This is How You Can Crop a Circle in Paint 3D

Posted on January 11, 2023October 4, 2023 by Milan Stanojevic

Cropping is a basic feature in image editing tools. Users rely on this option to remove certain parts of photos or adjust the image size.

However, this is not easy in Paint 3D. Cropping a circle is even harder. This is surprising because Paint 3D is a rather new image editing tool.

Microsoft should have been aware of this basic need of users. Still, we’re in luck! A workaround exists, so, you can use Paint 3D to crop a circle.

Steps to crop a circle in Paint 3D

1. Crop a circle on a white background

Click on 2D Shapes and select the circle.
Draw the circle on the portion of the image you want to crop. The color of the circle should be something other than white.
Make sure Fill is selected as None and Line type as Solid.
Increase the thickness of the circle to the desired value. The higher the value, the thicker the circle.
Click on the checkmark icon outside the circle.
Crop the image in a square shape, using the Crop function from the toolbar. The cropping should touch the outer edges of the circle.
Click on Done.

Now you have a circle on a white background. To make the background transparent, check out the next steps.

2. Make the background transparent

Click on Magic select and then Next.
Select Canvas and enable Transparent canvas.
If certain areas remain with a white background, click on the image to increase the size of the square by holding Shift and left-click.
Go to Menu and select Save as.
Under the Save as type, select PNG (image) and check the Transparency box.
Click on Save.

Saving the image in PNG is crucial because it retains the transparency you see it in Paint 3D.

So, here you go. Now you can crop a circle in Paint 3D. However, the process is pretty complicated and takes time.

Most users don’t want to complicate their work with a function that should have been a lot easier to use.

Also, there are great image editing tools that you can use. We selected the best on this fresh list!

Did our workaround help you? Do let us know in the comments section below!

Skype Crashing On Windows 11 / Not Working: Fix

Posted on January 11, 2023March 28, 2024 by Loredana Harsana

No introduction is necessary for Skype, which is one of the most popular video conferencing applications available that comes pre-installed on all Windows systems.

Skype can be accessed from a computer, phone, or tablet device. It is completely free to use and quite simple to install. However, it does have its advantages and disadvantages, just like any other application.

People all across the world are using it to stay connected and make video chats at a higher rate than ever, but, lately, it seems that Skype has been crashing unexpectedly for many of its users.

For others, Skype is closing automatically on Windows 11.

When you are in the middle of an urgent call, this problem becomes even more serious, but don’t worry, we’ve put together a list of solutions that you can follow to fix Skype and get it back up and running. Allow us to first explain what causes app crashes before moving on to the fixes themselves.

Why does Skype keep crashing on Windows 11?

A large number of customers have reported frequent crashes when attempting to use the Microsoft Skype app as well as other communication apps, touch keyboards, settings, or other popular applications, making it difficult to operate the computer.

Microsoft-developed applications, such as Snipping Tool or Skype, are prone to crashing. In particular for Skype, which has been updated for Windows 11 with a new look and approach, simply collapses after Microsoft’s digital certificate expires.

A flaw associated with an expired digital certificate appears to be the source of the problem. As a result, any software that is relying on that unknown digital certificate is likely to crash as a result.

In addition to compatibility issues, corrupted data, and potentially dangerous software that has been downloaded, there are several other reasons for Skype to crash on a frequent basis.

Although there is no official patch available at this time, Microsoft has validated users’ reports in an update made to the Feedback Hub, noting that they are aware of a problem with Windows 11 and will be working to fix it.

It’s always a good idea to check out the Skype Blogs page for additional information on bugs, new features, and potential fixes to unknown errors.

How can I fix Skype crashing on Windows 11?

1. Reset the app

Press the Windows key + I to open the Settings app then click on Apps followed by Apps & features from the right side.
As soon as you’re inside the Apps & features box, look for the Skype application by typing its name into the search field and selecting it from the three-dot menu, followed by the Advanced options option.
Scroll down until you find the Reset section, then click on the Reset option.

When you reset the Skype application, you will lose all of the data that was previously stored in the program. As a result, we recommend that you create a backup of any important data before beginning the process of resetting your device.

2. Run Windows troubleshooter

Press the Windows key + I to open the Settings app, and navigate to System in the left panel followed by Troubleshoot from the right side.
Once you are inside the Troubleshoot menu, click on the Other trouble-shooters option.
Now scroll down until you meet the Windows Store Apps troubleshooter and click Run next to it.

Once the troubleshooter ends searching for errors, it will display you the exact bug that occurred and how to fix it.

Make sure to follow the instructions displayed, step by step. In case that does not help, using specialized repair software is recommended as it can repair damaged system files and replace missing DLLs.

3. Install the Media Feature Pack for Windows 11 N

Press the Windows key + I to open the Settings app, and navigate to Apps in the left panel followed by Optional features from the right side.
Now click on View features next to the Add an optional feature option.
Search for Media Feature Pack in the search bar, select it and click on Next, followed by Install.

Note that the feature is only available for the Windows 11 N version, as the other versions already have it installed by default along with other media applications.

4. Reinstall Skype

Press the Windows key + I to open the Settings window and click on Apps followed by Apps & features.
Once you’re inside the Apps & features window, search for the Skype app by typing it in the search bar and click on the three-dot menu, followed by the Uninstall button.

Now head back to your browser and search for the Skype application, then download it back and follow the instructions you are presented.

Is Microsoft Teams better than Skype?

Essentially the same as Skype for Business Online, Microsoft Teams adds a number of new and improved capabilities to make organizations more collaborative and productive.

Microsoft has invested significant resources in ensuring that Teams is feature-parity with Skype for Business Online. The app provides the same video, and chat features as before, but goes above and beyond by facilitating more effective group interactions, including social networking elements.

Users can get notifications, mentions, and comments, as well as incorporate rich media content, GIFs, and emojis in their chats. They may also send messages to other users.

Furthermore, tight integration with Office 365 programs such as Word, Excel, and Yammer is another significant benefit that Teams has over Skype for Business Online.

Consequently, users can have quick access to the files, people, and apps that they require to perform work inside their groups in an efficient manner. This strong working relationship streamlines procedures and saves time for staff.

If you’re using Skype, it can be difficult to find the information you’re looking for because the service lacks sophisticated archive or search options. Microsoft Teams provides sophisticated search features, persistent chats, and bookmarks to make life easier for team members and administrators.

For more information and details about how Teams compares next to Skype, check out our article with a full comparison between the two relative to Windows 11.

Alternatively, if you are interested in knowing what other features have been replaced or sent to oblivion altogether, take a look at our post on apps removed by Microsoft in Windows 11.

And finally, to complete your expertise on the operating system, you will want to read what the performance differences are between Windows 10 and Windows 11 as well as what the best features are in the latter.

Let us know in the comments section below which solution worked best for you as well as whether you will switch to Microsoft Teams or stick with Skype. Thanks for reading!

Best Password Manager for Families: 7 Best to Stay Safe

Posted on January 11, 2023October 23, 2025 by Teodor Nechita

Online privacy and security are a must in an era where information can be easily attainable via the Internet, so keeping everything locked behind credentials and passwords has become the new norm.

The only real problem is that there are just too many login-based services, and remembering the password for each of them becomes impossible at one point. That’s where a reliable third-party password manager comes into play and saves you from a lot of worries.

How can a password manager help me?

There are numerous benefits of using a password manager:

Enhanced security – With a password manager, all your online accounts will use a strong and unique password that can’t be easily hacked.
Simplicity – A password manager allows you to forget about multiple passwords. Simply use a single master password to gain access to all your other passwords.
Availability on multiple devices – Many password managers are available on multiple devices, allowing you to have your passwords available on your phone, PC, and other devices for quick and easy access.

We also have an article with interesting password statistics that might draw a better picture of related issues.

Which are the best password managers for families?

NordPass – Best features for family password managing

We tested the NordPass password manager for families. We studied each feature, including the master password, browser extension, and encrypted note, to determine the pros and cons of using this password manager.

NordPass’s primary features are its simple design, app speed, encryption technology, and user experience.

You may securely share passwords with other NordPass family members through an encrypted connection using the Trusted Contacts option.

Your family members may easily communicate credit card information, login information, or secure notes with each other safely.

NordPass’s main key features are:

Unlimited number of stored passwords
Autosave new passwords and autofill for all web pages
Can store private notes and credit card info
Finds weak, reused, and old passwords and recommends a new one
Trusted contacts for an easy share of info
Amazing family plan with great features
Checks the web for data leaks

It’s a great way for family members to share membership details like streaming platforms’ passwords.

NordPass

Share digital subscriptions with the rest of your family in a secure environment with a lot of flexibility.

Free Download Visit Website

ADSelfService Plus – Extenssive password management tool

ManageEngine’s ADSelfService Plus is a holistic and flexible self-service password management tool that will help you protect your family’s online accounts.

So, it’s essentially a business-oriented solution, but you can use it very efficiently for all the members of your family.

Its main feature is to enable users to access multiple enterprise applications, including Office 365, G Suite, and Salesforce, with single sign-on (SSO).

However, they will also be able to securely reset passwords and unlock their Windows Active Directory (AD), Office, and other accounts.

Not only that, but it also secures password resets with additional layers of authentication, including Google Authenticator and biometrics, so hackers won’t be able to steal your family members’ accounts.

With this tool, it’s possible to synchronize password resets and changes from AD to cloud and on-premises applications in real time for all the members of your family.

In short, all the passwords will be safe and sound so that your family will be out of trouble when it comes to any data or identity theft.

Take a look at its key features below:

Enables remote users to force an update of their cached AD credentials
Secures every remote and local access to Windows with 2FA
Generate reports on users’ password self-service activities
Send instant password reset alerts to users
Access the password reset/account unlock portal from users’ mobile devices

ADSelfService Plus

Secure your family by providing reliable password protection for all members.

Free trial Visit Website

Dashlane – Popular and safe

The next software on our list is another well-known password manager called Dashlane, and it too is a solid choice for anyone that wants to keep their passwords safe and secure.

The reason it’s number 3 on our list is that, despite offering pretty much all the tools of our first entry, their free subscription plan is far more limited, but other than that, Dashlane will do just fine.

Keep your passwords safe and secure, auto-complete your credentials on all the websites that you enter, gain access to encrypted file storage, a solid password generator, and more.

As for the family features, Dashlane offers the ability to share passwords with up to 5 users on their free plan, and unlimited users on all of their paid plans, so whichever plan you choose, you’ll still be able to keep others safe too.

1Password – Best dedicated family password manager

Similar to our first entry, 1Password has a dedicated family-oriented plan called 1Password Families, and through it, you can share passwords, credit cards, and anything else that’s too important to email.

Up to five people can join in and have individual accounts on your single subscription, and the best part is that they don’t even have to live within the same house.

Thanks to these tools, 1Password helps your family practice smart online security by generating unbreakable, unique passwords for all accounts covered by your subscription.

However, 1Password understands the importance of privacy, so personal vaults for each account do exist, and not even the account owner can access them without permission from the designated owners.

Passware Kit Basic – Ideal tool for password recovery

Our second suggestion is a powerful password recovery tool that works for multiple file types such as MS Office & OpenOffice documents, PDFs, and Windows Password Reset.

Passware Kit Basic is suitable for family use because it has the capacity to recover or reset passwords from the most common, daily-use apps.

It can recover and reset passwords from over 80 file types and over 300 document types. On top of that, all recovered passwords are automatically stored in a password history report, so you can easily access and use them.

The software is very powerful in detecting encrypted files within your machine. An additional benefit of this feature is that it can also decrypt hard disk images.

Passware Kit Basic is compatible with Windows 10 & 11, Windows 8, and Windows Vista SP1. It is a paid software, but it offers a free trial, so you can try and see how it suits your needs.

Additional features of Passware Kit Basic Include:

Burns password-reset CDs
Displays account properties
Resets Local Admin passwords, including Live ID Accounts

Passware Kit Basic

Recover and store all your family’s passwords with one powerful tool.

Check price Visit Website

LastPass – Best tool for family password management

LastPass started off as a browser extension that allowed easier password management and has since evolved into one of the top password managers on the market today, thus deserving a spot on our list.

Available on all major platforms, including Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS, this tool will allow you to access all of your services regardless of where you are.

Besides, PC users don’t need to worry about installing bulky software, since their browser extensions (yes, they still have that), will more than suffice.

Online shopping will be simplified thanks to the automatic form completion, and you can even create accounts where you yourself don’t know the passwords since LastPass will remember them for you.

LastPass

Manage, generate and secure your passwords for the whole family with LastPass!

Check price Visit Website

RoboForm Password Manager – Best friendly password manager

Next on our list is none other than RoboForm Password Manager. It is one of the top password managers on the market not only because it makes keeping tabs on passwords easier, but also because it automates the entire process of form completion and password generation as well.

More so, it seems that RoboForm makes for an excellent family-oriented password manager since they even have a dedicated subscription called a Family Plan.

More so, RoboForm even has a feature that allows you to grant a trusted contact emergency access to your RoboForm data in the event of death, incapacitation, or simply as a method of account recovery, so even if something happens to you, your family will be taken care of.

As for security, RoboForm has successfully completed a security audit and penetration test conducted by Secfault Security which furthermore adds a new level of credibility to this tool.

Family-oriented features aside, RoboForm makes for a solid password manager when it comes to general use as well, providing much-needed features such as:

Access from any location at any time
Password capturing while browsing
Automatic password sync
One-click logins
Offline access
Extensions for all major browsers

Therefore, fully secure your online activity for the entire family using this unbeatable password manager with useful plans.

RoboForm Password Manager

You, friends, and family are as safe as possible with the world’s best password manager.

Free trial Visit Website

This concludes our list of best password managers that families can use, and we hope that you agree with the entries in this article.

Additionally, you might be interested in our best password sync software list, or maybe combine a password manager with a VPN for maximum security.

If you know of any other password managers that would have deserved a spot on our list, leave us a message in the comments section below with their names, and we’ll decide whether to add them or not.

Halo Infinite Not Working or Crashing on Windows 11 [Fix]

Posted on January 11, 2023October 4, 2023 by Vladimir Popescu

After a six-year run of Halo 5 (mostly known as Guardian), which was a bit of a disappointment, the game has now been scheduled to launch not only on consoles but also on PC.

Halo Infinite flight tests have been going on and the fans have had the chance to see a preview of what the game will offer when it is officially released on December 8^th.

Players have had their fair share of bugs and problems while testing out the game, and installation was one of the problems.

As gamers need to have a dependable and immersive experience while testing out any game, this could not be reported about the latest release of Halo, and Windows 11 doesn’t do well with it either.

If you’re playing Halo Infinite on Windows 11 and encounter the same issues, this guide will provide some help.

Why is Halo Infinite not working on Windows 11?

Many PC players, especially those on Windows 11 have reported numerous issues while playing the game. Some players have complained about the game not working while others have had issues while tying it out.

The game modes available to players (both PC and Xbox) right now are technically in the beta stage of development and have not been fine-tuned, so some issues are to be expected.

However, this doesn’t mean that all the issues are arising from the developer’s side. Some of these problems players have reported can also arise from the players’ end.

How can I fix Halo Infinite issues on Windows 11?

1. Close apps that use your network

Press the Ctrl + Shift + ESC to launch the task manager.
Select the Processes tab.
Click on the Network tab.
Close apps such as video streaming and torrents apps that consume your bandwidth.

2. Disable the delivery optimization feature

Press the Windows button then click on Settings.
On the window that appears, select Windows Update.
On the Windows update page, select Advanced options.
Click Delivery Optimization under additional options.
Turn off the Allow downloads from other PCs option.
Click on Advanced Options.
Adjust how much bandwidth is used for download and upload.

3. Turn off Metered connections

Press the Windows key then click on Settings.
Select Network and Internet.
Under Network and Internet, click on Properties.
On the next page, turn off Metered connection.

4. Disable antivirus software

4.1 Prevent Windows Defender from scanning specific files

Press the Windows button then type Windows Security. Click Open.
On the Windows Security window that appears, click on Virus and threat protection.
On the next page, click on Manage settings.
Scroll down Exclusions then click on Add or remove exclusions. Click yes if prompted to.
On the next page, click on Add an exclusion.
On the drop-down list, select folder.
On the window that appears, locate and add your game installation folder then click okay.

NOTE

After trying the above step, make sure to check if the game is running optimally. If it doesn’t, try the following Windows Defender step.

4.2 Disable Windows Defender

Press the Windows button then type Windows Security. Click Open.
On the Windows Security window that appears, click on Virus and threat protection.
On the next page, click on Manage settings.
On the next page, turn off Real-time protection.

5. Download and install a beta release of Windows 11

Visit the Windows Insider site.
Click on the user icon on the top-right corner of the page to sign-in.
On the next page, enter your Microsoft Account Details to finish the sign-in process.
On the next page, scroll down to the Select Edition section.
On the select edition dropdown menu, select Windows 11 Insider Preview (Beta Channel) Build 22000.194. Click Confirm after the selection.
On the next page, select your preferred language from the select the product language dropdown. Click Confirm after the selection.
Finally on the last page, click 64-bit download.
Check out our article on how to install Windows 11 from an ISO to continue with the installation process of the Windows 11 Insider Preview you’ve just downloaded.

6. Upgrade your PC to meet Halo Infinite system requirements

The most likely cause of Halo Infinite not working is the pc requirements. Make sure that your pc meets at least the minimum requirements.

The game is pretty big so first confirm that you have enough space on your storage before you begin the installation process. In addition, confirm that you have enough RAM to get a stable installation process.

Halo infinite minimum and recommended system requirements are as follows;

Minimum requirements	Recommended requirements
OS: Windows 10 RS3 x64CPU: Intel i5-4440 or AMD FX-8370GPU: NVIDIA GTX 1050 Ti or AMD RX 570RAM: 8GBStorage: 50GB	OS: Windows 10 19H2 x64CPU: Intel i7-9700K or AMD Ryzen 7 3700XGPU: NVIDIA RTX 2070 or AMD Radeon RX 5700 XTRAM: 16 GBStorage: 50GB

The above system requirements should allow you to install and run the game comfortably without any issue. Be sure to check your pc specs and upgrade where necessary.

Those are some of the solutions you can use to fix Halo Infinite not working. As mentioned earlier, some of the issues arise from the player’s end so it is best you first fix your end before dealing with other issues.

According to John Junyszek, the community manager of 343 Industries, most of the issues PC players are experiencing while trying out the technical previews have been addressed.

I spoke with the PC team, and they confirmed that the improvements to performance, hitching, latency, aiming, and more that we’ve already made internally will give you, and all PC players, a first-class experience at launch.
John Junyszek – Community Manager at 343 Industries

The technical previews are beta versions of the game. It still needs fine-tuning before it’s officially released and I believe 343 are doing just that.

With its release date set for December 8^th, players won’t have to wait for long before they can run the game smoothly.

Feel free to share your experience with this game by using the comment section found below.

Windows 10 Lean, the Smallest Windows for Minimal Install

Posted on January 11, 2023February 5, 2025 by Radu Tyrsina

You probably heard that there’s a Windows 10 version on a diet and the latest reports say that the slimmed-down OS was available for download.

Windows 10 Lean is the minimum viable version of Windows 10 and it obviously runs on low specs devices.

Compared to the Windows 10 Pro, the Windows 10 Lean download is 2GB smaller and it occupies half of what Windows 10 would normally do after installation.

How can I download and install Windows 10 Lean?

1. What is Windows 10 Lean all about?

In this OS version, 175 MB is destined for apps and games, and drivers, programs, and wallpapers are missing from this small version of Windows 10.

If you compare the OS with Windows 10 Pro, over 55,500 files are missing. Another feature of Windows Lean is low resource usage. The 64-bit OS is using 1.5GB RAM and it’s great for a virtual machine.

It’s safe to say that Windows 10 is basically a legacy-free version of Windows 10. For instance, the Control Panel is empty instead of being flooded with items.

You can still install Win32 apps on it, unlike Windows RT which doesn’t allow it.

2. What is Windows 10 Lean’s purpose?

Windows 10 Lean reportedly targets tablets with 16GB of storage space but isn’t limited to those.

The OS would also make a perfect base for an operating system that is based on C-Shell. But the cut-down version of Windows 10 would have to offer a desktop.

3. How can I download and install Windows 10 Lean

Update: In the meantime, Windows 10 Lean has become obsolete and it’s not available for installation anymore.

The Windows 10 Lean ISO is still available on WindowslogItalia, but Microsoft doesn’t offer any support for it so we wouldn’t advise you to use it.

However, we have to thank Microsoft for another instance of the Windows 10 OS for low-memory devices: Windows 10 S.

You can find Windows 10 S on a lot of devices nowadays and mostly on laptops and 2-in-1 devices. This OS is not actually a distinct OS but only an iteration of Windows 10.

The S-mode of Windows 10 was created for educational purposes and it’s usually preinstalled by OEM or system builders, not by end-users.

If you have a device with Windows 10 S, you can disable the S mode although there have been problems with that process before.

However, you shouldn’t disable the S mode unless you are absolutely sure that your device can run Windows 10 because this is an irreversible process.

How do you feel about the short lifespan of this Windows 10 version? Leave us your thoughts in the comments section below.

WiFi Slower Than Ethernet: Tested Ways to Boost Speed

Posted on January 11, 2023June 10, 2025 by Madhuparna Roy

If your Wi-Fi speed is slower than Ethernet, it’s because Ethernet provides faster speeds, fewer interruptions, and a more stable connection.

Wi-Fi can be slower due to several factors: limited data rates (check why Wi-Fi doesn’t work but Ethernet does), too many devices connected to your router, Wi-Fi packet loss from network congestion, outdated drivers, or too many background processes affecting your connection (learn more about background processes).

Wi-Fi works great for mobile devices but is more prone to interference. If you notice that Wi-Fi is slow on your laptop, we have an expert guide to help you fix it.

How do I make my Wi-Fi faster than Ethernet?

Try these preliminary checks to see if they help boost your Wi-Fi speed:

Move your router to a better location.
Check your internet speed using a dedicated internet speed tester.
Restart your modem and router.
Check network card speed.
Change your frequency band from 2.4 GHz to 5 GHz.
Reconfigure the router’s antennas.
Use Wi-Fi signal boosters or Wi-Fi extenders for better reception.

If none of the above steps work, here we have a quick rundown of some fixes that can help you fix the issue when Wi-Fi is slower than Ethernet.

1. Run the Windows troubleshooter

Open the Settings app by pressing the Win + I keys together. Click on System on the left and then click on Troubleshoot on the right.
Next, on the right, click on Other trouble-shooters.
On the next screen, go to Internet Connections, and click on Run.
Now, wait for the troubleshooter to look up any issues, and if any are found, it will apply the repairs automatically.

2. Update network drivers

Press the Win + R keys together to launch the Run console. Type devmgmt.msc and hit Enter to open the Device Manager.
Expand the Network Adapters section, right-click on the device, and select Update driver.
In the Update Drivers window, click on Search automatically for drivers. Now, wait for Windows to detect the latest drivers. Once found, the updates will be applied automatically.

Once you have successfully updated the network driver, check if the Wi-Fi speed has increased. Updating the network driver will fix bugs and resolve issues like slow internet issues while using wired access points, along with installing the latest features to improve your internet experience.

If you’re looking for another method of updating your network drivers, then we recommend you use specialized software to perform this action automatically.

Fortect Driver Updater is a great choice here because it scans your computer for outdated or missing drivers and quickly finds the latest updates from its massive database.

3. Disable apps from running in the background

Press the Win + I keys simultaneously to launch the Windows Settings app. Here, click on Apps on the left and then, click on Apps & features on the right.
On the next screen, go to the right and under the App list, look for the problem app. Click on the three dots next to it and select Advanced options.
Next, on the right side of the screen, scroll down and go to Background apps permissions. Select Never from the drop-down below.

If Windows 11 still has slow Internet speed, refer to our detailed guide for more expert-tested fixes.

At the same time, you may also change the Wi-Fi frequency channel using dedicated Wi-Fi channel scanners if the Wi-Fi speed is slower than Ethernet or you experience isolated cases such as video calls being slower even with high-speed internet.

If you’re wondering why your internet is slow on one computer but fast on another, this detailed guide on fixing slow internet on one device while another stays fast explains the common causes and solutions.

Alternatively, you may disconnect any unused devices and make sure only the essential devices are connected.

For any other queries on Wi-Fi or Ethernet speed, do let us know in the comments section below.

Go Back Option is no Longer Available: How to Get it Back

Posted on January 11, 2023October 4, 2023 by Alexandru Poloboc

For some, the Windows 11 experience only lasted a few days, for others a few weeks, while the rest are still enjoying and testing the upcoming OS, through the various preview builds released by Microsoft.

But what happens when you simply had enough of Windows 11 and would like to go back to the previous operating system? Know that there are certain rigorous steps you need to follow in order to do so.

There is also a deadline that, if crossed, changing back to Windows 10 will prove a bit trickier and time-consuming than you initially thought.

Why is the go back option no longer available?

There are many users that now turned to the internet for answers to how they would be able to revert the OS change and go back to the good old Windows 10.

What many people did not understand is that you can only do so while within the first 10 days of installing the first preview build for the new operating system.

After these 10 initial days, which can be considered as a trial, you will not be able to roll back anymore.

What should I do if the Windows 11 go back option is not working or no longer available?

We have a dedicated guide on this topic that will showcase workarounds for you to force a Windows 11 rollback after the 10 days period. You can check it out for more information on the topic.

How can I rollback to Windows 10?

If you are still within the boundaries of this grace period, here’s what you need to do:

Access the Settings menu and select System.

2. Click on the Recovery button.

3. Click on the Restart now button, in the Advanced Startup section.

Once you have completed these steps, you will be taken to the Windows Recovery Environment.

4. Now that you are in the Windows Recovery area, choose Troubleshoot.

5. Choose Reset this PC to perform a reset.

6. Choose Advanced options, then Uninstall Updates, followed by Uninstall latest feature update to perform a rollback.

After performing all the above-mentioned steps, you will be able to roll back to Windows 10 and enjoy your favorite OS. Remember that you can only do so within the first 10 days of installing the first Windows 11 preview build.

Have you already switched back to Windows 10 or are you still testing the upcoming OS? Let us know in the comments section below.

How to Reinstall the Snipping Tool on Windows 11: 3 Easy Ways

Posted on January 11, 2023February 10, 2025 by Matthew Adams

The Snipping Tool is a screen-capturing utility with which many users take screenshots. If you ever encounter issues with the Snipping Tool, reinstalling that app may be the best way to fix it. You can reinstall the Snipping Tool with the three alternative methods below.

How do I reinstall Snipping Tool in Windows 11?

1. Use Settings

Press Start to access the Windows 11 app menu.
Click the pinned Settings app shortcut you’ll see at the front of the Start menu.
Select Apps to view that tab’s navigation options.
Click Apps & features to access options for uninstalling apps.
Scroll down to the Snipping Tool, and click the three-dot button for that app.
Select Uninstall twice to remove the Snipping Tool.
Click Microsoft Store on the Start menu to access that app.
Type Snipping Tool inside MS Store’s search box.
Next, click Snipping Tool in the search results.
Select the Install (or Get) option for the Snipping Tool.

2. Use Winget

Click Search (or a magnifying glass icon) on your Windows 11 taskbar.
Input the search phrase cmd inside the text box.
Select the Command Prompt result inside the search tool to access that app.
Uninstall Snipping Tool by inputting the following Winget command and pressing Return:
winget uninstall Microsoft.ScreenSketch_8wekyb3d8bbwe
Then open Microsoft Store and install Snipping Tool from there as outlined in steps seven to 10 of the first method.

3. Use PowerShell

First, open up the Windows 11 file and app search tool.
Enter a PowerShell keyword inside the Type here to search text box.
Click Run as administrator to open the PowerShell app found by the search tool.
To uninstall the Snipping Tool, execute this command: Remove-AppxPackage Microsoft.ScreenSketch_11.2209.2.0_x64__8wekyb3d8bbwe
You can reinstall Snipping Tool by entering the following command text and pressing Enter: Add-AppxPackage -register "C:\Program Files\WindowsApps\Microsoft.ScreenSketch_11.2209.2.0_x64__8wekyb3d8bbwe\appxmanifest.xml" -DisableDevelopmentMode

Or you can reinstall the Snipping Tool and all other default Windows 11 apps that come with the platform with a different command. However, that command will take longer to finish. To reinstall Snipping Tool in that way, execute this PowerShell command:

Get-AppxPackage -allusers | foreach {Add-AppxPackage -register “$($_.InstallLocation)\appxmanifest.xml” -DisableDevelopmentMode}

If the above command for reinstalling Snipping Tool doesn’t work, check the Snipping Tool’s ID. Make sure your command includes the full and exact Snipping Tool ID specified in the app list. You can view that list by executing this command: Get-Appxpackage –Allusers

Reinstalling Snipping Tool using PowerShell will likely resolve many issues, such as the screen record video feature not working, and ensure you’re utilizing the most up-to-date version. So, that’s one of the best ways to troubleshoot the Snipping Tool.

However, there are also alternative troubleshooting options for resetting and repairing Snipping Tool you can try before reinstalling. Check out our guide about how to reset an app for further details.

Fix: Administrator Account Disabled, Windows 10 Cannot Login

Posted on January 11, 2023October 4, 2023 by Ivan Jenic

Our Windows accounts can break for some reason or another, but one of the most inconvenient problems is the administrator account disabled on Windows 10.

Although this can be a big problem, there are a few ways to fix it. The anomaly, however, can take more than one shape. For instance, there are users who are unable to log in with a Microsoft account in Windows 10.

Others can’t log in as administrators in Windows 10 and finally, there are those who simply can’t log into Windows 10 at all.

Let’s quickly review the most common issues reported by members of the Windows community worldwide:

Accidentally disabled administrator account Windows 10
Administrator account disabled access denied, locked out – You can’t login as administrator in Windows 10.
Lenovo, Asus, HP laptop administrator account disabled
Local admin account disabled Windows 10
Administrator account disabled after reset, Sysprep
Administrator account disabled after Windows 10 upgrade
Account disabled by server administrator website – Administrator account disabled Windows Server 2012, 2016
Administrator account disabled Windows 11, Windows 7

Why is the built-in administrator account disabled?

According to the users, when they try to log in to Windows 10, they see their Administrator account, but when they click it, there’s no input field to enter a password.

Instead, they get a message saying that Your account has been disabled. Please see your system administrator. This can happen because of faulty updates, corruption, or even accidental manipulations.

Now, there are several ways in which you can make yourself an administrator in Windows 10, including:

Command Prompt
Regedit (for Windows 10 Home versions)
PowerShell
Group Policy Editor
Safe Mode

We will show you exactly how to enable an administrator account in Windows 10 without admin rights or logging in.

How do I fix disabled administrator account in Windows 10?

1. Enable administrator account in Windows 10 Safe Mode

On the login screen, click the Power button. Press and hold the Shift key and choose Restart from the menu.
If you can’t get to the login screen, restart your PC a few times during the boot sequence until you start the Automatic Repair process.
Now, select Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Settings.
Click the Restart button. Once your computer restarts, you’ll be presented with a list of options.
Press the appropriate key to select the desired version of Safe Mode. In our opinion, it’s best to use Enable Safe Mode with Networking.

If youradministrator account is disabled, you might be able to fix it by going to Safe Mode.

Safe Mode is a special section of Windows that runs with default settings, and even if your administrator account is disabled, you should be able to access Safe Mode.

If Safe Mode won’t work at first, don’t worry, we got a few tips you can try. After that, you should be able to open the Windows 10 Safe mode administrator.

2. Use lusrmgr.msc to fix the problem

In order to do this, you will need to access Windows 10 as another user or through Safe Mode. If you cannot access Windows 10 in any way, skip this solution.

Press Windows Key + R, type lusrmgr.msc and press Enter to run it.
Lusrmgr should open. Click on Users and double-click on the problematic account.
When Properties windows open, make sure that Account is a disabled option isn’t checked.
Click Apply and OK to save the changes and restart your computer.

After doing that, you should be able to access your administrator account again.

3. Use Command Prompt to enable the Administrator account

On the login screen press and hold the Shift key and then click on Restart. This should boot you to advanced boot.
From there you need to click Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Command Prompt.
When Command Prompt opens, type the following line and press Enter to run it:
- net user administrator /active:yes
Restart your computer and see if the issue is resolved.

If this doesn’t work, you can try the following:

Follow steps 1 and 2 to open the Command Prompt. After Command Prompt has started you need to do the following:

In the Command Prompt type regedit and press Enter. This should start Registry Editor.
When Registry Editor starts, click on the HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE key in the left pane.
Now click the File from the menu bar and click on Load Hive.
Open the drive where Windows 10 is installed (by default it should be C, but it might be different) and go to the following path: C:Windows\System32\config
Select the SAM file and click on Open.
In the Load Hive dialog type REM_SAM and click OK.
In the left pane of Registry Editor, go to the following key: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SAM\SAMDomains\Accounts\Users\00001F4
In the right pane of the 000001F4 key, double-click on the F binary value.
In line 0038, change 11 to 10 and click OK.
Close Registry Editor and Command Prompt.
Click Continue to start Windows 10 again.

After making these changes, your administrator account should become enabled once again.

4. Use Group Policy Editor

Press Windows Key + R and enter gpedit.msc. Press Enter or click OK.
When Group Policy Editor opens, navigate to: Computer Configuration > Windows Settings > Security Settings > Local Policies > Security Options.
In the right pane, double click Accounts: Administrator account status.
When the Properties window opens, select Enabled and click Apply and OK.

If you have a disabled administrator account on your PC, you might be able to fix the problem by making a few changes in Group Policy Editor.

We have to mention that this tool isn’t available in Home versions of Windows by default, but there’s a way to enable it.

Make sure to check our tips on how to enable Group Policy Editor in the Home version of Windows 10.

After doing that, the hidden administrator account will be enabled and you’ll be able to access it without any problems.

5. Enable hidden administrator account from PowerShell

Start PowerShell as administrator. To do that, simply press Windows Key + X shortcut and choose PowerShell (Admin) from the menu.
If PowerShell isn’t available, you can start it by pressing Windows Key + S and entering powershell in the Search field.
Right-click Windows PowerShell from the list and choose Run as administrator.
When PowerShell starts, enter: Enable-LocalUser -Name "Administrator"
After doing that, the administrator account should become available and you’ll be able to access it
If you need to disable the administrator account, you can do it using the following command: Disable-LocalUser -Name "Administrator"

Another way to enable a disabled administrator account is to use PowerShell.

If you’re not familiar, PowerShell is a command-line tool similar to Command Prompt, but unlike Command Prompt, it comes with some advanced features.

Keep in mind that this command might not work if you’re using a non-English version of Windows.

6. Create a new user account

Press Windows Key + I to open the Settings app.
Now navigate to the Accounts section.
Select Family & other people from the menu on the left. In the right pane, click Add someone else to this PC.
Click I don’t have this person’s sign-in information.
Now choose to Add a user without a Microsoft account.
Enter the desired name and click Next.

Now you just need to convert the new account to the administrator account. To do that, follow these steps:

Go to Settings > Accounts.
Go to Family & other people in the left pane. In the right pane, select the new account and click Change account type.
Now change the Account type to Administrator and click on OK.

If your administrator account is disabled, you might be able to fix the problem by creating a new user account. Now, if Windows does not allow you to add a new user account, make sure you check our solutions.

After doing that, you should be able to log in to the new account without any problems.

That’s all, you now know how to fix the administrator account disabled issue on Windows 10.

If you have any comments or questions, just reach out to the comments below.

9 Best Multi-Factor Authentication Software to Secure Data

Posted on January 11, 2023October 21, 2025 by Milan Stanojevic

In the 21st century, we use our PCs to access all sorts of accounts. However, it’s necessary to protect your accounts, and you can do that with MFA software for windows.

Cybercrime is increasing constantly, and both normal users and organizations need to have a powerful security system that will prevent any third-party organizations from gaining access to your data.

This is especially important for companies that have big databases. A security breach can make you lose customers, and their trust and can seriously affect your image on the market.

How can a multi-factor authentication app help me?

Enhances your security – Unlike with password managers, with multi-factor authentication apps, you just need to enter the uniquely generated code to sign in. This means that you don’t have to worry that anyone else will steal your password.
Easier access – Access all your services quickly and easily, without having to enter additional passwords.

Which are the best multi-factor authentication tools?

ADSelfService Plus – Best business 2FA authentification solution

ManageEngine’s ADSelfService Plus is a password management tool that comes with advanced 2FA authentication features.

It’s a business-oriented solution, and its main feature is to help users from your organization access multiple applications, including Office 365, G Suite, and Salesforce, with single sign-on (SSO).

However, it also secures passwords with added layers of authentication, including Google Authenticator and biometrics for 2FA access.

The solution provides a lot more features like synchronizing password resets throughout the entire network in real time. This way, you can be sure that your business is secure from breaches at all times even if the users are working remotely.

Plus, the network management team will be notified about any of the users’ password self-service activities. The tool also comes with advanced reporting features for all the activity within the network and devices within.

ADSelfService Plus is available for a free trial, so you can check it out because it’s one of the best MFA software for Windows.

Take a look at its key features below:

Enables remote users to force an update of their cached AD credentials
Secures every remote and local access to Windows with 2FA
Generate reports on users’ password self-service activities
Send instant password reset alerts to users
Access the password reset/account unlock portal from users’ mobile devices

ADSelfService Plus

Secure your business by providing reliable 2FA authentification for all users.

Free trial Visit website

NordPass Business – Powerful encryption for all data

NordPass Business is an amazing password manager for business, it comes with many features that will help increase security, including multi-factor authentication.

This tool is great for managing passwords, passkeys, and any other sensitive information. You can encrypt all data in your business computers with it.

Its zero-knowledge architecture ensures that only you have access to what is stored in the encrypted NordPass vault.

Passwords can be saved with just one click and it is just as easy to import them also. Plus, you can sync all the passwords across all your devices, as this software is available on all major platforms.

NordPass Business allows you to store an unlimited number of passwords and you can even store files along with them, so you can always have access to what you need for your business.

Here are some more features of NordPass Business:

Detection for weak, old, and reused passwords
Effective data breach monitoring
Secure access sharing between teams
Company-wide settings
Quick and smooth account recovery

NordPass Business

Safely store your passwords and take advantage of highly secure multi-factor authentication with NordPass Business.

Check Price Visit Website

LoginRadius – Seamless two-factor authentification

Two-factor authentification has to be simple and easy to use but also provide extra security and LoginRadius does that in an elegant way.

The solution integrates with the Google Authenticator app by producing time-based security codes for web and mobile applications.

In other words, it generates a code for the client to login into its app during a certain period of time.

So, this way, a possible wrongdoer needs access to the account owner’s mobile device and has to log into the account in a limited time.

LoginRadius also works with a social ID as the second method of authentication.

The solution offers plenty of flexibility because it can send the code through SMS, automated phone calls, and email, implement security questions and use different authenticator apps.

That means the customer has plenty of options to choose from, increasing satisfaction which is important when choosing an MFA software for Windows.

Take a look at its best features:

Sens validation codes through SMS, phone call, email, and dedicated apps
Google Authenticator integration
Two-way authentification through social ID
Easy to implement
Advanced automation features

LoginRadius

Get a smart two-factor authentification solution that integrates Google Authenticator and SMS codes!

Free trial Visit website

Microsoft Azure Active Directory – Best Microsoft authentification tool

Microsoft Azure Active Directory - Multi-factor authentication

Microsoft Azure Active Directory is a powerful IDaaS software that allows you to easily manage your company’s authentication process.

This app is used by both corporations and governments across the globe and has a wide range of very useful features that makes it one of the best MFA software for Windows.

One of the best features of Active Directory is the fact that it can be easily integrated with Microsoft’s wide range of cloud services, including Office 365.

You can bridge connections between the on-premises active directory and Azure AD by using AD Connect.

This software allows you to synchronize your passwords, store them in the cloud, and set up custom authentication processes to fit your company’s needs. The synchronization process of your password data is done automatically.

Azure AD can be used with ADFS (Active Directory Federation Services), which was used in the past to authenticate external apps.

ADFS ensures that your authentication is done by using the active local directory, providing additional security.

Notable features of Microsoft Azure Active Directory include:

SSO (single sing-on) – the ability to sync passwords between Azure AD and SaaS app
Azure AD B2C – allows users to authenticate using existing Google or Facebook information
Ability to automatically or manually create groups based on different attributes
Multi-factor-authentication – allows users to log-in by using separate hardware to generate tokens

⇒ Get Azure Advanced Directory

Okta Identity Cloud – Best cloud-integrated platform

Okta Identity Cloud - multi-factor authentication

Okta Identity Cloud is a great cloud-integrated application that allows you and your company to connect to your services securely, and it can also resize itself to fit any company size.

This pack from Okta, includes 2 different apps with specific features. One of the products included in Okta Identity Cloud is called Okta API Products.

This app allows you to connect with your customers and partners securely, and customer CIAM (Customer Identity and Access Management).

The second app found in Okta Identity Cloud is Okta for IT. This software offers your employees and contractors a secure way to engage in password data recovery and, among many other features, also secure authentication features.

We will now focus our attention on the Adaptive Authentication feature found in Okta Identity Cloud.

This feature allows your users two-factor authentication via Okta Verify OTP, even though it has many other useful options.

If you need MFA software for Windows, then be sure to give Okta a try.

Key features include:

API access management
Universal directory
Lifecycle management
Contextual access management – allows you to create new authentication policies based on
the login information of the client – location, device recognition, network context, etc.
Self-service MFA
Flexible authentication – includes a variety of login options including 1-click authentication
Can create detailed reports with easy integration with security tools

⇒ Try Okta Identity Cloud

PingID from Ping Identity – Best 2FA cross-platform authentification

Ping ID is a great IDaaS software that has a wide range of capabilities when it comes to securing your company using multi-factor authentication.

This software can either work by authenticating you against an already existing Active Directory environment or get support from Google Apps.

Even though PingID is not as powerful as other software presented in this article, like Azure Active Directory or Okta Identity Management, this software still has a good range of helpful features.

Also, PingID might seem more useful to some, because of the fact that all the data is not stored in the cloud.

We will now focus on the MFA features of PingID. MFA can be activated in relation to specific applications or groups of users, allowing you to streamline the authentication process.

PingID doesn’t have the ability to filter your data by both group and IP address, making it less productive than other software options presented in this article.

The MFA features of PingID can be used with another device, like a phone or tablet. This second device will allow you to use the multi-authentication features of PingID by confirming your identity using different ways.

You can confirm your identity through the app itself, can request an SMS or voice message to be sent to your phone, or by using a YubiKey USB security device.

PingID offers amazing features, so it’s a perfect MFA software for Windows.

The key features include:

User provisioning – no names or attributes are stored, and it also allows you to maintain a list of groups
SAML authentication standard
MFA – multi-factor-authentication capabilities
Federated Identity Management and Federated Access Management
Single sign-on anywhere
Manage millions of identities
Can capture & manage customer profiles easily

⇒ Get PingID

Authy – Best lightweight 2FA authentification app

Authy is a really lightweight multi-factor authentication software that doesn’t have the same power as the above-mentioned options do.

It still offers good protection from different online scammers using 2FA (two-factor authentication), and it’s free.

This app is designed to work seamlessly with QR codes from Facebook, Amazon, Google, Microsoft, etc., and it can also provide access to tokens on any device – phone, tablet, or desktop.

You can also use Authy to authenticate any new devices with SMS, voice, or approval of an already confirmed device.

Authy provides different security features that come in very handy, like TouchID, PIN protection, and passwords.

You have the ability to generate tokens directly to the device you’re using, without the need to be connected to the internet.

In Authy, backup features are also designed to protect you from locking yourself out of the account if you lose your phone. In this unfortunate case, you can use Authy’s backup feature to encrypt your data remotely.

The backups created in this app are encrypted and stored in the cloud. You can find a wide range of guides to help you get started using Authy, on the official Authy site.

⇒ Get Authy

RSA SecurID Access – Best access management tool

RSA SecurID Access is a great multi-factor authentication software that has some very powerful features under the hood.

This software can be used as a SaaS application both in the cloud and within your company.

SecurID Access also offers protection using different authentication methods and risk-driven decisions, to both software-as-a-service applications and also for traditional means.

The multi-factor authentication can be ensured through push notifications, SMS, biometric data, and more.

With this tool, you can be sure that your business will be free from any breaches or any other related attacks.

Key features of RSA SecurID Access include:

Multi-factor authentication – push notifications, SMS, biometric data, etc.
Support for multiple platforms – Windows, Android, iOS, etc.
Secure access and single sign-on for SaaS apps using SAML, password vaulting, etc.
Can add REST-based authentication API
Identity assurance – examines a wide range of factors before considering access

⇒ Try RSA SecurID Access

Cisco Duo – Great for small and large business

If you want to secure your entire organization then Cisco Duo might be a great MFA software for Windows users. The software is easy to use, and it can protect any device and work with any application.

With Duo, you’ll get Multi-factor authentication, and you can use the Duo Mobile app to authenticate yourself. For an extra layer of security, you can also use the Verified Duo Push feature that requires you to enter the code on the app before you can use it.

The service also works with WebAuthn and Biometrics, so you can use it with security keys. Lastly, there’s an option for tokens and passcodes if you prefer more traditional methods.

The service also provides secure remote access that provides secure access without a VPN. With it, you can set per-app access policies and provide a secure web application, SSH, and RDP access.

For maximum security, there’s a Device Trust feature that lets you verify the trust of any device. With it, you can see the health of any device in your network and ensure that it matches your security policy.

These are just a few features that Cisco Duo offers, but if you’re looking for a professional solution, this is the way to go.

Other great Cisco Duo features:

Adaptive access feature for granular control
Single sign-on for simple logon
Secure remote access with or without VPN
Device trust for maximum security
Multi-factor authentication

⇒ Try Cisco Duo

In this article, we took a look at some of the best multi-factor authentication software options on the market that allow you peace of mind regarding possible online cyber threats.

You can also find more details in our article on two-factor authentification in Windows and how to prevent hijacking.

Home users, companies, and corporations, all benefit from the use of multi-factor security software, and in this top, you can find surely find the perfect match for your needs.

Use the comment section below to tell us which software option you chose and why.

Windows 11 Overheating Issues: How To Reduce Heat

Posted on January 11, 2023September 16, 2025 by Kazim Ali Alvi

Windows 11, the recent OS upgrade from Microsoft, is also prone to errors as was the case with the previous ones. While most of them don’t pose much of a risk, the Windows 11 overheating problem can be a big turn off.

When your PC starts to overheat, it’s not only detrimental to the performance but may also damage the hardware components, likely to the ones that are fragile.

Hence, it becomes imperative to understand the various problems that cause the overheating problem in Windows 11, and their subsequent fixes.

Which issues cause Windows 11 overheating issues?

There are a bunch of problems that are responsible for overheating in a Windows 11 system. Some pertain to issues with the hardware or simply lack of maintenance, while others have to do with the software aspect. Let’s have a look at the issues:

Lack of ventilation
Dust build-up
Issues with the hardware
Running incompatible software
Outdated version of Windows
Using multiple high-end applications simultaneously

If you are able to identify the problem, head to the relevant fix. Or, simply execute them in the listed sequence for a quick troubleshooting experience.

How can I fix the Windows 11 heating issue?

1. Restart the Windows 11 PC

Navigate to the desktop and press Alt + F4 to launch the Shut Down Windows box.
Click on the dropdown menu and select Restart from the list of options.
Click on OK to restart the computer.

In many instances, it’s a particular process or program running in the background which is overloading the CPU and causing the system to overheat. A quick solution would be to restart the computer to eliminate any such process.

However, you must understand that rebooting Windows 11 is only a temporary fix that will help execute the others listed here. So, do go through the ones mentioned in the following sections for a permanent resolution.

2. Make sure the computer is properly positioned

An improperly positioned computer is also likely to cause the overheating problem in Windows 11. If the CPU is positioned such that the hot air from the fan cannot freely exit due to obstructions or lack of free space, the computer is bound to overheat.

In the case of a laptop, avoid resting it on beds or similar surfaces since the hot air is released from the bottom surface. Also, you can use cooling pads to keep the overheating in check and enhance the computer’s performance.

3. Check the computer fan

If the computer fan is functioning at reduced speeds or ceases to work altogether, the system will overheat. This could be due to dust build-up inside the fan, wires causing obstructions, or a faulty motor, in case the fan does not work.

Issues with the computer fan are easily fixable, but you must understand the various components and the connections. In case you are not acquainted with these, it’s best to get in touch with a professional to get things up and running.

After the laptop is cleaned and serviced, check if the overheating problem in Windows 11 is resolved.

4. Update Windows 11

Press Windows + I to launch the Settings app.
Select Windows Update from the list of tabs in the navigation pane on the left.
Click on Windows Update on the right.
Click on Check for updates to scan for any available newer versions.
Download and install the updates that show up after the scan.

Running an older or outdated version of Windows 11 is also likely to cause overheating. With each update, new features, patches for bugs, and other enhancements in terms of performance are introduced.

Hence, it’s recommended that you keep the Windows 11 up-to-date to prevent the PC from overheating.

5. Disable startup apps

Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to launch Task Manager.
Navigate to the Startup tab to view application that load when you boot Windows.
Select the individual application to remove and click on Disable. Alternatively, you can right-click on it and select Disable from the context menu.
Similarly remove the other apps as well.

There are a bunch of apps on the PC that load when you turn it on. Apart from unnecessarily hogging the system resources and leading to overheating, these also increase the time taken by Windows to boot. A simple solution here is to disable these apps.

Do remember not to remove all of the apps that appear in the startup tab since some perform critical functions. After done with it, restart the computer and check if the overheating problem in Windows 11 is resolved.

In case you want to use any of the apps that you disabled from loading at startup, just manually launch them.

6. Terminate apps and processes

Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to launch Task Manager.
in the Performance tab, scroll through the list of programs and identify the ones that are hogging the system resources.
Select the one that you want to terminate and click on the End task button at the bottom.
You can similalry disable the other apps and processes listed here, in case you don’t need them.

There are a bunch of non-critical apps and processes running in the background that hog the system resources. If you are facing issues with overheating in Windows 11, eliminating these tasks will come in handy and resolve the problem.

As was the case before, not all processes should be terminated. Some may consume considerable resources but are critical to the functioning of Windows.

Also, you might find a momentary spike in consumption of resources, for instance, while you update the Windows. And, these processes should be allowed to run.

7. Disable apps from running in the background

Press Windows + I to launch the Settings app.
Select the Apps tab from the navigation pane on the left.
Next, click on Installed apps on the right.
Locate the app that you don’t want running in the background, click on the ellipsis next to it, and select Advanced options from the menu that appears.
Now, scroll down to Background app permissions and click on the menu under it Let this app run in the background.
Select Never from the list of options that appear.
Similarly disable the other apps from running in the background.

When you change the background app permissions to Never, the app won’t run at all in the background, thereby clearing considerable resources and resolving the overheating problem in Windows 11.

It’s actually recommended that you disable most of the non-critical ones anyway, since these consume resources and lead to overheating. Nevertheless, you can always manually launch them, whenever required.

8. Change power plan settings

Press Windows + S to launch the Search menu.
Enter Control Panel in the text field at the top, and click on relevant search result that appears.
Click on System and Security from the options that appear.
Click on Power options.
Next, click on Change plan settings next to the current power plan.
Click on Change advanced power settings near the bottom.
In the Power Options window, scroll down and double-click on Multimedia settings.
Now double-click on Video playback quality bias, and then on the menu next to On battery.
Select Video playback power-saving bias from the list of options that appear.
Similarly, select the same setting for Plugged in as well.
Next, double-click on When playing video to expand and view the settings under it.
Set both On battery and Plugged in as Optimize power savings, and click on OK to save the changes.

Another effective way of optimizing performance and eliminating overheating in Windows 11 is to modify the power plan settings. With these settings in place, Windows will optimize things such that your computer bears the minimum pressure, thereby eliminating the chances of overheating.

9. Update the graphics driver

Press Windows + S to launch the Search menu.
Enter Device Manager in the text field at the top and click on the relevant search result that appears.
Locate and double-click on the Display adapters entry.
Right-click on the graphics adapter and select Update driver from the context menu.
Next, select Search automatically for drivers in the Update Drivers window, to let Windows look for the best available driver on the system and install it.

The graphics driver is one the most critical ones on the computer, and running an outdated version can cause a bunch of problems including overheating in Windows 11. To fix the problem, simply update the graphics driver.

When updating drivers via the Device Manager, you can only install the updates that have already been downloaded on the computer. In case you are unable to find a newer version, try updating the driver via other methods.

Also, we recommend using a dedicated tool such as Outbyte Driver Updater in that regard. After the driver is updated, the overheating problem in Windows 11 should be fixed.

How can I manually control the computer fan to avoid overheating?

Although it’s not recommended, you can still manually control the computer fan and set it to run at the desired speed to avoid overheating. Most manufacturers generally offer software that helps you modify the fan speed and you should first look out for these.

In case your manufacturer doesn’t offer one, there are a bunch of third-party tools to control the fan speed. But before you start using any of those, a thorough understanding of the optimal speed and certain settings is a must.

Also, never set the fan speed too low such that the temperature begins to rise. If the inside temperature reaches more than 95° C, the chances of damage to internal components are high. Though your PC, in all likelihood, should shut down before reaching that temperature.

These are all the ways you can avoid overheating in a Windows 11 PC along with boosting the system’s performance. In case these don’t work, reset Windows to its factory settings.

Apart from that, you can also look for the best computer fan models available in the market, in case the current one ceases to function.

Let’s know which fix worked for you in the comments section below or whether replacing the fan solved the overheating issue in Windows 11.

How to Add Windows 11 to GRUB in Just a Few Quick Steps

Posted on January 11, 2023March 4, 2024 by Afam Onyimadu

GRUB (GRand Unified Bootloader) is the bootloader that allows you to choose between different operating systems installed on your computer when you start it up. It provides a menu that lists all the available operating systems, and you can select the one you want to boot into.

However, when you install a new operating system, it may not appear in the GRUB menu. This can happen if the new operating system wasn’t set up to work with GRUB during installation or the bootloader was overwritten.

This article will explain why GRUB may not show Windows 11 and how you can add it to the GRUB menu in just a few steps.

Why is GRUB not showing Windows 11?

There are a few different reasons why Windows 11 may not be showing up in the GRUB menu.

Incomplete installation – One possibility is that the installation or boot process did not correctly set up Windows 11 to work with GRUB. This can happen if the installer does not detect the other operating systems on the computer.
Overwriting during installation – This can happen if the user chooses to install Windows 11 in the same partition as an existing operating system or if the user chooses to install Windows 11 to the same drive as the bootloader.

If Windows 11 is not showing up in the GRUB menu, you can add it by editing the GRUB configuration file and adding an entry for Windows 11. Below we outline the steps you must take.

How can I add Windows 11 to the GRUB menu?

1. Update GRUB

Boot into an operating system that is already listed in the GRUB menu.
Press Ctrl + Alt + T to launch the Terminal.
Lastly, enter the script below:
sudo update-grub

This will update the GRUB configuration file and scan all partitions on your hard drive to detect operating systems that aren’t listed in the GRUB menu.

2. Manually add a GRUB entry

Press Ctrl + Alt + T to launch the Terminal.
Enter the script below to open the GRUB configuration file:
sudo nano /etc/grub.d/40_custom
Now, paste the below lines of code at the end of the file (ensure to replace hdx,y with the partition where Windows 11 is installed):
menuentry "Windows 11" { set root=(hdx,y) chainloader +1 ntldr /bootmgr }
Press Ctrl + X, then Y to save the changes made.
Again, the script below to apply your changes:
sudo update-grub
Finally, restart the computer.

It is important to note that some details may vary depending on your specific system configuration. However, back up your current GRUB configuration before making any changes. Also, select the proper partition and drive to avoid boot problems.

Note that there are different related issues users have faced, including GRUB rescue as well as deleted GRUB, but we covered them in other guides.

Let us know in the comments below what worked for you.

9 Best Hindi Typing Software for Windows 11

Posted on January 11, 2023December 2, 2024 by Milan Stanojevic

In this article, we will explore some of the best options that allow you to write in Hindi on your Windows PC.

We listed everything from software that simplifies typing with transliteration to comprehensive typing tutors and professional-grade applications.

Best Hindi typing software for PC

1. Indic Input – best for multi-language typing

Indic Input is a tool developed by Microsoft that supports 12 keyboard layouts and is also used by the government in India.

Hindi Indic Input is a free program that gives users a convenient way of entering text in the Hindi and Indian languages using the English QWERTY keyboard.

It features multiple keyboard layouts and toggling between Languages. You can enter Lingual text in WordPad, Notepad, and Office applications.

→ Download Indic Input

2. India Typing Software – best for compatibility

This is another free option that allows you to type Hindi by using your QWERTY English keyboard.

This software is compatible with all keyboards like – Hindi, Remington, Remington Gail, Inscript, Krutidev 010, Devlys 010, Mangal font Hindi, etc.

We find the auto-conversion between English and Hindi particularly useful for speed and convenience. It works offline, making it dependable in any setting.

→ Download India Typing Software

3. Hindi Indic IME 1 – best for advanced typing features

Hindi Indic IME allows you to enter texts in Indian languages into compatible applications with the English QWERTY keyboard.

This app supports auto-text, selecting words from a customized list after partial typing, bilingual composing, transliteration, spellchecking, etc.

→ Download Hindi Indic IME

4. Anop – Hindi typing tutor

Anop Hindi Typing Tutor is a freeware desktop application tool that allows you tto learn typing in Hindi and it doesn’t even require internet access to use it.

We like its straightforward approach; no fancy extras, just effective learning tools. It’s especially useful for those preparing for government typing exams.

→ Download Anop Hindi Typing Tutor

5. Soni Typing Software – best for government exams

Soni Hindi Typing Master is one of the well-known software for Hindi Typing. Mangal font is the most used in government typing exams and government offices.

Its focus on Mangal font compatibility ensures accuracy and reliability. We find it a solid choice for those targeting official Hindi typing tasks.

→ Download Soni Typing Software

6. Google Input Tool – best for occasional typing

Google Input tool is free software from Google. It supports all major Indian languages, including Hindi.

This is transliteration software, which means you have to type in English, and the software will automatically convert it into Hindi.

There is no need to learn Hindi typing at all. If you are working in any office and want to type Hindi only occasionally, then it is the easiest solution.

Many people who use this tool do not know Hindi typing.

→ Try Google Input Tool

7. Aasaan Hindi Typing Tutor – best for quick learning

The Aasaan – Hindi Typing Tutor software is a very simple guide that you can use to learn typing in Hindi in no time.

Some users have reported feeling more confident about their Hindi skills after just 10 hours of using this app.

It allows you to learn the basics very quickly, and depending on your typing speed, it also provides advanced lessons. This app also teaches lessons in dual languages – English and Hindi.

→ Download Aasaan Hindi Typing Tutor

8. JR Hindi Typing Software – best for skill assessment

JR Hindi Typing Software is another good option of software that allows you to type in Hindi. This app will help you learn the fastest and easiest way.

You can use over 100 typing tests to assess various writing skills.

This app is shareware and can be used as a free trial.

→ Download JR Hindi Typing Software

9. Hindi Typing Master – best offline Hindi typing tool

Hindi Typing Master is another good software option for typing in Hindi on your PC. It is compatible with all keyboards like – JR Hindi English, Typing Tutor, Azhagi+, HindiTrans, VedicVidya, etc.

This app doesn’t require an active internet connection after being installed on your PC.

→ Download Hindi Typing Master

In this article, we explored some of the best tools that allow you to write in Hindi on your Windows 10 PC.

If you want to know how to install the Marathi language pack on your Windows computer, read this guide to learn the steps.

Let us know which software you chose to use from this list, and give us any suggestions in the comment section below.

The January 2023 Patch Tuesday comes with a whopping 98 updates

Posted on January 11, 2023October 4, 2023 by Alexandru Poloboc

The holidays are over and here we are, kicking off a new year of prosperity and possibilities. We hope you feel refreshed after your vacation because there’s a lot to catch up on.

As you know, it’s the second Tuesday of the month, which means that Windows users are looking towards Microsoft in hopes that some of the flaws they’ve been struggling with will finally get fixed.

We’ve taken the liberty of providing the direct download links for the cumulative updates released today for Windows 7, 8.1, 10, and 11, but now it’s time to talk CVEs again.

For January, Microsoft released 98 new patches, which is a lot more than some people were expecting right at the start of 2023.

These software updates address CVEs in:

Microsoft Windows and Windows Components
Office and Office Components
.NET Core and Visual Studio Code
3D Builder, Azure Service Fabric Container
Windows BitLocker
Windows Defender
Windows Print Spooler Components
Microsoft Exchange Server

Microsoft released 98 new important security patches

Seeing how December 2022 was a pretty light month in terms of security patches, developers had to pick up the slack in January, which is exactly what happened.

You might like to know that, out of the 98 new CVEs released, 11 are rated Critical and 87 are rated Important in severity.

Also, keep in mind that this volume is the largest we’ve seen from Microsoft for a January release in quite some time.

Out of all these vulnerabilities addressed this month, only one is listed as publicly known, and one is listed as being in the wild at the time of release.

Note that these types of bugs are often wrapped into some form of social engineering attack, such as convincing someone to open a file or click a link.

Let’s take a closer look at the full list of CVEs released by Microsoft for January 2023:

CVE	Title	Severity	CVSS	Public	Exploited	Type
CVE-2023-21674	Windows Advanced Local Procedure Call (ALPC) Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability	Important	8.8	No	Yes	EoP
CVE-2023-21549	Windows Workstation Service Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability	Important	8.8	Yes	No	EoP
CVE-2023-21561	Microsoft Cryptographic Services Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability	Critical	8.8	No	No	EoP
CVE-2023-21551	Microsoft Cryptographic Services Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability	Critical	7.8	No	No	EoP
CVE-2023-21743	Microsoft SharePoint Server Security Feature Bypass Vulnerability	Critical	8.2	No	No	SFB
CVE-2023-21730	Windows Cryptographic Services Remote Code Execution Vulnerability	Critical	7.8	No	No	EoP
CVE-2023-21543	Windows Layer 2 Tunneling Protocol (L2TP) Remote Code Execution Vulnerability	Critical	8.1	No	No	RCE
CVE-2023-21546	Windows Layer 2 Tunneling Protocol (L2TP) Remote Code Execution Vulnerability	Critical	8.1	No	No	RCE
CVE-2023-21555	Windows Layer 2 Tunneling Protocol (L2TP) Remote Code Execution Vulnerability	Critical	8.1	No	No	RCE
CVE-2023-21556	Windows Layer 2 Tunneling Protocol (L2TP) Remote Code Execution Vulnerability	Critical	8.1	No	No	RCE
CVE-2023-21679	Windows Layer 2 Tunneling Protocol (L2TP) Remote Code Execution Vulnerability	Critical	8.1	No	No	RCE
CVE-2023-21535	Windows Secure Socket Tunneling Protocol (SSTP) Remote Code Execution Vulnerability	Critical	8.1	No	No	RCE
CVE-2023-21548	Windows Secure Socket Tunneling Protocol (SSTP) Remote Code Execution Vulnerability	Critical	8.1	No	No	RCE
CVE-2023-21538	.NET Denial of Service Vulnerability	Important	7.5	No	No	DoS
CVE-2023-21780	3D Builder Remote Code Execution Vulnerability	Important	7.8	No	No	RCE
CVE-2023-21781	3D Builder Remote Code Execution Vulnerability	Important	7.8	No	No	RCE
CVE-2023-21782	3D Builder Remote Code Execution Vulnerability	Important	7.8	No	No	RCE
CVE-2023-21784	3D Builder Remote Code Execution Vulnerability	Important	7.8	No	No	RCE
CVE-2023-21786	3D Builder Remote Code Execution Vulnerability	Important	7.8	No	No	RCE
CVE-2023-21791	3D Builder Remote Code Execution Vulnerability	Important	7.8	No	No	RCE
CVE-2023-21793	3D Builder Remote Code Execution Vulnerability	Important	7.8	No	No	RCE
CVE-2023-21783	3D Builder Remote Code Execution Vulnerability	Important	7.8	No	No	RCE
CVE-2023-21785	3D Builder Remote Code Execution Vulnerability	Important	7.8	No	No	RCE
CVE-2023-21787	3D Builder Remote Code Execution Vulnerability	Important	7.8	No	No	RCE
CVE-2023-21788	3D Builder Remote Code Execution Vulnerability	Important	7.8	No	No	RCE
CVE-2023-21789	3D Builder Remote Code Execution Vulnerability	Important	7.8	No	No	RCE
CVE-2023-21790	3D Builder Remote Code Execution Vulnerability	Important	7.8	No	No	RCE
CVE-2023-21792	3D Builder Remote Code Execution Vulnerability	Important	7.8	No	No	RCE
CVE-2023-21531	Azure Service Fabric Container Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability	Important	7	No	No	EoP
CVE-2023-21563	BitLocker Security Feature Bypass Vulnerability	Important	6.8	No	No	SFB
CVE-2023-21536	Event Tracing for Windows Information Disclosure Vulnerability	Important	4.7	No	No	Info
CVE-2023-21753	Event Tracing for Windows Information Disclosure Vulnerability	Important	5.5	No	No	Info
CVE-2023-21547	Internet Key Exchange (IKE) Protocol Denial of Service Vulnerability	Important	7.5	No	No	DoS
CVE-2023-21724	Microsoft DWM Core Library Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability	Important	7.8	No	No	EoP
CVE-2023-21764	Microsoft Exchange Server Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability	Important	7.8	No	No	EoP
CVE-2023-21763	Microsoft Exchange Server Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability	Important	7.8	No	No	EoP
CVE-2023-21761	Microsoft Exchange Server Information Disclosure Vulnerability	Important	7.5	No	No	Info
CVE-2023-21762	Microsoft Exchange Server Spoofing Vulnerability	Important	8	No	No	Spoofing
CVE-2023-21745	Microsoft Exchange Server Spoofing Vulnerability	Important	8	No	No	Spoofing
CVE-2023-21537	Microsoft Message Queuing (MSMQ) Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability	Important	7.8	No	No	EoP
CVE-2023-21732	Microsoft ODBC Driver Remote Code Execution Vulnerability	Important	8.8	No	No	RCE
CVE-2023-21734	Microsoft Office Remote Code Execution Vulnerability	Important	7.8	No	No	RCE
CVE-2023-21735	Microsoft Office Remote Code Execution Vulnerability	Important	7.8	No	No	RCE
CVE-2023-21741	Microsoft Office Visio Information Disclosure Vulnerability	Important	7.1	No	No	Info
CVE-2023-21736	Microsoft Office Visio Remote Code Execution Vulnerability	Important	7.8	No	No	RCE
CVE-2023-21737	Microsoft Office Visio Remote Code Execution Vulnerability	Important	7.8	No	No	RCE
CVE-2023-21738	Microsoft Office Visio Remote Code Execution Vulnerability	Important	7.1	No	No	RCE
CVE-2023-21744	Microsoft SharePoint Server Remote Code Execution Vulnerability	Important	8.8	No	No	RCE
CVE-2023-21742	Microsoft SharePoint Server Remote Code Execution Vulnerability	Important	8.8	No	No	RCE
CVE-2023-21681	Microsoft WDAC OLE DB provider for SQL Server Remote Code Execution Vulnerability	Important	8.8	No	No	RCE
CVE-2023-21725	Microsoft Windows Defender Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability	Important	6.3	No	No	EoP
CVE-2023-21779	Visual Studio Code Remote Code Execution Vulnerability	Important	7.3	No	No	RCE
CVE-2023-21768	Windows Ancillary Function Driver for WinSock Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability	Important	7.8	No	No	EoP
CVE-2023-21539	Windows Authentication Remote Code Execution Vulnerability	Important	7.5	No	No	RCE
CVE-2023-21752	Windows Backup Service Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability	Important	7.1	No	No	EoP
CVE-2023-21733	Windows Bind Filter Driver Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability	Important	7	No	No	EoP
CVE-2023-21739	Windows Bluetooth Driver Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability	Important	7	No	No	EoP
CVE-2023-21560	Windows Boot Manager Security Feature Bypass Vulnerability	Important	6.6	No	No	SFB
CVE-2023-21726	Windows Credential Manager User Interface Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability	Important	7.8	No	No	EoP
CVE-2023-21540	Windows Cryptographic Information Disclosure Vulnerability	Important	5.5	No	No	Info
CVE-2023-21550	Windows Cryptographic Information Disclosure Vulnerability	Important	5.5	No	No	Info
CVE-2023-21559	Windows Cryptographic Services Information Disclosure Vulnerability	Important	6.2	No	No	Info
CVE-2023-21525	Windows Encrypting File System (EFS) Denial of Service Vulnerability	Important	5.9	No	No	DoS
CVE-2023-21558	Windows Error Reporting Service Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability	Important	7.8	No	No	EoP
CVE-2023-21552	Windows GDI Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability	Important	7.8	No	No	EoP
CVE-2023-21532	Windows GDI Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability	Important	7	No	No	EoP
CVE-2023-21542	Windows Installer Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability	Important	7	No	No	EoP
CVE-2023-21683	Windows Internet Key Exchange (IKE) Extension Denial of Service Vulnerability	Important	7.5	No	No	DoS
CVE-2023-21677	Windows Internet Key Exchange (IKE) Extension Denial of Service Vulnerability	Important	7.5	No	No	DoS
CVE-2023-21758	Windows Internet Key Exchange (IKE) Extension Denial of Service Vulnerability	Important	7.5	No	No	DoS
CVE-2023-21527	Windows iSCSI Service Denial of Service Vulnerability	Important	7.5	No	No	DoS
CVE-2023-21755	Windows Kernel Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability	Important	7.8	No	No	EoP
CVE-2023-21754	Windows Kernel Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability	Important	7.8	No	No	EoP
CVE-2023-21747	Windows Kernel Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability	Important	7.8	No	No	EoP
CVE-2023-21748	Windows Kernel Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability	Important	7.8	No	No	EoP
CVE-2023-21749	Windows Kernel Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability	Important	7.8	No	No	EoP
CVE-2023-21772	Windows Kernel Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability	Important	7.8	No	No	EoP
CVE-2023-21773	Windows Kernel Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability	Important	7.8	No	No	EoP
CVE-2023-21774	Windows Kernel Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability	Important	7.8	No	No	EoP
CVE-2023-21675	Windows Kernel Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability	Important	7.8	No	No	EoP
CVE-2023-21750	Windows Kernel Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability	Important	7.1	No	No	EoP
CVE-2023-21776	Windows Kernel Information Disclosure Vulnerability	Important	5.5	No	No	Info
CVE-2023-21757	Windows Layer 2 Tunneling Protocol (L2TP) Denial of Service Vulnerability	Important	7.5	No	No	DoS
CVE-2023-21557	Windows Lightweight Directory Access Protocol (LDAP) Denial of Service Vulnerability	Important	7.5	No	No	DoS
CVE-2023-21676	Windows Lightweight Directory Access Protocol (LDAP) Remote Code Execution Vulnerability	Important	8.8	No	No	RCE
CVE-2023-21524	Windows Local Security Authority (LSA) Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability	Important	7.8	No	No	EoP
CVE-2023-21771	Windows Local Session Manager (LSM) Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability	Important	7	No	No	EoP
CVE-2023-21728	Windows Netlogon Denial of Service Vulnerability	Important	7.5	No	No	DoS
CVE-2023-21746	Windows NTLM Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability	Important	7.8	No	No	EoP
CVE-2023-21767	Windows Overlay Filter Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability	Important	7.8	No	No	EoP
CVE-2023-21766	Windows Overlay Filter Information Disclosure Vulnerability	Important	4.7	No	No	Info
CVE-2023-21682	Windows Point-to-Point Protocol (PPP) Information Disclosure Vulnerability	Important	5.3	No	No	Info
CVE-2023-21760	Windows Print Spooler Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability	Important	7.1	No	No	EoP
CVE-2023-21765	Windows Print Spooler Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability	Important	7.8	No	No	EoP
CVE-2023-21678	Windows Print Spooler Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability	Important	7.8	No	No	EoP
CVE-2023-21759	Windows Smart Card Resource Management Server Security Feature Bypass Vulnerability	Important	3.3	No	No	SFB
CVE-2023-21541	Windows Task Scheduler Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability	Important	7.8	No	No	EoP
CVE-2023-21680	Windows Win32k Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability	Important	7.8	No	No	EoP

Taking a closer look at the remaining Critical-rated fixes, there are two patches for Cryptographic Services, but we can classify them as more of privilege escalations rather than RCEs.

Furthermore, there are five patches for the Layer 2 Tunneling Protocol (L2TP), which was introduced back in Windows 2000.

Looking at the 25 code execution bugs fixed in this Patch Tuesday rollout, there are 14 fixes for the 3D Builder component.

There are also two fixes for SharePoint for RCE bugs that require authentication. However, every user by default has the permissions required to exploit these bugs.

We’re also looking at a couple of SQL-related fixes. Know that an attacker can execute code if they can convince an authenticated user into attempting to connect to a malicious SQL server via ODBC.

We also have to mention the fixes for 11 different information disclosure bugs this month, and seven of these merely result in info leaks consisting of unspecified memory contents.

This January release fixes 10 different Denial-of-Service (DoS) bugs, but Microsoft provides no real detail about these bugs, so it isn’t clear if successful exploitation results in the service stopping or the system crashing.

Two spoofing bugs in the Exchange server also received critical fixes, although the descriptions imply a different impact.

While one notes that successful exploitation could disclose NTLM hashes, the other is about an authenticated attacker could achieve exploitation given a Powershell remoting session to the server.

Nonetheless, make sure you update your Exchange server to ensure you remediate the multiple bugs being fixed this month.

Have you found any other issues after installing this month’s security updates? Share your experience with us in the comments section below.

2 Easy Ways To Remove Weather From Taskbar On Windows 11

Posted on January 11, 2023October 4, 2023 by Vladimir Popescu

The new Windows 11 promises to bring people a lot of exciting changes to improve the overall user experience.

So far, a lot of users have been looking to make small changes to the new OS to get a more personalized experience out of it.

From making the taskbar transparent to getting Windows 11 to look like Windows 10 again, we covered every inquiry about the new OS.

Today, we’ll take a look at the weather feature from the News and Interest widget and show you how to easily remove weather from taskbar on Windows 11.

What is the News and Interests widget?

The News and Interest Widget was presented to Windows users before the announcement of a new operating system ever hit the Internet.

According to a blog post from Windows, the widget offers you quick access not only the latest news but also personalized content based on your interests:

It should be easy to catch up on the things we care about. Yet, we’re often stuck juggling devices, jumping between websites and looking across sources before finally getting what we’re looking for: relevant and high-quality content. News and interests on the Windows taskbar simplifies this process with a convenient and personalized experience centered around you.
Source: Windows Experience Blog

Besides the weather forecast for your location, the widget also displays the latest news, finance headlines, traffic, and sports updates.

Still, if you are not interested in seeing the weather in your widget panel, here’s how to disable it.

How do I remove the Windows 11 weather from taskbar?

1. Via Settings

For those who are searching for a quick solution to removing Weather from the taskbar, but don’t want to disable the entire News and Interests Widget, there is an easy workaround. You can turn the Weather widget off:

1. Click on the Widgets icon to open it.
2. On the weather card, click on the three dots from the top right corner to open the Settings window.
3. Multiple options will now appear on the screen.
4. Select Remove widget.
5. Now you have fully removed the weather widget from News and Interests.

2. Via Widgets

Right-click on the widgets icon from the taskbar.
Click on Hide from taskbar.
This will remove News & Interests from your taskbar.

Can I customize the content on the News and Interests Widget?

Every widget is customizable, and this one is no different. The News and Interests Widget enables you to modify its size and placement, giving you the freedom to make it your own.

To change the size, open the widget from the taskbar and click on the three dots in the right corner to choose whether you want the card to be small, medium, or large.

You can also choose which information cards are included in the News and Interest widget to guarantee you are only seeing the content that matters to you.

Just open the widget feature, click on the picture or icon from the top right corner to open the settings. In this panel, you can choose to manage your news and interests.

You can add your outlook calendar, your to-do list, your sport and entertainment interests, and more. You can also choose in what order you want the cards to appear, according to your priorities.

Now, Windows 11 doesn’t display the weather information on the taskbar as it does on Windows 10. You can view the weather forecast by clicking on the widget icon on the taskbar.

What other features can you customize on Windows 11?

Everybody prefers that their OSs look and behave a certain way, so having the option to personalize your OS has become a requirement.

When designing the new Windows 11, Microsoft has taken its users’ needs into account thus offering a lot of ways to customize the OS and make it feel more like their own.

And so, if you simply want to modify a few items rather than deleting everything, Windows offers a variety of customization possibilities.

As with Windows 10, you can activate Dark Mode on your Windows 11 PC if you prefer it instead of the default light mode.

The new OS also lets you move the taskbar icons from the center to the left side, giving you a more familiar feeling as on the previous OS’s.

You can also change Windows 11 settings menu to the classic view if the new design isn’t your cup of tea.

Take a look at all the differences between Windows 11 and Windows 10 and decide for yourself which features you want to keep and what you want to change.

And if you want to know more about how to change certain UI elements to your liking, you might want to give these registry hacks a try.

Personalizing your operating system has never been easier. You can download and use apps from the new Microsoft Store, change registry settings, add or remove features to get the final result you are looking for.

As for the weather widget, you now know how to get rid of it in just a few steps. If you have any questions, just use the comment section below and we’ll get back to you as always.

Windows Bluetooth Auto Connect: How to do it in 4 Steps

Posted on January 11, 2023October 26, 2025 by Loredana Harsana

Technology advancement has made it easy for almost everyone to access a Bluetooth device today. It might be a headset, speaker, mouse, keyboard, or any other device.

Windows 11, on the other hand, comes with amazing features that make it easy for users to connect their devices. Unfortunately, some users have had issues with Windows 11’s Bluetooth Auto Connect.

Oftentimes, the connection is lost when using the device. Other times, users are not able to automatically connect their devices to Windows 11 machines, even though they were previously connected.

Why won’t my Bluetooth connect automatically in Windows 11?

Since the release of Windows 11, many people have been upgrading their PCs from Windows 10 to 11.

One of the problems is that Bluetooth devices don’t connect automatically to Windows 11 PCs. Let’s see why this happens:

Device compatibility – It can happen that the Bluetooth device and your PC are not compatible because the Bluetooth version or standards are different and the PC can’t recognize it.
Corrupted or obsolete drivers – If the Bluetooth drivers are old or broken, this may be the cause of why the device is not connected automatically.
Incorrect Bluetooth settings – Did you turn the Bluetooth connectivity On to both devices? This is the main cause of the devices’ communication issues.

If you have upgraded your PC, you need to make sure that all drivers are compatible with the new operating system.

You can easily fix all these problems by using the solutions provided below.

How do I make my Bluetooth device connect automatically to Windows 11?

1. Set the Bluetooth service startup type to automatic

1. Press the Windows + R key combination on your keyboard. The Run dialog window will open.
2. Type services.msc and press Enter or select OK.
3. In the list that appears, scroll down to Bluetooth Support Service.
4. Right-click on Bluetooth Support Service and select Properties.
5. Select the Startup type dropdown menu and select Automatic.
6. Click Apply and then OK.

The first recommended method to set your Bluetooth to auto-connect on your Windows 11 device is to tweak the Bluetooth startup type settings. What you need to do is set the service startup type to automatic.

2. Uninstall and reinstall Bluetooth drivers

Press the Windows + R key combination.
Type devmgmt.msc and select OK or press Enter.
On the Device Manager list, expand the Bluetooth option.
Right-click on the Bluetooth driver and then select Uninstall device.
Click Uninstall to confirm that you want to uninstall the device driver.
Restart your computer and Windows 11 will automatically reinstall the driver.

Also, to make sure that you don’t need to do this again for every problem you will encounter, you can use a faster way to update or repair any driver on your PC.

In this case, this is the tool you seek. It will automatically scan, find, and update all outdated drivers. The installation will be safe and fast, so you got nothing to worry about.

Outbyte Driver Updater

Update your old drivers to optimize every aspect of your system.

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3. Enable discovery for your Bluetooth devices

Press the Windows Start key and then select Settings.
Select Bluetooth & devices on the left-hand side menu and click on Devices from the right.
Now, select More Bluetooth settings.
Under the Options tab, look for Discovery and then make sure that Allow Bluetooth devices to find this PC checkbox is enabled.
Click Apply and then OK to save your settings.

4. Restart Bluetooth services

Press the Windows + R key combination.
Type services.msc and press Enter or select OK.
In the list that appears, scroll down and look for three related Bluetooth services, the Bluetooth Audio Gateway Service, Bluetooth Support Service, and Bluetooth User Support Service.
Right-click on one of them and then select Properties.
Under the General tab, click on Stop and then Start.
Click on Apply and then OK to restart the Bluetooth service.
Repeat steps 4, 5, and 6 for the other two services.

How does Bluetooth Auto Connect work?

Bluetooth Auto Connect, sometimes referred to as auto pairing, allows a Bluetooth device to automatically connect to another device as long as the two devices are in range.

However, the two devices must have been connected and paired before otherwise, you’ll be prompted for a Bluetooth password.

For instance, let us assume that you have connected your PC to a Bluetooth speaker in your home. When you carry your PC to work, the two devices are disconnected because you are out of range.

Assuming that your speaker remains on and the Bluetooth is also turned on, the two devices connect automatically when you come back home and start your PC. The PC’s Bluetooth should also be turned on.

You should also check our guide on what to do if Bluetooth is not detecting devices on Windows 10 & 11. To learn how to pair your wireless audio gear properly, see our guide on how to connect Bluetooth headphones in Windows 11. It walks you through quick pairing and troubleshooting steps for a seamless connection.

As you can see, you can easily fix the issue with Windows 11’s Bluetooth Auto Connect. Let us know in the comment section below if you have any questions.

Windows 11 Old Icons: How To Get Them Back [Guide]

Posted on January 11, 2023November 5, 2024 by Claudiu Andone

Windows 11 changed a lot from the old Windows 10, at least in terms of interface and graphics. For some, it’s awesome, but others don’t get used to it.

Whether you’re nostalgic or you just can’t cope with it, we will show you how to change the icons on the desktop back to how they used to look or with others.

Our guide will also help you if you have lost some icons and you want to bring them back and even how to see the icons if all have disappeared.

As you will see further on, the Desktop Icon Settings are located in the Personalization option and if your Windows 11 is not activated, you will not be able to access them through the menu.

We also have a great guide on how to activate your Windows 11 on your virtual machine that will help you with this problem.

However, we have an excellent workaround that will circumvent this issue. The procedure is not very different from that in Windows 10 so everything should seem a little bit familiar.

The problem at hand in this article is restoring the old desktop icons or simply changing them in Windows 11.

How can I get back the old Windows 11 icons?

1. Use the Personalization option

Right-click on a free space on your desktop and select Personalize.
Next, click on the Themes option.
Now select Desktop icon settings.
It’s time to check the boxes for the icons you want to see on your desktop, then click on Apply and OK to validate the changes.
This is the time where you can also change the icons appearance. Just click on one of the icons, then select the Change icon option.
Now you can select any icon from the selection and click the OK button to make the change.
However, if you want to change it with an icon from Windows 10, you will have to get the imageres.dll from the old OS and copy it in your Windows 11.
If you have access to a Windows 10 system, press the Windows key + E to start File Manager and go to the following path: C:\Windows\System32
Now find the imageres.dll file, and copy it by using the Ctrl + C key combination.
Next, you will have to paste the file in the same System32 folder from your Windows 11 and overwrite the file or rename it as imageres1.dll and select the resource in the Desktop Icon Settings window.
For that, just click the Browse option in the Change Icon window and select the new imageres1.dll from the System32 folder where you copied it.

If you don’t have access to a Windows 10 system, you can find the imageres.dll file online, but be careful to use a trusted source for the file, otherwise you will risk malware infection.

To learn more, we have a whole guide dedicated to imageres.dll, so don’t miss it.

2. Use the Run app

Press the Windows key + R to start the Run app.
Type the following command and press Enter or click OK to run it: desk.cpl ,,
This will open the Desktop Icon Setings window so you can tweak the icons. Now follow the same procedure from the first solution, starting with step 4.

Basically, this solution circumvents the fact that your copy of Windows 11 is not activated and you can’t use the Personalization settings.

How to show Windows 11 icons on the desktop?

First of all, if you cannot see any desktop icons, the option might be deactivated so we will take care of that really quickly.

Right-click on a free space on your desktop and hover your mouse cursor over the View option on top of the list.
Now go over to the right and make sure that the Show desktop icons option is checked. If not, click on it to enable the feature.

If the option is not checked, you won’t see any icons on your desktop. Of course, you can follow the same procedure if you want to hide them back.

How can I add icons on the desktop in Windows 11?

Use the Shortcut option

Right-click on a free space on your desktop, hover the mouse cursor over the New option, then select Shortcut.
Now you can either type the location of the app or file you want to add to the desktop or hit the Browse button and indicate the location of the file.
For instance, we browsed for the Music folder, we selected it from the list and clicked OK.
The location was completed in to the path field and we hit the Next button.
Now you can even rename the shortcut to your liking and click Finish.
There you go! The Music folder shortcut appeared on the desktop as it should.

This is just an example but you can do the same with any other app, file, and folder. Remember that a shortcut is not the file or folder itself but just a redirect to your actual content.

In other words, if you create a shortcut of a file on your desktop, you will be able to open or execute it, but if you will try to insert it in an e-mail, for instance, you will just get the shortcut, not the file itself.

If you find that the newly created shortcuts are unappealing from the arrows, you can proceed to remove the shortcut arrows to achieve a cleaner look.

Use drag-and-drop

Press the Windows key + E to start File Manager.
Left-click and hold the file, folder or app, drag it outside the window on the desktop and release the mouse button.
As you can see from our screenshot, the Music shortcut icon was added on the desktop.
If you want to rename it, go ahead and right-click the icon, then select the Rename option from the menu.

You need to know that using the drag-and-drop method will actually copy the file or folder that you are dragging on your desktop.

It’s important because if you copy a large folder on the desktop, you’re going to use additional space on your drive.

If you want to create a shortcut instead, just press and hold the Alt key before performing the drag-and-drop procedure.

Of course, you can add as many shortcuts as you want but filling your desktop with files and shortcuts will not help you very much with organizing your PC.

However, we have a great guide on how to pin apps to Start menu and Taskbar that you might find useful in this situation.

We hope that our article helped you bring the old desktop icons in Windows 11 and find out how to add more icons and shortcuts if needed.

If you have any questions or suggestions, don’t hesitate to drop us a line in the comments section below and we will get back to you as soon as possible.

16 Best NES Emulators to Download in 2026 [Free]

Posted on January 11, 2023July 14, 2025 by Ivan Jenic

Looking for the best NES emulator in 2025? Whether you’re chasing childhood nostalgia or diving into retro gaming, NES emulators let you play your favorite Nintendo titles on PC, Android, or macOS, for free.

Below, we’ll cover the most accurate NES emulators, which ones support modern OS like Windows 10/11, and which tools deliver the best experience on each platform.

Top NES Emulators to Try Right Now

Top NES Emulators to Try Right Now
🎮 Why NES Emulation Is Still Popular in 2025
FAQs

1. Mesen – Best NES Emulator Overall ✅

Platform: Windows, macOS
Key Feature: Most accurate emulation + multiple ROM support

Mesen supports every licensed NES game and even remembers your last played ROMs with screenshots and timestamps. You get features like auto-save, netplay, cheat finder, and video/audio recording—all in a clean UI. It’s the most accurate NES emulator available today.

If you’re experiencing lag or performance issues, try these tips to improve PC performance.

⇒ Download Mesen

2. FCEUX – NES Emulator for PC with Controller Support 🎮

Platform: Windows, Linux
Key Feature: Great for ROM-hacking and speedruns

FCEUX is a longtime favorite in the NES community. It’s simple to use and offers advanced tools like debugging, speedrun creation, and joystick support. Despite its outdated palette (which can be manually fixed), it’s one of the most flexible emulators out there.

If you’re gaming on older hardware, pair FCEUX with one of these lightweight PC benchmarking tools.

⇒ Download FCEUX

3. RetroArch – All-in-One Emulator with No Lag 💻

Platform: Windows, macOS, Android
Key Feature: Multi-core support including Nestopia core

RetroArch is a powerful frontend that can emulate nearly every retro console using cores like Nestopia UE. Features include shaders, rewind, netplay, and highly customizable settings. While its interface can be daunting, it’s incredibly powerful once configured.

If you’re interested in platforms like RetroArch, here’s a full list of the best all-in-one emulators for PC.

⇒ Download RetroArch

4. Nestopia UE – Simple Yet Effective Emulator 🧩

Platform: Windows, macOS, Linux
Key Feature: Easy install + great compatibility

Nestopia Undead Edition continues the legacy of Nestopia with excellent performance and accuracy. It’s beginner-friendly, though you’ll need to choose between minor screen tearing or slight input lag depending on vsync settings.

⇒ Download Nestopia UE

5. VirtuaNES – Lightweight with Full-Screen Mode 🔲

Platform: Windows
Key Feature: Runs flawlessly on Windows 10/11

VirtuaNES is no longer updated but still works beautifully. It features joystick support, full-screen mode, and cheat tools. Perfect for older machines or quick plug-and-play sessions.

For on-the-go retro play, check out these top Windows 10 tablets that pair well with VirtuaNES.

⇒ Download VirtuaNES

6. jNES – Beginner-Friendly Emulator 🕹️

Platform: Windows
Key Feature: Plug-and-play with NES & NSF ROMs

jNES is a simple NES emulator that doesn’t require complex setup. It supports gamepads, screen resizing, and basic audio options—ideal for quick play without technical hassle.

⇒ Download jNES

7. Nintendulator – Realistic Gameplay & USB Support 🧠

Platform: Windows
Key Feature: Authentic features like soft/hard reset

Built in C++, Nintendulator offers realistic gameplay with USB controller support, Game Genie codes, and soft/hard reset functionality just like the original console.

⇒ Download Nintendulator

8. RockNES – Stable with Game Genie & Graphics Boost 🎨

Platform: Windows
Key Feature: Eagle mode enhances visuals

RockNES improves your graphics with Eagle mode and offers editable config files for sound, video, and controller settings. Game Genie support is built-in.

⇒ Download RockNES

9. Nesbox / Universal Emulator – Play NES Games in Your Browser 🌐

Platform: Web, Windows 10
Key Feature: Instant browser gameplay + UWP app

No install needed, just upload a ROM to the Nesbox online emulator and start playing. You can also download the Universal Emulator app for Windows 10 to support NES, SNES, Sega, and GBA games.

⇒ Visit Nesbox / Universal Emulator

10. BizHawk – Speedrun-Optimized Multi-System Emulator 🏁

Platform: Windows
Key Feature: Tool-assisted runs + debugging tools

BizHawk is popular with the speedrun community due to its frame-accurate input and multi-console support. It offers TAS features, auto-saves, and precise state control.

⇒ Download BizHawk

11. OpenEmu – macOS Favorite for NES Gaming 🍏

Platform: macOS
Key Feature: Library-style layout + plugin-based cores

Designed for macOS, OpenEmu supports NES and other consoles using a polished iTunes-style interface. It’s easy to set up and ideal for casual retro fans.

If you’re looking for similar SNES support, see our picks for the best SNES emulators online and for PC.

⇒ Download OpenEmu

12. EmuBox – Multi-System Emulator for Android 📱

Platform: Android
Key Feature: Supports NES, SNES, PSX & GBA

EmuBox delivers a modern emulator experience with support for multiple consoles. It includes save states, fast-forward, and controller support.

⇒ Download EmuBox

13. John NESS – Dedicated Android Emulator for NES & SNES 🔄

Platform: Android
Key Feature: Dropbox sync + rich customization

John NESS is a mobile-friendly emulator with support for cheat codes, Bluetooth gamepads, and cloud saves. It’s one of the smoothest ways to emulate NES on Android.

Even as modern hardware shines, Switch 2’s explosive sales show retro gaming is hotter than ever.

⇒ Download John NESS

14. LoopyNES – Lightweight and Clean Emulator 🧽

Platform: Windows
Key Feature: Minimal design + accurate performance

LoopyNES is great for homebrew testing or minimalist retro gaming. It’s lightweight and stable with a focus on simplicity.

⇒ Download LoopyNES

15. JAVASNES – Play NES Games in Your Browser Instantly 🌍

Platform: Web
Key Feature: No install, just load and play

JAVASNES lets you play NES games online in-browser via JavaScript. No installation needed—just load your .NES ROM and go.

⇒ Try JAVASNES

16. My Nes – .NET-Based Emulator with Modern Features 💡

Platform: Windows
Key Feature: Game Genie support + portable version

Built with .NET, My Nes provides a portable, modern UI for playing NES games. Great for users who want an emulator that works smoothly on touchscreen devices.

Perfect companion for Windows 10 tablets used for retro gaming.

⇒ Download My Nes

🎮 Why NES Emulation Is Still Popular in 2025

While today’s blockbuster titles dominate headlines, retro gaming continues to thrive. The NES, in particular, remains a favorite for gamers seeking nostalgia, simplicity, and 8-bit charm.

Whether you’re using a browser-based emulator like Nesbox, managing ROMs with LaunchBox, or benchmarking your gaming rig for performance, NES emulators let you revisit the classics from any device.

FAQs

Can I play NES games on Windows 10 or Windows 11?

Yes. Most NES emulators listed above support both operating systems flawlessly.

Which NES emulator is the most accurate?

Mesen is currently the most cycle-accurate NES emulator for PC.

What’s the best NES emulator for Android?

John NESS and EmuBox are top choices for mobile users.

Are NES emulators legal to use?

Yes, but make sure to own the original games before using ROMs.

Final Thoughts

If you’re ready to dive into the NES emulator PC scene or revisit your childhood favorites, these tools are the best way to do it. With support across PC, Android, and macOS, and integration options like LaunchBox, the world of retro gaming is at your fingertips in 2025.

7 Best Windows 11 Migration Tools For Easy Data Transfer

Posted on January 11, 2023October 23, 2025 by Cesar Cadenas

A data migration tool is a piece of software that moves data from one storage space to another. The software does this by preparing, extracting, and transforming data and ensuring that it will be compatible in the new location.

There’s a variety of reasons why you would need to migrate data. You might want to consolidate data from different sources into one to save space or perhaps the storage equipment needs to be upgraded.

Some migration tools offer the ability to recover from a damaged or dead computer.

Other times it’s not that serious. You might want to keep your data, settings, and apps from one Windows computer and keep it all intact as it’s moved over to the new Windows 11 machine.

Whatever the case may be, a data migration tool is handy to have.

Does Windows 11 have a built-in migration tool?

Windows 11 does not have a data migration tool installed, which is strange because Microsoft made a lot of apps found on previous operating systems native to this new system.

The last migration tool on Windows was Windows Easy Transfer, but that was way back on Windows Vista and 8.1.

Nowadays, the closest approximation would be to upload files onto your OneDrive account and download them to your new computer.

However, you won’t be able to upload apps or your computer’s settings onto OneDrive which is something migration cools can do.

Without a dedicated migration tool, you’ll be forced to manually download every single app that was on your old computer and change all the settings to what you had before. It’s a tedious job that will take forever to do.

Save yourself the hassle and get yourself a migration tool. This list will showcase some of the best migration tools on the market today.

What are the best Windows 11 migration tools?

Zinstall – Easy to use migration tools

Zinstall products are known for combining powerful migration capabilities with incredible ease of use and there are a few to choose from.

They allow even users with no technical knowledge to transfer their applications, profiles, settings, accounts, and all files, to a new computer.

Zinstall products fully support Windows 11 and can easily transfer from one Windows to another, such as from Windows 10 to Windows 11, or from Windows 8.1 to Windows 11 (or other combinations).

For example, Zinstall can migrate from a Windows 10 HP desktop to a Windows 11 Dell laptop.

Zinstall WinWin is the most popular Zinstall product and performs the migration almost completely automatically. You only need to specify which computer is the new one, and which is the old one. It does not require any special cables.

All you need to do is have both computers online, and even a Wi-Fi connection is fine. Or, you can use a wired / cable connection as well.

Zinstall Migration Kit Pro is the more advanced version. One of its more interesting features is the ability to transfer directly from a broken computer’s hard drive directly, even if it won’t turn on.

It also supports several other, more advanced, transfer scenarios, such as corporate migrations to a new domain or to Azure.

Here are some of their best features to consider:

Migrates programs as configurations, not only files
Very easy to use, with friendly interfaces
Migrate full computers even on Wi-Fi networks
Transfer directly from a broken computer’s hard drive directly (on Zinstall Migration Kit Pro)
Support for many transfer scenarios, even for corporate usage

Zinstall

Easy to use, powerful transfer software that will migrate your programs and files to a new computer / Windows 11.

Free trial Visit website

Laplink PCMover – Recommended by Intel and Microsoft

LapLink PCmover is one of the most premiere migration tools on the market and holds the distinct honor of being highly recommended by both Intel and Microsoft.

You’ll be able to migrate everything you choose (including apps and cloud directories) with lightning speed. It also comes with an undo feature to fix any missteps.

There are some exceptions to what it can move. Antivirus and anti-spyware apps will not be moved and neither will trial software. Files with DRM (Digital Right Management) like music may need to be deactivated on the old PC before being moved.

If you want to try out PCMover, you can download the Windows Store Edition straight from the Microsoft Store. It involves a step-by-step setup that’s easy to follow and the ability to choose which file you want to transfer over. The Store Edition has even free 24/7 support.

However, if you want the ability to migrate apps, you’ll have to purchase one of the many enhanced versions of PCMover from LapLink.

If you get stuck, you can connect with one of Laplink’s PC migration experts, available 24 hours a day, for help. Alternatively, you can purchase a physical copy that includes a high-speed transfer cable and free SafeErase software.

Look at some of its best features:

Recommended by Microsoft and Intel
Full instruction for installation and setting up
Can migrate apps with PCMover
Professional assistance available
The physical copy includes a transfer cable and SafeErase software

Laplink PCmover

The PCmover app from Laplink offers you all the tools you need to order to successfully and efficiently migrate your data.

Check price Visit website

AOMEI Backupper Professional – For private and professional usage

A great alternative to PCMover is AOMEI Backupper Professional It comes with great features like Universal Restore, which can fully restore the original system onto the new PC, even if the hardware is different.

The tool also allows you to choose multiple endpoints where you can store your files and create file backups to your Google Drive, external hard drives, or some other kind of cloud storage destination.

AOMEI Backupper supports many older versions of Windows operating systems, going as far back as Windows XP, so if you have old files that you want to restore from many years ago, this migration tool can do it.

It’s also easier to operate than PCMover and you don’t even have to pay for the ability to move apps. The ability to migrate apps comes with the free trial version.

AOMEI Backupper has other useful capabilities like encrypting and compressing images as well as wiping out a disk drive after it’s done migrating everything for that extra layer of protection.

Paid versions of AOMEI add even more features, a PXE boot tool for booting multiple computers from a microsystem, and a lifetime of free upgrades.

Let’s review some of its key features:

Image encryption and compression
Automatic backup functions
Simple interface that can be used by professionals and regular users as well
Choose multiple endpoints where you can store your files

AOMEI Backupper Professional

This software ensures that your data migration process goes smoothly and quickly, so don’t hesitate to try it out today!

Check price Visit website

FastMove

As a moving app, FastMove comes with six distinct features that make it a great choice. For one, it has fast and lossless data migration for PCs. To facilitate this speed, you’ll need a USB drive to move the files, settings, and drivers from one computer to the next.

And because it’s done through the USB driver, all your customized files, folders, and browser change go along with it. You won’t have to upload to a cloud server and take up space.

FastMove also supports moving programs and user accounts/settings. This will free up a massive amount of time as it’s all done seamlessly. It can even transfer device drivers so you’ll be able to use your device straight from the box with no conflicts at all.

You can purchase a plan that will give you a certain amount of copies to use across multiple computers. Or you can also try out the free trial. See for yourself just how fast the app is and how easy it is to migrate data.

FastMove

FastMove is another versatile and powerful software that covers all your needs when going through a data migration process.

Check price Visit website

Paragon Hard Disk Manager Advanced

The Paragon Hard Disk Manager is a pretty robust app with tons of features. For starters, it’s a top-of-the-line partitioning function for efficient storage usage.

This is particularly useful if your internal drive is low on available space and is a common problem for people who have different systems and data types.

It can merge or restore partitions as well as edit sections in the hex editor. Paragon can also perform a test to locate and point out any bad areas in the partitions. The app can also change data stored in hardware and have it be compatible with an SSD.

Its Drive Copy feature even creates an exact and uncompressed replica of your system’s hard drive. While transferring, the Hard Disk Manager wipes any personal data left behind on the hard drive to ensure total privacy. The app can also restore any files if the need arises.

Hard Disk Manager also supports numerous bus interfaces and file systems. It must be pointed out that there is no free trial available, but you can try out the Product Tour which allows you to see the app in action on a web browser.

Paragon Hard Disk Manager

Use this app today to easily perform data transfers from a PC to another device without worrying about wasting time.

Check price Visit website

Acronis Cyber Protect Home Office

Acronis Cyber Protect Home Office is less of a dedicated migration tool and more of a software suite. So if you’re looking for a migration tool that can do more, Acronis is among the best. It’s a great tool for students and professionals who work remotely from their home office.

It can back up folders and files and place copies in cloud storage. The app has a great UI with tabs on the left-hand side that are clearly labeled so you see all the features and tools the suite can perform.

Acronis’ Archive tab analyzes your folders for unused or particularly large files and offloads them to an external drive or cloud storage destination. This deletes the file from local storage. You can set it to run through your files automatically or select files individually.

Acronis comes with a powerful cyber protection feature – protecting you from data threats and cyber attacks. It’s integrated with advanced anti-malware technology that offers real-time protection, active ant-virus scans, web filtering, and video conference app protection to stop bad actors from hacking into your Zoom meeting.

As great of a migration tool as it is, there are some negatives. Unsurprisingly, Acronis is a pretty expensive app and has been known for being somewhat slow to upload files. But keep in mind that you get a lot for your buck.

Acronis Cyber Protect Home Office

Use this amazing suite today to cover all your data migration needs and more!

Check price Visit website

EaseUS Todo PC Trans

Like AOMEI Backupper, Ease US Todo PCTrans works with old Windows systems and can transfer those files onto a Windows 11 computer.

The free version alone is pretty extensive. PCTrans offers a single click solution to automatically migrate files from one computer to another without losing any data.

The tool supports common apps like Microsoft Office, Photoshop, Google Chrome, and more. It can move data, files, different kinds of apps, and accounts between computers, recover forgotten files from a dead computer and transfer them between local disks.

The free version can only transfer up to 500MB of data and two programs before you need to upgrade to a paid version. If you decide to upgrade, the Home version allows you to transfer an unlimited amount of data, programs, and user accounts.

The Business version adds the dead computer feature which allows you to migrate data from a seemingly non-functioning to a working machine. Each of the paid versions has a free trial so you can try out all the features before purchase and 24-hour support.

The company also offers Todo Backup and a tool called Migrate OS to SSD/HDD that lets you copy a system drive to an SSD or HDD. Alternatively, Migrate OS can clone an HDD to an SSD without needing Windows to be installed.

Ease US Todo PCTrans

Simplify data migration processes with this intuitive and effective application.

Check price Visit website

How else can I better my Windows 11 experience?

There are an insurmountable amount of third-party apps for Windows 11. The vast majority of what’s already on Windows 11 is outclassed by a third-party app.

And even if you’re happy with the apps native on Windows 11, you can still create a better experience with yourself by changing the settings on your machine.

Windows 11 has some pretty strict requirements as to which computers will be able to run it. If you ever want to try out Windows 11 on an old PC without having to install Windows 10 first, it’s recommended that you download the Windows 11 ISO file straight from Microsoft so you can try it out.

Also, be mindful of Microsoft’s ever-increasing efforts to block certain apps. The company doesn’t want you to download apps that are not verified by Microsoft. Either that or the still buggy nature of Windows 11.

Feel free to leave a comment below if you have any questions on other Windows 11 apps. Also, leave comments about reviews that you’d like to see or information on other Windows 11 features.

5 Best Sound and Volume Boosters For Windows 11 [Free & Paid]

Posted on January 11, 2023June 13, 2025 by Afam Onyimadu

Looking for the best volume booster for Windows 11? If your laptop or PC still sounds too quiet at 100%, the right sound booster can help you raise the volume, improve clarity, and enhance your overall audio experience.

Whether you’re watching movies, listening to music, or gaming, the tools below will help you turn up the volume in just a few clicks.

What are the best sound boosters for a Windows 11 PC?

Here’s a quick look at the best options (more details below):

Boom 3D	– Immersive 3D surround sound – 31-band equalizer – Noise filtering – Ambience effect – Advanced audio player – Genre-based presets
Ashampoo Music Studio	– Audio recording – Sound optimization – Volume adjustments – CD ripping & burning – Wide file format support – Integrated library
FxSound Enhancer	– Parametric EQ – Customizable effects & presets – Enhances volume and clarity – Supports HD formats (FLAC, ALAC, DSF)
Letasoft Sound Booster	– Amplifies system-wide volume – Supports most apps – Sound normalization – Hotkey support – Simple and clean interface
DeskFX	– 20-band equalizer – Real-time audio enhancement – Customizable presets – Numerous audio effects – Free home version available

Boom 3D – Immersive 3D surround sound

With Boom 3D you can play media with outstanding 3D effects such as virtual surround sound. Plus, it has a wide range of presets to match different genres and listening types.

It also lets you adjust music pitch by 5 semi-tones, reduce harsh sounds, and more.

Some features that we like:

Ambience effect
Intensify 3D soundscape
Noise filtering
31 band equalizer
Advanced audio player
Volume booster

Boom 3D

Boost your audio and bring your movie or game experience to a mind-blowing level.

Free Trial Visit Website

Ashampoo Music Studio – Comprehensive audio editor

Originally designed for audio editing and conversion, Ashampoo Music Studio stands strong when it comes to its volume booster capabilities.

It supports various file formats, and has an integrated media library that lets you manage your music collection and make volume adjustments as you go.

Some features that we like:

Audio recording
Sound optimization
Audio CD Ripping and Burning
Audio Conversion

⇒ Get Ashampoo Music Studio

FxSound Enhancer – Robust premium audio enhancer

FxSound Enhance is designed to improve the overall audio experience on your PC. It lets you adjust the balance of bass, treble, and other frequencies. It also simulates a surround sound environment.

We like it because it enhances the overall volume and clarity of the audio by applying dynamic compression and amplification. Furthermore, FxSound Enhancer supports high-definition audio formats, such as FLAC, ALAC, and DSF.

Some features that we like:

Parametric EQ
New Sound Quality Improvements
Customizable Effects
Customizable Presets

⇒ Get FxSound Enhancer

Letasoft Sound Booster – Clean and simple interface

Letasoft Sound Booster lets you amplify the volume of the whole system or individual apps on your Windows PC. It helps you even out the volume of different audio files.

We also love it because it works with most media players, instant messengers, games, and other applications and can also boost the volume of online videos and games.

Some features that we like:

Volume boost
System-wide hotkeys
Easy-to-Use Interface
Sound normalization

⇒ Get Letasoft Sound Booster

DeskFX – Tons of audio effects

DeskFX is an audio equalize that helps you adjust the levels of different frequency bands in an audio signal. It boosts or cuts the level of specific frequencies to achieve a tonal balance or to compensate for deficiencies in the sound.

One key feature is its ability to enhance audio playback in real time. DeskFX also comes with several preset settings, which can be used to achieve a desired tonal balance quickly.

Some features that we like:

Numerous audio effects
20-band equalizer
Customizable presets
Free home version

⇒ Get DeskFX

How do I make my volume louder on Windows 11?

There are several ways to make the volume louder on Windows 11:

Use the Volume Mixer – The volume mixer of Windows 11 gives some additional options for increasing your audio volume.
Use the keyboard volume controls – Many keyboards have volume controls built in. Usually, there will be a volume up, down, and mute button. These can be used to adjust the volume on your computer.
Use the Action Center – If you click the speech bubble icon on the Taskbar at the bottom right, you’ll find quick controls for your volume and other settings.
Use the Settings app – While this may be a long way, you will have more volume options under the sound settings.
Using third-party apps – Specialized audio tools may give augmented volume. These may be video-playing apps or standalone equalizers. A few of these will increase the volume beyond 100%.

It’s worth noting that depending on the audio output device you are using, some of these methods may not work or work differently. You, however, will have the option of setting audio independently for different apps.

Summary

And that is as much as we will discuss in this guide. With these volume booster tools for Windows 11, you’ll be able to increase volume if it’s too low and also adjust sound settings for perfect ambience.

It’s important to note that increasing the volume on your PC beyond a certain level can cause distortion or damage to your speakers or audio equipment.

It’s also essential to adjust the volume carefully and avoid prolonged exposure to loud volumes to avoid hearing damage.

The Windows 7 and 8.1 Patch Tuesday updates for January 2023 are live

Posted on January 11, 2023October 4, 2023 by Alexandru Poloboc

Even though the main focus right now is on Windows 11, the majority of Windows users still don’t feel like abandoning its predecessor (Windows 10).

That being said, be sure to check out the latest versions of Windows 10, which is 22H2, and also Windows 11, which has also reached version 22H2.

And, as you surely know by now, the Redmond-based tech colossus also releases security updates for some of the obsolete operating systems, during Patch Tuesday.

That means that not only Windows 10 and 11 users will receive updates during this time. We’re also looking at Windows 7, Windows 8, and various Server versions as well.

We’ve already presented the 98 new updates that became available, along with the official download links, so all that remains is going a bit more in-depth.

Without any further ado, let’s take a closer look at what Windows 7 and Windows 8 users were given to work with on the January 2023 Patch Tuesday.

What’s new in the January 2023 Patch Tuesday?

The Redmond-based tech colossus has just released Patch Tuesday updates for Windows 8.1, in the form of KB5022352, and Windows 7, in the form of KB5022339.

Keep in mind that they each come with a whole host of improvements and known issues with some pretty neat workarounds.

Also, remember that Microsoft, as of yesterday, terminated all ESU for both Windows 8.1 and Windows 7 operating systems.

Windows 7

KB5022339

Improvements

Authentication might fail after you set the higher 16-bits of the msds-SupportedEncryptionTypes attribute. This issue might occur if encryption types are not set or if RC4 Encryption type is disabled on the domain.
Resolves a known issue that affects apps that use Microsoft Open Database Connectivity (ODBC) SQL Server Driver (sqlsrv32.dll) to connect to databases. The connection might fail. You might also receive an error in the app, or you might receive an error from the SQL Server.

Known issues

After installing this update and restarting your device, you might receive the error, Failure to configure Windows updates. Reverting Changes. Do not turn off your computer, and the update might show as Failed in Update History.
After this update or a later Windows update is installed, domain join operations might be unsuccessful and error 0xaac (2732): NERR_AccountReuseBlockedByPolicy occurs. Additionally, text stating An account with the same name exists in Active Directory. Re-using the account was blocked by security policy might be displayed.

[DIRECT DOWNLOAD LINK]

Windows 8.1

KB5022352

Improvements

Authentication might fail after you set the higher 16-bits of the msds-SupportedEncryptionTypes attribute. This issue might occur if encryption types are not set or if RC4 Encryption type is disabled on the domain.
Starting in this release, we are displaying a modal dialog box to remind users about the End of Support for Windows 8.1 in January 2023. This reminder does not appear on managed devices that run Windows 8.1 Pro or Windows 8.1 Enterprise.
Resolves a known issue that affects apps that use Microsoft Open Database Connectivity (ODBC) SQL Server Driver (sqlsrv32.dll) to connect to databases. The connection might fail. You might also receive an error in the app, or you might receive an error from the SQL Server.

Known issues

After this update or a later Windows update is installed, domain join operations might be unsuccessful and error 0xaac (2732): NERR_AccountReuseBlockedByPolicy occurs. Additionally, text stating An account with the same name exists in Active Directory. Re-using the account was blocked by security policy might be displayed.

[DIRECT DOWNLOAD LINK]

These older, now obsolete versions of the Windows operating system are no longer safe for use, and it is highly recommended you upgrade to a supported version.

And, since the time has come to say goodbye, it is about time you figure out the next steps you will need to take.

Have you encountered any issues after downloading and installing these new security updates for Windows 7 and 8.1?

Share your experience with us in the dedicated comments section located below.

Microsoft 365 Basic set to launch featuring 100 GB of storage and more at $1.99 per month

Posted on January 11, 2023 by Radu Tyrsina

Microsoft has announced that it will be launching a new Microsoft 365 subscription dubbed Microsoft 365 Basic. The company is set to make this release on January 30. To access this new offering you either need to make a monthly payment of either $1.99 or $19.99 annually. What’s in store for you once you subscribe to this plan?

First off, the free option will still be available even after Microsoft launches this new basic subscription The only difference is that it will have more features in comparison, that is, 100 GB of storage, an Outlook email as well as improved security features.

That said, you can still make use of the free Microsoft 365 tier which will feature all the benefits that it has been providing throughout. However, if you are looking for a little bit more, you can subscribe to the Microsoft 365 Personal option at $6.99 per month. Here’s a closer look at the Microsoft 365 plans and the benefits each one comes with:

When comparing the new Basic plan to the Personal one, you’ll notice that besides the obvious difference in storage, the Basic plan won’t grant users access to the desktop versions of Word, Excel, and PowerPoint apps. However, you can access these apps both on the web and from your mobile phone.

In related news, the much anticipated Microsoft 365 app (previously the Office app) is set to launch later this month on mobile and Windows. Share your thoughts with us regarding this new consumer tier in the comment section.

Via: Techcrunch

Equalizer APO Not Working on Windows 11: 4 Quick Solutions

Posted on January 11, 2023May 23, 2024 by Afam Onyimadu

Equalizer APO is a popular open-source equalizer software that allows users to customize the sound of their computer’s audio output. However, some users have reported issues getting Equalizer APO to work correctly on Windows 11.

In this article, we’ll explore why Equalizer APO may not work on Windows 11 and provide some quick solutions.

Does Equalizer APO support Windows 11?

The short answer is that Equalizer APO is not officially supported on Windows 11. The software was last updated in 2020 and has not been updated to include support for Windows 11.

However, there are a few merits of using this tool. Some of which include:

Customizable sound – With Equalizer APO, users can create custom equalization settings to enhance the sound of their music, movies, and games. Users can create their equalization presets, or use presets created by other users.
Global audio equalization – Equalizer APO is a system-wide audio equalizer that can equalize the sound of all audio played on your computer, including music, movies, and games. This eliminates the need for different equalization settings for different programs or files.
Open-source software – Equalizer APO is open-source software that is free to use, distribute and modify.
Customizable interface – Equalizer APO has a graphical user interface (GUI), allowing users to create their visual representation of the equalizer settings.

Since users may face APO and sound drivers errors, let us explore fixing and making it work on the newest Microsoft client OS.

How do I fix Equalizer APO on Windows 11?

Tip

Before going into the solutions, you must note that although Equalizer APO is a popular choice for many users, there is other equalizer software that you can use on Windows 11. Some of them have excellent compatibility with the system.

1. Enable Audio Enhancements in System sounds

Press Windows + I to open the Settings app.
Navigate to Sound.
Scroll down and select All sound devices.
Click on any of your Output or input devices.
Lastly, under Audio Enhancement, select Device Default Effects.

2. Use compatibility mode

Right-click on the Equalizer APO executable file and select Properties.
Click the Compatibility tab, tick Run this program in compatibility mode for, then select Windows 10 from the dropdown menu.
Click on Apply and OK.

3. Reinstall audio drivers

Right-click on the Start menu and select Device Manager.
Expand Sound, video and game controllers, right-click on your audio driver, and select Uninstall device.
When prompted, confirm your choice.
Restart your computer, and the driver will reinstall.

If you want other options than following the manual method, you can try specialized driver updating software to execute this process automatically.

4. Disable Hardware Acceleration

Press Windows + I to open the Settings app.
Navigate to Sound.
Scroll down and click More sound settings.
Right-click on one of your devices and select Properties.
Go to the Advanced tab, then untick Allow hardware acceleration of audio with this device, click Apply, and OK.

Since this app is not officially compatible with Windows 11, you may need a few extra steps to get it working well.

Hence, the solutions above should be effective enough if Equalizer APO is not working on your Windows 11 device.

Finally, let us know in the comments section which of the fixes worked for you.

Surface Audio Dock Review: An all-in-one docking station that undercuts competition

Posted on January 11, 2023 by Kareem Anderson

In this article

Toggle

Starting at $249.99

Microsoft’s newest docking solution seems to have found the sweet spot between functionality and aesthetics. We’ve come a long way from the lock in place Surface Pro 3 and 4 docking station which propped Microsoft’s flagship tablet computer erect in a single functional use position, and while relatively minimalistic, it wasn’t portable or transferable for most users.

Microsoft has since reiterated on the design to bring users the Surface Dock and Surface Dock 2 which maintained an industry-like appearance of cord connected brick of ports that included several modern USB connectors, HDMI, mini-display port, ethernet, and audio jacks.

Microsoft’s latest dock now adds an audio component as its newest upgrade and does so while undercutting its most well-known competitor in a very niche sector.

Microsoft Audio Dock 2023
TECH SPECS
Dimensions	Width 6.6 x Depth 3.16 x Height 3.19 in (167.6 mm x 80.2 mm x 81 mm)
Weight	22.9 oz. (650 g) (Package not included)
Colors	Matte Black
Speakers (qty)	Tweeter: OD25.9 x H11.6mm Woofer: L54 x W48.8 x H41.5mm
Sound pressure level output	Up to 90dB SPL
Frequency response	70Hz~20kHz for music playback 200Hz~8kHz for conference
Dock connections	1 USB-C® (USB3.1 Gen 2, power up to 7.5 W) Support DP alt mode, up to Dual Display1 1 USB-C® (USB3.1 Gen 2 data only, power up to 7.5 W) 1 USB-A 3.2 (USB3.1 Gen2) 1 HDMI 2.0 port with 4K@60Hz Support MST in USBC and HDMI port Support USBC PD charging (up to 60 W)
Compatibility	Operating System: Windows 11 Home/Pro, Windows 10, MacOSConference Software*: Microsoft Teams, Zoom, Google Meet
Connection to PC	USB-C
USB cord length	39.4 in. (1 meter)
Buttons/Controls	Microsoft Teams button, Mute button, Volume up button
Microphones	Two omni-directional microphone arrays
Audio codec	Codec RK2108 Amp TAS5805
Microsoft accessory center	Speaker performance customization and microphone settings (Available only on Windows)
What’s in the box	Microsoft Audio Dock Power Supply Unit & AC cord Quick Start Guide Safety and warranty documents
Warranty2	1-year limited warranty

Look and Feel

The Audio Dock is spiritually reminiscent of a Google Nest speaker as its wrapped in woven fabric, presumably to enhance the audio output experience. While it’s roughly the same size as a Google Nest audio speaker when positioned horizontally, the Audio Dock does away with the home decor facade and only comes in a single matte black color scheme emphasizing desktop utility over environmental ambience.

The Audio Dock may not win any awards for complementing aesthetic decor, it does match the Microsoft color branding of other desktop accessory efforts that include Modern Keyboards, Arc mice, Modern Webcams, Presenter+, Modern headsets and even Xbox controllers.

The design of the Audio Dock builds on Microsoft’s previous efforts with the Microsoft Modern USB-C speaker by kicking everything up several notches. Where the Modern USB-C speaker emphasized portability with its sleek design, the Audio Dock increases the speaker bay by 2/3 the size which adds considerable weight to the docking station by comparison.

However, when comparing it to Microsoft’s previous docking station, the Surface Dock 2, the Audio Dock feels only a bit heavier surprisingly. Perhaps, the reduction in port selections between the two may contribute to the relative weight comparison as the Surface Dock 2 offers four USB-C, 2 USB-A, and ether net port and an audio jack as its connectors while the Audio Dock only provides connections for 2 USB-C, 1 USB-A, and an HDMI 2.0 slot with support for up to 4K at 60Hz.

Perhaps in an effort to assist in cable management and minimalist aesthetics, all ports and connections are tucked away at the back of the Audio Dock.

The Audio Dock also does away with the proprietary Surface connector and opts for a more ubiquitous USB-C connector that can power devices at up to 60W while allowing it much more utility for a wider user base than its predecessor. The USB-Connector can also be tucked away into a compartment underneath the dock itself for further tidiness and portability when necessary.

Performance

Identical to the Surface USB-C speaker, the Audio Dock comes with a dedicated tactile Teams button, speaker button, play and volume controls located at the top of the device and while the dock does a decent job of getting loud, it is a bit light in the bass department. The mids and highs are clear and crips, and it’s evident the speaker excels at vocal reproduction particularly designed for podcast and conferences with audio. Don’t get me wrong, music playback is good but it’s not on par with more dedicated speaker solutions.

The Audio Dock also serves as a mic that does a great job of picking up most audio while simultaneously surprising other background elements. The Audio Dock won’t replace a dedicated mic, but for the times when a headset may be charging, or you want to free your ears from hours of headset use, this dock slots in well.

Microsoft continues to extend utility of its devices through the Modern Accessories software hub and users can make a few tweaks to the audio output from there such as prompt volume and audio settings for Teams communication.

The other product in this niche sector the Audio Dock competes with is the Logi Dock which offers a plethora of ports and connectivity selections that include display, HDMI, 2 USB-A, Bluetooth pairing, four USB-C slots and a Kensington lock. However, the audio and mic quality of the device still feels a step down from the Audio Dock.

For those familiar with switching audio inputs, using the Audio Dock is relatively straightforward and easy. For anyone who lives in a Team world, the Audio Dock becomes as second nature as pressing any audio controls on a dedicated keyboard.

Summary

While the Logi Dock does offer more ports and dedicated webcam control option, it’s also $150 dollars more than the Microsoft Audio Dock while delivering a less than stellar comparative audio experience. The design of the two devices are very similar and take up relatively the same space both on a desk and underneath with their dedicated power bricks, but the Audio Dock has the added advantage of being tuned for video conferencing, especially with Teams.

At the end of the day, more docking solutions should incorporate audio and save users from having yet another input to manage via Bluetooth, wired or through Wi-Fi. The convenience of a port station with audio alone would sell the product category while bringing competition to actual audio experiences that could net users similar sounds akin to more dedicated speakers such as Bose, JBL, and Sony.

Easy Fixes to YouTube Pause Button Won’t Go Away [Android]

Posted on January 11, 2023January 9, 2024 by Tashreef Shareef

If you are using the YouTube app on your Android phone, you are familiar with the few navigation options to go backward, forward, pause, and resume the video available in the app.

However, at times the YouTube pause button won’t go away. And the same goes for the progress bar. In fact, users have reported even more troublesome situations.

So, let’s have a closer look at some of the most common misdemeanors:

YouTube app pause won’t go away – Obviously, YouTube mobile pause won’t go away here. Whenever this happens, the YouTube app pause button stays on screen.
YouTube Overlay won’t go away Android
Can’t get pause button off YouTube – YouTube pause button won’t go away on Android
YouTube shorts pause button not disappearing
YouTube vanced pause button won’t go away

Now, the big question is why does the play button stay on YouTube? Let’s take a closer look at the possible reasons and then, see how to remove the Play pause button from YouTube shorts.

Why is the Pause button stuck on YouTube?

If you are also noticing a small X icon at the bottom right corner, the issue could be occurring due to the Accessibility feature in Android. Here’s a good lead for your troubleshooting endeavor.

But what if that’s not it? Obviously, there can be many other reasons why the YouTube pause button won’t go away.

From cache piling up to occasional software glitches, and conflictual or faulty settings, you cannot rule anything out.

Finally, if the YouTube pause button is not disappearing, you might be running an older or deprecated version of the app. So make sure you update YouTube to the latest version available.

In this article, we walk you through a quick step-by-step guide to help you fix the YouTube pause button not disappearing on the Android issue.

How do I get rid of the pause button on YouTube?

1. Disable the Accessibility menu

From YouTube settings

Launch the YouTube app on your Android phone.
Tap on your Profile.
Select Settings.
At the bottom, tap on Accessibility.
Toggle the switch to turn off the Accessibility player.

Relaunch the YouTube app and check if the YouTube pause button not disappearing on the Samsung device issue is resolved. If the issue persists, follow the next set of steps.

From Android Settings

Open Settings.
Tap on Accessibility. Use the search feature to find the Accessibility setting.
Tap on Switch Access.
Toggle the Use service switch to turn it off.
Go back to the Accessibility section.
Open Accessibility Menu and turn it off as well. Skip if you don’t see this option.

Restart your device and open YouTube. Check if the pause button issue is resolved.

2. Clear cache

Tap on Settings.
Tap on Apps.
Search for and open YouTube.
Tap on Storage.
Tap on Clear cache.

If the YouTube pause button won’t go away, clearing your cache can improve things. After the job is done, relaunch the YouTube app and check for any improvements.

3. Update the app

Open Play Store.
Search and open YouTube.
Tap on Update to download and install the updates.
Once updated, relaunch the app and check for any improvement.

4. Disable Picture-in-Picture mode

Open Settings.
Tap on Apps.
Search for and open the YouTube app.
Scroll down to the Advanced section.
Tap on Picture-in-Picture.
Toggle the switch for Allow Permission to turn it off.

For some, the YouTube picture in picture mode is not working at all and if that is also your case, it makes even more sense to disable it.

However, disabling Picture-in-Picture means you won’t be able to access the YouTube app in overlay mode while multitasking.

5. Reinstall the app updates

Tap on Settings.
Tap on Apps.
Search for and open YouTube.
Tap on the three dots (top right corner).
Select Uninstall updates and confirm the action.
Open the Play Store.
Search for YouTube and tap on Update.

The YouTube pause button not disappearing issue occurs if you have the accessibility option enabled in your YouTube app.

If you prefer to use the Accessibility option, then make sure to set a time limit for how long the on-screen navigation buttons appear under the Accessibility option.

Even more, don’t hesitate to check out our guide on how to easily resolve YouTube Music pause issues on Android and iOS.

Download the January 2023 Patch Tuesday security updates

Posted on January 11, 2023October 4, 2023 by Madalina Dinita

It’s January, the first month of 2023, and the time has come again for us to open our virtual arms and extend a warm welcome to the latest batch of security updates from Microsoft.

Keep in mind that these updates actually bring an entire array of changes for both Windows 10 and Windows 11, regardless of whether it is a newer or an older version.

This January 2023 Patch Tuesday batch of updates is expected to fix some of the issues that were still pending, and in the article below we will be looking to see exactly what we get.

We have included a detailed changelog for each cumulative update, and we will also be providing you with direct download links from Microsoft’s Windows Update Catalog, so you know that they are secure.

With that being said, remember that, alternatively, you can always use other methods to get the latest updates, including:

The Windows Update menu on your OS
The WSUS (Windows Server Update Service)
Group Policies set up by your admins if you’re part of a larger network.

Now that we got this out of the way, let’s have a closer look at the January 2023 Patch Tuesday updates rollout from Microsoft.

What do the first Patch Tuesday updates of 2023 bring?

Windows 11

There really isn’t further need for introductions, since most of you are already running Windows 11 on your devices.

You might also like to know that the 22H2 version of Windows 11, the operating system’s first major update, is now ready for downloading and installing.

Beware, however, of the great number of bugs and glitches that will test your patience when discovering all the new features coming to Windows 11.

Cumulative update name

KB5022287

Changes and improvements

This update addresses issues that affect the Local Session Manager (LSM). These issues might allow users who do not have admin rights to perform actions that only an admin can.
This update addresses a known issue that affects apps that use Microsoft Open Database Connectivity (ODBC) SQL Server Driver (sqlsrv32.dll) to connect to databases. The connection might fail. You might also receive an error in the app, or you might receive an error from the SQL Server.
This update addresses an issue that might affect startup on some Windows devices. They might receive an error (0xc000021a) and have a blue screen.

[DIRECT DOWNLOAD LINK]

Windows 10 versions 21H2, 21H1, and 20H2

Windows 10 version 22H2 is the latest major version of Windows 10, and as such has the most experimental features on it.

Fortunately, most bugs that were first present when it was first made available have been weeded out, and this version of Windows 10 is far more stable.

Cumulative update name

KB5021233

Changes and improvements

This update contains miscellaneous security improvements to internal OS functionality. No additional issues were documented for this release.

Known issues

Devices with Windows installations created from custom offline media or custom ISO image might have Microsoft Edge Legacy removed by this update, but not automatically replaced by the new Microsoft Edge. This issue is only encountered when custom offline media or ISO images are created by slipstreaming this update into the image without having first installed the standalone servicing stack update (SSU) released March 29, 2021 or later.
After installing this update, apps that use ODBC connections utilizing the Microsoft ODBC SQL Server Driver (sqlsrv32.dll) to access databases might fail to connect. You might receive an error within the app or you might receive an error from SQL Server, such as The EMS System encountered a problem with Message: [Microsoft][ODBC SQL Server Driver] Protocol error in TDS Stream or Message: [Microsoft][ODBC SQL Server Driver]Unknown token received from SQL Server.
After installing this update, some Windows devices might start up to an error (0xc000021a) with a blue screen.

[DIRECT DOWNLOAD LINK]

Windows 10, version 1809

This version of the Windows operating system is outdated and will no longer receive any updates from the Redmond tech company.

Therefore, users that are still running this old version on their devices are strongly advised to choose a more recent one to update to.

If you still want to use Windows 10 and are not willing to upgrade to 11, you don’t have to do so right away. After all, Microsoft announced that the support for Windows 10 will go on until 2025.

Cumulative update name

KB5022286

Improvements and fixes:

This update addresses an issue that might affect authentication. It might fail after you set the higher 16-bits of the msds-SupportedEncryptionTypes attribute. This issue might occur if you do not set the encryption types or you disable the RC4 encryption type on the domain.
This update addresses an issue that affects cluster name objects (CNO) or virtual computer objects (VCO). Password reset fails. The error message is, There was an error resetting the AD password… // 0x80070005.
This update addresses an issue that affects Microsoft Defender for Endpoint. Automated investigation blocks live response investigations.
This update addresses a known issue that affects apps that use Microsoft Open Database Connectivity (ODBC) SQL Server Driver (sqlsrv32.dll) to connect to databases. The connection might fail. You might also receive an error in the app, or you might receive an error from the SQL Server.

Known issues

After installing KB5001342 or later, the Cluster Service might fail to start because a Cluster Network Driver is not found.

[DIRECT DOWNLOAD LINK]

Windows 10, version 1607

Windows 10, version 1607 has reached the end of service for all of its available editions. Update to the latest version of Windows 10 in order to keep your system protected.

Cumulative update name

KB5022289

Improvements and fixes

This update addresses an issue that might affect authentication. It might fail after you set the higher 16-bits of the msds-SupportedEncryptionTypes attribute. This issue might occur if you do not set the encryption types or you disable the RC4 encryption type on the domain.
This update addresses an issue that affects cluster name objects (CNO) or virtual computer objects (VCO). Password reset fails. The error message is, “There was an error resetting the AD password… // 0x80070005”.
This update introduces a Group Policy that enables and disables HTML Application (HTA) files. If you enable this policy, it stops you from running HTA files. If you disable or do not configure this policy, you can run HTA file. To configure this Group Policy:
- Open the Group Policy Editor.
- Select Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Internet Explorer.
- Double-click Turn on DisableHTMLApplication.
- Select Enabled.
- To save the policy setting, select OK or Apply.
This update addresses a known issue that affects apps that use Microsoft Open Database Connectivity (ODBC) SQL Server Driver (sqlsrv32.dll) to connect to databases. The connection might fail. You might also receive an error in the app, or you might receive an error from the SQL Server.

[DIRECT DOWNLOAD LINK]

Drawing the line, this is pretty much what we are dealing with in terms of security updates for the month of January 20232, as a part of the Patch Tuesday rollout.

Have you noticed any issues after downloading and installing these security updates for your version of the Windows operating system? Let us know in the comments section below.

How to Install Valorant on the Xbox App: A Step-by-Step Guide

Posted on January 11, 2023October 4, 2023 by Sagar Naresh

Valorant is a popular 5v5 tactical shooting game that you can play with your friends and have a blast. While players enjoy the game immensely, it is prone to issues just like other games. Some players aren’t able to play Valorant on their Windows 11 PCs, for them we have a guide that will resolve the issue.

On the other hand, there are some players that are looking for ways how to install Valorant on the Xbox app. Here we will give you a step-wise guide in this regard.

What are the best FPS settings for playing Valorant with max FPS on a Windows PC?

After you have met the minimum PC requirements for playing Valorant on your Windows PC, check out the in-game graphics settings that you can tweak to get the best FPS gameplay:

Display mode: Fullscreen
Resolution: Native
Max FPS always: Off
Multithreaded Rendering: ON
Material Quality: Low
Texture Quality: Low
Detail Quality: Low
Vsyncs: OFF
Anti-Aliasing: None
Anisotropic Filtering: 1x
UI Quality: Low
Vignette: OFF
Improve Clarity: OFF
[BETA] Experimental Sharpening: OFF
Bloom: OFF
Distortion: OFF
Cast Shadows: OFF

In case you are having trouble getting the best FPS for Valorant gameplay on your Windows PC, we have a guide that lists some effective solutions to fix the low FPS issue with Valorant.

Can you play Valorant on Xbox?

Valorant is a PC-exclusive title. This means that it is available only for PCs. So, it is not available on any other platform in the market, which includes consoles like PlayStation and Xbox.

You can either play the game via the Xbox app on Windows PC or download the game directly from the official website since it is available for free.

How can I install Valorant on the Xbox app?

Download the Xbox app on your PC.
Open the Xbox app.
In the search box, type Valorant and press Enter.
If the search result did not yield any result, then you need to click on the Game Pass button on the left side.
Scroll down and click on the Shooter category option.
Click on the Install button for Valorant.
Click on Install.
After the installation is completed, click on Continue linking.
Click on Link existing account button if you already have a Riot games account. If not then, create a new one and then link it.
You can choose between a Riot account, Google account, Facebook account, or Apple account to link.
Follow the on-screen prompts to complete the linking process.
Accept the agreement.
Click the Install button.
Select the location where you would like to install the game. Click Install.
The game will begin downloading via the Xbox app.

The above is the complete process of installing the Valorant game on your Windows 11 PC using the Xbox application.

What can I do if I cannot install Valorant via the Xbox app?

Here’s an effective tip that will help you if you aren’t able to install the Valorant game via the Xbox app:

You need to link your Xbox profile to the Riot account for the installation to work. The game will become visible from there, once you have successfully linked your Xbox profile with your Riot account.

1. Reset the Xbox app

Press the Win + I keys to open the Settings menu.
Click on Apps on the left side.
Click on the Installed apps on the right.
Locate the Xbox app.
Click on the 3-dot icon for the Xbox app and select Advanced options.
Scroll down and click on the Repair button.
The repair process will begin and will fix any issues with the app.
Launch the Xbox app again and check if this resolves the issue or not.

Often a bug or glitch present in the Xbox app or any app for that matter can cause unexpected issues. In such a case, you can make use of the repair process that allows you to fix such petty problems and also fix issues such as not being able to install Valorant on the Xbox app.

2. Reinstall the Gaming Services

Open the Start menu by pressing the Win button.
Type Powershell and open Windows PowerShell as admin.
Type the below command and press Enter. get-appxpackage Microsoft.GamingServices | remove-AppxPackage -allusers
Execute the below command and press Enter. start ms-windows-store://pdp/?productid=9MWPM2CQNLHN
Restart your PC.

Well, these are some of the ways that will help you install the Valorant game from the Xbox app. Also, the above section helps you with steps on how to install Valorant on the Xbox app.

You can check out our guide to learn how you launch and force the Valorant game to update. We also have a guide that lists 4 ways to run Valorant on your Windows 11 PC.

For users facing the error retrieving settings from the server in Valorant error, we have a guide that will help you resolve the problem.

If you are getting Valorant error code VAL 51, then you should check out our guide and fix the problem.

We would like you to check out the guide on 20 Valorant error codes, what they mean and how you can resolve each one of them.

Users who aren’t able to enter matchmaking, can refer to our guide and get rid of the problem.

Let us know in the comments below if following the above steps you were able to install the Valorant game using the Xbox app or not.

Snipping Tool Shortcut not Working: Troubleshoot & Fix Easily

Posted on January 11, 2023October 4, 2023 by Tashreef Shareef

Snipping Tool in Windows OS is a handy little utility. So, is there a snipping tool shortcut as well? For sure. Unfortunately, many users complained that the snipping tool shortcut is not working as intended occasionally.

If you were wondering what’s the shortcut key for the snipping tool, it couldn’t be easier. You can access it by pressing the Windows + Shift + S shortcut key on your keyboard.

It allows the users to take snapshots of their screens and save or print them directly from the interface. However, some users have reported a snipping tool shortcut not working issue in Microsoft Community Forums.

After upgrading to Windows 10 the screenshot shortcut (Windows key + Prt Scr) stopped working.
I’ve tried to look for a setting but I haven’t found anything related.

In comes the big question. Why won’t the snipping tool work? We shall try to answer that as follows.

Why is my snipping tool shortcut not working?

As you can probably guess, disruptive updates are a potential culprit. So, if you start noticing suspicious behavior after having installed recent updates, you might want to revert them. The lack of updates can have the same effect, so balance is key.

Corruption is usually responsible for Windows glitches, so you might want to repair any corrupted sys files sooner rather than later.

Obviously, wrong or conflictual settings are not to be excluded, so you might want to take a closer look at notifications, among others to solve this frustrating issue.

And speaking about issues here’s what other users dealing with similar scenarios reported:

Windows 10 snipping tool shortcut not working
Snipping tool hotkey not working
Windows 11 snipping tool shortcut not working
Windows + Shift + S not working
Snipping tool shortcut not working Windows 7
Lenovo snipping tool shortcut not working
OneNote snipping tool shortcut not working

How do I fix snipping tool shortcut?

Before we dig in, here are some useful steps you might want to try:

➡️ First, Run Store Apps Troubleshooter.

To do that, Open Settings and select Update & Security, then Troubleshoot. Expand the list and locate Other troubleshooters. Finally, press Run next to the Windows Store Apps option.

➡️ Update Windows, respectively update the Snipping tool via the Microsoft Store app.

For the latter, simply open the Microsoft Store and click the 3-dot menu. Select Download and Updates, then push Get Updates.

➡️ Disable the Focus Assist from the Action Center

If neither works, read on, we have more useful fixes for you.

1. Check Shortcut Key Properties

From the desktop, right-click on the Snipping Tool icon and select Properties.
If you don’t have the shortcut on the desktop, type snipping tool in the search bar.
- Right-click on Snipping Tool Icon and select Open File Location.
Right-click on Snipping Tool icon and select Properties.
In the Properties window, click on the Shortcut tab.
In the Shortcut Key: field, if it shows as None that means you don’t have any shortcut keys set to access the tool.
Click on None and press any key on your Keyboard.
- Note that you cannot use Windows Key + S combination as it is reserved for something else already.
Click on Apply and OK to save the changes.
Close the properties window and press the Shortcut key that you assigned to launch the Snipping tool and you should be able to access the tool without any issues.

2. Enable Clipboard History and try again

Launch the Start menu and look for Settings.
Next, open the Settings app and go to System.
Select Clipboard and make sure you enable this option.

The Snipping Tool is meant to send screenshots to your clipboard by default. If this option is disabled on your PC, it can be a clear indicator of the snipping tool shortcut not working situation.

3. Enable notifications

Open the Settings app and go to System, just as you did before.
This time, select Notifications.
Finally, make sure you set the toggle next to Snipping Tool to ON.

4. Use the New Snip and Sketch Tool or try the Prt Sc Key instead

Microsoft is trying to replace the Snipping Tool with the new Snip and Sketch app.
- As a result, Microsoft has now dedicated the Shift + Windows Key + S shortcut to the new Snipping Tool.
Press the Shift + Windows Key + S shortcut key and you should be able to access the new Snip and Sketch tool.
- Alternatively, if you don’t want to use the long Shift + Windows Key + S combination to open the Snip and Sketch tool, you can use the PrtSc (Print Screen) key to do the same.
  - Here is how to do it.
  - Click on Start and select Settings.
  - Click on Ease of Access.
  - Under the Interaction section, click on Keyboard.
  - Scroll down to Print Screen Shortcut and enable Use the PrtScn button to open the screen sniping option.
That’s it. If you press the PrtSc key on your keyboard, it will open the Snipping Tool.

5. Repair or Reset the Snipping Tool

Launch the Settings app on your PC and locate and navigate to Apps, then Apps and Features.
You can choose to Repair, or Reset the app by pushing the corresponding buttons.
Note that the first one will not delete your app’s data while the second (Reset) will.

Tip

While you’re on this screen, you may also choose to uninstall the Snipping tool. If you do, you can reinstall it easily from the Microsoft Store.

6. Run SFC and/or DISM scans

Press the Windows key to open the Windows Search box and type in CMD.
Click on Run as Administrator to open an elevated Command Prompt window.
Input the following command: sfc /scannow
If you want to go straight for the section option, paste this command instead: DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
Press Enter to run the command. The repair process will begin.

That’s about it! We hope you were able to solve your Snipping tool shortcut not working issue with the help of our solutions.

Nevertheless, if nothing seems to cut it, you can always use a third-party app for the job. We have prepared a fine selection of the best snipping tools you can try today!

Xbox and Bethesda Developer_Direct officially livestreaming January 25th, with Starfield to get a standalone show

Posted on January 11, 2023 by Robert Collins

After weeks of speculation it is now official: Xbox and Bethesda will be livestreaming a Developer_Direct showcase later this month. The event will be streamed on Wednesday, January 25th at 12pm PST/3pm EST according to Xbox Wire. Tune in to the Xbox Twitch and YouTube channels, or the Bethesda Twitch and YouTube channels to watch.

Among the highlights we can expect from the show are closer looks at—and potentially release dates for—some of the year’s most anticipated Xbox titles including Redfall, Forza Motorsport and Minecraft Legends.

Also to be showcased will be the next major Chapter update for The Elder Scrolls Online (ESO), which will be unveiled by Zenimax Online Studios director Matt Firor in a standalone ESO Chapter Reveal Event following the Developer_Direct showcase.

Via Xbox.com

You may have noticed one name so far absent in all this: Starfield. That’s because “To dedicate the proper amount of time for a deep dive into Bethesda Game Studios’ Starfield, a standalone show is in the works.”

That is exciting news for all those who have been eagerly awaiting more on one of the most anticipated games in recent memory. 2023 is shaping up to be a big year for Xbox, and the official announcement of the Developer_Direct just adds to the excitement.

Featured image via Xbox Wire.

Customize & Configure Windows 11 File Explorer [How to]

Posted on January 11, 2023December 5, 2025 by Claire Moraa

Many users want to customize File Explorer in Windows 11 in order to adjust it to their needs. If you’re looking to do so, today’s guide will show you how to properly do it.

How can I change the appearance of the File Explorer?

1. Change the File Explorer theme

Hit the Windows key and click on Settings.
Click on Personalization on the left pane then select a theme.

2. How to organize files in File Explorer Windows 11?

Hit the Windows + E keys to open File Explorer.
To arrange the files/folders, click on Sort, and in the drop-down that appears, select an option.
You can also go further and choose to Group by.
To change the file/folder icon size, click on View at the top.
Select one option from Extra large icons to Small icons.

For us, one of the most useful features is sorting in Windows 11 File Explorer and we use it frequently to find newly created files.

Don’t forget to check out our article on more folder settings that will further help you stay organized.

3. Hide/show File Explorer panes

Hit the Windows + E keys to open File Explorer.
Click on View then select Show.
Here, you can check all options that you want to hide.

4. How do I customize the Windows 11 Navigation Pane?

Right-click the Navigation Pane. Be sure to click outside of any open directories.
You’ll see a context menu.
From there you can choose the types of directories you want to show.
You can also choose to show all folders on your PC in a tree view for quick access.
If you wish to remove folders from Quick Access, right-click them and choose Unpin from Quick Access.
Pinning is just as easy, and you just need to right-click the directory you want to pin and choose Pin to Quick Access.

6. Activate single-click for folders/files

Hit the Windows + E keys simultaneously to open File Explorer.
Click on the three horizontal ellipses on the right and select Options.
Navigate to the General tab, check the Single-click to open an item (point to select) option then click
Apply and OK to save changes.

7. Change privacy and advanced settings

Open Folder Options again.
In the Privacy section, you can toggle if you want recently used files and folders to be available in the Quick Access section.
Navigate to the View tab.
In the Advanced settings section you can change various hidden settings, such as showing icons instead of thumbnails, hiding protected operating system files, and more.

You can unlock even more customization features by learning how to enable access to File Explorer Options, which lets you adjust deeper folder and view settings in Windows 11.

Unfortunately, Windows 11 doesn’t have the ability to customize the toolbar, so you can’t add or remove any items from it.

However, you can customize your File Explorer and restore the classic File Explorer ribbon. Customization options can vary slightly depending on your Windows edition,see how Home, Pro, and Enterprise compare feature-wise

If you’re having problems and, for some reason, the search in File Explorer is not working or the group by option is greyed out, check out our expert article for answers.

If you’re looking to customize Windows further, don’t miss our guides on how to customize Windows 11 Start Menu and our guide on how to customize the lock screen in Windows.

Let us know of any other ways to configure File Explorer in Windows 11 that you use to improve your experience in the comment section below.

How to move Microsoft Authenticator App to a new phone

Posted on January 11, 2023February 21, 2025 by Radu Tyrsina

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The Microsoft Authenticator app is a security application that allows users to authenticate their identity when accessing their Microsoft account or other accounts. It provides an additional layer of security by requiring users to enter a code or approve a notification on their phone before being able to access their account.

If you are considering migrating the Microsoft Authenticator app to a new device, there are a few steps you will need to follow.

In this article, we will provide a guide on how to move the Microsoft Authenticator app to a new phone or tablet. This process is helpful for those who have lost their device or are upgrading to a new one.

Migrate the Microsoft Authenticator App

We will move Microsoft Authenticator to a new phone in two segments. First, let us back up the authenticator data on the cloud and then recover it on the new phone.

Enable backup on your old phone

In this section, we will back up your Microsoft authenticator’s data on a linked cloud service.

1. Open the Microsoft Authenticator on your current phone and tap on three vertical dots to access the settings.

move Microsoft Authenticator App to a new phone

2. Scroll to the Backup section and turn on Cloud backup. Your data will be backed on OneDrive. iPhone users will have to login into their iCloud.

move Microsoft Authenticator App to a new phone

3. Make sure you have access to the Recovery account email which is mentioned below it.

move Microsoft Authenticator App to a new phone

Your account, the metadata, username, and password are backed up. They are encrypted with JSON Web Encryption blob (JWE) and later the data is hashed using SHA-512 as a final layer of security. Then they are stored on the OneCloud/iCloud.

Recover Microsoft Authenticator on the New Phone

Now we will install the Microsoft Authenticator and then recover the data backup which we made in the last section. You can move the data to a new phone or get it back on the same phone after re-installing the authenticator.

1. Install Microsoft Authenticator for Android or iOS

2. Launch the Authenticator app and tap on Restore from backup from the welcome screen.

move Microsoft Authenticator App to a new phone

3. Sign in to your account which you used earlier on the Microsoft authenticator.

move Microsoft Authenticator App to a new phone

4. Select a way to verify your identity. Select the third option for emailing a code to your trusted email.

It is generally the recovery email for your email account associated with the authenticator app.

move Microsoft Authenticator App to a new phone

5. Enter your email associated with the account and tap Send code.

move Microsoft Authenticator App to a new phone

6. Find the verification code and type it here; tap Verify to start the backup recovery process.

move Microsoft Authenticator App to a new phone

7. You have successfully moved Microsoft authenticator to a new phone.

move Microsoft Authenticator App to a new phone

Moving Microsoft Authenticator to a new device

Make sure to have access to your email associated with the Microsoft authenticator and you will never have a problem moving the 2FA application to any device.

There is no limit to how many times you can move the authenticator around. Enter the correct password in a few attempts to avoid getting detected by Microsoft as a malicious activity. They may lock your account to safeguard the data.

Xbox Friends & Family Plan may be about to launch in the U.S.

Posted on January 11, 2023 by Robert Collins

Word is that the Xbox Friends & Family Plan may be poised to finally come to the United States and other territories. Apparently ads for the Xbox Friends & Family Plan have appeared on the Xbox PC app’s home screen, as reported by Game Pass Counter over on Twitter as well as others.

BREAKING:#XboxGamePass

The Friends & Family plan has started to be advertised in the US via the PC Xbox app!

This could signal an imminent launch, and with the rumored Xbox Showcase on the 25th, I'd expect news there!

Image provided by Sullivan from Resetera pic.twitter.com/xm9HrSuBb1

— Game Pass Counter (@gamepasscounter) January 11, 2023

As you may recall, the Xbox Friends & Family Game Pass tier launched back in September last year in Columbia and Ireland. The Xbox Friends & Family Plan allows up to five individual users—each with their own account and gamer profile—access to Xbox Game Pass Ultimate under one membership, whether they are under the same roof or not. And all for a discounted price relative to having separate Game Pass memberships.

It seems likely that this could be announced during the upcoming Xbox and Bethesda Developer_Direct showcase event, which will be broadcast on January 25th.

6 Easy Fixes for Xbox App Not Launching Games in Windows 11

Posted on January 11, 2023February 22, 2024 by Kazim Ali Alvi

Xbox has been a hit amongst the gaming community, and their app for Windows paints a clear picture of the success. However, several users have reported that the Xbox app is not launching games in Windows 11.

Those with a Game Pass subscription encounter the error, but others also seem to encounter it. Here is our guide that lists out the underlying causes and the most effective fixes for this issue.

Why is the Xbox app not launching games in Windows 11?

There are many things at work to run your Xbox games, so here are some of the most likely reasons for this problem:

Corrupted Xbox app – Like any other Windows app, the one from Xbox might have some corrupted files which are preventing you launch any game. Repairing and resetting the app can bring it back to full functionality.
Gaming Services issues – Sometimes, Microsoft’s Gaming Services may encounter some problems or go through a maintenance process.
The system is not updated – The Xbox app is updated through the Windows updates, and if you fail to install the latest updates, that might impede its functionality.
Incorrect time zone – If the time and date are not correctly set on your PC, that be triggering the error and preventing the Xbox app from launching games in Windows 11.

No matter which of these is causing the error in your case, execute the fixes listed below, and one of them should get things up and running.

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

Before getting into more complicated procedures, let’s crosscheck some easy steps that could restore everything to normal:

Restart the Xbox app and your system. Although it seems like a waste of time, it might simply work
Install the latest Windows 11 updates. Just access the Windows Update menu from Settings and hit the Check for updates button to install all the latest ones.
Check the status of the Xbox Live services. If the server is having problems, just wait it out until Microsoft fixes it.

Now that we have gone through these preliminary measures, if the issue is still present, follow the solutions below in this order.

1. Update the Xbox app

Press Windows + S to launch the Search menu, enter microsoft store in the text field at the top, and click on the relevant search result.
Click on the Library icon near the bottom left corner.
Now, click the Get updates button to scan for newer versions of the Xbox app.
If one is listed after the scan, download it.

2. Set the correct time zone

Press Windows + I to launch the Settings app and select the Time & language tab from the ones listed in the navigation pane on the left.
Next, click on the Date & time on the right.
Now, disable the Set time automatically option by clicking on the toggle.
Click on the Change button next to the manually Set the date and time option.
Now, set the correct date and time, and click on Change at the bottom to apply the changes.

Once you are done making the changes, restart the computer for these to come into effect fully. Now, check if the Xbox app is launching games in Windows 11.

We also have a comprehensive guide on how to change time and date in Windows 11 that will offer more information.

3. Disable Game Mode

Press Windows + I to launch the Settings app and select Gaming from the list of tabs in the navigation pane on the left.
Click on Game Mode on the right.
If it is enabled, click on the toggle to disable Game Mode.

Game Mode is a feature in Windows that prioritizes the game and relevant processes over other background tasks and tends to terminate the latter. Also, it prevents the OS from downloading updates while playing a game.

But in some cases, it might terminate tasks critical to the game’s functioning. Therefore, it’s recommended that you disable Game Mode and check if the Xbox app is now launching games on Windows 11.

4. Restart the Xbox services and Gaming Services

Press Windows + S to launch the Search menu, enter services in the text field at the top, and click on the relevant search result.
Now, please scroll down and locate all the Gaming Services entries here, right-click on them and select Restart from the context menu.
Similarly, locate all the Xbox services here, right-click them, and select Restart.
If these are not running, right-click and select Start to run the service.

This also helps fix the Palworld black screen during launch.

5. Repair/reset the Gaming Services app

Press Windows + I to launch Settings and select Apps from the tabs listed in the navigation pane on the left.
Next, click on Apps & features on the right.
Locate the Gaming Services app, click on the ellipsis next to it, and select Advanced options from the menu.
Now, click on the Repair button.
Once the repair process is complete, navigate to the desktop, press Alt + F4 to launch the Shut Down Windows box, and select Restart from the dropdown menu.
Click OK to restart the computer.
After the system restarts, check if you can launch the games that didn’t open earlier. If the error persists, go to Advanced options for the Gaming Services again and click on Reset.
Click Reset on the confirmation prompt that pops up.

Usually, you should be able to get things working with a mere repair. When you repair an app, all its files are checked, and any corrupt ones are replaced. Apart from that, the Registry entries are verified and reconfigured.

That’s why it’s recommended that you restart the computer after repair to effect the changes made during the process entirely. Also, your data or configured settings will remain unaffected.

If repairing the Gaming Services app didn’t work, you also have the option to reset it. In this case, all data and configured settings will be removed, and the app will be as good as new.

After running both the repair and reset process, the Xbox app not launching games, Xbox Game Pass games not launching, or Xbox game pass games won’t launch on PC problem should be fixed.

6. Modify the Registry

Press Windows + R to launch the Run command, type regedit in the text field, and either hit Enter or click on OK to launch the Registry Editor.
Paste the following path into the address bar at the top and hit Enter to open it. Alternatively, you can use the navigation pane on the left to find this key: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\GamingServices
Right-click on the key and then select Delete from the context menu.
Click Yes in the confirmation prompt that pops up.
Now, go to the following path, and similarly delete this key as well: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\GamingServicesNet
After deleting both, restart the computer, and the problem should be resolved.

If nothing else has worked, deleting these two keys in the Registry Editor should fix the Xbox app not launching games, Xbox game pass games won’t embark on PC, or Xbox Game Pass games not tackling the problem.

But do remember not to make any other changes to the Registry since it could adversely affect the system’s functioning. Also, find out how to fix broken registry items in Windows 11.

How do you reset the Xbox app on Windows 11?

Press the Win + I buttons to open the Windows Settings app.
Select Apps from the left side and click on Apps & features from the right.
Type Xbox in the search box and hit Enter.
Click on the three-dot icon and select Advanced options.
Scroll down and under the Reset section and click on Reset.
Windows 11 will reset the app.

The Xbox Game Pass, or simply the PC Game Pass, as it’s now called, allows you to choose and play from over 100 games on the Xbox platform. But you will have to purchase a subscription for that.

Xbox offers three plans at the moment. Though each provides access to the same number of games, the ability to play them across devices drives the prices apart from other features.

So, if you have been planning to subscribe to it, go to the Xbox Game Pass’s official website, click on Join under the desired plan, and complete the payment.

These are all the ways you can resolve issues preventing the Xbox app from launching games in Windows 11. Once the problem is eliminated, you can enjoy your favorite set of games without any interference whatsoever.

Also, check out what to do if you cannot download games from Xbox Game Pass in Windows 11. Or, in case you cannot select a drive while downloading a game on Xbox, find out how to fix it.

We also have a guide on what to do if the Xbox App not working on a PC, so don’t miss it for more solutions.

Tell us which fix worked and your experience with Xbox in Windows 11 in the comments section below.

Microsoft’s VALL-E AI can learn your speech patterns in 3 seconds

Posted on January 11, 2023 by David Allen

AI and text-to-speech seem to be the spark in early 2023. Microsoft researchers have announced a new text-to-speech AI model called VALL-E that can simulate a person’s voice with just a three-second audio sample. Once VALL-E learns a specific voice it can synthesize the audio of that person and keep their emotional tone.

VALL-E could be used for high-quality text-to-speech applications where changing the text transcript could allow the recording of a person to be edited to say something they originally didn’t. Microsoft calls VALL-E a “neural codec language model” that builds off a technology called EnCodec. VALL-E is different than other text-to-speech methods in that instead of synthesizing the speech by manipulating the waveforms, VALL-E generates discrete audio codec codes from text and acoustic prompts. It uses EnCodec to break that information down into discrete components called tokens and matches training data and what it “knows” about a person’s voice to determine how it might sound with spoken phrases.

VALL-E was trained on an audio library assembled by Meta called LibriLight containing 60,000 hours of English language speech from more than 7,000 speakers, most were pulled from LibriVox public domain audiobooks allowing a good result with just a three-second sample.

Microsoft has set up a VALL-E example website so you can get a taste of the technology using dozens of audio examples of the AI model in action.

Via Arstechnica.com

Services and Controller App: What is & How to Fix High CPU?

Posted on January 10, 2023October 4, 2023 by Teodor Nechita

The Services and Controller App is a non-essential Windows file that always runs in the background. While no one knows exactly what it does, one thing is for certain: you will definitely know when it is damaged or defective.

For example, some users have reported that when they open Task Manager, they notice that the Services and Controller App is taking up a lot of CPU.

This problem isn’t all that common, but it definitely hinders your ability to use your computer efficiently when it does happen. That is why we’ve created this step-by-step guide that will show you exactly what you need to do to fix this issue.

What is the Services and Controller App?

The Services and Controller App is one of the processes that run in the background on your PC. It is a non-essential process and should not register a high CPU usage.

However, this process can start using misbehaving if some third-party apps are meddling with your PC. If you are facing issues with the Services and Controller App, you will learn how to fix it in the next section of this guide.

How do I fix the Services and Controller App’s high CPU usage?

1. Uninstall Segurazo

1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open the Task Manager and go to the Processes tab.
2. Right-click Segurazo process and select End task.
3. Now, press the Windows key + R, type appwiz.cpl, and click OK.
4. Right-click the Segurazo option and select the Uninstall option.
5. Finally, follow the onscreen instructions to complete the removal process.

Note: Not everyone has this program installed, so if you don’t see it in the Task Manager, it isn’t the cause of your high CPU usage. Also, the app can disguise itself as AntiVirus Service. Hence, you should check for that too.

2. Disconnect any USB device

Check your USB devices and device manager if you can get there, and disconnect your USB devices to see if the problem stops. This is especially the case if you have bootable USB devices or USB devices set with an autorun function.

3. Restart Windows Management Instrumentation

Press Start.
Type in services and open the Services app.
Scroll down to Windows Management Instrumentation.
Right-click and select Restart.

4. Turn off the background slideshow

Press Start.
Select Settings.
Choose Personalization.
Go to the Background tab.
Check whether your Background setting is set to Slideshow.
- If it is, change it to Picture or Solid Color.

By following these steps, you should be able to stop the Services and Controller App from using a high amount of CPU, even when standing idly.

Which one of these fixes did you use to solve your problem? Leave us a message in the comments section below.

Best Drawing App for Samsung Tablet: Top 6 in 2026

Posted on January 10, 2023January 8, 2024 by Matthew Adams

Samsung’s Galaxy Tab S tablets are undoubtedly among the best around alongside Apple’s iPads.

Those Android tablets have slick and responsive stylus S Pens that are ideal for unleashing artistic creativity. The Tab S7’s stylus pen has an especially good drawing performance.

As Android is the biggest mobile platform, there’s an abundance of drawing apps available for Galaxy tablets at Google Play.

The best drawing apps for Galaxy tablets include a plethora of handy art tools for a range of alternative picture types. These are a few of the best drawing apps for Samsung’s tablets.

What is the best drawing app for Samsung tablet?

Adobe Illustrator – Top artist’s solution

Illustrator is the foremost vector drawing software for Windows and Android.

It incorporates all its vector drawing tools within a streamlined and modern interface, which makes it more accessible for new tablet artists.

With this free app, you can draw complex illustrations, icons, logos, sketches, and more besides.

Illustrator’s primary toolbar includes five default brushes for users to choose from. Users can configure the size and opacity of each brush.

This app’s Brush settings panel includes additional configuration settings for roundness, taper, angle, pressure angle, and velocity dynamics that provide more creative control.

One of the best things about this app is its layers feature. Illustrator users can organize their drawings better by placing objects and shapes on alternative layers.

They can also adjust blend and opacity settings for layers to control how the colors interact.

Other useful Adobe Illustrator features

Royalty-free image assets are available for Draw at Adobe Stock
It includes perspective and graph grids for 3D drawing
Users can add vector shapes, shape stencils, and other materials into Draw with Capture
Illustrator Draw users can export drawings to Adobe desktop software, Creative Cloud, camera rolls, and Behance

Adobe Illustrator

Use this leading platform to create awe-inspiring art on your Samsung tablet.

Free trial Visit website

Clip Studio Paint – Exhaustive drawing tool

Clip Studio Paint is one of the most natural, paper-like drawing apps available for Android.

The CSP app comes preinstalled with some Android tablets, such as the Tab S7. Clip Studio Paint for Android isn’t a stripped-down mobile app, as it’s very much the full Windows desktop version.

Artists love Clip Studio Paint because of its powerful brush engine and customizable brushes.

There’s a good choice of brush presets available, and CSP users can configure their size, density, and stabilization as required. Furthermore, users can import a wide range of pens and pencils from Clip Studio Assets.

Clip Studio Paint is very well-optimized for tablets. It includes an Adjust pen pressure window from which you can fine-tune pen settings.

This app’s Touch gesture settings enable you to customize touch controls for the app. Galaxy Tab S tablet users can also utilize Air Actions with Clip Studio Paint.

Other useful Clip Studio Paint features

Clip Studio Paint’s vector layer feature enables users to adjust lines after drawing them
This app incorporates perspective, circular, and symmetry rulers for drawing
Enables users to draw repeating patterns with decoration brushes
It includes a wide variety of preset templates for comics
Users can utilize dedicated tools for creating speech bubbles

Clip Studio Paint

Try out this versatile software today to astonish your family and friends with art created on your Samsung tablet.

Free trial Visit website

Krita – Digital art creation

This solution is a digital illustration software that is tailored for artists or editors from multiple devices, including Samsung tablets.

You can efficiently utilize this tailored app to draw impressive crafts on your tablet and share your message in a unique manner.

It’s possible to create surprising digital artwork using its creative drawing instruments.

More exactly, you have a customizable brush engine, support for various files, a refined color range, and a simple UI anyone can use.

This comprehensive app contains everything you need, from coloring tools to animation and skinning instruments.

In this way, you may explore the whole spectrum of your imagination and create mind-blowing illustrations for anyone to enjoy.

Other useful features:

High-resolution canvas
Advanced brush engines
Color management workflows
Animation capabilities
Compatible with many platforms like Windows, Android, Mac, or Linux

Krita

Use this versatile Android-compatible painting tool for artists or amateurs.

Check price Visit website

SketchBook – Best sketching solution

Autodesk SketchBook drawing software for samsung tablet

SketchBook is a well-established Android drawing and digital art app that’s freely available.

This is an app with an elegant and uncluttered incognito UI design that makes it more accessible.

SketchBook pretty much has all the tools most digital artists will need for drawing all kinds of pictures.

SketchBook’s brush library packs in about 190 brushes. Users can select a wide variation of pencil and ballpoint, felt-tip, inking, and chisel pen brushes to draw with.

This app also enables users to set up custom brushes or download packs from SketchBook Extras.

This app also packs in some very useful features for technical (3D) drawings. It includes four perspective guide tools for drawing pictures with vanishing points and wide viewing angles.

Users can also utilize straight, curved, and ellipse rulers on SketchBook’s toolbar.

SketchBook’s Layer Editor is another great feature for complex drawings.

With that, users can draw objects in their pictures within different layers. The Layer Editor helps with organizing and editing picture content.

Other useful SketchBook features

This app includes horizontal, vertical, and radial symmetry tools
Includes a Gallery feature that stores sketches
SketchBook’s Distort tool enables users to distort object selections
Enables users to scan paper drawings into digital form with mobile cameras

⇒ Get SketchBook

ArtFlow – Optimized for Android

ArtFlow is the ideal app to sketch or draw your best art designs using professional tools on Samsung devices.

This drawing and sketch application has a material design interface and comes with an improved workflow regarding panels and editing tools.

From all, this drawing app is quite mobile responsive due to its functionalities and new layers added in the 2.0 version.

It’s also important to know about the Samsung Pen.UP social network integration that is fully integrated with ArtFlow.

Using this drawing tool, you’ll get practical new features that will boost your creativity. For instance, there is a selection mask tool, improved brush engine, sRGB support, or canvas rotation.

Additionally, you have faster performance while using the app and up to 16 layers on multiple devices.

Other useful features:

Deform support transformation
Orientation support (landscape or portrait)
Optimized UI for mobile
Universal brush tools
Focal guide

⇒ Get ArtFlow

Dotpict – Creative pixel art solution

This drawing application is different from the others due to its niche. It offers pixel art creation you can draw on your Samsung device.

Firstly, you can mostly use this pixel art application for free and use its creative tools for crafting visionary images.

The big advantage of this solution is that your drawing pen is hidden so you can easily draw on mobile devices.

Hence, that gives you the freedom to play with different ideas and experiment with a high range of themes.

Dotpict has multiple layers that allow you to create detailed pixel art compositions and expose your artistic view in multiple views.

In addition, there is a minimalist interface that makes it easy to use. It offers a wide range of export options, such as PNG or GIF files to support pixel painting.

Other useful features:

Compatible with Android and IOs devices
Layers support
Animation creation tools
Minimalist pixel designs

⇒ Get Dopict

Those are three of the best drawing software for Samsung tablets to take your pick from.

SketchBook, Adobe Illustrator Draw, and Clip Studio Paint incorporate drawing and digital art toolkits few other Android apps can match.