Has your Windows 11 Razer Synapse failed to install? We will explore some causes and solutions.
Razer Synapse is a handy device configuration app. With it, users can configure their Razer peripherals in Windows 11. So, that app is a pretty significant bit of kit for users with Razer devices to install after upgrading to the OS.
However, some have posted about issues when installing Synapse in support forums. Consequently, those users can’t get Synapse up and running in Windows 11.
Some have been able to fix Razer Synapse installation issues within Windows 11. So, you might be able to solve this problem as well.
Why won’t Razer Synapse open Windows 11?
To solve Synapse installation errors, it’s worth considering what the potential causes for them are. These are some of the more common ones to take into consideration:
Missing or outdated prerequisite software: Synapse installation issues can arise because Microsoft .NET Framework isn’t installed.
Conflicting background processes: Conflicting background processes and programs, especially Razer ones, can generate installation issues for Synapse.
Firewalls: Firewalls may cause installation errors for lots of software.
Razer device drivers: Synapse installation issues can also arise because of installed Razer device drivers.
Now that we have seen the causes, let us explore workable solutions. Also, note that some of these fixes will work if Razer Synapse is not working on Windows 11, opening on startup, or throwing unhandled exceptions.
What can I do if Razer Synapse failed to start on Windows 11?
1. Run Razer Synapse’s installer as administrator
Click File Explorer’s taskbar icon.
Then open the folder that includes Synapse’s installer file.
Right-click Synapse’s setup wizard and simply select the Run as administrator option for it.
2. Close Razer background processes
Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open the Task Manager.
Select the Processes tab.
Right-click any Razer processes and select the End task button for them.
First, press the Windows key along with S at the same time.
Enter the keyword Windows Defender Firewall within the search box and click Windows Defender Firewall within the search results.
Then click Turn Windows Defender Firewall on or off within the Control Panel.
Select both Turn off Windows Defender Firewall radio buttons.
Click OK to exit the firewall settings.
After that, try installing Synapse with the firewall disabled.
NOTE
Turn Windows Defender Firewall back on after you’ve tried to install Razer Synapse.
5. Disable third-party antivirus software
Click on the hidden access arrow in the Taskbar.
Click on your antivirus icon, hover over Avast shields Control and select Disable for 10 minutes (This step varies for different antivirus software).
If third-party antivirus software is installed on your PC, temporarily disable it before installing Synapse.
6. Uninstall Razer device drivers before installing Synapse
Unplug any extra external Razer devices plugged into your desktop or laptop.
Next, press Windows + X keys and select the Device Manager shortcut.
Double-click the category in Device Manager that includes your Razer peripheral to expand it.
Then right-click your Razer peripheral and select the Uninstall device option for it.
Next, select the Uninstall option to confirm.
Repeat the previous three steps for all Razer peripherals you have.
After that, try installing the Razer Synapse software again.
Then you can plug your Razer devices into the PC to reinstall their drivers.
Alternatively, you can try Outbyte Driver Updater, which will scan your PC for any missing or outdated drivers, including Razer ones, and prompt you to update them.
First, bring up the Run accessory by pressing the Windows key + R hotkey.
Type this command within Run’s Open box and click OK. msconfig
Click the radio button for Selective Startup, and deselect the Load startup items checkbox.
Ensure you’ve got both the Load system services and Use original boot configuration options selected.
Next, select the Services tab and click the checkbox for Hide all Microsoft services to choose that setting.
Press the Disable all button to deselect all those remaining third-party services.
To save the new boot configuration, click the Apply option.
Click OK to close the System Configuration utility.
Select the Restart option on the dialog box that opens after exiting the MSConfig utility.
Try installing Razer Synapse after the restart.
We also have a guide that will show you how to download Razer Synapse, if you need more information. If Razer Synapse is not running, this clean boot fix may be your go-to.
NOTE
You’ll need to select the Load startup items checkbox on MSConfig’s General tab to restore the original boot configuration. Also, click Enable all on the Services tab to select all the third-party services.
The resolutions above cannot be promised to fix all Razer Synapse install errors for everybody. Software installation problems can arise for many reasons, and they’re not always straightforward to fix.
However, those potential resolutions are likely fixes for Synapse installation failed errors, which some users have confirmed to work.
Other Razer software has issues too, and we wrote how Razer Cortex is crashing the PC in our latest article, so don’t miss it.
Have you fixed a Windows 11 Razer Synapse that failed to install with an alternative resolution not specified here? If so, you’re more than welcome to share it in the comments section below.
If you are curious to know how to hide the microphone icon in Windows 11, this article is for you.
After enabling or setting up the microphone on Windows 11, you may have noticed that sometimes a mic icon appears on the taskbar. It helps to understand if any app or OS is using your mic. You also can control some basic functionalities by clicking on this icon.
However, you also may want to hide it from the taskbar. But is it possible? If yes, how?
Why does the microphone icon appear on the taskbar in Windows 11?
If your microphone is not working, you will not see such symbols on the taskbar. But, if it works perfectly, you may see the icon due to the following things:
Something is recording: When someone or something is using your microphone and probably recording your voice activity, either it can be by you or an app or a third party, the microphone button will appear on your taskbar.
Cortana: Cortana is a voice assistant from Microsoft which is built-in with Windows 11. It may use your microphone to determine your instruction to it. You may see the icon in this case unless you manually disable Cortana.
Other app’s mic usage: If any app, like a screen recorder, video or voice chatting app, etc., uses the mic, you will often see the microphone icon.
Is it possible to hide the mic icon?
Usually, there is no standard way to hide the microphone icon on Windows 11, as you may expect. However, if you do some tricks and follow some unusual methods, you can disable that icon.
How can I hide the microphone icon in Windows 11?
To hide, we have prepared some methods that you can try. Before that, make sure you have done the following things:
First, update Windows to at least one of the recent versions.
After ensuring the above things, follow these methods.
1. Disable some apps’ access
Press Win + I on the keyboard to open Windows 11 Settings.
Go to Privacy & security and click on Microphone.
Now, toggle the switch off next to the apps you want.
Doing this will disable mic access to specific apps. If the icon frequently appears while you are not using your microphone, it means any of the installed apps are using it. Disabling the access will permanently hide the icon from your taskbar.
2. Disable at all
Go to the Microphone privacy settings like before.
Toggle the switch off next to the Microphone access.
It will prevent all of the applications from accessing your mic, which will also turn off the microphone icon on your taskbar.
After disabling it, the microphone will be inaccessible for all services on your PC. So, there will be no mic icon appearing on the taskbar.
Else, if you are using an external microphone, you can keep it disconnected when you are not using it. This will ensure that no mic symbol appears on the Windows 11 taskbar.
The primary purpose of showing the icon is to make you aware that an app or service is using your audio input device. For example, it may be recording your voice or something.
To protect your privacy, till now, Microsoft has not brought an option to disable this feature. As a result, you cannot follow a standard method to put the symbol out of your sight.
So, when you apply our tricks to conceal the icon, it will also disable the microphone access so that your privacy remains protected.
This article has shown how you can hide the microphone icon in Windows 11. Please let us know in the comment box if you have an opinion.
Google Chrome is the most popular browser in the world, but this doesn’t mean it’s 100% bug-free. Thus, Google Chrome not responding instances are not as scarce as you’d think.
Indeed, Chrome is a very stable, fast, and reliable browser. However, users reported Chrome not working on several occasions. Needless to say, this can be frustrating as it prevents you from connecting to the Internet.
So, why is Google Chrome unresponsive? Let’s take a closer look and find out.
Why is Google Chrome not responding?
→ Sometimes, third-party applications can cause these problems to occur. To fix the issue, it’s advised to perform a full system scan and check if that helps.
→ If Google Chrome keeps freezing, the installation might be corrupted or to process might be stuck. Reinstalling the browser or using a task killer can help.
Sometimes the extensions for your browser might create problems with the browser itself, which can result in a notice saying that the page is not responding.
→ Take a deeper look at the extensions and do not immediately rule out your security software.
→ As always, the cache piling up can lead to anomalies and this is no exception.
Here are some similar problems that users reported:
Google Chrome not responding when uploading files, when trying to print, all the time
Chrome Save as not responding
Chrome keeps not responding, crashing, not working, freezing, or Chrome not opening
Chrome not responding on startup, on laptop
Chrome stops working after a few minutes, every few seconds
But you will also have access to the Opera sidebar and lots of new features. Basically, you can organize yourself better and be more productive. It’s also quite fast. Probably faster than Chrome itself.
Opera One
Get a taste of a brand-new, freeze-free web experience that you will love.
If Google is not responding on a laptop, go to the Search function from your Taskbar and type Windows Firewall then hit Enter.
In the left-hand pane, select Allow an app through the Windows Firewall.
Click the Change Settings button then select Allow another app.
Select Google Chrome then click Add followed by OK.
According to users, sometimes Google Chrome might not respond if there’s an issue with your firewall.
Your firewall is designed to restrict Internet access to certain apps, and in order to make sure that everything is working properly, you need to allow Google Chrome through your firewall.
Google Chrome should be automatically allowed to go through your firewall, but if it’s not, be sure to follow these instructions to fix the problem.
Most users don’t use Windows Firewall because of issues such as this. We recommend using one of these third-party firewalls for better and more customized protection.
3. Scan your computer for malware
One of the main causes of this problem can be malware infection. Malware can sometimes interfere with your browser and cause Google Chrome to not respond.
This can be a big problem, but you should be able to fix it by performing a detailed antivirus scan. To ensure that your system is protected, we advise you to use a good third-party antivirus solution such as TotalAV.
This antivirus offers great protection as well as advanced security features ensuring that your system is protected at all times.
A multi-layered approach makes this solution great: it combines traditional email signatures and scanning with Machine Learning and cloud capabilities. This means that it will detect viruses faster, better, and without being too resource-intensive.
Press the Windows key + X to open the Quick Access menu.
Now choose Command Prompt (Admin) or Powershell (Admin) from the list.
Type or paste the following commands and hit Enter after each one: ipconfig /flushdns netsh winsock reset
If Google Chrome is not responding, the issue might be your DNS cache. This is just a minor problem, and in order to fix it, you just have to remove the cache.
To completely uninstall Google Chrome, we advise you to use uninstaller software. This application will remove Chrome along with all files and registry entries associated with it.
Why is it a better choice? The default uninstaller is less effective because it removes some of the files that were installed originally. Various registry changes that occurred while using it and other files that were created are ignored.
Using specialized uninstaller software you will remove any program from the system and eliminate all the residual files instantly. It’s like you never had the software installed in the first place.
Hence, download an efficient uninstaller and remove Chrome. While you’re at it, you might as well select some other old and forgotten software. You can select multiple programs and it will remove them all.
Hold the Windows key + X to open the Quick Access menu. Next, choose Command Prompt (Admin).
When Command Prompt opens, enter the following command and press Enter in order to scan your files: sfc /scannow
Once the scan is finished, check if the problem is resolved. If the issue is still there, you might want to try using DISM scan instead.
To do that, just start Command Prompt as administrator and run this line: DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth command
Once the DISM scan is finished, check if the issue is still there. If the problem still persists, you might want to try running the SFC scan once again and check if that helps.
File corruption can also cause this issue to occur, and to fix the problem you need to repair the corrupted files.
This is relatively simple, and you can do it by running an SFC scan. Alternatively, you can also try these tools that repair corrupted files.
7. Make sure you’re running the latest Chrome version
Open Google Chrome and click on the three-dot menu icon in the top right corner and choose Settings.
Next, scroll down the left-hand menu until you find the About section and click on it.
On the right side, you will be shown whether you are running the latest version available.
Click the Update button in case you need to update it.
If Google Chrome is not responding on your PC, it’s possible that it’s out of date. Sometimes certain bugs can occur once in a while and cause issues with Chrome, therefore it’s crucial to keep Chrome up to date.
8. Clear the cache, browsing history, and cookies
Open Google Chrome and click the Menu icon in the top right corner then choose Settings from the menu.
Next, type clear inside the Settings search bar and select the Clear browsing data result.
Set the Time range to All time and click on Clear data.
Once Chrome cleans the cache, the Google Chrome not responding issue will be resolved.
Another common cause for Chrome to stop responding is your cache. If the cache is corrupted, that might lead to certain issues with Chrome, therefore we advise you to clean your cache.
You can also try CCleaner to clear the data for you!
9. Disable extensions
Click the Menu icon in Chrome and selectMore toolsfollowed by Extensions.
Locate the extension you have installed and toggle off the button next to them in order to disable them.
Once you disable all extensions, restart Chrome.
Google Chrome supports a variety of extensions that can enhance Chrome with new features.
Even though Chrome extensions can be incredibly useful, some extensions can be quite demanding in terms of resources, and others might be buggy and cause Chrome to stop responding.
To fix the problem, it’s advised to find and disable certain extensions and check if that helps. When Chrome restarts, check if the problem still appears.
If not, it means that one of the extensions was causing it. To find which extension is the problem, enable extensions one by one until you find the problematic one. Once you find it, remove it or update it and check if that solves your problem.
10. Check the proxy settings
Press the Windows key + I to open the Settings app.
Navigate to the Network & Internet section.
Now, select the Proxy section from the left pane.
Finally, disable all settings in the right pane to check if that helps.
According to users, if Chrome is not responding, the issue might be your proxy. Proxy is a great way to protect your privacy online, but sometimes proxy can cause certain issues to occur.
After you disable the proxy, the issue will be resolved. Obviously, this will leave a hole in your privacy protection. Feel free to check out these best third-party proxy tools to compensate.
11. Reset Google Chrome
Open Chrome and click on the three-dot menu followed by Settings.
Click on Advanced followed by Reset and clean up.
Select the Restore settings to their original defaults option followed by Reset settings and wait for the process to end.
What can I do if Chrome is not responding when uploading files?
Instead of using browsers, users may upload folders using the applications that come with cloud storage.
There are programs available for Google Drive, DropBox, and OneDrive that allow users to synchronize the storage on their local hard drives with the storage in the cloud.
These programs often set up a cloud storage folder into which users may drag and drop files and folders in File Explorer in order to upload content to the cloud.
The websites of the users’ cloud storage services provide users the ability to download the synchronizing applications.
We hope the solutions listed above helped you to fix Google Chrome’s responsiveness issues. If you’ve come across other workarounds, you can list the troubleshooting steps in the comments section below. Moreover, if Chrome keeps capturing your screen, we’ve got you covered.
You are often left wondering how to check what is downloading on your PC, especially in the background.
Windows OS is incredibly complicated software, and most work happens quietly in the background. Windows also require the user to stay connected to the internet to download the latest Windows updates and security patches.
You may notice that your computer has utilized all the bandwidth to download something without asking the user.
While this may not be an issue for everyone, for those with limited internet bandwidth, it might cause difficulties, slowing down their bandwidth.
You can use bandwidth limiter software to monitor its status and prioritize any apps you need to use immediately.
If you are also bothered by these mysterious background processes hogging up your internet bandwidth, here is how you can tell if Windows 10 is downloading something in the background and stop it.
How can I check if something is downloading in the background on Windows 10?
1. Use Task manager
Press Crtl + Shift + Esc to open the Task Manager.
In the Process tab, click on the Network column. This will show the process using the most bandwidth.
Check the process that is using the most bandwidth currently.
To stop the download, right-click the process and click on End Task.
Ending the process from the Task Manager is a temporary fix. Open the program that is using the bandwidth, and stop any downloads.
2. Use Resource Monitor
Press the Windows Key + R to open Run.
Type resmon in the Run box and press OK to open the Resource Monitor.
In the Resource Monitor window, click on the Network tab, and expand the Network Activity tab.
As you can see in the above image, the process consuming the highest network data here is Google Chrome because I was streaming a YouTube video. However, you should be able to find other processes utilizing the internet using the same method.
3. Using the Settings app
Press Windows + I to open the Settings app.
Navigate Network & Internet, Data usage, then click on View usage per app.
Now you should have displayed the apps, and you may be able to see what is consuming your data the most. That may be an indication of downloads or streaming activity.
4. Checking Windows updates
Press Windows + I to open the Settings app.
Click on Update & Security.
You should be able to see if a download is in progress.
Click on the three dots at the far top end of the browser (we used Chrome in this example), then click Downloads.
You will be able to see a list if there are any ongoing downloads.
While this will vary depending on your browser, it is often an excellent place to look.
With any of the steps mentioned above, you should be able to tell what background apps are running downloads.
Keep in mind that this isn’t the only browser issue you can encounter and many reported that downloaded files are not showing on Desktop, but we covered that issue in another guide.
Tell us in the comments below which methods are the most convenient for someone needing to know how to check what is downloading on a PC.
Windows Cryptographic Service Provider error is an error related to signing documents and if you encounter it you won’t be able to sign documents. However, there are a few methods you can use to fix this issue.
How do I resolve the Windows Cryptographic Service Provider reported an error?
If possible, try using a different signature if this one is giving you an error. Alternatively, create a new signature if possible and check if that solves the issue.
1. Update the driver for the signature device
Right-click the Start button and select Device Manager from the list.
Find your digital signature device.
Right-click on the driver and select Update driver.
Now you can choose to Search automatically for drivers, or the second option if you already have the correct driver that you downloaded from the manufacturer.
Outdated drivers can often cause Windows Cryptographic Service Provider reported an error code 2148086027, so be sure to keep them up to date to prevent any further issues.
2. Install the latest updates for Adobe Acrobat
Open the Adobe Acrobat.
Click on Help and then choose Check for updates.
Wait for available updates to install.
Alternatively, you can get the latest version of Adobe Acrobat from the official website.
Open the SafeNet Authentication Client Tools. You can open it by going to its installation directory or by right-clicking the SafeNet icon in the system tray and selecting Tools from the menu.
When SafeNet Authentication Client Tools opens click the ‘golden gear’ symbol in the top in order to open Advanced View.
In Advanced View expand Tokens and navigate to the certificate you want to use for signing. They should be located under the User certificates group.
Right-click on your certificate and choose Set as CSP from the drop-down menu. You’ll need to repeat Step 4 for all certificates that you’re using.
Close SafeNet Authentication Client Tools and try signing the documents again.
After changing the Cryptographic provider, the Windows Cryptographic Service Provider Error encountered while signing message will be gone.
4. Remove unwanted certificates
Press Windows key + Rand type inetcpl.cpl. Press Enter to run it.
Go to the Content tab and click the Certificates button.
Now you’ll see a list of your certificates.
Select the problematic certificates and click the Remove button.
Click close and then click OK.
Close Internet Explorer and all Adobe Acrobat Documents.
Try signing the documents again.
Once you remove unwanted certificates, check if the problem if The Windows Cryptographic Service Provider reported an error keyset does not exist error still appears.
Press the Windows key + I to open the Settings app. Now navigate to the Apps section.
Find and remove ePass2003 software.
Restart your computer.
When your computer boots install ePass2003 again.
When installing ePass2003 make sure that you select Microsoft CSP when choosing the CSP option.
After installing ePass2003 again everything should be back to normal and Windows cryptographic service provider error should be resolved.
Once the software is gone, go ahead and check if The Windows Cryptographic Service provider reported an error Invalid provider type specified message still appears.
6. Modify your registry
Press the Windows key + R and type regedit.
Next, navigate to the following path if you’re using Acrobat: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Adobe\Adobe Acrobat\DC\FeatureState For Acrobat Reader go to: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Adobe\Acrobat Reader\DC\FeatureState
Right-click the right pane and choose New and then DWORD (32-bit) Value.
Set the name of the DWORD to ADC4325829.
Double-click the ADC4325829 DWORD, and set the Value data to 1.
Save changes.
7. Use your Smart Card or Active Key
Insert the Smart Card or Active Key.
Now press Windows key + S and enter control panel. Select Control Panel from the list.
When the Control Panel opens, go to the User Accounts section.
From the left pane, select Manage your file encryption certificates.
When a new window appears, click Next.
Select Use this certificate option. If it’s not available, click the Select Certificate button.
Now you’ll see Smart Card/Active Key screen. Login if needed.
Click Next once your certificate is loaded.
When you get to the Update your previously encrypted files window, check All Logical Drivers and update encrypted files.
Click Next and Windows should update your certificates without any problems.
This is an advanced solution, but several users claim that it works, so if you have Smart Card or an Active Key, you might want to use it to fix the Windows Cryptographic Service Provider reported an error access is denied error code: 2147942405 message.
Windows Cryptographic Service Provider error can be problematic, but we hope that you managed to fix it using the solutions from this article.
The Steam Content servers unreachable error is experienced by Steam users worldwide.
This problem is not caused by anyone exactly but there are some solutions we have given in this article that will resolve this error.
How can I fix the Steam Content servers unreachable error?
First off, try changing your download region form the Steam settings page. If that doesn’t work, you can try disabling your proxy server.
In case that doesn’t help, you can try updating Steam client to the latest version or try renaming clientregistry.blob file.
1. Change your download location
Steam content is grouped into different regions, and if you’re getting Content servers unreachable error, try changing your Download region in Steam.
Open Steam and select Settings.
Click on Downloads and go to Download region.
Select a different download region.
Then, restart Steam.
2. Disable proxy settings
Sometimes your proxy can interfere with Steam and cause Content servers unreachable error to appear. You can disable proxy by doing the following:
Press Windows Key + R button.
Type inetcpl.cpl and press Enter or click OK.
Go to Connections and click on LAN settings.
Uncheck the option that reads Automatically detect settings.
Start Steam again and check if the issue is still there.
3. Turn off Safe web
There is a setting called Safe web on your Wi-Fi router, and sometimes this feature can cause network problems. To make sure that there are no problems with Steam, be sure to open your router’s configuration page and disable this feature.
4. Run flushconfig
Sometimes resetting your configuration by running the flushconfig command can fix the Content servers unreachable Steam download error.
Press Windows key + R.
In the dialogue box, type
steam://flushconfig
Press OK.
Confirm and press OK.
Restart Steam.
5. Clear Pending Downloads
In the case that you have a lot of pending downloads on Steam, you should try clearing your download queue since it might help with Content servers unreachable error.
To do this, follow the steps below:
Open Steam client.
Go to the Library tab.
At the bottom, you will see an option that reads Download paused. Click on it and all the pending downloads will appear.
Remove the pending items from the queue one after the other.
Once this is done, right click on the Games tab.
Remove the games that are downloading and check if the problem is resolved.
6. Download the latest version of the Steam client
Open Steam installation directory. By default it should be:
C:Program Files (x86)Steam
Navigate through until you find the following.
SteamApps (Folder)
Steam.exe (Application)
UserData (Folder)
Delete all the folders and files except the three mentioned above. Now, go to the Steam website and download the latest version of the Steam client and install it.
7. Delete clientregistry.blob
You can try deleting the registry of the Steam client in order to fix Content servers unreachable Steam download error.
Close Steam Client.
Go to your Steam directory.
Find clientregistry.blob and rename the file to clientregistryold.blob.
Restart Steam.
If after this and the problem persists, follow the procedure below.
We hope that this article has been able to help you fix the Steam Content servers unreachable download error. If you found our solutions helpful, feel free to let us know in the comments section below.
You must have found this guide because you need to know how to fit a Windows 10 laptop screen to your TV. We will explore some valid solutions.
You can connect your Windows laptop to a TV using an HDMI cable. This allows the users to display content from their screen onto the TV.
While connecting a TV and a computer appears simple, you may sometimes face difficulties with the display size.
Why does my Windows screen not fit my TV?
From research and user experience, we gather that a few things may cause a misfit in your Windows screen on a TV. The most common triggers include the following:
Resolution problems – The TV may have a different resolution than the computer, causing the screen to appear stretched or distorted.
Aspect Ratio mismatch – The TV’s aspect ratio may not match the aspect ratio of the computer, causing the screen to appear cut off or distorted.
Issues with Display Settings – The display settings on the computer may not be configured correctly, causing the screen to appear the wrong size.
TV Settings – The TV may have display settings incompatible with the computer, causing the screen to appear the wrong size.
Graphics Card problems – The graphics card in the computer may not be compatible with the TV, causing the screen to appear the wrong size.
Let us now explore possible ways to restore a fit between the Windows 10 screen and your TV.
How to adjust HDMI screen size on TV in Windows 10?
1. Change the PC resolution
Right-click on a space on the desktop and select Display Settings.
Scroll to the Display resolution section.
Choose from the list in the dropdown menu (We advise that you choose the Recommended option).
2. Change the Scaling Options
Right-click on a space on the desktop and select Display Settings.
Scroll to the Scale and layout section, and change the value to 100% or 200%.
Click on the Advanced scaling link below and input a value between 100% and 500%.
Click on the Apply button to save your changes.
These steps will help you to fit the Windows 10 laptop screen to your TV.
An ISO (disc image) is an archive file format primarily for DVD or Blue-ray discs, but you can burn them to flash drives. Some software publishers distribute software with the ISO format.
For example, Windows 10 has an ISO with which you can install the OS. However, an ISO isn’t much good if you don’t have it on a disc or USB drive.
There are plenty of disc-burning utilities for Windows that burn video and audio files to DVD or CD. However, not all of them include ISO options.
As such, it’s usually better to go for a dedicated ISO burner utility that will have more extensive disc image options. These are a few of the best ISO burners for Windows.
PowerISO is reliable and fast software that enables users to burn, extract, mount and even convert disc image files. The software has extensive options for disc image files, and you can also burn music to DVD with it.
PowerISO is compatible with Windows platforms from ’98 up. You can try out an unregistered version that has a 300 MB size limit for creating and editing ISO files.
PowerISO burns ISOs to a range of DVD, Blue-ray and CD disc formats. However, there’s a lot you can do with this software aside from merely burning files to DVD. Users can create disc image files from hard drive or disc. They can edit an ISO by adding or deleting files from it.
The software’s conversion options enable you to convert an ISO to BIN, or the other way around, and picture files to disc image formats. You can also make audio discs with the program, which is another bonus.
PowerISO
This wonderful ISO virtual disk reader supports all CD/DVD/BD image files.
With Wondershare DVD Creator, you can burn and edit DVDs from over 100 media formats into a BD folder, Blu-ray disc, ISO file, and more.
The program has a built-in video editor that lets you trim, crop, and apply special effects to your videos. Moreover, you can add subtitles, including .srt, .ass, and .ssa extensions, and protect your original work with a text/image watermark.
Wondershare DVD Creator has a simple and intuitive user interface, with all the functions categorized into four sections (source, menu, preview, and burn). The menus are customizable and enable you to personalize your DVD by adding frames, music, text, and drag-drop elements. Alternatively, you can choose a static or dynamic template from their library.
Other essential features of this ISO burner include:
Burn multiple videos of different formats at once
Fast conversion speed
Create DVD menu chapters both manually and automatically
Supports various disc types, including DVD-9, DVD-R/RW, BD-R, BD-100, and more
CD ripper function
Supports several audio formats, such as MP3, WAV, M4B, WMA, FLAC, and more
Over 100 free DVD templates
Slideshow maker
Windows 10/8/7/Vista/XP and Mac compatibility
This DVD burner is risk-free and safe to install on your system. It gets free updates periodically and new functions are added all the time.
Wondershare DVD Creator
Burn, create, and edit multiple DVDs thanks to this feature-rich ISO burner!
Active ISO Burner is freeware software with which you can burn ISOs to numerous disc formats. This is a lightweight program with a straightforward UI design. Active ISO Burner is compatible with most Windows platforms, and you can save its setup wizard by clicking the pertinent download link on this website page.
Active ISO Burner enables users to burn ISOs to DVD-R, DVD+R, DVD-RW, Blu-ray, HD DVD, CD-RW, CD-R and DL disc formats. The software includes multiple burning modes to select from.
The Burner Settings window includes a few handy After-Burn options with which you can select to eject the media, verify data or shut down Windows after the burning is complete.
Furthermore, users can also configure the SCSI transport and cache buffer size with the software.
ISO Workshop is a freeware disc image burner for personal use. You can both create and burn ISO files with this software, and it also incorporates other handy tools.
Press the Download button on this website page to add the freeware version to Windows.
You can burn any disc image file type to CD, DVD or Blu-ray with ISO Workshop. Alternatively, you can copy a CD, DVD or Blu-ray disc to your hard drive with the software’s Backup Disc tool.
The software has a Make ISO tool so that its users can create an ISO from files and folders. Furthermore, this program includes an Extract Files tool for extracting files from ISOs; and it also converts BIN, NRG, IMG, PDI, and other disc image formats to ISO.
As such, this software pretty much has all the ISO tools you’ll need; but it doesn’t have any options for burning audio or video to DVD or CD.
ImgBurn is highly rated Windows software with which you can burn almost anything to disc with. The software has probably been designed primarily for burning disc image files, but you can also burn audio and video to disc with it.
This disc burner is widely compatible with almost all Windows platforms. ImgBurn is also a freeware utility you can download from this web page by clicking Mirror 7.
ImgBurn users can burn ISO, CDI, CUE, BIN, PDI, CDD and other disc image file formats to DVD, Blue-ray, HD DVD or CD.
The software also burns all manner of audio file types to disc, and you can set up Blue-ray or DVD video discs with the utility. ImgBurn packs in tools to create ISOs from both files and folders or discs.
It includes a Verify tool to check discs with and configure their read speeds. The software is also chock-a-bloc with customization settings for its various operations, shell extensions, graph data, sound effects and more besides.
Take your pick from those ISO burners. They’ve got the essential options for burning ISOs to disc and a lot of other handy tools on top for compiling, converting and extracting disc image formats. Check out this article for further ISO file format details.
ISO files became a very important form of data over the past few years. The fact that Windows 10 Technical Preview installation comes as an ISO image proves this claim even more.
So having an ISO burned on a CD could be useful, and in this article we’ll show you how to do that in Windows 10 Technical Preview.
How can I burn ISO in Windows 10?
Previous versions of Windows operating system, like Windows XP or Windows 7 had to use a third-party software not just to run or burn ISO files to CDs, but also to burn any other formats format of data to a CD or DVD.
But luckily, Windows 10 has its own burner, called Windows Disc Image Burner, and it could be used for burning regular data to CDs, as well as ISO files.
So if you want to burn an ISO image to a CD, you just have to do a few simple steps, and Windows 10 burner will do all the work for you. Here’s what you need to do to burn an ISO image to a CD:
Click on the ISO image you want to burn on CD
On the top of the screen of File Explorer, click on Manage, under Disc Image Tools
Click on Burn
Select your CD-ROM as Disc burner and click on Burn
Wait until the process is complete and you’ll have your ISO image burned on a CD
Here’s a tip
Since the installation image of Windows 10 Technical Preview comes as an ISO file, you can use this technique to burn Windows 10 Technical Preview image on a CD, and install it on the boot, just like any other Windows operating system before.
Having your Windows 10 installation image on a CD will definitely keep it safe, and it will save you some hard disk space, as well.
If you are looking for a dedicated software to do this for you, we highly recommend Power ISO. This program comes with the following features:
Process ISO / BIN image files, make a bootable CD image file.
PowerISO supports almost all CD/DVD image file formats
Mount image file with an internal virtual drive, and then use the file without extracting it
Compress files and folders to a compressed archive.
PowerISO will scan and optimize the files during compression, and thus can have better compression ratio and faster compression speed
Split the archive into multiple volumes
Protect the archive with a password
Use the archive directly without decompressing.
PowerISO virtual drive can mount the archive directly.
Of course, this is not the only ISO burner you can use. We already compiled a list of the best ISO burners that you can use on your Windows 10 computer.
Sometimes you can suddenly receive Windows cannot access the disk error. Usually, this type of error is associated with Windows Explorer, but other elements are associated with it.
Once you have the error message, any operation that needs to access your disk will be interrupted and terminated, which can quickly become frustrating.
This guide will run you through common triggers and the best solutions.
Why can Windows not access the disk?
There could be several reasons why Windows is unable to access a disk. However, some common reasons include the following:
Disk connection – The disk is malfunctioning or not correctly connected to the computer.
Corruption issues – For some users, a trigger may be that the disk is corrupted or damaged.
Busy disk compartment – Occasionally, you will run into this error if the disk is in use by another program or process.
Format issues – Additionally, users have run into the error because the disk is not formatted or Windows do not recognize the file system.
Problems with encryption – The disk is encrypted, and the user does not have the proper decryption key.
Regardless of the causes, you should be able to resolve the Windows cannot access the disk error using the solutions we recommend below.
What can I do if Windows cannot access the disk?
Before diving into any solutions, we recommend checking for an error message. In most cases, they will specify what triggers the issue, which may guide you on what troubleshooting solutions to try.
First, please ensure that all cables are correctly connected between your storage devices and the computer. Then, unplug that disk or try a different line on a different USB port if you’re using external hard drives.
Next, you should restart your computer. If this doesn’t work, you should try connecting your storage device to other machines.
3. Run check disk in Command Prompt
Click on the Start menu, type command, right-click Command Prompt, and select Run as administrator.
Type the command below and hit Enter (if you are prompted to dismount and schedule chkdsk on the next restart, press Y and Enter). chkdsk /r
Restart your computer.
3. Run disk repair utilities
3.1 Run the SFC utility
Click on the Start menu, type command, right-click Command Prompt, and select Run as administrator.
Type the script below: SFC /scannow
Exit the Command Prompt once it has been completed.
3.2 Run the DISM utility
Click on the Start menu, type command, right-click Command Prompt, and select Run as administrator.
Type the script below: DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
Exit the Command Prompt once completed, and you may need to restart the computer.
Type Windows Security in the Search bar, and click on the relevant search result.
Now, click on Virus & threat protection here.
Click on Scan options.
Now, select Full scan and click on the Scan now button at the bottom.
In closing, we recommend backing up data or even performing data recovery solutions if you fear losing valuable data.
You should also note that your solution would depend, in most cases, on your specific error message. But generally, these should be all easy steps you can follow.
They come in handy if Windows cannot access the external hard disk, SD card, or USB.
Lastly, we hope you managed to fix Windows cannot access the disk error using one of our solutions. In the meantime, let us know what issues you have encountered with your disk drive.
You’re not alone if you’re trying to figure out how to download apps without the Microsoft Store. Whether the Store is blocked, buggy, or just not your thing, there are reliable ways to install apps, even official Microsoft ones, without ever opening it.
In this guide, you’ll learn how to get .appx packages directly, sideload Store-only apps, and install everything safely on your Windows device.
How can I download Microsoft Store apps without the Store?
Paste the URL in the search field and click the Check icon on the right. Be sure to remove #activetab=pivot:overviewtab from the URL you pasted.
Now look for a link that has appxbundle at the end. Click the one that has the latest version in its name.
Wait for the download to finish. Then, save the file in a directory that you can easily access.
You might get a warning that this file type is harmful. Just select Allow download option to continue.
Once the download is finished, press the Windows key + X and select Windows PowerShell (Admin) from the menu.
Now run the following command: Add-AppxPackage -Path “C:\Users\WindowsReport\Downloads\ee2546d7-f0e5-4aa2-be54-032299162322”
If the app doesn’t install, you should get an error message similar to this. Check the name of the missing component. In our case, it was Microsoft.VCLibs.120.00.Universal.
Go to the Adguard page you used to download appxbundle and download the missing component.
In PowerShell, run the following command: Add-AppxPackage -Path "C:\Users\WindowsReport\Downloads\2d1aff29-2c22-4e80-be37-7c3db4d1573d"
Now try to run this command to install the app: Add-AppxPackage -Path "C:\Users\WindowsReport\Downloads\ee2546d7-f0e5-4aa2-be54-032299162322"
The app should be installed and ready to use if everything is in order.
NOTE
The commands will differ on your PC depending on the app and the download location of your PC.
2. Using Adguard without PowerShell
Download the app you want to install using Adguard (as illustrated in solution 1).
Open the directory in which the appx bundle file is stored.
Go to View and check File name extensions.
Now check if the file you downloaded has the appxbundle extension.
If it doesn’t, right-click the file and choose Rename. Now add .appxbundle at the end.
Double-click the file you renamed.
Click on Install.
Wait for the installation process to complete.
As you can see, installing Windows apps without using the Store is relatively simple. As long as you enter the correct commands, you should be able to do that without too many problems.
Is it possible to install Microsoft Store apps without Store?
Yes, you can download apps without the Microsoft Store, but do it carefully. This lets you install apps not available in the Store or ones that aren’t compatible with your device.
The Quick Access Toolbar (QAT) is customizable, usually at the top of File Explorer’s window. This toolbar provides quick access to various File Explorer options and tools.
However, it’s not good if the QAT mysteriously disappeared from Explorer. If you can’t find this feature on your File Explorer, we will show you how to restore it in this guide.
Why is my Quick Access toolbar not showing?
The most common cause of the Quick Access Toolbar disappeared issue is the use of third-party software to customize File Explorer.
While these apps improve your File Explorer’s features and give it a stunning look, they can remove some of your most-used tools. The easiest way to fix this issue is to remove this software.
Restore an invisible Quick Access Toolbar using these methods
1. Move the Toolbar Below the Ribbon
If you can’t see any Quick Access Toolbar at the top of File Explorer‘s window, move the QAT below the Ribbon instead. The QAT will most likely disappear when you add third-party add-ons such as Clover to File Explorer.
Clover adds a new tab bar to the top of File Explorer as shown in the snapshot below.
Thus, Clover is one program that removes the Quick Access Toolbar from the top of File Explorer. To get it back, right-click the Ribbon and select the Show Quick Access Toolbar below the Ribbon option.
2. Add New Options to the Quick Access Toolbar
You can remove all the options and icons from the Quick Access Toolbar. So it might seem like the QAT has disappeared if there are no buttons on it.
However, you can still select the Quick Access Toolbar’s small arrow icon shown in the snapshot below.
Click that arrow icon, and then select all the options on the menu to restore them on the QAT. Then you can select those options on the Quick Access Toolbar.
You can also add buttons to the QAT by right-clicking an option on the Ribbon and selecting Add to Quick Access Toolbar.
As mentioned, third-party customization software for File Explorer can remove the Quick Access Toolbar. That’s especially the case for programs that add new folder tabs to File Explorer and customize the UI.
As such, uninstalling File Explorer customization software will probably restore your Quick Access Toolbar. You can uninstall the programs by pressing the Windows key + R hotkey and entering appwiz.cpl in Run.
That will open the tab shown in the snapshot directly below. Then select a program to remove, and press its Uninstall button.
4. Reset the Quick Access Toolbar
If you haven’t installed any File Explorer customization software, reset the Quick Access Toolbar. Resetting the Quick Access Toolbar via the registry will restore it to its original configuration, which will probably fix various QAT issues.
Press the Windows key + R, type regedit, and click the OK button to open the Registry Editor.
Navigate to this registry key: HKEY_CURRENT_USERSoftware MicrosoftWindowsCurrentVersionExplorerRibbon
Right-click the QatItems DWORD and select Delete.
Now restart your desktop or laptop. Your Quick Access Toolbar will then be restored to its default layout.
There you have everything you need to fix the Quick Access Toolbar disappeared issue. All you need to do now is to follow the steps carefully, and things should be back to normal.
Using an antivirus is important if you want to protect your PC, and sometimes you might want to prevent certain applications from accessing the Internet.
To do that, you need to use a firewall, and today we’re going to show you the best two-way firewall for Windows 10.
There are two types of firewalls, and a one-way firewall will protect your PC from incoming threats.
On the other hand, a two-way firewall will prevent malicious applications that you might have on your PC from connecting to the Internet.
As you can see, a two-way firewall adds another layer of protection, so it’s a must-have tool if you want to protect your PC.
There are many standalone two-way firewall applications for Windows, but many antiviruses also have a built-in two-way firewall that can protect your PC.
What is the best antivirus with a two-way firewall?
TotalAV represents a multi-compatible antivirus that offers effective security against malware and prevents threats with its remote firewall.
With this famous software, you obtain real-time protection from cyber threats, virus definition updates, and a powerful firewall that can block any malicious website or program.
Using this security tool, you ensure full malware or spyware prevention that keeps you away from hackers or snooping activities.
Moreover, the software covers you with all the protection against malware or corrupted files that is downloaded on your PC.
You can as well benefit from complete web protection with tracking cookies block or data breach monitoring to be fully covered from cyber threats.
Let’s quickly look at its key features:
Zero-day cloud scan
Phishing scam shield
Remote firewall protection
Ransomware prevention
Tune-up tools
TotalAV
Benefit from this antivirus tool with a remote firewall that you won’t live without.
Bitdefender Antivirus is well-known security software that offers great protection, but unfortunately, this version doesn’t have a built-in firewall.
If you want an application that combines both antivirus and a two-way firewall into one, you should definitely consider Bitdefender Internet Security.
This tool has a built-in two-way firewall that will prevent malicious applications from accessing the Internet.
In addition, this application has full data protection so it will protect you from malware and spyware alike.
It’s also worth mentioning that Bitdefender Internet Security has multi-layer ransomware protection so your files will remain protected from malicious applications.
As for other security features, there’s phishing and fraud protection that will prevent hackers from stealing your personal information.
Let’s quickly look at its key features:
Safe Files feature to prevent applications from accessing certain files
Secure browsing feature to mark unsafe websites so you won’t visit them by accident
Rescue Mode can scan your system before Windows starts and remove hidden malware
Parental control, password manager, and a file shredder
Anti-theft protection for your device, phishing, and fraud protection
Malware and multi-layer ransomware protection
Social network and webcam protection
Bitdefender
Looking for a great antivirus with a built-in two-way firewall as well? Bitdefender Internet Security will tick all your boxes and more.
ESET HOME Security Premium is one of the best solutions to get when you need the most reliable antivirus with a two-way firewall also included.
This feature will prevent unauthorized access to your company network, provides anti-hacker protection, and data exposure prevention, and enables defining of trusted networks.
Additionally, it can make all other Internet connections, such as public Wi-Fi, restricted by default. Moreover, it features an additional layer for protecting users from ransomware.
The ESET Exploit Blocker monitors exploitable applications, such as browsers, or email clients, and it focuses on exploitation techniques. When triggered, the threat is blocked immediately on the machine.
Some other important features include:
Host-based Intrusion Prevention System monitors system activity and uses a pre-defined set of rules to recognize and stop suspicious system behavior
Advanced Memory Scanner monitors the behavior of a malicious process
ESET Botnet Protection detects malicious communication used by botnets
ESET Network Attack Protection improves the detection of known vulnerabilities on the network level
ESET HOME Security Premium
Use an AI-based antivirus, with a reliable built-in two-way firewall, and multilayered defense features.
Panda Antivirus is another security software that comes with a built-in two-way firewall.
The firewall feature is available in the Panda Antivirus Pro version, which is a major plus. In addition to a firewall, the application provides real-time protection for your Windows PC and Android device.
Fraud and identity theft protection are also included, so you can easily protect your personal data online. The Pro version offers great features, and if you need an antivirus with a built-in firewall, be sure to try it out.
For more security, there’s a Panda Internet Security version that offers unique features such as parental control and file backup.
This version also has a Data Shield feature so you can easily protect your data from ransomware.
For ultimate security, there’s the Panda Global Protection version. This version has a built-in password manager as well as file encryption and file shredder.
Panda Antivirus is a solid antivirus application, and with a built-in two-way firewall, it’s a full security solution for your Windows PC. Lastly, there’s a Tuneup feature that can optimize your PC.
Panda Antivirus
Keep your computer safe with Panda, featuring protection against viruses in real-time, and a two-way firewall.
Perimeter 81 is a sophisticated solution when it comes to firewall protection for enterprises and it offers a so-called Zero Trust Application Access feature.
It’s a tool that can prevent security gaps by ensuring identity-based access with encryption through the HTTP, RDP, and SSH protocols.
It’s simple for an IT manager to set it up and you can use any major encryption protocol to secure all resources and network layers.
And you can also differentiate the access to the resources, whether they are in the cloud or local to each user individually or as a group.
Its main features are:
Fully Monitored
Least-Privilege Access
Multi-Layered Security
Total Cloud Integration
Perimeter81
Gain total control of application security across your organization!
If your current security software doesn’t have a built-in firewall, you might be interested in ZoneAlarm Pro Firewall.
The application uses a two-way firewall and it allows you to keep a close eye on both inbound and outbound traffic.
ZoneAlarm will monitor your applications for suspicious behavior, and inform you if any security infringement occurs.
The application offers advanced-access protection that can detect advanced attacks such as SCM and COM attacks.
In addition, the application can also prevent silent outbreaks from gaining control over your PC.
It’s worth mentioning that your PC will be protected even during the startup phase thanks to the Application Control and Early Boot Protection features.
Let’s quickly look at its key features:
Anti-spam filter and wireless protection
Automatic Wireless Network Security feature that detects the wireless network and automatically applies the best security policies
Identity and data protection that will protect your sensitive data from malicious users
Online backup so you can back up your data easily online
DefenseNet feature so you’ll get security updates in real-time and remain protected from the latest threats
Zone Alarm
Threat Traffic is monitored and blocked – inbound and outbound.
A printer is an important device in most offices as well as some homes. Though many offices are making a transition to a paper-free workspace, the printer must work effectively until then. But several users have reported that Windows 11 is not printing color copies.
Whenever you upgrade the OS, there’s a good chance of encountering compatibility issues. Maybe the installed printer driver or the relevant applications are not compatible with Windows 11.
Also, there are a few critical services that must be running for the printer to work effectively. Other than that, it could be a conflicting background process or problems with the cartridge behind the issue.
Now that you have a basic understanding of the causes, it’s time to find out what to do if Windows 11 is not printing in color.
What can I do if Windows 11 is not printing in color?
1. Restart the computer and the printer
Before we delve into the complex troubleshooting methods, first, restart both the computer and the printer. Also, make sure to disconnect the power supply to turn off the printer rather than pressing the dedicated button.
This method has worked for a lot of users, particularly in situations where the problem lies with a background process or some minor malfunction with the printer. Once done, check if the printer is now printing color copies in Windows 11.
2. Run the Printer troubleshooter
Press Windows + I to launch the Settings app, and click on Troubleshoot on the right in the System tab.
Next, click on Other troubleshooters.
Locate the Printer entry here, and click on the Run button next to it.
Now, follow the on-screen instructions and choose the appropriate response when prompted to complete the process.
Another quick way to fix the Windows 11 not printing in color issue is to run the dedicated Printer troubleshooter. It will automatically identify what’s causing the problem and remove it.
3. Update the printer driver
Press Windows + S to launch the Search menu, enter Device Manager in the text field, and click on the relevant search result that appears.
Double-click on the Print queues entry here to expand and view the available printing devices.
Locate the problematic printer, right-click on it, and select Update driver from the context menu.
Next, select Search automatically for drivers from the two options here.
Windows will now scan for the best available driver on the system and install it for the printer. Though the method is simple and quick, a major drawback here is that it only scans the drivers available on the computer, and not the online sources.
If these methods sound like too much trouble, you can always use a reliable third-party app. We recommend Outbyte Driver Updater, a dedicated tool that will automatically install the latest version for all the drivers installed on your computer, thus keeping them up-to-date.
Press Windows + R to launch the Run command dialog box, type services.msc in the text field, and either click OK or hit Enter to launch the Services app.
Locate the Print Spooler service, right-click on it, and select Properties from the context menu.
Now, click on the Startup type dropdown menu, and select Automatic from the list of options.
If the service is not running, click on the Start button under Service status.
Click on OK at the bottom to save the changes.
Finally, restart the computer for these to fully come into effect.
The Print Spooler service is critical for the effective functioning of the connected printer. It stores the tasks in the system’s memory until the printer is ready to execute them. Also, if the service is not running, you may not be able to access or see your printer.
Press Windows + I to launch the Settings app, and select Windows Update from the tabs listed in the navigation pane on the left.
Click Update history on the right.
Next, click on Uninstall updates under Related settings.
Locate the recent OS update, select it, and click on Uninstall.
Click Yes in the confirmation prompt that pops up.
If you started encountering the Windows 11 not printing in color problem after installing a particular update, there could be a bug in that particular version causing the problem.
To fix it, uninstall that update, and wait for the next version to release. In all likelihood, Microsoft would release a patch for the bug in the subsequent updates, and you shouldn’t face any more trouble.
6. Reinstall the printer
Press Windows + I to launch Settings, and select the Bluetooth & devices tab from the navigation pane on the left.
Click on Printers & scanners on the right.
Select the problematic printer from the list.
Click on the Remove button.
Click Yes in the confirmation prompt that appears.
Now, press Windows + R to launch the Run command, enter appwiz.cpl in the text field, and click on OK to launch the Programs and Features window.
Locate all the programs related to the printer, select them, and then click on Uninstall at the top.
Click Yes in case a UAC(User Account Control) pops up, and then follow the on-screen instructions to complete the process.
After you have removed the printer, and uninstalled all related programs and drivers, reinstall it just like you did last time. And once it’s set up, you would be able to print color copies in Windows 11.
For most users, the first couple of methods should help fix the problem. And for the others, the last method is bound to get things up and running, provided there is no hardware issue. The fixes should also work if Windows 11 is not printing double-sided copies.
System cooling policy is the set of guidelines and rules used to manage the temperature of a computer system. The main goal is to keep the system cool and running smoothly. With Windows 11 coming feature-packed, users need all the help they can get to keep their systems running optimally.
If you find that the System cooling policy is missing from your PC, all you have to do is enable it. In this article, we show you different ways to make it reappear.
What is the System cooling policy?
The System cooling policy is a set of instructions that tell a computer what to do when its internal temperature rises above or falls below a certain level. This includes its CPU and RAM components.
If you’re wondering why you can’t find the System cooling policy in Windows 11, it is because it’s not installed by default. Since it’s not enabled by default, you may wonder whether it plays an important role in your PC. The answer is Yes. Some of the benefits include:
Improve the performance of your computer – System cooling policy mostly applies to gaming given the graphic-intensive and CPU-intensive games. It helps keep the CPU cooler and allows it to operate at its full potential as the PC tends to overheat while gaming.
Reduce the number of computer crashes – A system crash can also cause your PC to overheat and shut down unexpectedly. This can be dangerous if you’re using your computer while it’s overheating.
Increase overall system efficiency – Running your computer with a properly functioning fan will keep it cooler and allow for more reliable performance.
Efficient Power usage – The better the airflow within your computer, the less power it uses, and the more efficient the airflow, the less energy is needed to keep everything cool and running smoothly.
Increase the lifespan of your hardware components – System cooling ensures that your computer stays cool throughout its entire lifetime. You don’t have to keep checking your CPU’s or GPU’s temperature.
Which is better active or passive System cooling policy?
System cooling policy has two settings: Active and passive. Active system cooling is the best policy because it can always provide the maximum amount of cooling.
If you have an active system, you can constantly monitor the temperatures of your CPU, GPU, and other components and make adjustments to achieve optimal performance.
This is not possible with passive systems. This is because they cannot control the temperature of their components as well as active ones which rely on fans to move air across their heat sinks. That being said, it doesn’t mean Passive systems are useless.
Passive systems are better at keeping temperatures down when they’re under load, but they’re less effective at preventing overheating when a computer is idle. In such cases, you may need to tweak some settings to get the best power efficiency.
Passive cooling does not require an active cooler as it relies solely on convection for cooling. This means that there are no moving parts involved, hence making it more efficient than active cooling methods since there is no need for fans.
With active cooling, the fan speed can also be controlled by software in order to ensure that no overheating occurs. You’ll need more space than passive cooling offers in order to fit the components required for active cooling.
How do I get a System cooling policy?
1. Via Group Policy Editor
Hit the Windows + R keys to open the Run command.
Type Regedit in the dialog box then hit Enter.
Navigate to the following location: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Power\PowerSettings\54533251-82be-4824-96c1-47b60b740d00\94d3a615-a899-4ac5-ae2b-e4d8f634367f
On the right pane find Attributes, right-click on it and select Modify. If it is missing, right-click on an empty space and select New DWORD (32-bit) Value and rename it to Attributes.
Now, double-click on Attributes, and under the Value field, add 2 to add the System Cooling Policy in the Power Options box.
Press OK and close the Registry Editor.
Hit the Search icon on the Taskbar, type Edit power plan, and click Open.
In the Power Options dialog box that pops up, navigate to Processor power management and click to Expand.
The System cooling policy option should now appear under the Processor power management section.
In case it doesn’t restart your PC to effect the changes.
Remember that editing the Registry is risky especially if you don’t know what you’re doing. If you’re unsure, we recommend that you seek assistance from a tech expert or proceed to the next step.
Hit the Windows key, type cmd in the search bar, and click Run as administrator.
Type the following command and hit Enter: REG ADD HKLM\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Power\PowerSettings\54533251-82be-4824-96c1-47b60b740d00\94d3a615-a899-4ac5-ae2b-e4d8f634367f /v Attributes /t REG_DWORD /d 2 /f
Close the Command Prompt Window.
Hit the Search icon on the Taskbar, type Edit power plan, and click Open.
In the Power Options dialog box that pops up, navigate to Processor power management and click to Expand.
The System cooling policy option should now appear under the Processor power management section.
Data mining is a process that involves discerning patterns to acquire information concerning a data set. For instance, data mining involves the prediction of a computer user’s Internet activity to obtain behavioral characteristics.
In addition, some hackers, spammers, and even scammers utilize data mining tools for negative purposes. There are several reports relating to online identity theft, impersonation, and several online fraud cases.
Meanwhile, hackers use several data mining tools and techniques to steal users’ personal information, discover their identities, and exploit users’ data. Some of the tools and techniques are listed below:
Keyloggers – software that tracks the key sequence and strokes on your keyboard. Fortunately, you can install anti-keylogger software to block this type of tool.
Malware – short for malicious software which refers to various forms of hostile or intrusive software.
Phishing – the attempt to acquire sensitive data by disguising it as a valid entity on the web.
SMShing – this technique involves using mobile phone text messages, to lure users into downloading content online, or visiting a phishing website.
Virus – malicious codes that delete or corrupt files, and also interfere with normal computer operations
Session hijacking – the unauthorized usage of identification credentials within a web browser to hijack a valid web session. Also known as cookie theft.
The Windows Report team has compiled the best tools for you to protect your computer against data mining and its minions. These tools give you maximum protection in securing your personal information and identity.
What is the best tool to block data mining attempts?
TotalAV goes beyond antivirus with tools aimed at data collection. The higher plans include a Safe Browsing VPN, an ad and tracker blocker, and data-breach monitoring that warns you when your details show up in a leak. The browser cleanup tool clears the cookies and cached data that trackers rely on.
On the security side, real-time protection and WebShield handle malware, spyware and phishing sites, and one subscription covers Windows, Mac, Android and iOS.
Safe Browsing VPN in the higher plans
Ad and tracker blocker
Data-breach monitoring
Browser cleanup for cookies and cached data
Real-time protection and WebShield
TotalAV
Protect your digital activity against data mining with the powerful TotalAV technology that has protected millions so far.
Bitdefender Total Security, as its name implies, defends every bit of information on your PC. If you want protection against any tools utilized by data hijackers, then you should consider this software which has one of the largest security infrastructures worldwide.
This anti-data mining software offers 3P i.e. protection, performance, and privacy. It also ranks highly in each AV Lab test performed independently.
Here’s what to expect from Bitdefender:
It comes with protection tools such as antiphishing, antivirus, anti-fraud, and anti-theft
It also has webcam protection to prevent snooping
Multiple-layer ransomware protection
It comes with Bitdefender VPN for anonymous online identity
Social network protection
Password manager
In addition, other tools include file shredder, game, movie, and work modes, secure browsing, battery mode, rescue mode, parental control, and many more.
It is compatible with all recent versions of Windows, starting with Windows 7 SP1, and offers top performance, especially on Microsoft Windows 10.
Bitdefender Total Security
Outstanding security app that offers complete protection against all e-threats.
This software offers basic protection against the most common cyber-attacks: spyware, malware, ransomware, and phishing. The real-time protection feature is active at all times to ensure that your devices are secure.
Indeed, the tool is free, but, as you can imagine, it comes with just a few features. If you want to further increase protection for other areas such as getting strong passwords or tune-up tools, you can always upgrade to a more advanced solution.
For instance, with Avira Prime-only you get to optimize your PC or use the built-in VPN without restrictions.
Avira Free Security
Want only some basic protection for your device? Avira offers just that, packed with free, lightweight, efficient software.
Just as its name implies, Malwarebytes protects your computers from malware. Effective as anti-data mining software, your data is shielded with this multipurpose cybersecurity tool.
Here are some features of Malwarebytes:
Real-time protection against viruses, malware, adware, and spyware
Excellent antiphishing protection against malicious websites
Anti-exploit tool to prevent system vulnerability exploits attacks.
Anti-ransomware protection
Anti-rootkit tool for removing rootkits and repairing damaged files
Also, this anti-data mining software is compatible with Windows XP up to Windows 10. However, the anti-ransomware protection is only available on Windows 7, Windows 8.1, and Windows 10.
Malwarebytes Premium
Prevent digital threats from compromising your device with the Malwarebytes Premium software.
Ranked as the world’s number one anti-keylogger software, this software also functions effectively as anti-data mining software. With a nice GUI, even beginners can find it easy to use.
This tool consistently monitors all the vulnerable areas on your Windows PC; this ensures that your personal data is protected from wicked data mining software.
Also, this Windows OS-friendly software ensures you don’t lose your private data such as credit card data, chat messages, and passwords.
Here’s what you should expect from SpyShelter Free:
Strong behavior-based real-time protection against stealing your private data like passwords, chat messages, or credit card data.
Efficient detection and neutralization of advanced zero-day malware
Encryption of keys of all applications on kernel level.
Microphone and webcam protection
Low system resources used for increased performance
Also, this anti-data mining software has other features such as:
Alerts and Rules
Clipboard Protection
Screen capture Protection
Sound logger Protection
Restricted Applications
Two-way Firewall
So, you can combine this software with your antivirus program; this is because SpyShelter is compatible with most antivirus programs and other security programs on your system. Also, it is compatible with Windows OS (from Windows XP to Windows 10).
SpyShelter
Strong protection with high detection scores that block all types of malicious threats.
Don’t be put away by the fact that this product is free. It’s nevertheless efficient when it comes to detecting the latest cyber threats as it uses the same technology as paid products.
Additionally, it offers Wi-Fi network protection and document encryption functionalities, which regular free software doesn’t include.
Of course, you can have more options such as webcam security, or an extra layer of protection while doing online shopping, but with premium products.
Avast Free Antivirus
The most efficient free antivirus that offers great protection features for your device.
Another best anti-data mining tool on the market, Dr.Web KATANA shields vulnerabilities that expose your computer to data mining. Dr. Web was founded by Igor Daniloff in 1992, in Russia.
This software is efficient in neutralizing remote-controlled malware used for data mining. Also, Dr.Web is linked to a cloud facility that acquires information about data mining espionage and blocks it promptly.
Here’s what to expect from Dr.Web KATANA:
Real-time protection against viruses and malware
Efficient detection and neutralization of all types of threats including unauthorized network access
We also made a quick list of supplementary security programs to defend your device against malicious software and malware.
Maintain your data and personal information secure by benefiting from all these advanced technology features that proactively block all e-threats.
Browser
A secure web browser is a category of web browsers that provides data confidentiality online. This means that all your browsing information is spoofed; hence, your browsing data cannot be accessed for data mining.
However, this is also possible on normal web browsers, where you just have to press the CTRL-Shift-Delete keys to clear your cache. But, a more secure web browser is advisable in case you forget the keys.
Safeness, rapidity, and security are certainly some of the many reasons people choose to use private browsers for their PCs.
VPN stands for virtual private network which is a private network that extends across public networks most especially the internet. In addition, they enable secure access, anonymous identity, and virtual privacy on the internet; hence, your personal data and location are spoofed making it ideal to escape data mining agents.
Also, VPN protects your online privacy and gives you better internet connectivity, and access to limited resources.
1. PIA
Private Internet Access (PIA)keeps your personal data safe from ISPs, and the government. In addition, you get features like DNS and IP leak protection, a strict no-logs policy alongside 256-bit AES encryption for maximum security.
If you want access to thousands of servers worldwide, unlimited bandwidth, and traffic, at the highest possible speed; CyberGhost is the ideal tool for this purpose.
A password manager is a software application that stores and manages your passwords. This provides enhanced security for recollecting passwords for various online accounts instead of saving the passwords on your web browser.
Windows key not working in Windows 11 can disrupt shortcuts and system navigation. This issue may stem from driver conflicts, Filter Keys, gaming settings, or Win Lock toggles.
Below, you’ll find step-by-step fixes to identify the cause and restore full functionality, including advanced tweaks using PowerShell and updates.
What Can I Do If My Windows Key Is Not Working in Windows 11?
PowerShell allows you to restore Windows UI bindings when default app registration is broken.
9. Check for Windows Updates
Open Settings > Windows Update.
Click Check for updates and install available patches.
Installing updates ensures that your keyboard drivers, services, and input handlers remain compatible with recent builds and features.
Conclusion
If your Windows key isn’t working on Windows 11, the issue may relate to Filter Keys, driver problems, Game Mode, or the Win Lock feature. These solutions help restore normal shortcut functionality without advanced tweaks or third-party software.
FAQs
Why is my Windows key not working in Windows 11?
It’s often caused by outdated drivers, the Win Lock feature, Game Mode, or Filter Keys.
How do I fix the Windows key after a system update?
Update your keyboard drivers, disable Filter Keys, and use the keyboard troubleshooter.
Does Game Mode interfere with the Windows key?
Yes. On gaming laptops or desktops, Game Mode can block shortcut inputs.
Can PowerShell restore the Windows key?
Yes. Re-registering system apps using PowerShell can fix shortcut-related issues.
A laptop charging but not turning on is a power error that prevents you from using your PC. A faulty CMOS battery or problems with the power cord.
Nonetheless, we still have a few possible solutions that, if the problem is still persistent, at least give you a better insight into what’s happening.
What to do when computer charges the battery but won’t turn on
1. Inspect the power cord, adapter, and battery
Inspect the power cord, jack, and adapter for physical damage. If the battery is old or faulty, consider replacing it.
Also, make sure you’re using the correct power adapter and cord for your device. Check the adapter’s specifications on the laptop’s back to match voltage and current requirements.
2. Unplug peripherals and remove the battery
Another thing you can do is remove the battery and try to boot with the DC adapter solely. Sometimes, despite the LED light informing you that the battery is full, the battery might be faulty.
It’s one thing to hold a charge and another to transfer to a machine. Also, make sure that all peripheral devices are unplugged.
A small short circuit within a faulty USB port can also prevent the computer from starting. If this enables you to start your PC, check the USB ports one by one to identify the one causing the problem.
3. Drain residual power
Unplug the DC power cord from the laptop.
Remove the battery.
Press and hold the Power button for a while.
Connect the DC power cord, but don’t insert the battery.
Power on your PC and look for changes.
If you’ve succeeded, turn off the computer again, unplug the power cord, and reinsert the battery.
A residual power is an electrical charge stored in almost every electric device. Once you turn off your device, even without the power source, it’ll store some electric charge.
Occasionally, some parasitic capacitance in the transistors might ‘trick’ the device and block the battery charge.
Hardware changes are for advanced users only and are done at your own risk. Keep in mind that some hardware changes may lead to voiding your warranty. If you do not understand the steps or don’t feel uncomfortable disassembling your PC, please refer to a professional.
Open the computer case and find the battery (usually located on the motherboard).
Write down all the information located on the battery.
Remove the cell. Some computers don’t have a removable battery. In this case, please contact the computer manufacturer.
Insert a new battery.
Turn on the PC, reset the CMOS values to defaults and save before exiting.
That should do it. We hope that this was enough to get you going.
If you’re looking for the best PDF reader for Windows 11, you’re in the right place. We’ll show you all the options that are worth using and more.
For all these reasons, PDF is and will be the most dominant electronic file format for people online.
So, what is the best way to read PDFs on a PC? You will need to install a PDF reader app for Windows. If you are looking for the very best PDF reader or a PDF viewer for Windows 11, here’s a quick preview of our favorite picks:
The Soda PDF Reader is a nicely packaged PDF reader that lets you use several features for free. You can view PDFs and EPUBs using 3D page-flipping technology.
It lets you create PDFs from scratch or convert any file format into this one. The tool also offers the option to merge multiple files. Additionally, you can combine different files in different formats together to form a portable document file.
The tool also comes with a PDF splitter option. It can help you split PDFs into single or multiple pages.
If you opt for the standard and upper plans of Soda PDF Reader, you can edit, compress, rotate, reorder, remove pages, or convert PDFs from office files, images, and more.
Soda PDF comes with the option to edit texts in the PDF using OCR, and also electronically sign documents.
Here are the key features of the Soda PDF reader:
Lets you split, compress, resize, and edit PDF
Texts can be edited using OCR, and PDFs can be electronically signed
Compatibility with Google Drive and other cloud storage services
Convert your PDF documents into Microsoft Office format and more
Soda PDF Reader
Quickly and comfortably access and edit PDF files with this versatile and easy-to-use software option.
Adobe Acrobat DC PDF reader deserves a place in the list of the best PDF readers for Windows 11. It is arguably the most popular PDF tool used across the globe.
You can do almost all of the things required to manage a file, including view, edit, print, sign, comment, share, convert, etc., and all of these are absolutely free of charge.
With the Pro version, Adobe Acrobat DC offers advanced options such as creating a new PDF, protecting it, exporting, converting, organizing, combining, and sending files for signatures.
This PDF reader lets you annotate files from anywhere, add bookmarks, highlight, underline important points, and even draw using the hand tool.
Let us take a quick look at the highlights of Adobe Acrobat Reader:
Gives the option to view, annotate, edit, sign, and more
Available across platforms
Seamless integration with popular cloud storage platforms
Offers a file comparison tool
Adobe Acrobat DC
Enjoy the plethora of features contained in Acrobat DC to create professional results.
pdfFiller is another reliable PDF reader, editor, and creator that we truly recommend to our users because of its amazing set of features.
All you have to do is to drag and drop your preferred document and begin your PDF reader experience for free.
pdfFiller offers strong encryption and security to keep your documents safe and private thanks to its two-factor authentication feature.
Furthermore, you can create, edit, sign, fill automatically, add watermarks, images, and videos, and many more with this software’s advanced technology.
Other best features of pdfFiller include:
Print, download, and send
Erase, redact, draw
Add fillable fields
PDFs collaboration
Notarization
pdfFiller
Start your PDF reader experience alongside advanced editing, signing, and more with pdfFiller.
From the house of Wondershare, the name behind the popular video editing tool, Wondershare Filmora, also has an efficient PDF reader called PDFelement.
PDFelement lets you edit, create, sign, annotate, and share files on the go, with no issues. Even better is that you can collaborate with your colleagues on a document with cloud support.
This tool also offers an OCR tool, which you can use to extract and edit text from a PDF document. There is a powerful conversion feature that lets you convert scanned PDFs or image-based PDFs to most of the popular formats.
It supports over 20 languages, including English, Portuguese, Japanese, Spanish, German, Italian, etc.
Other options include the ability to resize or rotate any graphics on a PDF, extract data from PDFs in CSV format, sign documents digitally, and more.
Let us see some highlights of PDFelement:
Lets you digitally sign your files
It supports over 20 languages
Offers an OCR tool to edit and extract texts
Capability to perform batch conversions, data extraction, and other tasks
PDFelement
Get quick access to all the tools you need to view and edit PDFs on your PC successfully.
Nitro PDF Reader is also worthy of your attention. Over the years, the Nitro PDF Reader has gained popularity, because of its powerful features and its MS Office-similar interface.
The official website boasts that it is used by 68% of Fortune 500 companies. While we cannot confirm that, it is surely a nicely balanced and packaged PDF reader you can use on your Windows 11 PC.
Talking about features, it lets you create PDF files from over 300 file formats. You can create, edit, view, review, annotate, and read PDF files. It also lets you change the color, orientation, size, and quality.
You may easily sign a document by uploading a picture or scanning it. Nitro PDF Reader lets you convert PDF into popular document formats straight from the software.
Nitro PDF Reader is available for free, but you need to buy the Pro version to unlock all its capabilities.
Here are some of the key features of Nitro PDF Reader:
Easy-to-use interface
Lets you create PDFs from over 300 file formats
Allows you to change the color, orientation, etc., of the files
Offers features such as OCR, editing pages, combining multiple files, and more
Nitro PDF Reader
Use this versatile software with nifty features to easily open and edit your PDF files.
One of the straightforward PDF tools, that you can use either to edit a document or simply view it is called PDF Annotate & Fill.
It is available on the Microsoft Store for free, but there are in-app purchases, which you can opt for to unlock some features that are locked behind a paywall.
You can draw directly on the PDF, be it a straight line, rectangle, or oval. It offers the option to highlight, underline, and strike out text.
If you are collaborating with your colleague on a PDF, you can use features like comments, arrows, circles, lines, and more to point out the important lines in the document.
PDF Annotate & Fill also lets you sign PDFs digitally, fill up PDF forms, or print the document from the app itself.
Here are some of the best features of PDF Annotate & Fill:
Lets you draw or write on the files directly
Gives you the option digitally sign documents
Option to add comments and shapes
You can edit the elements by changing their color, size, transparency, and location
The Xodo PDF tool is not only available for Windows 11 but also for Android and iOS. This is one of the best cross-platform PDF management apps that act as a PDF reader, editor, and converter.
You can use Xodo PDF Reader to collaborate with your colleagues and view, edit, highlight, comment, and annotate documents. It provides a chat feature option that could be very handy in virtual work-space scenarios.
This PDF reader for Windows 11 lets you convert almost any file format to PDF documents. You can draw or type text directly into the PDF using the Xodo PDF Reader.
The tool offers all these features, plus more, for free. In order to unlock all features, you can opt for the Xodo Pro PDF app.
Here are some of the highlights of the Xodo PDF Reader:
There is a night mode for ease of use at night
Can be used to convert popular file formats into PDFs
Chat feature lets you easily collab with other members of your work-space
Lets you sign your files using hand or scanned image
Another PDF reader option that you can download straight from the Microsoft Store for your Windows 11 PC is the Perfect PDF Reader.
You can use the Perfect PDF Reader to simply view a PDF document or edit it with the various editing tools provided by this app.
It supports PDF, XPS, OXPS, text files, EPUB, MOBI, and FB2 eBooks. One of the best features of the Perfect PDF Reader is that it lets you open multiple files in individual windows within the app.
There are other facilities, such as the option to change layouts, fit modes, zoom levels, tune into full-screen reading mode, multiple pages, and more.
Some of the best features of the Perfect PDF Reader are:
Option to fill out PDF forms or sign them digitally
Lets you open multiple files in individual windows
The app saves the reading position of a file
Offers a bookshelf, that categorizes your documents based on categories
Foxit PDF Reader is another alternative you can choose if you are looking for a robust and full-of-features PDF reader and editor.
It offers several features without any fees, making it one of the most complete free PDF readers available on the internet for Windows 11.
You can use Foxit PDF Reader to fill in PDF or XFA file formats without any issues, and it is available for almost all platforms, including macOS, iOS, Android, the web, and Linux.
There are other tools that will make your PDF management easy, such as a text markup tool, a typewriter option, form handling, digital signatures, and more.
Check out some of the best features of the Foxit PDF Reader:
Offers enterprise CMS for collaboration and sharing
It provides the option to sign documents digitally
The tool is cheap compared to its competitors
Gives an extra layer of protection to your PDF using advanced security features
UPDF is a professional PDF editing tool that comes with a stunning design. It allows you to protect the content of your file by making it a single-layered document.
It is the only PDF editor in the market that works across all platforms with 1 license. UPDF provides an enjoyable reading experience with dark mode and supports changing PDF backgrounds.
UPDF comes with an image editor tool that enables you to perform various operations, such as replacing, copying, cropping, and deleting the image.
This PDF reader tool has extensive annotation tools which enable you to personalize your documents by adding highlights, shapes, and other elements.
Some impressive features of UPDF:
UPDF allows you to use it across Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android with 1 license
Add customized backgrounds to personalize your document
The form-field highlighting makes filling PDF forms easy
Combines and maintains files with different image formatting into one
Add a single PDF into multiple documents with the Insert feature
Reduces the size of the file without comprising quality
Some of our readers also asked what are some of the best online PDF readers available?
While there are dedicated PDF reader software options available for a Windows 11 PC, several options are also available that let you view PDFs without needing to install the software.
These are web-based or online PDF readers. Such programs could come in handy, as you can use them to view documents on the go.
But what are some of the best online PDF readers available? Though it may take a few extra steps to view PDFs online, these options are sufficient to have a view of your documents at least.
You can make use of Google Drive for viewing PDFs. All you have to do is open Google Drive, upload the PDF file to your drive, and then open it. You can use Google Docs to edit the PDF as well. So, this gives you more flexibility than expected.
Web browsers have become so capable that they also come with a built-in PDF reader. Now, Windows 11 comes with Microsoft Edge preinstalled as the default browser.
You can use the new PDF Reader in Microsoft Edge to open local or online files and more. So, if you’re wondering What program opens PDF files on Windows 11, know that MS Edge can neatly do the job.
However, they are not viable options for sharing, editing, annotating, or even signing those files. So, here’s the biggest question of all. Does Windows 11 come with a PDF editor? Unfortunately, it does not.
Let us know your thoughts below on our list of some of the best PDF readers for Windows 11. If you have a favorite PDF reader, you can also mention that in the comments section.
The laptop won’t turn on without the charger plugged in issue is usually related to driver or peripheral problems. Thankfully, you can easily fix it, as shown below.
How to fix a laptop that doesn’t turn on without a charger
1. Remove all peripherals
Remove all the external devices connected to the computer and unplug/remove the batteries from the laptop. After that, keep the laptop idle for 5-10 minutes and re-insert all the components. If this doesn’t work, run the hardware troubleshooter :
Press the Windows + W, type troubleshooting, and press Enter.
Click on Hardware and Sound and select Hardware and Devices.
Now, click on Next to run the troubleshooter.
2. Uninstall Microsoft ACPI battery
Press the Windows key + R, type devmgmt.msc, and hit Enter.
Expand the Batteries category.
Under the Batteries category and right-click the Microsoft ACPI Compliant Control Method Battery listing.
Now, select Uninstall device. Be careful, do not remove the Microsoft AC Adapter driver or any other ACPI-compliant driver.
On the Device Manager, click on Action, followed by Scan for hardware changes.
3. Run the Power troubleshooter and disable Fast Startup
Open Control Panel and type power in the search bar.
Select Choose what the power buttons do.
Click the Change the settings that are currently unavailable option.
Now, uncheck the option Turn on Fast Startup to disable the feature
After disabling the fast startup feature, check if the issue is fixed.
Click Change plan settings next to your active power plan.
Click Change advanced power settings.
Expand Battery settings and ensure they are set to optimal levels.
Critical battery action: Ensure it’s set to “Hibernate” or “Shut down” for low battery scenarios.
Low battery level: Set to a reasonable percentage (e.g., 10-20%).Critical battery level: Ensure it’s set lower than the low battery level (e.g., 5%).
Low battery notification: Ensure this is enabled so you receive alerts when the battery is low.
On battery settings: Verify that the laptop isn’t set to shut down at a low battery level.
Save changes and test on battery.
5. Replace your battery
If nothing fixed the problem, this indicates that your laptop‘s battery is faulty and you need to replace it as soon as possible. Just ensure you get an original battery that works well with your PC.
To prevent issues like this from happening in the future and preserve the health of your battery, consider using a battery monitoring software.
The motherboard, a main circuit board, connects all the hardware components to your processor. It defines which storage device, memory module, and graphics cards can be connected to your PC.
If anything happens to the motherboard, your computer will fail to start. This guide will cover all the causes and symptoms to look for to be sure that your motherboard is dead.
What are the reasons for motherboard malfunction?
There could be various causes of motherboard failing; some of the popular ones are mentioned here:
Overheating – Overheating can result from a computer not being ventilated or the cooling system not working.
Component failure – Manufacturing defects, temperature exposure, and wear & tear could cause motherboard failure.
Power surges – Power outages and voltage spikes could also result in a power surge and could become the reason for the issue.
How can I tell if the motherboard is dead?
1. No Power
The first thing to look for is the computer not turning on or showing no signs of power. Next, check for all loose connections and ensure the power cables are correctly connected.
Check if the power supply is supplying power to the motherboard. Use a PSU tester and multimeter or a different power supply cable.
You can use Newegg and Coolermaster to check the total power supply supplied to the motherboard.
2. Check for physical damage
Check your motherboard for damaged pins, printed circuit boards, or water damage. Also, check for burned transistors, chipped circuits, or bulged capacitors. Then, open the cabinet and look for the following to determine the cause.
3. Remove GPU or RAM to check
If the GPU is not seated correctly, then it could interfere with the motherboard’s ability to turn on. If you see the lights or LED turning on, pull out GPU and RAM to check if the motherboard powers without them. If it restarts, try to seat GPU and different slots for RAM to check if it works with the motherboard.
Check the internal components to analyze if they are using an unusual amount of power, failing the motherboard.
Try removing the SSD, USB, or other memory disks to check if the motherboard powers on.
5. Check the motherboard standoffs
Standoffs are metal risers that can keep your motherboard elevated from your motherboard tray. If the standoffs are touching the motherboard back can cause a short circuit.
Check the standoff positions to see if they are lined up with motherboard holes. Please remove them and reinstall your motherboard.
6. Check the CMOS battery
As the CMOS battery powers up your PC’s BIOS and maintains the system settings saved, it is an essential element. A CMOS battery without power can also mistakenly make you think that the motherboard might be dead, as this battery is used to power it.
Before doing anything else, take out and check the CMOS battery. If at fault, replace it with the new one.
7. Check beep codes or LED indicators
If your motherboard has status LEDs or beepers, they can indicate the problem with beep codes and error codes. With the motherboard speaker installed, you can get beep codes for troubleshooting. These are some examples:
One beep – memory issues
Two beeps – motherboard issues
Five beeps – CPU issues
Nine beeps – BIOS or ROM problems
If the motherboard has LED indicators, they may flash to indicate the issue with the CPU or motherboard. You need to check the manufacturer’s design to understand what your LED is indicating.
8. Freezes and glitches in the computer
If your computer is showing BSOD errors or is running slow, then this could also be a sign of a motherboard issue. But, again, some errors in the description might point you toward the problem.
Also, if the computer is running hot or the fan is at full speed, it could be due to a bad cooling system. Check if the fans are working and remove the dust from the fan and PCB.
So, these are the symptoms that could confirm if the motherboard is dead or failing. If you have questions or concerns, feel free to mention them in the comments below.
Are you one of the Windows 10 users who ran into error code 0xc0000185 while using your device? Usually, this error message appears after a reboot and it can cause your PC to run into a problem and restart.
In this article we provide you with the best solutions to solve this error code, so keep reading.
How can I fix the Windows 10 error code 0xc0000185?
Before we start fixing this issue, there are a few checks that you can perform that will help you isolate the issue:
Disconnect all USB devices – It’s possible that the last USB device malfunctioned and it’s causing this issue. Therefore it’s important to disconnect all USB devices, except the keyboard and mouse.
Check your hard drive – Failing hard drive can cause this issue, so be sure to use HDD health check software and check if your drive is failing.
1. Repair your computer using the Windows 10 Installation Media
Insert the Windows 10 Installation Media into the CD or DVD ROM and reboot the device.
Now you should get to a black screen that says: Press any key to boot from CD or DVD in which case you will need to press just any button on the keyboard to boot from your Installation Media.
Now select the Repair your computer button located on the lower left side of the screen.
Next, select the Troubleshoot option.
From the Troubleshoot menu, select Advanced Options.
Lastly, select the Automatic Repair feature.
In this next window, select the operating system you are using.
Wait for the process to finish.
Sometimes, you may get stuck on the Automatic Repair loop. If that’s the case, we’ve prepared a complete guide to help you get past the loop.
If you’re after a quick and convenient repair method, at any given time, using specialized software may help you fix the error code 0xc0000185.
More exactly, this ideal software will entirely scan your Windows PC and detect system malfunctions or corrupted files that generate this kind of BSoD error.
2. Rebuild Boot configuration data
Boot from the installation media same as in the previous solution.
Select the Repair your computer button situated on the lower side of the screen.
In the Choose an option window, select the Troubleshoot option.
Now, from the Troubleshoot menu, select the Advanced options.
Select Command Prompt to launch the tool.
Type the following commands and hit Enter after each one: BOOTREC /FIXMBR BOOTREC /FIXBOOT BOOTREC /REBUILDBCD
Reboot your PC and check again if you still get the same error message.
3. Run System Restore
Boot from installation media once again.
Go to Repair your Computer, and select Troubleshoot.
In the Troubleshoot window, select Advanced options.
Click on the System Restore button.
After you successfully completed the System Restore process, reboot your operating system normally and check if you still get the Windows error code 0xc0000185.
4. Run Disk Cleanup
Go to Start, type disk cleanup, and launch the tool.
Select the disk that you want to clean, and the tool will tell you how much space you can free up.
Select what components you want to clear. Hit OK and wait until the process completes.
Your PC regularly stores temporary files and folders as you browse the Internet. These unnecessary files may trigger various issues, including error 0xc0000185.
Press Windows key + X and choose Apps and features.
Now locate any recently installed software and click Uninstall to remove it.
Repeat this for a couple of applications.
Once the software is removed, restart your PC and check if the issue persists.
And this is how you can fix your error code 0xc0000185 on Windows 10. This isn’t the only issue users reported, and we covered a similar issue in our error code 0x80070015 guide.
If you have additional questions related to this subject, feel free to drop us a line in the comments below.
Have you been using your mousepad, and the laptop click button suddenly stopped working? If this is your experience, we’ve got solutions you can use to work around the issue.
Some potential causes of the laptop click button not working include conflicts with other mouse or pointer software and driver issues.
Check out the solutions below to fix the laptop click button problem.
Why won’t my touchpad buttons work?
The touchpad buttons not working issue can be down to various factors. Below are some of the prevalent causes:
Faulty touchpad drivers: The touchpad drivers are important in connecting the touchpad’s hardware and software components. The solution to this is to reinstall these drivers.
Corrupt system files: Sometimes, this issue can be down to missing or faulty system files on your PC. The solution to this is to repair and restore these files.
Issues with a third-party app: Some third-party apps can mess with your PC processes. To be sure that an app is the cause of this issue, you need to perform a clean boot. If you are lucky to find the faulty app, you need to remove it using a specialized uninstaller tool.
This checks for commonly occurring issues and ensures any new device or hardware is correctly installed on your computer.
Follow the instructions to run the Hardware and Devices troubleshooter. The troubleshooter will begin detecting any issues that may be causing your laptop click button not to work as it should.
2. Boot in Safe Mode
Safe mode starts your computer with limited files and drivers, but Windows will still run. To know whether you’re on Safe mode, you’ll see the words at the corners of your screen.
If the laptop click button issue persists, check whether it occurs while your computer is in Safe mode.
How to get your computer into Safe mode
There are two versions:
Safe mode
Safe mode with Networking
The two are similar, though the latter includes network drivers and other services necessary to access the web and other computers in the same network.
Follow these steps to start your computer in Safe Mode:
Click on the Start button.
Select Settings.
Click Update & Security.
Select Recovery from the left pane.
Go to Advanced startup.
Click Restart now.
Select Troubleshoot from the choose an option screen, then click Advanced options.
Go to Startup Settings and click Restart.
Once your computer restarts, a list of options will come up.
Choose 4 or F4 to start your computer in Safe Mode.
A quicker way to get into Safe Mode is to restart your computer and then do the following:
From the Choose an option screen, select Troubleshoot>Advanced options>Startup Settings>Restart
Once your computer restarts, a list of options will come up.
Choose 4 or F4 to start your computer in Safe Mode
If the laptop click button problem isn’t there while in Safe mode, then your default settings and basic drivers are not contributing to the issue.
Do the following to exit Safe Mode:
Right-click the Start button.
Select Run.
Type msconfig.
A pop-up will open.
Go to the Boot tab.
Deselect or uncheck the Safe Boot option box.
Restart your computer.
3. Run a System File Checker scan
Click Start.
Go to the search field box and type CMD.
Now, select Command Prompt.
Right-click and select Run as Administrator
Next, type the command below and hit Enter: sfc/scannow
Finally, restart your computer.
A System File Checker scan checks or scans all protected system files and then replaces the incorrect versions with the genuine, correct Microsoft versions.
If the laptop click button issue persists, try the next solution.
4. Turn off the Touchpad and reboot
Right-click Start.
Select Control Panel.
Click Devices and Printers.
Click Mouse.
Now, click the Device Settings tab on Mouse Properties.
Click Disable button to turn off the Touchpad.
Restart the system.
Finally, enable the button.
Does this restore your laptop click button to working condition? If not, try the next solution.
5. Uninstall and reinstall touchpad drivers
Click Start.
Select Control Panel.
Double click System.
Click the Hardware tab.
Select Device Manager.
Expand Mice and other pointing devices to open the list.
Double-click on the TouchPad driver tab.
Click Update driver.
Right-click on Touchpad.
Click Uninstall.
Go to USB Controllers.
Uninstall everything except the category itself.
Restart your computer. Windows automatically detects the change in your hardware and will refresh the TouchPad driver and USB stack.
You can also contact your device’s manufacturer for the latest touchpad drivers, then check if this helps fix the laptop click button problem.
6. Perform a Clean Boot
Go to the search box.
Type msconfig.
Select System Configuration.
Find the Services tab.
Select Hide all Microsoft services box.
Click Disable all.
Go to the Startup tab.
Click Open Task Manager.
Close Task manager, then click OK.
Reboot your computer
If you laptop click button still won’t work, eliminate any software conflicts that may be causing the issue.
Performing a clean boot for your computer reduces conflicts related to software that can bring up the root causes of the laptop click button failure.
These conflicts can be caused by applications and services that start up and run in the background whenever you start Windows normally.
You will have a clean boot environment after all these steps are carefully followed, after which you can try and check if the problem is gone.
7. Run the DISM tool
Click Start.
In the search field box, type CMD.
Now, click Run as administrator under Command Prompt in the search results list.
Type the following commands and hit Enter after each: Dism /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealthDism /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
If you still can’t get your laptop click the button to work, and run the DISM or Deployment Image Servicing and Management tool.
Once the repair is complete, reboot your computer and check if your laptop click button is working again.
Download the latest driver from the manufacturer’s website.
Save it on your local disk.
Right-click on the setup file of the downloaded driver.
Click Properties.
Click the Compatibility tab.
Check the box next to Run this program in Compatibility mode.
Select the Operating System from the drop-down list.
The driver will install, then check its functionality.
9. Check if your TouchPad is enabled or disabled
Click Start.
Type Touchpad in the search field box.
Click Mouse and Touchpad settings.
Look for Touchpad toggle settings On/Off.
Click to toggle it On (if it is off).
If you don’t have a toggle function, click Additional Mouse options at the bottom of your screen, then click Touchpad tab for your laptop.
Click the picture of the touchpad.
Click the toggle to On.
Click Save.
10 Perform a System Restore
Click Start.
Go to the search field box and type System Restore.
Click System Restore in the list of search results.
Enter your administrator account password or grant permissions if prompted to.
In the System Restore dialog box, click Choose a different restore point.
Click Next.
Click a restore point created before you experience the problem.
Click Next.
Click Finish.
Use System Restore to create restore points when you install new apps, drivers, or Windows updates or when you create restore points manually.
If the laptop click button is not working, try and restore the system and see if it helps.
Restoring doesn’t affect your files. It, however, removes apps, drivers, and updates installed after the restore point was created.
To go back to a restore point, do the following:
Right-click Start.
Select Control Panel.
In the control panel search box, type Recovery.
Select Recovery.
Click Open System Restore.
Click Next.
Choose the restore point related to the problematic program/app, driver, or update.
Click Next.
Click Finish.
That should do it for this guide on how to fix the touchpad buttons not working issue. We believe you now have all the information needed to fix this issue.
Today, we’ll walk you through the best digital album software that allow you to sort photos hitch-free on your PC. With these tools, you can quickly organize and find pictures based on criteria like date, location, and tags.
You can get as specific as you want, or use built-in automated sorting options that, while not as precise, save a lot of time.
Let’s check them out.
What is the best photo album maker?
NOTE
Some products are primarily photo editors but have top-notch photo management features, so we couldn’t overlook them. But if you only need photo sorting and management, we also selected apps focused solely on those tasks.
The full version of Adobe Bridge free, so if you’re looking for an advanced photo album app that cost zero cents, you’ve found your best bet.
Thanks to this tool you can do Automated cache management. It also allows you to quickly organize and stack panoramic and HDR images.
This software also comes with On-demand thumbnail and metadata generation. You also have the option to import photos and videos from your mobile device or digital camera.
It is easy to manage your photos thanks to the flexible batch processing functions and when it comes to editing you also have drag-and-drop file flexibility.
Adobe Bridge
Organize, edit, and share your photos with a complex and versatile tool that makes the job easy.
Magix PhotoStory Deluxe allows you to import photos directly from your camera, apply minor changes, create slideshows, and share them with friends and family.
The tool has custom albums and flexible view/management modes to let you find photos and videos quickly.
It lets you sort your photos according to thematic categories, such as night scenes or beach photos. You can also rate your images to sort them according to their importance and quality.
Additionally, you can back up your photos to CD, or DVD. You can also import and optimize uncompressed image data from more than 590 camera models.
Magix PhotoStory Deluxe
Choose from over 1.500 effects to create exciting and engaging visuals with this excellent software.
The Microsoft Photos app is designed for organizing, editing, and sharing your photos. It stores photos and videos from all your devices, enhances them, and organizes them into albums.
You can gather photos from all your devices in one place using OneDrive and browse your collection by date, album, or folder.
You can create your own albums, view and share them, and automatically created albums can be edited to add a personal touch (PC only).
Pixum – Free digital photo album software ➕ QR code scanning
Pixum helps you manage, categorize, and edit your photo albums with ease. It’s free and offers simple installation and an intuitive editor.
You can design unique photo albums using a variety of pre-designed templates and layouts.
The editor suggests photo locations based on GPS info, helping you organize your photos more effectively. Enhance your albums by adding routes, pins, clipart, and stickers.
Use the Add Further Elements function to download additional options, which are perfect for albums aimed at children. The Shiny Highlights feature lets you create glossy-text greeting cards.
As you can see when it comes to digital photo albums and management software there are various excellent tools that challenge not only your management skills but also your creativity.
Tell us more about your experience with these programs so drop us a comment in the section below.
If your laptop battery keeps draining when it’s off, you’re not alone. Many laptops don’t actually shut down completely because of settings like fast startup or USB power, which sneakily drain battery life.
Let’s break down how to stop this and save your battery.
How do I stop my laptop battery from draining when I close it?
Before we start, disable Fast Boot in BIOS, and hold the Power button on the laptop for 5 seconds after shutdown. If you have the Dell Power Manager app, use it to configure a power plan.
1. Modify device properties
Press Windows + R to open Run, type cmd in the text field, and then hit Ctrl + Shift + Enter.
Click Yes in the UAC prompt.
Now, paste the following command and hit Enter:powercfg -devicequery wake_armed
A few devices that draw power from the computer will be listed here. Make a list of them, and our approach will be to disable them from doing so.
Press Windows + X to open the Power User menu, and choose Device Manager from the list.
Now, locate the device(s) you found earlier after running the command, right-click on each individually, and choose Properties.
Navigate to the Power Management tab if there’s one, uncheck the Allow this device to wake the computer option, and click OK to save the changes.
Similarly, modify the power settings for other devices that were listed after running the command, and then restart the computer.
Make sure you change the power settings for the Intel Management Engine Interface as it was proven to be causing battery drain.
A few users suggested reinstalling the Intel Management Engine Interface or using a different version, so be sure to try that.
2. Disable hibernate feature
Press Windows + S to open Search, type Command Prompt, and then click on Run as administrator.
Next, execute the following command to disable Fast Startup and Hibernate:powercfg /hibernate off
Again, run this command to check the current sleep states:powercfg /a
3. Use the Command Prompt to modify the registry
Open Command Prompt as administrator.
Run the following command: reg add HKLM\System\CurrentControlSet\Control\Power /v PlatformAoAcOverride /t REG_DWORD /d
Once the command is executed, close Command Prompt.
4. Modify the registry
Press the Windows key + R and enter regedit.
Navigate to the following path: Computer\HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Power\PowerSettings\f15576e8-98b7-4186-b944-eafa664402d9
In the right pane, double-click on Attributes.
Change the Value data to 2 and save changes.
After that, open Power Options in the Control Panel.
Open Advanced Power Settings.
In the Balanced tab, look for Networking Connectivity in Standby and disable it.
There’s an alternative method that has worked for some:
Start Registry Editor.
Next, navigate to the following path: Computer\HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Power\PowerSettings\f15576e8-98b7-4186-b944-eafa664402d9
Look for ACSettingIndex and DCSettingIndex DWORDs.
Double-click each of them and set their Value data to 0.
If you don’t have these DWORDs available, your machine doesn’t support Modern Standby.
Locate the Network adapters and click on the downward arrow to display the full list of adapters.
Pick the one you’re currently using, right-click on it, and select Properties.
Go to the Power Management tab and uncheck the box next to Allow this device to wake the computer.
Is it normal for laptop battery to drain while shutdown?
Yes, a negligible battery drain will occur when the device is off. However, a noticeable battery drain might indicate a problem with your settings or battery.
Taskbar flashing and flickering is a not-so-frequent issue on Windows 10. Nevertheless, it’s been a frustrating problem for most users, and some even reported that Taskbar isn’t working.
While there are several causes for this issue, this guide contains surefire fixes to solve it quickly. Read on!
Why does my taskbar keep blinking?
Consider a few things if your Taskbar keeps flickering on Windows 10. Below are some of the chief causes of the issue:
Outdated graphics driver: Sometimes, when a driver is obsolete, it becomes corrupt and might not have the power to carry out the necessary tasks.
Corrupt or faulty driver: If you started noticing the flickering Taskbar issue on Windows 10 after updating your PC or driver, the problem might be due to the newly installed driver. Rolling back the driver should restore normalcy here.
Glitchy user account: Some users have complained that this issue only occurs on some accounts and not others. A simple workaround for this is to create a new local account.
Incompatible apps: When you have too many apps, especially those that have to do with the looks and display on your PC, one of them might be causing this problem. To solve this problem, you must remove the app from settings or use one of the best uninstaller software.
Hardware issues: Issues with SMART technology on your hard disk can cause these types of problems.
Now, let’s delve into fixing this issue in detail.
How do I fix the flickering bar in Windows 10?
Before exploring the fixes in this guide to solve the Taskbar flickering on Windows 10 issue, you might want to try the following:
Update Windows – The latest Windows updates can fix software problems.
Restart the PC – Sometimes, a quick restart can fix problems, so be sure to try it.
Ensure that you are not having a hardware problem. Some users have found this issue may be triggered by a problem with SMART technology, which anticipates issues with the hard disk.
1. Update your display driver
If your Taskbar icons and other pages on Windows 10 are flickering after startup, it might be because of an outdated display driver. So, the manufacturer’s website is the best way to get the dedicated driver manually.
1. Press the Windows key + R and select Device Manager.
2. Click the arrow next to the Display adapters option to expand it and double-click the driver under it.
3. Select the Driver tab at the top and note the Driver version.
4. Now, search for your driver name + Driver update + Windows 10 on Google, as shown in the image below.
5. Choose the driver manufacturer’s website from the result and check if there is an upgrade on your current driver version.
6. If an update is available, download it and click the downloaded file to complete the installation.
However, with the apparent risk of downloading and installing the wrong drivers, which can lead to more significant issues, it is recommended to use a dedicated driver update tool to scan and install the drivers efficiently.
This user-tailored software is offering a comprehensive scan summary with each outdated driver and installs the latest update automatically with minimal support from you.
Open Device Manager and expand the Display adapters option.
Right-click the driver there and select Properties.
Choose the Driver tab at the top and click the Roll Back Driver button.
Click the Yes button when prompted to confirm the action.
If you started noticing the Windows 10 Taskbar flickering issue after an OS or driver update, the problem might be with the newly installed driver. Removing it should restore regular service in this case.
3. Create a new local user account
Press the Windows key + I to open the Settings app and choose Accounts.
Select Family & other users in the left pane and click on Add someone else to this PC.
Click on the I don’t have this person’s sign-in information.
Now, select Add a user without a Microsoft account.
Finally, type the name and password for the new user and click Next.
This excellent workaround has proved effective for the Taskbar flickering and flashing after login on Windows 10. If the issue does not occur on the new account, it is a user-related glitch.
Press and hold the Shift key while clicking on Restart at the login screen (Bottom right corner).
After your PC restarts, select Troubleshoot and then Advanced Options. After that, go to Startup Settings.
Now, click on the Restart button.
After restarting, choose Enable Safe Mode with Networking.
Sometimes, your hardware, apps, and other processes might cause the Windows 10 Taskbar to flash orange. If the problem does not show up in Safe Mode, it is probably not system related.
Press the Windows key + R, type msconfig, and hit Enter.
Select the Services tab at the top, check the box for Hide all Microsoft services and click Disable all.
Click the Startup tab at the top and select Open Task Manager.
Right-click each of the apps there and select Disable.
Now, go back to the System Configuration window and click Apply, followed by OK.
Finally, restart your PC.
Sometimes, you only notice the Windows 10 Taskbar flickering on Startup. For example, this might be caused by a problematic app.
Performing a clean boot allows your system to restart with all these apps disabled. If the issue does not occur after the clean boot, you might need to enable the processes and services in batches to know the one causing the problem.
6. Remove the problematic app
Press the Windows key + I and select the Apps option.
Locate the app to uninstall and click on it.
Click the Uninstall button and follow the simple onscreen instruction to complete the removal.
If you managed to identify the problematic app after performing the clean boot, then you need to remove or update it if that will solve the issue. For example, some users have found the TransluscentTB to cause the problem.
So, if you have the app, you should consider uninstalling it.
7. Uninstall the feature update
Open the Start menu. Click the Power button, hold Shift and click Restart.
When your PC restarts, select Troubleshoot.
Now pick Advanced options.
Select Uninstall updates.
Choose Remove the latest feature update.
Click on Uninstall feature update.
Follow the instructions on the screen to complete the process.
The Desktop and Taskbar flickering issue can be pretty frustrating, as it causes a lot of trouble. Thankfully, it is not the most challenging issue to fix, as shown in this guide.
Encrypting a folder with a password has been an essential feature since the beginning of the Windows OS era.
It’s still the case with Windows 10. Now, even though many alternative measures have been added, most users will use simple password protection to prevent people from interfering with their data on a shared PC.
Many will compress folders to save space with a third-party compression tool. And the combination of the two is what we will talk about today. Or how to password protect a compressed folder in Windows 10.
How to password protect a compressed folder in Windows 10
1. Use a third-party compression tool
The second method requires any third-party compression tool, like the famous WinZip, WinRar, 7Zip, or others. These tools are favored over system compression and password encryption for various reasons, as you have many more options.
Namely, archive format, compression level, compression method, and encryption method, among others.
Compatible with all major file formats, this tool provides a complete file management suite to handle your files effortlessly, share them, back them up and protect them according to your wishes.
Here’s a quick guide to help you start password-protecting files with WinZIP in no time:
Activate the Encrypt option in the right ACTIONS menu.
Place your file into the NewZip.zip center space.
The set your password window will appear.
After setting your password, you also will need to activate the encryption setting.
Now, let’s quickly look at itskey features:
Extract multiple files
Repair ZIP files
Powerful compression tools
Compatible with all major formats, including Zip, Zipx, RAR, 7Z, GZ, ISO, TAR, IMG, and more
Encryption and password-protect ZIP files
Archiving tools
Integrated File Manager and File Splitter
Data backup and sharing options
”WinZip”
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2. Use system resources
The first method to password protect a folder in Windows 10 is via the Folder properties. Windows OS has you covered if you’re not familiar with using a third-party compression tool for this job. The procedure is rather simple.
Just make sure you have all the files inside before encrypting the folder. You can apply only one or the other (compress or encrypt it) with system resources.
Here’s how to password-protect a folder on Windows 10:
Navigate to the folder and ensure all files you want to encrypt are inside.
Right-click on the folder and open Properties.
Under the General tab, click Advanced.
Check the Encrypt contents to secure data box.
Choose Apply changes to this folder only and click OK.
Bonus: Here’s how to archive a folder and encrypt it with a password on 7Zip (the procedure is similar on WinRar):
Decompress the folder (if it’s already compressed).
Right-click on the folder and, from the contextual menu, choose 7Zip > Add to archive…
Choose the archive format, compression level (Ultra is highest while Store doesn’t apply compression at all), and other details.
Under the Encryption section, enter and re-enter the password and confirm by clicking OK.
Delete the unarchived, uncompressed folder, and you’re done.
Now no one except you can access that folder. Keep in mind that these are not exactly military-grade encryption. Someone with enough knowledge might find a way in.
On the other hand, they’ll do fine in protecting your private files from the prying eyes of a nosy family member or snooping colleague.
That’s it. Tell us in the comments section below if you have anything else to add or take. We highly appreciate your feedback.
Video editing is the process of manipulating video shots, and it’s usually done with video editing software. But if you need to perform a quick edit, then video joiner software might be a better choice.
In this article, we will explore the best options for video editing software that allows you to join different clips easily.
Adobe Creative Cloud Express has a large usage for anything social media-related, be it logos, banners, flyers, invitations, or collages.
Videos are no exception, you can join videos with just a couple of clicks. This tool is one of the most intuitive and easy-to-use video joiner software.
It comes with a drag-and-drop interface that lets you stitch together videos you have just uploaded. You can either create a clip from scratch based on your creativity and vision or you can use tons of already available templates.
You can customize your video with transitions, custom fonts, icons, text, and much more. Adobe Creative Cloud Express is perfect for YouTube videos as it lets you create thumbnails, presentations, tutorials and, explainer videos.
The app can be accessed either via Web Browser or your mobile phone which gives you the freedom to work on the graphic or video content from anywhere.
Key features included:
Select or delete multiple portions from a video file.
Copy, paste and fine-tune the selections.
Join multiple files together
Split movies into smaller files
Save and play the selected scene without editing the movie files
Create presentations from scratch
Turn static graphics into moving objects
Adobe Creative Cloud Express
Improve your video projects with this editing software, and it’s perfect if you want to add effects, trim or join videos with ease.
Adobe Premiere Pro is one of the best video editing software on the market and which makes it the best video joiner software on the market.
The video editor from Adobe has an interactive interface, is fast, and offers very good editing quality.
As a video joiner software, Adobe Premiere Pro provides an easy and complete way to join and combine files of multiple videos into one. It offers you the possibility of rearranging scenes and editing them using motions, transitions with drag and drop effects in order to be simple and fast for everyone.
As many people use the video joiner program for editing videos for social media, Adobe provides you with a lot of templates for this type of output to ease the process of sharing your experience in a few clicks.
You can go further with Adobe Premiere Pro features as you can benefit from editing with chroma key and creating a demo reel.
This user-friendly program supports MP4, MPEG, MPE, MPG, M2V, MTS (avchd), MOV, FLV, AVI, etc.
Some other features included in this program that is suitable as well for beginners as for advanced digital specialists provide:
Allows you to intercept video files
Ability to easily use voice-over
Adding subtitles to your video
Rotation video feature
Adding graphics, transition, and allows trimming
The fact that Premiere is included in Creative Cloud, you have the possibility to create VR and 360 videos, as well.
Adobe Premiere Pro
Adobe Premier Pro is a professional video editing software that can easily join or trim your videos.
Xilisoft Joiner 2 is an excellent video joiner software because it’s compatible with multiple formats.
This program also allows you to edit videos easily – like set video size, adjust frame rate, bit rate, and resolution in order for you to get the best results.
Preview mode is also supported to provide you with a more direct way to watch your target videos before actually joining/cutting them.
Even though it is a small program, it is very powerful and can easily join videos in multiple formats, including AVI, MPEG, MP4, WMV, 3GP, H.264, MOV, ASF, SWF, and DAT, to one new single video.
It can also join video into formats of AVI, MPEG, MP4, WMV, 3GP, H.264, MOV, ASF, SWF, and DAT to AVI, MPEG, or H.264 videos easily.
Another software that might come in handy is WinX HD Video Converter Deluxe. This application allows you to download videos from various video-streaming websites.
The software also supports file conversion allowing you to convert or compress files easily. As for supported formats, the software works with HD/4K/8K, MP4, AVI, WMV, MOV, FLV, 3GP, and other formats.
WinX HD Video Converter Deluxe also has some video editing features, and it can work as a video joiner software, so be sure to try it out.
Other great features:
Can download videos from video-sharing websites
Can convert and compress a wide array of file types
Can trim, cut, flip, and join videos
Screen recording
Supports level-3 hardware acceleration
WinX HD Video Converter Deluxe
WinX HD Video Converter Deluxe is a great option to download, convert, join or edit your videos.
As the name suggests, this app is a very easy-to-use video editing tool that helps you split and merge your videos.
It supports multiple formats, including AVI, MPEG, WMV, MP4; MP3, etc. Although it’s not the best video joiner software, it’s should be enough for basic tasks.
Format Factory is another free option that allows you to easily join videos. It can also transform all audio and video formats into MP4/3GP/MPG/AVI/WMV/FLV/SWF.
All you need to do after installing Format Factory on your computer is to open the program, select Advanced Mode -> Video Joiner.
Once the Video Joiner dialogue opens, select your preferred output video format, click add file/add folder and then click ok. Then you can click Start on the toolbar to start joining your videos.
Other great features:
All format video joining
MP4 files support for iPod, iPhone, PSP, Blackberry
This video joiner from Weenysoft is the best free video joiner that allows you to join multiple video files into one large video file easily.
Weenysoft Video Joiner can join video files from 3GP, AVI, FLV, MP4, MPG, RMVB, VOB, WMW, and more.
It also has good customization functions like sourcing video files in order, renaming the output files, and adjusting output settings – video codec, video size, video bitrate, video framerate, audio quality, audio volume.
In this article, we listed a wide array of tools that can you can use to easily merge your videos. The tools in this list cover all video formats for both input and output.
YouTube allows users to watch videos without logging into the website. However, to post comments and like the videos, one must log in. Several users have reported the Oops! Something went wrongYouTube error while trying to sign in.
This error occurs while accessing the YouTube account via the web browser. The error can occur due to multiple reasons, including an outdated web browser or Google account issues.
If you are also troubled by this issue, here are a couple of troubleshooting tips to help you fix it.
What to do when YouTube says something went wrong?
1. Update your browser
1.1. For Chrome and Microsoft Edge
Launch your browser and click the menu icon (three horizontal dots).
Select the Settings option.
Now, choose About Chrome (About Microsoft Edge for Edge) in the left pane.
Finally, wait for the scan to complete; you will be shown if updates are available.
1.2. Update Firefox
Launch Mozilla Firefox and click the menu ( three horizontal bars ).
Click on Help.
Now, select About Firefox.
Wait for Firefox to check for updates and install any available ones.
2. Remove devices from Google Account
2.1. Check the added devices
Open your Google Account. Sign in with your Google account credentials if asked to confirm the details.
From the home screen, open the Security tab.
Now, scroll down to Your Devices section and click Manage all devices.
If you find any of the devices that do not belong to you, remove them. You may also remove any recognized device and add it again.
2.2. Remove the device
To remove a device, click the arrow before it.
Select Sign Out.
In the pop-up dialogue, click on Sign Out to confirm the action.
3. Change your Google account password
Go to Google Account. Sign in with your Google account username and password if asked to confirm.
Open the Security tab.
Under Signing in to Google click on Password.
Enter your current Google account password and sign in.
Now, enter your new password. Confirm the password again.
Click on the Change Password button.
Open YouTube and sign in with your password and check for any improvements.
Press the Windows key + R, type appwiz.cpl, and click OK.
Right-click the Google Chrome option and select the Uninstall option.
Finally, follow the onscreen instructions to complete the process.
The Oops! Something went wrong YouTubeerror can occur due to issues with the browser or your Google account. Follow all the steps in this article, one by one, to resolve the error.
YouTube service errors may also cause the FreeTube API error to appear. If that happens, you can follow the proven solutions in this step-by-step FreeTube fix article to restore smooth playback.
If you have any other questions or suggestions, leave them in the comments section below, and we’ll check them out.
There are some rare cases when your WiFi icon shows that it is not connected to the Internet, but if you open your browser, everything works without problems.
This is an unusual occurrence, and it usually doesn’t cause too many problems, but some users reported that it interferes with certain Windows features.
Join us while we take a closer look at this issue and show you the best ways to fix the Wi-Fi shows no internet, but the internet works issue once and for all on Windows 10 and 11 PCs.
Why does my WiFi say no internet, but it works?
This is generally a software-based problem limited to your device because the router does its job just fine. Generally, it’s a minor OS bug; restarting the computer makes Windows reflect the connection status correctly.
Also, suppose your computer is extremely slow. In that case, Windows will likely take a little longer to reflect that the device is connected to WiFi while the Internet starts working immediately.
In addition to these two, third-party apps with access to the network settings may also create conflicts and lead to the WiFi not being connected even though the Internet works.
What does the Network Status not connected on Windows 10 mean?
The Network Status not connected on Windows 10 means that you are not connected to any active network at the time. However, some users experience this issue and can still access the internet on their browsers but not other apps requiring a network.
This happens mostly after installing Windows updates.
What can I do if WiFi shows no internet but internet works?
Before proceeding to complicated fixes:
Make sure your WiFi or network source is truly turned on, and your PC is not in Airplane mode.
1. Run the Network troubleshooter
Right-click the network icon in the bottom right corner and choose Troubleshoot problems.
The troubleshooter will now start and scan your PC for problems. Follow the instructions on the screen to complete the process.
Once the process is finished, check if the problem is still there.
Troubleshooters help automatically identifiy and eliminate problems with the computer and connected devices. And it would help when WiFi shows Not connected, but the Internet works in Windows.
This is a simple solution, but it’s also a good idea to update your drivers in addition to running the troubleshooter. To do that automatically, we suggest using Outbyte Driver Updater software.
Outbyte is a driver update program that monitors your hardware and searches the web for the latest driver update. We recommend this software because it is a straightforward program that scans and offers you detailed reports of your PC’s health.
After that, it will improve your PC performance by replacing or repairing any detail and keeping your drivers up to date.
Press Windows + R, type wsreset.exe in the text field, and hit Enter.
Wait for a few moments while the reset takes place.
Once done, verify if you still have no internet access in Windows 10, but the Internet works if that’s indeed the case, head to the following method.
3. Try using the administrator account
Press Windows + X and enter add user. Next, select Add, edit, or remove other users.
Select Add someone else to this PC.
Pick I don’t have this person’s sign-in information.
Now, choose Add a user without a Microsoft account.
Enter the desired username.
Select the account you just created and click on Change account type.
Set the Account type to Administrator and click OK.
Now log out of your current account, switch to the new one, and check if the problem is still there.
If this method eliminates the No internet access but connected issue, it means something is wrong with your old user account. To fix the problem with the previous version, check what to do with a corrupt user profile.
Press Windows + S and enter defender. Select Windows Security from the list of results.
Now go to the Virus & threat protection and click on Manage settings.
Set Real-time protection to off. You can also turn off other features as well.
Using third-party antivirus software, you’ll have to use different methods depending on your application.
In some cases, it’s necessary to uninstall your antivirus software. For example, the uninstall process for Norton is pretty simple. The same goes for uninstalling McAfee.
Press Windows + X and choose Windows PowerShell (Admin).
Now, paste the following commands individually and hit Enter after each:netsh winsock resetnetsh int ip resetipconfig/ releaseipconfig/ renew
This would reset the network settings and fix things if WiFi shows not connected, but Internet works on Windows.
6. Remove your wireless network and reconnect to it
Press Windows + S and enter WiFi. Select Wi-Fi settings from the list of results.
Select Manage known networks.
Choose your network and click Forget.
Restart your PC and connect to the same wireless network.
This method would also work if you can’t connect to the Internet but are connected to WiFi.
There’s a slight chance that you’ll have some issues after using this solution, and if that happens, find out what to do if Windows can’t find a WiFi network.
7. Change your power settings
Press Windows + S and enter power plan. Next, select Choose a power plan from the list of results.
Locate the power plan you’re using and click on Change plan settings next to it.
Now click on Change advanced power settings.
Select Wireless Adapter Settings and change Power Saving Mode to Maximum Performance.
8. Check your DNS settings
Press Windows + S and enter view network. Select View network connections.
Right-click your wireless connection and choose Properties from the menu.
Select Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) and click the Properties button.
Select Obtain DNS server address automatically and click on OK to save changes.
Manually choosing a problematic DNS server could also be an underlying cause when WiFi shows not connected, but Internet works. And letting Windows do it automatically should resolve things.
If you have issues accessing this feature, find out what to do if IPv4 properties are not working to see how to fix this issue properly.
9. Restart your router
Press the Power button on your router to turn it off.
Wait for 30 seconds and press the Power button again.
Then, wait for your router to reboot. This process can take about a minute.
Once your router restarts, check if the problem still appears. This is a simple solution; several users reported it worked for them, so feel free to try it out.
10. Enable Core Networking Diagnostics
Press Windows + R, type control, and hit Enter.
Click on System and Security and select Windows Defender Firewall.
Click Allow an app or feature through Windows Defender Firewall on the left pane.
Scroll down to Core Networking Diagnostics and ensure all its checkboxes are ticked.
11. Change your network adapter settings
Press Windows + X and choose Device Manager from the list.
Locate your network adapter from the list of devices, and double-click it to open its properties.
When the Properties window opens, navigate to the Advanced tab. From the options listed under Property, select 801.11 bandwidth, change its value to Auto, and click on OK to save the changes.
That’s it! If your WiFi shows not connected but the Internet works, the problem wouldn’t appear after you restart the computer.
Why is WiFi working on one device but not on another?
If the WiFi works on one device but not another, it’s likely a problem with the network settings or the installed drivers.
Also, please verify that you are trying to connect all the devices from the same distance to the router, or at least have them all in range. Moving the device closer to the router may fix things.
Besides, it could be a temporary bug in the OS, and simply re-enabling WiFi or restarting the computer should help resolve the problem.
What causes the Not connected message to appear?
Usually, the Not-connected issue with your wireless network is caused by a recently installed third-party application or antivirus software.
Sometimes, the problem can be caused by network settings or system glitches.
Which is better to use, wireless or wired connection?
The wired connection is always better if you’re on a desktop PC. It’s more reliable, faster, and can withstand all sorts of interference.
However, if you’re using a laptop or can’t connect your PC via Ethernet, the wireless connection is a better choice due to its convenience.
What are other WiFi-related issues that users reported?
Laptop connected to WiFi but no internet access (Windows 10) – This is a variation of this problem, and to solve it, you need to check your wireless adapter settings.
My computer won’t connect to the Internet, but others will – If you’re having this problem, note that your network configuration might cause it. To fix this issue, make sure you use the default DNS.
Can’t connect to Internet (Windows 10) – This can be a big problem since you won’t be able to access the Internet at all. To solve it, be sure to try some of our solutions.
Wireless connected, but no Internet access – Several users reported that they are connected to a wireless network but unable to connect to the Internet. This is a big problem. However, you should be able to fix it using one of our solutions.
Wireless network not connected red cross – This is a variation of this problem, and if you encounter it, be sure to check your network settings.
Windows 10 has no internet access, but the Internet works – As you can see, this issue is self-explanatory. You have an Internet connection, but your PC shows otherwise.
You are currently not connected to any networks – Which means you may not be connected to the Internet or getting a No internet, secured error message. So check your Ethernet cables first of all.
Are you getting a printer needs user intervention error message when printing documents?
The error might appear on the printer’s top panel display as well as within a dialog window. This is a fairly common error on various brands of laser printers.
That might mean there’s a corrupted print job, the spooler isn’t running, or could have something to do with the printer‘s driver. Let’s take a closer look at some scenarios reported by other users.
What does printer needs user intervention mean?
HP tops the inventory (User intervention printers HP: OfficeJet 3830, DeskJet 3700, and HP Envy are commonly impacted)
But most major brands are impacted (printer needs user intervention Epson, Brother, Xerox, Canon, Ricoh, Toshiba, Lexmark, Samsung, Kyocera and more)
Printer action/attention required (Another variation of this error states that the printer requires your attention. Don’t worry, we have covered all the scenarios below).
Several Windows versions (Printer needs user intervention in Windows 10, 7, 11)
These are a few potential fixes for this error. So, let’s see exactly how to fix the printer needs user intervention. Read on to see how to deal with it promptly and carry on with your tasks unhindered.
If this is the case, the first thing we’re going to try is restarting the Print Spooler service to bring it back to its original state. Follow the steps from above to do that easily.
2. Update the Printer Driver
2.1. Update drivers manually
Right-click the Start and select Device Manager.
Navigate to Printers queues and expand this section.
Right-click your graphics device and open Properties.
Select the Details tab.
From the drop-down menu, open HardwareIds.
Copy the first row and paste it into your browser’s address bar.
The search results should show you the exact drivers you’ll need to install.
If reinstalling the printer driver didn’t help, you can check for additional driver updates for your printer. And you can update the printer drivers as shown above or go for a simpler and quicker solution. Check it out!
2.2. Update driversautomatically
If you don’t want the hassle of searching for drivers on your own, you can use a tool that will do this for you automatically.
A professional driver updater tool will help you keep all your drivers up to date so that it won’t be time-consuming to update them on your own.
3. Run the Printer Troubleshooter
If resetting the Printer service didn’t get the job done, we’ll try with Windows 10’s universal troubleshooting tool.
To run Windows 10’s troubleshooter for resolving printer problems, follow these instructions:
Open the Settings app and go to Update & Security section.
Select Troubleshoot from the menu on the left. Select Printerfrom the right pane and click Run the troubleshooter.
Follow the instructions on the screen to complete the troubleshooter.
4. Run the Hardware Troubleshooter
We can also do the same thing with the hardware troubleshooter:
Open the Settings app and go to Update & Security section.
Select BSOD from the menu on the left.
Select Hardware & devices from the right pane and click Run the troubleshooter.
Follow the instructions on the screen to complete the troubleshooter.
Maybe there’s something wrong with the printer driver. To see if that’s indeed the case, we’re going to reinstall it. Here’s how:
First, uninstall the driver via Device Manager. Open Cortana and enter Device Manager in the search box.
Select Device Manager to open its window.
Click Printers and then right-click your printer. Select Uninstall on the context menu, and click the OK button to confirm.
Now when you restart your desktop or laptop, Windows will usually automatically reinstall an updated driver for the printer.
Alternatively, you can manually install the latest driver by downloading it from the manufacturer’s website.
For that, you’ll need to note down your printer model number details to find the correct driver, download it from a website and then run through its setup wizard.
6. Install Windows updates to fix printer needs user intervention
Microsoft usually delivers printer drivers for Windows 10 through Windows Update. So, it’s possible that the very next driver update will resolve the issue.
That’s why you should go and check for new updates.
To do that, go to Settings > Updates & Security, and check for updates.
Contrary to the previous solution, it’s also possible that one of the recent updates you’ve installed actually causes the problem.
If you suspect that might be the case, go on and uninstall the troublesome update. Here’s how to do that:
Press Windows Key + Ito open the Settings app.
Once the Settings app opens, navigate to the Update & security section.
Go to the Windows Update tab and click on Update history.
Click on Uninstall updates.
A list of installed updates will now appear. Select the problematic update that you want to remove and click the Uninstall button.
After removing the update, restart your PC.
Those are some of the best fixes for the printer needs user intervention issue.
You might also be able to fix the error with printer manufacturers troubleshooting software, such as HP Print and Scan Doctor if the manufacturer provides any utilities.
You might often face the situation where you need to install software on a Windows 10 PC, but you don’t have admin rights. And without being an administrator, you cannot usually install software on the respective device. This is intentional since it’s an extra security measure.
Therefore, this workaround will let you install software even if you are not the admin on the Windows 10 device.
How do I install software without admin rights?
1. Download the software that you wish to install on a Windows 10 PC. In our example, we will install Steam.
It is recommended that you set the download location to thedesktopfor convenience. Else, if it gets downloaded in theDownloadfolder, as is the usual case, drag it to yourdesktop.
This is just for convenience and has no bearing on the actual process.
2. Create a new folder on yourdesktopand drag thesoftwareinstallerinto the folder.
3. Open the folder andRight-click, then New, and Text Document.
4. Launch the text file you just created and write the following codes: set _COMPAT_LAYER=RunAsInvoker
Start SteamSetup
5. Here, SteamSetupneeds to be replaced with the name of theparticular installerthat you wish to install.
6. Save the text file with the.bat extensionin the same folder location.
7. For that, click on File, then Save As.
8. In theSave Asdialog box, replace the.txtfile extension with.bat.
9. Click onSave.
10. Close theSteam.batfile.
11. Now, you can double-click the setup and follow the guidelines.
Alternatively, you may create the BAT file in the default download folder of the application, then run it from there. That should still work.
In Windows 10, it is possible to bypass restrictions and install software without admin rights. You just need to make a few tweaks on your PC, and then you can install the program you desire without worrying about restrictions.
Contrary to what you might think, the process is straightforward. And it’s quick too.
If you can’t create a new folder in Windows 10, look at our step-by-step guide to creating new folders to help you fix the issue.
Your next step will be double-click on the bat file to launch the installation process. Then, follow the on-screen instructions for the installation to complete normally. It’s that simple and easy.
To install unsigned drivers on Windows 10, read our article dedicated to installing unsigned drivers to get all the necessary info.
Lastly, we like to hear your questions or suggestions, don’t hesitate to leave them in the comments section below, and we will certainly check them out.
With a stable revenue source such as Call of Duty potentially on a future chopping block as Microsoft seeks to acquire Activision Blizzard, Sony has been running to every regulatory body to preemptively block the deal, and its latest target is the authorities in Brussels.
According to tweet thread posted by Microsoft’s chief communications officer Frank Shaw, he’s of the belief that Sony has been “briefing people in Brussels claiming Microsoft is unwilling to offer them parity for Call of Duty if we acquire Activision.”
I hear Sony is briefing people in Brussels claiming Microsoft is unwilling to offer them parity for Call of Duty if we acquire Activision.
For anyone who has been paying attention to the approval process or had firsthand knowledge of Microsoft’s proposal would agree with Shaw’s defense of the claim that simply states, “nothing could be further from the truth.”
Early in the approval process for the $68.2 billion Activision buyout, Microsoft attempted to assuage cursory concerns of anticompetitive potential by offering Sony an extension on its current Call of Duty licensing deal with the mega publisher that’s already in place.
With Call of Duty being a fairly lucrative property on both PlayStation and Xbox platforms, Microsoft has repeatedly and in writing, offered to go beyond the current deal in place between Activision and Sony for COD, which would end in the next four years, and offered to extend a licensing deal for ten years, as well as bringing native development of the franchise to additional platforms it was not previously on that include Nintendo and Steam.
However, according to Shaw, Sony seems to be dismissing the COD offer, and instead is attempting to tilt the scales towards disapproval with continued hypothetical allegations in this instance.
While Shaw’s tweet thread, in favor of the merger, explains that “Our goal is to bring Call of Duty and other games – as we did with Minecraft – to more people around the world so they can play them where and how they want,” Microsoft’s recent history does lend some credence to Sony’s objections.
After purchasing Bethesda gaming studios, Microsoft almost immediately made the next two titles coming from the company exclusives. Bethesda’s Redfall and Starfield are slated to release this year as Xbox exclusives, which buttresses against Shaw and Microsoft’s seemingly altruistic position in the Activision Blizzard situation.
To be fair, Microsoft did not claim during its regulatory approval process of the Bethesda deal that it would not hoard some of the studio’s titles for its own business purposes. In a similar vein, Microsoft has not publicly stated that future titles from Activision Blizzard won’t be subject to exclusive clauses, but that well established multiplatform properties such as Call of Duty will remain open to current and additional platforms.
With Brussels being part of the European Commission (EU), which is expected to hand Microsoft its initial charge sheet, a list of concessions and demands that could help the companies close on deal in that region of the world, it’ll be interesting to see what, if any, influence Sony has on that part of the process.
It is no secret that there is no perfect machine, and you will encounter problems on your Windows PC once in a while. While some can be ignorable, others, like your device ran into a problem and need to restart, can be frustrating.
One such frustrating problem that users are complaining about is the bug in Windows 10 that prevents them from renaming folders.
Why can’t I rename a file folder in Windows 10?
Here are a few reasons you might not be able to change a folder name on your PC.
Lack of permissions: Users need certain permissions to make changes to files, and for some, even administrator access.
Third-party app conflicts: Many third-party security applications and antiviruses have been found to conflict with the process and, in turn, lead to an error.
File open in another app: Another common reason for the problem is that the concerned file is open in another app.
Below are some of the variations of the error, as reported by users, and the possible causes:
Can’t rename folder Windows in use: This usually happens when some background processes are using the folder you are trying to rename.
Rename folder can’t find the specified file in Windows 10: This problem can occur due to your antivirus or its settings. Check your antivirus settings or consider switching to a different antivirus solution to fix it.
Can’t rename folder because it’s open in another program (Windows 10): This is another common problem with folders that can occur on Windows 10. However, you should be able to fix this issue with one of our solutions.
Can’t change folder name (OneDrive): Many users reported being unable to change the folder name in OneDrive, and the solutions here should work in this case as well.
Can’t change folder name sync pending: Encountered with OneDrive files, and modifying sync settings or moving the folder to somewhere else and then again transferring it to the same location might work.
Can’t change folder name in Outlook: Many reported being unable to change the name of the folder they created on Outlook. Though in most cases, the names were changed, the same was not reflected.
Can’t change folder name because file is open: This usually happens when you try to rename a file while it’s open in another software. Try closing it or go with the solutions in the next section.
What can I do if I can’t rename folders in Windows 10?
Before heading to the slightly complex solutions, try these quick tips:
If you recently shared the folder or a file in it using Outlook, first terminate the Outlook process and then try renaming the relevant folder/file.
Restarting the computer also worked for some users.
If these don’t work, head to the solutions listed next.
1. Change the Windows Defender settings
Press Windows + I to open Settings and go to the Update & Security section.
Select Windows Security from the left panel and in the right panel, click on Open Windows Security.
Select the Virus & threatprotection, and click on the Virus & threat protection settings.
Scroll down and select Manage Controlled folder access.
Set the Controlled folder access to Off.
Windows Defender is built-in antivirus software in Windows 10/11. However, sometimes, certain features of this tool can interfere with your system and cause problems like can’t change the folder name. Therefore, you might have to disable them to fix this problem.
Keep in mind that disabling this feature might make your system more vulnerable. If you don’t want to disable this feature, you might consider switching to one of the best third-party antivirus software in TotalAV.
Because viruses continually evolve, you need modern antivirus software with cutting-edge technology to protect you online and offline. And that is what you get with TotalAV.
It provides this total protection without messing with your PC.
TotalAV
Enjoy complete protection with no prior errors or incompatibilities.
Right-click the folder you want to gain access to and choose Properties.
Navigate to the Security tab and click on the Advanced button.
Check the Owner section at the top and click Change.
Enter the desired username or group into the Enter the object name to select field.
ClickCheck Names and OK.
Check Replace owner on subcontainers and objects and click OK to save the changes.
To do anything (rename, delete, move, etc.) with a folder in Windows, you need to have ownership of it. Else, you will always encounter the can’t change folder name error.
If you have just one User Account, ownership of most folders is automatically granted to you.
However, if there are more User Accounts on a single PC, users without administrator privileges may have problems managing folders.
Once you’ve got full ownership of the folder you want to rename, try to change its name once again. If it fails, move on to the solution below.
3. Disable Preview Pane in File Explorer
Press Windows + E to open File Explorer.
Now, head to the View tab, and click on Preview pane to disable it in case the feature is currently turned on.
A user pointed out that if a file is being viewed under the Preview pane, Windows might have trouble renaming it. So might want to disable the feature, just to be sure.
Find your SOFTWARE hive, name it differently, and load it.
When the hive is loaded, open: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\your hive name\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\FolderTypes
Highlight Folder Types, right-click it, and choose Export.
Choose a name and save.
Go back to your hive name, and close it.
Open the File Menu, click on Unload Hive, and select Yes.
Close the Registry Editor.
Find the registry file you’ve just exported and double-click it to import it back into the registry.
Restart your PC.
After you’ve performed this, check whether you still can’t change the folder name. If you’re unsure about what you’re doing, it’s best to ask someone more experienced for help.
5. Remove certain values from the registry
Press Windows + R, enter regedit, and click OK to open the Registry Editor.
Navigate to the path below: HKLM\Software\Microsoft\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Folder\Descriptions
Now, you need to delete the following keys: {2112AB0A-C86A-4ffe-A368-0DE96E47012E}{491E922F-5643-4af4-A7EB-4E7A138D8174}{7b0db17d-9cd2-4a93-9733-46cc89022e7c}{A302545D-DEFF-464b-ABE8-61C8648D939B}{A990AE9F-A03B-4e80-94BC-9912D7504104}
After removing these entries, the issue should be resolved, and you’ll be able to change the folder’s name without any problems. If you can’t find the keys mentioned in this solution, this solution can’t be applied to your PC.
6. Change your view settings
Press the Windows key + E to open File Explorer and go to the directory containing the folder you’re trying to rename.
Select the View tab.
Pick any view except for Small icons.
As you know, Windows allows you to change how you view your files. You can view your files as thumbnails, icons, or in a list. However, a glitch prevents you from renaming folders while using Small icons.
After changing your view, you should be able to rename the folders without too many issues. Remember that this is a workaround, so you’ll need to repeat it for every directory you want to remove.
7. Delete autorun.inf files
Press the Windows + E key combination to open File Explorer and locate the directory you want to rename.
Click the View tab. and check Hidden items.
Look for autorun.inf and remove it.
According to users, you can’t change a folder name because of the autorun.inf files. These files can interfere with your system and cause issues such as this one to appear.
Once you find and remove that file, the issue should be resolved, and you’ll be able to rename directories without any problems.
8. Make sure that your system is up to date
Press the Windows key + I to open the Settings app and select Update & Security.
Click on the Check for updates button.
If any updates are available, they will be automatically downloaded and installed once you restart your PC.
After installing the latest updates, check if you still can’t rename the folder. As we already mentioned, not being able to rename folders can be a Windows 10 glitch and to fix it, it’s required that you update your system.
Windows 10 usually installs the latest updates automatically, but you might miss an update or two due to specific issues. If you are having trouble updating your Windows, you can look at our guide, which will help you solve them in no time.
9. Set your background to a static picture
Right-click your desktop and choose Personalize from the menu.
If you can’t rename folders on your PC, try disabling the slideshow backgrounds. After doing that, the issue should be resolved.
How do I force a folder to rename?
If you can’t change the name of a folder because the file is in use by another program, you need to close the program and try to rename it again.
This is because Windows does not allow you to change the name of such a folder. However, if a bug causes the problem, you should be able to solve it with one of our solutions.
If you can’t change the name of a folder on Windows 10, it might be caused by a bug or some wrong settings on your PC. With the fixes in this guide, you should be able to fix the issue easily.
Alternatively, if you want a software tool that will get the job done for you, look at our list of the best file renaming software available.
If you have any comments, questions, or suggestions, don’t hesitate to let us know in the comments below.
Although LinkedIn has over 830 million users across 200 countries, many users do not use the platform properly. People randomly connect with you because you vaguely know one of their distant connections – or they try to connect with you to harvest your carefully curated LinkedIn connections.
But used wisely, LinkedIn is a very powerful tool – especially for small businesses who want to use LinkedIn’s features – many of them free – to secure more work. And with the upheaval across the technology and crypto industries, there are far more people out there looking for work. So how do you make your own profile stand out to potential employers and attract new business?
LinkedIn profile tips
There are several tweaks you can make to your personal profile on LinkedIn to make it stand out online and get you discovered. Let’s start here.
1: Get your name right
LinkedIn has a name pronunciation feature that helps people to correctly say your name. On the desktop click on the icon for your name and click ‘Edit’. You will see the option for you to record your name. Click on Name Pronunciation, say your name and save it on your profile.
On mobile, click your profile image and the edit icon on the right-hand side of the screen. Add or edit your pronunciation
2: Get your image right
Your photo shows potential hirers what you look like and gives them an impression of you before they get in touch with you. Some types of images are not acceptable, however.
Images that were taken from too far away
Images that are so close that they do not show your whole head
Images with bare shoulders
Images were taken with pets, partners, cars, or other distractions
Also, make sure that your photo looks into the camera and not to the right. Readers will follow the eyes of the person in the image and if you are looking to the right of the camera, then viewers of your profile will also look right – which is away from the main content in your profile
3: Find a banner image
Banner images can showcase your brand if you are a small business, or give clients and recruiters an idea of what drives you. Banner images must be smaller in size than 8Mb and have a resolution of 1584 pixels wide by 396 high. you can save them in either JPG, GIF, and PNG formats. To add or edit a banner image, click the edit icon on the right of your profile and add your image.
4: Get a powerful headline
You have loads of work experience and a heck of a lot of skills. Cram them all succinctly into your headline so that people can get a memorable overview of just how much you can do. Don’t bother to use the word ‘Professional’ however. We’re all professionals and expect to be paid for our skills. adding the word to our profiles does not add value, rather, it detracts from the main purpose of what we do. Click on the edit icon to the right of your name, scroll down to the headline section, and tell the world what you can do.
5: Tell the world what you can do
You may not have noticed it, but you can add a video clip to your profile with up to 30 seconds of your cover story. It is simple to do, but you need to record the video using your LinkedIn app on your mobile device. If you’d like to know more about cover stories, check out this post I did recently which goes into detail about how you can record your own cover story
6: Customise your profile URL
This is a really simple way to modify the default URL allocated by LinkedIn and create your own personalised URL – yet so many people do not do this. Work through these steps to create your own meaningful LinkedIn URL for your marketing materials
Once you have personalised your profile URL, you can take it further by learning how to upload a resume on LinkedIn so recruiters and potential employers can quickly access your CV.
7: Use your bilingual skills to your advantage
If you can speak more than one language, then add a LinkedIn profile for each language your speak. LinkedIn viewers will see your profile in their native language if you have configured the profile for their language. To do this, look to the right-hand side of your LinkedIn page and chose the ‘Add profile in another language link.
There are many other ways you can enhance your LinkedIn profile which I’ll be covering over the next few months. LinkedIn is a really powerful tool for business networking, finding connections, and securing clients. Make sure you use it to your advantage.
When touchpads are not working, they can be frustrating, especially for novices. They are often the first tool that people get stuck with, and then they find out that it’s not as simple as it seems, especially if you can’t disable it on Windows 11.
This can be frustrating and may cause you to hit an unwanted key or button accidentally. The problem with touchpads is that they don’t work like mice and keyboards. In this article, we share various ways to force the touchpad to be disabled if it’s more of a problem than convenience.
Why is my touchpad not disabling?
There are many reasons that can hinder the functioning of your touchpad and cause it not to be disabled when you turn off your computer. Some of them are mentioned below:
Incompatible devices – If you have a device that is not compatible with Windows 11 and you plug it into your computer, it will try to install drivers for the device. However, if there are compatibility issues, it can cause your touchpad not to work properly.
Missing/corrupt drivers – The drivers might be missing or corrupted, so they cannot detect the touchpad. In this case, you will have to re-install them and ensure they work properly.
Outdated drivers – The drivers might be outdated, in which case they do not work properly on your operating system or device. You need to update your drivers regularly.
Firewall restrictions – If you have installed an antivirus or firewall application on your machine, then it might be blocking a program or port interfering with the drivers of your touchpad and making it inaccessible.
Outdated OS – Your may find that you can’t disable your touchpad unless you have updated your operating system. New updates usually include support for multitouch gestures.
How do I force my touchpad to turn off?
Before you try any of the slightly technical methods, ensure you check the following:
Clean off the surface of your touchpad. It’s possible that debris has accumulated under your finger pad and is interfering with how it works.
Select Bluetooth & devices on the left pane then click on Touchpad on the right pane.
Toggle the Touchpad button to turn it off.
2. Use the Control Panel
Hit the Windows key, type Control Panel and click Open.
Type Mouse in the search bar and click to open.
In the Mouse Properties dialog box that opens, navigate to the tab after Hardware (it will be named depending on your touchpad), click on the device, and select Disable.
Confirm the disable by clicking Yes in the prompt that appears.
3. Use Device Manager
Hit the Windows key, type Device Manager in the search bar, and click Open.
Navigate to Mice and other pointing devices and click to expand.
Locate your Touchpad driver and select Disable device.
Navigate to the following location: Computer\HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\TouchPad\Status
Double-click on Enabled and change the Value data to 0 to disable Touchpad.
Close the Registry and check if the problem persists.
Remember that editing the Registry is a risky affair so if you’re not sure of what you’re doing, contact a qualified expert to help you with this step.
If you have a laptop with a touchpad, you can disable it. There are several apps that you can download to your computer that will allow you to turn off your touchpad or move it around.
You will need to find one that works with the operating system you use and the type of computer you have.
It’s also possible that your touchpad has reached its end of life, and you need to do away with it or get a new one. If this is the case, we have an awesome recommendation of the best touchpads that guarantee an immersive experience but first, compare Synaptics touchpad and Windows precision to know the differences.
Should you encounter any other related issues, such as the touchpad click not working, we have an expert article that addresses this problem.
Elsewhere, users also complained of the touchpad scrolling not working, so don’t hesitate to check out our guide for recommended fixes.
Hopefully, you’ve been able to disable the touchpad successfully. Let us know of any other related issues you may face in the comments section below.
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