Fix: Unique ID Not Valid Error on Conan Exiles

Posted on by Henderson Jayden Harper

Canon Exiles is a Survival Action Adventure, cross-platform game. It has many features like character customization that give it a realistic feel. However, users report the Canon Exiles unique ID not valid error affecting the game.

Also, users complain about the Conan Exiles game not launching when they try to play it.

What causes the Unique ID not valid error on Canon Exiles?

The Unique ID not valid error in Conan Exiles prevents players from joining any servers available in the game. The error occurs due to bugs from the developer’s end, affecting many players globally.

However, a couple of factors can cause issues with the Conan Exile game joining any servers. Some are:

  • Network connection issues – It is common for errors like this to pop up when the network connection is unstable. Also, network congestion can prevent users from joining any available server, prompting the error to appear.
  • Issues with Conan Exile’s servers – There are times when the game servers are down, preventing players from accessing their games. It can be because of a maintenance session or a fault with the server. So, you can run into the Canon Exiles Unique ID not valid error if its servers are not working.
  • Windows Defender Firewall interference – The Windows Firewall can impede the activities of the Conan Exile game on your PC, resulting in errors. It can block the path of the game connecting to its servers and cause difficulties for players.

These causes may vary on different PCs and games. Nevertheless, we’ll take you through some fixes to get your game running.

How do I fix Conan Exiles Unique ID not Valid?

Before proceeding with any advanced troubleshooting, apply the following:

If you can’t fix the issue, proceed with the following solutions.

1. End task for Conan Exile (Conan.exe)

  1. Right-click the Start button and select Task Manager from the menu.
  2. Navigate to the Processes tab. Click the Conan Exile (Conan.exe) from the list, right-click on it, then select End Task from the drop-down.
  3. Restart your PC and check if the error persists.

Ending the Conan Exile (Conan.exe) process on your PC will kill its background activities, causing the Canon Exiles Unique ID not valid error. You can check for shortcuts to open Task Manager on your PC.

2. Add Conan Exile as an exception in Firewall settings

  1. Left-click the Start button, type firewall, and open Windows Defender Firewall.
  2. Navigate to the Allow an app or feature through the Windows Defender Firewall option.
  3. Select Conan Exile from the list of apps. Check the boxes for both Private and Public. Click OK to save the changes and restart your PC.

Allowing the Conan Exiles game as an exception in Windows Firewall prevents the firewall from interfering with its processes.

3. Verify the integrity of Conan Exiles’ files

  1. Left-click the Start button and type Steam, then double-click to open it.
  2. Select the Library tab and search for Conan Exile.
  3. Right-click the game and select Properties from the drop-down.
  4. Click the Local Files tab and select the Verify Integrity of Game Files button.

Checking the game’s integrity will verify and resolve the game’s corrupt or missing files. Check more detail on verifying the integrity of game files not working on Windows 11.

4. Reinstall the Conan Exile game

  1. Left-click the Start button, type Control Panel, then press OK to open it.
  2. Click on Programs and Features.
  3. Find Conan Exile from the program list, right-click on it, then select Uninstall from the drop-down.
  4. Follow the onscreen prompts to complete the uninstallation process and restart your PC.
  5. Download and install Conan Exile from Steam, then try playing the game.

It will delete corrupt installation files and other issues that can cause difficulties connecting to servers.

How do you report bugs in Conan exiles?

When faced with an issue with Conan Exiles or to report a bug in the game, you can always use the dedicated forum on the official website.

And pretty soon, it should either be addressed, or another community member will share a possible workaround/solution.

How do I get Conan exiles to run better?

A quick way to make Conan Exiles run better is to update the graphics driver. Also, if you have several other background processes running, terminate them to free up system resources, and the game will run smoothly.

Some users also reported that switching to the Ultimate Performance power plan can provide your PC a much-needed boost.

And for games that require connecting to the web, ensure you don’t have a slow Internet speed. Besides, eliminate FPS lags in Conan Exiles for a better gaming experience.

Do not forget to check how to fix common Conan Exiles issues they can encounter. Likewise, you can read through our article about other survival games on Steam that you can play on your PC.

If you have any queries or suggestions about this issue, kindly drop them in the comments section.

Posted in PC

5 Simple Ways to Fix Black Screen on HBO Max

Posted on by Sagar Naresh

Many readers have reported facing the black screen issue while streaming HBO Max. If you are among them and are looking for solutions, then this guide will help you resolve the black screen issue on HBO Max and help you get back to streaming.

What causes the black screen issue on HBO Max?

Here are a few of the most common reasons you would come across the black screen issue while streaming HBO Max content.

  • The HBO Max servers are down – Often, the official servers are down for maintenance which can cause issues.
  • The select HBO Max title might be facing some issues – There could be some internal problems with the HBO Max content that you are playing.
  • There could be temporary bugs or glitches with your account – The presence of a bug or a temporary glitch can cause issues with your account.
  • Your internet connection is faulty – If your Internet connection is unstable then it could prevent you from connecting to HBO Max’s servers.
  • You are using a VPN – If VPN is not working with HBO Max it could be why you are getting a black screen issue with a particular title on HBO Max.
  • A browser extension is causing the issue – The browser extension might be interfering with the website you are trying to stream from.
  • Your PC is infected with viruses or malware – A virus or malware will anyways hamper the smooth functioning of your PC and could also trigger multiple streaming-related problems.

Now that we know the possible causes of this problem, let’s see how we can fix it quickly.

How can I fix the black screen issue on HBO Max?

Before you go ahead and apply advanced troubleshooting solutions, perform a few preliminary checks:

  • You can use websites such as Downdetector or IsItDownRightNow to know about the current status of the HBO Max servers.
  • Sign out of your profile and login back again.
  • Try watching another show, and if the problem does not exist there, then it could be a fault of the content that you are watching.
  • Reboot your router and check if this fixes the solution or not.
  • Try switching to a different web browser. Often the issue is related to the web browser rather than the streaming website.
  • Use Fast.com or Speedtest.net websites to know about connection speed. If it is not as per your data plan, then you can contact your ISP.

If you crossed these prerequisite measures from your list, let’s apply the solutions below to fix the problem.

1. Disable the VPN

  1. Launch the VPN app.
  2. Hit the Power or Disable button.
  3. Restart your PC and check if that fixes the issue or not.

VPNs can help you access restricted content on streaming websites, and also they are good for security purposes. We have a list of some of the best VPNs that you can use for streaming.

If you are using a VPN to access the geo-restricted content on HBO Max, then this could very well be the reason you are experiencing a black screen issue while streaming HBO Max.

There are several VPNs that do not work that well and can cause interruptions when changing your IP address.

We have a guide that would help you disable VPN on your PC temporarily or permanently.

2. Disable browser extensions

  1. Open your web browser.
  2. Click on the 3-dot menu and select Settings.chrome settings
  3. From the left side, select the Extensions tab.
  4. Disable or uninstall all of your extensions and check if the black screen issue is resolved.

Often browser extensions can get in the way of the smooth functioning of a web browser. It could very well also interfere when streaming content online.

In the solution above, we showed you how to disable the extensions in Chrome but the procedure is very similar on all major browsers.

You can also try switching over to a different browser. If you are confused about which one to go for, we have a guide that lists some of the best web browsers that you can opt for.

3. Scan PC for virus

  1. Click the Search icon, look for Windows Security and open it.
  2. From the left side, select Virus & threat protection.
  3. Hit the Quick Scan button.
  4. Your PC will be scanned for viruses or malware and a report would be generated once the scan completes.
  5. The Windows Security then will prompt you to take necessary actions, if found any issues.
  6. Fix that and then check if the black screen issue is resolved or not.

The above steps are instructed for the default Windows Security antivirus tool. You can perform a virus scan using a third-party antivirus software as well.

If you do not have antivirus software installed on your PC, then you should check out our dedicated guide that will give you a list of the best tested and recommended antivirus tools from our experts to keep your PC and your data safe.

If you want an in-depth malware scan, we recommend trying TotalAV, an antivirus with advanced security and prevention features.

TotalAV

Remove any viruses that can interfere with any of your computer programs.
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4. Clear your browser cache

  1. Launch Chrome, click on the 3-dot icon, and select Settings.
  2. Select Privacy and security from the left pane and click on Clear browsing data on the right.
  3. Check the boxes for Cookies and other site data and the Cached images and files, then hit the Clear data button.

Often due to corrupt cache files and data, the browser would trigger multiple errors one of which is not smoothly running the websites that you visit.

Simply clear the browsing cache and check if this fixes the black screen issues on HBO Max or not.

5. Clear the HBO Max app data

  1. Tap on Settings on your Android device and navigate to the Apps menu. 
  2. Look for HBO Max and tap on it.
  3. Access its Storage menu, then hit the Clear Data button to complete the process.

If that doesn’t work, you may also check for any app updates and, finally, uninstall and reinstall the app on your device from Play Store or App Store.

Also, ensure that you have the latest firmware on your smartphone and try to sign out and back in from the application.

Some of our readers asked why is my HBO Max screen black on Apple TV. Most likely, there is a problem with your local connection, or their services are down. And if you run into a black screen on Hulu, see our guide for quick fixes.

We hope our guide helped you fix the black screen problem when streaming HBO Max content.

Do not forget to comment below to let us know which solutions fixed your problem.

How to Calculate Standard Error in Excel: 2 Quickest Ways

Posted on by Sagar Naresh

If you are working with a large dataset, knowing its standard deviation is handy as it will let you know the variability in the given dataset. You get to see the degree of asymmetry in your dataset and how much the data deviates from its mean value.

You can also calculate standard error in MS Excel. Here, we will guide you on how to calculate standard error in Excel quickly. Let us get right into it.

Why is calculating standard error important in Excel?

The standard deviation allows you to understand the variation in your sample. There are two varieties of standard deviation:

  • The standard deviation of a sample: In this, you get to calculate the standard error of a certain dataset or a selected sample of data. For example, you have a chart of the marks of all students in a class. Then you can use the standard deviation of a sample to know the deviation in the marks.
  • The standard deviation of a population: In this, you calculate the standard error of all entries in a table. In the above example, you can use the standard deviation of a population to know the deviation for all students.

On the other hand, a standard error lets you know the variability across the samples of the population. Using standard error you understand how a sample’s mean is accurate in terms of the true population mean.

So, to understand standard error remember that a standard error is the standard deviation from the population mean. It can be calculated by dividing the standard deviation of a sample by the square root of the sample size.

So, here’s how to find standard error in Excel using two simple methods we propose below.

How to calculate standard error or deviation in MS Excel quickly?

1. Use the formula

  1. Create a sample data or open your workbook.
  2. Click on a cell where you would like your standard error to appear.
  3. Click on the formula bar next to the fx symbol.
  4. Type the below formula in the formula bar: =STDEV(
  5. Drag and select the range of cells in your sample data. For example, in our case, it would become =STDEV(C2:C10
  6. Close the bracket for the formula: =STDEV(C2:C10)
  7. Add / symbol to the STDEV formula. =STDEV(C2:C10)/
  8. Apply the SQRT formula to the STDEV formula. =STDEV(C2:C10)/SQRT(
  9. Use the COUNT function with the STDEV formula. =STDEV(C2:C10)/SQRT(COUNT(
  10. Drag the range of cells that are part of your sample data. Close the SQRT bracket: =STDEV(C2:C10)/SQRT(COUNT(C2:C10))
  11. Press Enter to get the standard error.

This is the quickest way to calculate standard error in Excel formula, so make sure you try it.

2. Use Data Analysis ToolPak

  1. Open your workbook.
  2. Click on File and select Options from the left side pane.
  3. Select Add-ins in the Options window.
  4. Select Analysis ToolPaK.
  5. Click the Go button at the bottom.
  6. Check the box for Analysis ToolPak and hit OK.
  7. Click on the Data tab.
  8. The Data Analysis Toolpak will be added to your Excel toolbar.
  9. Click on the Data Analysis button.
  10. Select Descriptive Statistics and click OK.
  11. Select the range of cells from your sample.
  12. If your data has column headers then choose Labels in first row option.
  13. Under Output options, select New Worksheet to get the result in a new worksheet in the same workbook, or select New Workbook to get the result in a fresh workbook.
  14. Check the Summary statistics option, then click OK.
  15. You will get the result and you will see the Standard Error.

That is it from us in this guide on how you can calculate standard error in MS Excel quickly.

If you are having issues opening or running MS Excel then we would suggest you check out our dedicated guide to resolving it in no time.

You can also refer to our guide, which will help you with how you can fix the problem if the Excel toolbar is missing. We also have a guide that you can check out and learn how you can open multiple Excel files at once.

If you wish to learn how you can import data from PDF to MS Excel then you can check out our dedicated guide on it. For users having trouble inserting cells in MS Excel, they can check out our guide, which lists some of the most effective solutions to resolve the problem.

Did you know that you can quickly apply formula to entire column in Excel? That’s right, and we have a new guide that shows you how to do that.

Let us know in the comments below which one of the above two solutions you use to calculate standard error in Excel.

Check out KB5022918, out now for all Windows 11 Beta Channel Insiders

Posted on by Alexandru Poloboc

No, Microsoft has not forgotten about the Beta Channel Insiders and there is new software to be had here as well.

Before we get into it, remember to also check out the latest Dev Channel build (25295) that is now available for all Insiders.

If, by chance, you missed the previous build released to the Windows 11 Beta Channel (KB5022358), you can catch up now.

The previous build bumped your Windows 11 version from 21H2 to version 22H2, so we recommend you check out the issues that Windows 11 version 22H2 users are still struggling with.

Also, if you haven’t yet upgraded to Windows 11, remember that Microsoft has officially stopped selling licensed Windows 10 copies.

Tabs are coming to the Notepad app in Windows 11

Indeed, the time has come for another Windows 11 Beta build (KB5022918) for Windows Insiders actively testing software on this Channel.

This time around, according to Microsoft, the build numbers are 22621.1255 (with new features turned off) and 22623.1255 (with new features turned on by default).

The most important thing you should know about this Beta Insider Build is that it brings tabs to the Notepad app, so you can multitask more efficiently.

We first found out about this feature through a leak late last year, right at the end of December, when a Microsoft employee made some screenshots public.

With the risk of disappointing, we have to say that this is the only new feature that is coming to the Beta Channel for now.

The rest of the changelog, as you know by now, is made up of fixes to some of the bugs and issues, along with some known issues.

We’re about to take a closer look and see for ourselves what we should and, at the same time, should worry about after installing this build.

Fixes in Build 22623.1255

[Taskbar & System Tray]

  • Fixed an issue where Start would open behind the taskbar when entering it while using the touch keyboard.
  • Fixed an issue where the taskbar would disappear when switching from Task view to a Win32 app icon through the tablet-optimized taskbar.

[Task Manager]

  • Process names typed into the search box should no longer unexpected get spellchecked.
  • Fixed a couple of issues with how Narrator was reading out content in Task Manager.
  • Fixed an issue where the dropdowns in settings might not match your currently selected theme.
  • When using search on the App History page, results should no longer suddenly disappear.
  • If you open the Default Start Page dropdown in settings, clicking the Task Manager window should make the dropdown disappear now.

What can I do if I can’t install KB5022918?

  1. Press Win+ I to access Settings.
  2. Select the System category and click on Troubleshoot.w11 troubleshoot
  3. Press the Other troubleshooters button.other troubleshooters windows 11
  4. Press the Run button next to Windows Update.windows update troubleshooter

Also, 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 user. Leave a comment below if you found any issues since installing this build.

We Can’t Tell if Your PC has Enough Space [Windows 11 Fix]

Posted on by Madhuparna Roy

When upgrading from Windows 10, you may often encounter the error, We can’t tell if your PC has enough space to continue installing Windows 11.

While this may seem like a not enough memory issue, there could be other reasons as well why you may see the not enough space error. However, with WinDirStat, you can analyze disk space and find out any anomalies.

Why does my Windows 11 say, Can’t install due to low disk space?

Some of the reasons why Windows 11 keeps saying, Windows needs more space, or Can’t install due to low disk space are:

  • Any external hard drives are connected to the PC – Sometimes, external hard drives/portable hard disks can interfere with the installation.
  • PC is not compatible/or doesn’t meet Windows 11 requirements – This is when your device does not meet the minimum requirements to install Windows 11.
  • Faulty Windows 11 ISO files – It could be possible that you downloaded a bad ISO file that shows the error, we can’t tell if your PC has enough space to continue installing Windows 11.
  • No free space in the C drive – While you may have lots of space on your hard drive, it could be possible that the C drive e is occupied.
  • Accumulation of too many junk files – When there are too many large files taking up a lot of space.

However, we do have a few workarounds that could help you to fix the error, We can’t tell if your PC has enough space to continue installing Windows 11.

How do I see what’s taking up space on Windows 11?

  1. Press the Win + I keys to launch Windows Settings, click on System on the left, and then select Storage on the right. storage settings
  2. On the next screen, under the Local Disk (C:) section, check what’s occupying space on Windows 11.check usage in C drive
  3. Next, click on the Show more categories option, and check which other files are taking up PC space, such as Videos, OneDrive, Documents, Pictures, etc.Show more categories
  4. You can also go to the Storage management section, expand Advanced storage settings, and click on the Storage used on other drives option.Advanced storage settings
  5. Next, under Local storage, select the secondary drive, and check the storage space used by the drive.select the secondary drive
  6. Alternatively, you can also use a disk space analyzer to find out the reason behind the low disk space on your PC.

Once you complete the steps, you will know what files take up most of the space on your computer.

How do I fix we can’t tell if your PC has enough space issue?

Before you proceed with the primary solutions, make sure to try these to possibly fix the issue:

  • Check if the page file is set up on another drive.
  • Make sure how much space is remaining on Drive C.
  • Remove junk and useless large files.
  • Delete files and folders from the recycle bin.
  • Remove any duplicate files from the system.
  • Run the anti-virus software for any virus or malware infection.

If none of the above methods help, it’s time you move on to try the troubleshooting procedures.

1. Run the Chkdsk command

  1. Press the Win + R shortcut keys to open the Run console, type cmd, and press the Ctrl + Shift + Enter keys together to open the elevated Command Prompt. run command prompt command
  2. Now, run the below command in the Command Prompt (Admin) and hit Enter: chkdsk C: /f /r run chkdsk command
  3. The utility will now start looking for any disk errors, and if any, it will repair them automatically.

Once done, close Command Prompt, restart your PC, and check if you can install Windows 11 without the error message.

2. Re-download the iso again

  1. Visit the Microsoft Software Download page to download the Windows 11 ISO. download windows 11 ISO
  2. Once you have confirmed the product language, make sure to Verify your download. verify your download
  3. Next, follow the on-screen instructions to use the checksum tool on the Microsoft download page to make sure both checksums match. download checksum tool

Now, you should be able to complete the Windows 11 installation successfully. You can also refer to our detailed post on how to download the Windows 11 ISO.

3. Delete the Windows.old folder

  1. Press the Win + R keys simultaneously to launch the Run console, type cleanmgr, and press Ctrl + Shift + Enter together to open the elevated Disk Cleanup. run cleanmgr command
  2. Next, select drive C: in the Disk Clean-up box and press OK. select c drive in disk cleaup
  3. You will now see the Disk Clean-up for C: drive dialog. Here, go to Files to delete, select the Previous Windows installation option from the list, and press OK.Previous Windows installation
  4. Or, you can also select Downloaded Programs, Temporary Internet Files, Thumbnails, Recycle Bin, etc, and press OK to remove them. delete Downloaded Programs, Temporary Internet Files, Thumbnails, Recycle Bin

Once done, restart your PC and check if the Windows installation still fails with the low disk space error message.

4. Transfer Free Space to C Drive

  1. Open the Run console by pressing the Win + R keys together. Type diskmgmt.msc in the search bar and hit Enter to open the Disk Management window. run diskmgmt.msc command
  2. Next, right-click on the D drive (D:) and select Extend Volume. extend volume for d drive
  3. Please note that Extend Volume only works on NTFS and RAW partitions, and not for FAT32 and other file systems.
  4. If Extend Volume is frozen, it could be either because you are not running Disk Management as an administrator, or there’s no adjacent unallocated space behind the target partition.
  5. Next, in the Extend Volume Wizard, press Next to proceed. extend volume wizard
  6. Now, go to Select the amount of space in MB, and enter how much space you want to allocate to the C drive. Press Next. Select the amount of space in MB for C drive
  7. On the confirmation screen, click Finish.
Note icon NOTE
You may also notice unallocated space right after the selected volume (check for the lower-right box as Unallocated). So, if you find another volume located between the selected partition and the unallocated area, you can delete this volume to transfer that space to the D drive. But in this case, you will lose any data on that additional volume.

You have now successfully extended the space to C drive. For more details, you can refer to our detailed guide on how to extend the C drive in Windows 11 with ease.

Restart your PC and check if you still see the error, we can’t tell if your PC has enough space to continue installing Windows 11.

5. Increase C drive space 

5.1 Increase C drive space with adjacent unallocated space

  1. Press the Win + R keys to launch the Run console, type diskmgmt.msc, and hit Enter to open Disk Management. run diskmgmt.msc command
  2. Now, right-click on the C drive (C:) and select Extend Volume. extend volume for c drive
  3. It’s important to note that Extend Volume supports only NTFS and RAW partitions, and not FAT32 and other file systems.
  4. If Extend Volume is greyed out, it could be either because you are not running Disk Management as an administrator, or there’s no unallocated space behind the target partition.
  5. Next, in the Extend Volume Wizard, press Next. extend volume wizard
  6. In the next window, add more space to your C drive and press Next. Select the amount of space in MB for C drive
  7. Finally, press Finish.

This way, you can increase space in C Drive with Unallocated space. Now, as you restart your PC, you should be able to install Windows 11 normally without any error messages.

5.2 Increase C drive space without unallocated space

  1. To open the Run console, press the Win + R keys together, type diskmgmt.msc in the search box, and hit Enter. run diskmgmt.msc command
  2. Right-click the partition next to the C drive, (which is the D drive by default), and click on Shrink Volume.shri nk volume for d drive
  3. Input the amount of space that you want to shrink, and press Shrink.enter the amount of space to shrink in MB
  4. Next, right-click on the C drive and select Extend Volume. extend volume for c drive
  5. Now, follow the on-screen instructions to add more space to the system C drive.

6. Merge the partitions

Note icon NOTE
This solution will be efficient if you have multiple partitions on the system drive.
  1. Press the Win + R keys to launch the Run console, type diskmgmt.msc, and hit Enter to open Disk Management. run diskmgmt.msc command
  2. In the Disk Management window, right-click on D drive and then click on Delete Volume.delete d drive volume
  3. Once deleted, the D drive will now show as an unallocated volume. Now right-click on the C drive and select Extend Volume. extend volume for c drive
  4. This will extend your C drive with the unallocated space, and you will find that the original D volume has been merged with the C volume.

Alternatively, you can also use one of the disk management tools we mentioned in the list of best to merge partitions quickly.

7. Perform a clean boot

  1. Launch the Run console by pressing the Win + R keys. Type msconfig and hit Enter to open System Configuration. run msconfig command
  2. Go to the General tab, and select Normal Startup.select normal startup
  3. Next, under the Services tab, deselect Hide all Microsoft services, select Enable all, and press Apply.uncheck hide all microsoft services and enable all
  4. Now, select the Startup tab, and click on Open Task Manager.open task manager
  5. In the Task Manager window, right-click on all the startup programs one by one, and select Enable. Press OK.disable startup services one by one
  6. Now, press the restart option in the prompt to reboot your PC.

Now, you should not encounter the error message, we can’t tell if your PC has enough space to continue installing Windows 11.

Alternatively, you can uninstall Ubuntu (if using) instead of deleting the partition. Or, you can swap Install.wim for Windows 21h2 ISO with Install.wim for Windows 11 22h2 ISO.

But, if all the above methods fail to work, you can clean install Windows 11 without the refresh tool, as mentioned in our detailed post.

If you face any other issues while installing Windows 11, you can leave a message in the comments box below.

9 Best Tune-up Utilities for Windows 10/11 [Still Worth It in 2026]

Posted on by Radu Tyrsina

Looking for the best tuneup software for Windows 10 and 11? These tools can clean junk files, repair system errors, and boost your computer’s speed in just a few clicks. Below, we break down the top PC tune-up software options available today.

What is the best tune-up software for Windows 10 and 11?

Table of contents

1. Fortect – Best for repairing damaged system files

fortect user interface

Fortect stands out as a system repair and tune-up utility that focuses heavily on restoring your Windows to peak condition.

Rather than just cleaning up junk, it goes deeper, replacing corrupted or missing Windows system files with clean, up-to-date ones from a secure database.

It’s an ideal choice if your PC has been acting up due to crashes, freezes, or even malware damage.Fortect can fully tune up a sluggish or error-prone PC.

Check out Fortect’s best features:

  • Detects and replaces damaged or corrupted Windows system files
  • Fixes issues caused by unstable programs and faulty Windows updates
  • Frees up storage by removing junk files and browser cache
  • Repairs damage caused by malware without affecting personal files
  • Stabilizes your system to prevent crashes and freezes
Fortect

Fortect

Say goodbye to crashes, freezes, and slowdowns. Repair Windows damage at its core so your system runs like new!
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2. IObit Advanced SystemCare – Smart maintenance solution with real-time optimization

iobit free pc optimization software

IObit Advanced SystemCare is a tool specialized in system care and maintenance. It finds all problems your system might have and solves them, so you can run at peak performance.

With AI that learns from your optimization habits, you can create a personalized plan to scan for and remove tons of junk files, unnecessary logs and files, leftovers from uninstalled apps, and more.

The perks of using IObit are:

  • Junk files cleanup in Dropbox, Steam, Java, Adobe Photoshop Lightroom, Spotify, and MS OneDrive
  • Optimize startup programs to reduce boot time up to nearly 50%
  • 30+ troubleshooter to defragment, clean junk files, leftovers, etc
  • Security vulnerability fixer with included internet speed booster
  • One-click update all outdated software on your computer
  • Real-time tune-up for maintaining peak performance

IObit Advanced System Care

Your maintenance buddy will always keep your system clean and fast.
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3. Ashampoo WinOptimizer – Versatile tuneup tool with privacy and performance tweaks

ashampoo pc tuneup utility

Don’t let time slow down your system and use special software to tweak it regularly. Proper and thorough cleaning and optimization are required for running at the highest performance.

Ashampoo also includes great features like a Process Manager, Uninstall Manager, Incon saver, Restore Manager, and many others to improve the speed of your PC.

Also, using Ashampoo WinOptimizer provides the following perks:

  • Thorough in-depth cleaning of system critical areas
  • Find and remove older versions of Windows, updates, and system caches
  • Convenient cookie manager for “safe” cookies
  • Up to 3 PCs to be optimized at all times
  • Improved overview and easier handling in link checker and context menu manager
  • Up to 75% faster cleaners

Ashampoo WinOptimizer

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4. Glary Utilities Pro – Comprehensive tune-up tool for junk removal and repairs

glary utilities pro screenshot

Glary Utilities Pro boasts an entire suite of PC-enhancing tools, and it offers your heavily used computer another shot at a new life.

The utility leverages a collection of more than 20 tools to kick all kinds of problems that have been bugging your system.

Take a look at the most impressive features that you will get with this utility:

  • Downloads and installs effortlessly and quickly
  • Registry repair, disk cleanup, and also junk-file removal tools
  • It comes with automatic software updates and the ability to schedule tune-up times
  • Backup and restore functionality

5. AVG TuneUp – Performance tune-up software with automatic maintenance features

avg free pc optimization software

AVG TuneUp makes sure to improve your computer’s performance by digging deep into the system to perform all kinds of processes including removing junk files, uninstalling unneeded programs, and also defragging your hard drive.

You can also install this tune-up tool on as many devices as you please.

Check out the best features that are included in AVG TuneUp:

  • The tool is able to update outdated software
  • AVG TuneUp also speeds up your PC’s performance
  • The utility frees up disk space and also fixes Windows crashes
  • It will provide your system with extended battery life
  • AVG TuneUp will make older PCs live longer, and it will help new PCs run much faster
  • It removes unwanted files that have been accumulating over the years in your system

6. CCleaner – Efficient PC tune-up tool for cleaning and updates

CCleaner is one of the best PC cleaners out there. With features that do thorough searches on your computer, it knows exactly what can be cleaned or not.

Over time, your computer collects unused files, settings, and resource-hogging applications which can make it slower and slower. A good scan will take care of all these issues in no time

This software also offers a safer browsing session. Privacy is enhanced by clearing cookies and scripts left on websites in real-time.

The key features of CCleaner are:

  • Performance Optimizer
  • Driver Updater
  • 1-Click Updates All Your Software
  • Fewer Errors & Crashes
  • Quicker Startup
  • File Recovery
  • Priority Support

Overall it makes your computer faster and safer. It will delete all unnecessary files and all plugins or scripts that can invade your privacy.

7. Norton Utilities – Powerful tune-up software boosting PC speed and stability

Norton Utilities is a useful tune-up tool that will improve your PC’s performance.

This utility is supports all versions of Windows and includes a full suite of features that help speed up, secure, and optimize your PC.

Check out the most important features that are included in this utility below:

  • Registry cleaner
  • Disk defragger
  • Startup manager
  • File recovery
  • File shredder
  • Duplicate file finder
  • Repair drives
  • Uninstaller tools
Norton Utilities

Norton Utilities

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8. Tweaking Windows Repair– Most computer tune-up tools included

tweaking windows 7 repair tool

Windows repair tools come in all shapes and sizes, from intricate and heavy OS boosters to lightweight utilities that provide you with just the basics, which most of the time are more than enough.

Well, Tweaking Windows Repair falls in the latter category, and while it may look a bit dated, it does more than a good enough job to warrant a place on our list.

That being said, Tweaking windows repair comes with everything you may expect from such a tool, including:

  • Error troubleshooters
  • Registry cleaners
  • RAM optimizers
  • CPU boosters
Tweaking.com

Tweaking.com

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9. Iolo System Mechanic Ultimate Defense – Complete tune-up features

If your PC is not booting or if it’s loading apps at a slower pace, we recommend you download System Mechanic Ultimate Defense.

It can defrag your hard drive, repair registry, and reduce CPU and RAM usage in real-time.

Take a look at the most important features that come with this tool:

  • The Privacy Shield suite that prevents data collection
  • Removes the useless file from your system
  • LiveBoost unlocks more CPU and RAM to enhance your system’s performance
  • ActiveCare offers real-time system analysis and repair
System Mechanic Ultimate Defense

System Mechanic Ultimate Defense

Iolo System Mechanic Ultimate Defense is a great tool if you want to boost your PC’s speed. Give it a try today!
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FAQs

What does PC tune up software do?

It scans for junk, broken registries, bloated startup programs, and other issues that slow down your computer.

Can tuneup tools really optimize Windows 10 or 11?

Yes. They can boost performance by cleaning unused data, disabling unnecessary apps, and fixing hidden errors.

Are free PC tune-up tools enough?

Free tools offer basic cleaning, but paid options usually unlock deep cleaning, repair, and auto-maintenance.

Will the tuneup software delete my personal files?

No. They target system files and cached junk, not documents or photos.

Wrapping up

hoosing the best tuneup software for Windows 10 and 11 will help with deep cleaning, registry fixing, or repairing system files. A solid PC tune up software can help you speed up, optimize, and maintain long-term performance across all types of devices.

For a closer look at other expert-tested tools, explore our curated list of the best Windows 10 optimizer software and PC maintenance software.

Why Was Voice Chat Enrollment Temporarily Disabled in Roblox?

Posted on by Afam Onyimadu

Voice chat enrollment has been temporarily disabled, a problem many gamers have faced recently. The Voice chat feature makes it easier for players to communicate with one another and was introduced by Roblox in 2021.

For years, voice chats have been a crucial component of video games. When attempting to protect a teammate from hostile fire or trying to make fun of a target you just shot, voice communication is helpful. Now let us explore what this disabled problem is, as well as some possible fixes.

What does the message Voice chat enrollment has been temporarily disabled mean?

When you get this message, it simply means that you will no more be able to use voice chats while playing the game.

With Voice chats, you can communicate with other players during gameplay. However, to ensure this feature is not misused, it is locked behind age restrictions.

The main reasons you may get the Voice chat enrollment has been temporarily disabled message are the following:

  • Age restrictions – You need to prove that you are at least 13 years.
  • Misconfigured settings – Even though you may be at least 13 years old, you may have wrongly configured your settings.

This error is evident across many platforms, including Steam. Let us show you how to fix this issue regardless of the reasons.

What can I do if voice chat enrollment has been temporarily disabled in Roblox?

Change your age in settings

  1. Log into your Roblox account, click on the gear icon at the top right corner, and select Settings.
    voice chat enrollment has been temporarily disabled
  2. Under the Personal section, click on the Verify My Age button.
    voice chat enrollment has been temporarily disabled
  3. You should now enter your email address and click Continue.
  4. Scan the bar code using your camera app and continue the process to verify your age (Note that your will need your ID handy to complete this process).

Once the steps are completed, the Voice chat enrollment has been temporarily disabled problem should be resolved.

If you are wondering Why won’t Roblox verify my age?, it’s likely that the ID provided didn’t conform to the platform’s guidelines. In this case, you should contact their support team.

Tip icon Tip
Contacting support is essential if your age is verified but you still face the problem.
  1. On a web browser, navigate to the official support page.
  2. On this page, fill out the form, including a description of your problem, then click on the Submit button.
  3. Wait for a reply that should help you fix the problem.

For most users, as soon as the Age has been verified, they should stop encountering the problem. Even more, take a closer look at this guide on how to fix voice chat errors on Call of Duty: Warzone.

Another question we are often asked is why schools ban Roblox. It’s usually to ensure that students focus on productive activities.

Another concern raised by schools is that students can be contacted by anyone on Roblox with no screening process, thus putting them at risk. And lastly, the violent nature of games and their effect on children can’t be ignored.

We hope you can go back to playing and enjoying your favorite games on the Roblox platform.

Escape from Tarkov Error on POST: Causes and Fixes

Posted on by Claudiu Andone

Escape from Tarkov is a top-rated game that is packed with action. However, the Tarkov Error on POST message appears more often than wanted for gamers who try to enjoy it.

In this article, we will point out the causes of this error and provide the best solutions to fix the problem.

Why do I get the Tarkov Error on POST message?

Here are a few reasons you might be receiving the error:

  • Overloaded server: The main reason behind the error is an overloaded server, i.e., too many players trying to play the game simultaneously.
  • Issues with the server’s network: Oftentimes, problems with the server can lead to the Error on POST message in Tarkov.
  • Tarkov wipe was done: When a wipe is done, there’s a sudden increase in user activity, and as a result, the servers do not act as expected.

How can I fix the Tarkov Error on POST?

Before getting into more complicated solutions for this issue, let’s crosscheck some preliminary methods:

If the Error on POST is a server-related issue, there is nothing much to do except wait for a patch or a server fix. However, if the problem is the launcher, we have a couple of solutions below that may bring the game back to life.

1. Clear the game cache

  1. Open the Escape from the Tarkov game launcher.
  2. Click your profile name and select Clear Cache from the drop-down menu.
  3. Close the launcher and reopen it again.

If all is well, the game will have the Update option, and the loader will be fixed. This is a verified solution, so try it out.

2. Reinstall the game and the patch

  1. Click the Start button and select Settings.
  2. Select Apps.
  3. Look through the list of apps, click on Escape from Tarkov and select Uninstall.
  4. Download the game again from the official website and then the patch.

This should fix the BsgLauncher.exe file, and everything should return to normal. If that doesn’t work, try to install an older patch since the current one might be broken.

3. Try using a VPN

If a server overload causes the situation, you might try using a VPN to circumvent the problem. We have a great list of the best VPNs for gaming, but our recommendation is to use ExpressVPN.

It has super fast servers worldwide, and it can also work on PlayStation and Xbox.

Moreover, it provides you with complete data protection and security and full anonymity, so you can’t be tracked and stream content without interruptions.

All you have to do is download and install ExpressVPN from their website, open the app, and select the nearest region to get the best performance.

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Why is Tarkov wiping?

Though strange to many, the developers of Escape from Tarkov do a clean wipe, meaning the players lose their progress and start from square one. Every information, be it inventories, levels, or reputation amongst traders, is wiped clean.

This is done periodically, but one can’t predict the exact time or day it will happen. But, it’s, more or less, done every six months.

We hope that our solutions helped you fix the Error on POST problem in Escape from Tarkov. Our first solution was proven to work for many of our readers, so you should try it out at once.

You might also be interested in our guide on how to fix the Escape from Tarkov backend error or how to fix Tarkov server issues.

We also have a guide on what to do if you get Cannot find template with ID Tarkov error.

Have you succeeded in fixing the game? Let us know all about it in the comments section below.

Windows 11 Build 25295 is now live on the Dev Channel

Posted on by Alexandru Poloboc

If you are a Windows 11 Insider conducting your business on the Dev Channel, then you might want to know that there is a brand new build for you to check out.

Before we begin, however, please keep in mind that Microsoft is planning to retire MSDT from the Windows OS, prior to the launch of Windows 12.

The company is also working on integrating the ChatGPT chatbot into the Bing search engine and also providing tools for companies and governments to create their own versions.

You can also learn about how this initiative will impact the websites from which the chatbot gets the information from.

What should I know about Windows 11 Build 25295?

Today, Microsoft has launched a new Windows 11 Insider build 25295 to the Dev Channel, so there’s plenty to look out for.

Let’s first talk about the new commercial policy to enable features introduced via servicing that are off by default in your system.

In short, this new policy allows commercial customers to enable features introduced via servicing, outside of the annual feature update.

Keep in mind 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, we will now see a copy button for quickly copying two-factor authentication (2FA) codes in notification toasts from apps installed on the PC or from phones linked to the PC. 

There is also a new search on the taskbar that began rolling out with Build 25252 and is now available for all Windows Insiders in the Dev Channel.

The rest of the changelog is pretty much made up of the usual bug fixes, with some known issues sprinkled on top.

The list isn’t that big this time around and we are about to present it to you right now, so you can see for yourself what Microsoft envisioned for this build.

Fixes

[General]

  • The issue causing repeated bugchecks for some Insiders after upgrading to Build 25284+ should be fixed now.
  • Made another fix for an issue causing Insiders to experience freezes in recent flights (specifically in this case where apps might freeze if you tried to use them while also trying to play games).
  • Fixed an issue where the Update history page under Settings > Windows Update > Update history was blank for some users after installing Build 25290.
  • Fixed an issue where some users experienced longer than expected update times installing recent builds. If you experience this issue again, please submit a new feedback item with logs in Feedback Hub.

[File Explorer]

  • Fixed an issue where the add and close tab buttons weren’t working in File Explorer if File Explorer was maximized, and you were using an Arabic or Hebrew display language.

[Input]

  • Fixed an issue which could lead to app windows becoming unresponsive after using multi-finger on screen touch gestures.
  • Fixed an underlying issue which was causing your mouse to appear like pointer trails was enabled when sharing your screen.

[Settings]

  • The Add a Device dialog should no longer have an unexpectedly big border.

[Windowing]

  • Fixed an issue which could cause certain apps to move very slowly when you dragged it across the screen.
  • Fixed a DWM crash in recent flights which could cause your screen to flash black.
  • Fixed an issue where snapped windows might not remember their positions if you disconnected and reconnected your monitor.

[Other]

  • Fixed an underlying crash impacting the ability the ability for apps using Graphics.Capture to take screen captures in recent flights.
  • Fixed an underlying issue causing crashes in certain apps when trying to print to PDFs in recent flights.

Known issues

[General]

  • The ability to show seconds in the clock on the system tray, first introduced with Build 25247, has disappeared for Insiders after updating to Build 25295. We’re aware of the issue and this will return shortly in a new flight.
  • Some AAD (Azure Active Directory joined users are now seeing “Getting ready for you” screens when signing into Windows after updating the latest builds. We are investigating the issue.
  • Some users are experiencing issues authenticating to enterprise websites that require windows integrated authentication. This will be addressed in a future update.
  • Launching Group Policy Editor may show an error about a displayName attribute not being found.
  • Using Windows Hello to sign in with facial recognition may not work on Arm64 PCs. A workaround for this is to use the Hello PIN path.
  • We’re working on the fix for an underlying issue related to combase.dll, causing crashes with multiple apps using GetKnownFolder APIs after upgrading to Build 25290, including Notepad and Windows Terminal for IME users.
  • While using Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE) or in doing a clean install of Build 25290, users may encounter rendering issues which create difficulty in using these processes. If you need to do a clean install to your device, please obtain the latest Dev Channel ISO from https://aka.ms/wipISO.

[Widgets]

  • The link for “Find more widgets” in the widgets picker currently is broken. This will be fixed and linked to the Store collection here in a future update.
  • Third-party widgets may occasionally disappear from the widgets board. They can be re-added by clicking refresh or by re-pinning them from the widgets picker.
  • Third-party widgets may occasionally get unpinned when the Microsoft account is used to sign-in multiple Windows 11 devices.
  • The undo button on the widget pinned/unpinned toast notification sometimes doesn’t work.

What can I do if I can’t install Build 25295?

  1. Press Win+ I to access Settings.
  2. Select the System category and click on Troubleshoot.w11 troubleshoot
  3. Press the Other troubleshooters button.other troubleshooters windows 11
  4. Press the Run button next to Windows Update.windows update troubleshooter

Also, 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 user. Leave a comment below if you found any issues since installing this build.

What is Error 0x8b108490 & How to Easily Fix It

Posted on by Henderson Jayden Harper

It is normal for users to run into errors when launching or playing games on their Xbox console. These errors can occur because of numerous issues affecting the Xbox console and other components running on it.

The error 0x8b108490 is a common problem users complain about as it indicates problems with the Xbox service. Also, our readers may be interested in the error 0x80190190 on Xbox and some ways to fix it.

What is error 0x8b108490?

Error 0x8b108490 occurs when you launch a game on the Xbox console, preventing you from accessing the game. It means that there’s a problem with the Xbox service. Also, it indicates that the Xbox process you’re engaging in has encountered an unexpected error.

Furthermore, the error may appear when launching a game or in between your gaming activities. It is only common on the Xbox console.

What are the causes of the error 0x8b108490?

Many factors may be responsible for the error 0x8b108490 on Xbox. Some notable causes are:

  • Xbox Live server issues – The Xbox Live server is responsible for communication between Xbox services and the device. When there is a server maintenance session ongoing, or there’s an issue causing the server to be down, it may result in errors with the Xbox console.
  • Old or corrupt cache – Cache files help the console run games faster. However, they can become corrupt if they’ve been on the console for a long time. They can cause games and apps not to open on the Xbox console, resulting in error 0x8b108490.

Other factors may be responsible for the error on your Xbox. Hence, we’ll take you through some basic ways to fix the error.

How can I fix the error 0x86108490?

Before proceeding with any advanced troubleshooting on your Xbox console, try these quick tips:

  • Ensure that the Xbox console is connected to a stable network connection.
  • Restart the Xbox console.
  • Submit a console repair request – Go to the Device service and repair page to submit a repair request.
  • Check the Xbox servers status – You can encounter issues with Xbox servers when there is a maintenance session going on, or the servers are down. However, you can visit the Xbox server status page to check for any updates regarding the server and how to fix it.

Proceed with the solutions below if you can’t fix the problem.

1. Installing pending Xbox update

  1. Press the Xbox button to open the Menu window.
  2. Click on the Settings icon on the right pane, then click on All Settings.
  3. Click on System from the left pane menu of the screen, then click on the Updates button from the right.

The console will automatically check for available updates for your Xbox. If there is any update available, the console will prompt you to install it, then follow the onscreen instructions to complete the installation.

Read our article on fixing the Xbox update error you may encounter during the process.

2. Power cycle the Xbox console

  1. Hold the power button on the Xbox console for about ten seconds to drain all power residue.
  2. Unplug the power cable from the console, then wait for 2 minutes.
  3. Plug the power cable back into the console, then hold the power button to turn it on.
  4. After the Xbox is fully booted, check if the error 0x8b108490 appears.

Power cycling the Xbox console will fix any problems that may cause issues with the activities of your game on the console.

3. Reset the Xbox console

  1. Power on your Xbox console and press the Xbox button on the controller to open the guide overlay.
  2. Select the System menu and click on Settings.
  3. Click on System to expand and choose Console info.
  4. Click on Reset Console.
  5. Then choose between Remove everything or Reset and keep my games & apps.

The Remove everything option will clear all data and games on the Xbox console. It will reset the console to the way it came from the manufacturer.

Check how to fix the Xbox controller detected but not working if you experience it. You may also learn what to do if you can’t play games on Xbox One.

Did you manage to solve the error? Let us know in the comments area below.

Fix: OBS Failed to Load Channel Information for Twitch

Posted on by Cesar Cadenas

Formerly known as Open Broadcaster Software, OBS is an open-source streaming app that people use to record, compose, and broadcast a live stream on whichever platform they want.

Most of the time, people use OBS for their Twitch stream. A lot of the major streamers on Twitch use this very app. There are times when OBS will fail to load a Twitch channel leading to some pretty frustrating moments.

Why is OBS saying it failed to load the channel?

Here are a few reasons OBS failed to load channel information for Twitch:

  • Bug in the current version: The issue could arise due to a bug in the installed version of OBS, and a patch for it should, most likely, be underway.
  • Lack of permissions: If OBS doesn’t have the necessary permissions, it may fail to load channel information for Twitch. Running the program as an administrator should fix things.
  • Corrupt browser cache: In some cases, a corrupt browser cache, too, could lead to the problem.

How do I fix failed to load channel information on Twitch OBS?

1. Update OBS

  1. Sometimes when you open OBS, you may get a popup window informing you that an update is available for download.
  2. There will be an Update Now button to update OBS to the latest version. If it doesn’t appear, click Help at the top of OBS.
  3. In the drop-down menu, click Check For Updates.
  4. If there are no updates available, a window will pop up informing you.
  5. The update popup that should’ve appeared initially will appear now. Click the Update Now button.

2. Start OBS with admin privileges

  1. In the Search bar, bring up OBS.
  2. Click Run as administrator on the right-hand side and this should bypass the problem you’re having.

3. Enable two-factor authentication on Twitch

  1. On Twitch, click on your profile icon and select Settings in the drop-down menu.
  2. In Settings, click the Security and Privacy tab.
  3. Scroll down under you reach the Security section. Click Set Up Two-Factor Authentication.
  4. Click Enable 2FA in the new window.
  5. Enter your phone number and click Continue.
  6. Enter the 7-digit code sent to your phone number, then click Continue.
  7. Next, you have one of two choices. You can either download an authenticator app like Google Authenticator to your phone, scan the QR code, and enter a verification code.
  8. Or, you can choose to use an SMS message. This guide will select the second option.
  9. A message will appear telling you that the next time you log in, you will need the authenticator app or enter a unique code that will be sent to your phone. We recommend choosing the latter.
  10. Click Done to close the window.

4. Clearing out browser cache

  1. We’ll show you how to clear out the cache on Opera GX, Chrome, and Firefox. These browsers are commonly used for Twitch.
  2. On Opera GX, press the Ctrl and H keys to open the history menu.
  3. Click Clear Browsing Data at the top.
  4. Click Cookies and other site data as well as Cached images and files.
  5. Click Clear data.
  6. On Chrome, enter chrome://settings/clearBrowserData into the address bar.
  7. Make sure to check the box next to Cookies and other site data and Cache images and files.
  8. Click Clear data.
  9. On Firefox, type in about:preferences#privacy in the address bar.
  10. Scroll down to Cookies and Site Data. Click Clear Data.
  11. Ensure the boxes in the popup are checked. Click Clear.

Why does OBS say failed to fetch settings from Twitch?

Just like being unable to obtain channel information, there are instances where Twitch can’t get the settings from your copy of OBS. The solutions for this problem are the same as those we just covered.

Running OBS with administrator privileges and updating the app are two of the best things you can do. We also recommend uninstalling and reinstalling OBS.

Feel free to leave a comment below if you have any questions about other apps or if you have some that you recommend. Also, feel free to leave comments about guides you’d like to see or information on other web browsers.

10 Best Mouse Settings for Improved Gaming on Windows 11

Posted on by Alexandru Poloboc

There has been a lot of talk about Microsoft’s operating system, Windows 11, and gaming ever since the OS wasn’t even released.

Windows 11 has been constantly improved since it came out, and we can now call it a much more stable and reliable experience, even if we are talking about gaming.

Even Mac users can install Windows 11 on their devices and play a game of their choice after the Windows 11 gaming improvements coming with Parallels Desktop 18.

Also, if you are interested in playing Android Games on Windows 11, we can show you everything you need to know about it.

Whether you spent a bag on gaming peripherals for your PC, such as mechanical keyboards or sensitive gaming mice, tweaking the device’s settings can improve your overall experience.

And, since we’re talking about gaming, you will surely be interested in a good gaming browser, so check out the best choices.

Do Windows mouse settings affect games?

We’re going to say that yes, they do. Sensitivity or other mouse settings can thoughtfully contribute to your overall gaming experience.

Mouse acceleration, for example, was implemented to help people feel more in control over their cursor; however, it can seriously throw you off while gaming.

For FPS players, experts recommend playing these games using a sensitivity between 400 and 800 DPI.

Yes, optimizing your mouse for gaming can significantly enhance the experience, so keep that in mind next time you want to tweak your game.

Of course, if you purchased a professional gaming mouse, you can personalize it directly from the product interface.

Where are the mouse settings in Windows 11?

If you want to access your mouse’s Windows 11 system settings, all you have to do is press Win + I, select the Bluetooth & devices tab, and then select Mouse.

Also, under this section, you will find the Additional or Advanced Mouse Settings for Windows 11.

What are the best mouse settings for gaming?

1. Personalised DPI settings

If you are into gaming or spend time around gamers, one of the first things you observe is that everyone plays with different DPI settings,

Depending on how sensitive you want your mouse to be, adjusting the DPI setting to a value you are comfortable with is essential.

If you have a gaming mouse, you can change the DPI settings from the extra button on it.

How do I change mouse DPI in Settings on Windows 11?

  1. Press Win + I to access Settings.
  2. Select the Bluetooth & devices tab, then click on Mouse.mouse settings
  3. Adjust Mouse pointer speed to your preference.mouse pointer speed

2. Disable mouse acceleration

  1. Press Win + I to access Settings.
  2. Select the Bluetooth & devices tab, then click on Mouse.mouse settings
  3. Select Advanced mouse settings.advanced mouse settings
  4. Select the Pointer Options tab and disable the Enhance pointer precision option. Also, for maximum accuracy, it’s recommended that you set the Windows 11 mouse sensitivity at 6/11.pointer precision

3. Always keep drivers up to date

  1. Search for Device Manager and open the app.device manager
  2. Expand Mice and other pointing devices.mouse driver
  3. Right-click on the mouse you are using and select Update driver.

This can also be done directly from the gaming mouse’s dedicated software, so we are showing you an alternative.

Outdated drivers are the most common reason for slow performance regarding your PC. Updating drivers by yourself can be difficult. Therefore, an automatic driver monitoring tool is a great option.

4. Boost your Polling Rate

Many gamers know that the Polling Rate is the speed at which your mouse communicates input to your gaming PC.

To help you understand, remember that the base polling rate with USB is usually 125Hz or once every 8 milliseconds.

That being said, most gaming mice typically include a 1000Hz polling rate, once per millisecond or 1000 times per second.

If you want to change the Polling Rate, you can do so directly from the mouse’s buttons, using keyboard shortcuts, or through the mouse’s dedicated software.

5. Disable Angle Snapping

Again, a fact not known by many non-hardcore gamers is that Angle Snapping is a feature that helps your mouse cursor in a straight line.

As you can imagine, that is not necessarily a good thing when we’re talking about gaming, so it can inconvenience you.

This, just as adjusting the Polling Rate, can be done using your mouse’s dedicated software, so keep that in mind.

6. Enable Game Mode

  1. Search for Game Mode Settings and open the app.game mode settings
  2. Turn on Game mode.game mode

7. Use specialized mouse software

As we said above, if you are into gaming, you are better off spending money on a gaming mouse to optimize your experience completely.

And, to get the most out of a gaming mouse, you need to download and install the corresponding software.

This way, you will have access to all the different features that the mouse comes equipped with, and you can tweak a lot more performance and visual options.

For example, if you are using a Razer gaming mouse, you will need to download the Razer Synapse to unlock the mouse’s full potential.

8. Always play games in fullscreen mode

You might now know this, but even the unimportant things can improve mouse responsiveness.

That said, after entering your favorite game, make sure you visit the Visual/Graphics settings page and make some tweaks.

For the best performance, make sure that you avoid using Windowed, or Borderless Window mode while gaming.

9. Enable Auto-HDR

It goes without saying that the HDR display is better than SDR, which means that a smoother gaming experience must be complete from all sides.

Visual quality means your mouse will move smoothly, without lag or stuttering so that you can enjoy your adventure.

If you need any help turning on Auto HDR in Windows 11, we can help you with that as well, so just relax and focus on gaming.

10. Use Raw Input

You surely know that many games nowadays have the option to turn raw mouse input on or off if you look into the settings. menu.

Typically, mouse movements are much more accurate when using raw mouse input, especially in first-person shooters.

This actually varies from game to game, but in some games with raw mouse input of the mouse, aiming will be very inconsistent, especially with higher DPI settings.

counter-strike mouse settings

Furthermore, the raw setting takes mouse input directly from the mouse instead of from the operating system, which will change the input based on things like the cursor position on the desktop, which can limit the maximum turning speed and create inconsistent turning speed.

How do I make my mouse faster in Windows 11?

This can be done directly from the mouse’s dedicated software interface, where you can tweak a lot for your mouse.

Otherwise, like we’ve shown you above, press Win + I to bring up Settings, go to Bluetooth & devices, then click on the Mouse option and modify all you want.

Should I turn off mouse acceleration for gaming?

Yes, if you are really into gaming, we strongly recommend disabling this feature for an improved gaming experience.

This won’t make all the difference in the world, but there will be a huge difference in how you control your mouse while in-game.

How do I reduce the mouse polling rate in Windows 11?

You might look at this as farfetched, but that is how you do it. Unplug the mouse from your computer. Press the numerical buttons 4 + 5 on your keyboard, and plug in the mouse.

If your mouse is properly connected, the polling rate has switched to 125 Hz. Press the numerical button 4, and plug in the mouse if you want to switch the report rate to 500 Hz.

So, if you were wondering how do I make my mouse smoother in Windows 11, you now know what to do for the best results.

Leave a comment below if you found any useful tips in this article or maybe some advice for even better gaming optimization.

Error #268D3: What Is It and How to Remove the Popup

Posted on by Madalina Dinita

The Windows OS is no stranger to errors, be it the dreaded BSOD or issues arising from outdated drivers. But these can usually be fixed with a little effort. However, several users reported getting the 268D3 error popup on a browser.

The error message reads, Your computer has been blocked, and prompts you to call the provided number. For some users, an audio recording of the #268D3 is also played simultaneously. So is it a legit warning or another scam? Let’s find out.

What is error 268D3?

The good news is that error #268d3 is nothing but annoying adware. So your computer is not infected by any virus or spyware trying to steal the credentials, credit card details, or email account logins. In all likelihood, the data is safe.

In most cases, it’s adware or a similar program installed on the computer that’s triggering the popup. Yet, the mere occurrence of the 268D3 error is annoying and affects the browsing experience. So, let’s find out how you can remove it.

How can I fix the 268D3 error?

Before trying the solutions here, we recommend:

  • You should disconnect from the Internet, remove the Ethernet cable or turn off the router, and then restart the computer.

1. Terminate the browser

  1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open the Task Manager, and locate the affected browser in the list of processes.
  2. Now, right-click on it, and select End task.end task to fix error 268d3

In some cases, the error 268D3 was a one-time thing and didn’t appear again after the browser was terminated. It points to a situation where it’s a website that triggers the popup and not the computer. So stop visiting that particular website from now on.

2. Run a malware scan

  1. Press Windows + S to open Search, type Windows Security, and click on the relevant search result.windows security
  2. Now, click on Virus & threat protection.virus & threat protection
  3. Choose Scan options.scan options
  4. Select Full scan and then click on Scan now.full scan to fix error 268d3
  5. Wait for the scan to complete and check if any malware was found and removed from the PC.

Windows Security, the built-in antivirus, is more than capable of identifying and eliminating suspicious programs, malware, and viruses. So, you must first scan the whole system with it. If it’s unable to fix the 268D3 error, an effective third-party antivirus will do.

Use Eset HOME Security Essential

Eset HOME Security Essential is among the best security tools to help you with this job. It offers multi-layered protection, which means its scanner is able to detect all sorts of different threats, such as viruses, spyware, ransomware, script-based attacks, and more.

The software is lightweight and very easy to use. It should work with no interruptions on any device and provide real-time protection without causing any performance issues.

Eset HOME Security Essential provides specific tools to protect your online payments, and has a powerful network inspector that detects any suspicious activity at the level of your network.

Other worthwhile features of this security tool include advanced parental controls, a powerful firewall, webcam protection, anti-phishing technology, and a system registry scanner.

If you want to run a scan with Eset, you just have to open the main window of the software and click on the Computer Scan option in the sidebar. Then select Scan your computer and wait for the process to complete.

Let the antivirus remove or quarantine any threat it finds and then restart your PC and see if your error is removed.

We also have to mention that Eset offers a free online system scan. It is a one-time solution that can be of help if you want to quickly check your PC and remove the threats as soon as possible. It is also a good way to test out the antivirus.

ESET HOME Security Essential

Keep your devices protected with advanced multi-layered protection and industry-standard online security tools.
Free Trial Visit Website

3. Remove the app triggering the popup

  1. Press Windows + R to open Run, type appwiz.cpl in the text field, and hit Enter.appwiz.cpl
  2. Now, locate any suspicious apps or adware that were installed around the same time the popup first appeared, and click on Uninstall.uninstall to fix error 268d3
  3. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the process.

If the antivirus couldn’t locate the program triggering the 268D3 error, you can always manually remove it. And in most cases, identifying it won’t be a lengthy affair.

4. Reset the browser

4.1 Google Chrome

  1. Launch Chrome, paste the following path in the address bar, and then hit Enter:chrome://settings/reset
  2. Now, click on Restore settings to their original defaults.restore settings to their original defaults
  3. Finally, click on Reset settings in the confirmation prompt, and wait for the process to complete.reset settings to fix error 268d3

4.2 Microsoft Edge

  1. Open Edge, click on the ellipsis near the top right and then choose Settings from the flyout menu.settings
  2. Select Reset settings from the navigation pane, and click on Restore settings to their default values.restore settings to their default value to fix error 268d3
  3. Click on Reset to confirm.reset

4.3 Mozilla Firefox

  1. Launch Firefox, click on the hamburger icon, and choose Help.help
  2. Click on More troubleshooting information.more troubleshooting
  3. Click on Refresh Firefox.refresh firefox to fix error 268d3
  4. Again, click Refresh Firefox in the confirmation prompt that appears.confirm

4.4 Opera

  1. Launch Opera and press Alt + P to open Settings.
  2. Scroll to the bottom and click Advanced.advanced
  3. Again, scroll down to the bottom, and this time, click on Restore settings to their original defaults.restore settings to their original defaults to fix error 268d3
  4. Click on Reset in the confirmation prompt.reset

Once you have reset the browser, the error 268D3 should not appear again on the PC. Remember, in no case should you call on the listed number or provide any information to the scammers.

If you often run into such issues, we recommend you switch to a browser that offers a safe online experience.

Do tell us which fix worked for you in the comments section below. Also, if you know of other solutions, drop them here to help fellow users.

Fix: Core Isolation Page Not Available on Windows 11

Posted on by Claire Moraa

Core isolation is an additional security feature in Windows 11 that adds an extra layer of protection. Although Windows Defender has its own set of features that make the OS secure, Core isolation offers more. However, you may find that the core isolation page is not available in Windows 11.

With core isolation enabled, if a malicious program tries to take over your system by exploiting a vulnerability in Windows, it won’t have access to other parts of the operating system, such as your files or network connections. Given its importance, let’s look at how to enable it.

Why is Core isolation page not available?

To use Core isolation, you need to upgrade your device to a newer version of Windows. You already know the stringent system requirements for Windows 11, so if your device doesn’t meet them, this feature will be unavailable.

Although you may be able to bypass some of the system requirements and install Windows 11 on unsupported devices, some of the consequences are missing out on critical features, such as the Core isolation page not being available.

Some of the must-have features include:

  • TPM – TPM stands for Trusted Platform Module. It’s a hardware chip that acts as a computer’s central security system and uses encryption to protect data stored on your hard drive and other devices connected to your computer. It also has its unique keys embedded in the hardware that allows you to access your PC without relying on passwords or other authentication methods.
  • UEFI – UEFI can be seen as a replacement for legacy BIOS functionality. It offers a more secure way to boot your Windows computer than booting in legacy mode. Legacy mode is the old style of BIOS.
  • Secure boot – Secure Boot is a security feature that helps prevent malicious software from modifying the boot process. The secure boot mechanism can be used to verify that an operating system is authentic, and it can refuse to load an operating system if it isn’t signed by a trusted certificate authority, such as Microsoft.
  • DEP – DEP is an important security feature in Windows. It helps protect your PC by preventing the execution of code that runs in the memory reserved for the kernel, the core of the operating system.

How do I enable Core isolation in Windows 11?

Before you enable Core isolation, ensure you do the following first:

1. Use Windows Security 

  1. Hit the Windows key, type Windows Security in the search bar, and click Open.
  2. Navigate to Device security on the left pane.going device security windows security
  3. Next, select Core isolation details on the right.going core isolation details windows security
  4. Go to Memory integrity and toggle it On.turning on memory integrity windows security

If you want to disable the feature, go through the same steps, but this time, toggle Off Memory integrity. In case memory integrity is greyed out, check out our article on how to fix it.

2. Use Windows Registry

  1. Hit the Windows + R keys to open the Run command.
  2. Type regedit in the dialog box and hit Enter.
  3. Navigate to the following location: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\DeviceGuard\Scenarios\HypervisorEnforcedCodeIntegrity
  4. In case HypervisorEnforcedCodeIntegrity is not available, right-click on Scenarios, select New Key, and rename it as HypervisorEnforcedCodeIntegrity.
  5. Also, proceed to do so on the right pane by right-clicking on a space and select New DWORD (32-bit) Value and name it as Enabled.
  6. Double-click on Enabled, and under Value data enter 1, then click OK to save changes.
  7. Restart your PC. To turn off Core isolation, simply change the Value data to 0 and save the changes. 

The registry is a vital part of Windows, and editing it can cause serious problems if you don’t know what you’re doing. If you make a mistake, you could end up with a corrupted registry and lose data. 

This is why it’s strongly recommended that you back up your computer before making any changes to the registry.

Should I turn on Core isolation in Windows 11?

Core isolation and Memory integrity protection are two security features that have been available on recent versions of Windows. 

While these features can provide added protection for your system, they are not enabled by default because enabling them may degrade system performance. In addition, there are some cases where the features do not work properly or cause problems.

Still, there are convincing reasons why you should enable Core isolation in Windows 11:

  • An extra layer of protection – Memory Integrity helps reduce the risk of a memory corruption attack. It ensures that all changes to memory are validated before they are committed.
  • Block unwanted connections between processes or applications – This prevents unwanted connections between processes or applications. In turn, it reduces the risk of data theft or corruption if one process becomes corrupted or damaged by a virus or malware infection.
  • Prevent malicious software from accessing/modifying protected files – Core isolation also isolates the app’s memory space so that it doesn’t share memory with other processes on your device. This helps prevent any malware from accessing sensitive data stored elsewhere.

Hopefully, your Core isolation page is now back up if it was unavailable. If your PC didn’t cut, we have an awesome recommendation for Windows 11 PCs that you should consider.

Also, check out some of the best Windows 11 security settings you need to enable on your PC to keep your system protected. For an additional layer of protection, we recommend installing third-party antivirus.

That’s all we had for this article, but keep us engaged by sharing any thoughts you may have in the comment section below.

Minecraft Install Error 0x80131509: 3 Simple Fixes

Posted on by Loredana Harsana

Getting error 0x80131509 while installing Minecraft (JAVA edition) is more common than you think. As a result, a lot of users have complained about the issue. But don’t worry, we can fix this in no time.

In this guide, we will discuss all the fixes when Minecraft is not installed right after discussing the potential causes of the issue.

What causes Minecraft install error 0x80131509?

There are a handful of reasons why you got a Minecraft to install error, and we have mentioned some of the most popular ones: 

  • Windows Updates – The error message could appear if the Windows update is pending. Download and install Windows updates and try to install Minecraft again.
  • Slow internet connection – If you are facing internet issues or your internet is faulty, then it could cause the installation to fail, and the error code might appear.
  • No Xbox Account – If you don’t have an account on Xbox or have tried to use incorrect credentials for your Xbox account, it could trigger the issue.
  • Old Minecraft launcher – If you have an old launcher along with the new launcher for Minecraft, it could conflict, hence the problem.

What can I do to fix Minecraft install error 0x80131509?

Before diving into detailed troubleshooting, let us try these quick fixes to resolve the problem: 

  • Restart your computer
  • Make sure there is no pending Windows update.
  • Check if any of the Microsoft apps need updates.
  • Use the same account on Microsoft Store and Xbox app.

1. Uninstall Minecraft Launcher

  1. Press Windows + I to get Settings.
  2. Go to Apps from the left pane and click Installed Apps.Minecraft Launcher Uninstall
  3. Locate the Minecraft launcher, click on three dots, and click Uninstall.

2. Repair Game servicing app & Xbox app

  1. Press Windows + I to open Settings.
  2. Locate and click on Apps from the left-side pane, and click Installed Apps.
  3. Locate the Xbox app, click on three dots, and click Advanced options.Xbox Repair
  4. On the next window, locate and click Repair.Xbox repair 2
  5. Follow the same steps for the game servicing app to repair it.

3. Uninstall & Reinstall Game services

  1. Press Windows + X and click Terminal (Admin) to open PowerShell.Powershell
  2. Now type the following command and press Enter to uninstall Game services: get-appxpackage Microsoft.GamingServices | remove-Appxpackage –allusers
  3. Restart your computer.
  4. Open the Xbox Game Pass app, which will prompt you to install the gaming services again. 
  5. Once done, try to rerun the Minecraft installer.

4. Run Minecraft in Compatibility Mode

  1. On Windows 11/10 computer, download the launcher compatible with Window7/8.
  2. Right-click on the launcher file and select Properties.MSI properies
  3. Go to the Compatibility tab, and put a checkmark beside Run this program in compatibility mode. Now. Set the compatibility to Windows 8. Click Apply and OK.Compatibility

5. Restore your OS using ISO 

Tip icon Tip
It is vital to back up personal files before starting the process.
  1. Go to Microsoft website for Windows 11.
  2. Under Download Windows 11 Disk Image (ISO), select Windows 11 (multi-edition ISO).Download Windows 11
  3. Select the product language and click Confirm.Windows 11 download 2
  4. Click Download and follow the on-screen prompts to complete.

What version of Java does Minecraft 1.19 use?

There are a few editions of Minecraft 1.19. While the earlier ones work fine with Java 17, the newer editions, i.e., Minecraft 1.19.2 and higher, require Java 19.

To get Java 19, head to the official website, download it, and run the setup to complete the installation process. For those having trouble, check our easy guide on installing Java in Windows.

So, these are methods you need to follow to fix Minecraft install error 0x80131509, along with all the other relevant information that might come in handy while troubleshooting.

Try them and let us know which worked for you in the comments below.

Posted in PC

Driver PNP Watchdog on Windows 11: How to Fix This Stop Code

Posted on by Loredana Harsana

Have you just encountered the driver PNP watchdog in Windows 11? We like to explore this error in our guide, recommend valuable fixes, and explore possible triggers.

The Driver PNP Watchdog code does not occur frequently, but it puzzles users when it does. In addition, it may show up when performing a Windows update, so it is recommended that you always use a Windows Update troubleshooter.

A BSOD error prompts the computer to restart immediately, causing you to lose all unsaved information instantly. Therefore, don’t hesitate to learn about the best Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) repair software.

What does driver PNP watchdog mean?

The Driver PNP Watchdog error has its fair share of limitations, such as the inability to install the main upgrades. However, there are a couple of reasons why the error occurs; the main ones include the following:

  • Incorrectly configured or outdated drivers – When drivers are not correctly configured or are outdated, the PNP service may struggle to complete its tasks.
  • Corruption in system files -Corruption in system files such as the registry or other essential files can cause the PNP watchdog error.
  • Malware infections – Malware infections can alter system files and cause problems with the PNP service.
  • Hardware issues – Issues with the computer hardware, such as failing hard drives or memory, can also cause the PNP watchdog error.
  • Overloaded system – An overloaded system, such as when too many programs are running concurrently, can also cause the PNP watchdog error.
  • Overclocking – Overclocking, or running the processor at a higher speed than it was designed for, can cause problems with the PNP service and trigger the watchdog error.

To date, users are still experiencing the issue as the BSOD errors keep evolving from time to time (yes, the Driver PNP Watchdog error is present in Windows 10 as well).

Despite the challenges, you still need the knowledge to bypass the Driver PNP Watchdog error if you ever encounter it. To learn how to fix this problem, follow the steps below. 

How can I bypass Windows 11’s Driver PNP Watchdog error? 

1. Repair the PC Registry by running SFC

  1. Type cmd on your search bar, right-click the command prompt, and select Run as administrator.fix pnp watchdog code error for Windows 11
  2. Type the command below and hit Enter. This will prompt the System File Checker to scan all system files.
    sfc/scannow fix pnp watchdog code error for Windows 11
  3. Wait till the scanning process is over. At this juncture, restart your PC. All corrupt files are replaced.

If your Volume Copy Service is experiencing some issues, the Driver PNP Watchdog error may be the problem.

When your system files are corrupted, it leads to immense damage to your Windows registry and the occurrence of the Driver PNP Watchdog error.

2. Inspect the Volume Shadow Copy Service (VSS)

  1. Press the Win key + R key simultaneously, which will prompt the Run dialog box. Then, key in services.msc and press Enter.fix pnp watchdog code error for Windows 11
  2. Locate the VSS in the list, then double-click on it to open its Properties window.
  3. Set the Startup type to Automatic and set Service status set to Running. Then click Apply and OK to save your changes.fix pnp watchdog code error for Windows 11
  4. Now, restart your PC.

3. Adjust the system services

  1. Type cmd in your Search bar, right-click the Command Prompt, then Run as administrator. Click on Yes when the User Account Control window pops up.fix pnp watchdog code error for Windows 11
  1. Type the following commands one after the other, and press Enter after each one:
    • net stop wuauserv
    • net stop cryptSvc
    • net stop bits
    • net stop appIDsvcfix pnp watchdog code error for Windows 11
  1. Press Windows + E to open the File Explorer, then go to the path below and rename SoftwareDistribution to SoftwareDistribution.old.
    C:\Windows\System32fix pnp watchdog code error for Windows 11
  2. Also, navigate to the path below and rename catroot2 to catroot2.old.
    C:\Windows\System32\catroot2fix pnp watchdog code error for Windows 11
  3. Open the Command Prompt window once more, then type the following commands and press Enter after each one:
    • net start wuauserv
    • net start cryptSvc
    • net start bits
    • net start msiserver
    • net start appIDsvc
  1. Exit the Command Prompt.
  2. Press the Start menu, type windows, and select Windows PowerShell (Admin) to open it.fix pnp watchdog code error for Windows 11
  1. Type the command below and hit Enter: 
    wuauclt.exe /updatenowfix pnp watchdog code error for Windows 11

System services are in place to ensure that your system functions optimally. The Driver PNP Watchdog error occurs when any service is faulty.

You can now restart the system and check whether the Driver PNP Watchdog error has been solved. If the issue is still imminent, use the following method.

4. Uninstall apps with malware

  1. Press the Win.
  2. Locate the recently installed software, right-click on it, and hit Uninstall.fix pnp watchdog code error for Windows 11
  3. Restart your system and check if the problem is still persistent.

The BSOD error may affect your device, especially if you have recently installed corrupted software. It is easy to tell, especially if the problem starts after installing the malicious software.

Your next step would be to apply the above procedure and use the best uninstaller software. Even if this is a Windows 10 guide, the software presented works without problems on Windows 11 too.

5. Restore your device to factory settings

Note icon NOTE
Another solution would be to restore your device to its factory settings. This will uninstall your services, apps, and drivers. It is worth noting that all the changes made to your system settings and preferences will be lost.
  1. Press the Win + I keyboard shortcut to open the Windows Settings window.fix pnp watchdog code error for Windows 11
  2. Select the System option on the right pane, then select the Recovery option on the left.fix pnp watchdog code error for Windows 11
  3. Select Reset PC under Reset this PC.
    fix pnp watchdog code error for Windows 11
  4. Select Keep my files or Remove everything. Take the latter as an example.fix pnp watchdog code error for Windows 11
  5. Choose the option to reinstall Windows 11.reinstall
  6. Select Just remove my files or Remove files and clean the drive.
  7. Let your device complete the reset process.

6. Use the antivirus to run a full system scan on your PC

  1. Press the Win key + I key to open the Windows Settings window.fix pnp watchdog code error for Windows 11
  2. Select Privacy & Security, then select the Windows Security option from the left side.fix pnp watchdog code error for Windows 11
  3. When the window pops up, select Virus & threat protection.fix pnp watchdog code error for Windows 11
  4. Select Scan options next to the Quick scan button.
  5. Look for Full scan, then select Scan now. Windows Defender will start to scan your PC and provide a detailed report.fix pnp watchdog code error for Windows 11

One of the main reasons the Driver PNP Watchdog error occurs is because of viruses and malware. As a result, the critical files and data stored in your PC used to interact with the hardware device by the system are affected.

The findings from the full scan will help you identify the malware and viruses present. The antivirus program provides you with a guide on how to remove them.

After successfully removing the malware, check whether the Driver PNP Watchdog error is resolved and use one of the best antivirus solutions for Windows 11.

7. Use the Windows Update Troubleshooter

  1. Press the Win key + I key to open the Windows Settings window.fix pnp watchdog code error for Windows 11
  2. Select System, then select the Troubleshoot option from the left side.fix pnp watchdog code error for Windows 11
  3. Click the Other troubleshooter option.
    driver pnp watchdog windows 11
  4. Locate the Windows Update in the list on the right and click the Run option.
    driver pnp watchdog windows 11

Whenever your Windows Update is faced with issues in performing a particular operation, the BSOD may appear. For example, you can run the Windows Updates troubleshooter to solve the Driver PNP Watchdog error.

Even if this guide is for Windows 10 users, it may also be applied to Windows 11 PCs. Finally, restart your computer and check if the problem has been corrected.

As indicated above, there are a couple of solutions that you could use to remedy the Driver PNP Watchdog error. Unfortunately, things are no different when it comes to PNP-detected fatal errors. Therefore, the answers from this Windows 10 guide are also recommended to Windows 11 users.

Microsoft has made several efforts toward the bug check value, but there are still some challenges. For example, the company plans to change the popular BSOD to Black in Windows 11.

This does not mean the causes of the error will modify, which means that the troubleshooting methods outlined above will remain for Windows 11.

If you have encountered the Driver PNP Watchdog error, which of the above methods worked for you? Let us know in the comments section below.

Windows 11 Network Sharing Not Working? How to Turn it On

Posted on by Kazim Ali Alvi

Network sharing allows users to transfer and receive files with other users on a local network. It’s great for offices or people with multiple devices at home. But many users, after upgrading to Windows 11, reported that network discovery is not working.

This could be due to several reasons, including issues with the installer version of the OS. Also, misconfigured settings, absence of critical services, or lack of permissions can lead to network sharing not working in Windows 11.

Many with Windows 10 and Windows 11 devices on the local network noticed that though the device running Windows 11 could access the Windows 10 PC, the reverse is not true. Here upgrading all devices to Windows 11 may work.

So, let’s now walk you through the most effective fixes.

Why is my Network discovery not working?

Network discovery is a Windows feature that allows your computer to see other devices and shared resources on your local network. If network discovery is not working, it could be due to several reasons, including:

  • Firewall Settings – Windows Firewall or third-party firewall software could block network discovery. 
  • Network Profile – Your network profile might be set to Public, which disables network discovery. 
  • File and Printer Sharing – Ensure that file and printer sharing is enabled on your computer. This is required for network discovery to work.
  • Network adapter drivers – Outdated or incorrect drivers for your network adapter can cause network discovery problems. 
  • Router Configuration – Your router may have settings that are blocking network discovery. 

How do I turn on network discovery on Windows 11?

  1. Press Windows + I to open the Settings app.
  2. Select Network and Internet; pick your network from the list (you can share Ethernet or Wi-Fi networks) and enable it. Then click on it to open its settings panel.
    windows 11 network discovery not working
  3. Set the Network profile type to Private.
    windows 11 network discovery not working

As you can see, you can find information about each network profile directly in the settings app. Once you enable the Private profile, you can share files with other devices on that network.

How do I force network discovery?

Sometimes, changes to your system will not apply until you reboot your PC. That allows it to reconfigure and load the OS with the new setup.

So if you have not tried that already, we advise you to do it. Many users report being able to use Network Discovery without an issue after a simple restart.

Also, check all the suggestions in this guide to learn how to configure your file permissions, share settings correctly, and more. Even if Network Discovery is enabled, other settings may prevent it from working correctly.

How can I fix Network discovery if it’s not working on Windows 11?

1. Update Windows 11

  1. Press Windows + I to launch the Settings app, and select Windows Update from the tabs listed in the navigation pane on the left.
    Windows Update
  2. Click the Check for updates button on the right to scan for available newer versions.
    Check for updates to fix windows 11 network sharing not working
  3. If any are listed after the scan, click on Download & install to get them.
    Download & install to fix windows 11 network sharing not working

Often, it might be an issue with the current version of Windows 11, leading to network sharing not working in Windows 11. If that’s the case, updating the OS should fix the error.

2. Run the critical services

  1. Press Windows + S to launch the Search menu, enter Services in the text field at the top, and click on the relevant search result that appears.
    Services to fix windows 11 network sharing not working
  2. Locate the Function Discovery Provider Host service, right-click on it, and select Properties from the context menu.
    Function Discovery Provider Host
  3. Now, click on the Startup type dropdown menu, and select Automatic from the list of options.
    Automatic to fix windows 11 network sharing not working
  4. Click on the Start button if the service is not running, and then click OK at the bottom to save the changes.
    Start
  5. Similarly, set the Function Discovery Resource Publication to Automatic and run the service.

Once done, check if the network sharing not working issue in Windows 11 is fixed.

3. Reconfigure sharing settings

  1. Press Windows + S to launch the Search menu, enter Control Panel in the text field, and click on the relevant search result that appears.
    Control panel
  2. Click on Network and Internet.
    Network and Internet to fix windows 11 network sharing not working
  3. Next, click on Network and Sharing Center.
    Network and Sharing center
  4. Click on Change advanced sharing settings from the options listed on the left.
    Change advanced sharing settings to fix windows 11 network sharing not working
  5. Now, click All Networks, and then select Turn off Public folder sharing (people logged on to this computer can still access these folders) under Public folder sharing.
    Turn off public sharing
  6. Now, scroll down and select Turn off password protected sharing under Password protected sharing, and then click on Save changes at the bottom.
    Turn off password protected sharing to fix windows 11 network sharing not working

Once done, restart the computer for the changes to effect, and verify if the network sharing starts working in Windows 11.

You can troubleshoot access issues by using the Network and Sharing Center not opening guide, which helps you resolve problems that prevent the panel from launching in Windows 11.

4. Provide the necessary permissions

  1. Press Windows + E to launch File Explorer, locate the folder you are having trouble sharing, right-click on it, and select Properties from the context menu.
    Properties to fix windows 11 network sharing not working
  2. Navigate to the Sharing tab and click on the Share button.
    Share
  3. Click on the dropdown menu, select Everyone from the list of options, and then click on Share at the bottom.
    Everyone to fix windows 11 network sharing not working
  4. Click Done on the next window.
  5. Now, click on the Advanced Sharing button in the Sharing tab.
    Advance sharing
  6. Tick the checkbox for Share this folder.
    Share this folder to fix windows 11 network sharing not working
  7. Click on the Permissions button.
    Permissions
  8. Make sure that the Everyone option is selected and the relevant permissions granted. Once done, click on OK at the bottom to save the changes.
    Everyone
  9. Save the changes on all the subsequent windows, and restart the computer for these to effect.

Once done, the network sharing not working issue in Windows 11 should be fixed, and you can start sharing files with other devices on the local network.

Also, find out what to do if you cannot access the shared folder in Windows 11 since many reported encountering this issue.

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

MSN > Windows Live Search > Live Search > Bing and now the new Bing – a short history of online search at Microsoft

Posted on by Kip Kniskern

Microsoft spent some time this week touting their latest attempt to gain relevance in online search with the introduction of “the new Bing.” For those of us who’ve been following Microsoft for some time, however, fanfare about improvements to search aren’t exactly new. Let’s take a look at Microsoft’s previous attempts to disrupt the search industry (read: Google):

Pre-history the early days of search

Search on the web really started back in the mid ’90s. Jerry Yang and David Filo’s “guide to the World Wide Web,” which became Yahoo! in 1994 started things off with a hierarchical web directory, a single portal to lots of links to interesting sites on the web. At about the same time, researchers at Digital Equipment Company created AltaVista, the first searchable full-text database on the web. It was later incorporated into Yahoo!, and then Digital was acquired by computer maker Compaq, who redesigned AltaVista as a web portal to compete with Yahoo.

Shortly after that, in 1998, and like Yahoo coming out of Stanford University, Larry Page and Sergey Brin introduced another funny sounding search portal, called Google. Google caught on quickly, to say the least.

MSN

Microsoft entered the search engine fray early on, too. MSN Search debuted in mid 1998, using search results from another search provider, Inktomi. A year after Yahoo introduced its own home built web crawler in 2004, Microsoft did the same in 2005, debuting its own web crawler, “the index of which was updated weekly and sometimes daily” (!!).

Windows Live Search

In late 2005, Microsoft introduced their suite of Windows Live services (and incidentally began my blogging career at LiveSide.net), and MSN Search became Windows Live Search in September of 2006, but Windows Live Search didn’t last as as long as Windows Live did.

Live Search

In March of 2007, search became too important to be constrained within the Windows Live branding, and became Live Search, as part of the Live Search and Ad Platform headed by one Satya Nadella. In late 2007, Microsoft held an event in its Mountain View California search headquarters it dubbed “Searchification,” an event not unlike Tuesday’s introduction of “the new Bing.” Reporters and analysts were invited to the private event as Microsoft unveiled what it casually dubbed “Live Search 2.0,” touting a “quantum leap” in search relevance. That leap still didn’t get Microsoft where it wanted to be in the search landscape (ie: it was still far behind Google), and next up was a rebrand.

Bing

After a short stint with the beta code name Kumo, Microsoft officially announced that the new name for online search for Microsoft was Bing, and officially unveiled the name in June 2009. They chose the name carefully:

Microsoft decided that the name was memorable, short, and easy to spell, and that it would function well as a URL around the world. The word would remind people of the sound made during “the moment of discovery and decision making”.

While much of Microsoft’s blogging efforts have been lost to time (and a reason why we keep LiveSide around), The Wayback Machine has a copy of Microsoft’s official announcement on the new name, penned by Yusuf Mehdi, who was onstage again this week with “the new Bing.”

In short, this isn’t the first time that Microsoft has somewhat breathlessly announced that they’re ready to compete with Google. We’re excited to get our hands on an AI infused Bing, but as history tells us, no matter what Microsoft has done before, it’s always been an afterthought in search. Will AI change all that? Let us know in the comments below.

Image: DALL-E 2 “a happy girl using search on a laptop outside”

Local Security Policy Missing in Windows 11: How to Add It

Posted on by Claire Moraa

The Local Security Policy console is related to the Group Policy Management console. It is useful for setting up security policies for individual computers or groups of computers on your network. You can use it to configure settings such as account policies, audit policies, and much more.

It is important to note that the Local Security Policy may be missing in some older Windows versions, particularly the Home editions. If this is the case, we show you different ways to add it to your Windows 11 in this article.

Does Windows 11 have security protection?

The Windows operating system has always been a target for hackers. Windows 11, however, has been designed to be more secure than ever before. The operating system offers several security features to prevent malware from spreading and protect users from attacks.

To start, Windows 11 has a built-in antivirus and antimalware software called Windows Defender. However, there are some other security features that you can use to help protect your PC.

For instance, Windows Hello is a facial recognition feature that lets you log in using just your face instead of typing in a password or PIN every time you want to use your computer. 

We also have an in-depth comparison of Windows Hello vs Windows Hello for Business, so be sure to check that out. This feature works with many devices, including PCs and laptops, tablets, smartphones, and desktops. 

Whereas these features may enhance your Windows security, you need to take additional steps to secure your system.

These include:

  • Use a good antivirus program – Although Windows Security offers great security, it is not as comprehensive as other antiviruses.
  • Install Windows updates as soon as they are available – Security updates are critical to the smooth running of your PC. 
  • Set up a firewall to block incoming traffic from unknown sources – Firewalls will help block any potential risks from a mile away.
  • Don’t connect to public Wi-Fi networks unless you really need to – Public Wi-Fi is a no-go zone for any internet user, as cyber attackers are always lurking.
  • Keep your software up-to-date at all times – Ensure that all your programs and drivers are up-to-date so that if an opportunity to explore vulnerabilities presented itself, you’ll be protected.

How do I add a Local Security Policy in Windows 11?

Before you attempt to add the Local Security Policy to your version of Windows, it is important to ensure that your version is supported. 

To do so:

  1. Hit the Windows + R keys to open the Run command.
  2. Type Winver in the dialog box, then hit Enter. A prompt will appear with details about your OS.

Once you verify that your version of Windows can download the Local Security Policy console, proceed to the following steps to add it.

1. Use Task Manager 

  1. Hit the Windows key, type Task Manager in the search bar, and click Open.
    task manager search
  2. Click File at the top left corner and select Run new task.
  3. Type secpol.msc in the dialog box and hit Enter.
  4. The Local Security Policy window will open.

2. Use File Explorer 

  1. Hit the Windows + E keys to open File Explorer.
  2. Type secpol.msc on the address bar and hit Enter.
  3. The Local Security Policy window will open.

3. Use the Run command

  1. Hit the Windows + R keys to open the Run command.
  2. Type secpol.msc in the dialog box and hit Enter.
  3. The Local Security Policy window will open.

4. Use the Command Prompt

  1. Hit the Windows key, type cmd in the search bar, and click Open.
    cmd-run-admin-w11 unexpected kernel mode trap windows 11
  2. Type secpol.msc and hit Enter.
  3. The Local Security Policy window will open.

5. Use Powershell 

  1. Hit the Windows key, type Powershell in the search bar, and click Open.
  2. Type secpol.msc and hit Enter.

6. Create a shortcut

  1. Right-click on an empty space on your desktop and select New shortcut.
    New shortcut desktop
  2. Type secpol.msc in the dialog box, then hit Next.
  3. A new shortcut for Local Security Policy will be created on your desktop.

If you’re already familiar with creating shortcuts in Windows 11, creating a shortcut for the Local Security Policy should be easy. Shortcuts are very useful for making your life easier and more efficient. 

Creating a shortcut is the most efficient way to add the Local Security Policy, especially if you don’t want to go through multiple steps.

Consequently, when you search for the Local Security Policy using the Search icon, you can pin it to your Taskbar. This will make it appear alongside your frequently used applications and be easy to locate.

For more information on how to open the Local Security Policy, check out this guide on how to open Local Security Policy.

With all this talk about security, you may also be interested in some of the best Windows 11 security settings to ensure your system is attack-free. Remember, effective account management is just as critical to security, and you may consider enabling Local Users and Groups.

If you’ve been able to add the Local Security Policy in Windows 11, let us know which method you found easy to use in the comment section below.

18 games headed to Xbox next week, February 13-17

Posted on by Robert Collins

2023 has been a stout year for Xbox so far, with a steady stream of new releases that is set to continue next week with 18 new games. Among them are a couple of day-one Xbox Game Pass releases, and all in all it’s a pretty solid lineup with a good mix of game types, so there should be something new for everyone. Let’s check out next week’s lineup.

So which of these games has got you excited for next week? Let us know down in the comments.

Featured image via Xbox.com. 

Nvidia Display Driver Service Missing: 3 Ways to get it Back

Posted on by Vladimir Popescu

Unfortunately, many users have reported lately that their Nvidia display driver service is missing. Also, often there is no indication or error message of what may be wrong.

Sometimes, this results from faulty or missing drivers impacting the associated software. Also, it can appear due to the latest updates or even missing registry subkeys and values.

We will explore the most efficient ways to fix the Nvidia display driver not showing issue. So make sure to keep on reading.

What is NVIDIA display driver service?

The NVIDIA Display Driver Service is a background process that runs on Windows computers with NVIDIA graphics cards.

It manages the communication between the graphics card and the operating system. Also, it updates the graphics card drivers and ensures that graphics-intensive applications run smoothly.

Features of the NVIDIA Display Driver Service include:

  • Driver Management – The service automatically updates NVIDIA graphics card drivers to ensure that the card is always running the latest version.
  • Graphics Performance Optimization – It optimizes graphics performance by managing the communication between the graphics card and the operating system. This allows graphics-intensive applications to run more smoothly.
  • Error Reporting – The service collects and reports error information to NVIDIA, helping to identify and resolve problems with the graphics card or drivers.
  • System Monitoring – The service monitors the system for graphics-related issues and takes appropriate action to resolve them.
  • Customizable Settings – Users can configure the service to their preferences, such as adjusting the graphics quality and enabling certain features.

How can I fix the Nvidia display driver service missing?

1. Unhide the NVIDIA Control Panel

  1. Press Windows + R, type control, and hit Enter.
  2. Change the View by option to Large Icons and double-click on NVIDIA Control Panel.
  3. Go to the Desktop Tab and tick Add Desktop Context Menu and Show Notification Tray Icon.nvidia display driver service missing
  4. Finally, close the NVIDIA Control Panel and see if it appears in the menu.

2. Restart the NVIDIA Services

  1. Bring up the Run tab by pressing Windows + R, type in services.msc, and press Enter.
    nvidia display driver service missing
  2. Locate NVIDIA Display Container LS, right-click on it, and select Restart.
  3. Lastly, follow the same steps for each service that start with NVIDIA.

3. Use the Device Manager

  1. Open the Run window by pressing Windows+R.
  2. Next, type devmgmt.msc and press OK.
    nvidia display driver service missing
  3. In the Device Manager window, locate and expand Display Adaptors.
  4. Right-click on NVIDIA GeForce GTX 960M and select Update driver.
  5. Select Search automatically for drivers.
  6. Install the found drivers and allow for the process to finish.
  7. Finally, make sure to restart your device at the end.

Also, you could use some information from our NVIDIA driver fix article and learn what to do if the driver is incompatible.

Additionally, you can use a dedicated third-party tool. Since most issues regarding software’s poor performance or inaccessibility are related to outdated or faulty drivers, using a reliable tool to fix them is recommended.

As you can see in the solutions presented above, several options exist to update the drivers manually, but they take much more time and are not entirely error-free.

These are the most common solutions for the NVIDIA display driver service missing or not starting, and we hope that the presented solutions have helped you fix the problem in no time.

Which one have you tried and has worked best for you? Lastly, if you have additional tips or recommendations, don’t hesitate to write them in the dedicated section below.

Desktop Window Manager Stopped Working: 6 Ways to Restore it

Posted on by Madalina Dinita

The DWM provides a smooth and seamless experience when opening and closing windows, switching between applications and using Aero Glass effects. However, the Desktop Window Manager stopped working for some users, causing visual glitches, freezes, or even crashes.

DWM is a critical component of the Windows operating system responsible for handling the display and visual effects of windows on the screen.

In this article, we’ll explore ways to resolve this article.

Why has Desktop Window Manager stopped working?

There could be several reasons why the Desktop Window Manager (DWM) service has stopped working. Some common causes include the following:

  • Driver issues – Outdated or faulty graphics card drivers can cause the DWM service to stop working.
  • System updates – Windows updates can sometimes cause compatibility issues with the DWM service.
  • System files corruption – Corrupted system files can prevent the DWM service from functioning correctly.
  • Third-party software – Certain third-party software, such as antivirus programs, can interfere with the DWM service.
  • Low system resources – The DWM service requires a significant amount of system resources, and if the system needs more resources, it may stop working.

You can try the recommended solutions below if you are experiencing issues with the Desktop Window Manager.

What can I do if Desktop Window Manager has stopped working?

1. Run a system scan

  1. Press the Windows Key, type command, right-click on the app, and select Run as administrator.
  2. In the command prompt, type the script below and hit Enter.
    sfc /scannow
    desktop window manager stopped working
  3. Wait for the command to run entirely, then restart your computer.

You can repair damaged Windows files by running a system scan. To perform this task, you need a Windows setup CD or DVD.

Performing a system scan is not something one should try to fix manually unless skilled, so it is best to leave these things to dedicated third-party software.

2. Enable the Desktop Window Manager

Windows Manager Session Manager
  1. Press Windows + R, type services.msc, and hit Enter.
  2. Find and then right-click Desktop Windows Manager Session Manager, and select Start.
    desktop window manager stopped working
  3. Right-click on the Desktop Windows Manager Session Manager again, and choose Proprieties.
    desktop window manager stopped working
  4. Go to the General tab, and set the Startup type to Automatic.
  5. Click OK to save changes.

3. Perform a Clean Boot

  1. Press Windows + R, type in MSConfig, and hit Enter.
    desktop window manager stopped working
  2. Go to the Services tab.
  3. Check the box labeled Hide All Microsoft Services, and select Disable all.
    desktop window manager stopped working
  4. Go to the Startup section, and select the Open Task Manager.
  5. Right-click on all displayed apps and select Disable one by one.
    desktop window manager stopped working
  6. Exit the Task Manager, and click OK on the System Configuration window.
  7. Restart your PC, and check if anything has changed.

When performing a clean boot, the system looks for conflicts between programs to identify the root causes of your technical issue.

4. Check for Windows updates

  1. Press Windows + I to open the Settings app.
  2. Click Update & Security.
  3. Click the Check for updates button.

Accessing the Windows Update Settings is easy since all you need to do is follow the above steps.

Ensuring your Windows PC is up to date means having your OS in optimal condition. In addition, the latest updates might offer repairs for errors you are dealing with.

Windows Update will find and list the most recent updates if there are any.

5. Try to create a new user account

  1. Press the Windows key + R to open Run, type netplwiz, and press Enter.
  2. In the User Accounts window, click the Add button.
  3. Select Sign in without a Microsoft account.
  4. Select Local Account, type in the details for the new account, then click Next and Finish.
  5. Restart your PC, and log in with the new account.

Creating a new account is a quick and simple alternative to reinstalling your OS. However, your user account could be corrupted, and you should try creating another account and see if it works.

6. Run a system restore

  1. Press the Windows Key + S, type Create a restore point, and select Create a restore point from the list.
    desktop window manager stopped working
  2. In the System Properties window, click on the System Restore button.
    desktop window manager stopped working
  3. Press on the Next button to proceed.
  4. Check the Show more restore points option, if available, or choose your restore point and click Next to proceed.
  5. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the process.

If System Restore is turned off, you cannot use this feature, so be aware before starting the process.

This isn’t the only issue, and if this process stops working, it can be due to Desktop Window Manager high memory usage.

If our solutions helped you out, or you have other working solutions, feel free to leave a comment in the section below; we will be happy to check them out.

Microsoft’s year of AI continues with tentative March announcements

Posted on by Kareem Anderson

Microsoft is gearing up for another artificial intelligence led announcement tentatively scheduled for next month where it will showcase more OpenAI influenced technologies for its productivity suite.

During its Bing + ChatGPT announcement earlier this week, Microsoft alluded to the difference between the publicly available ChatGPT experience and a seemingly beefier version that leverages its Prometheus Model in Bing.

According to The Verge, Microsoft’s Prometheus Model powered version of ChatGPT will be in more than just Bing as the company plans to share details in March of its push into productivity with OpenAI’s language AI technologies.

It should be noted that Microsoft has already implemented OpenAI technologies into many of its productivity and enterprise tools such as Azure, Microsoft Viva Sales, Word and Outlook. The integration has been subtle until now with OpenAI powering the suggested reply function in compositions for Outlook and Word.

However, it looks like Microsoft plans to expand the current Bing sidebar integrated tools that appear alongside Office web apps into dedicated apps which could span both desktop and mobile use.

Based on The Verge reporting, Microsoft is looking to bolster its templates, suggested graphics, graphs and other visualizations in apps such as Excel and PowerPoint with more details leveraged from OpenI language models.

Microsoft appears to be stepping on the gas as a way for the company to get out ahead of similar announcements it believes Google will have in the coming months as well.

Sources tell The Verge that Microsoft was originally planning to launch its new Bing AI in late February, but pushed the date forward to this week just as Google was preparing its own announcements. Google then announced its ChatGPT rival Bard a day ahead of Microsoft’s event.

Contrary to the neck and neck pace of announcements and perceived competition, a number of Microsoft executives believe they’re ahead of Google’s development in this particular market, and that their competition may come from lesser-known rivals in the sector.

Microsoft is currently enjoying a bump in media attention and a slightly renewed interest in Bing as it saw more than 1 million sign ups for the Bing +ChatGPT waitlist and its own Bing app rank as the third most popular app in Apple’s App Store in the US this week.

Microsoft’s Surface, Xbox, and HoloLens divisions affected by the planned layoffs

Posted on by Radu Tyrsina

In January, Microsoft announced its plans to cut 10,000 employees over the next coming months. The company’s CEO further highlighted that initial plans made during the COVID-19 pandemic didn’t quite turn out as expected, and that they were facing a different economic reality.

Bloomberg reports that Microsoft’s plan to cut some employees from its workforce continued to take shape yesterday. The affected parties are reportedly spread across the Surface devices, HoloLens mixed reality hardware, and Xbox divisions. 343 Industries was also affected last month though Microsoft promised to continue supporting Halo Infinite.

Earlier this month, Microsoft’s COO and CVP of Windows and Devices, Robin Seiler highlighted that Microsoft is still committed to supporting HoloLens 2 and its Mixed Reality program despite concerns by the public. With the news of the layoffs hitting the Hololens hardware team hard, it is difficult to establish Microsoft’s commitment to it. What’s more, it is unclear whether the production of a third iteration of the goggles is still in play.

The Information also reported that Microsoft’s Industrial Metaverse team has also been scrapped completely. The company put this team in place four months ago to help drive the sales of Microsoft’s mixed reality headset as well as make HoloLens the new screen for frontline workers.

Microsoft hasn’t commented on the layoffs but has affirmed its commitment to the mixed reality space and the current HoloLens 2 version. It hasn’t yet been established how hard both the Xbox and Surface divisions have been hit. Though Xbox boss, Phil Spener did send out an email stating, “I encourage everyone to take the time and space necessary to process these changes and support your colleagues.”

According to a WARN notice filed in Seattle, 617 employees have been affected. This adds to the massive layoffs trend that has been going on across major tech firms. Just yesterday, Microsoft’s GitHub, GitLab, and Yahoo announced that they’ll be cutting their workforce.

System Scan at Raised IRQL Blue Screen: 7 Ways to Fix it

Posted on by Milan Stanojevic

Blue Screen of Death errors is probably some of the most severe errors on Windows 10. Errors such as System Scan at Raised IRQL will restart your computer to prevent damage to your PC.

Therefore, you must know how to fix them. And knowing the level of urgency, we have prepared this guide to help you select the System Scan at Raised IRQL caught improper driver unload error.

What does stop code System Scan at Raised IRQL mean?

Below are some of the possible causes of the System Scan at Raised IRQL issue:

  • Outdated driver: The major cause of this issue is an outdated or faulty driver. Reinstalling or updating the faulty driver should solve this problem quickly.
  • Faulty memory partition: Another cause of this problem is a corrupt memory sector. You can fix this by running the CHKDSK command.
  • Antivirus interference: At times, the System Scan at Raised IRQL accompanied by the Invprotectdrv64 sys code and a blue screen can be down to issues with your third-party antivirus. The best solution is to uninstall the software temporarily and probably replace it with one of the best antiviruses for Windows 10.

Now that we know the causes of this issue, listed below are some of its variations, as reported by users:

  • System_scan_at_raised_irql_caught_improper_driver_unload Windows 10: This error can affect any version of Windows, and users reported this issue in Windows 10.
  • System_scan_at_raised_irql_caught_improper_driver_unload spac.sys, nvlddmkm.sys: Sometimes, this error message will give you the file name that caused it. If this happens, you can use the file name to easily find the software, hardware, or driver that is causing this issue.

How can I fix System Scan at Raised IRQL?

1. Repair Windows 10 with a specialized software

We recommend using third-party software that scans your PC and aims to repair all the damaged files that keep your Windows OS from working correctly. It’s a fast and secure way to protect your device and maintain your system in optimal condition.

2. Update Windows 10

  1. Press the Windows key + I and select the Update & Security option.
    update and system scan at irql
  2. Click the Check for updates button.
    check for
  3. Now, install any available updates and restart your PC.

Windows updates are essential for the smooth running of your PC. However, they mostly contain bug fixes for hardware and software issues that can lead to Blues Screen errors like System Scan at Raised IRQL.

Hence, you should always download and install the latest patches.

3. Uninstall the problematic drivers

  1. Press the Windows key + X and select Device Manager from the list.
    System_scan_at_raised_irql_caught_improper_driver_unload nvlddmkm.sys
  2. Double-click the Display adapters option to expand it and right-click the device there.
  3. Now, choose Uninstall device.
    System_scan_at_raised_irql_caught_improper_driver_unload Windows 10
  4. If available, check the Delete the driver software for this device box and click the Uninstall button.
    System_scan_at_raised_irql_caught_improper_driver_unload Windows 10
  5. Finally, wait for Windows 10 to remove your driver and restart your PC.

Sometimes specific drivers aren’t compatible with Windows 10 and cause the System Scan at Raised IRQL Blue Screen of Death error. So, you’ll have to remove them.

Aside from the method above, some users suggest using Display Driver Uninstaller to remove your graphic card driver, so you might want to try that as well.

We must mention that this problem was reported by SiS Mirage 3 Graphics owners, but even if you own a different graphic card, you can still try this solution.

4. Download the latest drivers

  1. Right-click the Start Menu and select the Device Manager option.
    device manager
  2. Expand the Display adapters option and right-click the device there.
  3. Now, select Update driver.
    update driver system scan at irql
  4. Finally, choose Search automatically for drivers and install any available updates.
    search auto

If uninstalling your driver does not eliminate the System Scan at Raised IRQL error, you need to update your driver to the latest version. You can do that manually by following the steps above or via the manufacturer’s website.

Alternatively, you can use a dedicated driver updater in Outbyte Driver Updater to update your drivers automatically.

With this tool, you won’t be missing any necessary updates. This is because it comes with a Schedule Manager feature that offers notification whenever new patches are available.

What’s more, you have a vast database at your disposal that offers over 18 million driver files that you can download to keep your device functioning at its best capacity.

⇒ Get Outbyte Driver Updater

5. Uninstall your antivirus/firewall

  1. Press the Windows key + I and select the Apps option.
    apps system scan at irql
  2. Select the app you want to remove and click the Uninstall button.
    uninstall
  3. Finally, follow the onscreen instructions to complete the removal process.

Firewalls and antiviruses are essential for your system’s safety. However, they can interfere with Windows 10 and cause the System Scan at Raised IRQL error to appear.

According to users, Barracuda NextGen Firewall F-Series was causing this error to appear, and after removing this tool, the BSoD error was fixed.

So, you should remove any third-party antivirus you are using and check if the error is fixed.

6. Run the CHKDSK scan

  1. Press the Windows key + S, type cmd, and select Run as administrator under Command Prompt.
    cmd admin
  2. Type the command (change C to your drive letter) below and hit Enter to run it: chkdsk c: /rchkdsk r system scan at irql
  3. Now, press Y when prompted, and the scan will start automatically after restarting your PC.

The System Scan at Raised IRQL can sometimes occur due to corrupted files on your hard drive. To find and fix those files, it’s recommended that you perform a CHKDSK scan.

We have to mention that you’ll have to repeat this scan for all hard drive partitions to fix this error.

If you can’t boot into your PC normally, follow the steps below to run the scan:

  1. Restart your computer a few times during the boot sequence to enter the Advanced recovery menu.
  2. Choose Troubleshoot > Advanced options.
    advanced options
  3. Now, select the Command Prompt.
    command prompt
  4. Finally, type the command below and hit Enter to run it: chkdsk c: /rchkdsk r system scan at irql

With this, you should be able to fix the bad sectors on your drive.

7. Remove overclock settings and check your hardware

Many users tend to overclock their hardware for better performance, but overclocking your hardware comes with certain risks.

If you’re not careful, you can cause permanent damage to your PC by overclocking, or you can get a Blue Screen of Death error.

Several users reported that they managed to fix this error by setting their RAM settings to default. However, remember that almost any overclocked component can cause this error, so remove all overclock settings.

If your PC isn’t overclocked, this error could be caused by faulty or recently installed hardware, so be sure to remove any new hardware since it might not be compatible with your PC.

If that doesn’t work, check your RAM, motherboard, hard drive, and all other major components. You can also try using the best-dedicated software for fixing BSoD errors.

We can conclude this guide on the System Scan at Raised IRQL issue. You now have all the information needed to fix the issue and only need to follow the instructions carefully.

Let us know which of the abovementioned methods worked best for you in the comments below.

Microsoft Edge 110 hits the Stable Channel with some tweaks

Posted on by Radu Tyrsina

Microsoft has released a fresh update to the Stable Channel for everyone to download, bumping it to version 110.0.1587.41. The release is fairly minor, but it does unpack several feature updates. Here’s everything you need to know:

First up is the new Immersive Reader policies, designed to simplify your web page layouts. The new policies will allow admins to control the accessibility of Grammar Tools and Picture Dictionary features within Immersive Reader. Next up is the added capability to enable sync for Azure Active Directory signed in customers. This will allow users to “sync roams data across all signed in instances of Microsoft Edge”.

And finally, Edge will now provide users with an easy way to send files and notes across all signed in mobile and desktop devices dubbed Drop. Aside from these feature updates, the release also features some depreciated and new policies. We invite you to check out Microsoft’s changelog for more on these.

Microsoft Edge should auto-update to the latest version, but if it doesn’t, you can trigger it manually. Just head to the browser’s menu, choose Help and Feedback then About Microsoft Edge and wait for the update to download, and then restart.

In related news, Adobe Acrobat recently got deeply integrated with Edge to further enhance the PDF experience for users. Share your thoughts with us in the comment section.

BDO Corrupted File Detected: Fix It with These 5 Methods

Posted on by Vladimir Popescu

Black Desert is an MMORPG game for Windows with millions of players. However, some of its players reported BDO Corrupted file detected message.

There are other problems, such as high CPU usage in Black Desert, but we already tackled that in a separate guide. Therefore, today we’ll focus on fixing corrupted files.

What causes the corrupted file detected error in BDO?

There are several reasons for this error message, but the following ones are the most common:

  • Antivirus software – It’s possible that your antivirus is blocking exe files, thus causing this problem. To fix it, disable it temporarily or add the game to the list of exclusions.
  • Corrupted game files – If your files are corrupted, you might get a Corrupt disk error in Steam or any other platform. To fix it, find and remove those files manually.
  • Damaged installation – Sometimes, your installation can get damaged and cause this issue. If that happens, your only option is to reinstall the game.

How can I fix BDO corrupted file detected error?

1. Disable third-party antivirus software

  1. Open the System Tray from the Taskbar, right-click on the antivirus icon, and disable the toggle for Protection is ON.disable av
  2. Click Yes to confirm the action.confirm
Note icon NOTE
Keep in mind that these steps will be different depending on the antivirus software that you have installed.

2. Delete the version.dat file

  1. Press Windows + E to launch File Explorer, open the Black Desert Online installation folder (BDOnline), and locate the version.dat file.version.dat
  2. Right-click the version.dat file and select Delete.delete to fix bdo corrupted file detected
  3. Thereafter, open the Black Desert Online Launcher again, which will update the file deleted.

Some players have also said renaming, not deleting, the version.dat file can resolve the issue. All you have to do is change its name to versionold.dat.

3. Clear out your download folder

  1. Press Windows + E to open File Explorer, and open the Downloads folder.download folder
  2. Press the Ctrl + A hotkey to select all content within your downloads folder, and then hit Del to delete them.delete files to fix bdo corrupted file detected
  3. Choose the appropriate response in case a confirmation prompt appears.
Note icon NOTE
If your hard drive has very little free space, it’s also recommended you free up some storage space. Check out our best methods to free up hard disk space guide for further details about cleaning hard drives.

4. Reinstall Black Desert Online

  1. Press Windows + R to open Run, enter appwiz.cpl in the text field, and click OK.appwiz.cpl to fix bdo corrupted file detected
  2. Next, select Black Desert Online from the programs listed here, and click Uninstall.uninstall
  3. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the process, and once done, restart the computer.
  4. Now, open the Black Desert website and click on Download Client.
  5. Run the setup and let it install the relevant files for the game.

The default Windows uninstaller often leaves behind leftover files. You can uninstall Black Desert Online and thoroughly erase its leftover files with a freeware third-party uninstaller utility like IObit Uninstaller.

⇒ Get IObit Uninstaller

5. Run the Windows Memory Diagnostic utility

  1. Press Windows + S to open the Seach menu, type memory and select Windows Memory Diagnostic.
  2. Click on Restart now and check for problems.memory diagnostic to fix bdo corrupted file detected
Note icon NOTE
If the Windows Memory Diagnostic reports errors, you might need to replace a faulty RAM module to fix Black Desert’s corrupted file detected issue.

The potential fixes above are ones some players have confirmed can help resolve BDO’s corrupted file detected error.

Can a corrupted file be uncorrupted?

While it’s not entirely impossible to uncorrupt a file, the chances of you being able to do that manually are low. And it, to a certain degree, depends on what caused the problem. In case it’s malware or virus, a reliable antivirus might come in handy.

But, if a file is corrupted due to bad sectors on the hard drive, there is not much you can do beyond running the built-in Check Disk utility. For corrupt system files, running the DISM tool and SFC scan may help.

Besides, if the normal files are corrupt, it’s best to use dedicated repair software to uncorrupt them. To avoid this trouble, we recommend using automatic backup software to quickly retrieve a copy of the corrupted file.

For avid gamers, we recommend you check some quick tips and tricks to boost Windows’ gaming performance.

Did you find a different solution for this problem? If so, let us know in the comments section below.

Windows 11 Hidden Icon Menu: How to Turn It On Or Off

Posted on by Srishti Sisodia

On the Windows 11 Taskbar, you only see a few apps or icons on the system tray, and the rest of the running apps are hidden.

To access the hidden apps, you need to click on the upward arrow, and the flyout menu will appear. Fewer icons keep your System Tray and Taskbar clutter-free; however, if you don’t want that, you can permanently disable the hidden icon menu on Windows 11. 

In this guide, we will cover all the methods to turn the hidden icon menu off or on. Let’s get started! 

How can I disable or enable the hidden icon menu on Windows 11? 

1. Use the Settings

  1. Press Windows + I to open the Settings app. 
  2. Click Personalization from the left pane and click Taskbar in the right pane. Taskbar -Hidden appear -Hidden icons out -windows 11 hidden icon menu
  3. Scroll through the Taskbar settings, and locate the Other system tray icons option. Other system tray icons
  4. You will get a list of apps under the option. Toggle on the button for the app you want to appear on Taskbar. 
  5. To disable the upward arrow or the hidden icon menu altogether, toggle on the switch all the apps listed. 
  6. To enable it again, toggle off the switch for all the apps listed.

2. Use the drag n drop method

  1. Go to Taskbar, locate the corner overflow option, and click on it.
  2. Press and hold the app icon from the menu, and drag and drop it on the Taskbar. Hidden icon menu
  3. Do the same for all the apps present in the hidden icon menu. Once all the apps are off the menu, the hidden icon menu will disappear.
  4. To make the hidden icon appear again, click and hold the icon and drag it. You will see the upward arrow and drop the icon in it.Hidden appear -Hidden icons out -windows 11 hidden icon menu

3. Use the Registry Editor

  1. Press Windows + R to open the Run window. REGEDIT RUN COMMAND
  2. Type Regedit and press Enter to open Registry Editor. 
  3. First, we need to take a backup. For that, click File and select Export. Now save the .reg file to a desired location.REG Save
  4. Follow this path: Computer\HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\Explorer
  5. Right-click on the right pane, select New, then click DWORD. Rename it as NoTrayItemsDisplay.New key
  6. Double-click the DWORD and change the Value data for DWORD to 1. Value 1 -windows 11 hidden icon menu
  7. If you want to enable it, change the DWORD’s Value data to 0.Value 0
  8. Restart your computer to let the changes take effect.

4. Use the Control Panel 

  1. Press Windows + R to open the Run console. Explorer run hidden icon menu windows 11
  2. Copy and paste the following command in the empty field and press Enter: explorer shell:::{05d7b0f4-2121-4eff-bf6b-ed3f69b894d9} 
  3. On the next window, remove the checkmark next to Always show all icons and notifications on the Taskbar and click OK. Always show

So, these are the methods you can follow to turn on or off the hidden icon menu on Windows 11. Try them and let us know what worked for you in the comments section below. 

Speaking of hidden features, there’s a way to show system tray icons on all monitors on Windows 11 with a few quick tweaks.

No one wants a slow computer, so take a look at some simple tips on how your Taskbar can make your Windows run faster and more seamlessly.

Windows XP Sounds for Windows 11: How to Download & Set Up

Posted on by Srishti Sisodia

 Do you want to bring back the nostalgia of using Windows XP with the iconic startup and shutdown sounds on your Windows 11?

This guide will discuss ways to download and set up the Windows XP sounds for Windows 11. Let’s start! 

How can I download and set up Windows XP sounds on Windows 11? 

1. Enable Windows XP startup sound 

1.1 Download the .wav file 

  1. Go to the Vsthemes website.
  2. Scroll the page and click Download file to download all the Windows XP sounds.Download File WAV file
  3. Now next page, click Download.Download from server -windows xp sounds for windows 11
  4. Save the file in an accessible location.

1.2 Make changes in Registry Editor

  1. Press Windows + R to open the Run window.REGEDIT RUN COMMAND
  2. Type regedit and hit Enter to open Registry Editor.
  3. First, take a backup, go to File, then click Export. Next, save the .reg file on your computer.REG save
  4. Navigate to this path: Computer\HKEY_CURRENT_USER\AppEvents\EventLabels\WindowsLogonExclude Windows Logoff
  5. Double-click ExcludeFromCPL and change the Value data to 0.
  6. Restart your computer.

1.3 Change settings in Control Panel  

  1. Press the Windows key, type Control Panel, and click Open.Control Panel
  2. For View by, select Category. Click Hardware and Sound.Category sound
  3. On the next page, under Sound, click Change system sounds.Change system sounds -windows xp sounds for windows 11
  4. Go to the Sounds tab, under Program Events, under Windows, and click Windows logon.
  5. Click Browse.Sound settings -windows xp sounds for windows 11
  6. Select the file you downloaded, and click Open.Startup sound open
  7. Click Apply and then OK.Apply and OK
  8. Restart your computer to listen to the sound.

2. Enable Windows XP shut down sound

2.1 Make changes in Registry Editor

  1. Press Windows + R to open the Run console.
  2. Type regedit and hit Enter to open Registry Editor.Logoff -windows xp sounds for windows 11
  3. Navigate to this path: Computer\HKEY_CURRENT_USER\AppEvents\EventLabels\WindowsLogoff
  4. Locate ExcludeFromCPL and change the Value data to 0.
  5. Restart your PC.

2.3 Change settings in Control Panel  

  1. Open Control Panel by using the steps mentioned in the first method.
  2. For View by, select Category. Click Hardware and Sound.Category sound -windows xp sounds for windows 11
  3. Under Sound, click Change system sounds.Change system sounds
  4. On the next page, under Program Events, navigate to Windows, then select Windows Logoff.
  5. Click Browse.Logoff
  6. Select the shutdown sound from the folder you downloaded in the first step and click Open.Browse shutdown
  7. Click Apply and then OK.Winfows Logoff Browse

3. Enable other sounds 

  1. Open Control Panel by using the steps mentioned in the first method.
  2. For View by selecting Category from the drop-down. Click Hardware and Sound.
  3. Under Sound and click Change system sounds.
  4. Now go to Program Events under Windows, navigate to the sound you want to change, and select it. Click Browse.Notifcation -windows xp sounds for windows 11
  5. Select the .wav file from the downloaded folder and click Open.Notification Open
  6. Click Apply and OK.Apply and OK

So, this is how you can download and set up Windows XP sounds on your Windows 11 computer. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to mention them in the comments section below.

Windows XP was one of the best versions of Windows, and you can still keep using it with a few tips mentioned here.

For fans of Windows 7, we have a great article on Windows 7 startup sound, so don’t miss it.

8 Ways to View Advanced System Settings on Windows 10

Posted on by Srishti Sisodia

If you’re trying to find Advanced System Settings in Windows 10, you’re in the right place.

They’re hidden in menus within menus, which can make them hard to access. But don’t worry, we’ll show you a few ways to get there.

How can I get to Advanced system settings on Windows 10? 

1. Use the Control Panel 

  1. Press the Windows key, type Control Panel, and click Open. Control Panel Windows 10
  2. Click View by and select Category from the drop-down. 
  3. Now click System and Security. System and security -advanced system settings windows 10
  4. Click System.System
  5. On the next page, select System.system - settings
  6. Click Advanced system settings from the left pane. Advanced System settings
  7. On the System Properties window, go to the Advanced tab. Advanced

2. Use the Search bar 

  1. Click the search bar and type View advanced system properties. Choose the best match and click Open. search bar advanded system settings on Windows 10
  2. Go to the Advanced tab. 

3. Use the Run console 

  1. Press Windows + R to open the Run window. Sys -advanced system settings windows 10
  2. Type sysdm.cpl and hit Enter to open System Properties. 
  3. Once you have the System Properties open, click on Advanced. 

4. Use the File Explorer 

  1. Press Windows + E to open File Explorer.
  2. Right-click on This PC and select Properties. ThiS PC properties
  3. Now click Advanced system settings. advanced system settings

5. Use the Start button 

  1. Right-click on the Start button and choose System from the context menu.System
  2. Click the Advanced system settings option from the left pane. 

6. Use the Settings app 

  1. Press Windows + I to open the Settings app. System settings
  2. Click System, then click About. About advanced system settings
  3. Now click Advanced system settings. 

7. Use the Windows PowerShell

  1. Go to the search bar, type PowerShell, and click Run as administrator. PowerShell Windows 10
  2. Copy and paste the following command and press Enter: SystemPropertiesAdvancedPowershell

8. Use the Command Prompt

  1. Go to the search bar, type Command Prompt, and click Run as administrator. COmmand Prompt Windows 10
  2. Type the following command to open Advanced system settings and press Enter: control sysdm.cplCMD

What are the best advanced system settings for optimization?

  1. Open Advanced system settings using one of the methods mentioned above. SystemProperties Advanced
  2. With the Performance option, you can modify the visual effects, change VRAM size, and configure processor scheduling.  SystemProperties Performance Advanced
  3. Next, the User Profiles option can create, manage, and delete user profiles.User profiles
  4. With the Start and Recovery option, you can configure settings to decide what happens if your computer encounters a problem. Also, you can configure System Restore, manage disk space usage and perform system restore operations.SystemPropertiesComputerName Startup Recovery
  5. The Environment Variables button can let you view and edit environment variables used by apps and operating systems to keep configuration information. SystemProperties Environment Variables

Advanced System Settings in Windows 10 let you optimize performance, manage virtual memory, configure user profiles, and even adjust startup options.

No wonder it’s a go-to tool for users who care about system maintenance.

So, this is how you can get to advanced system settings on Windows 10 using sysdm.cpl to improve the performance of your computer and modify environment variables. If you’re using a legacy version of Windows, we also have a guide on how to access advanced system settings on Windows 7.

On the other hand, if you upgraded, here’s how you can view advanced system settings in Windows 11.

Knowing how to make your Windows run faster and improve your computer performance can help enhance user experience and keep your Windows up and running.

Google Indic Keyboard for Windows 11: How to Download & Install

Posted on by Ola-Hassan Bolaji

Today we’ll tell you all you need to know to install the Google Indic Keyboard on your Windows 11 PC.

The app isn’t in the Microsoft Store, you’ll have to use an Android Emulator for it. To simplify the process, we will walk you through the steps in the next section of this guide.

How do I install Google Indic Keyboard on Windows 11?

1. Download Bluestacks 5

  1. Visit the official Bluestacks website and click the Download Bluestacks 5 button.
    download google indic keyboard for windows 11
  2. Wait for the installer to finish downloading and go to the download location.
  3. Now, double-click the BlueStacksinstaller.exe file to launch it.
    installer
  4. Next, click the Install now button and wait for the installation process to complete.
    install now
  5. Finally, the BlueStacks app will launch automatically when the installation is complete.

2. Download Google Indic Keyboard

  1. Launch the BlueStacks app.
  2. Click the Play Store icon on the home screen.
    play store google indic keyboard for windows 11
  3. Next, log into your Google account.
    sign in
  4. Now, search for Google Indic Keyboard.
    search google indic keyboard for windows 11
  5. Click the Install button and wait for the process to complete.
  6. Finally, double-click on the app and start typing in your preferred language.

With the steps above, you have successfully installed the Google Indic Keyboard on Windows 11. Note that you can only use the app on your Android emulator, so you should not remove BlueStack or any other emulator you use.

If you want to download Google Input Tools on your PC, check our detailed guide to do it effortlessly.

Feel free to let us know in the comments below if you encounter any problems downloading the app.

Windows 10 Undoing Changes Made to Your Computer [Fix]

Posted on by Ola-Hassan Bolaji

The undoing changes made to your computer error on Windows 10 is an update-related issue. Most users encounter it after installing the latest patches on their PC.

This Blue Screen error can be frustrating, as it rarely finishes undoing the changes. This guide will show the easy ways to stop this endless loop and restore normalcy on your PC.

What is the undoing changes made to Windows 10?

The undoing changes made to your computer error on Windows 10 occur when there is an issue with an update. Below are some of the causes of this issue:

  • Faulty system files: One of the leading causes of this error is a broken or missing system file. The quickest way to rectify this is to repair and restore these files.
  • Faulty or incomplete Windows update: In some cases, this error shows up because of an issue with the update you are trying to install. You need to uninstall this update to restore regular service on your PC.
  • Issues with third-party apps and processes: Sometimes, third-party apps might run programs that interfere with your Windows update. To ensure this is not the case, you should enable Safe Mode and check if the issue persists.

How do I fix undoing changes in Windows 10?

Before exploring the solutions in this section, below are some troubleshooting steps to try:

  • Turn off your WiFi
  • Wait it out
  • Shutdown your PC

If these do not solve the problem, you can now delve into the solutions below:

1. Enable Safe Mode

  1. Press and hold the power button to shut down your PC forcibly. Power it on and force it to shut down when the Windows logo appears. Repeat this thrice to bring up the Advanced recovery menu.
  2. Select the Troubleshoot option.
    troubleshoot undoing changes made to your computer windows 10
  3. Now, choose Advanced options.
    advanced options
  4. Select Startup Settings.
    startup settings
  5. Next, click the Restart button.
    retart undoing changes made to your computer windows 10
  6. Press the corresponding key to Enable Safe Mode or Safe Mode with Networking when your PC restarts.
    enable safe mode

The first thing to do if you are dealing with the undoing changes made to your computer error on Windows 10 is to try to enter Safe Mode.

If this is successful, you know the issue is not caused by drivers and other critical processes needed to run your PC.

2. Repair system files

  1. If you can’t boot into your PC normally, repeat the steps above to enter Safe Mode.
  2. Press the Windows key, type cmd, and select Run as administrator under Command Prompt.
    cmd admin
  3. Now, type the command below and hit Enter to run it: DISM.exe/Online /Cleanup-image /Restorehealthdism restore undoing changes made to your computer windows 10
  4. Wait for the command to finish running. If you encounter any issues, insert a media installation drive on your PC and run the command (replace C:/Repair/Source/Windows with the installation drive letter) below: DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth /Source:C:RepairSourceWindows /LimitAccessdism repair
  5. Now, wait for the command to finish running, type the command below, and hit Enter: sfc/scannowsfc scan
  6. Finally, wait for the command to finish running and restart your PC.

The Windows 10 undoing changes made to your computer error can be down to corrupt system files. However, Windows 10 has built-in tools to repair and restore these files.

Alternatively, you can save yourself the stress of running multiple commands and go for a specialized system file repairer.

3. Delete the latest updates

  1. Press the Windows key + I to open the Settings app and select Update & Security.
    update and undoing changes made to your computer windows 10
  2. Select the View update history option.
    view update
  3. Now, choose Uninstall updates.
    uninstall updates undoing changes made to your computer windows 10
  4. Right-click the faulty update and select Uninstall.
    uninstall update
  5. Finally, follow the onscreen instructions to complete the process.

Another quick way to solve the undoing changes made to your computer error on Windows 10 is to uninstall the faulty update. This will reverse the changes made to your PC, causing the error.

4. Enable metered connection

  1. Press the Windows key + I and select Network & Internet.
    network and
  2. Click the Properties button under your active connection.
    properties undoing changes made to your computer windows 10
  3. Now, toggle the switch under Set as metered connection forward to enable it.
    set metered

If you encountered Windows 10 undoing the changes made to your computer error while installing an update, the best thing to do is to stop automatic updates temporarily.

The easiest way to do this is to enable the metered connection.

5. Run the Windows Update troubleshooter

  1. Press the Windows key + I and select the Update & Security option.
    update and undoing changes made to your computer windows 10
  2. Select the Troubleshoot option in the left pane and click Additional troubleshooters.
    troubleshoot settings
  3. Now, choose Windows Update and click Run the troubleshooter.
    run the update undoing changes made to your computer windows 10
  4. Finally, apply any recommended fixes.

Since this is an update-related issue, you must involve the Windows Update troubleshooter. This tool restarts all the required services and components to update your PC.

It also checks for any glitch responsible for the undoing changes made to your computer error on Windows 10.

6. Rename the Software Distribution folder

  1. Press the Windows key + S, type cmd, and select Run as administrator under Command Prompt.
    cm admin
  2. Type the following commands and press Enter each: net stop wuauservnet stop net stop bitsnet stop bits rename C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution\ to SoftwareDistribution.bakrename net start wuauservnet start wuauservundoing changes made to your computer error on Windows 10 net start bitsnet startundoing changes made to your computer error on Windows 10
  3. Finally, wait for the commands to finish running and try to update your PC again.

The Software Distribution folder saves your updated files and cache. However, it can get corrupt over time, leading to issues like the undoing changes made to your computer error on Windows 10.

To fix this, you need to rename the folder and allow your PC to create a new one.

7. Perform a system restore

  1. Repeat steps 1 to 3 in solution 1.
  2. Select the System Restore option.
    system restore
  3. Now, select a restore point and click the Next button.
    restore point
  4. Finally, follow the onscreen instructions to complete the process.

If none of the solutions above solves this problem, you need to perform a system restore. This will restore your PC to a point when everything is working well and restore normalcy.

We have concluded this detailed guide on the undoing changes made to your computer error on Windows 10. You now have everything you need to fix the issue and only need to follow the instructions carefully.

If you are facing a similar issue in can’t complete the update undoing changes on Windows 10, check our detailed guide to fix it.

Feel free to let us know the solution that helped you fix this issue in the comments below.

How to Enable TLS 1.0 and 1.1 in Windows 11

Posted on by Vladimir Popescu

TLS 1.0 and TLS 1.1 are the two most popular versions of the Transport Layer Security (TLS) protocol, which provides security for Internet communications such as Web browsing, email, and instant messaging. 

Given that attackers are constantly developing new methods of attack, there have been some vulnerabilities found in earlier versions of TLS which can allow attackers to decrypt your data. Nevertheless, here’s how you can enable either in Windows 11.

What’s the difference between TLS 1.0 and 1.1?

TLS 1.0 and TLS 1.1 are the two most widely used versions of the Transport Layer Security (TLS) protocol. Both versions offer a similar level of security and encryption. However, there are some differences that users should be aware of when choosing between them:

  • Security – In terms of security, there is little difference between these two protocols: both are still considered secure, though some may consider them obsolete and prefer newer versions such as TLS 1.2 or even 1.3 (which isn’t supported by many browsers yet).
  • Speed – TLS 1.1 is faster than TLS 1.0 because it uses fewer CPU cycles during processing.
  • Difficulty in upgrading – Some older client applications may not be able to support newer versions of the protocol due to a lack of resources or compatibility issues with their operating systems.

How do I enable TLS 1.0 and TLS 1.1 in Windows 11?

1. Enable TLS 1.0

1.1 Use the Control Panel

  1. Hit the Windows key, type Control Panel in the search bar and click Open.control-panel-search fallout new vegas runtime error
  2. Select Network and Internet.
  3. Click on Internet Options.
  4. In the Internet Properties dialog box that pops up, navigate to the Advanced tab.
  5. Scroll down and under Settings, check the box next to Use TLS 1.0, then hit the Apply and OK buttons to save changes.

1.2 Use the Run command

  1. Hit the Windows + R keys to open the Run command.
  2. Type inetcpl.cpl in the dialog box and hit Enter.
  3. Navigate to the Advanced tab in the Internet Properties window that pops up.
  4. Scroll down and under Settings, check the box next to Use TLS 1.0 then hit the Apply and OK buttons to save changes.

2. Enable TLS 1.1

2.1 Use the Control Panel

  1. Hit the Windows key, type Control Panel in the search bar and click Open.control-panel-search fallout new vegas runtime error
  2. Select Network and Internet.
  3. Click on Internet Options.
  4. In the Internet Properties dialog box that pops up, navigate to the Advanced tab.
  5. Scroll down and under Settings, check the box next to Use TLS 1.1, then hit the Apply and OK buttons to save changes.

2.2 Use the Run command

  1. Hit the Windows + R keys to open the Run command.
  2. Type inetcpl.cpl in the dialog box and hit Enter.
  3. Navigate to the Advanced tab in the Internet Properties window that pops up.
  4. Scroll down and under Settings, check the box next to Use TLS 1.1, then hit the Apply and OK buttons to save changes.

Although you can still enable the TLS 1.0 and 1.1 protocols, it is important to note that they are no longer supported by most browsers and cannot be trusted to provide secure connections.

You can also enable TLS support depending on the browser you’re using. To that effect, we have a list of browsers that support the latest TLS versions. If you experience the TLS error, we also have an article detailing how to bypass it.

Tell us which TLS protocol you prefer in the comment section below.

Windows 11 Xbox App Not Downloading Games: 5 Ways to Fix

Posted on by Kazim Ali Alvi

Xbox has a great collection of games, and with the video gaming brand available on PCs, users can play their favorite titles on computers. However, many reported that the Xbox app is not downloading games in Windows 11, usually followed by an error code.

Issues with it are common, and some even had trouble installing the Xbox app. Once users managed to bypass or eliminate this issue, another appeared, which seemed to dampen their enthusiasm.

Why is the Xbox app not downloading games?

Here are a few reasons the Xbox app is not downloading games in Windows 11:

  • Misconfigured network settings: Many users found out that their network settings were misconfigured, which led to the problem.
  • Issues with the Gaming Services: The Gaming Services is critical for the effective functioning of the Xbox app, and issues with it can lead to games not downloading in Windows 11.
  • Conflicting apps: A third-party antivirus or firewall can block the attempts and be the reason you can’t download anything.

What can I do if Xbox app is not downloading games in Windows 11?

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

  • Go to the official Xbox Status page, and check if the servers are all working fine. In case they are down, wait for the problem to be resolved, and then try installing the game.
  • Make sure you have enough storage on the PC. If not, free up disk space on Windows 11.
  • Re-sign in to the Xbox app.
  • Update Windows 11 as well as the Xbox app.
  • Get a free VPN, configure it before you start downloading the game, and then disable it once the progress moves beyond the initial levels.
  • In case you have a third-party antivirus installed, disable it and verify whether you can now download games from the Xbox app in Windows 11. If yes, we recommend you uninstall the program and switch to an effective third-party antivirus.

If none work, move to the fixes listed next.

1. Modify the network settings

  1. Press Windows + R to open Run, type ncpa.cpl in the text field, and hit Enter.ncpa.cpl
  2. Right-click on the active network adapter, and select Properties.properties
  3. Untick the checkbox for Internet Protocol Version 6 (TCP/IPv6), and click on OK to save the changes.disable ipv6 to fix windows 11 xbox app not downloading games
  4. Now check whether you can download games from the Xbox app. If not, again open the network properties, select Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4), and click on the Properties button.ipv4
  5. Select the Use the following DNS server addresses option, enter the following in the fields, and click OK to save the changes:
    • Preferred DNS server: 8.8.8.8
    • Alternate DNS server: 8.8.4.4change DNS server to fix windows 11 xbox app not downloading games

Reconfiguring the network settings has helped a lot of users fix things when the Xbox app is not downloading games in Windows 11. So, try disabling IPv6 and switching to Google’s DNS server.

2. Reinstall the Gaming Services

  1. Press Windows + R to open Run, type powershell, and hit Ctrl + Shift + Enter.powershell
  2. Click Yes in the UAC prompt.
  3. Now, paste the following command and hit Enter:get-appxpackage Microsoft.GamingServices | remove-Appxpackage –allusersreinstall gaming services to fix windows 11 xbox app not downloading games
  4. Next, execute the following command:start ms-windows-store://pdp/?productid=9MWPM2CQNLHN
  5. Finally, click on the Get button to reinstall the Gaming Services.get

Gaming Services has often been found to be linked with issues leading to the Xbox app not downloading games in Windows 11, and reinstalling it usually does the trick.

3. Change sign-in settings

  1. Press Windows + I to open Settings, choose Accounts from the navigation pane, and then click on Sign-in options on the right.sign in options
  2. Now, disable the toggle for Use my sign-in info to automatically finish setting up after an update.disable to fix windows 11 xbox app not downloading games

4. Set C: drive as the install location

  1. Open the Xbox app, click on the profile icon near the top left, and select Settings.settings
  2. Now, head to the General tab, and under the Change where this app installs games by default dropdown menu, select the C: drive.install location
  3. Once done, restart the computer for the changes to come into effect.

5. Run all the Xbox services

  1. Press Windows + S to open Search, type Services in the text field, and click on the relevant search result.services
  2. Scroll down and locate all the Xbox services. Since the services are listed alphabetically, they will all be together.
  3. Right-click on the first service from the list and select Properties.properties
  4. Choose Automatic from the Startup type dropdown menu, click on Start to run the service, and then on OK to save the changes.start to fix windows 11 xbox app not downloading games
  5. Similarly, run all the other Xbox services listed here, restart the computer, and then try downloading games.

That’s it! One of these solutions must have helped you fix issues that led to the Xbox app not downloading games in Windows 11. We also have another article where Xbox downloads may stall so these solutions may come in handy.

And if you love playing games on the PC, check how to boost the gaming performance in Windows.

If you have any queries or know of a solution not listed here, feel free to drop a comment in the section below.

5 Best Portable Car WiFi Devices to Keep you Connected

Posted on by Milan Stanojevic

If you’re looking for a car WiFi device to stay connected on the go, we share the best models you can use right now.

Now that the world has gone digital, there’s an increasing demand for staying connected wherever you are, whether traveling or even relaxing at home.

For car owners, especially when stuck in traffic, in-car Wi-Fi comes in handy, taking off the hassle of having to convert credit to internet bundles before browsing. There are several ways you can get Wi-Fi in your car, including:

  • Using your smartphone

This is very popular, but your phone has to have the capabilities to become a Wi-Fi hotspot before using it in your car.

However, it may not be your best bet owing to the huge amounts of data it consumes, plus draining your battery meaning you have to keep it charged as you drive along.

  • Mobile hotspot

This is a small router, usually square or rectangular shaped, that lets you connect multiple devices at the same time.

A mobile hotspot is flexible, portable, and saves your phone’s data and battery as it uses a different data plan, but this means added costs monthly.

It is a good alternative if your car doesn’t come with a car WiFi built into it already.

  • Wireless router

This can be installed in your car, eliminating the need to keep carrying around a mobile hotspot device. It is more expensive though as you’d have to buy it, have it installed then pay for a data plan for the router.

  • Built-in Wi-Fi

In-car Wi-Fi that’s already built into your car is the best due to its signal strength, as well as how easy it is to use because you need not carry anything around.

However, its use is limited to whenever you are inside or near the car. Plus, you’d have to really be a heavy internet user if you want to pay for monthly subscriptions.

If you’re looking for an car WiFi device or mobile hotspot that you can use in your own jalopy, here are the best that will keep you connected on the go.

What is the best car WiFi device that I can buy?

Spectrum Smart-in Car WiFi – Best overall

  • Easy to use
  • Compatible with any Wi-Fi device
  • Works in North America
  • Doesn’t come with additional fees
  • No major issues
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If you’re looking to use Wi-Fi in your car, then this device might come in handy. The device is certified to work in most North American countries.

You can use it to create a wireless network in your car and connect any Wi-Fi-compatible device to it. The device doesn’t come with any additional feels, so you can use it without restrictions.

However, you’ll need to have a SIM card and a contract with a mobile operator if you want to access the Web. Overall, it’s a great car WiFi device for your car, so be sure to consider it.

GlocalMe Mini – Can be used without SIM

  • 4G support
  • Doesn’t require SIM
  • Can support up to 10 devices
  • 3000mAh battery
  • Available plans might be expensive
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If you need portable WiFi for car, then this hotspot might do the trick. According to the manufacturer, this device doesn’t need a SIM and you can pay as you go. However, the option for a SIM card is available as well.

This hotspot supports 4G and it can work in over 140 countries around the world. It’s important to mention that this device has a touchscreen so you can easily see battery level, signal strength, and other information.

The device can support up to 10 devices and thanks to a 3000mAh battery, it can last up to 10 hours on a single charge. If you’re planning a road trip, this will be a perfect addition to your car.

NETGEAR Nighthawk M6 – For advanced users

  • 5G support, speeds up to 2.5Gbps
  • WiFi 6 support
  • Can work with up to 32 devices
  • 2.4-inch touchscreen display
  • Expensive
  • Speed issues when used out of the US
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Advanced users that look for the best car WiFi will surely be interested in this model that comes from Netgear.

This mobile hotspot provides speeds up to 2.5Gbps and it supports 5G signal, WiFi 6 is available as well, and it delivers speeds up to 3.6Gbps. As for the number of connections, this model can work with up to 32 devices.

This model also has an Ethernet port, so you can connect it to other network devices if needed. This is an advanced hotspot, but if you want the highest quality Wi-Fi signal in your car, this is the perfect car WiFi device for you.

GlocalMe Numen Air 5G – Offers 5G support

  • Speeds up to 2.5Gbps
  • Works in 50 different 5G countries
  • Can work with up to 16 devices
  • Touchscreen display
  • Wi-Fi name can’t be changed
  • The front button is too sensitive
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Another great portable WiFi for a car is GlocalMe Numen Air 5G. This model offers speeds up to 2.5 Gbps, which should be more than enough for most users.

This car WiFi device can be used without a SIM card, but if you own one, you can use your own data plan. As for compatibility, this model works in 50 5G countries and supports more than 100 operators.

Thanks to the Wi-Fi 5 technology, you can share your network with up to 16 devices, and a built-in 5400mAh can also be used for charging your USB devices.

ZTE ZMAX Connect – For less demanding users

  • Can support up to 10 devices
  • Dual-band network
  • Works with all SIM cards
  • 4 LED indicators
  • No touchscreen
  • Minor Wi-Fi signal issues
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If you want a simple-to-use car WiFi device, then ZTE ZMAX Connect might be what you need. This model accepts all SIM cards but it works best with T-Mobile and AT&T cards.

Using this model you can make 2.4 GHz or 5GHz network, and connect up to 10 devices. As for encryption, this model uses WPA and WPA2, which should provide some level of protection.

To monitor the status of your network, this model has four LEDs, and all the configuration is made via an online interface. Overall, it’s a simple but powerful car hotspot.

How can I get Wi-Fi in my car?

  • Using your smartphone hotspot is a popular solution, but you have to consider the huge amounts of data it consumes, plus draining your battery.
  • Use a dedicated tool for mobile Wi-Fi: portable Wi-Fi hotspot device.
  • In-car Wi-Fi that’s already built into your car is the best due to its signal strength, as well as how easy it is to use because you need not carry anything around.

What are the advantages of in-car Wi-Fi?

  • You get a wider range of data plans that suits everyone’s use from light users to heavy internet surfers
  • You can plug in without worrying about your batteries, or even charging
  • In-car Wi-Fi allows you to charge your phone while driving, so you need not worry about running out of juice
  • In-car Wi-Fi delivers fast connection speeds owing to the 4G compatibility
  • You can also connect multiple devices with in-car Wi-Fi
  • It’s also a good way of keeping everybody occupied especially on a long road trip or journey

The downside with in-car Wi-Fi, however, is it can be more expensive, depends on network coverage, its availability is pegged on the network provider, and there’s practically no way you can drive while browsing.

Mobile hotspot faster than Wi-Fi

Wi-Fi is obviously faster than 4G LTE Mobile Data, but downloads can get stuck over Wi-Fi. Some smartphone brands include a sanity check to switch your connection from a slow Wi-Fi to a faster cellular connection.

If you also want to assess your Wi-Fi connection, check out the list with the best Wi-Fi software to do just that. Also, check out the best Wi-Fi hotspot software for Windows 10 to make an informed decision.

For any other suggestions or questions, don’t hesitate to leave them in the comments section below.

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How to Change Default Folder View in Windows 11

Posted on by Sagar Naresh

Well, the Windows operating system is known to be a user-friendly operating system. It allows for various customization options that can help you make your computer really your own. You can change the wallpaper, change the lock screen, change the icons, change the mouse cursor, and much more.

You can also change the default folder view in Windows OS. In this guide, we will show you exactly how you can change the default folder view in Windows 11. This will help you view all the files of a folder at a time or view the folders as large icons. Let us get right into it.

What are the different folder layouts or view in Windows 11?

When you change the layout of the folder, it helps you to manage or view the details of the folder at your convenience. There are a total of 8 different folder layouts or views to choose from.

  • Extra large icons
  • Large icons
  • Medium icons:
  • Small icons
  • List
  • Details
  • Tiles
  • Content

How can I change the default folder view in Windows 11?

1. Use the mouse scroll wheel

  1. Open File Explorer by pressing Win + E keys.
  2. Open the folder to which you wish to change the default folder view.
  3. Press the Ctrl button on your keyboard and scroll the mouse wheel up or down to cycle through the different folder layouts.
  4. Release the Ctrl button when you are happy with the folder view.

2. Use the keyboard shortcut

  1. Press Win + E keys to open File Explorer.
  2. Open the folder you want to change the default folder view of.
  3. Use the combination of keyboard shortcuts to change the folder view:
    • Ctrl + Shift + 1: Extra large icons
    • Ctrl + Shift + 2: Large icons
    • Ctrl + Shift + 3: Medium icons
    • Ctrl + Shift + 4: Small icons
    • Ctrl + Shift + 5: List
    • Ctrl + Shift + 6: Details
    • Ctrl + Shift + 7: Tiles
    • Ctrl + Shift + 8: Content

3. Use the File Explorer menu bar

  1. Press Win + E keys to open File Explorer.
  2. Open any folder.
  3. On the top toolbar, click on View.
  4. Select any of the folder layouts from the drop-down menu.

4. Use the File Explorer toolbar

  1. Press Win + E keys to open File Explorer.
  2. Open any folder.
  3. Click on the Details (left) or Large icons (right) button on the bottom toolbar to switch the folder layout.

5. Use the context menu

  1. Press Win + E keys to open File Explorer.
  2. Open any folder.
  3. Right-click on an empty space inside the folder.
  4. Click on View and select any of the different layouts from the context menu.

How to set a default Folder View for all folders in Windows 11?

  1. Open the file explorer by pressing the Win + E keys.
  2. Open any folder.
  3. On the top toolbar, click on View.
  4. Select any of the folder layouts from the drop-down menu.
  5. Click on the 3-dot icon.
  6. Select Options.
  7. Switch to the View tab.
  8. Click on the Apply to Folders button.
  9. In the prompt that appears, select Yes.

These are the steps that you need to perform if you wish to apply the selected folder view or layout across the entire file explorer. In this way, you do not need to choose the layout every time you enter a new folder.

That is it from us in this guide. You can also check out our guide that will help you to show more options in file explorer in Windows 11.

We have a guide that lists some of the best tips and tricks to customize the Windows 11 file explorer. If you are looking for the best settings for Windows 11 folder, then you should check out our dedicated guide that will help you with the query.

Also, several users have been facing an issue where the folder’s view changes automatically without user input. If you are experiencing the same issue and are looking for solutions, then do not worry, as we have a dedicated guide that will help you resolve the problem.

For some users, the option to create a new folder is also missing on their Windows 10 PCs. You can refer to our guide and also apply the solutions for Windows 11 PCs as well.

Read our guide on how you force your Windows 11 PC to rename a folder. This has been troubling users for quite some time, and you can easily fix it using the mentioned solutions.

Feel free to let us know in the comments below which one of the above methods you used to change the default folder view in your Windows 11 laptop or PC.