Double-click on the Disable_Modern_Standby.reg file and click Yes when UAC prompts.
Restart your PC to apply the changes.

2. Use Command Prompt

Left-click the Start button, type Command Prompt, and click Run as administrator.
Click Yes on the User Account Control prompt.
Type the following commands and press Enter: reg add HKLM\System\CurrentControlSet\Control\Power /v PlatformAoAcOverride /t REG_DWORD /d 0
Close the Command Prompt and restart your PC to apply the changes.

The Command Prompt uses the reg commands to modify the Windows registry, disabling the Modern Standby.

3. Via the Registry Editor

Press the Windows + R key to open the Run dialog box, type regedit, and click OK to open Registry Editor.
Click Yes if prompted by UAC.
Copy and paste the following registry path: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Power
Right-click on the Power entry, select New, and choose DWORD (32-bit) Value from the drop-down, then input PlatformAoAcOverride as the Value name.
Right-click on the PlatformAoAcOverride value and select Modify. Type 0 in the value data field and click OK.
Close the Registry Editor and restart your PC to apply the changes.

By performing these steps, the Modern Standby will be disabled, and S3 sleep should be automatically enabled.

NOTE

Most modern laptops don’t support S3 sleep, so even if you disable Modern Sleep, S3 sleep might not be able to work.

How can I check my PC’s sleep state?

Press the Windows + X key to open the Quick Link menu, then click on Windows Terminal (Admin).
Type the following command and press Enter: powercfg /a
If the system reports Standby (S0 Lower Power Idle) Network Connected/Disconnected, then Modern Standby is enabled.
If the system reports This standby state is disabled when S0 low power idle is supported, it indicates you can disable Modern Standby to enable Legacy Standby (S3).

If you get a message saying that your system firmware doesn’t support S3 sleep, it means that you’ll have to continue using S0.

What is the difference between Modern Standby and S3 sleep?

Modern Standby:

You can instantly wake up your PC for quick access to your applications.
The device is in a low-power state but can perform background tasks.
This allows the device to receive updates and notifications without waking up.

S3 Sleep:

Turns off all components except for your RAM.
PC remains in a low-powered state and has a slightly longer wake-up time than Modern Standby.
Your PC can’t perform background tasks while using S3 sleep.

Further, our readers may be interested in our article about the Ultimate Performance power plan and how to enable it. Also, read how to fix a computer not going to sleep on Windows 11.

Also, users report computer crashes after waking up from sleep, making it difficult to revive the system.

In conclusion, ensure you strictly follow all the steps outlined for optimal results to disable modern standby and enable the S3 sleep state. Further questions or suggestions are welcomed in the comments section.

Origin Bad Image Error: 5 Ways to Get It Working Again

Posted on February 17, 2023September 29, 2025 by Vladimir Popescu

Several users have reported that their Origin client is showing them a bad image error, Origin.exe Bad Image. This stops users from being able to launch any of their games.

This can get extremely frustrating, especially if you’ve been waiting to play some of the best Origin games. In addition, the error occurs suddenly and seems to affect users with different system setups. Let’s find out all about it.

What does Bad image mean?

A bad image error indicates some sort of corruption or issue with the files required to launch and run a program. Here are a few reasons you might be getting the error:

Missing DLL files: One of the main reasons you get the Origin Bad Image MSVCR120 dll error is due to missing or corrupt DLL files. MSVCR120.dll comes bundled with the Virtual C++ Redistributable Package.
Outdated graphics driver: Several users also faced the problem due to an outdated graphics driver. The problem tends to affect AMD users more than others.
Corrupt system files: When the system files are corrupt, the DLLs won’t work effectively, and, as a result, you get the Origin Bad Image error.

How do I fix the Origin bad image error?

1. Install the Visual C++ Redistributable Packages for Visual Studio 2013

Go to Microsoft’s official website and click the Download button to get Visual C++ Redistributable Packages for Visual Studio 2013.
Run the setup on your PC and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation.

Once done, restart your PC and check if the r5apex.exe Bad Image on Origin error is fixed. If not, head to the following method.

2. Install the Multibyte MFC Library for Visual Studio 2013

Visit Microsoft’s official webpage and click the Download button to get Multibyte MFC Library for Visual Studio 2013.
Run the installer and follow the on-screen instructions to complete it successfully.
Restart your PC, then follow the next method.

3. Download Visual C++ 2013 Runtime for Sideloaded Windows 8.1 apps

Download the Visual C++ 2013 Runtime (starts downloading directly).
Run the installer and follow the on-screen instructions.
Restart your computer when the process is completed successfully.

Verify if the Fifa 22 Bad Image error in Origin is fixed. In case it persists, try the following method.

4. Run the SFC command inside PowerShell

Press Windows + S to open the Search menu, enter Terminal in the text field, right-click on the relevant search result, and select Run as administrator.
Click Yes in the UAC prompt.
Inside the PowerShell window, paste the following command and then hit Enter:sfc /scannow
Wait for the scan to complete.

SFC or System File Checker scan looks for corruption in the system files, and if any are found, the affected files are replaced with their cached copy. Once done with the scan, check if the EALink.exe Bad Image error in Origin is fixed.

5. Update your GPU drivers

Press Windows + R to open the Run command, enter devmgmt.msc, and click OK.
Double-click on the Display adapters entry.
Right-click the GPU and choose Update Driver.
Select Search automatically for drivers from the options that appear.

You could manually update the graphics driver if an updated version was not found earlier. Once done, the Origin Bad Image msvcr120.DLL error will be fixed.

Also, you can use a dedicated third-party driver updater software to automatically update the GPU and other drivers installed on the PC.

Outbyte Driver Updater

This efficient driver update software will scan your PC and update all drivers as we speak.

Get it now Download

Tip

In case nothing works, uninstall the program and then again install Origin on Windows. This would eliminate issues that might have found their way in during the initial installation.

You now know the most effective solutions for the Origin Bad Image error and how to download it on the latest iteration.

Also, find out how to fix errors when buying items on Origin.

Please let us know if this guide helped you solve your issue by using the comment below.

Teams Status Stuck on Unknown: 4 Tips to Change It

Posted on February 17, 2023August 7, 2025 by Henderson Jayden Harper

If your Microsoft Teams status is stuck on “unknown,” it often means there’s a sync issue between your local app and the Microsoft 365 presence service. In some cases, everyone in your contact list may appear with the same unknown status, or it may affect just your own account. This guide walks you through the most effective ways to fix it.

How do I fix the Microsoft Teams status unknown?

How do I fix the Microsoft Teams status unknown?

1. Sign out and sign into your Microsoft Teams account

Left-click the Start button, search for Microsoft Teams, and open it from the search results.
Click on the profile picture in the top-right corner. Click on the Sign out option and click OK.
Then, sign back into your account and see if the issue persists.

Signing out of your account from Microsoft Teams will fix any sign-in issues causing your status to be stuck on unknown. Read how to fix Microsoft Teams keep restarting issue on your PC.

2. Clear the Microsoft Teams cache

Press the Windows + R keys to open the Run dialog box, type %appdata%, and press Enter.
Navigate to the Microsoft folder on the left side and click on it.
Find the Teams folder and double-click to open it.
Select all the folders in the Teams folder and press Delete to clear them.
Close and relaunch Microsoft Teams to see if the status issue is resolved.

Clearing the Microsoft Teams app cache will delete the corrupt data files causing the apps to malfunction.

3. Update Microsoft Teams

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

Updating Microsoft Teams will resolve bugs affecting it and install new features to improve its performance.

4. Reinstall Microsoft Teams

Press the Windows key + I to start Settings.
Click on Apps from the left pane, then choose Installed apps from the right.
Find Microsoft Teams, click on the three dots icon from its right, and select Uninstall.
Now, download Teams from Microsoft’s official website or from Microsoft Store and reinstall the app.

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

However, we have a detailed guide on ways to fix operations that failed with unexpected error in Teams.

Alternatively, you can read our guide on Microsoft Teams status stuck on Out of Office and ways to fix it. We also have a great article on what to do if Microsoft Planner is not working, so you might want to visit it.

In conclusion, the solutions outlined above are effective if Microsoft Teams status is stuck on unknown. If you have any questions or suggestions, kindly use the comments section.

Fix Hotstar Something Went Wrong [5 Tested Ways]

Posted on February 17, 2023October 13, 2025 by Madalina Dinita

There are many reasons behind the error Something went wrong. We are working on it. Please try again in a bit while trying to access the premium videos from Hotstar.

If the service is up, the issue is likely on your end. Our troubleshooting guide and VPS recommendations for Hotstar in the US will help. Plus, find the best browsers for streaming Hotstar.

How can I fix Something went wrong Hotstar error?

1. Clear your browser data

Firstly, make sure to log out and log in again and check whether the Hotstar is down temporarily.
From your desktop, simply open Chrome.
At the top right corner, click More.
Click More tools then click Clear browsing data.
Choose a time range, might be Last hour or All time.
Select the types of information you want to remove.
Click on Clear data, and retry using Hotstar.

2. Flush your DNS

Simply type cmd in your Start Menu, in order to open Command Prompt.
Type this command and then press Enter: ipconfig/registerdns
After the operation has been completed, type in exit in Command Prompt, and then restart your machine.

3. Update your network drivers

Click on the Start Menu and select your Device Manager.
Just expand the category with the hardware you want to update.
Right-click on the device, and select Update Driver.
Click the Search automatically for updated driver software.

4. Firewall permission on your PC

From your PC’s Start Menu select the Control Panel.
Click on Windows Firewall, and proceed to click on Allow an app or feature through Windows Firewall.
Now, the Allowed App windows will open.
Click on the Change Settings.
Now check the boxes next to the apps or programs you want to allow through Windows Firewall or network connections.
Click OK to save your new settings.

5. Try a different browser

The Hotstar Something went wrong error is most likely caused by your current browser. Hence the simplest solution is to switch to an alternative with better performance.

Opera One is one of the leading browsers on the market, with a modern UI and tons of useful features.

Most notable benefits include the turbo mode for enhanced speed, an integrated adblocker, VPN, a snapshot tool, as well as a highly customizable workflow with instant messaging, add-ons, and extensions.

Opera One

Free Check website

What are Hotstar’s most common issues?

Hotstar not working – If you’re trying to access the app using a VPN, chances are that you’ll run into this error. Another possible reason for this can be an unstable internet connection or an outdated version of the app.

Something went wrong Hotstar error on TV – Some of the reasons why the streaming service app is not working can also be some internal problem or app glitch.
Disney+ Hotstar app Something went wrong – This problem usually surfaces when there is a problem with the Internet connection.
Surfshark Hotstar not working – This can mean that you are not using the right VPN. Hotstar can detect VPNs easily and as a result, it blocks users’ access to content.

Something went wrong (iPhone) – Triggered by old app versions, insufficient storage space, poor Wi-Fi connectivity, or cellular data plan expired.
Something went wrong (Android) – As in the case of iOS devices, this can occur due to outdated app versions, insufficient storage space, poor Wi-Fi connectivity, or no cellular data.
Hotstar error 404 – This error can be caused by conflicts with other third-party apps, not clearing the cache, or using the wrong VPN.
Something went wrong (VPN) – If you’ve been watching Hotstar with a VPN and it’s no longer working, Hotstar has managed to block the IP address your VPN has given you.

Hotstar not working with ExpressVPN – If your current VPN of choice isn’t working, there’s a high chance that Hotstar has blacklisted the VPN server you’re attempting to connect with.

Please let us know which of these solutions helped you get back into the Hotstar platform. If you need additional support, the comments area is waiting for you.

How to Get 24-Bit Audio in Windows 11: Step-By-Step

Posted on February 17, 2023April 25, 2024 by Henderson Jayden Harper

Users can use many audio outputs for their Windows 11 to improve their sound quality and audio performance. One of the options for audio output is 24-bit audio. Hence, we’ll take you through how to get 24-bit audio on Windows 11.

What is 24-bit audio, and how does it help?

24-bit audio is an upgrade from contemporary 16-bit audio. Bits are usually processed in strings of bytes and many groups of eight bits to formulate a digital word.

The digital output created can vary in length by multiples of eight, for instance, 16-bit, 24-bit, 32-bit, etc. Some of its benefits are:

Better for Studio editing – 24-bit audio has about 16,777,216 possible binary combinations. Also, 24-bit is best for studio audio editing as it performs at higher volumes without distorting audio production.
Higher dynamic range – 24-bit audio has a higher dynamic range with noise reduction and can reach louder volumes without noise. Likewise, the 24-bit audio output provides a 144dB dynamic range between the noise floor and 0dBFS.

In short, try the 24-bit audio as it offers more audio quality, a higher volume without sound distortion, and reduced noise.

However, you should know that not all sound cards, especially the onboard one, can use the 24-bit audio depth. So, if you won’t find this setting for your audio device, that is a clear sign that you won’t be able to enhance your audio.

How do I get 24-bit audio on Windows 11?

1. Update Audio drivers

Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog box, type devmgmt.msc, and press Enter to open the Device Manager.
Expand Audio inputs and outputs, select your Audio device, and right-click on it. Select Update driver from the drop-down.
Click Search automatically for drivers.
If there are any updates, the installation wizard will install them automatically. Then, restart your PC.

Updating your audio driver will add new features and fix bugs that may affect the 24-bit audio process on your PC. Check our guide on reinstalling audio drivers on Windows 11 if you can’t update the audio driver.

To prevent choosing the wrong driver and save some time, you can try using an automated driver updating tool to scan your device for outdated drivers and install the latest updates from its vast database.

2. Set sample rate and bit depth in Audio settings

Press Windows + I keys to open the Windows Settings app.
Click on System and select Sound on the right pane.
Click on your audio device to open its properties.
Navigate to the Output settings and click the drop-down next to Format to set a sample rate and bit depth. Then select 24-bit 44100 Hz Studio quality or any other 24-bit option depending on your preference.
Click the Test button to hear sample audio and decide if it’s what you want.

The above steps will incorporate your audio device’s 24-bit 44100 Hz studio quality and improve its audio output using the sample rate and bit depth set.

3. Set your Default Format from Realtek Sound Manager

On your Desktop, go to the system tray and right-click on the Realtek HD Audio Manager icon to open the Audio options menu.
Select Sound Manager from the drop-down.
Click the Default Format tab, set the playback default format to 24 Bits 44100 Hz Studio quality, and select the DVD format option below.
Close the Sound Manager and restart your PC.

Setting the Default Format to 24-bit 44100 Hz Studio quality helps reduce sound latency and improve your audio quality.

In this solution, we have shown how to change the format for Realtek software, but if you have another software, you should find these options within its settings.

In addition, our readers may be interested in the best Windows 11 sound card to choose from for the utmost audio quality and performance.

However, you can read a detailed guide on the best sound card with optical output for your PC.

Also, we have a guide on the best sound cards for music production, best suited for DJs and music enthusiasts.

In conclusion, using the 24-bit audio in Windows 11 will boost the overall output quality of your sounds. Do not hesitate to leave your questions or suggestions in the comments section.