Play I Am Fish this weekend with Xbox Free Play Days

Posted on by Robert Collins

Xbox Free Play Days is back this week. This time around things are a bit different with a sole game offered for this week’s Free Play Days event instead of the typical three. This week from Thursday, January 12th through Sunday, January 15th, subscribers of Xbox Live Gold and Xbox Game Pass Ultimate can install and play I Am Fish to their heart’s content. Let’s take a closer look at the game below.

I Am Fish

I Am Fish
I Am Fish
Download
QR-Code

I Am Fish
Developer:
Curve Games
Price:
$5.99

I am Fish is a charming, physics-based adventure starring four intrepid fish friends, forcibly separated from their home in a pet shop fish tank. Over the course of the game you join them as they swim, fly, roll and chomp their way to the open ocean from the far-flung corners of Barnardshire (the smallest county in England) in their bid for freedom and to re-unite once again.

Games featured in Xbox Free Play Days events are available for purchase at discounts. As you can see above, this week’s selection can be had at a pretty handsome price, especially after the Free Play Days discount.

You can learn more over on the Xbox Free Play Days FAQ page.

Featured image via Xbox.com. 

How to Fix UEFI Interactive Shell V2.2 When Booting the PC

Posted on by Aleksandar Ognjanovic

Some users got stuck in the UEFI Shell after rebooting their PC. For some, the error was preceded by a sudden shutdown while others haven’t experienced anything unusual prior to the EFI Shell error.

Boot loops and BSODs are something every PC user will run into eventually. Below, we’ll explain how to get rid of the UEFI shell error in just a few steps.

How to fix UEFI Shell errors when booting up the PC

1. Plug HDD into a different port

Seemingly, by switching SATA ports some users managed to get out the UEFI. This, of course, points towards some hardware-based issues, so even though your PC might boot into the system, there’s always a fear of HDD or, less likely, motherboard issues.

Try booting again and look for changes. If you’re able to access the Boot settings, make sure that the HDD is at the top of the list. If you can’t see your HDD in the list of bootable drives, we’re most likely looking at a hardware issue.

2. Disable MSI Fast Boot or UEFI Boot in BIOS

Every motherboard OEM has a few specific settings. Albeit, some of them are gimmicks, features like MSI Fast Boot are frequently used to speed up booting into the system.

However, it seems that this feature doesn’t work as intended with Windows 10. Some users were able to get out of the UEFI Shell when it’s stuck by disabling this feature.

Alternatively, if you have UEFI boot somewhere within the UEFI settings, do disable it. This is another possible reason for the issue at hand. In addition, try resetting UEFI settings to factory defaults. That way you’ll be sure no changes were made.

3. Remove the CMOS battery

If the BIOS/UEFI configuration is corrupt, you have to remove the CMOS battery.

That way, all cached configurations will be reset and you should be able to boot into the system

Just power off your PC and remove all cables. Access the inside of the case and, somewhere in the middle of the motherboard, you should see a hand watch battery. Remove it and re-insert it.

Plug in everything and give it another go.

If the HDD is recognized and set as the first boot option, consider reinstalling the system. Just don’t forget to back up your files.

In case you have alternative solutions when your UEFI Shell is stuck on boot, we forgot to mention, make sure to tell us in the comments section below.

Here’s How to Lock .exe Files With Password [Best Tools]

Posted on by Ivan Jenic

Are you looking for the best tools to password lock .exe files? We’ve got the best tools enlisted for you in this post.

There are times when people like their privacy and choose to keep their personal things safe and secure, but they don’t know how to go about this.

Our computers and other digital devices have over the years become a very important part of our day-to-day activities, due to the frequent use of certain programs, we keep personal files on them and sometimes want to keep them password-secured.

Keeping files secure is one of the safest ways to protect them from alterations of any kind. Files like .exe files are no exception but not everyone keeps their .exe files secure.

A lot of tools are available for download to keep these files but only a few really take the time to secure and protect them against any third-party influence.

We have carefully highlighted the best software to lock your .exe files and they are professionally trusted and recommended, check below:

Password lock executable files using any of these tools

WinZip – Most used file management tool

Topping off our list is a software tool that many would not think about when it comes to file protection.

WinZip is probably known by most of you for its ability to compress and unzip files, but it has evolved to be much more than just that.

For example, not only can it now compress your data into the most size-efficient formats, but they are also encrypted and locked, so only the one that knows the password will ever get to see the contents.

More so, after the program is done compressing and password-protecting the file, you can go ahead and share it either on cloud storage services like Google Drive or OneDrive or send it to social media platforms.

Here are some of the perks of using WinZip:

  • Best compression technology around
  • Password-protection for archives
  • Makes it easy to share your data
  • Banking-level encryption
  • Easy-to-use

Winzip

Password-protect your data, encrypt it, compress it, and allow it with this amazing multi-purpose tool.
Download Get it now

GiliSoft EXE Lock – Universal EXE files locking

Gilsoft EXE Lock is quite a useful tool that blocks any unauthorized access to .exe files whenever an attempt is made to launch the executable files.

The tool is also built to enable you to give access to certain people to your files. On the other hand, the simple interface of this tool makes it easy for anyone without a technical background to password lock .exe files.

The software protects you as well from any spyware or other viruses that may infect your computer. So it can efficiently lock your executable files while protecting you from serious damages provoked by malware.

Gilsoft EXE Lock features:

  • Command-line support.
  • Lock with a secure cryptographic algorithm.
  • Eliminate viruses modifying software.
  • Secure access to personal files.

Gilisoft EXE Lock

Eliminate the risk of exposing important data from your PC and get password locking with Gilisoft EXE Lock.
Check price Visit website

KakaExeLock – Secure users file password protection

This is an easy-to-use freeware program that makes it easy for Windows users to password lock .exe files and applications.

KakaExeLock runs an algorithm that modifies the binary to be executable such that only if a valid password is put in will the file be opened. However, It works basically on Windows XP up to Windows 10.

Therefore, with its practical features, this software is best suited to prevent risky access to your EXE files and also helps with restricting access to your files by the command line.

KakaExeLock features:

  • Protected .exe files still work fine on a different machine.
  • Safe
  • Efficient
  • No background run to provide functionality.

⇒ Get KakaExeLock

Renee File Protector – Multiple layer protection

This is an easy-to-use tool that helps Windows users to lock .exe files with a secure password. Renee File Protector requires first-time users to set a master password and email address; this will give them secure access to password lock .exe files.

This loud software can provide great assistance with your PC files, helping with protection for external disk data as folders in external memory devices.

Hence it will guard your system with shared data security using passwords for shared files or folders. Plus, you can hide a lot of files, protect them from unauthorized changes, or safely delete the files.

Renee File Protector features:

  • Ability to password-protect data in the shared folder
  • A guest password is provided for access to others.
  • Provide other functions like hiding, protecting, lock, monitoring, encrypt,ing and also safe delete functions

⇒ Get Renee File Protector

Bitlocker – Superior user data protection

This tool is specially built into Windows to help you encrypt an entire hard drive for better functionality and enhanced security.

The tool is available on all major Windows OS most especially for Windows 10 users and it is a closed-source program.

Bitlocker features:

  • Encrypted Hard Drive Support
  • Bitlocker device encryption
  • Preboot information protection
  • Manage passwords and pins
  • Configure network unlock
  • Deploy hard drive encryption.

⇒ Learn about Bitlocker

In conclusion, password-locking .exe files with these top tools can really help protect your program files from any alteration of any kind.

Having numerous file lockers cannot all secure from viruses and other things, try installing a good antivirus or a reliable VPN.

Secure your personal and sensitive files with the greatest tools out there

If you have questions regarding any of the tools we mentioned above, feel free to comment below.

Aptio Setup Utility: What Is It & How to Fix Asus Stuck in It

Posted on by Aleksandar Ognjanovic

Aptio Setup Utility can sometimes get stuck on your ASUS laptop and this can be a major issue. However, there’s a way to deal with it, and today we’re going to show you how to fix Aptio Setup Utility.

But first, let’s have a closer look at the various issues that can arise in connection to it:

  • Aptio Setup Utility stuck
  • Asus laptop stuck in Aptio Setup Utility – In this case, we are talking about an Asus laptop stuck in Aptio Setup Utility loop
  • Aptio Setup Utility keeps popping up
  • Aptio Setup Utility no CSM option

Now, the issue is by no means exclusive to a particular laptop model, however, Asus Ultrabook and Asus Vivobook seem to be more prone to the Aptio Setup Utility stuck issue.

Furthermore, you are likely to encounter this anomaly across all Windows versions. Don’t worry, though, we’ll show you how to exit Aptio Setup Utility on Windows 10, 11, or 7. But why does Aptio Setup Utility appear?

What is Aptio Setup Utility?

Custom BIOS options are not a rarity. AMI has its own BIOS UEFI called Aptio Setup Utility and it mostly comes with ASUS desktop computers and laptops. This is commonly known as Aptio Setup Utility American Megatrends INC.

Now, there’s not a large difference between this and other BIOS setups, if it’s not for the one isolated problem that bothers a multitude of Asus users.

And that’s a sudden halt that prevents them from booting into Windows 10.

Allegedly, they’re stuck in this setup utility with every new restart which results in a never-ending loop. Our first thought in this matter is an HDD malfunction which can be caused by:

  • A faulty HDD that won’t boot
  • Non-factory HDD replacement won’t boot

On the contrary, if you’re 100% sure that your HDD is working fine or that its replacement is supported and connected properly, there are some steps you can take to overcome the Aptio Setup Utility Asus stuck issue.

In order to help you, we provided a few solutions to show you how to get past Aptio Setup Utility. Make sure to check them out.

How do I fix my ASUS computer stuck on the boot screen with Aptio Setup Utility?

  1. Restart your computer
  2. Reset BIOS to default values
  3. Enable CSM and disable Secure Boot
  4. Reinstall Windows

1. Restart your computer to fix Aptio Setup Utility

Sometimes the simplest solutions are the best, and several users reported that they fixed the problem with Aptio Setup Utility simply by restarting their PC.

This sounds like an obvious solution, but several users claim that this fix worked for them, so you might want to try it out.

Now, it’s true that Aptio Setup Utility stuck is a severe and widely recognized problem, but, sometimes, the most complex issues can be resolved in a simple manner.

Just reset your computer several times and look for changes. In case you’re still stuck in BIOS limbo state, make sure to check the additional steps. We provided those below.

2. Perform an Aptio Setup Utility BIOS Factory Reset & Restore defaults

  1. Restart your PC.
  2. The Aptio Setup Utility main menu should appear.
  3. Enter Settings and look for the Reset Configuration Data or Factory reset options.
  4. Reset BIOS to factory data and save changes.
  5. Exit Aptio and reboot your PC.

If the previous solution didn’t work for you, you might want to try resetting your Aptio Setup Utility BIOS. By doing so, you might be able to fix this and other problems caused by improper BIOS configuration.

How do I reset my computer from Aptio Setup Utility? If you’re not sure how to reset BIOS settings, follow the instructions listed above.

The Aptio Setup Utility Factory Reset, respectively Aptio Setup Utility Restore Defaults (Reset Configuration) options should work just fine.

However, in case you’re unable to access these settings, there’s an additional, manual way to do it.

By removing the CMOS battery from the motherboard, you’ll most certainly restore your BIOS to factory configuration and thus resolve issues.

  1. Turn off your computer.
  2. Turn off the power switch on the back and unplug the power cord. If you’re using a laptop, make sure to remove the battery.
  3. Press and hold the power button for a minute or so to completely discharge your PC.
  4. Before you continue with the hardware meddling, make sure to touch the metal surface in order to discharge your body’s static electricity.
  5. The CMOS battery should be a standard wristwatch flat battery. Remove it carefully by moving the side pin.
  6. Wait for a short period of time and put the battery back in its socket.
  7. Turn on your PC and look for changes.

This is how you perform a CMOS reset. Don’t forget to reinstall the battery and restart your Asus laptop when you’re done.

3. Enable CSM and disable Secure Boot

  1. Restart your PC and enter Aptio Utility settings.
  2. Select Security, then Secure boot.
  3. Choose Disable Secure boot.
  4. Save and exit.
  5. Now, this won’t resolve your Asus laptop stuck Aptio Setup Utility loop, so restart your PC once more.
  6. Wait for it to load Aptio Utility settings again and open the Boot section.
  7. Navigate to both Secure boot and Fast boot and disable them respectively.
  8. From the same menu, enable CSM and save changes.
  9. Restart your PC and wait until it boots into Windows.

Some users also mentioned the Aptio Setup Utility no CSM option issue.

How do I get out of Aptio Setup Utility no launch CSM? It’s easy to leave the Aptio setup even in this case. All you need to do is disable both Secure and Fast boot and re-enable CSM (Compatibility Support Module).

Namely, both Secure boot and Fast boot can instigate problems with HDD, especially if you replaced the factory HDD and placed an alternative storage device.

This goes especially for Asus-produced laptops and it’s a security measure with the main purpose to protect your data.

4. Reinstall Windows

  1. First, download the Media Creation tool on an alternative PC.
  2. Insert the blank DVD or plug in the compatible USB flash drive (4GB).
  3. Run Media Creation Tool and accept the License Terms.media creation tool aptio setup utility asus
  4. Choose Create installation media (USB flash drive, DVD, or ISO file) for another PC and click Next.create installation media aptio setup utility
  5. Choose the preferred language, architecture, and edition, and click Next. Make sure to select the version you have the license key for.language and edition settings aptio setup utility asus
  6. Select USB flash drive or ISO depending on your media of choice and click Next.choose which media to use aptio setup utility asus
  7. Once the setup download is completed, you can either continue with the procedure with USB or burn the ISO file to DVD and move from there.
  8. Finally, once we prepared everything, restart your PC.
  9. In the Aptio Utility BIOS settings, navigate to the Boot section.
  10. Choose USB flash drive or DVD-ROM as the primary boot device. Save changes and restart your PC again.
  11. From here, your Windows setup files should start loading. Just follow the instructions and you should be good to go.

Finally, If you’re positive about your HDD health status, you can reinstall the system again. If not, you can easily check your HDD health with specialized tools to be absolutely sure.

Basically, what you’ll need to do is to use an alternative PC to create a bootable media (USB or DVD) and try to boot from it.

Finally, as we already stated, these solutions count only if your HDD is completely functional. If that’s not the case, you might want to replace it accordingly and start from there.

We hope this was a helpful read. In case you have questions, suggestions, or alternative solutions we haven’t mentioned, feel free to tell us in the comments below. 

Dead Space remake launch trailer “Humanity Ends Here” unveiled

Posted on by Robert Collins

The launch trailer for the Dead Space remake has been released ahead of the game’s January 27th launch.

Titled “Humanity Ends Here,” the trailer shows off both cutscene clips and gameplay footage, all of which is utterly stunning (and also not for the squeamish, so be warned).

The original Dead Space from 2008 is considered among the greatest survival horror games ever made. We even featured it on our Game Pass horror games recommendations post. Set on the Ishimura—a spaceship overrun with monstrous Necromorphs—the game was lauded for its spine-tingling atmosphere. Creator Glen Schofield has moved on to other things, specifically the recently released The Callisto Protocol. However, the remake is likely in good hands over at EA Motive Studios.

The Dead Space remake will retail for $70. While it would have been nice to see the game take a place on Xbox game Pass alongside the original and sequels Dead Space 2 and 3 (as well as Dead Space Ignition), it is good to see that Game Pass Ultimate members will have access to a 10% discount courtesy of EA Play.

Pre-orders are live over on the Xbox Store.

Featured image via Gematsu. 

Lag Free Android Emulators for PC: Access Mobile Games & Apps

Posted on by Milan Stanojevic

One of the best parts about the Android OS is that it can be emulated on a Windows PC easily.

You can use them to play mobile games, run apps from the Google Play store, and even test your apps if you’re a developer.

The emulator market is huge. Choosing the best one for you can be challenging. That’s where we come into play. In this article, we will show you the best lag free Android emulators. Let’s check them out.

What are the best Android emulators that don’t cause lag?

LDPlayer – lightweight and easy to use

install apk ldplayer

LDPlayer is at the top of our list because playing Android games on your PC will feel seamless.

Your games will run as smoothly as possible. The only limit is how big and complex the game is, and how powerful your PC is. But the emulator will not be a hindrance in any way.

More so, the software is completely free. It won’t show you any ads, and it supports all but the latest games added on Google Play, but its library is constantly updated to include those as well.

LDPlayer

Lag-free gaming from an emulator is only possible if the emulator is top-tier, and that’s exactly what LDPlayer is!
Check price Visit Website

BlueStacks – ultimate gaming with customizable controls

bluestacks

BlueStacks is another extremely popular emulation software that allows you to run a virtual device with an Android OS running.

This software can be used for a wide range of tasks. The most popular by far is the playing of Android games on a bigger screen.

You can also install any app from the Play Store or Bluestacks Apps Store, and use them the same way you would if you had a physical device in your hands.

You can easily customize gaming controls, can run multiple instances of BlueStacks. And if your computer’s hardware is up to par, can even run multiple games at once.

BlueStacks

Lagging during games isn’t fun at all. Get the best out of your online gaming with BlueStacks!
Check price Visit Website

NoxPlayer – powerful emulator with extensive customization

nox player

NoxPlayer is an incredibly powerful Android emulator with a user-friendly and easy-to-understand interface.

It gives you the ability to play your favorite Android games on your PC with a bigger screen and has a wide range of customization options.

You can customize the settings of NoxPlayer, including the size of the screen (full-screen 720p and Full HD capabilities), DirectX, and OpenGL features.

This software also has a great set of features that are organized into a toolbar on the right side of your screen.

You can use the options found on this toolbar to modify the orientation of your screen (from portrait to landscape), transfer files between your virtual device and PC hard drive, take screenshots, and many other options.

NoxPlayer supports 3 different Android versions: Android 4.4.2, Android 5.1.1, and Android 7.1.2.

You can find a very useful list of information on how to use NoxPlayer on the official FAQ page.

⇒ Get NoxPlayer

MEMU Play – versatile with custom controls and 4K support

pubg memu emulator

MeMu Play is a powerful Android emulator for PC that excels in both app and game emulation, comparable to NoxPlayer and BlueStacks.

Tailored for gaming, it provides extensive customization options, including keyboard mapping for touch screen games.

The Smart Keymapping feature is particularly useful for MOBA and FPS games, making it ideal for titles like PUBG Mobile and Mobile Legends.

MeMu Play supports both Intel and AMD chipsets and is compatible with Windows 7 through 10.

It also allows easy APK installation, screen recording, and macro automation. Developers benefit from advanced options like virtual device model customization.

You can also install APK files with one click, you can take screenshots of your gameplay, video recordings, etc.

It also has an Operational Record feature that allows you to record macros and automate repetitive tasks when needed.

⇒ Get MEMU Play

Ko Player – fast, lightweight, with multi-account support

KoPlayer - emulators without lag

Ko Player is another great contender for the best software option that allows you to emulate Android OS on your Windows PC. After the emulation, you can access any android apps or games, and play/use them on a bigger resolution screen.

This software is built on x86 Architecture, supports OpenGL and hardware acceleration, and offers great stability.

You can use multiple accounts with this software, has video recording capabilities, and also allows the use of both gamepads and keyboards.

Because this is a lightweight software option and doesn’t have the same amount of features as NoxPlayer or BlueStacks, makes Ko Player one of the fastest emulation software on the market.

⇒ Get Ko Player

Droid4X – efficient and low-resource emulator

Droid4X - emulators without lag

Droid4X is another lightweight and free android emulator that works perfectly on Windows operating systems. You can use this software to easily play your favorite games and apps on a bigger screen.

One of the most interesting features of Droid4X is the number of resources it needs to run. Compared with NoxPlayer and BlueStacks, this software offers great emulation capabilities even for low-end computers.

You can easily record your emulated device’s screen, and can also configure gamepads and keyboards to suit your needs perfectly.

⇒ Get Droid4x

Wrapping up

Android is one of the most popular mobile operating systems in the world and it is used on a wide range of phones, tablets, etc.

In this article, we explored some of the best Android-emulating software on the market in 2019. If you have a powerful computer with lots of RAM and processing power, the best option for you would be NoxPlayer.

Otherwise, if your computer is average in its performance, we would recommend that you try out BlueStacks or MeMu Play. If your computer is not very powerful, you might want to check out Ko Player, or Droid4X.

For users operating on the latest systems, our updated guide on the best Android emulators for Windows 11 offers insights into emulators optimized for the newest OS.

If you’re working with older hardware, consider exploring our recommendations for Android emulators suitable for old PCs, ensuring smooth performance without taxing your system. Additionally, for those seeking an uninterrupted experience, our list of Android emulators without ads highlights options that prioritize a clean user interface.

The features found in the software presented above will surely cover all your needs regarding playing games or running any Android application on an emulated virtual device.

We would love to know what your opinion about this software is. Please feel free to let us know in the comments section below.

We Picked 5 Best File Integrity Monitoring software for Windows

Posted on by Afam Onyimadu

You must have found this guide because you are considering using some File Integrity Monitoring software.

In this article, we have explored all the options and have arrived at some that you should prioritize. So without wasting much time, let us take you through all you need to know.

What is a file integrity monitoring tool?

FIM (File integrity monitoring) is a security tool that monitors and tracks changes you make to files on a computer or network. This can include file permissions, ownership, content, and metadata changes.

FIM tools can alert administrators of unauthorized file changes, helping to detect and prevent potential security threats such as malware or insider attacks.

Benefits of file integrity monitoring include:

  • Detecting malicious changes – FIM can help detect malicious changes to files. These are those made by malware or an attacker who has gained unauthorized access to a system.
  • Compliance – FIM can help organizations comply with regulations that require them to keep track of changes, such as financial records.
  • Identifying configuration errors – FIM can help identify configuration errors. Examples are the accidental deletion of important files that could cause a system or application to malfunction.
  • Auditing – FIM is useful for monitoring a system’s changes. They also keep track of any changes made over some time.
  • Real-time monitoring – Some FIM tools support real-time monitoring that alerts when changes are detected. Others are schedule-based, so the administrator can decide when the check should be run.

It’s a good security practice to use file integrity monitoring to ensure network security for important files and systems.

What Windows File Integrity Monitoring software should I use?

ADAudit Plus – Great all round AD monitoring

ADAudit Plus is a commercial, web-based Active Directory (AD) auditing and reporting tool. It monitors and tracks changes to AD and Windows-based systems, such as file and Exchange servers.

This tool offers real-time auditing and reporting of AD changes such as user account creations, deletions, modifications, group policy changes, and security settings.

It also provides detailed information about the changes, such as who made the change, when it was made, and the specific attributes that were modified.

Additionally, it offers historical reporting because it stores all the AD audit data in a database, allowing you to generate historical reports on changes made over a specified period.

Finally, ADAudit Plus is available for Windows-based systems and requires a Windows-based server.

Some features that we love:

  • Compliance reporting
  • Delegated auditing
  • Alerting and notifications
  • Historical reporting

ADAudit Plus

Great audit tool that offers comprehensive file audit and monitoring.
Free Trial Download

AD Manager Plus – Web-based Active Directory (AD) management tool

AD Manager Plus is a commercial, web-based Active Directory (AD) management and reporting tool. It provides a centralized platform for managing and reporting on AD and Windows-based systems, such as file and Exchange servers.

The tool offers Active Directory management with elements like managing and creating user accounts, groups, and organizational units (OUs), resetting user passwords, and managing group policy objects (GPOs).

Also, AD Manager Plus can perform bulk management tasks, such as creating or deleting multiple user accounts, resetting multiple user passwords, and moving numerous user accounts between OUs.

Furthermore, it provides a variety of built-in reports for auditing and reporting on AD, such as reports on inactive user accounts, locked-out user accounts, and GPO usage.

We like it because it allows you to delegate AD management tasks to other users, such as helpdesk administrators or departmental managers while maintaining central control and oversight.

Like ADAudit Plus, AD Manager Plus is available for Windows-based systems and requires a Windows-based server.

Some features that we love:

  • Active Directory management
  • Bulk management
  • Reporting
  • Delegated administration

AD Manager Plus

An integrated tool for AD (Active Directory), Skype for Business, Exchange, Office 365, and G Suite management and reporting.
Free trial Download

Tripwire – Great in preventing unauthorized changes

Tripwire is a well-established file integrity monitoring (FIM) tool designed to help organizations detect and prevent unauthorized changes to files and directories on their systems. In addition, it can monitor files and directories on both Windows and Linux systems.

One of the main features of Tripwire is its ability to take a snapshot of a system’s files and directories and then compare this snapshot to the current state of the system to detect any changes.

This can include file permissions, ownership, content, and metadata changes. When changes are detected, Tripwire can generate alerts, create detailed reports, and even take automated actions to remedy the issue, such as rolling back changes or quarantining affected files.

Tripwire can be configured to monitor specific files or directories. It can also be integrated with other security tools, such as intrusion detection systems and log management tools, to provide a more comprehensive security solution. It also has a command-line interface and API, allowing programmatic access and integration with other tools.

Tripwire is available in two versions: Tripwire Enterprise, which is a commercial product that offers additional features such as centralized management and reporting, and Tripwire Open Source, which is a free, open-source version that provides basic FIM capabilities.

Overall, Tripwire is a widely used and respected FIM tool designed to detect and prevent unauthorized changes to files and directories. Hence, it helps to detect and prevent potential security threats such as malware or insider attacks.

Some features that we love:

  • Security monitoring for hybrid environments
  • Automatic on and offboarding for Cloud Assets
  • Automated, flexible multi-policy compliance
  • Managing failed configurations with workflow tools

⇒ Get Tripwire

Open Source Security – Excellent open-source FIM tool

OSSEC (Open Source Security) is an open-source intrusion detection system (IDS) and intrusion prevention system (IPS).

the tool will provide a centralized platform for analyzing security-related data, such as system logs and network traffic. OSSEC can detect and respond to various security threats, including unauthorized access attempts, malicious software, and system misconfigurations.

One of the critical features of OSSEC is its ability to perform log analysis and event correlation in real time. This allows the system to detect and alert potential security incidents as they happen rather than relying on historical data.

OSSEC includes several built-in security rules and is configurable for integration with third-party security tools. These, in most cases, are antivirus software and firewalls.

OSSEC is available for many operating systems, including Windows, Linux, and macOS. Also, you can install it on servers, workstations, and network devices.

Some features that we love:

  • Log-based Intrusion Detection
  • Active Response
  • Malware Detection and Rootkit

⇒ Get Open Source Security

CrowdStrike Falcon FileVantage – Great for network file management

CrowdStrike Falcon FileVantage is a feature of the CrowdStrike Falcon platform that allows organizations to quickly and easily search, identify, and manage sensitive files across their network.

It uses advanced machine learning and data classification techniques to automatically identify and classify sensitive files, such as those containing personally identifiable information (PII) or other types of sensitive data.

This allows organizations to manage and secure their sensitive data more effectively, reducing the risk of data breaches and other security incidents.

Lastly, Falcon FileVantage can also perform eDiscovery, compliance reporting, and data leak detection.

Some features that we love:

  • Increase overall efficiency
  • Central visibility
  • Insight from threat intelligence data

⇒ Get CrowdStrike Falcon FileVantage

To summarize, file integrity monitoring solutions are crucial to your company’s security. They guarantee that your important files and their data are secure from internal and external threats.

Therefore, it is a crucial line of defense in your company’s security and is necessary for all businesses.

Lastly, we have not made this list in any particular order, so you should use what seems best.

How to Create an Icon in Windows 10 [Simplified Guide]

Posted on by Matthew Adams

Windows 10 displays shortcuts on its desktop with icons, which are a significant aspect of the platform’s themes, and you can always change Windows file icons if you want to customize it further.

If you fancy giving Windows a bit of a makeover, customizing desktop icons is an excellent way. You can create your own custom icons for desktop shortcuts. All you’ll need to set up your own icons is one art (or graphic) design application and this guide, so let’s get started, shall we?

What do I need to know before I make an icon?

Before you create an icon, you need to follow the following guidelines:

  • Use the proper software – You can create icons in any drawing software, but for simplicity, you might want to use icon maker software instead.
  • Set the correct size – Icons require you to use a certain size, and the best results are achieved when using 16x16px, 20x20px, 24x24px, and 32x32px sizes.
  • Use the ICO format – All icons require ICO format to work, so be sure to save them in that format. You can also use convert icon software to transform them to the desired format.

How do I make an icon on Windows 10?

1. Use Adobe Illustrator

  1. Download Adobe Illustrator and install it.
  2. Go to File and select New.
  3. Set unit to Pixels and set width and height to 256px. Click on Create.
  4. Create your icon using the available tools.
  5. Once you’re done, go to File and expand the Export section. Select Export for Screens.
  6. Set the format to PNG and click the gear icon.
  7. Change the Background color to Transparent. Click on Save settings.
  8. In the Export to set your save location and click on Export Artboard.

2. Create an icon with Paint 3D

Set up the canvas

  1. First, click the Start button.
  2. Click Paint 3D on the Start menu’s software index.
  3. Click New in Paint 3D.
    New button how to make an icon on windows 10
  4. Select Canvas to open the options shown directly below.
    The Canvas tab how to make an icon on windows 10
  5. Enter 32 in both the Width the Height boxes to resize the canvas to 32 x 32.
  6. Roll your mouse wheel to zoom in on, and expand the canvas.
    A 32 x 32 canvas how to make an icon on windows 10
  7. Toggle the Transparent canvas option on.

Design the icon

  1. You can draw a picture on your icon’s canvas by selecting Brushes. You’ll need to select Marker or Pixel Pen at a 1 px weighting.
    Brushes tab how to make an icon on windows 10
  2. To add lines and two-dimensional shapes, select the 2D shapes tab. Then select a line, curve, or shape option there.
  3. Paint 3D’s 3D shapes tab includes various options for adding three-dimensional shapes and models to your icon. Click 3D shapes to open that tab.
    3D shapes tab how to make an icon on windows 10
  4. Select a 3D object or model option on the sidebar. Then hold the left mouse button and drag the cursor right to expand the selected shape, so it fits within your icon’s canvas.
  5. Click the shape on the canvas to open its rotation options as in the shot directly below.
    A 3D shape how to make an icon on windows 10

Save the icon design as an image

  1. When you’ve finished your icon design, click Menu and then select Save As. Lastly, choose Image.
    Save as copy options how to make an icon on windows 10
  2. If you added a 3D model to your icon, an image preview will open as in the snapshot directly below. Select PNG on the Save as type menu.
    3D image preview how to make an icon on windows 10
  3. Press the Save button.
  4. Select a folder to save the PNG image in.
  5. Select 2D – PNG as the file format.
  6. Enter a title for the image, and click the Save option.

How do I convert a JPEG to an icon in Windows 10?

  1. You can convert PNG, JPEG, and JPG files to icons at the Online-Convert website. So, open that website’s Online image convert page in a browser.
    The Online image converter page how to make an icon on windows 10
  2. Click Choose files to select the icon PNG you set up in Paint 3D.
  3. Press the Start conversion button.
  4. Then click the Download button.

If you use PNG format, be sure to check our guide on how to convert PNG to ICO on Windows.

As you can see, creating an icon is simple; once you’re done, you just need to change the icon manually. If you don’t know how to do that, we have a special guide on how to change icons in Windows, so be sure to check it out.

Once you’ve created them, you can proceed to delete the shortcut arrow from the desktop icon if you find them annoying.

Also, find out how to save the desktop layout in Windows and never have them change automatically.

What method do you use to create icons? Let us know in the comments below.

Raspberry Pi Camera not Detected? Try These Simple Steps

Posted on by Tashreef Shareef

Raspberry Pi allows users to connect third-party cameras that plug directly into the CSI connector on the Raspberry Pi. However, at times you may encounter the Raspberry Pi camera not detected issue after installing a new one or accessing the existing camera hardware.

This problem can occur due to several reasons including a faulty camera, incorrect installation of the capturing device, loose connection, and incorrectly configured raspi-config file.

I have Picamera v1 which I have been using Rpi3 for a while now and it has been working properly. Yesterday I updated RASPBIAN and now the camera doesn’t work.

If you are also troubled by this issue, here are a couple of troubleshooting tips to help you resolve the Raspberry Pi camera not detecting a problem.

What to do if my Raspberry Pi does not detect the camera?

1. Perform a power cycle

Raspberry Pi camera not detected
  1. Power off your Raspberry Pi device and disconnect the HDMI and other cables that are connected.
  2. Press gently on the SUNNY connection on the camera until you hear a click that will reseat the connector.
  3. To keep the device powered off, check the ribbon cable, and make sure it is connected the right way and in the right socket. The cable is connected to the socket next to the HDMI and Ethernet ports.
  4. Also, make sure the camera is fully home in the connectors on the Raspberry Pi and the camera.
  5. Make sure the lens is not detached from the camera board.
  6. Power on the device and test again to see if the error is resolved.

2. Enable the camera from the Raspi-config file

Raspberry Pi camera not detected
  1. For the camera to work, you must enable it from the Raspi-config > Interfacing options.
  2. Go to Raspi-config and open Interfacing Options.
  3. Select Camera and follow the prompt to enable the camera.
  4. Next, go to Raspi-config > Interfacing Options and then enable I2C.
  5. Exit Raspi-config and check if the issue with your camera is resolved.

Check for hardware issues

  1. If the issue persists, and you have made sure the camera is enabled in the raspi-config file as well the camera is seated correctly, check if the camera has hardware faults.
  2. For testing, connect the camera to another Raspberry Pi device and connect it to your PC.
  3. Test the camera to see if it is working.
  4. If the issue persists, you may have a faulty camera unit that requires replacement.

The Raspberry Pi camera not detected issue usually occurs if the device is not enabled from the Raspi-config section.

In other cases, Raspberry Pi may fail to detect the camera if it is not correctly seated or has a loose connection. Follow the steps in the article and let us know which method helped you resolve the issue in the comments.

Windows 11 Telegram app gets an update

Posted on by David Allen

Telegram Desktop for both Windows 10 and 11 has gotten an update in the Microsoft Store moving the app version to 4.5.3.  With the new version, numbers come a few notable feature enhancements as well.

You can now hide media by wrapping your photos and videos in a “fuzzy cover” meaning users have to click on them before seeing their content.  You also have the ability to set your own picture for each contact, and only you will be able to see those pictures on their profiles.  Those using Telegram for large group chats now have more privacy options, the group owner can hide the list of participants in the group from view.

Recent updates and features also include the ability to create an @username from the settings page, a download manager, and new features for live streaming.  If you want more there is a Telegram Premium offering that offers free storage in the Telegram Cloud and the ability to send files up to 4GB in size.  You can learn more about those options here.

Via mspoweruser.com

FIX: Magic Mouse 2’s scrolling not Working in Windows 10/11

Posted on by Matthew Adams

Magic Mouse is an Apple mouse that users can also utilize within Windows 10. However, some users have stated in forums that Magic Mouse scrolling doesn’t work in Windows 10. Those users can move the cursor with the mouse but can’t scroll down windows.

Why Apple’s Magic Mouse 2 scroll is not working?

Firstly, install the AppleWirelessMouse64.exe driver from Boot Camp. These drivers seemingly work with Windows 10 perfectly and make the mouse fully functional in Windows 10. If that doesn’t help, install the Magic Utilities client application or uninstall conflicting software.

See the instructions for the aforementioned solutions below.

Fix Magic Mouse 2’s scrolling not working in Windows 10

1. Install AppleWirelessMouse64.exe From Boot Camp

  1. A lot of users have fixed Magic Mouse scrolling by reinstalling the driver for the mouse from Boot Camp. To do that, users will need to download Boot Camp by clicking Download on the Boot Camp Support software page.
  2. Open File Explorer’s window by pressing the Windows key + E hotkey.
  3. Next, open the folder that includes the downloaded BootCamp ZIP.
  4. Select the BootCamp ZIP, and click the Extract all button.
  5. Click Browse to choose a folder to extract the ZIP file to.extract compressed zipped folders
  6. Select the Extract option.
  7. Open the \BootCamp5.1.5621\BootCamp\Drivers\Apple path in File Explorer.
  8. Click AppleWirelessMouse64.exe in the Apple folder to reinstall the driver.

2. Install Magic Utilities

Users have confirmed they’ve fixed Magic Mouse 2 scrolling with Magic Utilities. There’s a 28-day trial package of Magic Utilities users can try out. After that, however, users will need to purchase a one or two-year subscription for the software. This is how users can add Magic Utilities to Windows.

  1. Click MagicUtilities-Setup-3.0.7.0-Win10.exe on the software’s download page to get the installer for Windows 10.
  2. Open the Magic Utilities setup wizard.
  3. Select the NO, my computer is not an Apple computer option.
  4. Restart Windows after installing Magic Utilities.

3. Uninstall Conflicting Software

More general mouse scrolling errors can be due to conflicting third-party software. So, some users might need to uninstall conflicting third-party mouse software to fix Magic Mouse 2’s scrolling. Follow the guidelines below to remove conflicting software.

  1. Right-click the Start button and select Run.
  2. Enter ‘appwiz.cpl’ in Run and click OK to open the uninstaller window.control panel uninstall a program
  3. Then selecting any third-party mouse software listed there that might conflict with Magic Mouse.
  4. Select the Uninstall button to remove the selected software.
  5. Alternatively, users can clean boot Windows to ensure there isn’t any software conflicting with Magic Mouse. To do that, enter ‘msconfig’ in Run and click OK.
  6. Select the Selective startup, Load system services, and Use the original boot configuration options on the General tab.system configuration
  7. Deselect the Load startup items check box.
  8. Select Hide all Microsoft services check box on the Services tab.msconfig services
  9. Then press the Enable all button, and select the Apply option.
  10. Click OK to close the System Configuration utility, and then press the Restart button.

The above resolutions will probably fix Magic Mouse 2 scrolling for most users. If further fixes are needed, however, it might be a hardware issue. In this case, users can return Magic Mouse 2 peripherals to Apple for repairs so long as they fall within their one-year warranty period.

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Pin to Quick Access Not Working on Windows 11: 5 Quick Fixes

Posted on by Cesar Cadenas

Quick Access on Windows is a feature giving fast access to folders and files that are frequently used. It’s a holdover tool from Windows 10 but had its start on Windows 7 when it was known as Favorites.

It’s a pretty ubiquitous feature that many use quite often. As you can imagine, Quick Access not working can be pretty annoying. Fortunately, fixing it is really easy to do.

What causes Quick Access to malfunction?

Now before we go into the fixes, it’s important that you understand why it happens in the first place. That way, if it happens again, you know what to look out for and what to do.

  • Windows 11’s cache is full: Caches are temporary files that Windows keeps in case it needs them again in the future. But too many can cause performance problems.
  • Your computer is not up to date: Not downloading the latest updates can also cause performance problems which is why it’s important to keep up with all Windows updates.
  • Files on your hard drive are corrupt: Corrupt files can cause computer functions to malfunction. We recommend repairing and restoring those system files.

What can I do if Quick Access is not working properly on Windows 11?

There are five main ways to fix a malfunctioning Quick Access feature, but before going into what they are, we recommend trying out a few faster ones. These will only take a few seconds:

  • Remove the offending pinned folder by right-clicking it and selecting Unpin from Quick Access. Then repin that same folder.
  • If that doesn’t work, make a new folder with the same name in the same location as the problematic folder. Unpin the offending folder and see if Quick Access connects to the new one.
  • Create a new user account for Windows. When you do this, make you change the account type to Administrator and not the Standard user so you can make future changes.

1. Delete a corrupt file in the App Data folder

  1. Open File Explorer, then copy and paste the following into the address bar: %AppData%\Microsoft\Windows\Recent\AutomaticDestinations
  2. Locate the file called f01b4d95cf55d32a.automaticDestinations-ms as shown in the image below.
  3. Delete that file.

After you delete that file, it should automatically remake itself shortly afterward free of its corruption.

2. Clear out File Explorer history

  1. Open File Explorer and click the three dots at the top of the window.
  2. Select Options.
  3. Under the Privacy section, check off all boxes and click the Clear button underneath.
  4. Click OK to close the page.
  5. Now return to the Options window you just closed.
  6. Check the boxes under Privacy, then click Apply and OK right after.
  7. Additionally, select Restore Defaults at the bottom of Options, but this is optional.

Performing that last step will reset the File Explorer’s options to their default setting which will resolve files and folders not appearing on Quick Access.

However, it does have the additional effect of removing any and all customizations you may have made.

3. Turn on Jump Lists

  1. Launch the Settings menu and click the Personalization tab.
  2. Under Personalization, go to Start.
  3. Turn on the toggle switch next to Show recently opened items in Start, Jump Lists, and File Explorer.

4. Clear out Quick Access corruption

  1. Use the Command Prompt on the Windows Search bar and select Run as administrator.
  2. In the Command Prompt, type in the following three commands, one after the other, and press Enter on your keyboard after each one: del /F /Q %APPDATA%\Microsoft\Windows\Recent\* del /F /Q %APPDATA%\Microsoft\Windows\Recent\AutomaticDestinations\* del /F /Q %APPDATA%\Microsoft\Windows\Recent\CustomDestinations\
  3. Close the Command Prompt and restart your computer.

5. Reset Quick Access

  1. Launch the Windows 11 Registry Editor from the Search bar.
  2. If a User Account Control window appears, select Yes.
  3. Type the following into the address bar of the Registry Editor and press Enter on your keyboard: HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Ribbon
  4. Delete the binary DWORD QatItems.
  5. Close the Registry Editor once you’re done and restart your PC.

The data that’s inside QatItem helps Windows to remember the preferences you have for the Quick Access Toolbar. Deleting it resets the data.

Interestingly enough, for such a simple feature, Quick Access has been known to have several errors associated with it. One involves folders not unpinning from Quick Access.

News of this error cropped up a few years ago but has been known to continue on Windows 10. You should reset the Quick Access Recent Items list to solve this.

Other users have reported Quick Access has disappeared from their File Explorer; that it’s been deleted. You can either restore Quick Access itself or reset File Explorer altogether.

Feel free to leave a comment below if you have any questions about other Windows 11 problems. Leave a suggestion about guides that you’d like to see or information on other Windows errors.

Microsoft releases Q&A v2 with lots of new features

Posted on by Kareem Anderson

Microsoft dropped a hefty update for its Q&A platform that brings new UI, new functionality and new features for anyone who is seeking information about the company’s multitude of services, software, hardware and platforms.

Earlier this week Community Manager Richard Hay took to Twitter to break the news that the team behind maintain Microsoft’s Learn communications platform updated the service and pointed to its release notes to highlight the laundry list of new items.

The breakdown of features includes:
  • An improved user experience that is optimized for readability, improved workflows and efficiency.
  • There is now support for themes. The view will default to following the one in place by the operating system but users can manually change the setting with support for those making use of High Contrast for accessibility.
  • The team also updated its web editor for entering questions and answers with a new feature loaded Markdown interface. Users can drag/drop, copy/paste, or browse for image attachments to include their posts as well as entering preserved formatted content pulled from other places.
  • Users will now note there is a unified search option across Microsoft Learn content and the Q&A platform for quicker access to solutions. The new Search will show a question preview of up to 255 characters which should be enough to know whether links are useful before clicking. The Q&A team is looking to revise the filtering and sorting capabilities of Search soon.
  • The team introduced a content rating system that users can utilize to identify useful answers as well as a mechanism for switching ratings to better answers down the road. Any authenticated user can click on I have the same question control, so users answering can find out the most popular questions.
  • For the social butterflies out there, the Q&A team added support for sharing answers outside of the Q&A platform.

Steps to share:

  1. Go to a question.
  2. Click on the overflow menu (the icon with three vertical dots) at the top of the page.
  3. Select the option to share the content to Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, or Mail.
  • Users can opt for site-wide banner notifications or platform announcements as well as receiving info via email.
  • User reputation enhancements now include affiliation, reputation points, and follows.
  • Lastly, there is the list of features that have been swapped with newer solutions as well as those that are unsupported at this time.
  • The following is a list of features that are not currently supported, but we are planning to support them on an upcoming release:
  • Filter by questions you follow
  • Related questions
  • Community experts will evolve into Community Champions
  • Private messages

The following is a list of features that are no longer supported:

  • Posting feedback. Microsoft is in the process of unifying product feedback and will be moving Learn platform there in the future, this includes Q&A. In the meantime, you can provide us feedback by using the Microsoft Q&A tag.
  • Threaded comments (a comment on a comment). This is to ensure a more focused conversation to get the question answered as improve readability.
  • User’s page
  • Ability to see revisions
  • RSS Feeds

As someone who used to frequent forums, communities and feedback hubs for several products and software, these new features are a welcome addition. Hopefully, I won’t have to use them often.

5 Best Open Source Network Monitoring Tools [Bonus: AD Tool]

Posted on by Sagar Naresh

Using the best network monitoring tool is essential for any business, be it big or small. This allows the business to keep all the information centralized and access all those who need it, with proper authorization. Also, a network monitoring tool lets you know the health, availability, and performance of your network.

In this guide, we will list down some of the best open-source network monitoring tools that you can use or suggest to use in an organization and help better manage the network as per their needs. Let us take a look at the list.

Why use a network monitoring tool and what are its benefits?

Before jumping ahead with the list of the best open-source network monitoring tools, you should first understand what is a network monitoring tool and what are the advantages that you get out of it.

In simple words, the network monitoring tool gives you insights into the network elements, performance, health, security, and more about your network.

It can also help you identify security risks and mitigate them before disastrous happen. Security also includes monitoring threats such as cybercrime, insider threats, and unauthorized access.

Now, using an open-source network monitoring tool gets you a bunch of benefits. Among these, the best one is that they are copyright free and available for all organizations.

Here are some of the benefits of using an open-source network monitoring tool:

  • Real-time monitoring of the network’s health and performance.
  • Prevent unauthorized access.
  • Improve security.
  • Get information about uptime and downtime.
  • Information about outages and bandwidth usage.
  • These tools are customizable and scalable.
  • Measure over-used and under-used network elements to avoid the wastage of valuable resources.

What are the best open-source network monitoring tools?

Icinga – Stacked with network monitoring controls

Icinga is another one of the popular open-source network monitoring tools that come with a bunch of options.

It has granular controls allowing you to gain complete network and infrastructure visibility. The tool receives continuous updates and is used by popular brands such as Adobe, Audi, T-Mobile, Vodafone, and others.

You can monitor your infrastructure-based and cloud-based solutions using the same platform, Icinga. You can configure Icinga using GUI or DSL. The interface is easy-to-understand and supports visual reporting.

The tool also lets you customize it to monitor devices, databases, applications, cloud services, websites, and more. It comes with SSL encryption for advanced security.

Here are some of the best features of the Icinga tool:

  • Highly customizable.
  • Visual dashboard with no complexity.
  • Monitor private, public, and cloud networks.
  • It can be used on Linux along with Windows OS.

⇒ Get Icinga

Prometheus – Sleek interface and highly customizable

Using Prometheus, you can get information about all kinds of network issues. These issues include low latency, memory issues, cybercrime, etc.

It uses a high-dimensional data model and PromQL for powerful queries to showcase the data in an easy-to-understand dashboard.

Since it is a popular open-source network monitoring tool, the integrations are more widespread. The data it collects can be stored locally on a disk and in remote locations, including cloud storage.

There is an alert manager that manages all the alerts, and notifications and silences them. Alerts can be fine-tuned as per needs as well. It could prove to be a bit complex for smaller organizations, but you can reap the benefits of it in the long run.

Some of the highlights of the Prometheus tool are:

  • Widerspread integrations.
  • Powerful queries using PromQL.
  • Great visualization of data in the dashboard.
  • Storage can be local or cloud.
  • Supports Grafana platform.

⇒ Get Prometheus

ManageEngine OpManager – Comprehensive monitoring capabilities

ManageEngine OpManager is one of the best open-source network monitoring tools you can opt for, no matter the size of your business.

It can help you monitor all the aspects of the network, be it routers, servers, WLC, load balancers, VPNs, printers, firewalls, and more. In short, anything that has an IP and is connected to the network can be monitored using ManageEngine OpManager.

Some of the key highlights of this tool are that you can monitor routers and switches from top names such as CISCO, Juniper, ZTE, and more. It will help you monitor their health based on 2000+ parameters.

All details are available in a single-view dashboard, making information consumption much easier. It also makes monitoring easy to access via its mobile application, which is available for Android and iOS.

Here are some of the best features of the ManageEngine OpManager:

  • Network interface monitoring.
  • Monitor network health based on 2000+ parameters.
  • Easy to view and use dashboard.
  • Allows connections through VPN for a remote workforce.
  • Monitor VMware, Hyper-V, etc., from a unified console.
  • Manage the network using the mobile app.

ManageEngine OpManager

Monitor any aspects of your network with this powerful and professional software
Free Trial Visit Website

Nagios – Enhanced monitoring capabilities

Nagios is a suite of open-source tools, that also help you with network monitoring. The graphical representation is visually great.

You can try the free version of this tool and then opt for the upgrade. Nagios can help you with Windows monitoring, Linux monitoring, server monitoring, application monitoring, and much more.

The best thing about this tool is that it represents data in different varieties of representations and reports. It can help you monitor your network for problems related to overloaded data links or network connections.

There are a total of 50 crore plugins, and you can use community-created add-ins, which will get you additional graphics and reporting features.

Here are the best features of Nagios:

  • Support plug-ins for advanced features.
  • Power alert mechanism.
  • Makes use of SNMP for monitoring anything.
  • Strong customer support.
  • 30-day free trial.

⇒ Get Nagios

Zabbix – Offers templates for product integrations

Zabbix is a very popular open-source network monitoring tool available in the market. It makes use of agents to collect SNMP and IPMP data and helps provide insight, in a granular manner.

There is an auto-discovery feature that detects connected devices and starts monitoring assets. It supports significant vendors, including Cisco, Dell, Intel, and Netgear, just to name a few.

There is no issue of scalability, as small organizations and even big enterprises can use it. You can customize it to monitor whatever aspect of the network you want.

There are preconfigured templates that you can use for quick insights. The notification system is robust and alerts you for issues such as network over-use/under-use.

Here are some key features of Zabbix:

  • The monitoring range expands through the usage of SNMP and IPMP.
  • Powerful customer support and community.
  • Can auto-detect connected devices and start monitoring.
  • Useful pre-configured templates for quick insights.

⇒ Get Zabbix

What is the best integrated tool for Active Directory (AD)?

Apart from networking monitoring tools, you also need to have a streamlined solution for all your web-based needs. You can use ManageEngine ADManager Plus for this purpose.

It helps you to manage all your web-based solutions such as AD, Exchange, Microsoft 365, and Microsoft Teams management and reporting needs all from a single and unified console, which is web-based.

It helps you automate user accounting provisions in tools such as Office 365, Exchange, G Suite, Skype, etc. You can also use ManageEngine ADManager Plus for assigning, modifying, and revoking users’ from groups.

Offers reports on various tools based on SOX, GLBA, PCI DSS, and HIPAA compliances. You can even automate the routines such as user provisioning and AD cleanup.

ManageEngine ADManager Plus

Integrated tool for streamlining web-based solutions.
Check price Visit website

If you cannot map a network drive in Windows 11, then check out our guide which will give you all the steps needed to resolve your issue.

PC audit software is very important if you wish to quickly and safely monitor your system performance. You can check out the best software for PC auditing, but we would recommend you check out ADAudit Plus.

Feel free to drop a comment and let us know which one of the above software you used for network monitoring on your Windows PC.

Vuze Magnet Links Not Working: 3 Easy Ways to Fix the Issue

Posted on by Loredana Harsana

If Vuze magnet links are not working, you might experience some issues while downloading torrents. Instead of Vuze opening automatically, nothing will happen when you encounter a magnet link.

This isn’t a major issue, but it will make the download process less intuitive and slightly more complicated. Luckily, there are a few solutions that can help you fix this issue.

Why does nothing happen when I click on a magnet link?

This problem appears if your browser doesn’t have the necessary permissions or if an extension is causing interference. In some instances, registry configuration can cause this issue as well.

What can I do if Vuze magnet links are not working?

Before we start fixing the issue:

  • Make sure that VPN binding isn’t switched off for the TAP adapter. You can also try highlighting the magnet link before clicking it as a workaround.

1. Adjust your browser settings

  1. First, click the three dots in the top-right corner and go to Settings.
  2. Select Privacy and security. Next, scroll down to Site Settings.
    chrome site settings
  3. Go to Additional permissions.
    chrome additional permissions for Vuze magnet links
  4. Click Handlers and make sure the toggle is turned On.
  5. Try opening the link again.

2. Remove conflicting browser extensions

  1. In Chrome, click the Menu button in the top right corner. After that, go to More tools and select Extensions.
  2. Locate the extension that might be causing the problem and disable it.
  3. Now check if the problem is resolved.

According to users, the culprit is usually Remote Torrent Adder or a similar torrent extension, so if you have one installed, be sure to disable it and check if Vuze is still not downloading metadata.

3. Modify the registry

  1. Press the Windows key + R keys together. Next, type regedit and press OK or Enter.
    windows run window
  2. You will see many registries, but you will need to access only HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT.
    windows registry classes root
  3. Scroll until you find a subfolder named Magnet or magnet, with lowercases.
    magnet link folder
  4. Sometimes magnet key will have subkeys, but if it doesn’t move to the next step. If it has subkeys, expand the magnet key and navigate to shell\open\command
  5. Now right-click the (Default) value in the right pane and choose Modify.
    modify magnet link path for Vuze
  6. In the Value data, there should be a path to the Azureus file. If not, you need to manually add it. Be sure that the file path is in quotes.
    modified magnet link for Vuze
  7. Lastly, add the following at the end: "%1" /SHELLASSOC
  8. After making the changes, the Value data should look like this: "C:\Program Files\Vuze\Azureus.exe" "%1" /SHELLASSOC
  9. Restart your PC.

How do I change the default app for magnet links?

  1. Press the Windows key + S and type default apps. Select Default apps from the list of results.
  2. Next, scroll all the way down and select Choose default apps by protocol.
  3. Locate for Magnet on the list and click the app assigned to it. Lastly, choose the desired app you want to use for magnet links.

If Vuze magnet links are not working, adjusting the browser or registry settings will surely fix the problem. This issue can affect other apps, but we have a guide that shows you what to do if magnet links aren’t working, so don’t miss it.

You can also visit our guide on how to open torrent files on Windows for more potential solutions. And if you’re still having problems with Vuze, consider using one of these great free torrent clients.

Did you manage to fix this issue? Let us know which solution worked for you!

Microsoft’s consumer Teams to lose some features to Teams Premium

Posted on by Kareem Anderson

To christen the launch of Microsoft’s Premium edition of Teams, the company is stuffing some previously licensed versions of features behind the new offering’s paywall.

In February, Microsoft plans to flip a switch and move over a handful of features that have been prominent through Teams licenses to its new Teams Premium license.

The news follows a month-long trial period of Teams Premium that offered users a taste of new features for the communications platform that included live translation of 40 different languages, custom meeting templates, end-to-end encryption, and more.

In a little less than a month, regular Teams users will need to figure out how to get back the following:

  • Live translated captions
  • Timeline markers in Teams meeting recordings for when a user leaves or joins a meeting
  • Custom organization Together Mode scenes
  • Virtual appointments: SMS notifications
  • Virtual appointments: organizational analytics in the Teams admin center
  • Virtual appointments: scheduled queue view

Per Microsoft’s licensing guide for Teams, users of regular Teams will retain its Teams Premium leveraged features for 30 days following the transition, at which point, the features become a Premium edition exclusive.

For users who were highly dependent on the siphoned feature set, Microsoft suggest admins purchase the Premium add-on and assign Teams Premium licenses for that unfortunate group.

Admins can pick up a Microsoft Teams Premium license for roughly $10 per user starting in Feburary and gain access to content watermarking, labels during meetings, and user-based restrictions among other features.

via The Verge

4 Quick Ways to Fix Dell XPS 17 Brightness Not Working

Posted on by Priya Ahluwalia

The Dell XPS 17 laptop is one of the best-selling brands in the market. It’s widely acclaimed for its display, compact design, and more. But despite its perfect design, some setbacks may happen. One of them is Dell XPS brightness not working.

However, it is a common issue that can be fixed easily. The Dell XPS laptop has a feature called adaptive brightness, which automatically adjusts the screen brightness based on the ambient light.

So, let’s find out why Dell XPS 17 brightness is not working and the most effective solutions for it.

Why is the Dell XPS 17 brightness not working?

Dell XPS brightness not working is a frequent problem faced by many users. Usually, it is caused due to one of the following reasons:

  • A pending Windows Update – If you haven’t installed the latest updates to your OS, it’s time to do so because that’s where the problem may arise from.
  • Faulty screen – If the screen is malfunctioning, you will not be able to change its brightness. Unfortunately, that would be a job for the repair shop.
  • Old or corrupt display adapter drivers – A malfunctioning driver can be the source of many issues, including this brightness problem.
  • Misconfigured BIOS Settings – Some BIOS settings like Secure Boot can lead to this problem but one of the solutions below will help you fix it.

Many people complain about the Dell XPS brightness slider not working, but there are other ways to adjust your screen’s display.

You can also manually adjust the screen brightness using keyboard shortcuts or with the help of software settings.

Some Dell XPS models have a brightness control that doesn’t work. This is because the brightness control button is not connected to the screen, but to the keyboard backlighting.

The brightness will work if you press Fn + F11, which will toggle the backlighting on and off.

Now that we know why this happens, let’s fix the problem using the solutions below.

What can I do if my Dell XPS brightness settings stop working?

Whenever you notice that your screen has turned into a pitch-dark dungeon, or your laptop is too bright for your environment, don’t hesitate to:

  • Check for physical damage to your screen. A quick search should help in diagnosing the cause of your problem.

If there isn’t any physical damage, you can use our tips below to remedy the Dell XPS brightness not changing issue.

1. Update the display adapter driver

  1. Click the Search button, type Device Manager in the text field, and then click on the app from the results.
  2. Expand the Display Adapters list, then right-click the available graphics adapter, and select Update driver.
  3. Then, select Search automatically for drivers.

Windows will now scan your system for driver updates to install. If a new version is found, it will automatically install them and prompt you to restart the PC.

Installing the appropriate drivers will likely fix the Dell XPS brightness not working issue. If this method doesn’t work, there are other ways to manually update the drivers in Windows.

You can also update graphics drivers via Outbyte Driver Updater. It is a third-party app that allows you to update, maintain, and fix your drivers.

Outbyte Driver Updater quickly and easily updates your drivers and restores them if something goes wrong. Additionally, it can help resolve hardware conflict errors and missing drivers.

Outbyte Driver Updater

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2. Run Windows Update

  1. Press Windows + S, type Windows Update Settings, and click on the relevant search result.
  2. Click on Check for updates, and then click on Download & install, if a newer version is listed after the scan.
  3. Once done, restart your computer.

Windows Update is a core part of the Windows operating system that installs updates and downloads new features to keep the operating system running well.

3. Update Generic PnP Monitor

  1. Press Windows + R, type in devmgmt.msc, and hit Enter to open the Device Manager.
  2. In the Device Manager, expand the menu for Monitors.
  3. Right-click the PnP Monitor, then choose Update driver.
  4. Select Search automatically for drivers here.Search automatically for drivers to fix Dell XPS brightness not working
  5. After the update goes through, restart your PC for the changes to take effect.

There might be something wrong with your Generic PnP Monitor that will disrupt your ability to adjust the screen brightness. If this is the case with you, updating the PnP Monitor’s driver should take care of the issue, as long as it’s a software problem.

Once done, verify if the Dell XPS brightness not working problem is resolved. If it persists, head to the last method.

4. Change BIOS Settings

  1. Reboot your PC.
  2. Once the Dell logo appears on the screen, repeatedly press the F2 key until the PC enters the BIOS environment.
  3. Find the Secure boot option. You should find it in the Security tab, but that can be different in your BIOS.
  4. Disable Secure boot.
  5. Enable the UEFI boot mode.
  6. Save and exit the configuration, then boot the PC normally.

At times, you may encounter the Dell XPS brightness not working issue due to misconfigured BIOS settings. Therefore, this method should help resolve the problem.

But remember, disabling Secure Boot will make you lose out on some features in Windows and be unable to launch a few programs and games.

We know that Dell XPS brightness not changing is frustrating, but with the solutions listed here, you can get things up and running in no time.

Also, check the best Dell devices to buy today if you plan to switch to a newer model.

We hope our tips have helped you out, and we’d love to hear how your screen looks now. Do leave your comments below.

Fix: There Was an Error Starting Your Game on Hearthstone

Posted on by Henderson Jayden Harper

Hearthstone is a free-to-play online fast-paced strategy card game from Blizzard Entertainment. It is available across different platforms. However, players report running into the There was an error starting your game message on Hearthstone.

Another issue users complain about is Hearthstone not starting on PC.

What causes there was an error starting your game on Hearthstone?

Running into the Hearthstone: There was an error starting your game. Please wait a few minutes and try again can be the result of certain issues affecting the Hearthstone client or your PC. It prevents players from joining duels or playing the game.

Furthermore, the error can occur when launching or during the game. Some of the factors that can cause the error are:

  • Issues with Hearthstone servers – When there is a problem with the game servers, the game client may not work. It can impede the game activities and prevent players from playing the game. Server errors occur during routine maintenance or server downtime.
  • Problem with the Network connection – Hearthstone may not be able to connect with its servers if there is network congestion or low bandwidth available. So, network issues on your device can cause the error.
  • Outdated Hearthstone client – Hearthstone errors can occur if it is not up-to-date. It prevents the game from accessing needed updates for fixing bugs and improving performance.
  • Incorrect game settings – Players may run into errors due to some game settings and components. It can occur after joining an upcoming Fireside Gathering event when you queue for a game or during a Solo adventure.

Other factors can also cause the error starting your game message in Hearthstone. Hence, we’ll discuss some general fixes for the error.

How do I fix There was an error starting your game on Hearthstone?

Proceed with the following preliminary checks:

  • Connect to a stable and fast network connection.
  • Restart the Hearthstone client on your PC.
  • This might indicate server issues. So, checking the server status for the game will help determine if the error is from Hearthstone or your end. However, you can visit Hearthstone’s Twitter platform to check for server updates.
  • Restart Windows in Safe Mode and check if the issue persists.

If you can’t fix the issue, try the solutions below.

1. Leave the Fireside Gathering in Hearthstone

  1. Launch the Hearthstone client on your PC and go to the
  2. Select the Fireside Gathering event and click on Leave from the drop-down menu.
  3. Close and reopen the Hearthstone client to check if the error persists.

2. Add Hearthstone as an exception in Firewall settings

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

Adding the Hearthstone game as an exception in Windows Firewall prevents the Firewall from interfering with its processes. Read about how to fix Windows Firewall blocking app features on Windows 11.

3. Run the game as administrator and in compatibility mode

  1. Left-click the Start button, type Hearthstone, right-click on it, and select properties from the drop-down.
  2. Go to the Compatibility tab and check the box for the Run this program as an administrator option.
  3. Check the box for Run this program in compatibility mode, choose a Windows version from the drop-down, and then OK to save the changes.
  4. Restart the game and check if you can fix the error.

Running Hearthstone as an administrator and in Compatibility mode will fix permission issues or settings causing the error. You can check our guide on ways to fix run as administrator not working in Windows.

4. Scan and repair Hearthstone

  1. Left-click the Start button and type Battle.net, then open the desktop app.
  2. Select Hearthstone in your library and click Settings next to the Play button.
  3. Click on the Scan and Repair option, then Begin Scan. If the scan finds any corrupt or missing files, it’ll automatically repair them.
  4. Restart your game and check if the issue persists.

Repairing your game files can fix corrupt installation files causing the error to interrupt your game. Check ways to repair Blizzard games with corrupt files for more information.

Alternatively, our readers can check how to fix Hearthstone can’t connect and login issues on Windows 11. Also, we have a detailed guide on fixing Hearthstone loading issues on PCs.

If this guide has been helpful to you, kindly leave a comment on the solution that worked best for you.

Best 3D Character Creator Software for Mac & PC in 2026

Posted on by Madalina Dinita

From games to animated clips or movies, animated characters are everywhere. The animation is created for kids and adults alike, so you need the best 3d character creator.

Designers need to be super skilled in 3D designing to be able to use 3D modeling software, along with the right budget and required skills.

Video games and animation are serious business these days, worldwide. 3D design software programs are the best tools to create photorealistic graphics.

From beginners trying to up their 3D skills to professionals trying to upgrade their tools, there’s software for everyone. Here is a list of the best software to create 3d characters.

Product nameMotion character setupMain features
Adobe Dimension❌– 3D interactive objects
– Lighting and materials
Autodesk Maya✅– 3D modeling and VFX
– Realistic explosions & clothes
Daz3D✅– Free 3D models
– Various figures and artists
Adobe Character Animator✅– Emotions and facial triggers
– Different puppets and movements
Poser✅– Human figures and modeling
– Character illustration tools
Blender✅– Sculpting designs
– Hair assets
ZBRUSH✅– Virtual clay animation
– Brushes and textures

What is the best software to create 3D characters?

Adobe Dimension – Motion real-life animation

If you want to add a 3D character to your design or prototype, installing this app to model your new realistic character would be best.

You will already have available a ton of high-quality 3D content available so that you can customize your characters’ bodies, hair, eyes, and clothes.

This makes the process much faster than starting from scratch and it lets you focus on the details that matter for your project. It also has an integrated Creative Cloud Suite.

This way, once you save your character to the Creative Cloud Library, it will automatically be available in other Adobe apps.

The good news is that Adobe Dimension is for beginners too. When it comes to animating your 3D character, it offers interactive content models and patterns suitable for animations.

Therefore, the end result is quite realistic. This tight integration enables you to work much quicker than if you were using a different application.

It is also important to note that 3D characters made in one software and imported into another might not look identical.

The reason has to do with the different 3D packages where materials, lights, and such are different.

To recap, here are the strengths of this solution:

  • Interactive tools for motion images
  • 3D basic shapes and text models
  • Multiple perspective rendition
  • Various materials types

Adobe Dimension

Bring your imagination to your desktop PC by creating the 3D models of your dreams.
Check price View website

Autodesk Maya – Strong personality characters

Maya by Autodesk is the best 3D modeling software in our category. Along with 3D animation, it also provides services for 3D modeling, simulation, and rendering equipped with a combined and robust toolset.

From animations or environments to virtual reality, creating characters, or motion graphics, the software can be used for all of these.

Apart from stunning VFX effects, it also offers a super easy and faster way to create animations using the Time Editor feature.

The Arnold RenderView on the other hand, helps users see the changes in scenes in real-time that includes lights, materials, and camera.

Moreover, the motion graphics toolset helps create animations with quoted objects and complicated routine effects.

The software also allows users to design and edit UVs collaboratively using the UV toolset offering similar processes as Maya modeling workflows.

Cached playback, responsive performance, and an attractive working environment are some of its other major features.

Autodesk Maya

Create animations, virtual reality, and creative 3d models with motion graphics by using Autodesk Maya
Check price Visit website

Daz3D – Free models library

Daz3D Best 3D Modeling Software

Daz3D is one of the best software to create characters for games and videos. It provides assistance to create realistic characters for free.

It helps users to create exclusive digital art and animations using virtual characters like humans, environments, props, animals, and more.

To create beautiful animations, users simply need to pick their subject, or choose settings, organize accessories, and fix the lighting.

Daz3D combines a couple of different technologies: dForce is a physics technology that simulates hair movement. Its natural cloth applies stretches and bends when the character is moving.

Then we have Genesis 8, the latest figure platform which received numerous improvements that increased its versatility.

If you combine these technologies with Nvidia Iray render engine option, it means you can use Daz3D to create rendered images quickly and with a very realistic feel.

While it looks more polished than its previous version, it has also become much easier to use. For the newbies, they have added fresh video guides.

The current version works perfectly well with the previous 3D models and plug-in and boasts a range of next-gen figures.

Daz3D

Create wonderful 3D models with realistic hair and clothing physics thanks to Daz3D and its plethora of features.
Check price Visit website

Adobe Character Animator – Generate triggers and motions

Another essential animation tool is Adobe Character Animation, presenting you with professional motion character animations.

There aren’t other character animation tools like this one because it comes with face and expression functionality.

So, you can utilize this software to animate any character according to your personality. How? You can use the webcam and microphone to bring the character to life.

Moreover, you have gestures and trigger options to create specific live actions with your character.

You also have tons of graphics and customizing tools in order to craft realistic personas out of the editing panel.

It’s worth knowing that you can use standard puppet templates for getting more inspiration and animate characters in your own way.

Adobe Character Animation

Model your animated character to your personality using highly professional tools.
Free trial Visit website

Poser – 3D human modeling

Poser is leading software for 3D animation and rendering. It offers a total solution for creating art and animation using 3D characters.

From human forms to animals or 3D elements, the software transforms images into photorealistic visuals and videos, ready for use in films, web, and prints.

It offers a perfect way to include pre-rigged, completely textured, and prepared animated 3D characters in the production channel.

In the more advanced version, users can unlock the confidential process of how to create a realistic human figure, by styling its hair and dressing it up with clothes and accessories.

It also empowers the users to create figures that can walk, run, or dance for animated or short movies. The animations are also great and fluid.

Whether it’s creating photorealistic visuals or cartoons, there’s a lot that a creative professional can do with this tool.

⇒ Get Poser

Blender – VDM sculpting tool

Free and open-source software to create 3D characters, Blender is one of the best 3D modeling software around.

It provides support for complete 3D channel animation, modeling, rendering, video editing, rigging, game creation, and more.

It comes with a powerful integrated path-tracking engine, Cycles, that helps users with a wide range of modeling tools that help users create, change, and edit the models easily.

Moreover, its production-ready camera offers object tracing, allowing users to import raw footage, track this footage, cover areas, and view the live camera shifts on the 3D scene.

Blender offers superior quality tools for animation and rigging that are used to make several TV commercials, TV series, and short films.

Users can even draw right on the 3D viewport offering unparalleled workflow liberty, especially for 2D designers and story-boarders.

It features a Python-based interface and a layout that’s flexible in terms of fonts, size, and colors. The numerous add-ons are a bonus for the users helping them design their own Python API.

⇒ Get Blender

ZBRUSH – Clay brushes and texture

ZBRUSH gives a fun angle to the creation of 3D characters. It offers digital sculpting using customizable brushes that help shape, create texture, and paint virtual clay.

It’s all done in a real-time environment that offers immediate feedback. The software offers the same tools that are used by game developers, jewelry designers, illustrators, and artists across the world, film studios, and more.

It offers a unique feature like Project Primitive, which helps blend several pieces of geometry in one place in a new way. Polygroupit is another feature that helps create the polygon groupings crucial for the smooth process.

Sculptris Pro, on the other hand, allows users to easily brush across the surface. Using this tool, users can powerfully induce and reduce polygons at any place and time it’s required.

⇒ Get ZBRUSH

These tools are also great recommendations in case you are looking for:

  • character creation software – You can get the job done with any one of the tools found here
  • 3D character modeling software – Some tools include all the bells and whistles while others focus more on modeling, so choose whatever is best for you from this list

Whether it’s creating characters for games, videos, or movies, creating 3D visuals is an art. Any art needs the right kind of skills but also needs the support of the best software to create characters.

So, choose wisely, from the above list and get going with your designing skills. Do let us know in the comments section below which is the best software to create 3D characters for you.

How to Transfer your Minecraft Account to Another Email

Posted on by Madalina Dinita

Minecraft is still an extremely popular game, but many Minecraft users reported difficulties while transferring their Minecraft accounts.

In today’s article, we’ll show you how to easily transfer your Minecraft account to a new email address.

How can I transfer my Minecraft account to another email?

1. Migrate to a Mojang account

Note: This method only works with older Minecraft accounts.

  1. Go to the Mojang account import page.
  2. Fill in all the forms, accept the Terms and Conditions and click on Migrate account button.
    migrate to mojang account transfer minecraft account
  3. After the process is finished, your account should be successfully migrated to a new email address.

2. Change the account settings

If you already have a Mojang account, you can change your email address by doing the following:

  1. Go to the Mojang account settiings page.
  2. Log in with your current account credentials.
    change mojang account settings transfer minecraft account
  3. You should now receive the necessary instructions in your email.
  4. After you’ve completed the process, your Minecraft account email address will be changed.

Got black screen issues in Minecraft? Fix them within minutes with our simple guide.

3. Contact Mojang support

  1. Contact Mojang support team via the contact page on Mojang’s website.
  2. Be sure to get your transaction ID. This value is stored in the Minecraft purchase confirmation email message.
  3. Send the ID along with other required information to the Mojang team and let them do the rest.

There you go, these are three quick and easy ways to transfer your Minecraft account. As you can see, this can be done quickly from the settings page of your current account, but if you run into any trouble, be sure to contact Mojang support.

We hope that you found our quick guide useful and managed to transfer Minecraft account to another email. If any of these solutions helped you fix your problem, feel free to let us know in the comments section below.

How to Open MSConfig in Windows 10: 5 Easy Methods

Posted on by Milan Stanojevic

Using the good ol’ msconfig in Windows 10 is very, very simple; read our basic advice to learn how easy it is to access this useful function.

MsConfig is one of the most used commands for Windows. It allows users to modify settings regarding Windows boot and what programs launch at startup. By controlling these startup programs, users will be able to improve the startup time of their devices.

How can I access MsConfig in Windows 10?

1. Use the Run command

  1. Press Windows key + R.
  2. Run window will now open.
  3. Enter msconfig.msc and press Enter or click OK.
  1. Press Windows key + S to open Windows Search.
  2. Type msconfig. Now select System Configuration from the list.
  3. The System Configuration window will now open.

3. Use CMD

  1. Go to Search, type command prompt, and select Run as administrator.

  2. Enter msconfig and press Enter.msconfig cmd
  3. System Configuration window will now open.
Note icon NOTE
You can also use PowerShell to start msconfig, so you’re not limited just to Command Prompt.

4. Use File Explorer

  1. Open File Explorer with Windows key + E.
  2. In the address bar, enter msconfig and press Enter.
  3. System Configuration window will now appear.

5. Use Task Manager

  1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
  2. Next, go to File and choose Run new task.
  3. Enter msconfig and click OK or press Enter.

As you can see, accessing MsConfig in Windows 10 is very simple. You have more than one way to open it, so you can choose which works best for you.

If you’re unable to open msconfig, try reading our You don’t have sufficient privileges to run System Configuration guide for more information.

You can also use MSConfig to remove startup programs on Windows 7, so don’t hesitate to do that.

As always, if you have any other suggestions or questions, don’t hesitate to leave them in the comments section below and we’ll surely check them out.

Can’t Zoom in Microsoft Word: Quick Fix

Posted on by Madalina Dinita

If you’re unable to zoom in in Word, we’re here to help. Side by Side mode is by far the most common cause for this issue. Today, we’ll show you how to disable it and give you a few extra tips.

Ready? Let’s get started.

What do I do when I can’t zoom in Word?

1. Disable Side to Side mode

  1. Open Microsoft Word.
  2. Click on the View tab.Unable to zoom in Word
  3. Select Vertical.
  4. Now you should be able to zoom in and out without any issues whatsoever.

2. Repair Microsoft Office

  1. In the Windows Search bar, type Control and open Control Panel.
  2. Choose Uninstall a program.
  3. Right-click on Microsoft Office and choose Change.Unable to zoom in Word
  4. In the next dialog box, select Repair to repair the installation.
  5. After that, reboot your PC and look for changes.

3. Reinstall Office

  1. Open Control Panel again
  2. Select Uninstall a program. control panel uninstall a program
  3. Right-click on Microsoft Office and uninstall it.uninstall microsoft office
  4. Navigate to Program Files and remove the Microsoft Office folder and all associated files within.
  5. Reboot your PC.
  6. Reinstall Microsoft Office and open Word again. Check for improvements.

Hopefully, these solutions helped you address the Word can’t zoom issue In case you are still stuck with it, consider contacting Microsoft support and asking for the resolution.

Furthermore, don’t forget to share your thoughts with us in the comments section below. We always look forward to hearing from you.

Printer Keeps Printing Double Sided: Troubleshoot & Fix Now

Posted on by Matthew Adams

A lot of printers can automatically print on both sides of the paper. While that is definitely a feature and not a bug, many users claimed that the printer keeps printing double sided even when it’s not supposed to.

Printing on both sides of the paper is otherwise known as automatic duplex printing, which has become a standard printer option. But if the printer defaults to double sided without specific indications, then it becomes a problem.

And speaking about problems, let’s have a quick look at some of the most common situations reported by users worldwide:

  • Printer defaults to double sided – When this happens, the printer is printing double sided automatically.
  • Printer printing 2 sided instead of 1 – Users also mentioned that sometimes, printers prints 2 copies instead of one.
  • Epson, Brother, Canon, HP, Xerox, Ricoh, Sharp printer keeps printing double sided
  • Printer keeps printing double sided upside down

In comes the big question: Why does my printer keep printing double sided? If you’re wondering the same thing, read on, and let’s find out.

Why is my printer printing double sided?

If your printer keeps printing double sided, the first thing you need to need is to check the print settings and make sure duplex printing is disabled.

There are various print setting windows, tabs, and menus that can include duplex print options. Consequently, users may need to configure more than one duplex print option to ensure that their printers don’t always print double-sided.

Now, settings are obviously at the very top of our list and this may concern printer, file, or even device configuration. But what if the option is already disabled or grayed out?

If such is the case, you may also be dealing with a severe case of driver mismatch. Read on to find out more.

How do I turn off double sided printing manually?

1. Turn Off the Printer’s Default Duplex Printing Option

  1. First, make sure the default duplex printing option is off on the printer’s print preferences window. To do that in Windows 10, click the Start menu’s Settings button.Settings button my printer always prints double sided
  2. Click Devices, then open the Bluetooth & other devices tab.The Bluetooth & other devices tab my printer always prints double sided
  3. Click Devices and printers to open the Control Panel window in the snapshot directly below.Devices and Printers applet my printer always prints double sided
  4. Right-click the default printer and select the Printing preferences option, which will open the printer’s settings window.printing preferences window my printer always prints double sided
  5. Then look for a two-sided duplex printing option on one of that window’s tabs. The printing preferences window’s Page Layout or Advanced tabs might include the two-sided printing option.

If Bluetooth settings are missing on Windows 10, don’t worry, we prepared a few tips for you to fix it quickly.

2. Disable Double-sided printing on Microsoft documents

  1. Open the file you want to print (preferably in Word).
  2. Next, click on the File menu and select Print.
  3. If there are more devices, make sure you select the printer that keeps printing double-sided from the drop-down menu.
  4. Now, open the Copies & Pages section and select Layout.
  5. Look for the Two-Sided option (or anything similar) and make sure you disable it.
  6. You can also choose to save this setup as preset in order to turn off double-sided printing permanently.

3. Deselect Duplex Printing Within the Third-Party Software’s Print Settings

  • A lot of third-party software also includes a two-sided print option within their printing settings. For example, Google Chrome includes the Two-sided option shown directly below.
  • Word includes a Print on Both sides option under Settings for printers that support duplex printing. So, users also need to deselect the duplex printing setting within the software they print from to ensure their printers don’t print double-sided.
Two-sided print option my printer always prints double sided

If you’re looking for an upgrade, take a closer look at these top printer management programs for Windows.

4. Deselect Duplex Printing on the Printer’s Menu Screen

  • Furthermore, a lot of printers also include their own menu screens that are completely separate from Windows.
  • Some users might also need to disable duplex printing via their printers‘ menu screens.
  • Look for the two-sided print options on the menu screen’s general or ECO (Environmental) settings menus.

5. Make sure the printer driver matches your printer’s manufacturer

  1. Finally, open the Device Manager and expand the Print Queues section.
  2. Select the printer that defaults to double-sided and make sure it matches your official manufacturer’s drivers.
  3. While you’re at it, also make sure that the (correct) driver is up to date.

Using the wrong driver or having the wrong version of drivers installed can cause a lot of havoc. If your printer keeps printing double sided, it is possible that a different driver is installed, thus causing this setting to switch on by itself.

To avoid such issues, we recommend using a specialized program that will automatically keep your drivers in check and constantly updated.

This is how to stop printers from printing double sided. That’s pretty much it! If you have any comments or further suggestions, feel free to reach out anytime!

How to Add Search Bar To Slicer In Power BI

Posted on by Milan Stanojevic

Many Power BI users encountered an issue with the search box in Slicer. This is a very serious problem that puts people in difficulty.

One user said the following on the official forum:

For some reason I can’t figure out how to enable the search box in a Slicer. I’ve tried data that had more that 80k record and as little as 50. Nothing seems to work. Am I missing something? Is there a flag or switch I need to flip?

So, the OP encountered the problem regardless of the amount of data used. It’s safe to say this is a general problem for this user, but fortunately, the search box is there.

Read on to find out how to add search to slicer in Power BI.

How can I add search to slicer in Power BI?

  1. Select the Slicer icon from the Visualizations.
  2. Click the three dots (…) from the upper-right corner of the Slicer.power bi slicer search box
  3. There, you should find the option Enable search.
  4. Click on it.

So, the search box is not so obvious at first sight, but also this feature is not hard to find.

Did you find this solution useful? How do you use slicers in Power BI? Let us know in the comments section below.

Microsoft is set to offer unlimited paid time off – is that a bad thing?

Posted on by Kip Kniskern

In a memo sent out to Microsoft’s US employees earlier today, the company announced that it’s switching to a new “Discretionary Time Off” policy for salaried US workers. Beginning January 16th, these workers won’t have to wait until they accrue vacation benefits, and they’ll still be offered 10 corporate holidays, leaves of absence, sick days or mental health time off, and jury duty and bereavement leaves.

Instead of accruing vacation days, which in the event an employee were to leave the company could be cashed in, salaried Microsoft employees will now be able to take days off at their own discretion. Workers with vacation days accrued will be awarded a one-time payout this April, according to the memo.

While “all the vacation days you want” seems like something of a dream come true, a number of companies, among them Salesforce, Oracle, Netflix, and the Microsoft-owned LinkedIn all offer “unlimited vacation” plans, and there are valid reasons for doing so. Companies no longer have to account for workers’ vacation days accrued, how many have been used, how many are left, and get into squabbles if an employee needs an extra day here or there. Less bookwork for the company, less micro-management of employee behavior, which has taken a hard turn since the pre-pandemic days of “you must show up in the office,” and evidence to show that employees won’t take significant more time off than they do under current policies. In fact, they may take off less.

Christina Warren, a former Microsoft Corp. employee who now works at GitHub, isn’t a big fan of “unlimited vacation.” She took to Twitter today to explain why:

Her tweet is gaining a lot of attention (with 153K views so far, thanks Elon Musk!), and it’s an interesting and well read thread. Basically, Warren says that Unlimited PTO is a “scam” because “it is designed to benefit the company, not employee. In the US (the only place you can get away with it), the reason companies do this is so they don’t have to pay out PTO when you leave or are laid off.” She goes on to say “I’m terrible at vacation,” but says that companies offer unlimited PTO because “the numbers have shown it will save them money,” and that it eliminates what used to be a “real tangible value” (accrued vacation time).

A number of replies to the thread seem to quite like PTO at their companies, but Warren’s point remains:

For hourly workers at Microsoft, and well, everywhere, the situation is different, and the company won’t be providing unlimited PTO to hourly workers, US based or not. Microsoft says “federal and state wage and hour laws make it difficult to offer unlimited time off to hourly workers,” but of course you can’t have the cooks in the kitchen or the janitorial staff just deciding to take a week off.

Do you have unlimited PTO where you work? Would you want it, or do you too feel like it’s a “scam?” Let us know in the comments below.

(via The Verge)

Google Doc Won’t Open: How to Fix It & Main Reasons

Posted on by Madalina Dinita

Part of the popular Google Office Suite (G Suite), Google Docs has rapidly won over users because of its ease of use, online collaboration abilities, and flexibility.

But like other software, it occasionally has frustrating problems that make it difficult for you to work.

One of the quite common ones concerns access to G suite documents and here, users sometimes get the Google Docs won’t open message when attempting to open their Google Docs.

Why can’t I open a Google Doc?

If a doc won’t open, a couple of things may be wrong. Here is a highlight of the most common causes:

  • The file owner may not have assigned you permission to view the doc.
  • You’re accessing the file from another Google Account but your usual account.
  • Someone has removed your right to open the file.
  • An unstable internet connection will mess file loading and opening depending on the size of the doc.
  • Browser issues such as the cache being full, an outdated browser, and more could make it difficult to load and open g drive files.
  • Your antivirus software could be mistaking the document for a malicious file.
  • A fault resulting from a recent upgrade to Google Drive’s Backup and Sync facility.

What can I do if Google Docs won’t open?

1. Request permission to open the Document

Where the issue arose because of lacking permission, ask the file owner to allocate you opening rights.

Steps:

  1. Log in to Google drive.
  2. Open the concerned doc.
  3. On the page “You need permission“, click on Request access.Google docs won't open
  4. The original owner of the document will receive an automated email requesting for approval.
  5. You’ll get a reply email as soon as your request is approved allowing you to open the file.

Retry. The file should now open without hitches.

2. Contact the owner Directly and Ask for immediate access

You can also write to the owner directly asking them to modify the file sharing options from their side and permit you to view the file.

3. Switch Your Google Account

It’s also possible that the document was set to be opened from a Google Account different from the one you’re using.

This is especially common when you have more than one account so you need to switch to the original account to open the doc in question.

Steps:

  1. Click to open the relevant document.
  2. On the page “You need permission“, click on Switch accounts.google drive unable to open file
  3. Now Sign in with your other Gmail Account.
  4. Try to open the document and verify that it’s accessible.

4. Use a third-party Word processor

You can first save the doc to your PC and then open it using a different word processor such as Microsoft Word or Zoho Writer.

Steps:

  1. Download/save the doc to a folder of choice like the downloads folder, without opening it.
  2. Now open that folder.
  3. Right-click on the problematic doc file then click on the Propertiescant open google drive
  4. Click on Change…unable to access document google drive
  5. Select Microsoft Office Word or a similar program.google docs wont open in chrome
  6. Click OK, and OK again.
  7. Open the doc file now to see if all is well.

5. Wait and try to open it later

In some cases, documents are unavailable temporarily perhaps due to internet connectivity challenges, outages for Google Drive, or Google servers, or even synchronization hiccups.

You can give your Google Drive the benefit of the doubt and assume that the document is just temporarily inaccessible.

And so you wait a bit then try to reopen the document. It does work sometimes!

6. Try another browser

In certain instances, Google documents which have all along been failing to open on one browser do open when accessed from other browsers.

Can you then move to Edge, Google Chrome, or Mozilla Firefox depending on your current browsing software, and see how it goes?

It also helps if whatever browser you are using is up to date and you are on the latest version.

7. Clear your Browser’s Cache/Cookies

Cookies are files are typically created by the sites you visit to make your internet experience better through saving your browsing data.

The cache, on other hand, remembers parts of various pages, like loaded images, to help these open faster on your next visit.

Some tools including G Suite, however, load slower because of this content. You, therefore, need to clean these details before opening your Drive files.

Steps:

Google Chrome

  1. Open Chrome.
  2. Click More(it’s on the top right).
  3. Click More tools
  4. Now select Clear browsing data.
  5. Choose a relevant time range or select All time (At the top) to clear everything.
  6. Select the check boxes next to Cached images and files and Cookies and other site data.google drive not loading on chrome
  7. Finally, Click Clear browsing data (as highlighted above).

Edge

  1. Click on the three dots the button is on the upper-right corner on your screen.
  2. Select Settings on the drop-down menu.
  3. Go to the Clear browser data
  4. Select Choose what to clear.
  5. Check on the boxes marked Cached data and files and Cookies and saved website data.how to approve access on google drive
  6. Click on the Clear tab.

 Mozilla Firefox

  1. Click on the menu button (the three horizontal lines)
  2. Choose Options.
  3. Click Privacy & Security.
  4. Go to the Cookies and Site Data area and click Clear Data.
  5. Mark the check box next to the Cookies and Site Data as well the one near Cached Web ContentGoogle docs won't open
  6. Click Clear. 

8. Check your Internet connectivity

A weak internet connection common causes document opening issues.
Try your luck by connecting to another network and see if your doc file will load and open correctly.

9. Check your Antivirus Software

Adblockers and Virus scanning software on your PC on occasion interfere with Drive files, including Google Docs.

You can disable it briefly or check to make sure that your antivirus software is not restricting G Suite.

10. Try another device

The glitch could have something to do with the hardware you’re using so on occasion the file that was refusing to open on your laptop successfully opens from your smartphone or desktop.

Log in to G drive from your other devices and try to open the doc.

11. Share it with a friend

If you are yet to cut it, share the doc with another person and see if he/she can open it.

Where possible, request them to re-share the file with you afresh.

You should then make another attempt at opening it from your Google account. And if you run into the issue of Google Docs refusing to connect, check out our article on how to bypass it.

How to Connect an Amazon FireStick to Any Bluetooth Device

Posted on by Teodor Nechita

The Amazon FireStick then enables any TV to stream content over Wi-Fi such as Netflix, YouTube, Hulu, Pandora, HBO go, and more. Also, your Amazon FireStick is compatible with Bluetooth headphones or speakers.

Check out this step-by-step guide on how to connect the two devices together for an amazing streaming experience.

How do I connect my Amazon FireStick to Bluetooth devices?

The process is pretty straightforward actually, as all you have to do is pair the devices once. Afterward, all you need to do is turn the Bluetooth devices on.

Once you do that, they will automatically be detected by the Amazon FireStick, as long as they are within an effective range of each other.

  1. Switch on your Bluetooth speaker or headphones
    • Also, make sure the device is visible publicly
  2. Navigate in the Fire Stick menu and go to Setting
  3. Select Controller & Bluetooth Device
  4. Choose Other Bluetooth Device
  5. Select Add Bluetooth Device
  6. Confirm the process by pressing Ok

Your Amazon FireStick will automatically start searching for your Bluetooth device, so give it a few seconds.

Remember to make sure your Bluetooth device is not paired with any other devices.

If they are connected to a mobile or a PC laptop at the same time, they will be deemed unavailable and won’t be detectable.

Once the Amazon FireStick finishes searching, you may pair the two devices.

Now you can fully take advantage of the Smart TV capabilities of an Amazon FireStick.

This, paired with the wireless capabilities of a Bluetooth speaker or set of headphones will truly make your multimedia experience a whole lot more enjoyable.

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PC Audit Software: 7 Best Tools to Analyze Your System Performance

Posted on by Radu Tyrsina

If you want to audit your PCs, you will need the right tools to successfully accomplish this task. You can get system information with wmic, but that’s not always effective, especially if you’re managing multiple PCs.

You may be a tiny company with just one or two PCs, so gathering the data will not be such a huge challenge.

But if you are looking at ten or even more machines that have to be audited, then things usually get a bit more complicated, and you will definitely use a hand during this process of collecting data.

This is the reason why we picked out some of the best PC auditing tools that you can currently find on today’s market, and we’re presenting a few essential features that are included in this program below, to help you with your final choice.

What is PC audit software?

PC auditing software can be used for the following:

  • Inspecting hardware – With this type of software, you can easily check the hardware specifications of all network computers.
  • Software analysis – Using auditing software you can information such as operating system version, as well as the versions of all installed applications.

What are the best PC audit tools to use?

ADAudit Plus – Best professional auditing tool

ManageEngine’s ADAudit Plus is by far the best network auditing tool on our list, and as you will read further, it will become clear why.

With this solution, you will be able to track all the changes within your network and devices, including groups, GPOs, and more, and use over 200 predefined reports and email alerts.

You will have access to any movement inside the organization, including logon and logoff times, their duration, history, terminal service activities, and any system events or errors.

Moving forward, it’s possible to monitor file creation, modification, and permission changes to any documents made by authorized or unauthorized users.

All the activity is tracked by using machine learning technology that can detect any potential threats on your network.

With ADAudit Plus, you will secure Active Directory, Azure AD, file servers, and workstations with real-time AD change auditing.

And all that, by meeting all compliance requirements of SOX, PCI, HIPAA, GDPR, and a lot more.

You can start using the solution for free and test it before committing to any charges so you will see exactly if it caters to your needs.

Let’s see the most important features of ADAudit Plus:

  • Over 200 predefined reports and email alerts
  • Track and monitor any document changes within your organization
  • Detailed overview of login and logoff activity of all users
  • SOX, PCI, HIPAA, GDPR compliances, and more
  • Simple and fast implementation

ADAudit Plus

Get the best network audit tool that offers complete monitoring and over 200 predefined reports.
Free trial Visit website

Netwrix – Great network auditing tool

Netwrix is the best tool for auditing PCs of different size PC networks. The program will help you to improve the security of these networks and optimize IT operations.

Speaking about security and IT, Netwrix will let you find the security gaps and take care of them before some of your important data might be exposed to serious risk.

These are just some of the most important features that you will absolutely need for an exhausting PC audit as you will discover more of them while using this solution.

You will be able to adjust the use of this tool according to your needs and priorities.

Let’s get straight to the most important features that Netwrix covers:

  • Detects, classifies, and protects your most sensitive data
  • Quick audit reports save time
  • Quick threat alerts
  • Prevention behavior – detects all strange activities
  • Internal search engine for all your question

Netwrix

Netwrix will help you to improve the security of your network and optimize your IT operations.
Check price Get it now

AIDA64 – Reliable tool for local resource monitoring

AIDA64 is the global leader when it comes to PC audit and benchmarking. The detailed system analysis was designed to spot any issues with your computer.

AIDA Extreme focuses on enthusiasts and performance computing providing data on CPU, hard disk, and memory performance.

The interface is segmented into two panels, one is for selecting the desired analysis parameter, and the left one is for showing the results of the specific query.

AIDA64 compares the gathered data against other systems and gives context based on the results.

The real benefit of using it is the flexible system stability tool that will show you the temperature, fan speed, and voltage in real-time.

Check out AIDA64’s key features:

  • Provides data on CPU, hard disk, and memory performance
  • Comprehensive, two-panel interface
  • System data comparison with other machines
  • Detailed information about system stability
  • Simple usage

AIDA64

If you need professional benchmarking and auditing software you can’t get past AIDA64.
Check price Visit website

Total Network Inventory – Best simple network auditing

Softinventive’s Total Network Inventory is a tool that comes with everything you will possibly need to perform a complex system audit.

This PC auditing system comes packed with all the necessary functions that you may need to build and maintain a comprehensive database about the software and hardware that is installed on all the PCs and workstations in your business’ network.

The system audit software will list the software titles along with the number of active installations, purchase details and license keys.

If you head over to Total Network Inventory’s official website, you will see that you purchase this tool and you can also download it to try it for free for 60 days as well.

Take a look at the main features that are included in Total Network Inventory:

  • Doesn’t require any preinstalled clients or agents
  • Automatically gathers details about the installed software
  • Maintains a comprehensive software inventory in a single centralized location
  • Comprehensive changelogs and software updates
  • Create customizable reports during each system audit process

⇒ Get Softinventive Total Network Inventory

Open-AudIT – Most comprehensive auditing tool

Open-AudIT is another excellent option for auditing your PCs that is able to tell users precisely what is in their networks, how things are configured, and when the networks change.

This tool runs on Windows systems. Open-AudIT is basically a database that can be queried through a web interface.

The data about the user’s network is inserted via Windows, and the entire app is written in PHP, bash, and VBScript.

These scripting languages will allow users to make changes and customizations effortlessly.

You can find out more about Open-AudIT by heading over to its official website and taking a look at the complete set of features that are packed in this auditing tool for Windows PCs and more.

Take a look at the key features that are included in Open-AudIT:

  • Scans for software, hardware, operating system settings, security-related settings, services, IIS settings, users, groups, and more
  • Automatic scanning
  • Written in PHP, bash, and VBScript
  • Great reporting tools
  • Comprehensive and friendly interface

⇒ Get Open-AudIT

Network Asset Tracker Pro – Best tool for network tracking

Network Asset Tracker Pro is another excellent option that you have available for auditing your PCs running Windows.

This tool does not require installation, and it can be used as a portable application. You will get the chance to run the tool from a removable storage device such as a USB flash drive, a CD-ROM drive, a flashcard, and more.

You can find out more about Network Asset Tracker Pro and get this tool just to see how it works for your machines running Windows.

Take a look at the most important features that are included in Network Asset Tracker Pro:

  • This professional program is designed to collect and present the maximum amount of data possible about your PC’s hardware and software.
  • Free PC Audit 4.9 is perfect for users who are searching for computer manufacturers, driver updates, system integrators, and also tech experts.
  • This freeware is a great tool for scanning and collecting data about your PCs and keeping your network safe and free of threats.

⇒ Get Network Asset Tracker Pro

E-Z Audit – Most simple automatic auditing tool

E-Z Audit is another tool that can audit PCs and servers quickly and accurately. This portable audit tool provides an audit for PC hardware and software as well.

When you are using this tool, you can enjoy total privacy, and no audit data will ever come to the creators of this tool, unlike lots of other free software and paid competition these days.

In order to be able to use this tool, you will have to install it on the PC or server you want to audit..

E-Z Audit already has more than 18,000 customers throughout the world, and it has managed to make millions of PC audits easily since back in 2001.

Many more interesting features and functionalities are included in this tool, so make sure to check it out.

It’s worthwhile checking out a few of its most important features below, so take a look:

  • Automatic and on-demand auditing
  • Clean and very intuitive user interface
  • Create point-and-click reports throughout the whole program
  • Set-it-and-forget-it type of configuration, ideal for beginners
  • Easy to implement in only a few minutes

⇒ Get E-Z Audit

These five picks for the best Windows PC auditing software are the best ones on the market these days.

No matter which one of these great tools you decide to purchase, total success is guaranteed by their extended sets of unique and handy features.

You might also be interested in our selection of the best event log monitoring software for Windows.

If you have any suggestions, don’t hesitate to let us know about them in the comments section below.

Selected Boot Image did not Authenticate: How We Fixed It

Posted on by Madalina Dinita

The selected boot image did not authenticate the error message is linked with updates, upgrades, and driver updates and is likely common on HP computers.

Note that this error is not the same as the bootmngr missing error that displays when you attempt to load an operating system from a directory that it wasn’t installed in.

Causes of Selected boot image did not authenticate error

This error indicates that a security protocol has been breached or the device you are loading the OS from is not able to offer the information required in other to boot.

Secure Boot is a technology that uses the system firmware to confirm that the system boot loader is signed in with a cryptographic key authorized by a database contained in the firmware. So, to secure your computer from system changes that can trigger any harm, the boot sequence is saved in the database.

Getting this error message can also indicate that your bootloader credentials are missing, thus making it difficult to load your OS. Nevertheless, no matter the cause of the Selected boot image did not authenticate error below are some solutions that can help you resolve it.

How can I fix the Selected boot image did not authenticate error?

1. Switch to legacy boot in your BIOS settings

Switching to legacy boot will help bypass the OS and hardware changes and proceed with the booting. If you know that your computer can’t boot due to a malware attack, this solution is not for you. Below are a few steps to resolve this issue.

  1. Restart your PC and enter BIOS.
  2. Choose the System Configuration menu with the right arrow key. Now select the Boot Option and press Enter.
  3. With the down arrow key, select Legacy Support and hit the Enter button. If it is disabled, select Enabled and hit Enter.
  4. Select Secure Boot and hit Enter. Now disable Secure Boot.
  5. Press the F10 and accept the changes. Use the left arrow key to choose Yes and press Enter. Save changes and exit.
  6. After this, the computer will automatically restart to Windows with Legacy support enabled and Secured Boot disabled.

2. Hard reset your PC

hard reset selected boot image did not authenticate

A hard reset on your PC will reset all the configurations on your BIOS and hopefully fix the Selected boot image did not authenticate error. By doing so, all incompatible configurations will be wiped out.

Use these steps to reset your computer

  1. Switch off your PC.
  2. Unplug the AC adapter cord.
  3. Take out the battery.
  4. Hold down the power key for 20 to 25 seconds to reset the hardware.
  5. Now try to power it up and hit the F2 button. This command will load the hardware diagnostics.
  6. Run a startup test to test all the hardware components.
  7. Restart the PC and let it boot normally only if the test is clean. If it doesn’t boot then you have to do a system repair.

3. Use system recovery to repair your computer

Making a repair on your system can fix the Selected boot image did not authenticate error. These are simple steps of how you can make a system repair.

  1. Turn off the system and wait for a few seconds before you turn it back on by pressing the power key. Just as it is coming up, press ESC repeatedly until the Startup menu comes up.
  2. Now, hit the F11 button which will navigate you to the recovery console.
  3. Hit Troubleshoot, then Advanced Options and press Startup Repair.
    startup repair selected boot image did not authenticate
  4. Follow the steps on the screen to repair your PC.

There you go, you should be able to fix the Selected boot image did not authenticate error using these solutions.

READ ALSO:

Windows 11 Best Performance Settings: Storage, Background Apps & More

Posted on by Vlad Turiceanu

What if I told you that you can increase the performance of your Windows by tweaking some settings without the need for third-party software?

The default Windows 11 settings are optimal for all-around enjoyable performance, but you can take advantage of some factors to speed up and optimize your system.

What are the best Windows 11 performance settings?

1. Adjust performance settings

  1. Click the Search icon in the Taskbar.
  2. Type in advanced and select View advanced system settings.
  3. Then, select Settings in the Performance section.
  4. Select Adjust for best performance then click OK.

2. Clean the startup

  1. Click the Start button in the Taskbar.
  2. Select Settings.
  3. Go to Apps, then Startup.
  4. Toggle off the apps you no longer wish to start with your PC.

3. Disable background apps

  1. Click the Start icon in the Taskbar.
  2. Now select Settings.
  3. Navigate to Apps section in the left pane. In the right one, click the three dots icon next to the application that you want to disable.
  4. Select Advanced options.
  5. Set the Background app permission to Never.
  6. Repeat this step for all apps that you want to disable.
Note icon NOTE
Keep in mind that this method only works for apps that are downloaded from the Microsoft Store.

4. Enable Storage Sense and clear the temporary files

  1. Press Windows Key + I to open the Settings app.
  2. Now select Storage.
  3. Turn Storage Sense on.
  4. You can also schedule and adjust your settings by click on Storage Sense.

While you’re here, you can also clear the temporary files by doing the following:

  1. In Storage section, click on Temporary files.
  2. Select the files that you want to remove and click on Remove files button.
  3. When the confirmation dialog appears, click on Continue.
  4. Wait while Windows completes the process.

5. Change power settings

  1. Press Windows Key + S and enter power plan. Select Choose a power plan from the list of results.

  2. Then, select High Performance. You might have to expand Show additional plans section in order to see the option.

6. Disable transparency effects

  1. Press Windows Key + I to open the Settings app.
  2. In the left pane, select Personalization. Now select Colors.
  3. Now, toggle Transparency effects off. 
Note icon NOTE
Note that you need to activate Windows to change this setting and other ones related to themes and colors or the overall aspect.

Is Windows 11 more demanding than Windows 10?

Yes, the new version is slightly more demanding than its predecessor. To run Windows 11, you’ll need at least 4GB RAM, 64GB of storage space, and a dual-core 64-bit CPU.

This isn’t a significant change compared to Windows 10. However, not all processors will work with the latest release, so if you want to upgrade, make sure you don’t use hardware over four years old.

We suggest checking the list of supported CPUs on Microsoft’s website for detailed information.

Can third-party apps affect my performance?

Yes, third-party apps can negatively impact performance. They take up space and may require lots of resources to run. That’s not to say you should only run Windows apps. Just make sure to clean up your PC regularly and get rid of apps you no longer need.

Can defragmentation speed up my PC?

Defragmentation can improve your performance if you’re using a hard drive and not an SSD. If you’re unfamiliar, this process will rearrange data, allowing you to access it faster.

This process is usually performed automatically by Windows, and if you want to learn more about it, we suggest reading our how to defrag drives on Windows 11 guide.

Can using High performance power plan cause problems?

In most cases, High performance won’t cause any issues. By using this plan, your CPU speed won’t be reduced at all, so you should get better results in apps and games.

However, this power plan will use more power and cause more heat in some cases, so if you use it on your laptop, ensure you have a good cooling system and that your device is connected to the wall outlet.

That’s about it for this article. We’ve included all the ways you can optimize your device and make Windows 11 faster in a matter of moments.

All these settings are incredibly easy to access and perfectly safe to use, so try them on your PC and check if they work for you.

Once you have configured your PC, you can use Windows 11 performance overlay and check for improvements. After applying these tweaks, run a computer performance test to verify gains and track CPU, GPU, RAM, and disk improvements.

Users with older PCs can also enable ReadyBoost on Windows 11 for a small performance boost.

If you have any suggestions or know about other settings that could improve Windows 11, don’t hesitate to tell us in the comment section below.

PgAdmin Utility File Not Found PostgreSQL: 3 Confirmed Fixes

Posted on by Milan Stanojevic

Computer errors can cause various problems, and one error that many users reported is the Utility file not found, please correct the binary path in the preferences dialog.

This error can cause all sorts of problems, such as SQL Server error 18456, and in today’s guide, we’re going to show you the best methods you can use to fix it.

What causes the Utility file not found in PostgreSQL?

There are two reasons for this error message:

  • Improper configuration – If the application isn’t configured properly, you won’t be able to use it at all. You might even encounter errors such as SQL Server query execution failed.
  • Missing files – In some instances, the necessary files might not be located in the proper location, thus causing issues to appear. If you’re working with databases, you should consider SQL backup software to prevent any file loss.

How can I fix the Utility file not found, please correct the binary path in the preferences dialog error?

1. Restore the database

  1. Open pgAdmin. Click on File and select Preferences.
     
  2. Next, choose Binary path and set ProgresSQL Binary path to C:\Program Files\PosgresSQL\13\bin

  3. Lastly, select your database from the menu on the left, right-click it and choose Restore.

Once you perform these steps, the pgAdmin 4 utility file not found, please correct the binary path in the preferences dialog should be gone.

2. Edit the config_distro file

Note icon NOTE
This method will achieve the same results as the previous one, but instead of using the graphical interface, you’ll directly edit the settings.
  1. Navigate to C:\Program Files\PostgreSQL\13\pgAdmin 4\web
  2. Open the config_distro in your code editor.
     
  3. Now change the pg value so it matches the location of the ProgresSQL bin directory.
  4. Save changes.

As you can see, this is a simple solution that will help you fix Please configure the PostgreSQL binary path in the preferences dialog in PostgreSQL 14 error.

3. Copy the necessary files

  1. Look for the pg_restore.exe file. It should be located in C:\Program Files\PostgreSQL\13\bin
  2. Navigate to the following path: C:\Program Files\PostgreSQL\13\pgAdmin 4\
  3. Navigate to the runtime directory. If it’s not available, right-click the empty space and expand the New menu and then select Folder. Name it runtime and navigate to it.
  4. Now paste all the files from the bin directory inside the runtime folder.

As you can see, the Utility file not found, please correct the binary path in the preferences dialog is a minor error that can be easily fixed in a matter of minutes.

Fixing this error is important, and speaking of database errors, be sure to check our guide on how to repair a corrupted database in SQL Server.

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

Forza Horizon 4 Not Launching On Windows 11: Fix

Posted on by Matthew Adams

Forza Horizon 4 is an enthralling Windows and Xbox racing game. Now players can enjoy it on Windows 11 too. However, Horizon 4 doesn’t always work as expected in Microsoft’s latest desktop platform.

Some players have posted on Microsoft’s support forum about Forza Horizon 4 not running. For them, the game is not launching in Windows 11 or keeps crashing when they start it at least.

Do you need to fix Forza Horizon not running on Windows 11 as well? If so, you might be able to do that with the potential resolutions below.

How come Forza Horizon 4 isn’t working in Windows 11?

First, remember that your PC must meet Forza Horizon 4’s minimum system requirements to play the game on it.

If Forza Horizon 4 doesn’t work after purchasing and downloading it, double-check the game’s system requirements. The screenshot below shows the game’s system requirements:

Horizon 4's system requirements forza horizon 4 not working windows 11

Does your computer meet those system requirements? If not, you’ll need to upgrade your PC’s hardware so that it meets the stated specifications. Alternatively, request a Microsoft Store or Steam refund for Forza Horizon 4.

If you’re sure it does meet the minimum system requirements for Horizon 4, you’ll need to do some troubleshooting. It might be the case that your Forza Horizon 4 installation is corrupted in some way. In which case, resetting or reinstalling the game might be your best bet.

Forza Horizon 4 has pretty advanced 3D graphics. Thus, your PC must have a reasonably update graphics card driver for that game. If your desktop or laptop has a somewhat outdated GPU driver, that might be why the game doesn’t work for you.

Conflicting programs are also a common cause for Forza Horizon 4 crashing on Windows 11. There are quite a few software applications known to conflict with the game.

Some third-party antivirus utilities can stop Forza Horizon 4 from launching when it’s not in their exclusion lists.

How can I fix Forza Horizon 4 not launching on Windows 11?

1. Run Forza Horizon 4 as an administrator

  1. Right-click the desktop shortcut for Forza Horizon 4 and select Properties. If you don’t have one, add a shortcut for it to the desktop by dragging the Horizon 4 app from the Start menu.
    The Properties option forza horizon 4 not working windows 11
  2. Click the Compatibility tab on the game’s properties window.
  3. Select the Run as administrator checkbox.
    The Run this program as an administrator option forza horizon 4 not working windows 11
  4. Press the Apply button, and click OK to exit.

2. Reset the Forza Horizon 4 game app

  1. First, click the magnifying glass taskbar icon.
    The magnifying glass button forza horizon 4 not working windows 11
  2. Type in apps and features within the search box.
  3. Click the Apps & features search result to open that Settings tab.
  4. Then click the three-dot button on the right side of the listed Forza Horizon 4 app.
    The three-dot button
  5. Select Advanced options to view them.
  6. Press the Reset button for the game.
    The Reset button forza horizon 4 not working windows 11
  7. Click Reset again.

3. Verify game files (Steam fix)

  1. Open the Steam game client software.
  2. Select the Library tab in Steam.
    The Library tab forza horizon 4 not working windows 11
  3. Right-click Forza Horizon 4 to select its Properties option.
  4. Click the Local Files tab on the properties window.
  5. Press the Verify Integrity of Game Files button for the verification process.
    Verify Integrity of Game Files button forza horizon 4 not working windows 11
  6. Wait for validating Steam files to reach 100 percent, and then click the Close button.

4. Disable the microphone for Horizon 4

  1. Click the Windows taskbar icon to open the Start menu.
  2. Select the Settings app shortcut.
  3. Click the Privacy & security tab.
  4. Next, select the Microphone navigation option.
    The Microphone option forza horizon 4 not working windows 11
  5. Then disable the microphone for the listed Forza 4 app by clicking its toggle button.Microphone settings forza horizon 4 not working windows 11

5. Undo PC overclocking

Overclocking your PC can cause Horizon 4 to crash or not to launch at all. Have you been overclocking your computer’s processor or graphics card?

If so, now you should undo the overclocking you’ve applied by resetting the CPU and GPU to their default settings. You might be able to restore defaults by selecting certain options within your overclocking software.

For example, you can click a Reset button to revert GPU changes. However, some users might need to enter BIOS (Basic Input Output System) settings to undo overclocking.

After doing these changes, check whether the Forza Horizon 4 not launching on Windows 11 issue is gone.

6. Select high-performance power settings

  1. Open Windows 11’s search tool by pressing the Windows + S keyboard shortcut.
  2. Input Control Panel in the search text box to find it.
  3. Then click Control Panel in the search tool.
  4. Select the Hardware and Sound category.
    The Hardware and Sound category forza horizon 4 not working windows 11
  5. Click Power Options to view those settings.
  6. Then select the High performance radio button.
    High performance option forza horizon 4 not working windows 11
  7. Close the Control Panel, and click Power, then Shut Down on the Start menu to restart.

7. Update your PC’s graphics card driver

  1. Open the AMD or NVIDIA driver download webpage in a browser depending on what graphics card your PC has.
  2. Select your graphics card model and Windows platform on the menus.
    NVIDIA graphics card selection menus forza horizon 4 not working windows 11
  3. Click the Submit or Search button.
  4. Then click the Download button for the latest compatible graphics card driver with your PC.
    NVIDIA Download button forza horizon 4 not working windows 11
  5. After downloading the driver package, press the Windows key + E hotkey.
  6. Open the folder you saved the driver package in.
  7. Click the driver package file to open its setup wizard.
  8. Then go through the setup wizard to install the graphics driver.

You can also check if you need to update your graphics card’s driver with third-party driver updater software. Scanning your PC with a third-party driver updater tool such as Outbyte Driver Updater will show you what devices on it have old and outdated drivers.

8. Disable third-party antivirus software

There are quite a few anti-virus utilities that don’t mix well with Forza Horizon 4. AVG, Avast, Avira, Comodo Antivirus, and Emisoft Anti-Malware are among those confirmed to conflict with the game. So, it’s recommended to at least disable antivirus software before playing the game.

You can usually disable third-party antivirus utilities from their context menus. Right-click a system tray icon for your antivirus software and look for a disable or turn off option on it. Select the disable option to turn off its shield for a few hours at least.

Alternatively, you could try adding Forza 4 to your antivirus utility’s exceptions list. Check the instructions on your antivirus utility’s website for further details about how to set up software exclusions for it.

9. Clean-boot Windows 11

  1. Press the Windows key + X at the same time, which is the keyboard shortcut.
  2. Select the Run shortcut on the Win + X menu.
  3. Input the following MSConfig command and click OK: msconfig
  4. Click Selective startup within the General tab.
  5. Uncheck the Load startup items option to deselect that checkbox.
    The Load startup items checkbox forza horizon 4 not working windows 11
  6. If they’re not already selected, select the Load system services and Use original boot configuration settings.
  7. Then select the Services tab.
  8. Click Hide all Microsoft services to select that option’s checkbox.
    The Hide all Microsoft services checkbox forza horizon 4 not working windows 11
  9. Select the Disable all option.
  10. Press the Apply button to save settings.
  11. Click OK to exit the System Configuration tool.
  12. Thereafter, select the Restart option.
  13. Try playing Forza Horizon 4 after the restart.

If this resolution works, a third-party program or service was probably crashing the game before you clean-booted Windows 11.

Sonic Audio, Discord, OBS, MSI Afterburner, Logitech G Hub, Nahimic Audio, Xsplit, and EVGA Precision are some of the apps confirmed to conflict with Forza 4.

You can restore the original boot configuration by selecting the Load startup items and Enable all options within the System Configuration window. If you do that, you’ll need to identify what app is conflicting with the game to manually remove it from the startup.

10. Reinstall Forza Horizon 4

Note icon NOTE
These instructions are for reinstalling the Forza Horizon 4 MS Store app. Steam players can uninstall and reinstall the game with the Steam client software.
  1. Open the Apps & features tab in Settings as outlined within the first three steps of the second resolution.
  2. Click the three dots button for the Forza Horizon 4 app to select Uninstall.
    Uninstall option forza horizon 4 not working windows 11
  3. Select Uninstall again to confirm.
  4. Before reinstalling the game, click Power and Restart on the Start menu.
  5. Next, select Microsoft Store on the Start menu.
  6. Enter Forza Horizon 4 in the Microsoft Store search box.
  7. Select the Forza Horizon 4 app page in the search results.
    Forza Horizon 4's MS Store page forza horizon 4 not working windows 11
  8. Then download the game from its MS Store page to reinstall it.

How can I optimize gaming in Windows 11?

Windows 11 includes a Game Mode setting you can turn on to optimize gaming. That setting optimizes system resources for games by disabling superfluous background processes and Windows updates while you play them. You can enable Game Mode as follows:

  1. Press the Windows key + I keyboard shortcut.
  2. Select Gaming on the left of Settings.
  3. Click the Game Mode navigation option.
    The Game Mode navigation option forza horizon 4 not working windows 11
  4. Then click the Game Mode option on.
    Game Mode option forza horizon 4 not working windows 11

If you ever need to fix Forza Horizon 4 lag in Windows 11, consider playing the game with VPN software installed. You can choose a less crowded server when utilizing such a service.

Overall, there are various potential resolutions for fixing Forza Horizon 4 not running on Windows 11. The ones mentioned above will resolve some of the most likely causes for the game crashing.

However, there are probably plenty more potential fixes for Horizon 4 not working. You can also check out the Forza Support website. That’s a dedicated support site for Forza racing games from which you can submit support tickets.

To do so, sign in to that website and open its submit a request page. Even more, don’t hesitate to take action if you can’t play Forza Horizon 4 online on your PC.

And there are some Windows 11 gaming settings that you need to enable in order to ensure top graphics performance and a smooth gameplay.

The potential Windows 11 fixes in our guide could kick-start your Forza Horizon 4 game. So, make sure you try applying most of them before seeking further troubleshooting guidance on the Forza Horizon 4 not launching on Windows 11 issue.

Feel free to discuss Forza Horizon 4 not working on Windows 11 in our comments section below.

5 Best Malayalam Typing Software for PC in 2026

Posted on by Madalina Dinita

While Windows comes with built-in support for thousands of languages already, there are still some added functions people look for. Those who are looking for advanced features of a specific language, often have to find different software altogether.

Malayalam is one of the commonly spoken languages that users often find software for. That’s when they need a third-party Malayalam typing software for Windows to speed things up.

English to Malayalam typing software for Windows comes with advanced features like special characters, more fonts, font conversion, and more. We shortlisted some of the best Malayalam typing software programs out of the many that are available online.

What is the best Malayalam typing software for Windows?

Malayalam Typing

Nowadays many of our typing activities take place on our mobile phones, instead of our computers. Being able to use your device with your language of choice should be a given. Technology companies are putting work in providing the necessary tools so users around the world get the full experience of their products.

This is where the Malayalam Typing app provided by Microsoft comes into play. It comes with all necessary keyboard-app features that make for a seamless typing experience.

Malayalam Typing is a very small app, it won’t take up much space and it will certainly not have a negative impact on your device’s performance.

The app’s main focus is providing a Malayalam keyboard and also giving support for manglish typing with real-time transliteration. Its easy and modern UI allows you to easily switch between these modes.

Other key features of Malayalam Typing include:

  • 4 different keyboard styles
  • fully customizable
  • one hand keypad
  • dedicated keys
  • integration to popular social-media and messaging apps

Malayalam Typing is a free app. With one Microsoft account, you can install it on up to 10 different devices.

⇒ Get Malayalam Typing

Keymagic

Those looking for high-performance software can easily trust Keymagic as one of the best Malayalam typing software for Windows. It’s an exclusive keyboard with Unicode fonts.

It comes with a variety of Unicode keyboard layouts that can be changed to and from by the users. They can also map or edit the keyboard layout as their custom selected keyboard typing layout setting.

In addition, the program also allows users to administer their completely organized or created keyboard layout. It also enables users to create different types of keyboard layout files with the help of the kEditor.

Keymagic is free software and it is available on Windows, macOS, Ubuntu, Linux as well as on the mobile operating systems iOS and Android. 

⇒ Get Keymagic

Varamozhi

An English to Malayalam transcription library, Varamozhi can convert Malayalam text between Malayalam and English writings for free.

As an input, it takes the mapping between a Malayalam font and output functions of the transcription system. It’s basically a group of applications that help the system to read and write Malayalam.

Those who want to write these programs must use transcription and they should be able to type in Manglish that will eventually convert to Malayalam.

It comes with two Malayalam fonts that are installed with the actual program further enhancing your font library. It’s a simple program that allows users to write Manglish on the left side and view the Malayalam translation on the right.

It’s also available the other way around. However, a Malayalam keyboard is required to view what is being typed or find out by trying and testing. Additionally, it also features a debug console.

⇒ Get Varamozhi

Typeit!

Typeit! is a free Malayalam typing software or an editor where the users can type and edit documents in Malayalam.

It provides support for six different Malayalam keyboards that are Inscript (ISM), GIST, Malayalam Typewriter, Panchami, Panchari, and Varityper Phonetic keyboard Layout. It features a simple and easy-to-use interface and is perfect even for beginners.

It allows you to change between Malayalam and English fonts by clicking the Caps lock. Users can also change the keyboard layouts conveniently by simply hitting the F4 key for the Malayalam keyboard.

Hyphenation is one of its other features that automatically hyphenate documents. This helps the documents to be exported to other programs, in the right manner.

Those who do not want to use the hyphenation feature can turn it off from the tools menu. Moreover, users can easily export the completed text to other applications in two ways.

They can either copy the typed content and paste it into other applications like Word, PageMaker, etc., or they can save it in RTF format and import the documents to other applications. The Malayalam font is automatically set to ML-TTRevathi.

Additionally, the font size can be modified with the help of the SetFont Command from the Format Menu. Best of all, the documents can be converted to Unicode, which is very valuable for those using the internet.

Typeit! is free software that can be used on a Windows operating system.

⇒ Get Typeit!

Inkey

Inkey is a responsive and easy-to-use Malayalam typing software that’s based on Mozhi scheme. Once it’s downloaded and installed, users can simply hit the CTRL key twice to switch between Malayalam and English.

The first version of the program was launched in 2008, however, it was available through only a handful of distribution mediums. The second version was released in the year 2015.

Due to a concern raised in the Facebook community in 2015 related to typing issues on Windows 7 and up versions, the Mozhi version came into existence. The Mozhi keyboard is written in Tinker keyboard description language.

In fact, users can get the source code for the program online at GitHub. Users can also create their custom keyboard by downloading and transforming the Inkey-Mozhi keyboard.

Inkey is open-source software that can be downloaded for free for Windows OS.

⇒ Get Inkey

Final Words

Writing in your preferred language can get more than convenient with efficient typing software.

Just make sure that it’s a trusted software that offers all the necessary tools to help you write Malayalam text in different fonts, offers auto-correction based on saved spellings, or the documents are convertible to Unicode.

Check the above list, make your choice, and create amazing content using the best Malayalam typing software for Windows.

Mouse Settings on Windows 11: Change Speed & Sensitivity

Posted on by Radu Tyrsina

The latest OS is pretty impressive and it seems like users are more and more excited about its new capabilities. Convince yourself by checking the Windows 11 new features and our related update tips.

However, it comes with some predefined settings, which do not always fit people’s necessities. So, Microsoft fans are wondering what are the best ways to customize Windows 11’s mouse settings.

There are lots of ways to make your device interact better with your PC, and this article will present the best ones.

If you want to increase your level of productivity even more besides tweaking settings, you can always invest in a great mouse designed for multitasking.

Also, they are straightforward to use, so do not worry about not being prepared.

What mouse settings can I change?

1. The pointer speed

This one refers to the Windows option that scales individual counts from the mouse to on-screen cursor movement. Also known as Mouse Sensitivity, the pointer speed’s level can be changed whenever you need it.

Each Windows OS has multiple mouse sensitivity levels, so you’ll always be able to adjust them according to your needs. 

2. Scrolling design

The mouse scroll wheel powers the scrolling design, and this is one of the most used features. It allows you to move from side to side for horizontal scrolling.

Along with the regular left and right buttons, each device should have such a button, and you can adjust its settings just as needed.

3. Visibility

The visibility of your mouse is how it’s shown on your screen. With Windows 11 improvements, you have a few exciting and easily adjustable options.

You can choose how to display pointer trails (short way or long way), whether or not you want to hide the pointer while typing, or whether or not you want to show the location of the pointer when pressing the CTRL-key.

How can I easily change Mouse Settings in Windows 11?

1. Adjust Mouse Sensitivity through the Settings Menu

  1. Press simultaneously Windows + I.
  2. Go to Bluetooth & devices, then navigate to Mouse.
  3. Look at the Mouse pointer speed option, then adjust the slider according to your needs.

2. Customize Scrolling Options

  1. Open again the Settings menu by pressing simultaneously Windows + I.
  2. Click on Bluetooth & devices section, then navigate to Mouse.
  3. From this page, you can also choose to adjust the Scrolling settings.
  4. In these terms, consider the following options: Roll the mouse wheel to scroll (where you can choose from Multiple lines at a time or One screen at a time), adjust the Lines to scroll at a time slider, enabe or disable the Scroll inactive windows when hovering over them option.

3. Adjust Pointer Options through Control Panel

  1. Hit the Windows key, then type Control Panel, and open it.
  2. Navigate to the Hardware and Sound section.
  3. Look at the Devices and Printers section, then click on Mouse.
  4. Click on the Pointer Options tab.
  5. Here, you can adjust certain specifications, such as Motion or Visibility.
  6. Click on the Apply button, then on OK.

4. Personalize Mouse Buttons with Control Panel

  1. Follow the first 3 steps as in the previous solution.
  2. In the Mouse Properties window, instead of Pointer Options tab, select the Buttons one.
  3. Here, you’ll find three more options: The Button configuration (which allows you to switch the primary and secondary buttons), the Double-click speed and the ClickLock.
  4. After you made the changes, click on Apply, then on Ok.

5. Use a third-party software

While most products support their mice with default software, some others are more generic or might come from a manufacturer that hasn’t made its own software.

If you have a device like this, you’ll need another way to change and customize your Windows 11 mouse settings. And why is that? Because Windows doesn’t have any built-in options to do it.

There are plenty of available tools that will help you to easily adjust these options. However, producers are now preparing the latest versions, so you’ll have to wait a bit more to get one of these.

Make sure you constantly keep an eye on our content to find the latest news in this regard.

What are the most common mouse problems?

  • Too slow or fast movement cursor – This can occur due to improper settings or random bugs. It can be easily solved with the Control Panel support or updating the related drivers. If you’re not sure how to keep them up to date, we recommend using a dedicated driver updating tool.
  • Mouse cursor gets freezed – Your mouse cursor could also totally stop working. This usually happens due to an extra load of PCs.
  • Double-click issue – This issue refers to too quick or slow mouse double-clicking. You can quickly adjust it using the Double-click speed option (from the Control Panel) listed above.
  • Uncommon behaviour of Mouse Pointer – Another common issue in mice is the malfunction of the cursor like failing to lock to the game. The main reasons that can explain this issue are unsuitable mousepad or sensor area filled with dirt.

So here you are, having an easy guide that will help to change your Windows 11 mouse settings. Rest assured that the above options are the best you can find.

In addition, to get a more unique workplace, check out how to change the mouse cursor model on Windows 11. And if you’re more into multiple displays, you can enable the ease cursor movement between displays option for a seamless transition.

Your questions and opinions are the most important, so do not forget to share them with us in the comments section below.

How to Fix Terraria Stuck on Joining To Server: 10 Ways

Posted on by Vladimir Popescu

A lot of users complaining about Terraria stuck on joining when trying to connect to a server. The server connectivity issues on Terraria are usually due to service issues or poor local network connection. To eliminate the first issue, check the Terraria server status on on dedicated websites.

What can I do if I can’t connect to Terraria server?

1. Increase Player Spots/Reserve

  1. Open the TerrariaServer.exe to host the game. It usually exists in the game installation folder.
  2. Type the map number you want to play and press enter.configuring terraria server ss 1
  3. Now, Type the number of allowed players. Usually the actual number of players+one. Example: For 2 players, press 3 and hit enter.configuring terraria server ss 2
  4. Next, enter the port and press enter. Usually 7777.configuring terraria server ss 3
  5. Then, Type Y and press enter for automatic port forward.configuring terraria server ss 4
  6. At last, give a server password and hit enter. configuring terraria server ss 5

It will prepare your server for one extra player. It is a proven technique to fix can’t connect to the Terraria server.

2. Update the game’s server

Your friends can’t connect to the Terraria server, maybe because it is outdated. Steam usually updates the game automatically along with the game server. 

If you use a third-party dedicated game server, visit their official website to download the latest software and install it.

3. Use a VPN software

Using a good gaming VPN to fix can’t connect to the Terraria server is a great solution. In some cases, your internet connection can be the root of the problem. Using a different connection may help.

But, Using a VPN usually solves this type of problem.

private internet access (PIA) VPN desktop app

Private Internet Access (PIA) is an excellent choice for gamers. It offers a port forwarding feature that most other VPNs lack.

Else, You can have a look at the best VPNs for the Terraria game. Using one of these also can help to overcome this problem. 

4. Use Steam Invite

  1. Open Steam.
  2. Launch the Terraria Game.
  3. Go to Multiplayer.terraria multiplayer
  4. Click on Host & Play.terraria multiplayer host & play
  5. Select Player.select player mp terraria
  6. Then, Select World.select world terraria
  7. Click on Invites Only.click invite only terraria
  8. Give a server password (optional) and click on Accept.click accept server terraria
  9. Now, Click on Settings.click ingame settings terraria
  10. Go to Invite Friends.click invite friends terraria
  11. Then, choose the friends you want to invite to play with you.invite friends terraria steam
  12. Enjoy the game.

The steam invite method helps to bypass the cannot connect Terraria server problem and play multiplayer.

5. Allow the process through the Firewall

  1. Open start menu.
  2. Type control panel, when the control panel appears, hit enter.opening control panel
  3. Click on System & Security. clicking on system & security
  4. Go to Windows Defender Firewall.clicking on windows defender firewall
  5. Then, Click on Allow an app or feature through Windows Defender Firewall.click allow app windows firewall
  6. Click on Change Settings.clicking change settings windows firewall
  7. Now, Find the Steam, Terraria, TerrariaServer and check private and public next to them.allowing private public windows firewall
  8. Click on OK.saving windows firewall change
  9. Restart Windows.

6. Verify integrity of game files

  1. Open Steam.
  2. Right-click on Terraria and go to Properties.going terraria properties steam
  3. Click on Local Files.local files tab terraria
  4. Click on Verify integrity of game files.verify integrity terraria game files

It will tell you if all the game files are OK or not. Steam will repair any corrupted game files if necessary. If there is any problem, update or uninstall the game and re-install again. It will fix the can’t connect to Terraria server error.

7. Enable Port Forwarding on your router settings

  1. Visit your router’s login page. Usually, the address is https://192.168.0.1.tplink router login page
  2. Click on Advanced.click advanced tp link
  3. Find an option like NAT Forwarding and click on that.clicking nat forwarding
  4. Then, Go to Virtual Servers.clicking virtual servers
  5. Click on Add.
  6. Fill the form using your local Lan address, the port as 7777, protocol as All or TCP.
  7. Check Enable this entry.checking enable this entry tp link virtual server
  8. Click on Save.saving virtual server settings tp link
  9. Restart Your Router.

The above steps are for the modern TP-Link routers. However, Suppose you have any other router. In that case, you can figure it out by yourself or visit the manufacturer’s website for details.

8. Update the network adapter

  1. Open start menu.
  2. Type device manager and hit enter.opening device manager
  3. Expand Network adapters.expand network adapters
  4. Now, Right-click on the network driver you want to update and choose Update Driver.choose update driver network driver
  5. Click on Search Automatically for drivers.search automatically for drivers
  6. If it finds an updated driver version, Windows will install automatically.

In this way, you may not find the latest driver sometimes. It will be more effective if you use a third-party driver updater like Outbyte Driver Updater.

9. Disable the Firewall

  1. Open Control Panel like method 4.
  2. Click on System & Security and then Windows Defender Firewall.
  3. Then, Click on Windows Defender Firewall on or off.click turn off windows firewall
  4. Now, Check Turn off Windows Defender Firewall for both Private and Public networks.turning off windows firewall
  5. Then, Click on OK.
  6. Next, Lunch the Terraria game and try to connect to the game server.

It is risky to leave the firewall disabled. You should only disable it while playing the game. After that, you should turn it on.

10. Change DNS Server

10.1 Change DNS Server for Ethernet connections

  1. Press Win + I on the keyboard to open Windows 11/10 settings.
  2. Click on Network & Internet.clicking network internet win11 settings
  3. Now, Click on Ethernet.
  4. Click on the Edit button next to the DNS server assignment.clicking edit dns win11
  5. Next, Type your preferred DNS server addresses for a better multiplayer gaming experience. Usually, 8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4 (Google DNS) is best for all-purpose.
  6. Then, Click on Save.saving dns settings win11
  7. Now, relaunch Terraria and see if it fixes the problem.

10.2 Change DNS Server for Wi-Fi

  1. Open Windows 11/10 settings like before.
  2. Go to Network & Internet as shown before.
  3. Then, Click on Wi-Fi.clicking wifi settings win11
  4. Next, Click on Hardware Properties.clicking hardware properties
  5. Click on Edit next to the DNS server assignment.clicking edit dns assignment
  6. Change DNS Settings from Automatic to Mannual.setting dns menual win11
  7. Enable IPv4 or IPv6 depending on your preference.enabling ipv4 dns win11
  8. Give your preffered DNS addresses.
  9. At last, Click on Save.

10.3 Flush the DNS

  1. Now, Open Start Menu, type cmd, and hit enter to open the command prompt. opening command prompt windows 11
  2. Type the following command and press enter to execute it. ipconfig /flushdnsipconfig flushdns cmd

While local multiplayer won’t require the DNS modification, but if the Invite via Steam method fails, it is one of the ways to fix this Terraria multiplayer problem.

How can I avoid this problem in the future?

There is no exclusive method or idea that can help someone to avoid this problem in the future entirely. But, there is something you can maintain to reduce the chance of getting Terraria server connectivity problems.

Usually, Having a very stable internet connection with a dedicated public IP address can ensure a better gaming experience. In fact, you will rarely face connectivity problems with the Terraria server with this type of connection.

Always use a better DNS server. ISP’s own DNS server often may go through problems.

Also, Having a good VPN connection unlocks a new way. Even though the internet speed seems stable, a good gaming VPN can help when you get a connectivity issue.

Use Terraria from a genuine source. According to our research, a pirated version of the Terraria game is more likely to go through a multiplayer server connectivity problem.

The last but the most important thing is, you should always keep the game, game components, and game servers(if you have any installed) up to that.

Basically, these are the best way to solve the can’t connect to Terraria server error. You may also be interested in how to fix packet loss issues in Terraria.

If you know any other methods that may help, you can share them in the comment box.

OBS Studio for Windows 11: How to Download, Install & Use

Posted on by Matthew Adams

Now that Microsoft has officially released Windows 11, more users are embracing the latest desktop platform. Note that it retains the same built-in recording feature as its predecessor, namely Game Bar DVR.

Yet, some users might be disappointed it doesn’t have an enhanced recording utility. For starters, you can’t record the Windows 11 desktop or File Explorer with Game Bar DVR, which has primarily been designed for game recording.

Game Bar is restricted to recording one full-screen app at a time. Furthermore, the built-in recorder’s configuration settings are somewhat limited.

Therefore, some users will no doubt prefer to find a better alternative to Windows 11’s Game Bar DVR. If you’re among them, look no further than OBS Studio. This is one of the best open-source recording software for Windows.

What do I need OBS Studio for?

To put it simply, you need OBS Studio for recording anything on your PC’s monitor. Aside from its video and audio capturing, the software enables users to mix audio, set up scenes with custom transitions, and broadcast live streams to different servers.

As mentioned, the Game Bar DVR isn’t much good for recording the Windows desktop. So, you’ll need OBS Studio for recording videos that include some desktop activity.

Live game streaming is prevalent on the likes of YouTube and Twitch. OBS Studio is the software of choice for many players who stream their gaming. With the software, players can switch between cams and games and even incorporate comments in their streams.

Those who want more options to pick from can also take a look at this list including the best game recording software for low-end PCs. Even if this is a Windows 10 guide, the options presented work without problems on Windows 11 too.

So, OBS Studio is a pretty cool piece of kit for recording software on your PC live or not. You can run that software on Windows 11 if you need something more advanced than the Game Bar DVR and find the best OBS settings for recording.

This is how you can download and install OBS Studio in Windows 11.

How can I download and install OBS Studio in Windows 11?

1. Download OBS Studio

  1. First, open the OBS Studio homepage.
  2. Click the Download link on that website.
    The Download link obs studio windows 11
  3. Select the Windows logo on the download page if it’s not selected.
  4. Then press the Download Installer button (for the 64-bit version installer).
    Download Installer button obs studio windows 11
  5. Next, choose a folder to download the OBS Studio installer in.
  6. Press the Save button to download OBS Studio’s installer to the chosen folder.

2. Install OBS Studio

  1. To open File Explorer’s window, click its folder taskbar button.
    The File Explorer button obs studio windows 11
  2. Next, open the folder you downloaded OBS Studio’s installer to.
  3. Click Next on OBS Studio’s setup window to bring up the license info.
  4. Select Next again to proceed to the directory selection options.
  5. To choose a folder to install the software, click the Browse button. Then select a directory for the software on the Browse for Folder window, and click the OK option.
  6. Press the Install button.
    Install button obs studio windows 11
  7. Thereafter, select the Launch OBS Studio checkbox.
  8. Click Finish to confirm.
  9. When OBS Studios starts, an Auto-Configuration Wizard window will also open. Select either Optimize for streaming or Optimize just for recording depending on your user requirements.
    Auto-Configuration Wizard obs studio windows 11
  10. Select the Next option.
  11. Then choose your preferred video settings on the window that you can see below, and click the Next button.
    video settings obs studio windows 11
  12. Finally, select the Apply Settings option.

How can I record my PC’s screen with OBS Studio?

When you’ve installed OBS Studio as outlined above, you can start recording to your heart’s content! The standard recording for non-live videos is relatively straightforward in OBS Studios. This is how you can record the Windows 11 desktop with that software:

  1. Click the + button for sources in OBS Studios.
    The + button obs studio windows 11
  2. Select the Display Capture option on the menu.
    Display Capture options obs studio windows 11
  3. Enter a source name in the Create source window that pops up, and press the OK button.
  4. Press the OK button on the Properties window that opens. Users with multiple monitors can also select alternative displays with the Display setting on that window.
    The Display setting obs studio windows 11
  5. Then press the Start Recording button to begin.
    Start Recording button obs studio windows 11
  6. Minimize the OBS Studio window, and record everything you need to.
  7. When you’re done, press the Stop Recording button in OBS Studio.
    The Stop Recording option obs studio windows 11
  8. To find where you’re recorded output is saved, click the Settings button.
  9. Select the Output tab on the Settings window. Your video will be saved in the recording path specified on that tab.
    Output tab obs studio windows 11

Where can I get plugins for OBS Studio?

As its open-source software, there are plenty of useful plugins for OBS Studio. Those plugins add additional features and options to take advantage of.

The Resources section on the OBS Studio website is the best place to find plug-ins for the software. The OBS Studio Plugins section there includes several pages of plug-ins for the software. Click a link for a listed plugin there to read further details for it.

To download a plugin, click the Go to download button for it on its details page. Then either a Save As window or a GitHub download page will open. If a GitHub page opens, select to download an EXE installer file from there if you can.

Go to download button obs studio windows 11

However, you’ll have to download some plugins as ZIP archives, which you’ll need to extract within File Explorer. Then you’ll need to drag and drop the plugin’s obs-plugins folder into your OBS Studio installation folder. Make sure it merges with the obs-plugins folder there.

Overall, the installation for OBS Studio is a very quick and straightforward process. You can have it up and running in Windows 11 in just a few minutes. As it takes up about 261 megabytes of drive storage space, you probably won’t need to make any space for it.

OBS Studio has all the tools you’ll need to record appealing software videos on your desktop or laptop. You probably won’t find any better freely available recording tools for Windows 11 at the moment. So, it’s certainly worth installing OBS Studio if you need to record something on your PC.

Worried about OBS crashing issues? They are often caused by the graphics card app or outdated versions so don’t hesitate to apply the tips found in this guide on how to fix OBS crashing issues in Windows 10. Rest assured that all of them may be taken into consideration by Windows 11 users too.

Things are no different when it comes to OBS not recording game audio. We’ve got a few confirmed solutions to start resolving this annying problem.

What do you think about OBS Studio? Feel free to use the comments section below and tell us your opinion.