Windows System Sounds Are Too Loud: How to Fix Them

Posted on January 18, 2023September 22, 2025 by Milan Stanojevic

Is your system sound too loud in Windows 10 or Windows 11? Are you seeing the volume display showing as a lower level yet it plays on maximum volume, and turning it up doesn’t help?

If this is the case, or you’re having a similar problem with different specifications, then your machine could be having sound problems.

Sound issues come up when there are audio driver problems or sound files and settings are changed, resulting in the controls in the sound mixer being greyed out.

Read on to find out what to do when Windows system sounds are too loud on your device.

How can I fix Windows system sounds being too loud?

There are different ways to resolve the issue of the Windows system sounds being too loud, but you could start by rebooting your machine and installing any pending updates.

If the problem persists, you can try the solutions below to see if it goes away.

1. Restore the original audio driver

This quickly resets audio settings for the audio or sound hardware, causing Windows to reinitialize the audio configuration.

Depending on your kind of computer, a driver recovery will restore the audio drivers for your sound hardware that was pre-installed on it.

2. Use an Audio Enhancer app

First off, this helpful way to improve the system sound on your PC and boost the sound with enhancement effects. You can thus refine the sound regardless of your media player or headphone type.

Using an audio booster, the user has absolute control over the sound of the device because of the advanced band equalizer and modern audio tunning.

Hence, the Boom3D from Global Delight Apps is one of the best equalizers that have been ever developed.

The solution is a no-brainer due to its intuitive UI, with great sound adjustment features, and intelligent sound-to-ear adaptation.

What you need in this situation is its equalizer feature, and here’s what you can do with it:

Change sound indicators from a zero point on the equalizer
Activate a sound preset and change the frequencies from there for the right sound intensity
Adding special effects that will eliminate certain frequencies
Choosing any type of headphones and adapting to their sound construction.

With these features, you will be able to minimize the volume on your Windows laptop or PC, especially if certain frequencies are too loud.

Boom 3D

Use this app to lower the volume in Windows 10 and manage your sound with 3D enhancements.

Free trial Visit website

3. Run Hardware Troubleshooter

Right-click Start.
Select Control Panel.
Go to View by option.
Click the drop-down arrow and then select Large icons.
Now, click Troubleshooting.
Click View all option on the left pane.
Locate Playing Audio.
Run Playing Audio troubleshooter and then follow the prompts.

The Hardware troubleshooter tool is built-in on Windows 10 operating system so as to check and resolve any sound issues you may have.

4. Update the audio driver

Right-click Start.
Select Device Manager.
Locate Sound, Video and game controllers.
Click to expand the list.
Right-click on the Sound card.
Click Uninstall.
Download the latest audio driver set-up file from the manufacturer’s website.
Install the audio driver.

Update the network and the audio drivers for Windows 10 from your Device Manager manually by uninstalling, and then reinstalling them from the manufacturer’s website.

Yet, this process may become complicated due to numerous device driver versions or problematic installation. So, it’s more likely to update your drivers by using professional driver update tools.

5. Uninstall Sound card drivers

Right-click Start.
Select Device Manager.
Search for the sound card driver from the list of devices.
Right-click on the sound card driver.
Select Uninstall.
If you get the option Delete the driver software for this device, click and then remove corrupted drivers.
Restart your computer if prompted to do so.
After restarting, install the latest drivers.

Sometimes background sound issues may be caused by a damaged or incompatible driver or a problem with your sound card.

If it is your sound card driver, complete the above procedure to uninstall it and see if it resolves the issue.

6. Buy or build an inline attenuator

If software solutions don’t help, you can buy an attenuator or build one, as this is a fixed volume reduction device or extension cable with volume control.

7. Adjust settings using Levels tab

Plug in your headset.
Click Start and then select Control Panel.
Select Hardware and Sound.
Select Sound.
Choose your Headset and click Properties.
Click the Levels tab.
Drag the slider left to a reasonable level.
Click OK.

If headphones are too loud in Windows, reconfiguring the sound level should do the trick.

8. Use Equalizer APO

Download and install Equalizer APO.
Restart your computer.
Open C:Program FilesEqualizer APOconfigconfig.txt.
Replace it with Preamp: -24 dB or a similar value to your liking.

Don’t hesitate to give a try to Equalizer APO when the volume is too loud. The changes will be applied immediately when saving the file.

9. Lower system volume

Click Start and open Control Panel.
Select Hardware and Sound.
Click Sound.
Click the Default Device option.
Select Properties/Levels.
Scroll down and check the level, if it is at 100, lower it to 10 percent.

10. Turn off sound processor

Some computers may have a built-in sound equalizer like DTS Studio Sound, which starts automatically with Windows.

This processor can create an amplified signal forcing you to have a volume set high at 3 or 4, so you cannot adjust it, and it gets too loud.

In this case, turn off the processor to get a regular sound volume that you can modulate finely, and it will fix things when the sound is too loud in Windows 11.

11. Switch to Windows native audio driver

Right-click Start and then select Device Manager.
Expand the Sound, video & game controllers.
Right-click on Realtek High Definition Audio.
Select to Update Driver Software.
Click on Browse my computer for driver software.
Click Let me pick from a list of drivers on my computer.
Put a check in the box Show compatible hardware if not already checked.
In the list of devices, click High Definition Audio (the native driver).
Click Next.
On the Update Driver Warning box, click Yes (install the driver).
Restart the laptop if prompted. If not prompted, then no need to restart.

Depending on the audio driver your computer model uses, it could create problems like the volume being too loud in Windows 10.

If using Realtek, for example, it could cause such issues, so you can switch to the native audio driver, as described above.

To get back to the Realtek driver, do it again, but reverse the names in the steps above.

12. Install updated firmware (BIOS)

BIOS allows Windows to start when the computer is turned on. Updating it can resolve compatibility conflicts that may exist between different hardware components on the computer.

Before you begin updating the BIOS note the product number of your computer, have an Internet connection ready, and a pencil and paper.

Find your current BIOS version number by clicking Start, then typing exe in the search box. Click msinfo32.exe from the list of results
In the System Information window, look for BIOS Version/Date (your current BIOS version) and write it down on the paper
While still in the System Information window, look for Processor entry and write it down on the paper. Ensure that the BIOS you are about to install is meant for use with your computer’s specific processor.
Find and download BIOS updates by going to your computer manufacturer’s website and finding the product page for your computer’s model. Select the OS and click Submit. If a BIOS category is listed, select BIOS, then choose the correct one for your processor and follow the screen prompts

Note: Make sure to read the overview and system requirements to confirm the BIOS update is for your computer, then click Download and save it to your desired location. Don’t select Run BIOS update over the network.

Install the BIOS update, which will take a few minutes, during which time the computer may beep or display goes blank, cooling fans will turn on and off, and the power button will flash – this is normal and expected. Do NOT shut down or restart until the update is complete.
Close any open programs prior and disable your antivirus (enable after installation).
Find the BIOS file and double-click on it to start the installation, then follow the on-screen prompts.
Wait for the installation to complete and restart your computer.

After updating the BIOS, do a sound test to check the volume. If you still find the volume too loud in Windows 10, perform a system restore, as shown in the next solution.

13. Perform a system restore

Click Start.
Go to the search field box and then type System Restore.
Click Create a Restore point.
Click Next.
Pick a restore point created before you first experienced the problem.
Click Next.
Click Finish.

If the sound was regulated before but has since stopped working or is too loud, use the Windows System restore utility to attempt to correct the problem.

NOTE

The Windows System Restore utility restores system files to a specific point in time, called a restore point. Any software application or utility that is installed after the restore point is created will not work and must be reinstalled.

After the system restore, test the sound again to see if it restores your sound back to normalcy.

If you’re still having trouble with the volume too loud in Windows 10, post a comment in the section below and let us know the details.

Even more, keep in mind that the previously mentioned solutions may be applied when dealing with any of these issues:

Speakers too loud at lowest volume – If you’re looking for an easy fix, then let us tell you that restoring the original audio driver will do wonders in your case.
Windows 10 audio too loud – If the sound volume on your Windows computer has become too loud, feel free to adjust settings using the Levels tab or update your audio driver.
Windows 10 notification sounds too loud – If you are getting this problem with notification sounds too loud, you should run the Hardware Troubleshooter. It helps fix a wide variety of issues.
Windows 10 system sounds too loud – When the system sounds too loud, there is another thing that you can do. As detailed above, download Boom 3D and make a few quick changes.

We hope you managed to fix the Windows system sound too loud issue on your device using our guide. Let us know which solution worked for you in the comments section below.

How to Fix the Microsoft Account Doesn’t Exist Error

Posted on January 18, 2023October 1, 2025 by Vlad Turiceanu

Trying to sign in to some Microsoft services, you get an error accompanied by a message that reads: That Microsoft account doesn’t exist. Enter a different account or get a new one. This prevents you from accessing any Microsoft service on your devices.

The first thing to check if you are facing this issue is if you have typed the correct account name. Also, it can be because of a wrong email or domain name. This issue can also occur if you have knowingly or mistakenly deleted your Microsoft account permanently. The solution is to create a new account on the official page.

Also, if you’re trying to log into your Microsoft account with the school or work account, you will get this error. Verify your Microsoft account on the official page first.

How do I recover a Microsoft account that doesn’t exist?

1. Check if the account name was typed correctly

It is possible sometimes that, the account name was misspelled. Double-check if you typed it incorrectly
If the account name was typed correctly, maybe the email address is incorrect or has been changed recently
Make sure that your email has the correct domain at the end: @gmail.com, @outlook.com, @live.com, etc.
Try to log in using your old email address or phone number if they were changed

After confirming your account details, you may find it helpful to follow our full guide on how to login to your Microsoft account.

2. Find your account name from your Windows 10 PC or Xbox

Click on the Start button on the left side of your Taskbar, and select Settings.
Head over to Accounts, then Email & accounts.
Check your Microsoft account names under Email & accounts.
Another method would be to open any Office 2016 or 2019 app and create a new document.
Click on the top left corner where it says File, then select Account.
You can see your Microsoft account name under User information or in the Product information section.
One last method would be to sign in to your email associated with your Microsoft account.
Then, check for previous emails from Microsoft.
The previous emails from Microsoft will show your account name.

3. Make sure you’re using the correct account type

An account that your workplace or school provided may not have a Microsoft account associated with it. So, you might need to create a new Microsoft account.

Normal accounts can be used for logging in for one or more services, such as Outlook or Microsoft 365.

Work or school accounts, however, cannot be used to connect to other Microsoft services, such as Xbox. Additionally, an Xbox Gamertag cannot be used to sign in to a Microsoft account.

The only valid ways to sign in are by using an email address, a Skype ID, or a phone number registered to the account.

4. Your Microsoft account might have been deleted

Your Microsoft account may have been deleted. Microsoft will permanently delete any account which has not been active for the past 2 years. Also, you might have knowingly or unknowingly deleted your Microsoft account.

In this case, you can no longer access the Microsoft services associated with that account.

You can, however, create a new account with the same name. To create a new account, head to Microsoft’s Signup Page and choose a new account name.

Once the account has been created, you can start using that Microsoft service again.

There you have all the information needed to fix the Microsoft account doesn’t exist issue on your PC. You only need to follow the steps carefully, and you should be able to sign in to your account again.

Similarly, if you are unable to sign in to Windows 10 with your Microsoft account, check our detailed guide to get to the root of the problem.

In case you are not able to sign in to your Microsoft account, due to your security info change is still pending message, we have tackled this issue in a different guide.

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

Fix: Windows 11 is Not Assigning Drive Letter Automatically

Posted on January 18, 2023October 4, 2023 by Claire Moraa

When you connect a new drive to a computer, the operating system assigns it a letter automatically. A drive letter is a unique identifier used to identify a specific disk drive or partition. It’s often used as a shortcut for the physical device name and can be seen in File Explorer or Disk Management tool.

However, this may not always be the case, and sometimes, your drive may be missing a letter. This is a normal occurrence, and it happens because Windows does not recognize your SSD among other reasons. If you’re facing something similar, we have some answers below on how to fix this issue.

Why is Windows 11 not assigning a drive letter automatically?

If you have inserted a USB mass storage device and it’s not showing a drive letter, it could be because of one or more of the following reasons:

BIOS is unable to detect a drive – It’s possible that the BIOS isn’t recognizing an optical disc drive in your computer. This can be caused by a faulty device driver, or the CD-ROM is not working.
Old OS – The computer might be using an older operating system and doesn’t support assigning drives automatically. You may have to upgrade to Windows 11.
Virus/malware – It is possible that the system is infected with malware or viruses that prevent it from assigning drives automatically especially if you don’t have a comprehensive antivirus solution.
Improper disk formatting – If the disk you are using is not properly formatted, Windows 11 won’t be able to read the sd card and hence can’t find the drive letter. You must format the drive before you can assign it a drive letter.
Disabled automatic drive assignment – In some earlier versions of Windows, the option to automatically assign drive letters is not enabled by default.
Incompatible hardware – This can happen if you have an old hard drive that is incompatible with the new operating system, or an old laptop or desktop computer that has been upgraded to Windows 11 without meeting the system requirements.

When you create a new drive letter in Windows, the operating system automatically assigns the letter to that drive. But if you want to assign a different drive letter to a particular drive, you can do so using the following methods.

How do I assign drive letters in Windows 11?

1. Use Settings

Hit the Windows key and select Settings.
Click System on the left pane and select Storage on the right pane.
Select Advanced storage settings under Storage management and click on Disks & volumes.
Click on the drive you wish to change and hit the Properties button.
Select Change drive letter.
From the drop-down, select the new drive letter and press OK to save changes

2. Use Disk Management

Right-click on the Start Menu icon and select Disk Management.
Next, right-click the drive you wish to assign and select Change Drive Letter and Paths.
In the pop-up window that appears, click on the drive and hit Change.
Select the Assign the following drive letter option and in the drop-down, select a new drive letter and click OK.
If there’s still no drive letter in disk management, you may have to enable it via Command Prompt.

3. Use Command Prompt

Hit the Windows key, type Diskpart in the search bar, and click Run as administrator.
Type in the following command to list the number of drive partitions: list volume
Next, type in select volume Y replacing Y with the corresponding drive you wish to change.
Now type assign letter X and replace X with the letter you wish your new drive to be named as.

4. Use Powershell

Hit the Windows key, type Powershell in the search bar, and click Run as administrator.
Type the following command to list the drives in your system: Get-Disk
Next type the following command replacing 0 with the corresponding drive number and F with the new letter you wish to assign the drive: Get-Partition -DiskNumber 0 | Set-Partition -NewDriveLetter F

How do I force a drive letter to assign?

A few preliminary checks that may help include:

Ensure you have inserted the hard drive properly.
Check that your connections. It could be that your USB ports are not working.
Scan your system for viruses to ensure there are no external interferences.
Finally, try restarting your PC.

1. Assign the drive letter manually

Right-click on the Start Menu icon and select Disk Management.
Next, right-click on the drive you wish to assign and select Change Drive Letter and Paths.
In the pop-up window that appears, click on the drive and hit Add.
Click on Assign the following drive letter option and in the drop-down, select a new drive letter and click OK.

2. Enable the auto-mount option

Hit the Windows key, type Diskpart in the search bar, and click Run as administrator.
Type and Enter the following commands: automount automount enable
Next, type exit to leave the diskpart command and check whether your drive has been assigned a letter.

3. Disable hidden/missing default drive letter attributes

Hit the Windows key, type Diskpart in the search bar, and click Run as administrator.
Type in the following command to list the number of drive partitions: list disk
Next, type select disk X replacing X with the corresponding number of the drive in question.
Now type list part to display the number of partitions available for that disk.
Type select partition Y and replace Y with the corresponding number of the partition in question.
Next type attributes volume. If the Hidden and No Default Drive letter options come with a Yes, proceed to the next command.
Type in the following commands and press Enter after each one to disable: attributes volume clear hidden attributes volume clear no default drive letter

And that’s how to fix the issue where Windows 11 is not assigning a drive letter to your drives. Elsewhere, if you’d like to show drive letters before drive names, we have an expert article detailing how to go about it.

We also show you how to remove non-existent CD drives from your system that may appear but lead to a dead end when you click on them.

If Windows was not assigning drive letters automatically, we’d love to know which method worked out for you. Leave us a comment down below.

FIX: Error Code 0x80070003 Update Files Are Missing

Posted on January 18, 2023October 4, 2024 by Ivan Jenic

Trying to update Windows but getting error code 0x80070003? You’re not alone.The full error message: Some update files are missing or have problems. We’ll try to download the update again later. Error code: (0x80070003).

So, how do you fix this? You’ll need to adjust settings, fix file corruption, and modify the registry. It may seem like a lot, but don’t worry – we’ve outlined each step below. Just follow along!

How do I fix error code 0x80070003?

1. Modify the Registry

Windows updates can run into trouble due to corrupted registry files, so you may need to change your Registry settings. Apply the provided steps below without changing other files.

1. Press Windows + R to open Run, type regedit in the text field, and hit Enter.
2. Click Yes in the UAC prompt.
3. Paste the following path in the address bar and hit Enter:HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\WIMMount
4. Now, double-click on the ImagePath entry on the right.
5. Make sure the Value data here has system32\drivers\wimmount.sys listed under it. If it doesn’t, make the changes and click on OK.
6. Now, press Windows + E to open File Explorer, paste the following path in the address bar, and hit Enter:C:\Windows\System32\drivers\
7. Verify you have the wimmount.sys file here.
8. Finally, restart the computer.

Once done, check if you can now download Windows Updates without encountering the 0x80070003 error.

2. Run the Windows Update troubleshooter

Download Windows Update Troubleshooter.
Once the file is downloaded, run it.
Select one of the available options and click on Next.
Wait for the process to finish.
If the issue is still there, repeat the process, but select a different troubleshooter.

3. Run the DISM and SFC scan

Press Windows + R to open Run, type cmd, and hit Ctrl + Shift + Enter.
Click Yes in the UAC prompt.
Now, paste the following three commands one at a time and hit Enter after each:DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /CheckHealth DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
Next, execute the following command to run the SFC scan:sfc /scannow
Once done, check if you are now able to install the updates.

Corrupt system files are a likely reason you are getting the 0x80070003 update error in Windows, and the SFC (System File Checker) scan and DISM (Deployment Image Servicing and Management) tool should do the trick in this case.

4. Restart or stop the Windows Update Service

Press Windows + R to open Run, type services.msc, and then hit Enter.
Now, right-click on the Windows Update service, and select the Stop button.
Reboot your PC.
Return to the Windows Update service, right-click on it, and select Start.

This solution usually works, but if you’re having issues with services, check out what to do when the Windows Update service isn’t running.

5. Reset the Windows Update Components

In case the previous methods didn’t work, it could be corrupt Windows Update components to blame. Here, the simplest solution is to reset the Windows Update Components.

You can do that by running a batch file or manually executing the commands. The process is usually quick and highly effective at eliminating the 0x80070003 error with the KB5007186 update.

6. Manually download each update

Visit the Microsoft Update Catalog website.
Enter the KB number of the update you want to download.
Now locate the update that matches your PC architecture and download it.
Once the update is downloaded, run it and follow the instructions on the screen to install it.

7. Perform an in-place upgrade

Visit the official Windows 10 download page and click on the Download Now button.
After the tool is downloaded, right-click on it and select Run as administrator.
Click Yes in the UAC prompt.
Wait for the tool to get things ready.
Click on Accept to agree to the Microsoft Software License Terms.
Choose Upgrade this PC now and click Next.
Wait for the update to download. This can take a while.
When you reach the Choose what to keep screen, select Keep everything and then proceed with the in-place upgrade.
Now follow the instructions to complete the process.

This is by far the most effective method to fix the 0x80070003 error. And remember, the installed applications and stored files won’t be affected during the process.

How to fix update error 0x80070003 on Windows 11?

1. Run a quick SFC scan

Right-click the Start button and select Windows Terminal (Admin).
Now run the following command: sfc /scannow
Wait for it to finish. The process can take 10 minutes or more.
After it’s finished, check if the problem is still there.

The reason why you’re getting error code 0x80070003 is that you have problems with essential Windows services. Corrupt system files and misconfigured Registry settings are also common culprits.

But if you follow the steps above carefully, the error code 0x80070003 should be fixed by the time you reach this part.

In case the problem persists, you have no option but to reinstall Windows 10, and remember, you will lose the applications and files stored on the computer.

Also, you may use a reliable Windows Update repair tool and fix all such errors automatically and in no time.

Should you run into any issues along the way, let us know in the comments below.

Monitor Fades To Black On PC: 4 Quick Fixes

Posted on January 18, 2023October 24, 2025 by Andrew Wafer

Are you experiencing problems with your monitor screen? If the colors are no longer accurate and if you feel like everything is fading in and out, you need to diagnostic the issues and find a fix as soon as possible.

A fading monitor screen can mess up your work and can turn out to be an annoying issue, mainly because finding the reasons why the brightness and the colors are no longer as vivid as before can represent a real challenge.

Why does my monitor slowly fade to black?

Well, if you get a fading monitor screen after installing or running a new app or program, or if the issue occurred after you flashed a new Windows 10 update, you can start to isolate the malfunction.

In most situations, there isn’t a hardware-related issue but a malfunction caused by a certain program or feature. So, as you can already tell, you can fix everything by yourself through dedicated troubleshooting solutions.

Of course, if after applying the steps explained in this tutorial you won’t be able to solve the Windows 10 fading monitor screen issue, you should consider a hardware problem – it’s possible to have a faulty monitor or display.

In that case, you should take your device back to service and ask for a more experienced opinion and implied assistance.

What should I do when my monitor fades to black?

1. Initiate a system restart

Sometimes, the screen monitor might fade out due to an unresponsive program or other similar corrupted processes. So, in this case, the problems can be fixed easily by refreshing the Windows 10 OS. Well, the quickest way in which you can obtain a fresh restart is by rebooting your device.

During the reboot, your Windows 10 system will be reinitialized and all your built-in features will restart. If minor problems were causing the screen malfunction, now you should be able to fix everything without applying more dedicated troubleshooting steps; otherwise, go ahead and resume the rest of the guidelines from below.

2. Apply Windows updates

Press the Win+I keyboard hotkeys.
From the System Settings window that will be launched click on the Update & Security field.
Next, click on Windows update, located in the left panel of the main window.
If there is a Windows 10 update available for your device you will notice its notification displayed.
Just follow on-screen prompts and install the available patches.
When done, reboot your computer.

Note: If the fading screen monitor problem occurred after a Windows 10 was applied, you can remove this update in order to see if that resolves your issue. To remove a certain system update follow:

Use the steps from above and access the Windows Update page.
From there, scroll down and click on the Advanced options link.
Select View your update history.
Select which update to uninstall and reboot your system in the end.

3. Update graphic drivers

Right-click on the Windows Start icon.
From the list that will be displayed choose Device Manager.
From Device Manager expand the Display Adapters entry.
There, right-click on your graphic drivers and choose Update Driver Software.
Wait while the update is applied.
Close Device Manager and reboot your Windows 10 device.

Alternatively, you can use dedicated driver updater software to make sure your drivers are always in check. Utilities such as Outbyte Driver Updater come with large driver databases and up-to-date technology to find the perfect driver for your hardware. It is lightweight and automatic, saving you a lot of time.

4. Reinstall graphic drivers

Access Device Manager again, as already detailed above.
Expand Display Adapters and right-click on your drivers.
Choose Uninstall.
When done, close Device Manager and reboot your computer.
On Startup, you will be prompted to install the latest graphic drivers.
Just follow on-screen prompts and resume the installation process.

If automatically reinstalling the graphic drivers isn’t working for you, try to manually install them from your manufacturer’s official website.

Of course, first of all, completely uninstall the drivers from your computer – after removing them from Device Manager, access Control Panel, switch to a category, and click on the Uninstall option available beneath the Programs entry; find any programs associated with your graphic driver and uninstall it.

Finally, resume the manual installation process – just download and run the executable file from your manufacturer’s official website and reboot your Windows 10 system in the end.

The troubleshooting steps explained above should help you fix the fading screen monitor issue. Along with the already detailed solutions, you can also run a system scan (run sfc /scannow from an elevated command prompt window) or you can initiate a system restore – if the problem is somehow related to Windows 10 system files, by using a restore point you can address the malfunctions.

Don’t forget that you can also experience a hardware problem, a situation during which you might have to ask for more experienced assistance.

Speaking of monitor issues, we also have a guide on what to do if the monitor keeps turning off and on, so you might want to check it out.

We hope you managed to fix your monitor fades to black issue and restored the proper functionality of your PC. Let us know in the comments section below which solution worked best for you.

Fix: GPU Keeps Crashing / Freezing on Windows 10 & 11

Posted on January 18, 2023May 14, 2024 by Vladimir Popescu

GPU crashing on Windows 10/11 can ruin your gaming experience and slow down other operations depending on GPU.

Here, in this guide, we will discuss the methods to fix the video card that keeps crashing right after talking about the causes of its occurrence.

What causes the graphics card keeps crashing on Windows 10/11?

There are various reasons behind the graphics card keeps freezing issue; some of the popular ones are:

Outdated DirectX – The DirectX, if outdated, can cause issues with your GPU, causing it to crash. To fix it, you need to update it.
Obsolete graphics driver – If the graphics driver on your computer is old or outdated, then the GPU might crash while playing games.
Incompatible game settings – If some of the settings on your game are misconfigured or not aligned with the GPU, your GPU might crash randomly.
Overclocking – If you have overclocked your GPU, then with the excessive load, the GPU might crash.
Overheating – Excessive load and dust can cause overheating, another popular reason for the GPU crashing.

How do I fix the graphics card that keeps crashing on the PC?

Before moving to the detailed troubleshooting steps, follow these quick fixes first:

Disable background apps.
Make changes to in-game settings.
Finally, check for the power supply unit.
Clean the GPU if it is externally placed, or open the cabinet of your PC and clean it.

1. Update DirectX

Press Windows + R to open the Run console.
Type dxdiag, and press Enter to open DirectX Diagnostic Tool.
Check the DirectX Version and if it is outdated, then proceed.
Press Windows + I to open Security.
Go to Windows Update and click Check for updates.
If there is an update available, download and install it. Windows will install the latest version of DirectX for you.

2. Update the graphics driver

2.1 Update the driver manually

Press Windows + R to open the Run window.
Type devmgmt.msc and press Enter to open Device Manager.
Locate and click on Display adapters. Go to graphics driver and right-click it. Select Update driver.
On the next window, select Search automatically for drivers. Now, follow the on-screen prompts to complete.

2.2 Use a third-party tool

It is essential to keep drivers up to date for a smooth, functioning PC. You can do it manually, but it is a time-consuming process.

Using a third-party driver updater is advised to help you update the drivers without hassle. These powerful tools allow you to quickly scan for and download any outdated driver.

3. Stop overclocking

If your GPU is crashing, it could be overclocking the settings that you have modified. To stop overclocking, you need to revert the core clock, voltage, and memory clock settings to default.

You can use GPU overclocking software such as MSI Afterburner to do that. For demonstration purposes, we have used the steps to Reset settings using MSI Afterburner:

Launch the MSI Afterburner app.
Locate the Reset button from the bottom of its user interface.

4. Run the SFC scan

Press the Windows key, type CMD and click Run as administrator.
Copy and paste the following command and press Enter: sfc/scannow
Once the scan is complete, restart your PC.

So, these steps must be followed to fix GPU crashing on Windows 10/11. Besides that, we recommend using a bottleneck calculator to see if your PC components are compatible. If nothing worked for you and your GPU is old, you can consider replacing it with a new one.

If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to mention them in the comments section below. We will be happy to help!

CyberMonday Adobe Without Subscription – 50% OFF [2023]

Posted on January 18, 2023November 27, 2023 by Milan Stanojevic

There’s no better choice than Adobe Illustrator in the vector editing software industry. But can you buy it outright as a professional designer or illustrator?

Carefully read the lines below and make an informed choice instead regarding the subject of using Adobe without subscription. You’ll be thankful to yourself at a later point!

Can you buy Adobe without a subscription?

As appealing as it may sound to avoid paying for a subscription plan, it is not feasible.

Trying Adobe Illustrator as part of a 7-day trial version or paid on a monthly/yearly basis are your only viable options right now.

Looking for shady alternatives is no good. Purchasing Adobe Illustrator through illegal methods is not recommended either since the promise of a lifetime version is merely a dream.

How can I use Adobe without a subscription for free?

Are you thinking to try the latest release of Illustrator for free, without having to resort to illegal methods? You may do so and here are your options.

1. Use the trial version of Adobe Illustrator

The best part is that the trial lets you test its amazing array of tools completely free of charge.

Moreover, it works on both macOS and Windows, so it doesn’t matter which platform you prefer to use. We share the enthusiasm with all of you who are eager to test the software.

However, with the risk of having your expectations disappointed, do note that this trial starts when you check out and it lasts for no more than seven days.

Although unlikely, keep one aspect in mind if you happen to discover that Adobe Illustrator isn’t what you’ve expected.

Your trial will automatically turn into a paid Creative Cloud membership after these seven days, so cancel in time if that’s your wish. And even if you’d like to, you can’t download a trial version of Illustrator CS6.

Adobe Illustrator

A powerful application to set your imagination free, and create professional-level digital photography easily.

50%OFF Visit website

2. Alternatives to Adobe Illustrator permanent license

As said before, you can no longer pay a one-time fee, grab the software, and use it for as long as you please. The Adobe Illustrator one time purchase offer is gone.

Since the Adobe Illustrator permanent license is out of the question, what are your options next?

Adobe decided to drop the Creative Suite brand and made the transfer to a subscription model known as Creative Cloud.

There are different configurations waiting for you, which could get a bit confusing.

However, it might just be music to your ears to hear that none of these monthly or annual plans will empty your bank account. On the contrary, some of them will help you save a bit of your money.

For example, Adobe Illustrator which is used by countless designers worldwide to create various types of amazing artwork gives you access to the latest features and updates as soon as they’re released.

Add up to the list of outstanding features for busy professionals, 100GB of cloud storage, Adobe Fonts, Adobe Portfolio, and Adobe Spark, and you won’t be able to face the temptation.

Moreover, you can benefit from 40% off Adobe Illustrator, as part of the Creative All App Cloud. Hence, you will benefit from over 20 professional apps to create amazing graphics.

Either you need Illustrator or another editing program, you can benefit from leading features regarding photography, video editing, or vector graphics on your desktop.

With that being said, you should profit from the presented deal on Adobe Cloud or simply get the single app if it suits you better.

The most affordable option is to pay for the single-app plan:

Annual plan, paid monthly — US$20.99/month
Annual plan, prepaid — US$239.88/year
Students & teachers — US$19.99/month

⇒ Get Illustrator

If you fancy the idea of a complete package that gives you all Creative Cloud apps, these are your options:

Annual plan, monthly payments – $29.99/month ($359.88 per year)
Prepaid annual plan – $359.88/year
Teams plan – starting at $33.99/month

⇒ Get Creative Cloud

As for those discounts, as a student or a teacher of any educational establishment, you may save up to 50% on the Adobe Illustrator purchase.

If you’re eligible, take advantage of the offer and use it at a later point to buy any software or the entire Creative Cloud applications list.

That’s how buying Adobe with a subscription is possible if you plan to make major professional changes. Let us know which plan works for you better in the comments section below.

Xbox App Won’t Install: 10 Ways to Fix It

Posted on January 18, 2023August 19, 2025 by Ivan Jenic

Xbox app not installing can be frustrating when all you want is to start gaming on your PC. Whether the installer won’t launch, the app refuses to download, or your games get stuck mid-install, these issues can stop you in your tracks. Luckily, most problems have straightforward fixes, from checking Windows updates to resetting the Microsoft Store, so you can get back to gaming without hours of frustration.

How do I fix Xbox app if it won’t install?

How do I fix Xbox app if it won’t install?

How do I fix Xbox app if it won’t install?

Before getting to the actual software tweaks, make sure you have a stable Internet connection. If you use a VPN client or a proxy server, try disabling and removing them if the Xbox app won’t install.

Also, download and install the Xbox app from Microsoft Store directly, not from third-party websites.

1. Reset the Xbox app package

In order to repair the Xbox app on your PC, you can follow the quick guide below using the PowerShell commands.

1. Go to Search, type Powershell, and click on Run as administrator.
2. Enter the following command, and press Enter: Get-AppXPackage -AllUsers | Foreach {Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register "$($_.InstallLocation)\AppXManifest.xml"}
3. Wait for the process to finish

After performing this PowerShell command, try to run your Xbox app for Windows 10 again. If you’re still unable to run it, try the solution listed below.

Keep in mind that resetting the cache will remove any saved passwords and private information stored in the app. It’s not ideal, but sometimes the cache can deem the software unusable.

2. Run the License Service Script

Open Notepad.
Paste the following text into Notepad: echo offnet stop clipsvcif “%1″==”” ( echo ==== BACKING UP LOCAL LICENSES move %windir%serviceprofileslocalserviceappdatalocalmicrosoftclipsvctokens.dat %windir%serviceprofileslocalserviceappdatalocalmicrosoftclipsvctokens.bak )if “%1″==”recover” ( echo ==== RECOVERING LICENSES FROM BACKUP copy %windir%serviceprofileslocalserviceappdatalocalmicrosoftclipsvctokens.bak %windir%serviceprofileslocalserviceappdatalocalmicrosoftclipsvctokens.dat )net start clipsvc
Save the file as license.bat.
Execute the script.
The script will uninstall the app, so head over to the Microsoft Store, and reacquire Xbox app.

This script was introduced in Windows 10 Technical Preview when users had problems running certain Windows 10 apps.

You could give it a try, it won’t hurt. Now, should you need more information, we helped diagnosed and fix a similar problem with the Xbox app not opening on Windows 10.

You could also try refreshing the Client License Service. In this case, you’ll need to download the ClipSVC.reg file on your PC, double-click it and allow it to merge with the one already running.

A restart should suffice to make it work again.

3. Clear the Microsoft Store cache

Press Windows + R to launch Run, type wsreset.exe, and hit Enter.
Once the reset process is finished, restart your PC and then check if the Windows Store App works as it should.

The Xbox App depends on the Microsoft Store App to run properly. So, if there is something wrong with the Store app, many apps won’t launch or won’t download anything.

In this case, resetting the Store cache can fix the problem, so make sure you do that by following the steps above.

4. Check for the latest Windows updates

Click the Start button and select Settings.
Pick Update & Security to open the Windows Update window.
Click the Check for updates button and wait a few seconds to see if there are any new ones.
If there are, click on Install now. The Xbox app won’t install on the D drive issue will be solved afterward.

Not having the latest Windows updates installed can cause problems with the installation or run of any apps, so this is an important step to take.

Alternatively, you could refresh the Windows update service by downloading a .reg file and merging it, just like we showed you in one of our previous solutions.

5. Run the Windows Apps troubleshooter

Click on the Start button and select Settings.
Now click on Update & security.
Select Troubleshoot from the left pane, and then click on Additional troubleshooters from the right pane.
Scroll down until you find Windows Store Apps, click on it, and select the Run the troubleshooter button.
Follow the steps to carry on the troubleshooting process. The Xbox app not working on PC issue will be fixed.

Like any app, the Xbox one is prone to regular problems, but you can fix them by running the Windows Store Apps troubleshooter as shown in the steps above.

6. Create a New Local Admin Account

Some profile corruption can block installations:

Go to Settings → Accounts → Family & other users → Add account.
Create a local admin account.
Log in with the new account and try installing the Xbox app.

7. Repair Corrupted System Files

Open Command Prompt (Admin).
Run: sfc /scannow
After that completes, run: DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
Restart and try installing the Xbox app.

8. Enable Required Services

Ensure these services are running:

Microsoft Store Install Service
Windows Update
Xbox Live Auth Manager
Xbox Live Game Save
Xbox Accessory Management Service

Use Win + R → services.msc to check their status.

9. Reset Windows Store Components (Advanced)

Open PowerShell (Admin).
Run: Get-AppxPackage -allusers Microsoft.WindowsStore | Foreach {Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register "$($_.InstallLocation)\AppXManifest.xml"}
Then try reinstalling the Xbox app.

10. Install Gaming Services Manually

Open Microsoft Store → search for Gaming Services.
Click Install (or Update if already installed).
After that, try installing the Xbox app again.

How do I manually install the Xbox app?

Press Windows then type Microsoft Store and open the top result.
Input Xbox inside the search bar at the top of the window, press Enter then click the Get button next to the Xbox app result.

Obviously, this method will only work if the store is also working as intended. However, if the Microsoft Store won’t download anything, you might need to perform an in-place upgrade.

To do that, go to the Windows 11 download page and select the multi-edition ISO.
Use the Mount option, select Setup.exe, and follow the prompts to install.
Don’t forget to check the boxes allowing you to keep both your personal files and your apps.

A lot of users also reported that the Xbox app keeps closing in Windows 10. We have an excellent guide dedicated to fixing Xbox app closing issues.

As was the case with solution #1, you’ll have to keep in mind that, deleting the cache will remove any saved information from the MS Store, including login credentials, payments, etc.

Some of our readers also suggested changing the Windows region from Settings to the United States and reset the Microsoft Store service before downloading and installing the Xbox app so you should try that too.

If you also have problems opening the Xbox app in Windows 10, our team has devised a comprehensive step-by-step guide to resolve that issue. We also have a guide on what to do if Xbox app won’t let you sign in, so don’t miss it.

This isn’t the only error you can encounter, and we covered Xbox app 0x89231806 error in another guide, so you might want to check it out.

That’s about that, as you can see, the solution to this problem lies in resetting the app. In case these solutions didn’t work for you, or you have some solutions of your own, let us know in the comments.

Download & Install Windows 7 Service Pack 2 (64-bit & 32-bit)

Posted on January 18, 2023September 24, 2024 by Ivan Jenic

The roll-up tool, Service Pack 2 for Windows 7, simultaneously installs all previously released updates for these systems.

Follow the guidelines below to install it on your PC:

How to download Windows 7 service pack 2

NOTE

Microsoft officially ended mainstream Windows 7 support on January 14, 2020. This means your PC will no longer receive security updates and patches. We advise upgrading to a newer version like Windows 10 or 11. And if you want to keep using Windows 7, make sure to use a reliable antivirus and be extra cautious when surfing the web.

Here’s how to download and install Windows 7 service pack 2 for 64-bit and 32-bit machines:

Go to the Microsoft Update Catalog.
In the search bar at the top, type KB3020369.
Select the package you want to install and click on the Download button.
Follow the on-screen instructions to finish installing Windows 7 service pack 2.

The update includes all patches from February 22, 2011 (Windows 7 SP1) to April 12, 2016. Downloading this tool installs all previous updates for Windows 7 or Windows 8.1 at once.

Dubbed KB3020369, it serves as a Service Pack 2 for Windows 7, containing nearly all non-security updates released after SP1.

What is Windows monthly quality rollup?

Besides showing us this ‘convenience rollup tool,’ Microsoft also introduced the idea of monthly rollups.

Monthly rollups are released at the end of each month and will contain all non-security updates for Windows 7 or Windows 8.1 released during that month.

Monthly rollups are offered to users through Windows Update, WSUS, SCCM, and Windows Update Catalog.

Summary

That’s all you need to know about downloading Windows 7 Service Pack 2 for 64-bit and 32-bit systems. Remember that Microsoft officially ended support for Windows 7 on January 14, 2020, which means no further updates or security patches.

If you have any more questions about this topic, feel free to ask us in the comments below.

How to Pin Recycle Bin to Taskbar on Windows 11

Posted on January 18, 2023October 4, 2023 by Vlad Turiceanu

If you are one of those users who want a clean desktop without any icons obscuring a single pixel of their new Windows 11 wallpapers, we got you covered. The first step is to pin the Recycle Bin to the Taskbar in Windows 11.

An uncluttered taskbar brightens up our mood and makes working a lot more fun. But with the Recycle Bin refusing to let go, the task looks a bit challenging. Don’t worry! We have got you covered.

Can I pin Recycle Bin to the Taskbar?

While there’s no built-in option, you can still pin Recycle Bin to the Taskbar in Windows 11 with a quick workaround that works seamlessly across devices. Also, for those who didn’t know, you could pin a website to the Taskbar in Windows 11.

It’s a little more time-consuming than the conventional single-click option as for the rest of the apps, but the whole process shouldn’t take more than a few minutes.

How can I add Recycle Bin to the taskbar on Windows 11?

In order to pin your Recycle Bin app to your taskbar, you need to create a shortcut for it, which you will then add to the taskbar. You can fully customize the shortcut by giving it a name and icon of your choice. Here’s how to do it:

1. Create a shortcut on the desktop
The first thing you will need to do is, of course, create a shortcut. You can do so by right-clicking anywhere on your desktop, in order to spawn the menu, from which you will first select New item, and afterward choose Shortcut.
2. Set up a shortcut path
After you created the shortcut, it’s time to select a path for it. To make sure that you create a shortcut for the Recycle Bin, input the following path into the window that opened, and then press Next: %SystemRoot%\explorer.exe shell:RecycleBinFolder
3. Give a name to the shortcut
Now it’s time to name this shortcut so that it matches your preference. In this particular case, you can give this shortcut the same name as the Windows built-in tool that you are trying to pin to the taskbar, which is Recycle Bin.
4. Click on Show more options
You will probably also want an icon that matches the Recycle Bin’s one. You can change it by right-clicking on the shortcut and selecting Show more options.
5. Go to Properties
This action will spawn the classic right click drop down menu, from which you have to select Properties.
6. Click on Change Icon
From the settings windows that will appear, all you have to do is click on the Change Icon button.
7. Set up a new icon for the shortcut
Another settings window will open, one that will provide you with quite a few icon choices for your new shortcut. After selecting the one you want, click on OK, and then on Apply.
8. Click on Show more options
You are almost done! After performing all these actions, right-click on your new shortcut and select Show more options from the menu.
9. Pin the shortcut to the taskbar
The last step is to click on the Pin to taskbar option and your shortcut will automatically be added to the Windows 11 taskbar.

Now that you have everything pinned to your Start menu or your taskbar, you can enjoy your new, clean, operating system’s desktop.

Similarly, you can pin a batch file to the Taskbar on Windows 11 to access repetitive tasks without any hassle. To learn more, read this guide.

Did you find this article helpful? Let us know in the comments section below.

How to Uninstall HP Print and Scan Doctor [Easy Guide]

Posted on January 18, 2023December 8, 2023 by Madalina Dinita

The HP Print and Scan Doctor is a free printer/scanner diagnostic tool for Windows PCs. Nevertheless, it has its downfalls, so you might want to know how to uninstall HP Print and Scan Doctor easily.

Now, the utility helps solve the most common problems in HP printers/scanners, such as:

Corrupt/misconfigured/missing HP printer drivers
Scan error messages
Printer being offline
Print jobs getting stuck in the printing queue
Printer connectivity or firewall issues

However, many users complained that the HP Print Scan Doctor is waking their computer when it shouldn’t. This can be related to an HP Print and Scan Doctor file corrupted scenario.

Others are unsatisfied with the fact that HP Print and Scan Doctor may occasionally prompt you to reinstall it even if it’s currently installed.

For instance, it may require you to allow it to reinstall if it finds a missing/outdated printer driver.

This is one of the reasons why you might want to remove HP Print and Scan Doctor. So how safe is it? Let’s find out.

Is HP Print and Scan Doctor safe?

This is indeed a legitimate tool.

You can download HP Print and Scan Doctor from the official HP support site.
Switch on your printer and ensure it’s connected to the PC
The file is light so the download completes within a few moments. Up next is installation.
Right-click the executable installation file (you can find it in the download folder or in the taskbar).
Click Run and wait for the program to extract.
Click yes once prompted by User Account Control settings and accept the terms.
The installation is completed within moments and the program automatically opens.
On the displayed Welcome screen, click the Start tab to see all the available printers on your PC.
Select the printer you want to fix from the list, then click Next.
If the printer with problems isn’t shown or if there’s a connection problem, click the option My product is not listed. The tool will prompt you to turn the printer off and then on.
Choose how your printer is connected, for example, USB.
Now follow the relevant on-screen instructions before tapping Retry. Your HP printer should eventually appear on the list.
Click Fix Printing or Fix Scanning, according to your situation. The software communicates with the printer and identifies all the potential problems.
To repair, follow the on-screen step-by-step instructions which will depend on the issue being worked on. Be sure to take the actions the software recommends.

How do I download HP print and scan doctor?

How do I uninstall HP Print and Scan Doctor?

1. Delete the HPPSDR.exe file

Navigate to the program’s current file location e.g. the desktop.
Right-click on the HP Print and Scan Doctor icon.
Choose Open file location.
Click Delete to remove the HPPSDR folder along with the tool.

If you went straight for the Control Panel uninstall features, you might be awed to discover the utility is simply not listed there. Where is HP Print and scan Doctor on my computer? That’s the big question.

Since it’s not actually full-scale software, but merely an executable file, you will not find the app on the list of installed programs.

Instead, you will be able to locate it in the file path (the download destination) you chose when downloading it.

2. Use uninstaller software

If the simple deletion is not enough to get the HP Print and Scan Doctor removed from your PC, consider using a specialized tool for the job.

When it comes to eliminating no longer needed items – including stubborn leftovers that tend to stick behind and generate clutter, uninstaller software is your best bet.

Dedicated uninstaller tools will detect any leftover files and registry entries related to the app you want to delete and permanently remove them from your computer.

HP Print and scan Doctor tries its best to resolve any incorrect printer configurations, print quality, and related HP printer issues. Here’s a quick overview of its capabilities (which are no less impressive):

? Check Print Quality (including faint/missing colors and broken lines). You need to first print a quality diagnostics page.
? Align Print Cartridges (To improve print quality, HP requires that you align newly installed cartridges and periodically align old cartridges as well).
? Clean Printheads Cleaning (If your HP printer displays a missing or failed Printhead error, we have some extra tips for you).
? Print Essential Printer Diagnostic Information (This will help you narrow down on persistent problems).
? Check Toner/Cartridge Ink Levels
? Troubleshoot firewall issues (Firewall problems cause your printer to lose connection to the PC).

That said, you may no longer need to call a technician with each small problem thanks to this utility.

Solved: Stop Code BAD SYSTEM CONFIG INFO Error in Windows 10

Posted on January 18, 2023February 11, 2025 by Milan Stanojevic

Blue Screen of Death errors, also known as STOP errors, are one of the most serious problems on Windows 10.

The BAD_SYSTEM_CONFIG_INFO error causes a blue screen and can be very intimidating because it prevents you from using the system normally.

What is BAD_SYSTEM_CONFIG_INFO and what causes it?

BSoDs are usually caused by hardware problems so one of the components like RAM or your hard drive might be failing.

However, in this case, the culprit may be the Boot Configuration Data (BCD) in Windows 10. Luckily, it can also be caused by incorrect system settings or third-party software.

We’re saying luckily because these kinds of problems are easier to tackle than having to replace any of your PC’s components.

Other manifestations of the BAD_SYSTEM_CONFIG_INFO error

BAD_SYSTEM_CONFIG_INFO falls into the category of BSoD errors. Along with it, in this article, we’re also going to cover the following issues and more:

Bad_system_config_info registry
Bad_system_config_info RAM
Bad system config info on startup, boot
Blue screen of death bad_system_config_info
Bad_system_config_info after update
Bad_system_config_info hard drive, HDD
Bad system config info loop
Bad_system_config_info ntoskrnl.exe, ntfs.sys, classpnp.sys, rdyboost.sys

So, if you’re having trouble with any of these error instances, be sure to try the solutions below.

How do I fix the BAD SYSTEM CONFIG INFO BSoD error?

1. Fix the BCD file

NOTE

To complete this solution, you’ll need a Windows 10 installation DVD or a bootable USB flash drive with Windows 10 on it.

Insert the bootable DVD or USB flash drive and boot your PC from it. If you don’t have one, we have an excellent guide on how to create a bootable media.
Click on Next and then click on Repair your computer.
Choose Troubleshoot.
Then Advanced Options, and select Command Prompt.
Enter the following lines and press Enter after each line in order to execute it:
- bootrec /repairbcd
- bootrec /osscan
- bootrec /repairmbr

It’s worth mentioning that the last command will delete Master Boot Records and recreate them, so be careful while using it.

After you’re done, close Command Prompt and restart your PC, then check if the error persists. If the BCD file was the problem, it should have been resolved.

2. Edit the BCD file

Restart your computer while it boots. Repeat this step until you start the Automatic Repair.
Choose Troubleshoot.
Then select Advanced Options and start Command Prompt.
Enter the following lines:
- bcdedit/deletevalue {default} numproc $Bad_system_config_info registry bcdedit/deletevalue {default} numproc$
- bcdedit/deletevalue {default} truncatememory $Bad_system_config_info RAM bcdedit/deletevalue {default} truncatememory$
Close Command Prompt and try starting Windows 10 again.

When you encounter the BAD SYSTEM CONFIG INFO error in Windows 10, your computer may have damaged files.

For that matter, we suggest using a full repair solution that can scan and then safely repair corrupted system files.

These tools are also capable of scanning your registry files and determining any issues with the Registry. Besides that, they will scan and repair malware or unwanted program risks and entirely clean the system.

In addition, you’re covered against BSoD problems and resolve system crashes due to broken settings on your Windows PC.

That said, your computer will be left in an optimized state so don’t hesitate to use them on your device.

3. Update your drivers

Press the Start button, type device manager, and select the app from the results.
Expand the sections and look if there is a device marked with an exclamation symbol next to it, right click on it and select Update driver.
Now click on Search automatically for drivers.
The system will look for any new drivers and if it finds one, it will install it. If not, click on Search for updated drivers on Windows Update.
First, click on the Check for updates button to see if there are new Windows updates you should install.
If the system is up to date, click on View all optional updates.
Next, select the Driver updates section, check the boxes for any new drivers and click the Download and install button.
You should perform the steps for all the drivers, even if they don’t have the exclamation mark, just to be on the safe side.

Outdated or incompatible drivers can cause many issues. For example, if your drivers don’t work, you won’t be able to use certain hardware, and in the worst-case scenario, you’ll get a BSoD error such as BAD_SYSTEM_CONFIG_INFO.

This is why, in order to avoid all BSoD errors, be sure that all major components are up to date with the latest drivers.

If updating the drivers from Device Manager doesn’t fix the problem, visit your hardware manufacturer’s website, locate your device, and download the latest drivers for it.

After installing the latest drivers, BSoD errors should be resolved. Bear in mind that you’ll have to update as many drivers as you can in order to successfully fix this problem.

Therefore, we suggest using the most efficient dedicated driver tools to automatically get the necessary updates. This scans your system and finds compatible software to replace outdated drivers.

4. Fix the Windows Registry

NOTE

By entering the commands below you’ll rename some important folders. After you rename them, Windows 10 won’t be able to use them anymore. You can also delete them, but it’s always better to rename them in case you need to restore them later.

4.1 Rename the Registry files

Boot your computer from Windows 10 installation media (check the previous solution).
Choose Troubleshoot.
Now select Advanced Options, and click on Command Prompt.
Paste the following lines and press Enter after each line in order to run it:
- CD C:\Windows\System32\config ren C:\Windows\System32\config\DEFAULT DEFAULT.old ren C:\Windows\System32\config\SAM SAM.old ren C:\Windows\System32\config\SECURITY SECURITY.old ren C:\Windows\System32\config\SOFTWARE SOFTWARE.old ren C:\Windows\System32\config\SYSTEM SYSTEM.old

4.2 Copy the new folders

Enter the following lines into Command Prompt:
- copy C:\Windows\System32\config\RegBack\DEFAULT C:\Windows\System32\config
  copy C:\Windows\System32\config\RegBack\SAM C:\Windows\System32\config
  copy C:\Windows\System32\config\RegBack\SECURITY C:\Windows\System32\config
  copy C:\Windows\System32\config\RegBack\SYSTEM C:\Windows\System32\config
  copy C:\Windows\System32\config\RegBack\SOFTWARE C:\Windows\System32\config
This will copy the registry backup and replace the old files. Close Command Prompt and restart your computer.

Some users have repaired their Windows registry and prevented BSOD errors from activating on their computers by using different registry editors.

5. Perform a System Restore

Restart your computer a couple of times while it boots to start the Automatic Repair process.
Select Troubleshoot.
Click on Advanced Options, and select System Restore.
Then, select your username and follow the instructions.
Select the restore point you wish to restore to and click Next.
Wait for the System Restore process to finish.

6. Perform a Windows 10 reset

NOTE

Before starting this procedure, be sure to create a backup because the reset process will delete all files from your C partition.

Start the Automatic Repair process by restarting your computer a few times.
Choose Troubleshoot and select Reset this PC.
Select Remove everything.
Then, choose Only the drive where Windows is installed, and then select Just remove my files.
Click the Reset button and wait for the process to finish.

In order to complete the Windows 10 reset, you might need Windows 10 installation media, so be sure to have one. After the reset process is completed, you’ll have a fresh installation of Windows 10.

7. Check your hardware

Click the Start button, type memory diagnostic, and click on the Windows Memory Diagnostic app from the results.
Select Restart now and check for problems.
The system will restart and perform a memory check to verify if there are any problems with your RAM modules.

Most commonly the BSoD errors are caused by faulty RAM, so be sure to check your memory first. If the diagnostic finds any such issue, you will need to replace the faulty module.

Users reported that BAD_SYSTEM_CONFIG_INFO error can also be caused by a faulty hard drive, and according to users, replacing the hard drive fixed the problem.

It’s worth mentioning that almost any component may lead to this issue, so be sure to perform a detailed hardware inspection.

Our readers reported that this error was fixed by using bcdedit or by fixing Windows Registry, so be sure to try those solutions.

BAD_SYSTEM_CONFIG_INFO isn’t as serious as other BSoD errors, and we hope that after performing the recommended steps above, you managed to fix your PC.

It would also be helpful to read our guide on what to do if a BSoD error occurs during Windows 10/11 updates.

If you have any other suggestions or solutions, don’t hesitate to post them in the comments section below because they will help other readers.

Save Money & Time: Deals & Offers for Windows Software & Hardware

Posted on January 18, 2023September 18, 2024 by Claudiu Andone

In today’s fast-paced world, finding the best deals on Windows software and hardware can save you both money and time. Whether you need to upgrade your computer system or find the latest software for work or play, there are plenty of options available to help you get the most out of your purchases. Just like finding great offers at a top online casino, smart shopping for software and hardware deals can significantly enhance your experience. Keeping an eye out for discounts, bundles, and special promotions can make a big difference to your budget and productivity.

Discounted Software Deals

One of the easiest ways to save on Windows software is to look for discounts and promotional offers. Many software companies offer seasonal sales, special discounts for students, or bundle deals where you can get multiple programs at a reduced price. Remember to check if the software is compatible with your current system to avoid any compatibility issues.

Hardware Bundles

When it comes to hardware, bundling is a great way to save money. Retailers and manufacturers often offer bundles that include essential components such as a computer, monitor, and peripherals at a lower combined price. For example, you might find deals that include a new laptop with a free external hard drive or a monitor. These bundles not only offer savings but also ensure you have everything you need to set up your new system. Always check the specifications and warranties included in these bundles to ensure they meet your needs.

Seasonal Sales and Promotions

Seasonal sales are a fantastic opportunity to save on Windows software and hardware. Major shopping events like Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and Back-to-School promotions often feature significant discounts on a wide range of products. Retailers like Amazon, Best Buy, and Newegg are known for offering special deals during these times. Keeping an eye on these sales can help you snag great bargains. Signing up for newsletters from your favorite stores can also keep you informed about upcoming sales and exclusive offers.

Refurbished and Open Box Options

If you’re looking to save even more, consider purchasing refurbished or open box hardware. Refurbished products have been restored to like-new condition and often come with a warranty, making them a reliable and cost-effective choice. Open box items are products that have been returned by customers but are still in excellent condition. Both options can offer substantial savings compared to buying new. Websites like the Microsoft Store’s refurbished section or local electronics retailers often list these options.

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Fix: Amazon Fire Stick Stuck on Amazon Logo & Main Reasons

Posted on January 18, 2023October 4, 2023 by Milan Stanojevic

Amazon Fire Stick is a great multimedia device, but many users reported that it gets stuck on the Amazon logo for them.

This can be a big problem since you won’t be able to access anything or use your device. However, there’s a way to fix this issue for good, and today we’ll show you how to do it.

Why is my Amazon Fire Stick stuck on the Amazon logo screen?

There are several reasons why your Fire Stick might get stuck on the Amazon logo screen.

It’s possible that your device is booting slowly due to a recent update or an issue with the power supply.

Power supply issues are quite common, especially if you’re not using the original power adapter. Another cause of this problem can be the overheating of the device.

Lastly, a bad update or your settings can cause this problem, so you might have to reset your device to factory settings to fix it.

Now that you know the causes of this issue, let’s see how we can fix it.

How do I fix my Firestick stuck on my logo screen?

1. Wait it out

Start your Fire Stick.
Wait for the device to get stuck on the Amazon logo.
Leave your device like that for at least an hour, or better yet, leave it overnight.
After waiting a couple of hours, check if the problem is still there.

A couple of users reported that this method worked for them, and it seems that the Fire Stick was stuck on an update, but after waiting for an hour or so, the issue was completely resolved.

2. Restart your device

If your Firestick is still stuck on the Amazon logo after waiting a long time, you should restart it. This is because the issue might just be caused by a minor glitch within the system.

A simple restart has fixed this issue for many users, and you should try it too. To do this, you need to disconnect the Fires Stick from your TV and wait for about 30 seconds.

You can now connect it back after and check if the issue persists.

3. Check the power supply

Check the power supply cable.
Always use the original supply cable that came from Amazon because it delivers the necessary power.

A few users reported that replacing their cable with the official one from Amazon fixed the problem, so be sure to try that.

4. Check your HDMI port

Connect your Fire Stick to a different HDMI port.
Now check if it works.
If you’re using HDMI hubs or splitters, remove them and connect the device directly to the TV.
Try removing other HDMI devices and check if that helps.
Make sure that you’re using a high-speed HDMI cable.
Check if your TV is HDCP-compatible.
If everything else fails, try using a different TV.

The HDMI cable and port are the primary connectivity source between your Fire Stick and TV. Hence, you need to make sure they are working perfectly.

5. Check if your Fire Stick is overheating

Disconnect Fire Stick from your TV and the power source.
Leave it disconnected for about 30 minutes.
Connect the device again and check if the problem is still there.

6. Connect Firestick directly to your TV

If you are using an HDMI hub, extender, or any form of adapter, it might cause your Firestick to get stuck on the Amazon logo screen. The best practice, according to Amazon, is to plug the device directly to your TV.

Also, if you are connecting your device directly, ensure you use a high-speed HDMI cable.

7. Reset Fire Stick to the factory settings

Press and hold the Right and the Back button on your remote.
Keep them pressed for about 10 seconds or more.
Follow the reset instructions on the screen to complete it.

Resetting your Firestick is the last resort if all other solutions do not work. Doing this will remove the apps, files, and other contents on your device and reset the changes made.

This also works for other issues like Fire Stick setting menu not loading, so it should do the trick in this case too.

If that doesn’t work, you might have to contact Amazon support and ask them to send you a replacement. This

Being stuck on the Amazon logo on your Fire Stick can be a big problem, but in most cases, you can fix it simply by waiting for the update to finish in the background. If that doesn’t work, you can always try our other solutions.

If the Amazon Fire Stick is showing a no signal message, check our detailed guide to fix it quickly.

Got a solution that worked for you? Let us know in the comments below.

Windows 11 Wallpaper Compression: How to Disable It?

Posted on January 18, 2023February 9, 2024 by Loredana Harsana

Windows 11 wallpaper compression feature modifies images before using them as backgrounds. However, this can sometimes result in blurry images.

Here in this guide, we will discuss some methods to disable this feature on Windows, so let’s get started!

Why is my wallpaper quality so bad in Windows 11?

By default, Windows will compress images to around 85% before you set them as wallpapers. While this is done to preserve space, it can sometimes result in low-quality wallpapers.

How do I stop Windows from compressing my wallpaper?

First, you should have administrator access to your computer. Your computer must have enough space and memory.

1. Replace the compressed image with a high-quality image

Follow this path to reach the location where the compression version of the wallpaper image is saved: C:\Users\USERNAME\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Windows\Themes
Locate the TranscodedWallpaper file and rename TranscodedWallpaper_old.
Copy the original image file and paste it into the same folder. Rename this file as TranscodedWallpaper.

2. Use the Registry Editor

Tip

Before making any changes, take a backup of your Registry Editor. Go to File, then click Export. Save the .reg file to the desired location. To restore the backup file, click File, then Import, and select the saved .reg file.

Press Windows + R to open the Run window.
Type regedit and hit Ctrl + Shift + Enter to open Registry Editor.
Click Yes on the UAC prompt.
Follow this path: COMPUTER\HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Control Panel\Desktop
Right-click the Desktop key and select New, then click DWORD (32-bit) value.
Rename the file as JPEGImportQuality. Double-click on it.
Choose Base as Decimal and click OK. Next, change the Value data to 100.
Restart your PC to confirm the changes.
If you want to revert the changes, you can change the DWORD value data to 0 and restart your computer.

How do I get high-quality wallpapers on Windows 11?

To do that, you just need to download HD wallpapers, or you can use 4K desktop wallpapers. However, be sure to use the solutions from this guide to disable compression beforehand.

So, these are methods to disable compression on Windows 11 so you have high-quality desktop wallpaper on your computer. For more wallpapers, you can try using these great Windows 11 wallpaper apps.

If you want to spice up your desktop, we also have a great guide on how to set live wallpaper on Windows 11, so don’t miss it.

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

DisplayLink Driver for Windows 10 and 11 [Download & Install]

Posted on January 18, 2023September 15, 2025 by Matthew Adams

DisplayLink is a monitor connection technology for connecting multiple VDUs to a single PC via USB docking stations. It enables you to utilize up to six monitors with a single Windows 11/10 PC.

To connect external monitors with DisplayLink, you’ll need to install its drivers first. All the required software is available for download from the DisplayLink website.

So, what are you waiting for? This is how you can download and install DisplayLink drivers within Windows 11/10.

Does DisplayLink work with Windows 11?

Yes, the DisplayLink USB graphics software is compatible with Windows 11, 10, 8, and 7. So, it will work on those platforms if your PC meets all its other system requirements.

You can check DisplayLink’s minimum system requirements on this page. Alternatively, run the DisplayLink system compatibility tool, available for download.

What is a DisplayLink driver?

The DisplayLink driver is essential software for facilitating communication between OS and devices. That driver encodes and sends pixels from the frame buffer.

Do I need DisplayLink drivers?

Yes, the DisplayLink drivers are essential prerequisites for this monitor connection technology. You can install them as outlined in the steps below.

How do I install DisplayLink drivers for Windows 10/11?

Editor’s tip

To make sure you make no mistakes and install your drivers within seconds, use a specialized tool like Outbyte Driver Updater. It automatically detects new driver releases and installs them on your PC.

Open the DisplayLink Drivers page in whatever browser you utilize.
Then click the Windows button there.
Press the blue Download button for the latest DisplayLink drivers.
Next, hold the Windows keyboard key and press S simultaneously.
Select the File Explorer shortcut on the menu.
Bring up the directory (folder) that includes the downloaded DisplayLink software.
Right-click DisplayLink USB Graphics Software and select Run as administrator.
Click the Install button within the DisplayLink Graphics window.
Press the Reboot button to finish.

How do I enable DisplayLink on my monitor?

DisplayLink won’t work if the Disconnect option is selected. So, make sure that option isn’t selected. You can enable DisplayLink by selecting Extend in Settings as follows.

Connect your alternative monitor with a PC.
Click the button for opening your Start menu, and select Settings from there.
Select Display in the System tab to view more settings.
Then select the Extend desktop to this display option.
Press the Keep changes button to confirm.

You can also alter the dual-display options via DisplayLink’s software. Right-click the DisplayLink icon in your system tray to view its settings. The Off option there disables the external monitor.

DisplayLink provides users with one of the quickest and most straightforward ways to set up dual monitor displays. Install the DisplayLink driver as outlined, and you’re ready to go.

If any DisplayLink issues arise, check out WR’s DisplayLink driver not working guide. In addition, that article includes various resolutions for fixing DisplayLink.

You can discuss DisplayLink in the comments section below this post. Also, feel free to add any questions about installing DisplayLink software for dual-monitor setups.

To Play This Video, You Need a New Codec: 4 Ways to Fix it

Posted on January 18, 2023August 13, 2024 by Matthew Adams

A video codec encodes digital signals so that media players can play videos correctly. Thus, media player error messages pop up when required codecs are missing for some videos that users try to play.

That’s especially the case for Windows Media Player, which doesn’t incorporate much built-in codec support.

The following WMP error messages might pop up when a required codec for video playback is missing:

A codec is required to play this file.
Windows Media Player cannot play, burn, rip, or sync the file because a required audio codec is not installed on your computer.

Windows Media Player users will need to install a new codec to play specific video formats when either of the above error messages pops up. The missing HEVC codec also triggers the To play this video, you need a codec error.

That’s pretty much the only fix for either of the above two WMP error messages. Or users can try out some alternative media players instead.

How can I fix To play this video you need a new codec error?

1. Select the Download codecs automatically option

Open the Windows Media Player 11 video player.
Click Now Playing and select More Options.
Then select the Player tab.
Select the Download codec automatically option on the Player tab.

Windows XP or Vista users who are still utilizing the older Windows Media Player 11 version can select to download codecs automatically.

Then an install codec prompt will appear when users try to play their videos, from which they can select to install the needed codec.

So, selecting the Download codecs automatically option is one resolution more specifically for WMP 11. This is how users can select that setting.

Windows Media Player 12 users can’t select Download codecs automatically option on the Player tab. However, they can still configure the software to get more regular automatic updates.

Select the Once a day option for the most regular updates.

2. Play the video with an alternative media player

There are better alternatives to WMP that can play almost all video file formats without users needing to manually install codec packs.

Those are media players that include built-in codecs and are generally freeware software tools. So, who needs Windows Media Player in the first place?

In order to have the most qualitative multimedia experience and avoid codec errors, you should consider a media player from the best media players for Windows 11 today.

3. Add the K-Lite Codec Pack to Windows

The A codec is required to play this file error will more likely arise for users who have not installed the K-Lites Code Pack.

K-Lite includes all the most common media codecs, which will ensure that WMP can play most of the more standard video file formats.

Therefore, installing K-Lite will probably resolve most WMP codec error messages. Click Download on the K-Lite Mega Codec Pack page to save the setup wizard for K-Lite.

Then users can open the setup wizard for K-Lite from the folder they saved it to. Click Next and then select Simple mode to install K-Lite with the recommended defaults.

Thereafter, users can keep on clicking Next until they get to the Install option. Click Install to finish.

4. Install the Required Codec via VideoInspector

Click Download on the VideoInspector page to get the installer for that software.
Open the setup wizard for VideoInspector to add that software to Windows.
Then open the VideoInspector window shown directly below.
Click the Browse button to select the video that returns the A codec is required to play this file error message.
The Codec box on that window will include a cross to highlight that a required codec is missing for the selected videos. Users can then click the Download link in that box to install the required codec.

However, if codec error messages still pop up even with K-Lite installed, users need to find a codec that enables playback for some more obscure video file formats.

For that, the VideoInspector software might come in handy. VideoInspector is freeware software that provides detailed info for videos.

That software will tell users if the required codec for a video is installed and provide download links for codecs. Are things any better now? Besides, it would also fix the To play this video, you need a codec error in Firefox.

In case you have additional problems, don’t miss our guide on how to download the codec pack for Windows 11.

Do note that these solutions may be applied when dealing with any of these issues:

Missing codec – If you’re experiencing this issue, note that this message pops up when required codecs are missing for some videos that you try to play.
Install additional codecs to work with this file – Users often complain about receiving this error message out of the blue. Windows Media Player cannot play certain files because the required video codec is not installed, so consider trying out an alternative media player.
Missing codec 0xc00d36b4 – Getting this message when trying to play videos is nothing out of the ordinary. Try out the above solutions with no hesitation.

Why Is My Keyboard not Typing Double Letters? How to Fix It?

Posted on January 18, 2023May 30, 2025 by Tashreef Shareef

If your keyboard doesn’t let you type the same letter twice, it can be due to a configuration error in the Ease of Access settings.

Follow the steps given below to fix this problem on your Windows computer.

How to fix keyboard not typing the same letter twice

1. Customize Filter Keys in Ease of Access Center

Press Windows Key + R to open Run.
Type control and press OK to open the Control Panel.
In the Control Panel, click on Ease of Access.
Open Ease of Access Center.
Click on “Make the Keyboard easier to use“.
Click on Set up Filter Keys.
In the Filter Options, select Turn on Repeat Keys and Slow Keys.
Click on Apply and click OK to save the changes.
Reboot the system (Optional) and check if you are able to type repetitive letters now.

You can also turn on Filter Keys if you find it hard to press multiple keys simultaneously.

2. Run Keyboard Device Troubleshooter

Click on Start and select Settings.
Click on Update and Security.
From the left pane click on “Troubleshoot”.
Scroll down and click on Keyboard.
Click on Run the Troubleshooter button.
Windows will scan the system for any issues with the keyboard and recommend appropriate fixes.
Restart the system after applying the fixes and check for any improvements.

If the issue persists, run Hardware and Devices Troubleshooter.

Press Windows Key + R to open Run.
Type control and press OK.
In the Control Panel, click on Hardware and Sound.
Search for Troubleshoot in the top-right search bar.
Click on Hardware and Sound.
Under the “Windows” section, click on Keyboard option.
Click on Next and wait for Windows to find and recommend appropriate fixes.

3. Update Keyboard Driver

Press Windows Key + R to open Run.
Type devmgmt.msc and press OK to open the Device Manager.
Expand the Keyboards section.
Right-click on the Keyboard device you have listed and select Update Driver.
Select “Search automatically for updated driver software” option.
Windows will now search your computer and the internet for the latest driver software for your device. Wait for it to download and install the updates.
Reboot the system after the update is installed.

After that, the issue with the keyboard won’t allow for double letters should be gone.

Other keyboard issues can be just as frustrating, from your keys typing on their own or making clicking sounds without input, to constant beeping or typing letters backward.

Sometimes, the wrong characters appear, or Windows switches your keyboard language unexpectedly. For practical solutions to these problems, check out these helpful guides on automatic typing, clicking noises, keyboard beeping, backward typing, wrong letters, and language switching.

In addition, if you need more support from dedicated software that will update any drivers automatically, select the best driver update software to get it done fast.

KB5022360 has been released to the Windows 11 Release Preview Channel

Posted on January 18, 2023October 4, 2023 by Alexandru Poloboc

There has been a lot of talk about lately about all the Insider Preview builds that have been released to the Dev and Beta Channels for Windows 11.

Today, however, we’re going to talk about the changes that actually made it to the Release Preview Channel, as Microsoft just put out a new build.

Before we jump into it, remember to check out this month’s Patch Tuesday rollout. You’d also like to know that Microsoft is planning to retire MSDT for the Windows OS.

Also, if you are using Windows 11, know that it has been discovered that the Secure Boot feature for the operating system is not actually working.

Secure Boot was actually one of the most important Windows 11 system requirements and this represents a major safety issue.

Circling back to the Release Preview Channel, we are going to take a more in-depth look at Windows 11 Build 22621.1192 and find out what makes it tick.

What should I expect after downloading KB5022360?

The Redmond-based tech giant, also known as Microsoft, has provided Insider build 22621.1192 (KB5022360) to the Windows 11 Release Preview channel.

In short, this new build will now offer .NET Framework updates that will be displayed inside the Settings app, among others.

You should definitely know that it also fixes a TPM-related issue, a search indexing issue, a thread deadlock issue, and more.

There are no major, system-changing differences, just some fixes, and minor changes brought to some of the areas of the OS.

Let’s take a closer look at this changelog and discover firsthand what we are dealing with after downloading and installing KB5022360.

Changes, improvements, and fixes

Changed the experience for preview .NET Framework updates. After you installed this update, all future preview (optional) .NET Framework updates will be displayed on the Settings > Windows Update > Advanced options > Optional updates page. On that page, you could control which optional updates you wanted to install.
Fixed an issue that affected searchindexer.exe. It randomly stopped you from signing in or signing out.
Fixed an issue that stopped you from searching for a file based on the file’s contents.
Fixed a resource conflict issue between two or more threads (known as a deadlock). This deadlock affected COM+ applications.
Fixed an issue that affected conhost.exe. It stopped responding.
Fixed an issue that might have affected the Domain Name System (DNS) suffix search list. When you configured it, the parent domain might have been missing.
Fixed an issue that might have occurred when the Input Method Editor (IME) was active. Applications might have stopped responding when you used the mouse and keyboard at the same time.
Fixed an issue that might have affected FindWindow() or FindWindowEx(). They might have returned the wrong window handle.
Fixed an issue that might have occurred when you converted or reconverted Japanese Kanji using a multibyte character set (MBCS) app. The cursor might have moved to the wrong location when you typed.
Fixed an issue that might have affected applications that used Microsoft Edge WebView2 to display content. Applications that used WebView2 included Microsoft Office and the Widgets app. The content might have appeared blank or greyed out.
Fixed an issue that affected certain systems that had firmware Trusted Platform Modules. (TPM). This issue stopped you from using AutoPilot to set up those systems.
Fixed an issue that affected picture files you found using search on the taskbar. This issue stopped you from opening those pictures.
Fixed an issue that affected mstsc.exe. It stopped responding while connecting to a RemoteApp and Desktop Connection.
Fixed an issue that affected a Group Policy for Expanded Toasts.
Fixed an issue that caused Windows Server 2022 domain controllers (DC) to stop responding. This occurred when they processed Lightweight Directory Access Protocol (LDAP) requests.
Fixed an issue that affected the Resilient File System (ReFS) MSba tag. The issue caused a nonpaged pool leak.
Fixed an issue that affected the ReFS. The issue caused high nonpaged pool usage, which depleted system memory.
Fixed an issue that affected devices that were subject to Microsoft Exploit Protection Export Address Filtering (EAF). Some applications stopped responding or did not open. These included Microsoft Office and Adobe Reader.
Fixed an issue that affected some game controllers. When the game controller was connected to the computer, the computer might not have gone to Sleep mode.

If you are also a Windows Server 2022 user, you might have noticed that the tech company has fixed an issue that caused Windows Server 2022 domain controllers (DC) to stop responding.

If you weren’t totally aware, this problem occurred when they processed Lightweight Directory Access Protocol (LDAP) requests.

Also, we don’t have to worry about an issue that might have affected applications that used Microsoft Edge WebView2 to display content anymore.

Users reported that applications that used WebView2 included Microsoft Office and the Widgets app, and the content might have appeared blank or greyed out.

What can I do if I can’t install KB5022360?

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

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

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

How to Create & Run Shell Scripts on Windows [Step-By-Step]

Posted on January 18, 2023October 4, 2023 by Vladimir Popescu

A shell script is a shell programming language program typically used on Linux and another Unix-based operating system. However, you can create and run shell scripts on Windows with additional steps.

Here in this guide, we have mentioned a step-by-step method to run a shell script on Windows. Let’s get started!

How can I create and run shell scripts on Windows?

1. Install the Windows Subsystem

Press Windows + I to open Settings.
Go to Privacy & Security, and click For developers.
Click the toggle switch next to Developer mode. Now click Yes on the Use developer features window.
Press the Windows button and type Turn Windows features. Next, select the option displayed and click Open.
Locate Windows Subsystem Linux and place a checkmark next to it. Click OK.
Follow the onscreen instructions and restart your PC to finish.

2. Download Ubuntu & Integrate it with WSL

Press the Search button and type Microsoft Store.
Launch the store app and type Ubuntu in the search bar.
Click Ubuntu from the search and click on Get to download it.
Search for the app and launch it.
The Linux command prompt will install on your disk.
The integration with WSL will also initiate.
Enter the username and password and note it down for future use. The process might take some time to complete.

3. Create a shell script

Go to the desired location on your computer, press the Shift key, and right-click on the blank space.
From the context menu, click the Open PowerShell window here.
Type the following command to get redirected to the bash shell: bash
Next, copy and paste the following command after replacing the filename with the name of your file and press Enter to create a shell script file: cat>filename.sh
Check the created file and go back to PowerShell. Press Ctrl + C to terminate the process.
To run the shell script, you need to add some data. On the PowerShell window, type the following command after replacing the filename with the name of the file and press Enter. This command will open a file for editing: vi filename.sh
Press the I key to access the file and start editing it.
Type the following command in the file: echo “Hello World”
To save the contents of the file and close it, press the Esc key from the keyboard and type the following command, and press Enter: wq

4. Run the Shell Script

4.1 Use the PowerShell

Go to the location where your sh file is present, press the Shift key, and right-click the blank space.
From the context menu, click the Open PowerShell window here.
Type the following command and press Enter to go to the bash shell: bash
Next, copy and paste the following command and press Enter: sh filename.sh
You will see the output.

4.2 Use Command Prompt

Press the Windows key, type CMD and click Open.
Type the following command and replace the E:/New folder with the path of your file, and press Enter: cd /d E:/New folder.
Next, copy and paste the following command, replace the filename with the name of the file, and press Enter: bash filename.sh
You will get output on your command prompt window.

So, these are steps that you can follow to run shell script commands on Windows. Try this step-by-step guide and if you have any questions, let us know in the comments section below.

Xbox boss Phil Spencer honored at the New York Game Awards 2023

Posted on January 18, 2023 by Robert Collins

Last night the New York Video Game Critics Circle hosted the 12th annual New York Video Game Awards. The event recognizes not only the best games but also those who make noteworthy contributions to the industry in some way or another.

Various awards were given in a slew of categories. Among those honored were:

God of War Ragnarok for “Herman Melville Award for Best Writing in a Video Game.”
Metal: Hellsinger for “Tin Pan Alley Award for Best Music in a Game.”
Vampire Survivors for “Off Broadway Award for Best Indie Game.”

And those are just a few mentions. Elden Ring was the only game to win multiple awards, those being the “Statue of Liberty Award for Best World” and the ultimate prize of the evening: the “Big Apple Award for Best Game of the Year.” This likely came to the surprise of no one.

Also acknowledged was Microsoft Gaming CEO Phil Spencer, who was this year’s recipient of the Andrew Yoon Legend Award. In his acceptance speech Spencer said,

Today, there are so many games, more than ever before, available to more players than ever before. But also, it can feel like there is more despair in the world, a steady stream of bad news. With the ongoing leapfrogging from crisis to crisis, it feels to me that that joy I experienced as a child has become much more elusive for us, for all to find, more of a guilty pleasure. It feels like today, seeking joy is an act of defiance. Yet today, as creators, as leaders, as world-builders, our greatest responsibility is to inspire and invite joy. Each one of the hundreds of titles that players have at their fingertips today and tomorrow is a calling card for joy.

Previous recipients of the Andrew Yoon Legend Award include the likes of Tim Shafer and Hideo Kojima.

7 Best Ways to Protect Active Directory From Ransomware

Posted on January 18, 2023October 21, 2025 by Sagar Naresh

Ransomware attacks are increasing day by day as the world has shifted over to the internet. This puts organizations under a lot of stress as everything important to them is available on a network, which can easily be accessed in case necessary measures aren’t in place.

In this guide, we will show you how to protect Active Directory from ransomware attacks. This guide will help you apply measures and safeguard your AD from increasing ransomware attacks. Protecting Active Directory is important because an intruder can take ownership rights of the network, and get hold of everything important.

Why ransomware attacks are increasing on Active Directory?

To put it in simple terms, accessing the Active Directory anyone the gateway to everything on the network. This includes important files, apps, and services.

It can also allow a user to manage the network, manage groups, authenticate permissions, allow or deny permissions, and secure users across the domain network.

Cybercriminals understand the importance of Active Directory because of a few of the above-mentioned reasons, thus attacking the Active Directory.

Is Active Directory encrypted by ransomware?

No. Ransomware does not encrypt the Active Directory. However, it uses it as a gateway to encrypt connected hosts and domains joined systems. You can imagine the loss if a ransomware attack happens to an organization.

Their main goal is to gain admin access to everything on a domain controller. They will own the network and access all the apps and services on it. If necessary precautions or tools aren’t used, then recovering from a ransomware attack becomes quite difficult.

How can I protect Active Directory from ransomware?

1. Use a specialized tool and protect Active Directory

Download and install ManageEngine ADSelfService Plus.
Launch the tool.
Click on the Configuration tab at the top.
Select Password Policy Enforcer from the left pane.
Choose the best and a complex password policy for the Active Directory.
Click on the Multi-factor Authentication option on the left pane.
Here you can set up multi-factor authentication or MFA for the AD using a third-party tool such as Google Authenticator or Microsoft Authenticator and apply other policies.
Click on the MFA Endpoints tab.
For MFA for VPN Login, select Enable.
From the Choose authentication for VPN login drop-down, select the appropriate option.
Go to the Authenticators Setup tab.
Click on Push Notifications Authentication.
Click on Enable Push Notification Authentication button.

These are some of the best measures that you can take to protect the Active Directory from ransomware attacks. But there is a specialized tool called ManageEngine ADSelf Service Plus that can help you with all the above and more to help strengthen the security of your AD.

It gives you multi-factor authentication for different OSs, cloud apps, and VPNs, provides conditional access, self-service password reset, password expiration notifications, password policy enforcer, and much more.

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2. Apply strong custom password policies

You should make sure that strong password policies are in place. This includes setting long and complex passwords, not allowing dictionary words as passwords, and avoiding already compromised passwords.

Passwords should consist of a combination of characters, text, and numbers. You should also apply password policies such as the usage of at least one capital letter, etc.

3. Use multi-factor authentication

In today’s era, two-factor authentication (2FA) or multi-factor authentication is a necessity. It adds an additional layer of security to the Active Directory accessing process.

You can use a single sign-on tool that gives you a better way to provide access to users on your network, without worrying about setting multiple passwords. It can also allow you to set multi-factor authentication and apply other security measures.

If you are confused about which single sign-on tool to use, do not worry. As we have a dedicated guide that gives you a list of 5 of the best SSO tools you can use for your organization.

4. Provide access only via VPN with MFA

One of the best ways of protecting Active Directory from ransomware attacks is to route the AD access via VPN. And also set VPN with MFA (Multi-Factor Authentication).

5. Reduce the number of privileged accounts

Privileged accounts are those that have the access to the most number of services and apps on the network. Ransomware attacks succeed and are more prevalent when such privileged accounts get compromised.

To avoid this issue, network admins should regularly audit the user accounts, and reduce the number of privileged accounts in the Active Directory.

6. Screen every account in the Active Directory

In order to maintain the best health of the Active Directory, you should ensure that all account activities, permissions, and privileges are regularly monitored. You should delete admin accounts that are no longer required.

7. Create alerts or notifications for ransomware attacks

Set alerts or notifications in case the network detects unauthorized access or ransomware attacks. Admins can set to be alerted via email so that they can detect and neutralize the attack right at its inception.

That is it from us in this guide. We have a guide that will guide you on how you can check NTFS permissions via 2 methods.

You can also check out our guide on how to find the source of Active Directory account lockouts. We also have a guide on what is and how you can set a domain password policy.

Feel free to let us know your thoughts on what other measures are there that one should take to protect Active Directory from ransomware.

Fix: ‘Java’ is not Recognized as an Internal or External Command

Posted on January 18, 2023October 9, 2023 by Tashreef Shareef

While trying to compile a Java program or running tools like Activit BPM you may encounter the ‘java’ is not recognized as an internal or external command, operable program or batch file error. Now, two big questions arise, and we shall try to address them accordingly.

Why my Java version is not showing in CMD? You might be wondering, and legitimately so, what’s this all about. Since this is a common Command Prompt error, the reasons can vary depending on the user.

Then, there is the most crucial matter of how to recognize Java in CMD. So, let’s take a closer.

Why is Java not detected on my computer?

This error can occur due to multiple reasons, including:

➡️ an incorrect path for java.exe file – In this case, the system variables such as JDK or JRE \bin directory may not be not properly set

➡️ Java is not installed or not enabled

Here are some of the most common problems related by users worldwide:

Java not recognized after setting path
‘JAVAC’, JRE, ‘MVN’, JAR’ is not recognized as an internal or external command, operable program or batch file. If you’re unable to run JAR files, we have a few extra tips for you.
Minecraft, Arduino, VScode, IntelliJ: ‘Java’ is not recognized as an internal or external command, operable program or batch file.
Java is not recognized as an internal or external command Windows 10 (64 bit, 32 bit)
Java is not recognized as an internal or external command Windows 11

How do you fix Java is not recognized as an internal or external command operable program or batch file?

1. Check if Java is properly installed on your PC

via Control Panel

Open the Start menu and select Control Panel.
Then go to Programs. Look for Java on the list (you can have either JRE or JDK installed).
If you find it here, you will also be able to check the current version and the build number.
If not, it’s likely that you don’t have Java installed.

via Command Prompt

Open the Start menu and type CMD.
Select and open Command Prompt.
Next, type in this command: java -version

In addition to these two methods, you could also try to check:

the Bin directory because the Java folder is usually located in this path: C:/Program Files/Javaversion/bin
your hard drive and look for the executable file Java.Exe

If the java is not recognized as an internal or external command error persists and should Java be installed, it’s likely that the directory was not added to the path, making it unable to find Java at runtime.

Here’s what you need to do next.

2. Change the system variable path

Press Windows Key + R to open Run.
Type control and click OK to open the Control Panel.
Search for Advanced System Settings.
Click on the View advanced system settings option.
On the System Properties window, open the Advanced tab.
Click the Environment Variables button.
Under the System Variables section select Path.
Click the Edit button.
In the Variable value editor, click New.
Enter the following path: C:\Program Files\Java\jdk1.7.0_72\bin
Click OK to save the changes and restart the command prompt to check for any improvements.

Notes:

Make sure you use the right version of Java. You can find the right path by navigating to:
- C:Program FilesJava.
Once you have got the right version, add the bin directory to your path.
Do not delete any other values in the Variable path editor.

3. Install a compatible Java version

If the issue persists, try installing the Java version that is compatible with your Windows OS.

For example, if you are using a 64-bit Windows 10, download and install the 64-bit version of Java. If you are using a 32-bit Windows OS, install the 32-bit version of the program.

Several users have reported the issue to have been resolved after installing the right edition of Java. You can also install both versions of Java to use either 32-bit or 64-bit, depending on your use.

⇒ Download Java latest version for Windows 10 [32bit / 64bit]

If you see a message telling you what version of Java you have installed, it means that you have it. However, if the installation cannot complete with Java error 1603, we have a few extra tips for you.

Now, Java can be downloaded on its own just as it can be a plug-in extension. If that is the case, you might want to check your browser and ensure the Java add-on is enabled.

The ‘java’ is not recognized as an internal or external command, operable program or batch file. error occurs if the environment variables are not configured correctly.

You can resolve the issue by adding the correct path to an environment variable. If the error persists, try installing the compatible Java version.

This isn’t the only issue you can encounter, and many reported The term is not recognized as the name of a cmdlet in PowerShell, and we have a special guide that addresses that issue.

If you know of any other solutions to this Java-related problem, leave us a message in the comments section below.

Microsoft will officially cut 10,000 jobs over the next three months

Posted on January 18, 2023 by Kareem Anderson

Yesterday Microsoft was rumored to be preparing to reduce its workforce by 11,000 jobs, and today the company made the official announcement that it would be in fact cutting 10,000 jobs over the next three months.

According to the Official Microsoft Blog, Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella shared in part, the following,

Today, we are making changes that will result in the reduction of our overall workforce by 10,000 jobs through the end of FY23 Q3. This represents less than 5 percent of our total employee base, with some notifications happening today. It’s important to note that while we are eliminating roles in some areas, we will continue to hire in key strategic areas.

Microsoft is the latest big tech firm to tighten its purse strings and move to cost saving measures via massive layoffs as it joins crosstown rival Amazon who is sent out is its own severance notice today to 18,000 employees.

The move by tech firms to reduce their labor comes as pandemic-led acceleration comes to halt, and customer bases begin to “do more with less,” according to Nadella.

While Nadella opens his letter to employees highlighting the effects of a pseudo post-pandemic economy, he also notes the company also made some bets that haven’t panned out the way company may have initially planned.

These are the kinds of hard choices we have made throughout our 47-year history to remain a consequential company in this industry that is unforgiving to anyone who doesn’t adapt to platform shifts. As such, we are taking a $1.2 billion charge in Q2 related to severance costs, changes to our hardware portfolio, and the cost of lease consolidation as we create higher density across our workspaces.

It is unclear what hardware was/will be cut that could add to the $1.2 billion debt Microsoft took on, but we do know the company has sunk a lot of money into revamping and expanding its Redmond campus over the past two years to only be met with increasing work-from-home demands by its employees.

While unfortunate as the news is today for all affected by the planned layoffs, Microsoft noted that it’s factoring in severance compensation for those who will leave the company in the form of a variety of benefits packages.

We are committed to ensuring all those whose roles are eliminated have our full support during these transitions. U.S.-benefit-eligible employees will receive a variety of benefits, including above-market severance pay, continuing healthcare coverage for six months, continued vesting of stock awards for six months, career transition services, and 60 days’ notice prior to termination, regardless of whether such notice is legally required. Benefits for employees outside the U.S. will align with the employment laws in each country.

Microsoft is not unique in its current position but that doesn’t make today’s announcement of layoffs any less unfortunate to report on.

4 Easy Ways to Delete Steam Cloud Saves From Your PC

Posted on January 18, 2023October 4, 2023 by Vlad Turiceanu

From the old days of hundreds of CDs and DVDs, larger and larger hard drives, to cloud services, gaming has grown significantly. More and more space became imperative with bigger and better games.

Steam, one of the best gaming platforms, is well aware of that aspect. That’s why the Steam Cloud service is continuously improving, offering more space and faster gaming speeds.

Steam Cloud’s job is to save your data and synchronize it automatically so that you can play your favorite titles across multiple computers without any worries.

But sometimes, after months or even years of gaming, many unwanted files and old backups/saves need to be deleted to free up some space for new games. Today we’ll find out how to do that.

Does Steam Cloud keep old files?

One of the endearing features of Steam Cloud is that it backs up your game save files automatically. This happens with the help of the Steam Cloud sync feature.

Also, your games can use the Steam Cloud to save just about anything. From game settings to profile stats and other user info, the cloud is available for use.

Do all Steam games have cloud saves?

Not all available games on Steam support cloud saves. This is down to the developer’s choice. Since games work differently, developers determine which one requires the feature.

You can determine if a game has cloud saves or not from the game properties.

How can I delete Steam Cloud saves?

1. Check if you have the game backup features enabled

Press the Windows key, type Steam, then open the desktop client.
From the top-left corner of the window, select Steam.
Now, navigate to Settings.
From the left window pane, go to the Cloud tab, then check if the Enable Steam Cloud synchronization for the applications which support it is enabled. If not, checkmark the box next to it.
Now, exit the Settings window.
From the main Steam menu, click on Library.
From the left window pane, right-click on your game and select Properties.
Go to the Updates tab.
See whether the Enable Steam Cloud synchronization for [Your game’s name] option is checked.

Before trying to delete any Steam cloud save, ensure that your games are backed up in the first place.

If both options are checked, your games are backed up on the Steam cloud. That said, follow the steps below to delete your Steam Cloud saves.

2. Bring up the Steam Cloud Conflict dialogue

Right-click on your Windows Taskbar, then click on Task Manager.
Exit Steam and clear all Steam-related processes from the Task Manager.
Go to your Steam directory to this location: Steam\userdata\SteamID\AppID\remote
Shift + right-click the folder and select Open PowerShell Window here.
Type in the following string in PowerShell: clc –path “C:Program Files (x86)\Steam\userdata\SteamID\AppID\remote*"

Follow the steps in the next solution as soon as the Steam Cloud Conflict error has been triggered.

3. Delete the stored Cloud files

Go to this path: Steam\userdata\SteamID\AppID
Delete all the files within this location
Go back to the conflict window and select Upload to the Steam Cloud.
Launch your game and Alt + Tab from it.
Hit the Windows key, type Steam, then open the app.
From the top-left corner of the window, click on Steam.
Go to Settings.
Click on the Cloud tab, then uncheck the Enable Steam Cloud synchronization for the applications which support it feature.
Return to your game, and exit it.
Exit Steam and delete the AppID folder again, as shown above

4. Deleting in Offline Mode

Launch Steam, and make sure it downloads all of the Cloud saves to the respective AppID game folder.
Click on Steam menu in the top left corner and select the Go Offline option to put Steam into Offline Mode.
Go back to the AppID game folder (found in the path below) and remove all the saved files or delete everything but the saves you want to keep.
C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\steamapps\common
Launch the game.
Close the game.
Click on the Steam menu in the top left corner, and select the Go Online option to put Steam into Online Mode.
Navigate to the game’s library page, and you will see a file conflict status.
Click the conflict status, and pick the local files to override what is in the Cloud.

Does uninstalling Steam games delete saves?

Most games keep your saves after uninstalling them. So, you can always get back to playing them easily when you reinstall them.

However, to eliminate all doubts, back up the game folder before uninstalling them.

Following these steps, you can delete all Steam Cloud saves for CIV 5, Fallout 4, Witcher 2, Skyrim, and other games that support the feature.

Keep in mind that this change is permanent, so if you have second thoughts, maybe it would be a good idea to create a backup of your Steam games beforehand.

Let us know if the above methods helped you with your issue by leaving us a message in the comments section below.

4 Ways to Fix Samsung Data Migration Stuck at 0%, 99%, 100%

Posted on January 18, 2023October 4, 2023 by Radu Tyrsina

The Samsung Data Migration stuck issue is a common and annoying problem that many users encounter. It can stop at 0%, 99%, or 100% while users are trying to clone an HDD to SSD or a new hard drive for system & data transfer.

The exact underlying issue is usually hard to identify. Still, with the right approach and a decent knowledge of the process, you can easily fix things when the Samsung Data Migration is stuck. Let’s find out how.

Why is the Samsung Data Migration stuck?

Here are a few reasons Samsung Data Migration is stuck:

Insufficient storage space: If the SSD you are transferring the data to has insufficient storage, the migration may be stuck.
Issues with the cable: A damaged or improperly connected cable can also trigger issues with the migration.
Drive is failing: Most users usually transfer the data out of a drive when it shows signs of failure, which is one of the very reasons Samsung Data Migration is stuck.
Transferring large files: Large files take longer to transfer, and it might give the impression that the migration is struck.

How can I fix the Samsung Data Migration stuck error?

Before moving to the slightly complex solutions, here are a few quick ones to try:

Make sure the cables are properly connected at both ends and are not damaged. If you have spare cables, try using them for the transfer.
Verify whether the SSD you are transferring files to has enough free storage. Usually, it’s recommended that you transfer file up to 75% of the capacity of the SSD and keep the remaining space free.
Restart the computer and start the migration process again. Many users reported that on the first attempt, the migration was stuck at 99%. At the same time, all the data had already been transferred, and only upon reinitializing the process, the confirmation was received.

If none of these work, head to the fixes listed next.

1. Disable encryption

Press Windows + I to open Settings, choose Privacy & security from the navigation pane, and click on Device encryption.
Now, disable the toggle next to Device encryption.
Click Turn off in the confirmation prompt that appears.
Once done, restart the computer for the changes to come into effect.

You can now run Samsung Data Migration, and it shouldn’t be stuck anymore. In case your PC has it, you will have to disable BitLocker as well.

Remember to re-enable encryption after the data migration is complete since it’s a vital security feature in Windows.

2. Run the Check Disk tool

Press Windows + R to open Run, type cmd in the text field, and hit Ctrl + Shift + Enter.
Click Yes in the UAC prompt.
Now, paste the following command and hit Enter to run the Check Disk tool:chkdsk C: /f /r /x

If the problem lies with the drive itself, the Check Disk scan will identify and fix it. The utility identifies and fixes bad sectors, if possible, along with repairing the drive. Once the scan is complete, verify whether Samsung Data Migration is still stuck.

3. Download the latest Samsung Data Migration app

Open any reliable web browser and head to Samsung’s official website.
Under Data migration, expand Samsung Data Migration Software for Consumer SSD, and click on the Download option next to Data Migration Software.
Once downloaded, run the installation setup, and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the process.

If you are using an outdated version of the Samsung Data Migration app, the process would be slow and might even stop at times. Hence, we recommend you download the latest version from the official website.

4. Use another software

Samsung Data Migration app, though quite advanced, isn’t the best of the lot. There are many other user-friendly and more effective data migration tools available to choose from.

Try one but remember not to fall prey to shady software available on the web since there are plenty of these too.

In this situation, we recommend MiniTool Partition Wizard. This great partition management program can recover lost partitions and redeem lost or deleted files from damaged drives and folders.

It has disk clone and migration features with which you can back up and upgrade your hard drive with just a few clicks.

Moreover, this program provides you with full control over your partitions, allowing you to resize, move, extend, split or convert them.

By now, you should have been able to complete the data transfer, whether with or without Samsung Data Migration, and the process shouldn’t have gotten stuck.

And once you have done that, find out how to boost the performance of an SSD.

For any other queries or recommendations, or to share a solution with us, drop a comment in the section below.

Twitch Audio Desync: Fix the Delay With These 6 Methods

Posted on January 18, 2023September 27, 2025 by Milan Stanojevic

Even if it is one of the most efficient streaming services, some users claim they experience audio desync on Twitch.

This problem can negatively impact your viewing experience, so today, we’ll show you how to fix this issue on your PC. Note that you may also experience Twitch audio delay on mobile devices. And while the interface may differ, some solutions in this guide will also work.

What causes Twitch audio desync?

There are many reasons why this may happen. Many users have described this problem as often starting with your Twitch audio cutting out or a minor Twitch audio lag. Here are the primary culprits:

Slow or bad internet connection: If your Twitch audio and video are out of sync when live streaming, your internet connection is the first thing you need to check. You must switch to a robust and active network to get the best experience.
Incompatible extensions: While extensions improve your browser experience, they can cause problems at some point. If you installed an extension before noticing this issue, you need to disable or remove the extensions and clean your browser with PC cleaner software.
Problems with drivers: Another potential cause of Twitch VOD audio desync is faulty or outdated drivers. The quick way out of this is to update your drivers to the latest version.
Issues with your browser: many users have complained about the Twitch audio desync on Firefox and Chrome. You might need to switch to one of the best browsers for streaming to fix this.

What are the most common Twitch audio delay issues?

Twitch audio issues can be pretty problematic, and speaking of audio issues, here are some common problems that users reported:

Twitch streaming audio out of sync, game audio out of sync: This issue can occur while streaming using OBS. To fix it, set the delay to your microphone to match the audio delay.
OBS audio out of sync: This issue usually occurs due to OBS settings, and many users reported that they fixed the problem by disabling the Use device timestamps option.
Twitch audio lagging behind video, audio lag: Many causes lead to these errors, and if you encounter them, try all of our solutions.

Quick Tip:

If your problems persist, and you think your web browser might be to blame, it may be time to try a different one. Avid gamers may like to try Opera GX, the world’s first web browser created specifically for gamers.

Thanks to the visuals powered by Razer Chroma and the features of Twitch integrations, it looks fantastic, allowing for a better Twitch experience when viewing streams from it.

Opera GX

This gamer’s browser is the perfect choice for uninterrupted streaming on Twitch, so have a try with no doubts.

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How can I fix Twitch audio desync?

Before exploring the fixes in this section, below are some troubleshooting steps you should try:

Refresh the page.
Ensure that your internet connection is strong and active.
Try streaming in incognito.

If these preliminary fixes do not work, you can now explore the fixes below.

1. Update your GPU drivers

Press the Windows key + R, type devmgmt.msc, and click OK.
Expand the Display adapters section, then right-click your graphics card and select Update driver.
Click on Search automatically for drivers.
You’ll get the following message if the best-found driver is already installed.
If there are any available drivers to update, you’ll be notified.

Your GPU drivers are pretty important, and if your drivers are corrupted or out of date, perhaps you’ll need to update them to fix audio delay issues in Twitch.

This is relatively simple, and the best way to do that is to visit your graphics card manufacturer’s website and download the latest drivers for your model. Once you download the latest versions, install them and check if that solves your issue.

If you don’t want to update your drivers manually, you can always use third-party tools such as Outbyte Driver Updater to automatically update all your drivers with just a couple of clicks. Once your drivers are updated, check if the problem is still there.

The program is fast and reliable; with it, you’ll be just two clicks away from having your PC’s drivers updated to the latest versions.

2. Disable the HTML5 player

Visit the Twitch website.
Open the desired stream and click the Gear icon below the video.
Choose Advanced from the menu.
Locate the HTML5 Player option and disable it.

According to users, the Twitch audio desync can sometimes appear due to the HTML5 player. HTML5 almost completely replaced Adobe Flash on the web. But apparently, some people are having issues with HTML5 players on Twitch.

To fix this problem, users are suggesting disabling HTML5 players on Twitch.

After that, the problem should be resolved, and your audio issues will be fixed. Remember that you might have to repeat this workaround for each stream you want to play.

3. Disable hardware acceleration

Launch Firefox and click the menu button (three horizontal lines) in the top right corner.
Click on Settings.
Now, scroll down and uncheck the Use recommended preferences settings box under the Performance section.
Finally, uncheck the Use hardware acceleration when available box.

According to users, sometimes the Twitch audio desync issue can occur due to problems with hardware acceleration in your browser. Hardware acceleration is helpful because it utilizes your GPU to render content and improve performance.

However, this feature can sometimes lead to audio delays and other issues on Twitch. Many users suggest disabling hardware acceleration in your browser to fix the problem.

4. Disable extensions and clear browser data

Launch your browser and press the Ctrl + Shift + A keys.
Select the Extensions option in the left pane.
Now, toggle the switch before each extension backwards to disable it.
From here, click the menu button in the top right corner and select the History option.
Choose Clear recent history…
Now, click the Time range to clear dropdown and select Everything.
Tick the boxes for Browsing & download history, Cache, and Cookies.
Finally, click the OK button.

Extensions and browser data can cause any browser to misbehave. Hence, they can be the cause of the Twitch audio desync issue. The solution is to clear data and disable your extension.

If this fixes the issue, you start enabling your extensions one after the other to know the one causing the issue. Note that we have used Firefox here because most users are facing the issue on the browser. However, the solution can also be applied to any other browser with a few tweaks.

5. Disable Fast Boot

Use the following keyboard shortcut to open the Windows search box: Windows + S.
Type power settings in the search field, then choose Power & sleep settings from the results list.
In the right pane, go to the Related settings section and click Additional power settings.
Look at the left pane, and select Choose what the power button does.
Click on Change settings that are currently unavailable.
Uncheck Turn on fast startup (recommended) option, then click on Save changes.

According to users, this Twitch audio desync issue can be caused by the Fast Boot feature on Windows. This is useful since it will allow your system to boot faster by putting it in a state similar to hibernation.

Although this feature is useful, some users claim that it’s causing audio issues on Twitch. To fix the problem, it’s advised to disable it altogether.

6. Uninstall third-party audio drivers

6.1 Use the Control Panel

Press Windows + R, type control, and press Enter to open the Control Panel.
Click on Programs and Features or Uninstall a program to see a list of all the installed programs on your computer.
Locate the Realtek HD audio driver in the list and click on it, then click on the Uninstall button to begin the uninstall process.
Follow the prompts to complete the uninstallation process, then restart your computer to complete the uninstallation process.

Note: If you cannot find the Realtek audio driver in the Programs and features, you can try uninstalling it from the device manager.

6.2 Use the Device Manager

Press the Windows + X keys, and click on Device Manager.
Expand Sound, video, and game controllers.
Locate the audio driver, right-click on it, and select Uninstall device.
Confirm your choice when prompted, and restart your computer.

This solution may work if you are using Realtek audio drivers. We believe the Realtek drivers provided by ASUS for the Prime z370-a motherboard just have this bug unresolved. And uninstalling it will force your computer to use the native audio driver.

7. Disable the Use Device Timestamps option

Launch OBS and click the Gear icon under the audio you want to disable this feature for.
Select the Properties option.
Now, uncheck the box for the Use Device Timestamps option to disable it and click OK.

Some users reported Twitch audio desync while streaming and using OBS. To fix this problem, it’s advised to change a single setting in OBS.

After doing that, check if the problem is resolved. If this feature is already disabled, try enabling it and check if that solves your problem.

Audio delay issues in Twitch can negatively impact your viewing experience, but try all our solutions if you have this problem. They should help you fix it for good.

Also, if you have no audio on some Twitch streams, check our detailed guide to fix it quickly.

Use the comment section below for additional questions or suggestions about the subject matter.

How to Use Active Directory MFA on Premise

Posted on January 17, 2023July 21, 2025 by Kazim Ali Alvi

Active Directory, a Microsoft directory service, allows administrators to configure permissions and access rights to the network. While some use cloud-based options to protect the AD, many still rely on Active Directory MFA on-premise.

And if you are wondering whether there are any good options, we have just the right set of tools you could deploy for Active Directory MFA on-premise.

Should I set up MFA for the Active Directory?
How do I use Active Directory MFA on premise?
- Use ADSelfService Plus

Should I set up MFA for the Active Directory?

There are both arguments in favor and against setting up MFA (Multi-factor Authentication) for the Active Directory. With MFA, you add an additional layer of security which helps protect the network and its resources.

On the other hand, it makes the login process slightly more complex and time-consuming. However, if the network’s security is of prime concern, we recommend setting up MFA for the Active Directory on premise using one of the options here.

How do I use Active Directory MFA on premise?

Use ADSelfService Plus

Download ADSelfService Plus, proceed with the installation, and open the web console once done.
Now, enter the domain details and the credentials for it.
Next, navigate to the Configuration tab, under Self-Service on the left, choose Multi-factor Authentication, and then click on MFA for Endpoints.
Now, select a policy from the dropdown menu.
Tick the checkbox next to MFA for Machine Login, choose the number of authentication methods you want to configure, select them from the dropdown menu, and finally, click on Save Settings.

That’s it! The next time users try accessing the network, they would be required to bypass the authentication, in addition to Windows login.

With more than 18 authentication methods to choose from, ADSelfService Plus is one of the best tools when it comes to setting up Active Directory MFA on-premise. It’s quick, user-friendly, and seamless.

Also, under the Advanced settings, you will find an option, Skip MFA when ADSelfService Plus server is down or unreachable, which ensures that users are able to access the network even when the ADSelfService Plus services are down.

ADSelfService Plus

Get the perfect tool for multi-factor authentification and protect your organization from within.

Free trial Visit website

That’s all for now! Remember, it doesn’t mean that there are no other options available, but we found these two to be the most trustworthy and easy to use.

Before you leave, do not forget to check our recommendations for antivirus solutions.

Tell us your favorite tool to set up MFA for Active Directory in the comments section below.

How to Export List of Active Directory Users in a Group

Posted on January 17, 2023October 21, 2025 by Sagar Naresh

Apart from monitoring the network, auditing, and providing access to all the apps and services on the network, IT admins also often need to get a list of users in a group or group members from the Active Directory. This data is helpful while auditing, permissions review or allotment, or moving into other systems.

In this guide, you will learn how you can export an active directory list of users in a group. We will show you a couple of methods, one of which is via PowerShell and also using a specialized tool. Let us get right into it.

Why do Admins need to export a list of Active Directory users in a group?

Admins need to monitor a lot of things, to ensure that the network is out of blockage and that every member in the network can access the required apps and services.

Along the same line, admins need to monitor the Active Directory group members to know that all members have required access and permissions to resources that they are authorized to access.

Sometimes, overlooking can happen, and this could provide unnecessary access to group members to unauthorized apps and services.

How can I export a list of Active Directory users in a group?

1. Use Windows PowerShell

Press the Win key to open the Start menu.
Type powershell and open Windows PowerShell as an admin.
Type the below command and press Enter. Get-Module -ListAvailable
- If you do not have the RSAT tools installed on your PC, then you can download and install the RSAT tools.
- After you have installed the RSAT tools on your PC, run the command mentioned in step 3, and it will show that the module is installed.
Type the below command and press Enter. Get-ADGroup -filter * | sort name | select name
- The above command isn’t for the admins that know the name of the group.
- In case you do not know the name of the group, the above command will list all the Active Directory groups.
Execute the below command to load all members of a specific group. Get-ADGroupMember -identity "Group name"
- In place of the Group name in the above command, enter the name of the group of which you wish to list all the members.
To get the filtered result and just the member name, then type the below command and press Enter. Get-ADGroupMember -identity "Group name" | select name
Run the below command to export the group members’ results to a CSV file. Get-ADGroupMember -identity "Group name" | select name | Export-csv -path c:\it\filename.csv -Notypeinformation

This is one of the usual ways via which admins can get export list of users in a group from the Active Directory. However, there is another more efficient way to get the list of all users in a group from the Active Directory, using a specialized tool.

2. Use a specialized tool

Download ManageEngine ADManager Plus.
Install the program.
Launch the program.
Click on the Reports tab.
Select User Reports.
Under the General Reports section, click the All Users report.
Select the domain under the Selected Domain drop-down menu.
Choose the OU.
Hit the Generate button.
Hit the Export as button from the top and select the format among CSV, PDF, HTML, CSVDE and XLSX and export the file.

One of the best ways to export a list of users in a group from an Active Directory is to use the ManageEngine ADManager Plus tool.

Using this specialized tool, you can instantly export groups and members of an Active Directory. It even lets you schedule reports, export reports in multiple formats, search and sort results, and much more.

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For users looking for ways to install Active Directory, we have a step-by-step guide that will help you install Active Directory on a Windows server.

You can also check out our guide on how to view Active Directory groups on Windows 10 and Windows 11.

Let us know in the comments below, which one of the above methods you used to export a list of group members in the Active Directory.

How to Fix Hyper-V No Internet Connection: 3 Quick Ways

Posted on January 17, 2023July 19, 2024 by Vladimir Popescu

Users trying to use Hyper-V VM on Windows 10 reported not connecting to the Internet.

This can be an extremely annoying issue, especially if you need the VM to work remotely or run a program with specific requirements that need an Internet connection.

Knowing the importance of Hyper V to users, we have prepared this guide to help fix this issue for good, just like we did with the can’t install Hyper-V problem.

How do I get the internet back on Hyper-V?

1. Make a new Virtual Network Switch

Turn off your Windows 10 virtual machine.
Press the Windows key, type hyper v, and select the Hyper-V Manager.
Click on the Virtual Switch Manager option in the panel to your right.
In the newly opened window, click the New virtual network switch option in the left pane.
Now, choose External > Create virtual switch.
Next, change the name of your virtual machine inside the Virtual Switch Properties window.
Under the Connection type section, choose External network > Realtek PCIe GBE Familly Controller.
Finally, check the box next to Allow management operating system to share this network adapter and click the OK button.

If you are facing the Hyper V no internet on your default switch, you might need to create a new virtual machine.

Tip

Note:
In case an error appears saying Error applying Virtual Switch Properties changes, open the host machine network > right-click > select Properties > uncheck the option Hyper-V Extensible Virtual Switch > click OK.

2. Set the configuration parameters for the network adapter

Launch the Virtual Machine Manager.
Click Settings in the Windows 10 section.
Now, choose Network Adapter in the left pane.
Next, click the drop-down Virtual Switch menu and choose the switch created in Solution 1
Finally, click OK to save the changes.

If you are experiencing the Hyper V no internet issue while trying to access a connection guest, you should try to set the configuration parameters for the virtual network adapter you created earlier.

On your host Windows 10 machine, right-click the Network icon in the taskbar and select Open Network & Internet Settings.
In the Status tab, click on Change adapter options.
Inside the Network Connections window, right-click your VM and click Properties.
Now, enable the Allow other network users to connect through this computer’s Internet connection option.
Choose the network switch created earlier and click OK.
Finally, turn on Windows 10 in Hyper-V to finish the fix method.

We have come to the end of this guide on how to fix the Hyper V if it has no network. We believe you now have everything needed to fix this issue.

If you want to know how to change the network adapter type of VMWare, check our detailed guide to do it quickly.

Please let us know the solution that solved this issue in the comments below.

What is Audit Success in Windows: How to Improve Security

Posted on January 17, 2023October 21, 2025 by Afam Onyimadu

Do you want to learn about Windows audit success? Here is all you should know. Windows auditing is a critical security feature that allows administrators to track and monitor user activity on a Windows-based system.

Also, this includes recording events such as logins, file access, and changes to system settings. Furthermore, tracking and monitoring these events is essential for various reasons, including compliance with regulations, troubleshooting, and identifying security threats.

So, in this article, we will discuss the importance of Windows auditing and examine what audit success is in the context of the Windows operating system.

What is Windows auditing?

Windows auditing is an essential tool for ensuring the security and integrity of a Windows-based system. It provides a detailed record of user activity for identifying and addressing security threats and compliance with regulations.

There are several advantages of using Windows auditing to track and monitor user activity on a Windows-based system, including:

Security – Windows auditing allows administrators to identify and address security threats by providing a detailed record of user activity. This can detect and respond to unauthorized access and monitor potential security breaches.
Compliance – Windows auditing helps organizations to comply with various regulations, such as HIPAA, PCI-DSS, and SOX, by providing a comprehensive record of user activity to demonstrate compliance.
Troubleshooting – Windows auditing can help troubleshoot system problems by providing a detailed record of user activity. This can be useful for identifying the cause of a problem, as well as for determining the best course of action to resolve it.
Forensics – Windows auditing can be used for forensic purposes, allowing administrators to reconstruct past events and understand how security breaches occurred. This can help identify the cause of a problem and determine the best course of action to resolve it.

Note that tools like AD Manager Plus play an important role in Windows audit success. Firstly, it allows you to view, track and report on all Active Directory changes, user activities, and security events in real time.

Also, it helps to automate the process of creating, modifying, and deleting user accounts, as well as resetting passwords, enabling or disabling accounts, and managing group membership.

ADManager Plus

Useful in conjunction with other tools and practices to achieve comprehensive Windows audit success.

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What is Windows audit success?

1. How it works

Windows audit success events recording is done in the Windows event log. The event log is a system-wide log that records events that occur on a computer, such as a system startup and shutdown, security events, and application events.

Audit success events recording stays in the security event log, one of the three main event logs in Windows (the other two are the application event log and the system event log).

An administrator must first configure the audit policy settings on the computer or network to enable auditing.

These settings determine which actions require auditing and which events require logging into the event log. After configuring the audit policy settings, the operating system will begin tracking and recording the specified actions and events.

Audit success events recording in the event log show up as event ID 4648. The event log entry includes the following:

Information about the user who performed the action
The date and time of the action
The resources that were affected

This information can identify who acted when it was performed and what resources were affected.

2. Use Windows Audit Success to Improve Security and Compliance

Auditing can improve security and compliance in several ways. For example, audit success events are useful for the following:

Identify security breaches – Audit success events can identify suspicious activity and potential security breaches. For example, it logs an audit success event if a user logs in to a computer using an account without the authority to access the system.
Detect suspicious activity – Audit success events detect suspicious activity on a computer or network. For example, it logs audit success events if users access a file or resource they do not typically access.
Improve compliance – Audit success events improve compliance with regulatory standards. For example, if an organization is subject to HIPAA regulations, audit success events track access to protected health information (PHI).
Improve incident response – Audit success events improve incident response. For example, if an incident such as a security breach occurs, audit success events determine actions taken and by whom.

Windows audit success is a powerful tool that improves security and compliance.

Audit success events can identify security breaches, detect suspicious activity, and improve compliance with regulatory standards by tracking and recording specific actions on a computer system or network.

Hope you have found this guide helpful. Lastly, let us know your thoughts in the comments below.

How to Notify Users of Password Expiration in Active Directory

Posted on January 17, 2023October 21, 2025 by Milan Stanojevic

Frequently changing the Active Directory password is a great way to protect it, but many users are wondering if there’s a way to notify users of password expiration in Active Directory.

It’s crucial that you change your password for both security reasons and to avoid Active Directory account lockout.

Password notifications are relatively simple to configure, and in this guide, we’re going to show you a couple of methods that you can use.

How can I notify users of password expiration in Active Directory?

1. Edit Group Policy

Press Windows key + R and enter gpedit.msc. Click OK.
Navigate to Computer Configuration and expand Windows Settings. Next, go to Security Settings and select Local Policies. Lastly, choose Security Options.
Now double-click Interactive Logon: Prompt user to change password before expiration in the right pane.
Now adjust Begin prompting this many days before password expires to the desired value.
Save changes.

If you want to notify users of password expiration in Active Directory, this is the simplest method to use.

2. Use Powershell script

NOTE

This is an advanced solution, and it requires you to read the documentation and manually adjust the script settings before it could work on your network.

Visit meoso’s GitHub page.
Click on Download zip.
Once the file is downloaded, extract it.
Configure the PowerShell file and run it.

3. Use ADSelfService Plus

Log in to the ADSelfService Plus admin portal.
Next, navigate to the Configuration tab. Select Password Expiration Notification. It should be located in the Self-Service section.
Select the domains, OUs, and groups that you want to receive the notification.
Set the desired Scheduler Name and choose the Notification Type.
From the Notify via menu select the method you want to use to send notifications.
Next, configure the notification frequency and schedule time.
Now fill in the Subject and Message fields.
Click on Advanced and configure the desired settings.
Save changes.

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As you can see, it’s pretty simple to notify users of password expiration in Active Directory, and you can use any of the methods mentioned in this guide.

To ensure that your passwords are safe, it’s always recommended to use reliable password manager software.

What method do you use to notify users about password expiration? Let us know in the comments below.

Amazon Firestick Not Booting Up: Why & How to Fix

Posted on January 17, 2023February 22, 2024 by Milan Stanojevic

The Amazon Fire TV Stick is popular among users. However, it is not all roses; some users complain the Firestick is not booting up.

It just gets stuck on the Amazon or Fire TV logo. This makes it unusable, as you won’t be able to access your files. The good news is that there are a series of ways to fix this issue, as shown in this guide.

How can I do if FireStick is not booting?

1. Unplug and then plug the device back in

Unplug the fire stick from the TV and the power source to fix the problem. Plug the stick back in after five minutes.

While this might look too simple, it has worked for many users. So, you shouldn’t hesitate to try it.

2. Use the original power accessories

cable and adapter firestick not booting up

One of the significant reasons the Firestick might not be booting up is insufficient power supply. The first thing to do here is to ensure you are using the original cable and adapter that came with your device.

This is because Amazon recommends using the power tools included with the device. Using others with a substandard rating can damage your Firestick.

Also, ensure that your device is connected directly to a power source and not your TV’s USB port. Your TV USB port can not supply the power rating needed to make the Firestick work properly.

3. Check HDCP compatibility

One of the anti-piracy features introduced in digital content nowadays is HDCP. This helps to limit the rate at which digital content can be distributed illegally.

Modern TVs now incorporate an HDCP-compatible HDMI port to match this HDCP requirement. The same cannot be said about old TVs.

Hence, if you use an old TV with this feature, Firestick might be stuck on the Fire TV logo and not boot up. The surefire solution is to change your TV to a modern one.

Another option is using an HDMI splitter to take advantage of its fallback mode. Just note that you should not copy or distribute any content you don’t have rights for.

4. Change HDMI ports and cables

HDMI ports and cables are the connective tools and mediums between your Firestick and your TV. Hence, they need to be properly connected and firing to ensure your device boots up properly.

So, if your Firestick is not booting up, you must change between HDMI ports if your TV has multiple ports. Note that you need to turn off your Firestick before changing HDMI ports.

Also, you should not just use any cable. High-speed HDMI cables are the recommended ones you need to make the Firestick-TV connections successful. Lastly, check if there is no physical damage to cables and ports.

5. Try another TV

Sometimes, your Firestick might not be booting up because of a problem with your TV. To eliminate all doubts and know where to focus your energy, you should try to connect to a different TV and see if Firestick works.

If the device boots up normally on the new TV, your TV might have hardware issues like faulty HDMI ports that might require the intervention of a technician.

6. Wait for some time

If you have tried the solutions above and can’t make headway on the Firestick not booting up issue, you need to wait it out.

According to Amazon, you might need to wait up to 25 minutes or more. In essence, you should wait till the device boots.

7. Reset Firestick

Press and hold the Right navigation and Back buttons on your Firestick remote for about 10 seconds.
Choose OK when prompted to confirm the action.
Finally, wait for the process to complete.

If all other solutions fail to get Firestick to boot up normally, you might need to reset your device for the jugular. This will delete all the devices’ apps, files, and other contents.

The Firestick not booting up the issue can be frustrating, rendering the device useless. Thankfully, it is not an issue that is impossible to fix, as shown in this guide. For network-related issues with your Firestick, don’t hesitate to check out our expert article.

Are you looking to connect your Amazon Firestick to Bluetooth devices? Then check our detailed guide to do it effectively.

If you’re having trouble with ITVX not working on Firestick, check this guide for tested solutions. We also have a guide on Disney Plus not working on Fire Stick, so don’t miss it.

Let us know the solution that helped you fix this issue in the comments below.

ADB Reboot Bootloader Not Working: How to Get It Fixed?

Posted on January 17, 2023October 29, 2024 by Loredana Harsana

ADB reboot bootloader is an integral part of the Android ecosystem. It enables users to execute advanced tasks, including unlocking the bootloader, flashing firmware, and rooting the device. Unfortunately, many users have reported issues with the ADB reboot bootloader command not working.

This could be due to a faulty USB connection, debugging, or corrupt or wrong USB drivers. Whatever the reason may be, it can be fixed.

Here, we will discuss various troubleshooting methods to resolve this issue, along with the causes of its occurrence.

What does the ADB reboot bootloader do?

Android Debug Bridge (ADB) reboot bootloader is a command that can reboot your Android phone into bootloader mode. It is a separate boot mode from Android OS and helps root the device, unlocking its bootloader or flashing firmware.

The bootloader mode allows you to access partitions you can’t access from Android OS. Advanced users primarily use it to access specific system files and troubleshoot issues on the device.

What causes the ADB reboot bootloader not working issue?

The Android Debug Bridge reboot bootloader command might not work for several reasons. Some of the popular ones are listed below:

The device is not connected correctly – If your Android is not connected to your computer correctly, this mode might not work. Check the USB cable and replug it to establish a connection.
Outdated USB drivers – If your device is connected to a USB and your computer is missing the correct USB drivers, then the bootloader won’t work.
USB debugging disabled – To enter developer mode, it is essential to turn on USB debugging. If it is not enabled, then you can face the issue.
Outdated version of ADB – If you don’t have the latest version of ADB installed on your computer, you can get the issue.

How to get ADB reboot bootloader working?

Before moving to the troubleshooting steps, please go through these preliminary checks to fix the issue:

Check the cable you use to connect your Android and computer for any physical damage.
Make sure your Android and computer have no pending updates.
Use USB 2.0 for lesser conflicts.

1. Update the USB drivers

Press Windows + R to open the Run window.
Type devmgmt.msc and press Enter to open Device Manager.
Go to the USB controller and expand it. Right-click on the driver listed and select Update driver.
Now click Search automatically for drivers. Follow the onscreen prompts to complete the process.

2. Check if USB debugging is enabled

Go to Settings.
Click About Phone.
Tap on Build Number (MUI) seven times to get into developer mode.
Once done, close the Settings app.
Relaunch the Settings, click Additional Settings, then tap Developers options.
Tap on USB debugging to enable it.
If it is enabled, disable it, wait for a few seconds, and will allow it again.

3. Clean Install of ADB drivers

Download the ADB installer file. Then, extract the zip file and save it in the accessible location.
Connect your Android to your PC, and double-click on the installer file. It will take you to the blue interface; type Y to continue.
Again for the following prompt, Install ADB system-wide. Type Y.
If you get a system path not specified error, press Windows + R to open the Run box.
Type %userprofile% and press Enter. On the next window, create a folder and name it desktop.
Now return to the window with the ADB installer file, and double-click it to run.
Now type Y to initiate the process. Again type Y when it asks to install ADB system-wide.
Once files are copied, type Y to install device drivers.
Follow the onscreen instructions to complete the process.
The last window will show the Status as Ready to use; click Finish.

4. Check if the ADB daemon is running in the background

Press the Windows key, type CMD and click Run as administrator.
Type the following command and press Enter: adb devices
You will get a list of devices. If you see your device name, it is correctly connected to your computer.

5. Check OEM lock is enabled

You must check if OEM locks your device if nothing works for you. Some devices come with an OEM lock, which stops the user from flashing firmware and unlocking the bootloader. First, you need to check on the device manufacturer’s website or device manual. If that’s the case, you need to connect your device to the computer and use a tool to unlock your device.

So, these are the methods you need to follow to fix the issue of the ADB reboot bootloader. Try them and let us know which worked for you in the comments below.

Before you go, don’t miss our guide on what to do if the ADB command is not found since it covers a similar subject.

AutoRun.Inf Not Working / Missing: Quick Fixes

Posted on January 17, 2023October 4, 2023 by Loredana Harsana

Although it has been a great tool for managing finances, Microsoft Money is no longer actively developed, being announced in 2008 that there are no new plans for another release in 2009.

Some users report that they have bought Microsoft Money 2006 to replace my Microsoft Money 2002 for example, but they receive the error message autorun.inf file is missing or corrupt.

We will explore in this article how you can solve the autorun.inf file is missing or corrupt, so make sure to keep on reading.

How can I fix the autorun.inf file is missing or corrupt?

1. Run the program in Compatibility mode

Locate the program’s icon, right-click on it and select Properties.
Click on the Compatibility tab.
Check the box Run this program in compatibility mode for and select the desired Windows version.
Click OK and try to run the program again.

This is a pretty simple solution, and it should help you if you’re getting autorun.inf file is missing or corrupt error while trying to run older software.

2. Use command line

Copy the USMoneyDlxSunset.exe into your Documents folder.
Next, go to Start and type in cmd to open a command prompt.
Enter the following commands and press enter:
cd %USERPROFILE%*documents USMoneyDlxSunset.exe /C /T:%TEMP%\Sunset cd %TEMP%\Sunset setup
These commands should fix the issue so make sure you try again to run the program.

This is one method that you can use to circumvent autorun.inf file is missing or corrupt while trying to run Microsoft Money Deluxe.

3. Rename the registry key

Press Windows Key + R and enter regedit. Press Enter or click OK.
Here locate the HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\IniFileMapping\Autorun.inf
Right-click the Autorun.inf key and choose Rename.
Rename the key to Autorun.inf.bak.
Run the program again and it should work now.
Finally, you can return and change the registry name to its initial name.

You can also delete Autorun.inf key, but it would be safer to just rename it. After renaming or deleting this key, check if the autorun.inf file is missing or corrupt message is gone.

4. Create the Autorun.inf registry key

Open the Registry Editor.
Navigate to the following key: Computer\HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\IniFileMapping
Right-click the IniFileMapping and select New. Now choose Key from the context menu.
Name the new key Autorun.inf.

This solution can fix autorun.inf file is missing or corrupt error, but the solution only works if you don’t have the Autorun.inf key in your registry. If that’s the case, create the key by following the steps above.

What do I do if autorun.inf is not working?

1. Make sure AutoPlay is enabled

Press Windows + I to open Settings, choose Bluetooth & devices from the navigation pane, and click on AutoPlay.
Now, make sure the toggle for AutoPlay is enabled at the top, and choose the appropriate settings for the device from the dropdown menu.

If you wondering whether autorun.inf does work on Windows 10, the answer is Yes. And you now also know what to do when autorun.inf is not working when USB is plugged in.

Also, you can similarly fix things when Windows 10 autorun.inf is not working.

2. Reset Autoplay settings to default

Press Windows + S to open Search, type Control Panel in the text field, and click on the relevant search result.
From the View by dropdown menu, choose Small icons.
Now, click on AutoPlay.
Scroll down to the bottom and click on Reset all defaults.
Finally, click on Save to apply the changes.

If AutoPlay is not working in Windows, resetting things to defaults should do the trick.

With this last step, we will conclude our article. We hope that one of the solutions presented in this article will help you solve things when autorun.inf file is missing or corrupt or if auto run is not working in Windows 10.

Also, before you leave, find out how to disable Autorun in Windows.

If you have additional recommendations or suggestions, don’t hesitate to let us know in the comments section below, we would love to read them.

Sims 2 Keeps Crashing on Windows 10: Solved

Posted on January 17, 2023May 10, 2024 by Milan Stanojevic

Sims 2 is a sequel to the bestselling computer game ever. It was released in 2004 for Microsoft Windows and can be played on mobile platforms as well.

Anyone who has played it knows how addictive it can get. But there are times when you have problems that hinder you from enjoying the game, like when Sims 2 crashes or doesn’t launch or freezes altogether.

Users have reported their Sims 2 crashing at the loading screen, on startup, or during play. This article takes you through what you can do when Sims 2 keeps crashing in Windows 10.

Why does my Sims 2 game crash?

One of the reasons for this is that games that were working in previous operating systems, may or may not work in Windows 10 owing to compatibility issues. However, it may also occur due to file or driver corruption, or when you’ve not updated your drivers or graphics card.

Note: If you’re playing off a disc, these games use Safedisc which isn’t supported on Windows 10. Check if you can get digital versions of the games you can download and play.

How do I stop my Sims 2 from crashing?

1. Restart your computer or device

Sometimes when Sims 2 is crashing in Windows 10, it can be due to a temporary issue that can be fixed by restarting your computer or device. This resets anything running in the memory that can cause the game to crash.

Ensure there’s nothing open or unsaved before you continue as this will automatically close any open applications. To do this, click Start>Power>Restart. Once your computer restarts, sign back in and see if your game works.

2. Check for Windows updates

Press Windows + I to open Settings, and click on Update & Security.
Now, click on Check for updates on the right.
If an update is listed after the scan, click on Download & install to get it.

Updating the OS also helps when The Sims 2 is not working on Windows 11.

3. Reinstall the driver

Driver files should be uninstalled before you update to newer drivers, or when removing an older graphics card and replacing it with a new one.

Press Windows + R to open Run, type control in the text field, and hit Enter.
Click on Uninstall a program.
Right-click the graphics card driver you’re using and select Uninstall
Confirm that you wish to continue with the uninstall
A prompt will appear asking if you want to delete all saved profiles. Clicking Yes will delete all its software and saved profiles. Clicking No will remove its software but the profile files are saved on your hard disk.
Once driver files have been uninstalled, restart your computer to complete the uninstallation
Turn on your computer and reinstall your graphics card driver

You can also downgrade the graphics drivers and see if it helps when Sims 2 is crashing in Windows 10.

3.1 Update drivers automatically

Downloading and updating drivers manually may damage your system by choosing and installing the wrong versions. To prevent that from the start, we strongly suggest doing it automatically by using specialized driver updating software.

4. Check if your computer meets the system requirements for the game

Some games have specific minimum system requirements for Windows 10 to play them seamlessly. Check if your computer or device can run the game without problems.

5. Sign in as a different user

Sometimes when Sims 2 is crashing in Windows 10, it can be due to corrupted profile data on your computer or device.

1. Click Start

2. Click on your account name at the top left corner and click Sign Out

3. Click Switch account

4. Sign in with the other account and restart the game to see if it works

6. Repair or reinstall the game

Game files can get corrupted or altered if there’s malware in your computer, or you’re running a game modification on it. This solution will remove and replace the files that run the game. Some games even repair original files without you having to completely remove the game.

How to reinstall the game from Microsoft Store

Click Start
Select All apps.
Find the game in the list of application
Right click the game and select Uninstall
Follow the steps to uninstall it
Reinstall the game by opening the Store app and select profile button
Click My Library
Find the game and click Download

Reinstall from a different location

Click Start
Select Settings
Type Programs and Features and select it from the search results.
Find your game in the list of available programs and apps
If it supports repair, the Repair function will appear as an option on the list of games. Select it to access the in-game repair process. Some games support repair through Uninstall/Change options.
Select Uninstall or Remove and follow the instructions to remove the game
Insert the media you used to install the game and follow the instructions

7. Reset the game

This helps restore corrupted game installation files.

Click Start
Select Settings
Select System.
Select Apps and Features.
Find the game and click on Advanced options
Click Reset
Restart your computer to effect the changes

8. Run DISM tool

The Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM) tool, helps fix Windows corruption errors when Windows Updates and service packs fail to install due to corruption errors, like if you have a damaged system file.

Click Start
In the search field box, type CMD
Click Command Prompt in the search results list.
Type Dism /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth to scan for missing components
Type Dism /Online /Cleanup-Image /CheckHealth to check for missing or broken files
Type Dism /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth to scan and correct any causes of the Windows 10 desktop is slow to load issue
Press Enter

Once the repair is complete, reboot your computer and check if the problem persists, after which you can run an SFC scan as described in the next solution.

Note: The DISM tool usually takes 15 minutes to complete, however, sometimes it may take longer. Do not cancel when it is running.

9. Use System File Checker to repair damaged files

This checks or scans all protected system files, and then replaces the incorrect versions, with the genuine, correct Microsoft versions.

Here’s how to do this:

Click Start
Go to the search field box and type CMD
Right click Command Prompt and select Run as Administrator.
Type sfc/scannow.
Press Enter
Restart your computer and try to install updates again.

10. Clear the Windows Store cache

Press Windows + R to open Run, type wsreset.exe, and hit Enter.
Waif for the reset process to complete. Ideally, it shouldn’t take more than a few seconds.

11. Perform a System restore

Click Start
Go to the search field box and type System Restore
Click Create a restore point in the list of search results
Enter your administrator account password or grant permissions if prompted to
In the System Restore dialog box, click System Restore then Choose a different restore point
Click Next
Click a restore point created before you experienced the problem
Click Next
Click Finish

Has any of these solutions helped fix the Sims 2 crashing in Windows 10 issue? Let us know by leaving a comment in the section below.

How can I fix Windows system sounds being too loud?

1. Restore the original audio driver

2. Use an Audio Enhancer app

Boom 3D

3. Run Hardware Troubleshooter

4. Update the audio driver

5. Uninstall Sound card drivers

6. Buy or build an inline attenuator

7. Adjust settings using Levels tab

8. Use Equalizer APO

9. Lower system volume

10. Turn off sound processor

11. Switch to Windows native audio driver

12. Install updated firmware (BIOS)

13. Perform a system restore

How do I recover a Microsoft account that doesn’t exist?

1. Check if the account name was typed correctly

2. Find your account name from your Windows 10 PC or Xbox

3. Make sure you’re using the correct account type

4. Your Microsoft account might have been deleted

Why is Windows 11 not assigning a drive letter automatically?

How do I assign drive letters in Windows 11?

1. Use Settings

2. Use Disk Management

3. Use Command Prompt

4. Use Powershell

How do I force a drive letter to assign?

1. Assign the drive letter manually

2. Enable the auto-mount option

3. Disable hidden/missing default drive letter attributes

How do I fix error code 0x80070003?

1. Modify the Registry

2. Run the Windows Update troubleshooter

3. Run the DISM and SFC scan

4. Restart or stop the Windows Update Service

5. Reset the Windows Update Components

6. Manually download each update

7. Perform an in-place upgrade

How to fix update error 0x80070003 on Windows 11?

1. Run a quick SFC scan

Why does my monitor slowly fade to black?

What should I do when my monitor fades to black?

1. Initiate a system restart

2. Apply Windows updates

3. Update graphic drivers

4. Reinstall graphic drivers

What causes the graphics card keeps crashing on Windows 10/11?

How do I fix the graphics card that keeps crashing on the PC?

1. Update DirectX

2. Update the graphics driver

2.1 Update the driver manually

2.2 Use a third-party tool

3. Stop overclocking

4. Run the SFC scan

Can you buy Adobe without a subscription?

How can I use Adobe without a subscription for free?

1. Use the trial version of Adobe Illustrator

Adobe Illustrator

2. Alternatives to Adobe Illustrator permanent license

Table of contents

How do I fix Xbox app if it won’t install?

Table of contents

1. Reset the Xbox app package

2. Run the License Service Script

3. Clear the Microsoft Store cache

4. Check for the latest Windows updates

5. Run the Windows Apps troubleshooter

6. Create a New Local Admin Account

7. Repair Corrupted System Files

8. Enable Required Services

9. Reset Windows Store Components (Advanced)

10. Install Gaming Services Manually

How do I manually install the Xbox app?

How to download Windows 7 service pack 2

What is Windows monthly quality rollup?

Summary

Can I pin Recycle Bin to the Taskbar?

How can I add Recycle Bin to the taskbar on Windows 11?

How do I uninstall HP Print and Scan Doctor?

1. Delete the HPPSDR.exe file