Best Xbox 360 Emulator for PC to Use in 2026 [Updated]

Posted on by Ivan Jenic

Did you know that you can now enjoy Xbox 360 games on your PC? Do you want to know how you can do that?

Read this article with rapt attention. We’ll be showing you some of the best emulator Xbox 360 for PC, which can easily be employed to imitate Xbox 360 gaming console on Windows PC.

Xbox 360 is one of the gaming consoles of Xbox, a prominent gaming franchise owned by Microsoft. It is a mirrored version of Xbox One, packed with a myriad of exciting games.

Xbox 360 is exclusively designed in such a way that its games can only be played on the gaming console.

However, the advent of specialized Xbox emulators has eliminated the console’s exclusiveness. As such, Xbox 360 (and Xbox One) games can now be enjoyed on PCs.

In light of this, we are going to be looking at four of the best emulator Xbox 360 for PC, with special reference to Windows computers.

What are the best Xbox 360 emulators for PC?

Xenia – Best overall

Xenia is arguably the best emulator Xbox 360 for PC. In fact, as posited by many, it is the only Xbox emulator that perfectly imitates Xbox 360 on Windows PC, with very few incidences of lags and other performance-related defects.

Although the Xenia Xbox 360 emulator is only supported on Windows, for now, there are indications that a Linux OS version would be released soon.

Basically, Xenia requires a set of advanced Windows versions to perform at optimum capacity.

At present, it is only supported on Windows 10/8.1/8 PCs that are equipped with Vulkan-compatible graphic processing unit, 64-bit x86 processor, Xinput-supported controller, AVX-support.

Xenia also offers a relatively easy set-up; all you need to do is to download the program, extract the .zip file and run the program as an administrator.

You can then open the Xenia emulator and proceed to download your desired Xbox 360 game(s) on your PC. For now, you can download and play over 600 Xbox 360 games on your computer, using Xenia.

Xenia is an open-source program; hence, it is available for free download.

⇒ Get Xenia

CXBX Emulator – Xbox emulation veteran

CXBX is another widely used emulator for playing Xbox games on Windows PC. While it is originally designed to emulate Xbox One games on PC, it can also be used for Xbox 360.

Although there are still controversies surrounding its efficiency in emulating Xbox 360. CXBX is optimized to eliminate system lags, even while playing high-powered Xbox games.

In light of this, CXBX is easy to download and install, and it comes with a built-in program, which allows you to convert Xbox games into .exe files.

With this, you don’t need to create a virtual machine to imitate the Xbox 360 games, as you can easily enjoy the games directly on your PC.

However, there is a limit to the number of Xbox games you can play with CXBX, as it supports only about six Xbox 360/One games.

Also, it operates at optimum capacity on only high-powered versions (both 64-bit & 32-bit) of Windows.

Lastly, CXBX Emulator is available for free download, as it is licensed under the GNU Public License. Hence, you can easily download and enjoy it for free.

⇒ Get CXBX Emulator from GitHub

⇒ Get CXBX from Official Website

XQEMU – Open source and still in development

Xqemu is an open-source emulator that has caught the spotlight because it is simple and it relies on independent developers for updates.

It can emulate over 300 Xbox 360 games which is a pretty big number for an open-source emulator. And it can also emulate Xbox One games and original Xbox games too on Windows, Mac, and Linux!

Yeah, you can encounter some bugs on the way but you need to remember that it’s a free Xbox 360 emulator. Anyway, the bugs depend on the platform you’re using it too.

It has an easy user interface, an easy setup, and it can save/load your games, add controllers, and so on. You may need some technical experience with using emulators though!

⇒ Get XQEMU

VR Xbox 360 PC Emulator – Not updated in a while

best emulator xbox 360 for pc

VR Xbox 360 PC Emulator is another top-rated emulator for playing Xbox 360 games on PC. It is one of the most widely used Xbox emulators, with a record of about 300,000 downloads.

The program is compatible with mid-level Windows versions (both 64-bit and 32-bit), ranging from Windows 2000 to Windows XP to Windows 7.

This Xbox 360 emulator features a relatively high fps (frame per second) rate, improved memory consumption, SSE 3/4 CPU, Radeon GPU support, quick load time, and more.

Essentially, it offers an excellent gaming experience, with the akin reflection of what is obtainable on the Xbox 360 game console.

VR Xbox 360 PC Emulator is a free program, and it is available for download on the source website. The latest version of the program is tagged Version 1.0.5, and it has a size of 21.91 MB.

⇒ Get VR XBox 360 PC Emulator

Best tips on how to use the emulators efficiently

Emulators are excellent if you don’t want to invest money in the physical console. With a click of a mouse, you can access hundreds of games just like on the real deal.

However, there are a few considerations to optimize and prepare to make things better about using the emulators.

Run it on a potent system

Consoles are only made for gaming and they are good at it. If you’re running an emulator, make sure you have a powerful configuration PC.

That’s because the emulator will only take some of the resources available on PC. We’re specifically talking about RAM and graphics cards.

If you only have 4GB of RAM and an integrated graphics card, don’t even bother to download the emulator because you won’t be able to use all the amount on the emulator.

Check the games you can run

If you’re specifically thinking of playing a certain game, visit the developer website of the emulator and check if the game you want to play is on the list.

Most emulators can’t run all the games you can play on a regular Xbox 360 console so you risk having a bad surprise.

Get a controller

If you’re a PC gamer, this will come hard on you but we’re still going to break it on you: get a controller, preferably an Xbox one.

Why? The games were made to be played on a controller. The dynamics, the gameplay, all depend on the movement and buttons from a controller.

In fact, you won’t even be able to play some of the games unless you have a controller, so here’s our list of the best gaming controllers to choose from.

The advent of Xbox emulators has empowered game lovers, as they can now emulate the gaming console on their personal computers.

With this, Xbox 360 (and Xbox One) lovers can now save their money and enjoy a near-perfect Xbox gaming experience on their PCs.

We have reviewed five of the best emulator Xbox 360 for PC in this article, to better inform your decision on which emulator to choose for your PC.

Now that you have your best emulator installed, we have a guide on how to make your emulator run faster on Windows 10.

For a broader overview, you can also check out this comprehensive guide on Xbox emulators for PC.

If you have any other questions, leave them in the comments section below and we will get back to you as soon as possible.

Tweet from Xbox executive adds fuel to the Xbox Developer_Direct speculation fire

Posted on by Robert Collins

Yesterday we posted that Xbox would reportedly be hosting a Developer_Direct event on January 25th. The news confirmed weeks of speculation that began following The Game Awards 2022 show last month, in which Xbox’s presence was conspicuously sparse.

According to the original source, Windows Central, the Xbox Developer_Direct show is slated to broadcast at 12pm PT on Xbox’s official YouTube and Twitch channels on January 25th. The show will be jointly hosted by Microsoft and Bethesda.

As for what we’ll see at the Xbox Developer_Direct showcase, we will likely get new looks (and possibly release dates) at the usual suspects—Redfall, Forza Motorsport, and Minecraft Legends. It is speculated, however, that Starfield may be a no-show.

At any rate, a tweet from Xbox Marketing VP Aaron Greenberg on Monday has added further buzz to the speculation.

While this may not seem like much to go on, it seems apparent that Microsoft has something in store for Xbox fans this week. While it could be a surprise Game Pass announcement, it could also be related to the Xbox Developer_Direct event in some way. Possibly a teaser trailer for the event? Going off Greenberg’s tweet, we should know by the end of the week.

Featured image via Game-eXperience.it. 

How to Fix AutoCAD When It’s Not Opening: Step-by-Step

Posted on by Ivan Jenic

AutoCAD not opening? Many people report similar issues, especially after updating their operating system. The app might show a Run initializing message, but won’t get past that.

A common cause is version compatibility. If you run an out of date software, make sure to update. PC clutter and corrupt files may also contribute.

How do I fix AutoCAD not opening?

Tip icon Tip
The latest version, AutoCAD 2023 recommends using a 3+ GHz processor, a minimum of 8 GB (16 GB recommended) of RAM, and a discrete DirectX 12 compatible graphics card with 4 GB of recommended memory. Make sure your machine

1. Reinstall AutoCAD

  1. Click on the Start button and select Settings from the list.
  2. Now select Apps from the set of options.
  3. Scroll down and find AutoCAD, click on it and select Uninstall.
  4. Now open File Explorer and go to the folder you have AutoCAD installed. Usually, it’s: C:\Autodesc\AutoCAD 20xx
  5. Delete the contents of the folder.
  6. Up next, delete the following folder too: C:\Program Files\Common Files\Autodesk Shared
  7. Press the Windows key + R to start the Run app.
  8. Type regedit and press Enter or click OK.
  9. Navigate to the following keys and delete them: HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Autodesk and HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Autodesk
  10. Now that you’ve completely eliminated AutoCAD, you can download and install it.
  11. Run the installer and follow the instructions on the screen to complete the installation. You will also need to restart your system.

Before starting to reinstall AutoCAD, make sure you back up all your important CAD files.

2. Change the Registry settings

  1. Press the Windows key + R to start the Run application.
  2. Type regedit and press Enter or click OK.
  3. When the Registry Editor opens, navigate to the following key: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\NET Framework Setup\NDP\v4\Client
  4. Find the key called Version. Find its value and remember it or write it down, because you’ll need it later.
  5. Now, right-click the Client entry on the left side and choose Permissions.
  6. Click the Advanced button.
    HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESOFTWAREMicrosoftNET Framework SetupNDPv4Client permissions for client
  7. Find the Owner section on the top and next to the TrustedInstaller click Change link.
  8. In the Enter the object names to select field enter Administrators. Click on the Check Names button, then click on OK.
  9. If you don’t have the Administrators account, fill in your administrator account name.
    allow administrative permission for netframework client
  10. Click Apply and OK to save your settings.
    allow administrative permission for netframework client
  11. Change the Value of the Version key in Registry Editor to 4.5.0. Click on OK to save the changes.
    allow administrative permission for netframework client
  12. Without closing the Registry Editor, run the AutoCAD setup and install it.
  13. After the installation is completed, in Registry Editor, navigate to this path once again: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\NET Framework Setup\NDP\v4\Client
  14. Find the Version key, right-click on it, and select Modify.
  15. Set its value from the current one to the value that you got from Step 4, then click OK.

3. Reset AutoCAD settings to default

  1. Click on the Start button in Windows and look for AutoCAD 20xx from the menu.
  2. Select it and click on Reset Settings to Default.

4. Disable User Account Control

  1. Press Windows key + S and enter user control. Select Change User Account Control settings.
  2. When User Account Control Settings window opens, move the slider all the way down to Never notify. Now click on OK to save changes.
    disable UAC

5. Disable or remove your antivirus software

5.1 Disable your antivirus

  1. Look for your antivirus program in the system tray.
  2. Right-click on its icon and select Disable. Most antivirus products have a disable feature accessible from the system tray. If not, start the antivirus and you should find it in its main menu.

If that doesn’t solve the problem, you may need to move to the next step and uninstall it at least temporarily.

5.2 Uninstall your antivirus

  1. Click on the Start button and select Settings.
  2. Now click on the Apps option from the menu.
  3. Scroll down on the list of programs, find your antivirus program, click on it and select Uninstall.

To remove all files associated with your antivirus software, users are suggesting using one of the best removal tools from our list.

Note icon NOTE
The steps above are generic and may apply only to a limited number of antiviruses. If they don’t apply to your product, consult its documentation on how to disable and/or uninstall them.

6. Try to install AutoCAD as Administrator

  1. Find the AutoCAD setup file on your PC. By default, the setup files are usually extracted to the C:\Autodesk directory, so make sure to navigate there.
  2. Right-click on it and select the Run as administrator option. You will need administrator privileges to do that.

If the procedure is not working, read our guide on what to do if nothing happens when you select Run as administrator.

7. Run AutoCAD in compatibility mode

  1. Right-click on the AutoCAD shortcut and choose Properties from the menu.
    open Properties
  2. Navigate to the Compatibility tab and check Run this program in compatibility mode for. Now select the desired version of Windows from the list. Lastly, click OK and Apply in order to save the changes.
    compatibility options

According to users, if AutoCAD is not working, you might have to run it in Compatibility mode. This is a useful feature of Windows that allows you to run older software that might not be fully optimized for Windows 10.

8. Install the necessary VisualC++ Redistributables

  1. Press the Windows key + S to show the search bar, type windows features, and select Turn Windows features on or off from the list of results.
  2. Locate DotNet Framework 4.8 on the list and uncheck it. Now click on OK to save changes.

9. Install the latest updates for AutoCAD

  1. Go to the Autodesk account page and log in with your account.
  2. Click on the Product updates option from the left.
  3. In the next window, you should see any available updates for your Autodesk products, available for download.

That’s about it, we hope at least one of these solutions helped you solve the AutoCAD not opening problem. While you managed to fix AutoCAD, you might also be interested in our guide on how to fix AutoCAD files in Windows 10.

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

Sound Blaster Z has No Sound on Windows 10: 7 Confirmed Fixes

Posted on by Sagar Naresh

Windows operating systems can commonly cause sound issues, and this usually happens after a new update. Renewing the digital infrastructure to Windows 10 makes no difference.

Thus, users often reported that Sound Blaster Z has no sound on Windows 10. This may be a cause of some kernel changes related to hardware timers, made by Microsoft.

Why does Sound Blaster Z have no sound on Windows 10?

From what readers told us, the device is plagued with issues such as audio stuttering, crackling, popping, or sudden channel swapping. If you ever encountered the Sound Blaster Z audio issues on Windows 10, make sure you read this article. It will surely be an important support, to fix your problem.

After some research on multiple support forums, we have created a list of the most common reasons that would cause the Sound Blaster Z no sound error:

  • Your PC does not meet the requirements: Before running any software, you should ensure that your PC meets the minimum requirements or not.
  • Default playback settings: If for some reason the default playback device isn’t set as Sound Blaster, then also you will come across this issue.
  • Volume is muted: Accidentally, you might have turned down the volume which is why you are getting this problem.
  • The driver isn’t updated: You should ensure that every driver on your PC is up to date, to avoid compatibility and other program-related issues.
  • Compatible Windows version: Some users have reported rolling back the Windows version fixed the problem for them.

What can I do if Sound Blaster Z has no sound on Windows 10?

1. Check default playback device settings

  1. Open the Start menu by pressing the Win button.
  2. Open Control Panel.
  3. Go to Sound.
  4. In the Playback tab, right-click on Sound Blaster Z.
  5. Select default playback device.
  6. Close the Windows.
  7. Restart your PC.

For a sound-related program to work properly, you need to make it the default device. Follow the above steps and check if this resolves the issue or not.

2. Check soundboard settings

  1. Open Sound Blaster Z-Series Control Panel.
  2. Click on the Speakers/Headphones tab on the left.
  3. Click on the Speakers/Headphones Configuration drop-down and select speakers and Stereo (2.0/2.1).
  4. Check the volume, so it is not muted.

You can also hit the Test button to check if the sound driver is working properly or not after you have made the above-mentioned selection.

3. Update the sound driver

  1. Open the Start menu by pressing the Win button.
  2. Type Device Manager and open it.
  3. Expand Sound, video, and game controllers.
  4. Right-click on Sound Blaster Audio Controller and select Properties.
  5. Select the Driver tab on the right side.
  6. Click on the Update driver option.
  7. Select Search automatically for updated driver software.

The Sound Blast has no sound issues may also be caused by an old version of it. Thus, updating the sound driver from your PC might be an efficient option.

You can follow the above steps to update the driver on your PC. However, it may take some time, as there are a few steps to follow, and it can become tedious in case you have to update all drivers.

For such scenarios, we would suggest you take use of a third-party recommended tool called Outbyte Driver Updater. Using Outbyte Driver Updater, you will be able to update all the drivers on your PC with just a few clicks.

Apart from updating drivers, you can also schedule scans, create driver backups, use it as an efficient download manager, and more.

⇒ Get Outbyte Driver Updater

4. Rollback to the previous version

  1. Open the Start menu by pressing the Win button.
  2. Type Device Manager and open it.
  3. Expand Sound, video, and game controllers.
  4. Click on Sound Blaster Audio Controller.
  5. Select the Driver tab on the right side.
  6. Click on Rollback driver.
  7. Click OK.
Note icon NOTE
Most commonly, it seems that installing the latest Sound Blaster Controller Audio driver can cause our presented issue. Rolling back to the previous driver should solve the problem.

5. Install the latest Sound driver in Compatibility Mode

  1. Right-click on your Sound Blaster Z driver EXE file.
  2. Select Properties.
  3. Click on the Compatibility tab.
  4. Under Compatibility Mode, click Run this program in compatibility mode for.
  5. Select the down arrow and then choose the Windows version of the driver.
  6. Click on OK.
  7. Install the driver.

Even if, as mentioned before, rolling back to the previous driver should solve the problem, you should also consider installing the latest Sound driver in Compatibility Mode.

6. Run the Audio Troubleshooter

  1. Press the Windows + I keys to open Settings.
  2. Go to Update & Security.
  3. On the left side, select Troubleshoot.
  4. Click Additional troubleshooter on the right side.
  5. Under Get up and running, select Playing Audio.
  6. Click on Run the troubleshooter.
  7. If any issues are found, allow the troubleshooter to fix Audio services.

This option will help you have a clear vision of sound troubleshooters in a well-organized list.

7. Downgrade PC to Windows 10 Pro

  1. Press Win + R keys to open the Run dialogue.
  2. Type regedit and press Enter.
  3. Navigate to the below path. Computer\HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion
  4. Double-click the ProductName key on the right side.
  5. In the Value data field, type Windows 10 Pro.
  6. Download Media Creation Tool.
  7. Run the EXE.
  8. Accept the agreements.
  9. Choose the Upgrade this PC now option.
  10. Follow the on-screen prompts.

The above steps will force the Media Creation Tool to automatically download the Windows 10 Pro, which as per one of our readers fixed the problem of Sound Blaster Z audio issues.

However, the reader advised updating to Version: 21H1 OS Build: 19043.1083 Experience: Windows Feature Experience Pack 120.2212.3530.0, and avoiding the Windows version 2H22. This is because it will mute the sound card again.

These were our suggested possibilities that will surely support you to fix the Sound Blaster Z audio issues on Windows 10. As you noticed, there are quite a few options you can easily apply.

You can always check a full guide related to sound problems in Windows 10. Thus, you will not worry again about this annoying problem.

Feel free to share your thoughts with us by using the comments section below. We’d love to hear your opinion.

Latest bug in the Windows 11 2022 Update might affect the conversion of text in certain languages

Posted on by Radu Tyrsina

Microsoft has yet again confirmed another bug affecting the Windows 11 2022 Update, this time it causes the conversion of text in certain languages not to work well. This is likely to affect users typing in languages that use multibyte character sets such as Japanese, Korean, and Chinese.

According to Microsoft, “Text conversion occurs when a series of characters is transformed into different characters by means of user selection. This commonly involves additional Prediction candidate and Conversion candidate windows, which appear near the cursor position while typing.”

Here are a couple of things that you can look out for that will let you know if this bug is affecting your conversion of texts functionality:

  1. An incorrect range of characters is automatically selected for conversion, resulting in the conversion candidate window displaying unexpected options.
  2. The cursor might move to an unexpected position, resulting in the selection of the wrong sequence of characters for conversion. This can cause symptom 1.

Microsoft hasn’t provided a workaround for this issue, though it has indicated that it is working on a fix that s likely to be part of a future release. The Windows 11 2022 Update has had its fair share of issues this past year like unresponsive apps, printer not working, and broken Remote Desktop Connections.

Have you encountered the issue highlighted above? Let us know in the comment section.

How to Easily Find the Sleep Button on a Windows Laptop

Posted on by Vlad Turiceanu

Putting your laptop to sleep when it’s not in use can save electricity (and battery power). In most cases, you can put your Windows 10 laptop to sleep using the Start menu.

However, a quicker option would be to use a button located on the laptop itself. Most notebook manufacturers, highlight the sleep button with a crescent moon or a Zz symbol on one of the function keys, and the sleep function is triggered by pressing it together with the Fn key.

What can I do if I can’t find the sleep button?

As we mentioned above, the sleep button on the laptop keyboard has a little crescent moon or a Zz design on one of the Function keys.

The location of the sleep button depends on the manufacturer or even the model of the laptop so we can’t pinpoint it for every single device.

Some laptops don’t include such a key. However, below, you will find out all the key combinations and ways to program the Power button for this purpose

How can I find the sleep button on my laptop?

1. Check the brand of your laptop

Because the specific location of the sleep button will vary from laptop to laptop, you can use this list to ensure you’re on the right track:

  • Asus laptops – You can access the sleep function on an Asus laptop by pressing the Fn + F1 keys. There is no dedicated sleep button.
  • Lenovo – You can put most Lenovo laptops to sleep by pressing the Fn + 4 keys. Older models from the B5 series require you to press Fn + F1 keys.
  • Dell – Dell laptops such as the Inspiron 7577 use the Fn + Insert. You can put Alienware laptops to sleep by tapping the power key/button once.
  • HP – Hewlett-Packard marks the sleep keys on most of its laptops with a crescent moon symbol. Press and hold the Fn key and the moon key to put your laptop to sleep.
  • Acer – The sleep button on an Acer laptop is marked with a Zz symbol. If you find this symbol on the F4 key, you can put the laptop to sleep by pressing it along with the Fn key.

If you don’t like using the Fn key combination to put your laptop to sleep, you can control in which situations Windows 10 can go to sleep.

2. Convert the power button into a sleep button in Windows 10

  1. Press the Win + R keys.
  2. Type Control Panel and press Enter.
    run-dialog-control-panel-shortcut
  3. View items according to small icons.
  4. Click on Power Options.
    control-panel-power-settings
  5. Click on Choose what the power buttons do.
    power-settings-control-panel
  6. Set When I press the power button to sleep for both the On battery and Plugged in options.
  7. Click on the Save changes.

    power-buttons-drop-down-menus

If your laptop doesn’t have dedicated or integrated sleep keys, you can convert your power button.

You can still use the power key to shut the laptop down by long-pressing it. You can set the laptop to sleep when you close the lid.

If you still didn’t figure things out, our article on how to put your laptop to sleep will offer even more information.

Did you find this guide helpful? Please leave a comment down below.

3 Xbox video games just got special Oreo-themed skins

Posted on by Radu Tyrsina

Microsoft, this month, is collaborating with Oreo to release limited edition Xbox-themed Oreo cookies in 22 European countries.

The Oreo cookies are being made with cookie designs showing the Xbox logo, the ABXY controller buttons, and the D-pad directional arrow. All cookies within a pack can be rearranged to form a code which can then be entered on the official Oreo Xbox website. If entered correctly, correct codes will unlock Oreo-themed skins in Halo Infinite, Forza Horizon 5, or Sea of Thieves and can also reward participants with a variety of real-world prizes ranging from Game Pass subscriptions and Xbox consoles to an actual trip for an entire family.

Xbox Oreo cookies. Image credit: Microsoft
Xbox Oreo cookies. Image credit: Microsoft

This isn’t the first time Microsoft has collaborated with Oreo. Back in 2019, the tech giant released an Xbox One X console with an Oreo cream-inspired skin.

Telegram updates on Windows with new contact and media options

Posted on by Radu Tyrsina

The official Telegram Messenger app updated for Windows devices this week with several improvements to hidden media, contact profile pictures, and lists.

After installing this update, Telegram users will be able to hide list members from others, upload custom photos for contacts, and customize privacy settings for profile photos.

Here’s the release notes:

Hidden Media

  • Media with spoiler effects. You can wrap photos and videos you send in a fuzzy cover by selecting media in the attachment menu and tapping (⋯) > Hide With Spoiler.

Profile Pictures for Your Contacts

  • Setting pictures for your contacts. You can choose your own picture for a contact – only you will see it on their profile.
  • Suggested profile pictures. When editing your contacts, you can suggest a photo for their profile. It will take them just two clicks to add the picture you suggested.
  • Public profile pictures. If you only allow certain users to see your profile photos, you can set a public picture for everyone else.
  • Ultimate profile picture privacy. You can set Who can see my profile photos to Nobody and add some users or groups as exceptions.

Hiding Members in Large Groups

  • Member list privacy. Owners of large groups can hide the list of members.

In addition to these Windows app changes, a variety of new features and functions have also been added to both the Android and iOS Telegram apps. You can read all about those here.

After more Windows app news? Give us a follow on Twitter.

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[Answered] How do I Force a Game to Run on my GPU?

Posted on by Claire Moraa

The GPU is a vital component of your gaming experience, so it’s important to ensure it’s running optimally. However, this may not always happen and sometimes you may find that your game is not using your GPU.

It, therefore, goes without saying that you need a good graphics card especially when running a graphic-intensive game. Sometimes it’s your PC that is unable to detect the GPU or other underlying issues which we shall look at in this article.

Why is a game using 0 GPU?

There are several reasons why you might find your GPU isn’t being used in games. Below are some possible causes:

  • The game does not require the GPU – Not all games require the GPU to run. Some games only require the CPU so you need not worry in such cases.
  • Insufficient memory – If your PC is low on memory, your game may not be running properly and you’ll face performance issues. 
  • Outdated OS – It is possible that you’re using a version of Windows that has not been optimized for the game hence the 0 GPU usage. You can upgrade to a Windows edition that’s best for gaming.
  • Too many programs running – This can happen if you have too many applications open at once and they’re using all your GPU leaving none for your game.
  • Integrated GPU – Sometimes, running an integrated GPU means it’s not powerful enough to run a game. An integrated GPU has very few features compared to a dedicated GPU, but it’s still capable of running games at a good framerate.
  • Incorrect/missing drivers – If your computer has missing drivers or incorrect drivers installed, the GPU becomes useless. If this is the case, then you will need to uninstall and reinstall the driver to correct this.
  • Outdated game – If you are not running the latest version of your game, it is possible that there are some inconsistencies with the current system requirements.

How do I force a game to run on my GPU?

A few preliminary checks before jumping into the slightly technical solutions include:

  • Check the system requirements for the game and ensure your PC meets or exceeds these requirements.
  • Ensure that you have enough memory available on your graphics card to run the game. Here’s what to do if your PC is not using all RAM.
  • Make sure the game uses the correct display settings for your system. These can be found in the options menu or by looking at this list of common display settings.
  • Check your GPU temperature to ensure it’s not overheating.

1. Upgrade graphic performance settings 

  1. Press Windows + I to open Settings.settings windows 11
  2. Click on System on the left pane then select Display.System - Display- Photoshop not using GPU
  3. Under Related settings, click on Graphics.
  4. Select your preferred game from the list, and click on Options.
  5. Now, choose High Performance and click Save.

2. Update your graphics driver 

  1. Click on the Windows key, type Device Manager in the search bar, and click Open.black-screen-installing-graphics-card-driver
  2. Navigate to Display adapters to expand, right-click on your graphics card, and select Update driver.update-graphics-driver video memory management internal windows 11
  3. Select Search automatically for drivers.

Consequently, there’s also another straightforward and faster method of updating your drivers. When you use an automatic tool, you’re able to get the job done faster and avoid any mishaps especially if you’re not sure of the correct driver to install.

Outbyte Driver Updater is a driver updater tool that detects, scans, downloads, and installs any missing, outdated or corrupt drivers from its huge database.

⇒ Get Outbyte Driver Updater

3. Reinstall your graphics card 

  1. Click on the Windows key, type Device Manager in the search bar, and click Open.black-screen-installing-graphics-card-driver
  2. Navigate to Display adapters to expand, right-click on your graphics card, and select Uninstall device.Reinstall graphics driver
  3. Restart your PC and the drivers will be automatically reinstalled.

4. Enable hardware acceleration

  1. Hit the Windows key and select Settings.settings windows 11
  2. Click on System on the left pane, then Display on the right pane.System - Display- Photoshop not using GPU
  3. Scroll down and select Graphics.
  4. Select the Change default graphics settings option.
  5. Now, toggle on the Hardware-accelerated GPU scheduling option.disable Hardware-accelerated GPU scheduling

5. Use a dedicated GPU 

  1. Click on the Start Menu icon, type Device Manager in the search bar, and click Open.black-screen-installing-graphics-card-driver
  2. Navigate to Display adapters to expand, right-click on your graphics card, and select Disable device.
  3. Next, launch your dedicated graphics card control panel (In this case, Nvidia Control Panel).
  4. Select Manage 3D settings from the navigation pane on the left.manage 3d settings
  5. Choose a High-performance NVIDIA processor from the Preferred graphics processor dropdown menu.

6. Update your OS

  1. Hit the Windows key and click on Settings.settings windows 11
  2. Select Windows Update and click on Check for updates.check-updates-w11 windows 11 blue screen
  3. Download and install if available.

7. Install overclocking software

Overclocking software comes into play when using a dedicated GPU. Such programs enhance the performance of your PC and ensure that your GPU is being used for its intended purposes.

The only downside is that it comes at a cost – instability and high GPU temperature. As such, it is essential that you monitor closely using overclocking test stress software to keep your system secure.

If everything fails, you can reset your GPU especially if you’re facing compatibility issues. Alternatively, it may be time to get yourself a new GPU that’s able to meet today’s modern game system requirements.

This issue can affect any game, and we already wrote about Minecraft not using GPU in one of our older guides.

And that’s how you ensure that your game is using your GPU to capacity whenever you’re playing games. Let us know of any additional thoughts you may have on this topic down below.

Fix GTA V Not Using GPU on PC [Low Usage]

Posted on by Claire Moraa

It’s no secret that GTA V is one of the best PC games and also the most-feted releases in the GTA series editions. Whereas gamers enjoy its features most of the time, some hiccups such as GTA 5 not using the GPU may arise from time to time.

GTA 5 has a lot of graphics so it is essential that your GPU is operating optimally for an overall great experience and performance while playing the game.

Why is GTA V not using all of my GPU?

If you’re wondering why GTA 5 may not be using your GPU, below are some possible causes:

  • Graphic settings – Your graphic settings play a vital role in the overall performance of your game. If GTA 5 is not using your GPU, you may need to tweak the settings to optimize the GPU.
  • Integrated GPU – When using an integrated GPU, it may not be able to handle all the graphic-intensive tasks associated with GTA 5. You may need to upgrade to a new GPU.
  • Corrupt installation – If you downloaded GTA 5 from an unverified source, it is possible that the game files are corrupted or there was an incomplete installation. This could trigger an error where your GPU is not being detected.
  • Competing programs – You may need to turn off background programs that may be using the GPU. If they are using up the GPU, it is possible that there’s none left for GTA 5.
  • Outdated drivers – With time, drivers can become incompatible especially if it’s been a while since you last updated them. It’s possible that GTA 5 does not recognize them anymore. If you’re unable to install drivers, check out our article on how to bypass this issue.

How can I make sure GTA V is using GPU on my PC?

Before proceeding to the slightly complex solutions, we recommend you give these basic ones a try:

1. Change graphic settings

  1. Press Windows + I to open Settings.settings windows 11
  2. Click on System on the left pane then select Display.System - Display- Photoshop not using GPU
  3. Under Related settings, click on Graphics.
  4. Select GTA 5 from the list, and click on Options.
  5. Now, choose High Performance and click Save.

2. Adjust power plan settings

  1. Hit the Windows key and click on Settings.settings windows 11
  2. Select System on the left plane then Power on the right pane.
  3. Click on the drop-down menu next to Power mode and select Best performance.

3. Verify the integrity of game files

  1. Launch Steam and navigate to the Library tab.Steam library
  2. Right-click on Grand Theft Auto V and click on Properties.
  3. Select the Local Files tab, click on Verify Integrity of Game Files and wait until the process is completed.
  4. Launch GTA V after the scan.

4. Update graphic drivers

  1. Click on the Windows key, type Device Manager in the search bar, and click Open.black-screen-installing-graphics-card-driver
  2. Navigate to Display adapters to expand, right-click on your graphics card, and select Update driver.update-graphics-driver video memory management internal windows 11
  3. Select Search automatically for drivers.

If you’re new to updating drivers or just want to avoid the manual method, you may benefit from a third-party driver updater utility. Such programs are extremely helpful as they are more thorough.

You don’t have to worry about downloading the wrong driver as Outbyte Driver Updater will detect, scan, download, and install any missing, corrupted, or outdated driver with a single click.

⇒ Get Outbyte Driver Updater

5. Reinstall GTA 5

  1. Launch Steam and navigate to the Library tab.Steam library
  2. Right-click on GTA V, select Manage and click on Uninstall to completely remove GTA V.
  3. Restart your PC, and reinstall the game on Steam.

Reinstalling should be a last resort in case you installed the wrong version or a corrupted one. If you find that GTA 5 is only using 50 GPU, you may enable hardware acceleration provided your GPU is up for the task.

Does GTA 5 use GPU or CPU?

GTA 5 uses both the GPU and CPU. It’s a very demanding game and requires a lot of processing power. When playing the game, you should be able to strike a balance between the two so that neither is using too much or too little. 

If you find that GTA is using 0 GPU, then there may be an underlying problem as your CPU may be getting overwhelmed. In such cases, you’ll experience frequent crashes but we have an answer if GTA keeps crashing.

When GTA is not using full GPU, it could be a sign that yours has served its purpose and it’s time for an upgrade. To that effect, we have an excellent recommendation of the best GPUs for gaming that you should check out.

While you’re still here, ensure to check out our list of GTA 5 VPNs that prove to be helpful especially for gamers facing geo-restrictions or just for an overall performance boost.

We appreciate your feedback so don’t hesitate to leave a comment down below if you have any additional thoughts on this topic.

Fix: Doordash Payment Failed, Use Different Payment Method

Posted on by Vlad Turiceanu

Doordash Payment Failed error will prevent you from making purchases on this service, and that can be a problem.

Luckily, there are a couple of ways to fix this error, so let’s try how to fix this issue.

How can I fix Doordash payment failed error?

1. Doordash payment not working

  1. Login to your account.
  2. Click on menu icon in the top left.
  3. Next, click on Payment.
  4. Check if your credit payment information is valid.
  5. You can also try removing your card and adding it again.

2. Doordash Cart not showing up

fix Doordash your cart is not available anymore

Many users are experiencing problems when trying to check out, after entering their product order in the app. It could be an error validating basket or the cart just doesn’t show up.

Usually, this is solved by going to their website and placing the order there. All you need to do is log in and then create and place the order.

3. Check your internet connection

For everything to work, you need a good internet connection when ordering on DoorDash. Turn on and off your Wi-Fi to force reconnection.

If you are not using Wi-Fi, make sure the mobile data is working.

4. Clear data and cache

  1. Click the Menu button in the top right of your browser.
  2. Choose Clear browsing data.
  3. Make sure that All time is set as a Time range. Click on Clear data.

5. Check DoorDash social media accounts

how to fix doordash cart not available error

Looks like DoorDash is very responsive on their social media accounts, especially Twitter. Make sure to check there for any reported issues on their part.

This isn’t the only problem you can encounter, and we already covered Dasher must be active DoorDash error as well as DoorDash network error in our previous guides.

Hopefully, one of these solutions will help you fix the error you have encountered. However, if you’ve used another method, feel free to share it with us in the comment section below.

How to Check Who Tried to Log in to My Instagram & Secure Account

Posted on by Radu Tyrsina

Instagram notifies users of any suspicious activity for general security reasons, or to prevent spammers, eliminate fake accounts, and stop hackers.

As a result, many Instagram users get every once in a while out-of-nowhere warnings that the app has detected an unusual login attempt.

The app also offers some options to move forward, such as getting help to log in, receiving a security code via text message, or confirming that you own the account.

Sometimes you might experience issues when logging in to Instagram and there are ways to fix it. But what does suspicious activity on Instagram mean?

Just like you, there are plenty of other users who wonder the same thing, so let’s start by finding out what is unusual activity on Instagram.

Why does Instagram keep logging me out for suspicious activity?

The mentioned warning usually appears when you try to log in from a different device when Instagram detects a different IP address than the usual one.

In other words, an Instagram account can get locked for suspicious or unusual activity when you change the usual location (travel often, move to another country), or when someone tries to access your account for various reasons.

If such is the case, can you see login attempts on Instagram? You can and we’ll show you exactly how to go about it.

How to know who is trying to login my Instagram account?

  1. Open the Instagram site in your browser of choice.
  2. Click on your profile icon and select Settings.
  3. Next, click on Login Activity. You should see a list of all recent login attempts, either by your or someone else.
  4. Note that the top result should display an Active now tag under the location corresponding to the device from which you are currently logged in.
  5. Use the arrows to review each login attempt and remove the ones that look suspicious. By suspicious, we mean with different locations or devices than the ones you might be using.

If Instagram is not working on Chrome, for instance, you can do the same from your mobile phone or via the Instagram app for your desktop, depending on the case.

How do I fix a suspicious login attempt on Instagram?

1. Accept security verification

That is, confirm whether it was you or not.  Maybe you or someone else tried to access your account from another IP address or an unrecognized device or computer.

If it was you, click the This Was Me option and you’ll be allowed to use your account.

If it wasn’t you, don’t panic, as most probably their attempt failed. Just click This Wasn’t Me. The app will then prompt you to change your password.

At this stage, you should consider changing your password with a stronger one, and a never-before-used password. We recommend that you use a password manager that will help with storing complicated passwords for all your apps and devices.

After changing your password, and confirming it twice, you tap on the Submit option and you should be good to go.

Note that some users deactivated their accounts when seeing the warning and then couldn’t get back in with a password change.

If this is the case, try to change the password using Instagram’s webpage (logging in from a browser). Also, disable any VPN or proxy connection that you might have.

2. Insert security code (if applicable)

If you’ve enabled the two-factor authentication method, Instagram will require a security code to log in.

The code is sent to the email address associated with your Instagram account. You just have to use that code and you’ll get access to your account. 

This step is required only some of the time and only if the extra layer of protection is enabled. Again, we recommend that you activate this option especially if you frequently get suspicious login attempts.

To do this, in your account, tap on your profile, choose Settings and then click the Two-Factor Authentication option. Then, simply turn on the Require Security Code option.

Now every time you log into your Instagram account, the app will send you a code via text message. Indeed, it might be a little annoying at first, but better safe than sorry.

We hope that you found this article useful. Any comments or suggestions are welcome in the dedicated section below.

How to Fix OneNote Not Responding / Crashing [9 Ways]

Posted on by Ivan Jenic

OneNote is a very useful part of the Microsoft Office package, especially for students. But, some people have reported that they’re having some issues with this tool.

So, we’ve created this article in order to help you solve the OneNote problem in Windows 10.

OneNote is a useful note-taking application that many Windows 10 users use.

Even though OneNote is incredibly useful, sometimes certain issues can appear while using this app. Speaking of issues, many users reported the following problems:

  • OneNote keeps crashing, not responding: These are some of the problems that can appear with OneNote, but you should be able to fix most of them by using one of
  • OneNote won’t open Windows 10: Many users reported that OneNote won’t open at all on their PC. If this happens, you need to delete the settings file and see if that helps
  • OneNote not opening, working: Several users reported that OneNote won’t work or open at all. This can be a big problem, but you should be able to fix it simply by reinstalling the application
  • OneNote problems Windows 10 something went wrong: This is another common problem with OneNote. If you encounter this issue, you should be able to fix it by using one of our solutions
  • OneNote won’t sync: Syncing is an important part of OneNote since it allows you to view your notes on different devices. If your device won’t sync, you might be able to fix the problem by resetting the application to default
  • OneNote error 0x803d0013: This is one of many error codes that can appear while using OneNote. This problem can be caused by a corrupted user profile, and you can fix it by creating a new user profile in Windows
  • OneNote you are not connected to the Internet: Sometimes you might get this error message while trying to use OneNote. In most cases, this issue is related to your security software, so be sure that your antivirus or firewall isn’t interfering with OneNote

How do I fix OneNote not working on Windows 10?

1. Use PowerShell

  1. Open the Windows search bar and type cmd.
  2. Select the Command Prompt Run as administrator option.
  3. Enter PowerShell command and press Enter:
    onenote problem in windows 10
  4. After that, enter this command and press Enter:
    • get-appxpackage *microsoft.office.onenote* | remove-appxpackageproblem with onenote windows 10
  5. After that, enter one more command and press Enter:
    • remove-appxprovisionedpackage –Online –PackageName Microsoft.Office.OneNote_2014.919.2035.737_neutral_~_8wekyb3d8bbwe
  6. Restart your computer

After you perform the above steps, try to open your OneNote again. Now, everything should work fine again. If these steps did not helped with your issue, go to the next solutions.

2. Re-install Microsoft Office

If the PowerShell solution didn’t solve the problem, you can try reinstalling the complete Microsoft Office package.

If you used Office before you upgraded your system to Windows 10, there’s a chance that something went wrong while the system was upgrading.

So, reach for the Programs and Features, uninstall the complete Office, and then download it or install it from the installation disc again.

If you have downloaded Microsoft Office from a not-so-secure website you might have a problem. Get them from trusted sources:

3. Delete the settings.dat file

  1. Press Windows Key + R and enter %localappdata%.
  2. Now press Enter or click OK.
    OneNote won't open Windows 10
  3. Now navigate to PackagesMicrosoft.Office.OneNote_8wekyb3d8bbweSettings directory and delete settings.dat file.
    OneNote not working

If you’re having OneNote problems, the issue might be related to the settings.dat file. This is a settings file for OneNote, and if this file gets corrupted, you won’t be able to start OneNote properly.

To fix the problem, it’s advised to delete the settings.dat file and restart OneNote. After doing that, try to start OneNote again and check if the problem still persists.

4. Switch to a different page

Several users reported syncing problems with OneNote. According to them, document changes aren’t being synced across devices.

This can be a big problem since you won’t be able to access your documents from a different device. However, users have found a useful workaround that might help you with this problem.

According to users, after you’re done editing your document, switch to a different page in OneNote. By doing so you’ll force OneNote to sync your changes.

By default, OneNote should sync any changes as soon as you make them, but if that doesn’t happen, be sure to try this workaround.

This isn’t a permanent solution, however, you should at least be able to sync your documents by using this workaround.

5. Click the + button

Several users reported that OneNote is unable to sync. According to users, they are stuck waiting for their notebooks to load. This can be a big problem since you won’t be able to access your notes at all.

However, users found a way to fix this problem. To fix the issue, simply click the + tab while your notebooks load.This will allow you to sign in to your account.

After doing that, the loading should finish and you’ll be able to access your notes again. This seems like a strange bug, but you should be able to fix it by using this solution.

6. Delete OneNote cache

  1. Press Windows Key + R to open the Run dialog.
  2. Now enter OneNote /safeboot.
    OneNote you are not connected to the Internet
  3. After doing that select Delete cache and Delete settings.

If you’re having OneNote problems, you might be able to fix them by removing OneNote cache. Once you delete cache and settings, you should be able to start OneNote without any problems.

7. Create a new user account

  1. Press Windows Key + I to open the Settings app.
  2. When Settings app opens, go to Accounts section.
  3. In the left pane, choose Family & other people.
  4. In the right pane, choose Add someone else to this PC.
    OneNote problems Windows 10 something went wrong
  5. Select I don’t have this person’s sign-in information.
    OneNote won't sync
  6. Now choose Add a user without a Microsoft account.
    OneNote error 0x803d0013
  7. Enter the desired user name and click Next.
    OneNote you are not connected to the Internet

If you’re having OneNote problems, you might be able to fix the issue simply by creating a new user account.

OneNote is a built-in application in Windows 10, closely related to your user account, and if your user account gets corrupted, you won’t be able to access OneNote anymore.

However, you can easily check if your user account is the problem by creating a new user account. After creating a new user account, switch to it and check if the problem is still present.

If not, it means that your old user account is corrupted. You can’t repair a corrupted account, but you can move all your personal files from the corrupted account to your new one.

8. Reset OneNote app

  1. Open the Settings app and go to Apps section.
  2. List of installed applications will appear.
  3. Select OneNote from the list and click Advanced options.
    OneNote won't sync
  4. Now click the Reset button.
  5. A confirmation dialog will appear. Click the Reset button again to confirm.
    OneNote error 0x803d0013

If you’re having OneNote problems on your PC, you might be able to solve this issue simply by resetting your app to default.

9. Install the missing updates

  1. Open the Settings app and go to Update & security section.

  2. Now click the Check for updates button in the right pane.

OneNote issues might be due to missing updates. Windows 10 is a solid operating system, but sometimes certain bugs can appear, and since OneNote is a built-in application, these issues can affect it.

It’s advised to keep your Windows up to date. By default, Windows 10 installs the missing updates automatically, but sometimes you might miss an important update due to certain bugs or errors.

If any updates are available, Windows will download them in the background and install them once you restart your PC. If your PC is already up to date, you might want to try some other solution.

By following these steps you should be able to solve all of the most common OneNote issues that can happen in Windows 10.

If you have any comments, reach for the comment section below, and we’ll try to clear up all uncertainties. 

Windows 11 Widgets Not Working? Fix Them in 5 Steps

Posted on by Vladimir Popescu

Windows 11 widgets are probably among the best features of the new operating system. This feature, while bringing back memories of the Windows 7 widgets, is completely redesigned with a more clean and sleek design., and new functionalities.

Having the widgets on your new OS not working is not an entirely new problem in the software world. This problem can be caused by several reasons.

However, some users have reported either blank or unresponsive widgets. If you are reading this then you are probably having the same problem. We have listed some solutions that have been tested and confirmed to fix the Windows 11 widgets not working issue once and for all.

What can I do if Windows 11 widgets are not working?

1. Enable Widgets via Settings

  1. Click the Windows button from the taskbar and choose the Settings icon.WINDOWS_settings
  2. Choose Personalization from the left side menu.personalization(windows 11 widgets not working)
  3. Click on Taskbar.taskbar
  4. Toggle the Widgets button to on.widgets-button

2. Switch from local account to Microsoft account

  1. Click the Windows button then choose on the Settings option.WINDOWS 11_settings
  2. Click on Accounts.accounts
  3. Choose the Your info option.your-info
  4. Under the account settings section, click on Sign in with a Microsoft account instead.signin-microsoft-account
  5. Provide your username and password then click Sign in.

3. Enable widgets from group policy

  1. Press Windows button + R and then type gpedit. msc. Press the Enter button.win+r (windows 11 widgets not working)
  2. Click on Computer Configuration.comp-config (windows 11 widgets not working)
  3. Choose Administrative Templates.admin-templates (windows 11 widgets not working)
  4. Open the Windows Components folder from the left side list.win-components (windows 11 widgets not working)
  5. Search for and click on the Widgets folder.widgets (windows 11 widgets not working)
  6. Double click on Allow widgets.allow widgets (windows 11 widgets not working)
  7. In the window that appears click on Not configured then click the OK button.not configured (windows 11 widgets not working)

4. Set Microsoft Edge as your default browser

  1. Open Settings after clicking the Windows logo in your taskbar.WINDOWS settings( windows 11 widgets not working)
  2. Click on Apps.apps (windows 11 widgets not working)
  3. Choose the Default apps option.default - apps (windows 11 widgets not working)
  4. Under related settings, click on Choose defaults by file type.choose-defaults-by-file-type (windows 11 widgets not working)
  5. In the search tab search for .html.search html (windows 11 widgets not working)
  6. Set Microsoft Edge as the default app for both .htm and .html options.pick-default-app (windows 11 widgets not working)

5. Disable Graphics Drivers

  1. Press the search button from the taskbar,type control panel, and open it.open-control-panel (windows 11 widgets not working)
  2. Click on Hardware & Sound.
  3. Under the Devices and Printers section, click on the Device Manager option.device-manager (windows 11 widgets not working)
  4. Click on Display adapters.display adapters (windows 11 widgets not working)
  5. Right-click on the graphics card then select Properties.adapter properties (windows 11 widgets not working)
  6. Click on the Drivers tab.driver tab (windows 11 widgets not working)
  7. Choose the Disable device option.disable device (windows 11 widgets not working)

Most users on online forums have used the above solutions to fix the widget problem once and for all, so they might prove efficient in your case as well. If that did not help, you can try updating your drivers with the help of Outbyte Driver Updater which will scan your PC and replace missing or outdated drivers.

Windows 11 widgets can be directly accessed from the taskbar or by simply pressing Win + W. It gives users quick access to various feeds such as sports, weather, stock, traffic, etc.

Users are also able to customize their widgets by adding & removing user interests or even changing the language settings.

As you can see, fixing blank or unresponsive widgets is not so complicated. We hope one of the solutions listed above helped you with your problem.

You can also explore how to disable widgets on Windows 11 in case you want a free and clean taskbar.

Feel free to use the comment section in case you have a question or a solution that you would like to share with us.

GPG Verify Signatures Failed Unexpected Error: 3 Easy Fixes

Posted on by Hasibul Kabir

If you are encountering the GPG: verify signatures failed unexpected error, make sure to follow this article for an in-depth solution.

GPG, or the GNU Privacy Gaurd, is an excellent and one of the free encryption tools that many enthusiasts use for data exchange or other purposes. However, many users also encounter errors, particularly signature verification failure or similar issues with GPG.

What causes the Verify signatures failed: unexpected error with GPG?

Usually, you should be able to encrypt data using GPG successfully. If an exception happens with the error message we are talking about, it may be because of the following things:

  • Problem with the key file: For some users, the key name may have a problem that prevents GPG from verifying encryption properly.
  • Incorrect configuration: If you have just installed GPG and start getting this error, it is also possible that there is something wrong with the configuration or it has been corrupted.
  • Problem with the encryption method: In case you are getting verify signatures failed: unexpected error message constantly, it is possible that you are not using the GPG properly.

How do I fix GPG: Verify signatures failed: Unexpected error?

Before going through our solutions, we suggest you ensure the following things:

  • Make sure you have installed the GPG tool correctly.
  • Ensure your downloaded files are not corrupted. Try not to use the download manager in this case or vice versa. Learn which are the best download managers.

After that, follow these methods one by one to see which one fixes the verify signatures failed unexpected error message while using the GPG tool.

1. Use the correct way to verify

  1. Put the certificate and the file in the same location. In our case, we have put in LocalDisk E.
  2. Open the Start Menu, type PowerShell, and press Enter.
  3. Go to the location with the following command format: cd E:/
  4. Type the following command to import the correct key: gpg --import keyfilenameimporting keyfile command powershell
  5. Run the following command to verify the signature: gpg --verify datafile.extension.asc datafile.extensionverifying signature gpg powershell command

Depending on the file you are trying to verify against a signature, there may be slight changes in the instructions. So, you also may look for proper documentation if you are trying to verify a specific software or app.

2. Use the GUI solution

  1. Download GPG4Win and install it on your PC.
  2. Open the software.
  3. Import the certificate or key by clicking on Import.importing keyfile kleopatra
  4. Click on Decrypt/Verify and choose the file you want to verify.

For Windows, we have used GPG4Win, which automatically installs Kleopatra, a tool that allows you to use GPG from the graphical user interface. If you are using a different OS, you may need a different tool.

However, if you are not comfortable with the command line tool and get the error, using the GUI solution will fix gpg: verify signatures failed: unexpected error message.

3. Use the correct key

  1. Go to the website from where you downloaded the key or contact the provider of the key.
  2. Download the correct key file and save it with the correct name.downloading electrum signature
  3. Then, try again.

In most cases, the signature failed message appears with an unexpected error due to the wrong or corrupted key file. So, if you get the error even after using the correct commands, redownloading the signature file can help.

Also, you should make sure that the key file and the certificate names are as suggested by the provider.

If you have been using GPG to encrypt your file, you also can consider these best AES encryption tools.

This article has explained how you can fix GPG: verify signatures failed: unexpected error message. If you have any better suggestions, feel free to let us know in the comment box.

Best Virtual Machine For Windows 11 (Free & Paid)

Posted on by Cesar Cadenas

A virtual machine or VM is a piece of software that emulates a computer and acts as a substitute for the real thing. VMs mimic a computer’s hardware and architecture to offer the same functionality.

You can run existing apps and services on a virtual machine without having to risk the stability of your regular PC. Windows 11, for example, has a lot of bugs right now that may make the experience frustrating.

A virtual machine would allow people to try it out without having to sign up for anything. Read on to find out which is the best virtual machine for Windows 11 that fits your needs and wants.

What is the best virtual machine for Windows 11?

VMware Workstation

VMware Workstation is one of the best virtual machines on the market, as it is highly versatile. This software is capable of installing multiple virtual machines and operating systems on the same host computer.

You can deploy the different iterations of Windows that have been released over the years and MacOS too with VMWare Fusion. It can do all this at a high speed.

Downloading VMware Workstation is pretty easy with straightforward instructions. It’s very user-friendly and casual users can run it to try out Windows 11 and its upcoming features. 

There are currently two versions of it. The free edition will satisfy the needs of casual users and it’s more for personal/educational purposes. If you want to use it for a business environment, it’s recommended that you buy a license for VMware Workstation Player.

VMware Workstation

Take your VM experience to the next level by trying out this powerful software on your Windows 11 PC today!
Check price Visit website

Hyper-V

Microsoft has its own virtual machine with Hyper-V that comes with an accessible interface and is packed with intuitive features. In addition to creating a virtual operating system, Hyper-V can create a virtual version of hard drives, switches, external drives, and other devices, but you can’t use it for graphics card virtualization.

Hyper-V is free to use and comes pre-installed in Windows 10 Pro, Windows Server, and in some builds of Windows 11, so you can try out the operating system’s beta version that way if you haven’t upgraded your computer yet. It’s ideal for managing other Windows VMs and is useful as a testing ground for unstable apps. It is a great choice and a top pick in our list of the best virtual machine for Windows 11.

However, your machine must meet certain hardware requirements if you plan on activating and using Hyper-V.

For starters, your PC must have:

  • A 64-bit processor with second level address translation
  • CUP support for the VM Monitor Mode Extension
  • A RAM of 4GB memory at minimum
  • Virtualization enabled on the system’s BIOS
  • Hardware Enforced Data Execution Prevention also enabled on BIOs.

Citrix Hypervisor

Citrix Hypervisor is a virtual machine that is specifically optimized for an app, desktop, and server virtualization. It’s easy to use and has a high level of security that allows work teams to store large files on there and collaborate on them.

Citrix Hypervisor has more of a business-centered focus rather than catering to the casual user. It’s intended to be used in a business environment with many different people working on a singular project and this is seen through its features.

It has an enhanced graphics workload and supports Nvidia’s GRID graphics cards. The basic version is pretty bare-bones in what it can do outside of creating a VM. For paying customers, they get sophisticated management tools and control over the business’s virtual environments.

The VM even supports cloud-hosted environments include Microsoft Azure’s Virtual Desktop.

If you do decide to use Hypervisor, check if your computer meets the hardware requirements needed to run Windows 11. Microsoft has a helpful post on their website detailing everything with an important one being TPM 2.0 support.

⇒ Get Citrix Hypervisor

Azure

Azure is also owned by Microsoft, and it is actually a collection of online services that organizations and businesses can use to build, host, and deliver apps.

And now Azure offers Windows 11 on its virtual desktop service, a feature that was just recently added. The virtual desktop allows users to create their own digital computer on a Microsoft data center so you don’t have to use your own machine in case your machine doesn’t meet hardware requirements.

Business owners will enjoy the opportunity to try out Windows 11 Enterprise and the Microsoft 365 apps on Azure, giving an opportunity to learn the OS and get comfortable with its features.

The only issue is that Azure isn’t free, but you do have the option to try out the service for free for an entire year and get a $200 credit. After the year, that $200 will go to paying off what you owe from using the service. All you have to do is pay off the rest and then sign up for a plan.

⇒ Get Azure

How can I get the most out of my virtual machine?

With virtual machines, it’s possible to export and clone multiple operating systems. There may come a time where you will need to do some changes to your VM so it’s a good idea to create backups just in case things go wrong. If you’re using VMWare, it’s recommended that you export a VM into an OVF format.

Learning how to clone a virtual machine is also a good idea because it can allow you to test computer architecture in a controlled environment. If you end up bricking the VM, it’s totally fine because the original system will be safe.

It’s important to mention there are many virtual machines that are currently incompatible with Windows 11 because of a recent change by Microsoft.

What are the advantages of using a VM?

Many people and businesses use virtual machines to try out features on operating systems and to run different systems as well.

A huge advantage of using a VM is the ability to run apps that would otherwise be unavailable due to a different operating system.

You can run a Windows 11 virtual machine on a Mac computer, Linux on a PC, and vice versa.

A virtual machine can be used to join the Windows Insider Program and try out the beta version of Windows 11 and the new features before they officially come out. With this, you can try out the Windows 11 Android app feature currently out on beta.

But there are a wide variety of virtual machines out there that it can be difficult to decide which ones are the best. This list will break down the best virtual machines for Windows 11.

Are VMs safe to use on a PC?

Yes, virtual machines are safe to use on a PC. There is no added risk to downloading one from a verified source and using it to try out a new operating system.

However, virtual machines don’t come with any sort of extra protection as a default and have the same security risks as the host computer.

A VM can be infected with a virus the same way a PC can, so don’t go around opening up suspicious e-mails or going to malware-infested websites thinking you’re safe.

Some vendors, like VMware, do provide security solutions as a bonus layer or protection.

Prior to its launch, Microsoft made TPM (Trust Platform Module) 2.0 support a requirement for computers and virtual machines to run Windows 11. It’s a technology that protects the data used to authenticate the PC you’re using.

Many virtual machines don’t have this capability, but some like Hypervisor and VMware have a virtual version of this chip.

Because of this, many virtual machines are unusable with Windows 11 and will have to create some kind of workaround in their product in order to be used with Windows 11.

Feel free to leave a comment below if you have any questions about our choice of the best virtual machines for Windows 11. Leave a suggestion about guides that you’d like to see or information on other Windows 11 aspects.

Fix: Facebook Messenger Call not Working [Android, iPhone]

Posted on by Vladimir Popescu

Many users have experienced that a video call in Facebook Messenger is unavailable for uncertain reasons. When you call someone on Facebook Messenger, it rings once or twice, but then the call breaks the connection.

What should you do if the Facebook Messenger video call does not work? There are 5 possibilities to solve this annoying problem that you will find in the following lines of this article. But first, let’s see what triggers the issue, to begin with.

Why won’t my video call work on Facebook Messenger?

From connection issues to faulty settings blocking your camera or microphone, there can be many culprits responsible for the Messenger video call not working issues.

And speaking about issues, here are some frequent scenarios reported by users worldwide:

  • Messenger floating video call not working Android, iPhone
  • Facebook Messenger call not connecting, not ringing
  • Facebook Messenger call not showing up
  • No video call icon on Messenger, no option to call on Messenger
  • Messenger incoming call not showing
  • Messenger missed call notification not showing
  • Facebook Messenger call ends immediately
  • Messenger Kids video not working

How can I fix Messenger video call not working?

1. Allow access to the camera

Camera access Facebook Messenger video call not working

iPhone

  1. Go to Settings.
  2. Tap on Privacy, and find Camera in it.
  3. Tap Camera and you will find Facebook Messenger.
  4. Click on Camera.
  5. This will allow your Facebook Messenger to use the camera.

Android

  1. Go to Settings.
  2. Tap on Apps.
  3. Next, you should find Facebook Messenger.
  4. Go to Permission.
  5. Turn on the Camera.

If your device does not allow Facebook Messenger to access the camera, your camera driver will not work when you run Facebook Messenger, so a video call will not work.

2. Allow access to the microphone

iPhone

  1. Navigate to Settings.
  2. Tap on Privacy.
  3. Click on Microphone.
  4. Then switch to Facebook Messenger.

Android

  1. Navigate to Settings.
  2. Tap on Apps.
  3. Locate the Facebook Messenger.
  4. Then tap Permission.
  5. Turn on the microphone until it turns green.

After you allow Facebook Messenger to access the camera, you must also allow access to the microphone. This allows the application to make a video call.

3. Check the network connection

Reset settings on Facebook Messenger video call not working

iPhone

  1. Go to Settings.
  2. Then tap General.
  3. Go to Reset.
  4. Select Reset Network Settings.
  5. Enter your PIN code and you can reset the network settings.
  6. Reset Network Settings.

Android

  1. Navigate to Settings.
  2. Tap on General management.
  3. Go to Reset.
  4. Select Reset Network Settings.
  5. Confirm Reset Settings.
  6. Enter the PIN code/password/fingerprint/pattern.
  7. Tap Reset Settings again to confirm.

If the Facebook video call fails to connect, it may be due to network problems. To troubleshoot network problems on your device, follow these steps:

  1. You might want to switch between mobile data and Wi-Fi first to see if there is something wrong with the network.
  2. It would be helpful to connect to a different Wi-Fi if possible.
  3. You could try resetting the network settings.

4. Sign in to Facebook Messenger again

iPhone

  1. Since there is no Delete data option on iOS, to log out of Facebook Messenger on an iOS device, you should log out using Facebook (because Messenger is linked to Facebook). You can do the following steps:
  2. If you did not install the Facebook app, you should download and install it on your device first.
  3. Go to the Facebook screen
  4. Tap the hamburger icon in the bottom right corner of the screen.
  5. Scroll down and tap Settings.
  6. Go to Account Settings.
  7. Select Security (Security and Login).
  8. You would see a list where you can sign in and find Facebook Messenger.
  9. Tap the cross nearby to sign out of Messenger.

Android

  1. First, you have to log out of the app.
  2. There are no logout buttons on Facebook Messenger, so we have to:
  3. Go to Settings.
  4. Tap on Apps.
  5. Select Facebook Messenger.
  6. Tap Delete data.
  7. You can then log out of the app.
  8. Then you need to go to the home screen.
  9. Tap the Messenger icon to log in again.

If the Facebook Messenger video call still does not work on your device, you can continue with this method.

5. Check for updates and reinstall Messenger

  1. You can first go to Settings.
  2. Tap on Apps.
  3. Select Facebook Messenger.
  4. Then tap Uninstall.
  5. Finally, you can download the latest version from the App Store on an iOS device or Google Play on an Android device.

The latest version of Facebook Messenger usually includes new features and fixes for known bugs. So installing the latest Facebook Messenger could be very helpful in not fixing the video calling problem.

Here’s how to fix Messenger video call problems with ease by simply tweaking the Facebook Messenger video call settings.

Windows Server Manager Is Not Opening: 3 Easy Fixes to Apply

Posted on by Ivan Jenic

The Windows Server Manager is sort of a one-stop shop that enables the IT staff to keep a tab on all the servers hosted on a network. However, many of our readers reported that Windows Server Manager is not opening.

An alternative error connected to this issue is The procedure entry point could not be located in the dynamic link library c:\windos\system32\servermanager.exe.

Why is Windows Server Manager not opening?

This issue is pretty frustrating, and although there is not much information about the exact causes, we highlight some of the possibilities:

  • A hardware failure – If you recently witnessed a hard disk drive crash or malfunction, this may have triggered a Server Manager file corruption.
  • ServerManager.exe file broken – The executable file might have been altered by a virus, or it’s simply corrupted. For this part, we recommend using one of the best antiviruses for Windows Server.

Now that we know what we’re dealing with, let’s go to the actual solutions to fix the problem.

However, before starting, make sure to install the latest Windows Server updates in the Settings menu.

What do I do if Windows Server Manager is not opening?

1. Run DISM and SFC scans

  1. Click the Start button, type cmd in the Search box, and click on Run as administrator from the search result shown.
  2. In the Command Prompt window, type the following command and hit Enter: DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-image /RestorehealthWindows Server Manager in not opening? Use RestoreHealth command to set things right.
  3. Now, type the following command and press Enter to run it: sfc /scannowsfc scannow command prompt
  4. This will initiate the process and might take several minutes before it is completed.
  5. While you are still in the Command Prompt window, type the following command and press Enter: dism /online /cleanup-image /startcomponentcleanup
  6. Wait until the process is completed and restart the machine.

Most of our readers managed to fix this issue by running these simple scans on their Windows Server machines.

Make sure you run Command Prompt with full privileges. The DISM commands will not work otherwise.

2. Manually delete the user.config file

  1. Press the Windows key + E to start File Manager.
  2. Navigate to the following file in your system or root folder: C:\Users\YourUserName\AppData\Local\Microsoft_Corporation\ServerManager.exe_StrongName_m3xk0k0ucj0oj3ai2hibnhnv4xobnimj10.0.0.0user.config
  3. Delete the user.config file.
  4. Restart Server Manager. This recreates the file.

Deleting the user.config file will also address any issues of the file being corrupted so we strongly recommend performing this action.

3. Rollback the graphics card driver

Note icon NOTE
Only perform this solution if you recently update the graphics card driver prior to this issue occurring.
  1. Right-click the Start button and select Device Manager.
  2. Go to the Display adapters section, right-click the graphics driver, and select Properties.
  3. In the next window, click the Driver tab and hit the Rollback driver button if the option is not grayed out. If it is grayed out, that means you don’t have a previous version.

The above steps should help deal with the situation when Windows Server Manager does not open.

Also, if you’re using one of the best Windows Server backup software, this problem may be fixed by reverting the changes to an earlier moment.

If you have any other solutions or questions, don’t hesitate to leave them in the comments section below.

How to Change Windows 11 Startup Sound in 3 Steps

Posted on by Milan Stanojevic

Windows 11 brings many changes, most notably a fresh and streamlined user interface, but the system also packs smaller changes worthy of your attention.

One of these changes is the startup sound, and even before the announcement of Windows 11, Microsoft has teased the Windows 11 startup sound.

Now that Windows 11 test builds are available to the public, we’re going to show you how can you change, disable, and enable the startup sound on Windows 11.

How do I change Windows 11 startup sound?

1. Enable the sound settings

  1. Press Windows Key + R and enter regedit. Press Enter or click OK.
  2. Navigate to the following key: HKEY_CURRENT_USER/AppEvents/EventLabels/WindowsLogon
  3. Double-click the ExcludeFromCPL DWORD.
  4. Set the value data to 0 and click on OK to save changes.

After making these changes, you have now revealed the option to change the Window Logon sound. To change the startup sound, you just need to do the following:

  1. Open Search and type Sounds. Select Change system sounds from the list.
  2. Make sure that the Play Windows Startup sound is checked.
  3. Select Windows Logon from the list.
  4. Pick the desired sound from the Sounds menu.
  5. Now click on Apply and OK to save changes.

For broader system sound customization beyond the startup chime, check our guide to change Windows sounds in Windows 11, including schemes, events, and theme-based sound sets.

Changing the startup sound on Windows 11 isn’t enabled by default, and to do that, you need to modify the registry and reveal the option to change the Windows Logon sound.

After doing that, changing the Windows 11 startup sound is easy as changing any other sound on your PC.

If you are having trouble with the Windows system files you can always rely on a specialized repair tool to quicly fix them.

2. Disable startup sound

  1. Open the Sounds window as we showed you in the section above.
  2. Locate Play Windows Startup sound and uncheck it.
  3. Click Apply and OK to save changes.

Windows 11 startup sound is enabled by default, but if you want to quickly disable it, this is the best method to use.

If this doesn’t work for you, there are two other procedures that you can try.

2.1 Use Registry Editor

  1. Open Registry Editor.
  2. Navigate to the following key: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Authentication\LogonUI\BootAnimation
  3. Now double-click the DisableStartupSound DWORD.
  4. Set the Value data to 1, and click OK to save changes.

2.2 Use Group Policy Editor

  1. Press Windows Key + R and enter gpedit.msc. Press Enter or click OK.
  2. Now go to the following location: Computer Configuration\Administrative Templates\System\Logon
  3. Double-click on Turn off Windows Startup sound.
  4. Set it to Enabled and click on Apply and OK to save changes.

3. Enable startup sound

  1. Open the Sounds window.
  2. Find the Play Windows Startup sound option and check it.
  3. Now click on Apply and OK to save changes.

If this solution isn’t working for you, there are a couple of alternative methods that you can take advantage of:

3.1 Use Registry Editor

  1. Open Registry Editor.
  2. Go to the following key in the left pane:  HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Authentication\LogonUI\BootAnimation
  3. Now double-click the DisableStartupSound DWORD.
  4. Set the Value data to 0, and click OK.

3.2 Use Group Policy Editor

  1. Open Group Policy Editor.
  2. In the left pane go to: Computer Configuration\Administrative Templates\System\Logon
  3. In the right pane, select Turn off Windows Startup sound.
  4. Select Not configured or Disabled.
  5. Click Apply and OK to save changes.

Do older versions of Windows have startup sound?

With the release of Windows 8, Microsoft decided to disable the startup sound by default. This remained the case for Windows 8, 8.1, and 10.

However, you can always change the startup sound in Windows 10 by following the instructions from our detailed guide.

Use a custom sound for startup sound on Windows 11

Yes, you can use any sound that you want as the startup sound on Windows 11. Simply go to the Sounds window, select the Windows Logon and click the Browse button.

Now select the desired sound file that you want to use as the startup sound. Keep in mind that only .wav files are supported.

If your files aren’t in .wav format, you need to use audio converter software and convert them to the required format.

Where are Windows sounds located?

You can find all default sounds located in the following directory: C:\Windows\Media
This is for Windows 11 and all the previous versions of Windows. As you can see, managing Windows 11 startup sound is easier than you think.

We also have a great guide on Windows 7 startup sound, so you might want to check it out to learn more.

Did you happen to know any other method to change the Windows 11 startup sound? If so, don’t hesitate to tell us in the comments section below.

Quick Fixes to FedEx Tracking Number not Found/Not Working

Posted on by Milan Stanojevic

Tracking numbers are one detail that any delivery service uses to identify a package and also to allow their clients – senders or receivers – to track the delivery status of their package. But what if FedEx says the tracking number is not found?

The full message reads: No record of this tracking number can be found at this time, please check the number and try again later. For further assistance, please contact customer service.

FedEx should, at least in theory, allow you to track your package from the start of the delivery to the end. In comes the big question. Why isn’t my FedEx tracking number working? We’re about to find out.

Having a tracking number, one can easily go to the service’s webpage and without much fuss find out if the shipment is on its way or whether they can expect it to arrive on a certain day.

With FedEx, it sometimes happens that clients are trying to enter the tracking number in the search form, but the service returns a not found message.

Why can’t I track my FedEx package?

fedex tracking number

If the service tells you that your tracking number can’t be found, it usually means that your shipment hasn’t been picked up yet by the courier or the courier has not scanned it when received.

It is common for delivery services to offer a tracking number for any parcel that they process. However, it takes up to 24 hours to sort out all the packages received in one day.

Only afterward is the tracking number registered in their systems.

Let’s have a quick look at the most common issues reported by users worldwide:

  • FedEx tracking number not working
  • FedEx tracking page not found
  • Also, FedEx door tag number not found
  • eBay, Amazon, Walmart FedEx tracking number not found
  • FedEx return tracking number not working
  • FedEx tracking number not found anymore
  • Also, FedEx tracking number not found after delivery

Finally, it is also possible that the tracking system is dealing with an outage or even regular maintenance.

How can I find out where is my package without a tracking number?

As mentioned, you should allow 24 hours between the day the parcel was sent before searching for it in the system. Here are more methods to try:

? Use a reference number instead

If for any reason you misplaced the tracking number, or you have the wrong one, you can track your shipments online using the reference number assigned to your shipment.

Alternatively, you can use the purchase order number or the number found on your door tag or door tag ID.

? Use the FedEx InSight service

You can also use the FedEx InSight service to track packages without a tracking number or call FedEx Customer Service to talk to one of the agents.

It’s easy to use the InSight programs, all it takes is completing the registration and setting up your account.

? Use FedEx Delivery Manager

Sign up for free and receive notifications regarding the current location of your shipment via email or text. If you’re already using this tool but it seems to act out, we’ll help you deal with the Delivery Manager not working issues in no time.

Alternatively, you can use the FedEx Mobile App for the same effect. If the app gives you errors or does not load, check this FedEx app not working guide to quickly fix the issue.

Since FedEx is one of the most reliable delivery services, you’ll surely get a positive response in the end.

How to Dual Boot Windows 11 and Ubuntu [Both Ways]

Posted on by Milan Stanojevic

Although Windows is the dominating operating system on the market, Linux is slowly gaining popularity, with Ubuntu being one of the most interesting Linux distributions.

To know more about the differences between the two operating systems, check our Windows 11 vs Ubuntu article for an in-depth comparison.

As for this guide, we will show you how to dual boot Windows 11 and Ubuntu and use the two operating systems side by side.

What are Ubuntu’s hardware requirements?

  • CPU: 2GHz or better
  • RAM: 4GB or more
  • Storage: 25GB or more
  • GPU: Graphics card with at least 256MB of memory

As you can see, Ubuntu has relatively humble hardware requirements compared to Windows 11’s requirements, and some distributions can work on PCs that are below these requirements.

Dual booting is the most viable way to have two operating systems that you intend to use regularly, and it can be done in more than one way.

Like most users, follow the procedure below if you already have Windows 11 installed on your PC. Sometimes, it is the other way around, and you can install Windows 11 after Ubuntu, too.

How can I dual boot Windows 11 and Ubuntu?

Install Ubuntu after Windows 11

1. Create a dedicated Ubuntu partition

  1. Open Disk Management. You can do that by pressing Windows Key + X and selecting Disk Management from the list.
  2. Now, you need to select a drive that you want to shrink. Choose one with at least 50GB of free space, but if you plan to use Ubuntu extensively, you might need even more space.
  3. Right-click the desired drive and choose Shrink Volume from the context menu.
  4. Set the Enter the amount of space to shrink in MB to 50000 or more and click Shrink.
  5. Next, click the Unallocated space that you just created and choose New Simple Volume.
  6. Set the Simple volume size in MB to the maximum value and click Next.
  7. Finally, set the desired drive letter and label and click Finish once you’re done.

You can also give a try to Paragon Partition Manager, which is much more efficient and has other features that are useful for correctly formatting partition drives.

2. Download Ubuntu ISO and create a bootable flash drive

  1. Visit Ubuntu’s download page and click the Download button to download the ISO file.
  2. Wait for the download to finish.
  3. Connect a USB flash drive to your PC. You’ll need 4GB or larger.
  4. Download Rufus and run it.
  5. Select your flash drive on the list of devices.
  6. Click the Select button and locate your Ubuntu ISO file.
  7. Click Start to begin the process.
  8. You’ll be asked to format the drive, so click OK to proceed.

Wait for the process to finish. After creating Ubuntu Live drive, you can install Ubuntu.

3. Select the Ubuntu drive and install Ubuntu

  1. Make sure that the Ubuntu flash drive is connected to your PC.
  2. While your PC boots, keep pressing F2, F10, or F12 to access the boot menu and select your USB drive. The key might be different depending on your motherboard.
  3. If you can’t open the boot menu, access BIOS and then set your flash drive as the first boot device and save changes.
    gyigabyte boot order bios
  4. When your PC boots from the flash drive, choose the option to Install Ubuntu.
  5. Select the language and the keyboard layout that you want to use.
  6. Then, select Normal installation and click Continue. You can also use Minimal installation and download the necessary updates later.
  7. Select Something else.
  8. Up next, select the partition that you created for Ubuntu and format it to the ext4 file system.
  9. Click on Install Now.
  10. Select your location.
  11. Enter the login details for Ubuntu and click on Continue.
  12. Wait for the installation to finish.
  13. Click the Restart Now button.

After doing that, you just need to select the operating system that you want to boot to and that’s it. As you can see, it’s easy to dual boot Windows 11 and Ubuntu, especially if you already have Windows installed.

If you change your mind and war to remove Ubuntu from dual boot on Windows 11, this guide will show you how.

Install Windows 11 after Ubuntu

1. Create a dedicated Windows partition

  1. Open the Terminal and enter the following command: sudo apt install gparted
  2. Press Y to proceed.
  3. Now open GParted.
  4. Find the partition that you want to shrink. Keep in mind that you can’t shrink the Ubuntu partition while Ubuntu is running. If you want to do that, you need to use an Ubuntu flash drive.
  5. Right-click the partition and choose Unmount.
  6. After unmounting the partition, click on Resize/Move.
  7. Set the New size to 50000 or more and click on Resize/Move.
  8. Click the Apply icon in the toolbar to save changes.
  9. Unallocated space will now appear. Right-click it and choose New.
  10. Set the File system to ntfs and set the maximum size for the partition. Now click Add.
  11. Click Apply icon to save changes.
  12. Lastly, locate the partition that you unmounted, right-click it and choose Mount.

2. Download Windows 10 and make a bootable media

  1. Head over to the Microsoft download page.
  2. Select the version of Windows 10 that you want to download.
  3. Select the language and make sure to choose the 64-bit version.
  4. Download the ISO file.
  5. Connect a USB flash drive to your PC. You’ll need an 8GB drive, but a larger one might work better.
  6. Open GParted and select your USB flash drive from the top right corner. It should be named /dev/sdb.
  7. If any partitions have a key icon next to their name, right-click them and choose Unmount.
  8. Right-click the partition and choose Format.
  9. Set the size of the partition to the maximum value and set the file system to ntfs or exfat.
  10. Click Apply in the toolbar to save changes.
  11. Locate the Windows 10 ISO file, right-click it and choose Open With, and then select Disk Image Mounter.
  12. Open the mounted ISO file.
  13. Select all files and copy them.
  14. Move to your USB flash drive and paste the files there.

We’ve discovered that not all users have the option to mount the ISO files in the context menu. If that’s the case, do the following:

  1. Open the Terminal.
  2. Now run the following commands:
    sudo mkdir /mnt/windows10/
    sudo mount -t auto -o loop /path/to/window-10-iso /mnt/windows10/
  3. After doing that, you should be able to access Windows 10 ISO by going to the /mnt/windows10/
Note icon NOTE
We’re using Windows 10 ISO since Windows 11 ISO isn’t officially available for download.

3. Boot from the flash drive and install Windows 10

  1. Enter BIOS and go to the Security section. Disable Secure Boot.
  2. Save changes and exit BIOS.
  3. Press the dedicated key to open the boot menu and select your flash drive. If you don’t know the key, you can set the USB flash drive as the first boot device.
  4. When you boot from your flash drive, select the desired language time format.
  5. Select the version that you want to install and accept the terms of service.
  6. Then, select Custom: Install Windows only (advanced).
  7. It’s important to select the partition specifically for Windows. If you select the wrong partition, you’ll permanently lose your files.
  8. The installation will now start. Wait while Windows is being installed.
  9. Once the installation is finished, your PC will restart.

4. Join the Windows Insider Program and upgrade to Windows 11

  1. Open the Settings app and head over to the Update & Security section.
  2. In the left pane, select Windows Insider Program. Now click the Get started button in the right pane.
  3. Click on Link an account and select your Microsoft account.
  4. Select Dev Channel and click on Confirm.
  5. Accept the privacy statement and click on Restart Now.
  6. After you’ve joined the Windows Insiders program, go back to the Settings app.
  7. Head over to the Update & Security section and click on Check for updates button.
  8. Windows will now automatically download the Windows 11 update.
  9. Once the update is downloaded, restart your PC to install it.

How do I repair GRUB?

Many users reported that if you dual boot Windows 11 and Ubuntu, the latter isn’t available from the boot menu at all. To fix that, you need to do the following:

  1. Press the boot menu key and select Ubuntu from the list.
  2. Make sure that you’re connected to the Internet.
  3. Open the Terminal and run the following commands:
    sudo add-apt-repository ppa:yannubuntu/boot-repair
    sudo apt-get update
    sudo apt-get install -y boot-repair && boot-repair
  4. After the Boot-Repair is installed, type boot-repair in the Terminal to start it.
  5. Select Recommended repair.
  6. After the repair is finished, check if the problem is still there.

Alternatively, you can fix this problem by doing the following:

  1. Boot to Ubuntu, as we showed you in the previous section.
  2. Open Terminal and run the following command:
    sudo update-grub2
  3. Once the process is finished, go back to BIOS.
  4. Head to the boot section and set Ubuntu as the first boot device.

Windows will always replace your bootloader, especially if you install it after Ubuntu or any version of Linux. Still, hopefully, this method will help you fix the problem on your own.

To learn more, check our guide on how to fix Windows 10 and Ubuntu dual boot issues.

Note icon NOTE
If you can’t access Ubuntu from the boot menu, perform these commands in the Ubuntu Live environment. Just boot from an Ubuntu flash drive and follow the above steps.

Does Ubuntu support Secure Boot?

Secure Boot is a technology that verifies the code launched by the firmware to prevent rootkits. Many Linux distributions don’t support Secure Boot, so you must disable it first if you want to install them.

Ubuntu has been compatible with Secure Boot since version 12.10, and it should work on most PCs with Secure Boot enabled.

However, only Microsoft signed the first-stage EFI boot loader, which may lead to some boot issues on certain PCs. If this happens, you’ll have to disable Secure Boot from BIOS.

What are the disadvantages of dual booting?

Regarding the disadvantages, dual booting requires a lot of space on your PC, especially if you plan to use both operating systems regularly and install various software.

This isn’t a problem with larger hard drives, but if you’re running low on storage space, you might want to free up some space or consider upgrading your storage.

Another disadvantage of dual booting is multitasking. There’s no quick and easy way to boot to the other operating system when using the dual boot.

Instead, you must restart your PC and choose the operating system you want to access. Remember that you have to do this every time you want to switch to another operating system.

This isn’t a major problem, but it can sometimes become tedious, primarily if you use both operating systems frequently.

Lastly, booting issues can occur, but this mostly happens when installing Windows after Ubuntu or any other version of Linux.

What Ubuntu distros can I dual boot with Windows 11?

Ubuntu has eight different official distributions, and they are the following: Kubuntu, Lubuntu, Ubuntu Budgie, Ubuntu Kylin, Ubuntu MATE, Ubuntu Server, and Ubuntu StudioXubuntu.

As for third-party distributions, there are about 40 of them, if not more. Regarding popularity, these are the top 3 most popular Ubuntu-based distributions:

  • Linux Mint
  • Pop!_OS
  • elementary OS

All Ubuntu distributions can be dual-booted with Windows 11 without any major problems, and installing them in dual-boot mode is similar for all of them.

The only issue might occur if you have Secure Boot enabled and are trying to install an older version of Ubuntu, but that can be easily fixed.

If you want to dual-boot Windows 11 and Ubuntu, follow our guide’s instructions.

As an extra tip, with WSL2 advancements, you can now access EXT4 partitions in Windows 11.

Things are no different if you want to dual boot Windows 11 and Windows 7. Create a separate partition for the other operating system and follow our detailed procedure.

Now with Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26052, you can use Sudo command in Windows 11, check out this guide to learn how to do that.

Have you ever tried Ubuntu, and are you planning to dual-boot Windows and Ubuntu once Windows 11 is released? Let us know in the comments below.

How to Download Yahoo Mail App for Windows [Working in 2026!]

Posted on by Radu Tyrsina

The Yahoo Mail app is discontinued for Windows, but you can still install it on your PC, and we’ll show you exactly how.

How do I download the Yahoo Mail app on my PC?

Use an Emulator

  1. Download and install a reliable Android Emulator for PC, such as Bluestacks.download bluestacks
  2. Launch Bluestacks and type yahoo mail in the search bar in the upper right corner.yahoo mail search in bluestacks
  3. Hover your mouse over the result and select Install.install yahoo mail
  4. Sign into your Google Play account.sign into google play on bluestacks
  5. Hit the install button and wait for the process to complete.install yahoo mail on pc
  6. Now you can open the app and log into your Yahoo account.login to yahoo mail app on pc

BlueStacks

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Use another email client

Alternatively, you can consider another email client in Mailbird to get the full experience you want in the app. This great mail client app will centralize and let you easily manage your Yahoo! Inbox.

Mailbird brings a lot of customizable features and options that are just one click away so that you can make the most of your time when using the app.

This said, not only do you get all your emails and contacts from multiple accounts in one single place. Mailbird also supports integration with other useful apps like Google Calendar, Twitter, or Asana so that you can easily manage all your tasks from the same app.

In terms of productivity, the app allows you to snooze messages for later to focus only on urgent emails, plus it lets you add customizable notifications sounds.

Mailbird

Connect your Yahoo account to easily access your inbox and manage all mail!
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Is there a Yahoo Mail app for Windows?

Yahoo Mail used to have a dedicated app for Windows PC but discontinued it for some reason. At some point, there was a u-turn, and the app sprang up again on the Windows Store.

yahoo

Summary

That is all there is to know about downloading the Yahoo Mail app on Windows PC. With the information in this guide, you should know how to work around the app.

If you need a list of the best email clients for Windows PC, you can check our detailed guide for the best options to choose.

Feel free to let us know if you have any questions in the comments below.

Master the Windows Registry with Registry Editor in Windows 11

Posted on by Afam Onyimadu

The Windows Registry is a database of configuration settings for the Windows operating system and the software that runs on it. It’s an essential part of the system, as it stores information about hardware, software, and user settings.

If you want to customize your Windows 11 computer or troubleshoot problems, you’ll need to know how to use the Registry Editor, which allows you to view and edit the Registry.

In this article, we’ll show you how to access Registry Editor in Windows 11 and provide tips for using it safely and effectively.

How do I get into Registry Editor?

  1. Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box.
  2. Type regedit into the Run dialog box and press Enter.
  3. Registry Editor will open.

Now you have gotten into the tool, let us explore some tips for using Registry Editor as well as a few common tasks.

How can I use Registry Editor safely and effectively?

1. Make a backup

  1. Open the Registry Editor as shown in the above section.
  2. Select the key or set of keys to be backed up (in the example below, we have selected HKEY_USERS).
    registry editor windows 11
  3. Click the File menu and choose the Export option.
    registry editor windows 11

It’s crucial to make a backup of the registry before making any modifications. In the event that any issues arise as a consequence of your modifications, this will enable you to restore the register to an earlier state.

2. Modify values

  1. Open up the Registry Editor, and navigate to the value you want to modify (The modifiable elements will be displayed on the right pane after you have selected a key).
    registry editor windows 11
  2. Right-click on any of these elements and select Modify (you may also choose Modify Binary Data).
    registry editor windows 11
  3. Now enter the new values needed in the Value Data text fields and click OK.

Be careful when modifying values; be sure to enter the correct data type and value. Incorrect data types or values can cause problems with the operating system or applications.

Remember to only make changes to the registry if you are sure they are necessary, since unnecessary changes can increase the risk of encountering problems.

3. Add values

  1. Open up the Registry Editor, and navigate to any key where you want to add a new value.
  2. Click on any empty space on the right pane, hover over New, then select any of the value types you wish to add.
  3. Name the newly created value. Then modify it accordingly using the steps shown in the Modifying values section.

4. Use the Registry Editor search function

  1. Launch the Registry Editor.
  2. Click the Edit menu and select Find.
  3. Alternatively, you may press Ctrl + F.
  4. In the Find popup box, type the name of the key you need in the Find what text field and click Find Next.

The Registry Editor includes a search function that allows you to find specific keys or values within the registry. This can be helpful if you are looking for a specific setting or if you are trying to troubleshoot a problem.

5. Add Registry keys

  1. Launch the Registry Editor.
  2. Navigate to the path where you wish to add the new key. In our case we have navigated to the path below:
    Computer\HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\FileZilla 3\fzshellext
  3. Right-click on the element, hover on New, and select Key.
    registry editor windows 11
  4. Name the key. In our case, we call it New Key #1.
  5. Now you can edit values for this key using the same process explained in the Modifying values section.

6. Deleting values

  1. Launch the Registry Editor.
  2. Navigate to the key you wish to delete. In our case we have navigated to the path below (the new key we created in the section above):
    Computer\HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\FileZilla 3\fzshellext\New Key #1
  3. Right click on the key and select Delete.

Use caution when deleting keys, as this can cause problems with the Windows OS or applications. If you are unsure whether a key is safe to delete, do some research or ask for help before proceeding.

These pointers will help you utilize the Registry Editor to alter the registry and adjust your system in a secure and efficient manner.

Always proceed with care while making modifications to your system, and ask for assistance if necessary. It’s possible that you experience the Regedit cannot edit error that might block your Windows Registry, yet our solutions will help you.

Let us know in the comments below what you love most about the Registry Editor in Windows 11.

How To Set Apps Volume And Device Preferences on Windows 11

Posted on by Vladimir Popescu

Windows 11 brings up a new look, being a fresh breeze of air. It is extremely user-friendly and allows you to perform a lot of improved actions.

For a more personalized experience, it seems like some users want to find out how to control sound volume for individual apps in Windows 11. You can mute certain apps, as well as configure an exact volume level for each app.

Why should I configure individual app volume control in Windows 11?

As mentioned before, changing and controlling the sound volume for Windows 11 individual apps offer you a more personalized digital environment.

In these terms, you’ll be able to set this feature according to your most used and unused applications.

You can choose to increase the apps’ music and decrease the social media ones, so you can enjoy your favorite playlists without being bothered by notifications.

Not to mention that you’re also allowed to change Windows 11 startup sound using some extremely simple steps.

How can I set apps volume and device preferences in Windows 11?

1. Use Windows 11’s Taskbar

  1. Look at the right side of your Windows 11 Taskbar.
  2. Right-click on the Volume icon, then choose to Open volume mixer.
  3. The Volume mixer settings window will directly open.
  4. From there, you can adjust the volume for each app, by changing the slider.

You can learn the basic steps to adjust overall audio by checking how to change sound volume in Windows 11 for a clear walkthrough.

2. Use Windows 11’s Settings menu

  1. Hit the Windows key, then open Settings.
  2. Go to System, then navigate to Sound.
  3. Select the Volume mixer option, then will be opened the same window as in the previous solution.
  4. As learned before, just adjust the volume for each desired app, by changing the slider.

3. Use a third-party software

Another cool option is to try the support of a dedicated tool. And what does it means? You’ll have automatic help to control each Windows app on your device.

In these terms, to turn the volume up or down, you’ll no longer need to access the standard Windows menu.

Novices in the PC area will be able to easily manage this feature without struggling through time-consuming processes.

Moreover, experienced users will be allowed to control the system volume via dedicated hotkeys or lock it against accidental modification.

Producers are now preparing the latest versions, so you’ll probably have to wait a bit more to properly use them in Windows 11.

However, do not worry! We’ll come up with the big news as soon as possible. So make sure you constantly keep an eye on our content to be the first one who discovers some of the great feats.

Also, keep in mind that some of them will be available on the new and improved Microsoft Store.

What are some common Windows 11 apps sound problems?

Even if you’re able to adjust and control the sound volume for individual Windows 11 apps, like any other digital aspect, this one can be occurred by annoying issues.

Because we want you to be prepared, we selected some of the most common related problems.

  • Audio service not responding – If your Windows Audio service getting into trouble, you’ll probably end up having no sound on your computer and apps. 
  • There are no audio devices installed – Usually, it appears as an error message on your PC and most of the time it is realted to your drivers. 
  • Computer or laptop gives no sound – This is another general issue that can affect both desktop and laptop PCs, but there are a few options that will solve it.
  • No sound Realtek – This one is specific to Realtek audio drivers, so the first thing to do is checking the related drivers.

As you’ve probably noticed, these are similar to what we know from the previous OS version. So, if encountering such issues, you should read our Windows 10 sound problems related article.

Most OS settings, including volume control, have received major changes in UI. You can convince yourself by checking some features, comparison & update tips of Windows 11 vs Windows 10.

Thus, the sound settings and volume control may look different than before.

To build a unique experience, we presented only the most accessible options to control sound volume for Windows 11 individual apps.

However, if you have additional sound devices but headphones are not working in Windows 11, over-using the sound volume is one of the related explanations.

For those times when you’re receiving important calls and you should be muting your mic in all other apps you’re using, do not hesitate to check how to enable the Universal Mute button in Windows 11.

We hope this guide helped you manage app volumes in Windows 11. If sound is still too low, try boosting your laptop volume beyond 100%, using a volume booster, or fixing low PC sound issues.

We hope you managed to set apps volume and device preferences in Windows 11 using our guide.

Are you still wondering how to personalize your digital environment? If so, share your thoughts with us by leaving a comment in the section below.

Clear TPM on Windows 11: How to do it & Why Should You

Posted on by Loredana Harsana

Starting with Windows 10 and Windows 11, TPMs are now immediately initialized and granted ownership by the operating system, making them more secure.

This is in contrast to prior operating systems, in which you would initialize the TPM and generate an owner password before proceeding.

Before you proceed to clear TPM in Windows 11, make sure that you have a backup and recovery solution in place for any data that has been secured or encrypted by it.

Although the TPM must be erased before a new operating system may be installed, the vast majority of TPM functionality will most likely continue to function correctly after the TPM has been cleared.

There are several methods for clearing Windows 11’s TPM chip, and in this post, we’ll teach you how to do it in detail.

Precautions to take before clearing TPM

Note icon NOTE
When you clear the TPM, you will lose all of the keys that have been established and associated with the TPM, as well as any data secured by those keys, such as a virtual smart card or a login PIN.
  • If you have any data that is secured or encrypted by the TPM, make sure you have a backup and recovery solution in place.
  • Remove the TPM from a device that you do not own, such as a work or school PC, unless you have been specifically ordered to do so by your IT administrator to do so.
  • If you have TPM 1.2 with Windows 10, version 1507 or 1511, and you wish to temporarily pause TPM activities, you can turn off the TPM by pressing the Power button. More information may be found in the section titled Turn off the TPM later in this article.
  • To clear the TPM, always utilize operating system functionality (such as TPM.msc) rather than third-party software. It is not recommended to clear the TPM straight from the UEFI.
  • Because your TPM security hardware is a physical component of your computer, you may want to consult the manuals or instructions that came with your computer, or search the manufacturer’s website, before attempting to clear the TPM security hardware.

How do I clear TPM in Windows 11?

Note icon NOTE
You need to be an administrator on the device to be able to clear the TPM

1. Use the Windows Security app

  1. Press Windows + S on your keyboard, then type Windows Security and select the most relevant result.
    windwos security clear tpm windows 11
  2. From the left panel, select the Device security option.
    device security clear tpm windows 11
  3. Under the Security processor section, select Security processor details.
    security processor details clear tpm windows 11
  4. Click on Security processor troubleshooting.
    processor troubleshooting clear tpm windows 11
  5. Next, click on Clear TPM.
    clear tpm clear tpm windows 11
  6. Lastly tap on the Clear and restart button.
    clear and restart button clear tpm windows 11

In certain cases, you may be asked to confirm your decision to clear the TPM by the UEFI. All you will have to do is press a button while the computer is restarting.

After the PC restarts, your TPM will be automatically prepared for use by Windows 11.

2. Open the TPM MMC

  1. Press Windows + S on your keyboard, then type tpm.msc and select the most relevant result.
    tpm msc clear tpm windows 11
  2. If the User Account Control dialog box appears, confirm that the action it displays is what you want, and then click Yes.
  3. Click on Actions and select Clear TPM.
    actions clear tpm clear tpm windows 11

Your computer will automatically restart after the process is done. During the restart, you might be prompted by the UEFI to press a button to confirm that you wish to clear the TPM.

After the PC restarts, your TPM will be automatically prepared for use by Windows 11.

3. Clear from the BIOS menu

  1. Boot your computer and press the F2 key to enter the BIOS setup mode.
  2. Locate the Security option on the left side and expand it.
    secuirty bios clear tpm windows 11
  3. Click on the TPM option nested under the Security setting, and check the Clear box.
    tpm menu clear tpm windows 11
  4. Reboot your computer and re-enter into the BIOS menu, again by pressing the F2 key.
  5. Ensure the Enabled radio button is checked in order to activate the TPM.
    enabled bios button clear tpm windows 11
  6. Restart your PC.

After your computer has been restarted, the TPM adjustments will take effect.

How does Windows 11 use TPM?

The Trusted Platform Module (TPM) is a cryptographic module that improves the security and privacy of computer systems.
tpm and windows 11 clear tpm windows 11

Basic computer security functions include safeguarding data through encryption and decryption and demonstrating which program is currently operating on a system, to name a few.

TPMs are passive devices that only accept commands and respond to them. When it comes to realizing the full potential of a TPM, the OEM must properly integrate system hardware and firmware with the TPM, allowing it to receive commands from the system and respond to its answers.

The Windows 11 operating system enhances the security of the operating system’s existing security features while also introducing ground-breaking new security features such as Device Guard and Windows Hello for Business.

It integrates hardware-based security into the operating system at a deeper level than prior Windows editions, so boosting platform security while simultaneously increasing usability.

The security features of Windows 11 combined with the benefits of a TPM offer practical security and privacy benefits

Does TPM slow down the computer?

When you boot a computer, TPM examines the state of the machine as well as the state of the computer’s environment to determine if the computer is secure.

Components of TPM ( Source: Wikipedia)

Providing that the computer is in a trustworthy state (in other words, has not been tampered with), it will function correctly.

As long as the computer is not in a trustworthy condition, it will not boot, which means that there will be no way to access or extract any data from it.

In order for the TPM to function, it must generate encryption codes. In this case, removing the TPM chip from the computer would prevent the machine from booting since only half of the encryption key is kept on the TPM chip and half on the computer hard drive.

TPM is required by some firmware, such as Microsoft’s BitLocker, and until it is activated in the BIOS menu, it will remain inactive, thus it will have no effect on the computer.

Once engaged, the only difference users may notice is that the operating system’s boot-up procedure is slightly slower than before.


When Windows 11 is installed on hardware that includes a TPM, it delivers remarkably improved security benefits.

Another essential consideration is that you should check to see whether your computer is compatible with Windows 11.

For additional information on how the Trusted Platform Module (TPM) works with Windows 11, see our post on everything you need to know about it.

You may, however, install Windows 11 without the TPM, although we encourage that you do not do so since it provides additional security features.

We hope you managed to clear TPM in Windows 11 using our guide.

Please share your thoughts on Windows 11’s necessary condition to utilize TPM in the comments section below, as well as whether or not you have profited from this requirement thus far.


Netflix 4k on Windows 11: Can You Watch Movies in Ultra HD?

Posted on by Alexandru Poloboc

If you already upgraded to Microsoft’s latest operating system and simply wanted to binge-watch your favorite show on Netflix, you might want to hear about this.

You can’t stream anything at the moment in 4K, apparently, and nobody knows what the exact reason for this whole situation is.

Social media platforms have been bombarded with complaints of such issues, and everyone is hoping that the problem will be patched soon.

Windows 11 doesn’t allow 4K streaming on Netflix

People not being able to watch their beloved series in 4K resolution isn’t something entirely new, if we are talking about Netflix.

However, it wasn’t so complicated to moved past such issues in the past. It seems that solutions that did the trick back then will no longer work.

Basically, to be able to stream Netflix titles in 4K, all you need is the right specs on your machine, a compatible monitor or screen, and purchase the premium plan, which lets you watch everything UHD.

I noticed I don’t get 4K stream on any of my Windows 11 machines, even though I got the premium plan and perfectly capable hardware. I have tested on the following environments, and none of them get 4K stream on both Netflix app (the one you get from MS store) and Edge (Chromium based one). To check the stream quality, I played some streams and opened the overlay with Ctrl + Alt + Shift + D, and waited a few minutes to see if it goes up to 4K.

As you can see, users tried streaming through the Netflix app, available on the Microsoft Store, or directly from the Netflix website, which was accessed via a browser.

Many initially thought that this was an app problem, not a browser one. Trying it the other way around, it seems that neither the app nor browser are to blame for this erratic behavior.

Can HEVC solve this issue?

That is a really good and topic-appropriate question, and Netflix did say the HEVC extension is a must to play 4K content on Windows 10.

We know, we are now talking about Windows 11, but the principle is still the same, mostly.

To check if the HEVC extension is installed on your PC, you can record an H.265 video, transfer it to your device, and open it with the Movies & TV app.

Now, if the video starts playing right away, your machine supports the HEVC extension, else you will see a pop-up error window that says To play this video, you need a new codec and includes a link to the Microsoft Store.

But most new generation PCs already have this embedded in their system, so could this really be what’s causing this whole problem?

I even bought $0.99 HEVC extension on MS store, but no dice. Only 1080p with HDR. Displays are connected with either DP1.4 or HDMI2.1 and playback setting is set to High (though Auto doesn’t make any change). Also, when I click ‘More Info’, I only see HD, HDR, ATMOS, 5.1 markers next to its title, and no 4K marker (checked about 100 titles). However, when I do the same on some TVs with their internal Netflix apps, I often see 4K markers (even though they’re on the same networks).

Is it just me or happens to everyone with Windows 11?

Apparently not, judging by the responses of users that are now struggling with this major issue.

It’s a bizarre situation, to say the least, as many say that they were battling the same situation on Windows 10, with scenarios in which HDR wouldn’t work, but 4k streaming would.

Weird, considering that HDR needs HEVC codecs in order to offer users the high resolution they desire.

All we can do now is pretty much wait for Netflix and Microsoft to work this out and come up with a solution, especially since people are paying for Premium services and are not really receiving them.

Are you also experiencing this lack of 4k resolution while on Windows 11? Let us know in the comments section below.

Fix: Paint 3D Not Saving Images Something Went Wrong

Posted on by Madalina Dinita

Paint 3D is Microsoft’s 2D-3D hybrid graphics editor, and while it can be useful, many users reported that Paint 3D is not saving According to users, the error message Something went wrong stops users from saving their projects.

We managed to come up with a few solutions that should help you fix the Paint 3D saving issue in Windows 10.

Why can’t Paint 3D save images?

There are several reasons for this issue, and we will highlight the most important of them:

  • File corruption – Like any other app, Paint 3D might have corrupted files, but one of the solutions below will help you fix it.
  • A bug in the app – Any app can get bugged after an update, a crash, or a catastrophic failure but reinstalling it should restore things to normal.

Before getting to the solutions below, try to restart your PC and check for the latest OS updates.

How can I fix the Paint 3D Something went wrong error?

1. Run the troubleshooter for Windows apps

  1. Press the Start button and open Settings.
  2. Select Update & Security.
  3. Click on Troubleshoot and select Additional troubleshooters.
  4. Click Windows Store Apps and hit the Run the troubleshooter button.
  5. The troubleshooter will list all the issues it found and fix them.

2. Reset Paint 3D

  1. Press the Start button and open Settings.
  2. Click Apps.
  3. Select Paint 3D and click on Advanced options.
  4. Scroll down and click the Reset button.

Following these steps, you will reset Paint 3D. See if you can save the images now.

3. Use an alternative image editor

Adobe Photoshop is such a capable program that its name has become synonymous with image editing. It can easily handle 3D objects and allow you to add realistic effects easily.

Unlike Paint 3D, Photoshop is deeply integrated with Adobe Creative Cloud, allowing you to import and export resources between the different tools easily.

This makes the production process easier and adds value to your clients by eliminating compatibility issues and improving turnaround time.

The beauty of Adobe Photoshop is that it is a tool that can be used by anyone from freelancers to fully-fledged production companies and it is available across a multitude of platforms.

Adobe Photoshop comes with Ray Tracing support for ultra-realistic shadows, OpenGL support, Image-Based Light, and a 32-bit color picker for materials and surfaces.

Adobe Photoshop

This awesome tool is the best photo editing tool for PC so it would be more than a replacement for Paint 3D.
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4. Create another user on your PC

  1. Press the Start button and open Settings.
  2. Click Accounts and select Family & other users.
  3. Select Add someone else to this PC.
    add someone else to this PC paint 3d not saving
  4. Choose I don’t have this person’s sign-in information and select Add a user without a Microsoft account.
  5. Complete the required fields regarding name, password, and security questions and click on Next.
  6. Press the Start button and open Settings.
  7. Select Accounts and select Family & other users.
  8. Click Change account type and under Account type, choose Administrator, then click OK.
  9. Restart your PC and log in with the newly created user.

5. Perform a system recovery

  1. Type control panel and open the Control Panel from the results.
  2. Select System.
  3. Scroll down and click on System protection from the right pane.
  4. In the System Properties window click System restore… from the System Protection tab.
    system properties system restore paint 3d not saving
  5. Click Next and select the restore point you want to choose.
  6. Select Next, click Finish, and choose Yes.
  7. Wait for the process to run.

After the PC restarts check if the System Restore fixed the issue. If you don’t have a restore point here’s a useful guide that will help you do that.

One of our readers managed to fix the problem by saving the file as a video first. After that, he changed the format to an image, and this time, it worked.

You might also be interested in reading our guide on how to fix Paint 3D if it’s not working and getting more information.

We hope that at least one of our solutions was able to solve the problem if Paint 3D won’t save your project. If this guide was helpful, feel free to leave a comment in the comment section below.

Fix: This File Does Not Have An App Associated on Windows 11

Posted on by Afam Onyimadu

Are you getting a message on your Windows 11 computer that reads, This file does not have an app associated with it for performing this action? It means that you can’t open a file or perform an action you need to.

The full error often reads: This file does not have an app associated with it for performing this action. please install an app or, if one is already installed, create an association in the Default Apps Settings page.

In this article, we’ll explain why you might see this message and how you can fix it. Note that users may also face this error on Windows 10 devices.

Why do I get the message this file does not have an app associated?

There are a few reasons why you might be seeing this message on your Windows 11 computer. The top of the list includes the following:

  • Software issues – One possibility is that you don’t have the correct software installed on your computer to open the file. For example, if you’re trying to open a file with the .docx extension, you’ll need to have Microsoft Word or a similar word processing program installed to open it.
  • Problems with file association – Chances are that file associations on your computer are not set up correctly. File associations tell your computer which program to use to open a specific file type.
  • Corrupt files – A few users have observed that damaged or corrupt apps or system files have also resulted in this problem.

From user experience, we gather that these are the primary causes. Regardless of your specific triggers, if this file does not have an app associated with it for performing this action on a Windows 11 computer, there are a few steps to take to fix the problem.

Let us now discuss them.

How to fix this file does not have a program associated with it for performing this action?

1. Install the correct software

  1. Right-click on the file that you need to open and select Properties.
    this file does not have an app associated with it for performing this action windows 11
  2. Take note of the Type of file (In the image below, it is a Text document(.txt)).
  3. Copy this file type and do a Google search for the best programs it can be opened with.
  4. Download one of the programs, install it and try opening your file again.

If you don’t have the correct software installed on your computer to open the file, you’ll need to install it.

While some files may be opened with multiple programs on your computer, you may need additional programs to open others.

For example, to open files with the .docx extension, you’ll need to have Microsoft Word or any other word-processing program installed to open it.

2. Set the file associations

  1. Right-click on the file you’re trying to open and select Properties from the context menu.this file does not have an app associated with it for performing this action windows 11
  2. In the Properties window, click the Change button next to Opens with.
    this file does not have an app associated with it for performing this action windows 11
  3. Double-click on any of the apps you wish to open the file with. Alternatively, you may select Browse apps in the Microsoft Store or Choose an app on your PC. You will also have the option to Set a default application.

If the file associations on your computer are not set up correctly, you can try resetting them using the steps above.

This should fix the this file does not have an app associated with it for performing this action on Windows 11.

3. Use the Open with command

  1. Right-click on the file you’re trying to open and select Open with from the context menu.
  2. You’ll then be able to select the program you prefer to use to open the file.

If the above steps don’t work, you can use the Open with command to open the file.

By following the steps outlined above, you should be able to fix This file does not have an app associated with it for performing this action on Windows 11 computer.

If you’re still having trouble, you may need to seek additional help from a computer repair professional. Also, note that in some rare cases, this problem may result from malware, and performing a scan with a proper antivirus may come in handy.

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

Does Facebook Notify When You Screenshot: Photo, Post, Story

Posted on by Tashreef Shareef

Facebook does not send notifications when someone takes a screenshot of posts, photos, Stories, Reels, or profile pages. You can freely capture almost any content on Facebook without alerting the other person. The only exception involves a specific Messenger feature called Vanish Mode.

Below is a detailed breakdown of how Facebook handles screenshots across different types of content.

Screenshot Behavior by Content Type

Table of contents

Content TypeScreenshot Notification
Posts, Photos, VideosNo
Stories, ReelsNo
Profile or Cover ImageNo
Regular Messenger ChatsNo
Messenger Disappearing MessagesYes (both users notified)

Facebook Posts, Photos, and Videos

Facebook does not track or notify users when you screenshot posts, images, albums, or video content. This includes anything shared on your feed or someone else’s timeline.

For users concerned about misuse, it’s worth considering some forms of Facebook screenshot protection to discourage unauthorized sharing or copying of your content.

Screenshot notification: No

Facebook Stories and Reels

Screenshots of Stories or Reels are also not tracked. Facebook does not send alerts if someone captures a Story or screen-records a Reel, even though these formats are temporary.

Screenshot notification: No

Facebook Profile or Cover Photo

You can screenshot a user’s profile page, profile photo, or cover image without triggering a notification. If the user has enabled Profile Picture Guard (where available), the image cannot be downloaded or shared directly, but it can still be captured via screenshot.

Screenshot notification: No

Regular Messenger Chats

Facebook Messenger does not notify users when screenshots are taken in regular one-on-one or group conversations. This applies to messages, photos, voice notes, or call logs within those chats.

Screenshot notification: No

Disappearing Messages in Messenger (Vanish Mode)

Messenger includes an optional privacy setting called Vanish Mode, also known as Disappearing Messages. When this is active, Facebook will notify both users if a screenshot is taken. This is the only place on the platform where screenshot alerts are triggered.

Screenshot notification: Yes (only in Vanish Mode)

To enable Vanish Mode:

  • Open a Messenger conversation
  • Swipe up from the bottom of the screen
  • Tap the “Turn on Vanish Mode” option

This creates a temporary chat where messages disappear after they’re seen, and screenshots are tracked.

Can You Prevent Screenshots on Facebook?

No. Facebook does not offer any system-level tool to block screenshots. Unlike Snapchat, it does not detect or restrict this action in any section of the platform. However, you can reduce exposure by limiting who can view your content.

Privacy tips:

  • Set post visibility to “Friends” or “Only Me”
  • Use the “Close Friends” option when sharing Stories
  • Turn off Story sharing in your settings
  • Enable Profile Picture Guard where available
  • Avoid posting sensitive material

If you manage a public page or share high-risk content, using dedicated social media protection software can provide an extra layer of defense against screenshot misuse, impersonation, or unauthorized sharing.

While these tools don’t stop screenshots, they help control who can access your content in the first place.

Conclusion

Facebook doesn’t alert users when screenshots are taken of posts, Stories, or profiles. The only time a notification is triggered is within Messenger’s Vanish Mode. While you can’t block screenshots entirely, smart use of privacy settings and third-party protection tools can help reduce misuse. If you’re sharing sensitive content, take a moment to adjust who can view it.

FAQs

Does Facebook notify you when someone screenshots a Story?

No. Facebook does not alert users when their Story is captured by someone else.

Can someone see if I screenshot their photo or post?

No. There are no notifications or indicators when photos or posts are screenshotted.

What happens if I screenshot in Messenger Vanish Mode?

Both you and the other person will receive a notification that a screenshot was taken.

Is there any way to block screenshots on Facebook?

No. Facebook does not allow you to block screenshots, but you can limit content visibility.

Windows 11 Services To Disable: How to Safely do it

Posted on by Matthew Adams

Windows 11 has a wide variety of services, most of which you probably won’t know exist. Services are mini-programs designed to manage very specific functions. Unlike more regular software, they run in the background and don’t require any kind of user input to operate.

Some services are more essential than others. Most third-party software services are pretty safe to disable as they only affect the software they’re for. However, there are some Windows services you shouldn’t touch. You can disable services in Windows 11 with the methods below.

Why should I disable services in Windows 11?

Services consume system resources, such as RAM (Random Access Memory), much the same as regular desktop software. Most services consume very little in the way of system resources. However, lots of services combined can stack up and waste larger amounts of RAM.

So, disabling lots of superfluous services can free up system resources for the desktop software you need to utilize. There might be quite a few active services on your PC that you don’t need. You can see what services are running, and their RAM usage, on the Processes tab in Task Manager.

Which Windows 11 services should I disable?

There are probably a lot of services enabled for Windows 11 features you never utilize. The safest services to disable are those needed for some of the most obscure features few users need. These are some of the safest ones you can disable in Windows 11:

  • Phone Service: This is a service primarily for the Your Phone app.
  • Windows Insider Service: Only users on the Windows Insider program need to have this service enabled.
  • Bluetooth Support Service: This is a necessary service for all users who pair Bluetooth devices with their PCs. If you don’t, however, you can safely disable this one.
  • Fax: A somewhat obsolete faxing service most users won’t need.
  • Remote Desktop Services: Disable this service if you don’t need to remotely connect with another PC.
  • Remote Desktop Configuration: This is another remote desktop connectivity service you can safely disable.
  • Windows Mobile Hotspot Service: The Windows Mobile Hotspot Service is one required for mobile hotspot, but most users probably don’t need it enabled.
  • Windows Error Reporting Services: This service only needs to be enabled for sending error reports.
  • Remote Registry: Do you need to edit your PC’s registry via a remote computer? If not, go ahead and disable this service.
  • Retail Demo Service: This service is needed for a Windows Retail Demo mode, which almost all home users won’t need.
  • WalletService: If you don’t utilize the Wallet app, you don’t need this service.

Aside from those, you can also safely disable third-party software services. Check the descriptions of such services to determine whether you need them enabled or not. Or you can uninstall third-party software you don’t utilize much to remove their services.

Disabling services will ensure they never automatically start. You can always re-enable disabled services if you ever need to utilize Windows features they’re needed for. Just make sure you check the services’ descriptions carefully before disabling anything.

How do I stop unnecessary services in Windows 11?

1. Use the Services window

  1. Right-click your Start menu button to select Run on the menu shown directly below.
    Run option services to disable windows 11
  2. To open the Services window, type services.msc and press Enter.
    Services window services to disable windows 11
  3. Double-click an enabled service listed on that window to open a properties window for it.
    A properties window services to disable windows 11
  4. Read the service’s description on the properties window to help you decide whether it’s one you need or not.
  5. Press the Stop button for the service.
  6. Then click the Disabled option on the Startup type drop-down menu.
    Disabled option services to disable windows 11
  7. Press the Apply button to disable the service.
  8. Click OK to close the properties window.
Note icon NOTE
You need administrator permissions to disable and enable services.

2. Use MSConfig

  1. Press the Win + X keys and choose Run.
  2. Type msconfig and click OK.
  3. Select the Services tab within the System Configuration window shown directly below.
    Services tab services to disable windows 11
  4. Deselect service checkboxes listed there.
  5. Click Apply to save the new options.
  6. Then press OK to exit the window.
  7. Thereafter, you’ll be prompted to restart Windows. Click Restart on the dialog box to apply the changes.
Note icon NOTE
You can select the Hide all Microsoft services option to exclude those services. Then select to disable the remaining third-party software services listed. Clicking Disable all is the quick way to deactivate all the non-essential services.

3. Disable services via Windows Terminal

  1. Open the search box by pressing the magnifying glass taskbar button.
  2. Type Windows Terminal in the search box, right-click it, and choose Run as administrator.
  3. Then click Open a new tab, and select Command Prompt there.
    Windows Terminal's command-line options services to disable windows 11
  4. Enter this command within the Command Prompt tab: sc stop "service name" && sc config "service name" start=disabledThe disable command services to disable windows 11
  5. Then press the Return key to run the command.
Note icon NOTE
You’ll need to replace the service name in that command with the exact name of the service you want to disable.

If the services are running without any actual usage, modifying their status will surely make Windows 11 run faster, even though you shouldn’t expect a very big difference.

Another useful tip is that you can also disable widgets from the new OS, thus contributing even more to the speed of processing.

Even though not recommended, to improve the speed of your system, you can also choose to disable automatic updates, but it is worth noting that missing some important updates might expose your system to risks.

Other optimizations also include removing Teams from your system, which can also put a strain on the startup times, while disabling the Snap layout feature will also improve the performance a bit.

There are Windows and third-party software services. The Windows ones are there to ensure the smooth functioning of the platform. Those services are needed for things like updating Windows, printing, file sharing, scanning, etc.

Third-party services are used specifically for software packages installed on your PC. For example, the Google Updater Service is one that automatically updates Chrome. With that service disabled, you’ll need to manually update the browser.

You can disable superfluous services with any of the above methods. By doing so, you can enhance PC performance by freeing up resources for the software you utilize regularly. So, don’t let unneeded services waste system resources.

Using the Services app built into your system is one of the most user-friendly ways of achieving these results. This is closely followed by the method that uses MSConfig, while the most complicated will be to use the Windows Terminal, and write specific commands.

If you’re not sure what services you need to close, or what they do, the safest method is by far the first one, as the Services app is designed to show you information about the service you’re about to close, and thus help you make an informed decision.

You could also simply use the list we mentioned in this guide and find the specific services in the list. This method will also ensure that you can always come back to the desired service and activate it if you’ll need it in the future.

Before you leave, don’t miss our guide on Alljoyn Router service to learn more about how it works.

Don’t hesitate to share your experience with us regarding the Windows 11 services to disable topic by using the comment section found below this guide.

Bluetooth Speaker Paired but not Connected: 7 Ways to Fix It

Posted on by Matthew Adams

We use Bluetooth devices on a daily basis, but some users encounter an issue where the Bluetooth speaker is paired but not connected to their PC.

Sometimes your Bluetooth headset isn’t recognized as an audio device, but luckily, this article should be able to help you with all your issues.

Why is my Bluetooth speaker paired but not connected?

There are several causes for this issue, but the following are the most common:

  • Bluetooth settings – In order to connect, Bluetooth needs to be configured properly. In addition, you might want to check Bluetooth capability on your PC.
  • Services – For Bluetooth to work, specific services need to be enabled. If they aren’t, you might get Bluetooth support service error 1079 and others.
  • Driver issues – Driver glitches are common, and they can lead to this and many other errors. To fix the issue, it might be necessary to uninstall and then install the Bluetooth driver on your PC.

How can I fix a Bluetooth speaker that’s paired but not connected?

1. Select the Allow Bluetooth devices to find this PC option

  1. First, click either the search box or magnifying glass icon on the Windows 10 taskbar.
  2. Next, enter bluetooth within the search text box. Next, select Bluetooth and other devices settings.
  3. Toggle the Bluetooth option on if it’s off.
  4. Click More Bluetooth options.
  5. Select the Allow Bluetooth devices to find this PC option. Lastly, click the Apply and OK buttons to save the new option.

If the Bluetooth option is turned on, try toggling it off and then back on again.

2. Run the Bluetooth troubleshooter

  1. To bring up Settings, press the Windows + I keyboard shortcut. After that, go to Update & Security.
  2. Choose Troubleshoot. Next, click on Additional troubleshooters to open a list of troubleshooters.
  3. Select Bluetooth and press its Run the troubleshooter button. Thereafter, the troubleshooter will open and might apply some fixes.
    Additional troubleshooters bluetooth speaker paired but not connected

Some users have also said the Background Intelligent Transfer Service troubleshooter has helped them fix Bluetooth devices that aren’t connecting.

You can open that troubleshooter from the Control Panel by clicking Troubleshooting > View all. Then select the BITS troubleshooter from there.

3. Make sure the Bluetooth services are enabled

  1. Hold the Windows key down and press R at the same time. Type the following text into the Open box and click OK: services.msc.
  2. Double-click Bluetooth Support Service in the Services window.
  3. Click the Automatic Startup type option on the drop-down option. Next, press the Start option if the service isn’t running. Lastly, click Apply and OK to save changes.
  4. Repeat steps the same steps for the Bluetooth Handsfree Service if available.
Note icon NOTE
If the Bluetooth services are already running, try right-clicking them and selecting the Restart options on their context menus. Then make sure those services are configured to start automatically as outlined above.

4. Select all the Bluetooth services for your speakers

  1. Press Windows key + R and enter control. Press Enter.
  2. Select Devices and Printers to open that Control Panel applet.
  3. Right-click your paired Bluetooth device there and select Properties.
  4. Click the Services tab.
    Bluetooth services bluetooth speaker paired but not connected
  5. Select all the Bluetooth service checkboxes for your device. Lastly, click Apply and OK.

5. Disable Bluetooth LE Enumerator

  1. Right-click the Start button to select the Device Manager shortcut on the menu that opens.
  2. Double-click Bluetooth in Device Manager.
    Device Manager bluetooth speaker paired but not connected
  3. Right-click Microsoft Bluetooth LE Enumerator to select Disable device.
  4. Click the Yes option on the dialog box that opens.

After doing that, check if the problem is still there.

6. Reinstall Bluetooth drivers

  1. Press Windows key + X and select Device Manager.
  2. Expand the Bluetooth category by double-clicking it. After that, right-click your Bluetooth adapter and select the Uninstall device option.
  3. Select the checkbox for the Delete the driver software for this device option on the dialog box that opens. After that, click Uninstall to remove the device.
  4. Next, click the Action menu at the top of Device Manager and select the Scan for hardware changes option.
    Action menu bluetooth speaker paired but not connected
  5. When Wireless Bluetooth is reinstalled, check it’s enabled by right-clicking it and selecting Enable device if needed.

7. Update Bluetooth drivers

  1. Press Windows key + X and select Device Manager.
  2. Double-click the Bluetooth category. Right-click Wireless Bluetooth and select Update driver.
  3. Select the Search automatically for drivers option to see if Windows determines if the best driver is already installed.
    Update Drivers window bluetooth speaker paired but not connected

If Windows’ Update Drivers utility doesn’t update the Bluetooth driver, consider scanning your PC with a good third-party driver utility like Outbyte Driver Updater.

That utility will tell if you need to update any Bluetooth drivers on your PC. Then you can update the Bluetooth device drivers with the software.

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Users have confirmed the above resolutions can fix paired Bluetooth speakers, and other devices, not connecting with Windows 10.

If you’re still having issues, head to our PC can’t find Bluetooth headphones for additional solutions.

What solution worked for you? Let us know in the comments below.

How to Move Files from Google Drive to Flash Drive?

Posted on by Madalina Dinita

Google Drive is undeniably the most beneficial part of having a Google account. You get a whopping 15GB of free storage when signing up so you can securely store all your documents on Google servers, with options to expand storage for a fee.

But, what if your access to the internet is limited and you desperately need to access your files stored in Google Drive?

What if you are unable to access a shared file due to issues with your system or bugs in the Google Drive app? Or, what if something happens and Google loses your data stored in Google Drive?

We are going to show you how you can easily move files from Google Drive to an external flash drive or hard drive so you will always be on the safe side no matter what happens.

How to move files from Google Drive to an external flash drive?

Backing up Google Drive on an external hard drive or flash drive is a great way to ensure you will never lose your documents. You might even want to send a file to someone who does not use Google Drive. To do so, simply follow the steps below:

Step 1: Plug the flash drive into a free USB port on your computer.

Step 2: Log in to your Gmail account and go to Google Docs. Locate the folder in Google Drive that contains all the files you would like to put on the flash drive.

Step 3: Select the file you want to download by clicking on it. If you want multiple files, hold CTRL, then click on all the files you want to put on the flash drive.

Step 4: Once you have selected the files, navigate to the More button, and then click Download. Once prompted, choose to save the files in the flash drive, then click save.

Step 5: Once prompted, choose to save the files on the flash drive, then click save and all your downloaded files will be saved to the flash drive.

Step 6: In the file explorer, right-click the flash drive and select Eject from the context menu. Then unplug the flash drive from the USB port.

Use Sync

Since we are talking about storage and most importantly, about the possibility to access your files whenever and wherever we simply must introduce you to Sync.

This powerful tool will store all your Google Drive files and more and act as a complete backup solution allowing you to store, share, and access all of your documents from any location, across all of your devices with no risk of data loss or leakage.

But Sync delivers more than storage, it also delivers best-in-class file history and recovery features.

Raising the stakes even further, Sync also acts as a powerful privacy protection tool that uses end-to-end encryption to make sure your confidential documents are completely safeguarded from unauthorized access.

The best part is that you get up to 5 GB to store all those important files in the cloud absolutely free of charge.

Let’s quickly look at its key features:

  • Storage space  2TB to 4TB in premium plans
  • Unlimited Share transfer, password-protected sharing, advanced share controls, and remote share wipe
  • Realtime backup and sync
  • Privacy protection and no third-party tracking
  • End-to-end encryption and data protection
  • File history and recovery features include
  • Two-factor authentification (2FA)
  • Mobile apps, desktop apps, and integration
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Benefits of working with Google Drive

Google Drive enables you to access all your Google docs, spreadsheets, drawings, and presentations from anywhere. As a cloud-based storage service, Google Drive includes a host of Google’s suite of office applications, also called G Suite.

The G-Suite office applications include Docs, Sheets, Drive, Calendar, and Slides among others. As a business owner, there are many benefits to using Google Drive. Here are just a few.

  • Ease of access – You can access all your files from anywhere, at any time, and on any platform, be it on mobile devices or on a PC. All you need is internet access and your login credentials.
  • Collaboration – Once you’ve created a document, you can easily share it with others, comment, and see your colleagues editing in real time. Furthermore, you can give specific individuals permission to edit documents or choose to allow read-only access.
  • Google Drive offers ample storage, currently 15GB for free, so you can store a lot of files without running out of storage. In addition, documents created from within the Drive don’t count against your storage limit.
  • Integration – Google Drive seamlessly integrates with other popular applications, adding to the convenience factor.

If you want to access Google Docs from anywhere, at any time, from any PC, you may consider using the browser version and not the Windows 10 app. While we’re at it, take a look at these best browsers for Google Docs.

However, Google Drive is not perfect, and just like any other application, it does have some disadvantages. First, its security system is not powerful enough and hackers can remove your important data or install viruses onto your server.

The other disadvantage is its upload and download speeds, which are a bit slow. Other than that, Google Drive is a great choice for anyone who wants to increase office productivity.

In case you want to move your files to another cloud service, don’t miss our guide on how to transfer Dropbox files to Google Drive.

If you have any suggestions or questions, feel free to drop them in the comments section below.

2 Ways to Play Blu-rays on Xbox One When There’s no Internet

Posted on by Cesar Cadenas

The Xbox One was first launched all the way back in late 2013 as an all-in-one entertainment system. Besides playing games, you could also live stream, watch TV, and play your favorite movies.

In order to watch any movie on the Xbox One, you have to first download the free DVD player app from the online store. The catch is that you need to be connected to the internet at all times.

It’s not the old days when all you had to do to watch a movie was simply insert the disc and kick back on the couch. With the Xbox One, Microsoft forced people to connect to the internet.

And if you’re connection was out, you were out of luck. Luckily, there are ways to get around this problem so you can enjoy movies offline.

But before we get to that, it’s essential to go into detail about whether or not the Xbox One can play Blu-ray discs, and if there are any restrictions.

Does Xbox One play Blu-ray?

Yes, all Xbox One models can play Blu-Ray discs and standard-definition DVDs, USB drives, and content from streaming services like Netflix and Apple TV.

Things do get a little messy with global regions, however. Every single DVD is coded to only work on machines from specific regions. Region A DVDs only work on players from the same part of the world.

Xbox One consoles are no different. This standard was set into place by the MPAA (Motion Picture Association of America) and other similar organizations worldwide to control DVD distribution.

Blu-Ray disks are less restrictive than standard DVDs. Below is a list of the various Blu-Ray global regions.

  • Region A: This covers both North and South America, Japan, Hong Kong, South Korea, Taiwan, and various other Southeast Asian countries.
  • Region B: This region includes most countries in Europe, Africa, and Southwest Asia like Saudi Arabia, plus Australia and New Zealand.
  • Region C: Countries in this region include the remaining nations in Central and South Asia like China, India, and Russia.
  • Region Free: Blu-Rays that fall under this category can be played on any Xbox One console from any region without any trouble.

DVD regions, however, are much more detailed as there are eight in total.

  • Region 1 covers the United States, the US territories, Canada, and Bermuda.
  • Region 2 covers all of Europe (minus Russia, Ukraine, and Belarus), the Middle East, Japan Egypt, South Africa, Swaziland, Lesotho, and Greenland.
  • Region 3 encompasses all of Southeast Asia, South Korea, Hong Kong, and Taiwan.
  • Region 4 is made up of all of Central and South America, Oceania, and Mexico.
  • Region 5 has India, Afghanistan, Ukraine, Russia, and all of Africa, as well as Central and South Asia.
  • Region 6 is made up of only one country: China.
  • Region 7 is a strange one because most sources only refer to it as being “reserved” with its exact purpose unknown.
  • Region 8 is for international venues like airplanes and cruise ships.

If you’re interested in playing 4K-resolution movies, you’ll need to purchase either the Xbox One S or the One X as the base console doesn’t support such high-quality content.

Below is a table detailing all of the notable video features for each Xbox One model.

Xbox OneXbox One SXbox One X
Max Resolution1080p4K but only for videoNative 4K
HDR supportNoYesYes
Optical driveBlu-Ray4K UHD Blu-Ray4K UHD Blu-Ray
Storage spaceUp to 1TBUp to 1TBUp to 2TB
CPUCustom 1.75 GHz AMD 8-core APUCustom 1.75 GHz AMD 8-core APUCustom 2.3 GHz AMD 8-core APU
Memory8GB DDR38GB DDR312GB GDDR5

As you can see in the table, both the Xbox One S and One X models are fantastic for watching Ultra HD Blu-Ray movies. The base model just isn’t capable of handling such a high resolution.

But if you have to choose between the two, you should go for the One X. Its support for Native 4K resolution means it’s actually reaching that high quality.

This is especially important if you decide to use your Xbox One for playing video games. It ensures the quality of those titles actually reaches that high.

The Xbox One S has to use various upscaling techniques to reach 4K resolution; more so than the X model. Ideally, there shouldn’t be a difference between upscaling and native 4k, but there is.

Upscaled 4K isn’t as good. You may encounter some performance issues or graphical glitches if you try to play content at 4K resolution on the S model. For the Xbox One X, graphical issues aren’t as impactful.

Can you watch Blu-ray on Xbox One offline?

Going to the main question: yes, you can actually watch Blu-ray movies on any Xbox One console offline. Doing so will require you to go into the console’s settings and reconfigure it.

The following solutions go for all Xbox One models.

1. Go offline

  1. On your Xbox One, scroll all the way to the left of the Home Screen, and in the new section, select Settings.
  2. Click the General tab and open Network settings.
  3. Next, click Go offline.
  4. Go back to the General tab and select Personalization.
  5. On the following page, click My home Xbox. Ignore everything else, or if you want, you can customize your console’s look.
  6. Finally, select Make this my home Xbox.

The final few steps will solidify your Xbox profile with its configurations as the main one.

That way, you won’t have to go back into Settings and go offline every time you turn on the console and want to watch a movie. Of course, you can revert the settings any time you want.

2. Connect via hotspot

  1. Turn on the mobile hotspot feature on your smartphone.
  2. On the Xbox One, go to Settings again, stay on the General tab, and select Network settings.
  3. Click Set up wireless network then choose your phone’s connection.
  4. Enter the password of the network, then give your console a few seconds to connect to your phone.

After that, you’re ready to watch Blu-ray movies at any time you want. And you can do this with any phone too; so long as it can provide a hotspot.

Do I need to download the Xbox One Blu-ray player app?

In order to watch a Blu-ray movie on the Xbox One, you will need to download the Blu-ray player app, and it’s easy to do this. There are two ways to go about it.

The first method is simply to insert the disc into the console, at which point the Xbox will detect that it’s a Blu-ray and give you the opportunity to download the app from the Xbox Store.

Install it, and after a few seconds, the movie will begin to play automatically. The second method will have you go into Xbox Store.

  1. Go to the Xbox Store from the Home screen. If you don’t see the Store, go to Settings and click Add more.
  2. Find the Store tile and select Add to Home.
  3. On the Store, type Blu-ray in the search bar, and the Blu-ray Player app should appear at the top.
  4. Select Install to get the app.

How do I play a non-Blu-ray DVD on Xbox One?

There’s no difference between playing a Blu-ray and a non-Bluray DVD on any Xbox One model. According to Microsoft’s Xbox support page, all you have to do is insert the DVD.

The movie will begin playing automatically. You won’t even need a player app to watch standard DVDs. But if you have the Blu-ray Player app from the previous solution, it will play from there instead.

Feel free to comment below if you have questions about any of the Xbox One consoles. Also, leave comments about guides you’d like to see or information on other Xbox features or guides like this.

6 Fixes to We’re Sorry but Something Went Wrong on Instagram

Posted on by Madalina Dinita

Instagram is one of the most popular social media platforms allowing you to use two accounts. And what is even more impressive is that Instagram Live is available to both PC and mobile users.

However, sometimes, the app might not work correctly, as you won’t be able to run it in normal conditions.

When attempting to connect, you’ll get a message from Instagram which says the following:

We’re sorry, but something went wrong. Please try again.

Users described ending up with a crashed program or not being allowed to load any posts. Moreover, from what we found, issues can also appear when sending DMs to friends, among others:

  • Something went wrong 6 Instagram
  • Instagram Ad Tools: something went wrong
  • Instagram boost posts something went wrong – These occur randomly or due to poor updates. You’ll not be able to upload posts, load, or view them.
  • We’re sorry, but something went wrong (Instagram profile)
  • Sorry, something went wrong creating your account. Please try again soon.
  • Instagram we’re sorry something went wrong blocked
  • We’re sorry, but something went wrong. Please try again Instagram reels

The Instagram something went wrong error was just one example, but you might encounter some other annoying issues:

  • Issues with Facebook permissions – If you accidentally deleted Instagram from your Facebook account, you’ll not be allowed to post from one to another.
  • Comment problems – Note that you’ll not be able to leave a comment that includes more than 5 username mentions, beyond 30 hashtags, or multiple times posted.
  • You can’t follow any more people on Instagram error – In case you rapidly try getting in touch with numerous people, Instagram may temporarily ban you for bot-like behavior.
  • Story problems – If Instagram is crashed, you’ll not be able to load stories.
  • The Action Blocked Instagram message – As mentioned before, the app usually limits users for suspicious account behavior.
  • Account restriction – If you violate the terms of use, you may get the we limit certain activity to protect our community error message.

This may cause the platform to crash or just stop you from posting on Instagram, and we understand how irritating it can be.

We selected only the best options to quickly solve this annoying issue. Make sure you keep reading our guide to find them all. But first, what does we’re sorry but something went wrong Instagram mean?

Let’s see some common reasons why the error shows up in the first place.

Why does Instagram say we’re sorry, but something went wrong?

There are two main leading causes for Instagram bugs: the service is down or there is a problem with your Internet connection.

Before assuming that Instagram has glitches, you should check whether the app is down worldwide or not. Yes, note that sometimes it faces issues globally, and other times it only affects specific regions.

However, account glitches are the most common reasons that explain the Instagram error: We’re sorry, but something went wrong appears.

Quick Tip:

Try opening the platform using Opera One. It has built-in integrations for Instagram, both for computer apps and mobile. Enter your credentials and access the feed from the sidebar.

Opera One is a secure browser, with anti-tracking features, plus a free, unlimited VPN to make sure all your private data stays protected.

Opera One

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What to do when Instagram says sorry something went wrong?

Before we dig in, here are some useful things to keep in mind:

  • Check your internet connection
  • Restart or reset the app by closing and reopening it
  • Restart your device

1. Make sure the Instagram server is available

Sometimes, Instagram servers can be temporarily unavailable. You can confirm this by using a live outage map online or asking your friends if they are having the same issue.

Just confirm that the problem is only related to your account and not to the entire Instagram server.

2. Login through Facebook

  1. Open Instagram.
  2. Click on Log In with Facebook.
  3. Now, check if the error persists. 

Note that this can only be possible if you had earlier connected these two accounts. So, it is advisable to get your Facebook and Instagram accounts connected.

Linking them can prevent them from being hacked and help quickly resolve the Sorry something went wrong Instagram error.

Since the day Facebook bought Instagram, the connection between the two of them has become extremely significant. There are even some features, like Instagram ads, that you can enjoy through Facebook.

If these options don’t work for your situation, check and try the other listed ones.

3. Use the Windows Instagram app

  1. Open your device running the Windows 10 OS.
  2. Hit the Windows key, then search for Microsoft Store, and open it.
  3. Once Microsoft Store is opened, search for Instagram, then click on the first recommended option.
  4. Now, click on the Get button.
  5. Install the app by following the on-screen instructions.
  6. Log in and check if the issue is still there.

In case the Instagram app is not working on your computer, we prepared some useful tips to help you solve the issue right away. Up next, you are clearly ready to contact your friends, so check out how to send direct messages from your PC.

4. Temporarily disable your account

  1. Go to the web version of Instagram, and navigate to your profile account.
  2. Click on Edit Profile.
  3. Scroll down, then click on the Temporarily disable my account option at the bottom.
  4. Wait for about 2-3 hours.
  5. After waiting, enable your Instagram account and check if the problem is resolved.

We’re sorry but something went wrong Instagram errors might occur randomly, so temporarily disabling your account can clear the app from any glitches.

In case you choose to use this option, your photos, comments, and likes will be hidden until you reactivate your profile. Also, note that you can only disable the Instagram account from a computer or mobile browser.

5. Uninstall and reinstall the Instagram app

Note icon NOTE
While you’re at it, you might want to first check that you have the latest version of Instagram installed on your PC. Go ahead and check for updates within the Microsoft Store.

If there are no updates available or if the error message persists, try uninstalling and reinstalling the app.

You can quickly uninstall and reinstall your Instagram app yet keep in mind that this solution works only if you’re using the Windows Instagram app.

Uninstalling the app on your phone or computer will only delete it. All your content, like photos, tags, likes, or comments will still be there.

When you reinstall Instagram, sign back in as uninstalling it will log you out. The process doesn’t do anything to your profile and everything will be the same when you start using the app again.

6. Contact Instagram Help Center

  1. Open the Windows 10 version of Instagram, then go to your profile.
  2. Click on the Settings and more options icon marked as a gear.
  3. Choose to Report a Problem.
  4. Briefly explain what happened. Note that you can additionally add files with screenshots of the error.
  5. Click on Send Report.

Even if Instagram users sometimes face random issues, this remains one of the most popular social media platforms.

According to DataReportal, Instagram is the fourth most popular social platform worldwide, after Facebook, YouTube, and WhatsApp. The 2022 study shows that Instagram has registered 1.440 billion global active users.

So, no matter how many issues it can bring up, our presented app will always be on top of the most-used social media tools.

You’ve already seen potential solutions that might help you fix the Sorry, something went wrong Instagram error.

However, if you notice that your Instagram account is already connected to a Facebook page, reconnecting the accounts can resolve the issue, and this isn’t the only tip to apply.

We also have a guide on what to do if your Instagram story is stuck uploading, so don’t miss it.

Do you have any other questions regarding the above procedures? Feel free to share them with us by simply leaving a comment in the dedicated section below.

How to Mirror Screen Windows 10 to Roku [Step-by-Step Guide]

Posted on by Ivan Jenic

Screen mirroring technology can be great if you have a Roku TV and need to stream videos from a Windows 10 PC. While this might sound straightforward and easy, it actually requires you to know the steps to follow.

In this guide, we will provide you with all the needed information to mirror your PC screen to your TV and enjoy the advantage of the big screen.

How to check if your Windows 10 device is Miracast enabled

  1. Press the Windows key + I to open the Settings app and select the System option.
    system roku screen mirroring windows 10
  2. Scroll down to the Multiple display section.
  3. Now, check if the Connect to a wireless display option is available. If this option is unavailable, your PC does not have Miracast.
    connect to

Typically, your Roku device should run at least Roku OS version 7.7 to mirror automatically. In any case, it is always best to ensure you are running the latest OS version.

Also, Roku Express model 3900 and Roku Express+ model 3910 support screen mirroring. Specifically, the Model 3910 support mirroring on HDMI output only and not in any other way.

How to cast Windows 10 PC to Roku?

1. Enable screen mirroring on Roku

  1. Press the Home button on your Roku TV remote and select the Settings option.
    settings roku screen mirroring windows 10
  2. Select the System option.
    system tv
  3. Now, select Screen mirroring when the System settings open.
    screen mirroring roku screen mirroring windows 10
  4. Finally, choose Screen mirroring mode and select Always allow.
    always allow

The first step to mirror your Windows 10 screen on your Roku TV is to enable screen mirroring on the device. This makes the process easier.

2. Mirror Windows 10 to Roku using Miracast

  1. Click the message icon in the bottom right corner of your Taskbar and select the Expand option.
    expand roku screen mirroring windows 10
  2. Select the Connect option.
    connect
  3. Now, choose your Roku TV from the available options.
    ultra
  4. Finally, select the Allow option on your Roku TV when prompted.

With this, you can now view everything on your PC on the big screen. Lastly, if you want to cast Windows 10 to Roku without Miracast, you need to use a reliable third-party tool.

Why can’t I mirror my PC to Roku?

Below are some of the reasons you might not be able to mirror your PC to Roku:

  • Firewall interference
  • Outdated PC
  • Wrong TV settings
  • Incompatible system requirement

With this, we can conclude this detailed article on how to cast Windows 10 to Roku using the screen mirroring feature. We believe you now have everything you need to complete the task easily with the information in this guide.

If you are also looking for ways to get a browser on your Roku TV, check our detailed guide to do it quickly.

Feel free to let us know in the comments below if you encounter any issues applying the steps above.

Microsoft acquires Fungible to boost innovation in datacenter

Posted on by Radu Tyrsina

Essentially, datacenters are in place to ensure that the company is able to deliver Azure, Office 365, and Dynamics 365, along with enterprise-grade reliability and performance combined with data residency. Microsoft has been making considerable strides to ensure that it is hitting these goals, which is why it has been taking elaborate measures to ensure that it’s optimizing efficiency in the datacenters.

Though the process has not been a clear path, we have seen a hold being placed on two of its new Irish datacenters because Ireland’s state-owned electrical utility provider was having a hard time keeping the lights on with its existing datacenters.

However, things have since gotten back on track and Microsoft has now acquired Fungible in a bid to accelerate innovation in its datacenters to build further upon its premise of enhancing efficiency.

The acquisition of Fungible, an organization that majors in composable infrastructure will help Microsoft boost networking as well as storage performance in datacenters “with high-efficiency, low-power data processing units (DPUs).”

What’s more, this acquisition goes a long way to show Microsoft’s investment and dedication to ensuring that its datacenters are functioning at an optimum level. This is because latency, offloading, and server density will ultimately be improved across the datacenters which will in turn significantly cut down the cost implication the company incurs.