Outlook doesn’t support the connection encryption type [FIX]

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

Outlook users are reporting Outlook does not support the connection encryption type error after installing a new update for Windows OS and Microsoft Office 2010 and above. This error prevents the user from sending and receiving emails on their Outlook client.

Since this error is so problematic, today we’ll show you how to fix it.

What to do if Outlook does not support the connection encryption type?

1. Check your connection

This error usually occurs if the user’s computer does not have a stable Internet connection. The first thing you should do here is to check whether you have a working Internet connection.
Try to open any web page and check if the Internet connection is fast enough to work with the Outlook client.

2. Check your Outlook Email Client Settings for SSL

Launch Outlook and click on File.
From the right pane click on Account Settings and select Account Settings from the drop-down menu.
Next click on Change Account Settings.
Click on More Settings.
Open the Advanced tab.
Here uncheck “This server required an encrypted connection (SSL)” option.
On New version of Outlook, click the Security tab after clicking on More Settings.
Uncheck “Encrypt data between Microsoft Outlook and Microsoft Exchange”.
Click Apply and OK to save the changes.
Click on Next to change the profile settings.
Close the Account Settings window and check if you are able to resolve the error.

3. Uninstall feature update

Click on Start and select Settings.
Click on Update and Security.
Click on Windows Update.
Click on View update history.
Under View Update History, click on Uninstall Updates.
Now go through the installed updates and select the most recently installed KB update. Select the update click on Uninstall.
After the updates are uninstalled, reboot the system and check for any improvements.

4. Turn Off Firewall

Click on Start and select Settings.
Go to Update and Security.
Click on Windows Security.
Click on Firewall and Network Protection.
Click on current active network and turn off Windows Defender Firewall.
If you have antivirus software running, check if the antivirus program has its own firewall.
Also, disable your antivirus software for an hour, and check if that helps.

5. Repair Outlook

Press Windows Key + R to open Run.
Type control and press OK.
Now go to Programs > Programs and Features.
Select Microsoft Office and click on Change button.
In the Repair Window, you will two options. Quick Repair and Online Repair.
First, select Quick Repair as it does not require Internet connection and the repair process is quick. After that, check if the Outlook client is working fine.
If that does not work, click on Online Repair and click the Repair button. Wait for the repair process to complete.

There you go, several quick solutions that might help you fix Outlook does not support the connection encryption type, so be sure to try them all.

How To Send Secure Email In Outlook [Full Guide]

Posted on January 4, 2023July 11, 2024 by Claire Moraa

Have you ever sent an email to the wrong person or meant to send it to one person but mistakenly sent it to someone else? For example, you may want to send confidential information over email, but you don’t want your message to be easily accessible.

To prevent unauthorized access, you can use Outlook to encrypt the message. Read on to find out how to send secure email in Outlook.

Does Outlook offer secure email?

Outlook offers secure email features. Most people are familiar with the basic security features, such as the ability to password-protect emails and prevent recipients from forwarding or copying messages. But there’s more to Outlook security than that.

Encrypted email – Although there exists email encryption software, Outlook also offers secure mail by encrypting messages and attachments. This means that no one can read them except for the intended recipient. Encrypted emails are sent using Transport Layer Security (TLS) or Secure Sockets Layer (SSL), which is a protocol used to verify the identity of a server and create an encrypted connection.
Office 365 Message Encryption – Office 365 Message Encryption is a service that lets you send and receive encrypted emails. This can be useful if you want to protect information from unauthorized access, for example, when sending sensitive documents to external parties. It also works with most email clients.
S/MIME certificates – S/MIME stands for Secure/Multipurpose Internet Mail Extensions and is an open standard for public key-private key encryption and signing of email messages. S/MIME uses RSA encryption technology to digitally sign and encrypt emails so that only the intended recipients can view them.
Signatures – These are for adding an extra layer of protection against spoofing and phishing attacks. They make sure that each message you send is coming from an authorized account by verifying that it’s actually coming from your inbox address. You can also use email signature software if the built-in doesn’t offer much customization. Alternatively, you can add email-scanning software to check for malware.
Outlook add-ins – In addition to the built-in protection for Outlook, there are several third-party security add-ins available in the Office Store that can help you protect your email account. Outlook add-ins are small programs that can be used to extend the functionality of Outlook.

How can I send a secure email in Outlook?

1. Individual email messages

Launch the Outlook app and click on New email.
Navigate to the Options tab and click on the arrow next to More options.
In the Properties dialog that pops up, click on Security Settings.
The Security Properties dialog will open and check the Encrypt message contents and attachments box.
Go to Security under Security setting, and in the drop-down menu, select S/MIME certificate, then press OK.
Now, when you send the message, it will be encrypted.

Outlook users who want to send S/MIME-protected emails must install a S/MIME certificate on their computer and configure their Outlook settings accordingly.

2. All emails

Click on File at the top left corner of the Outlook homepage and select Options.
Navigate to Trust Center, then select Trust Center Settings.
Select Email Security and check the Encrypt contents and attachments for outgoing messages box.
Now click on Settings under Encrypted email.
Navigate to Certificates and Algorithms, and under Signing certificate, select S/MIME certificate, then press OK.

What does encrypting an email do?

Encrypting an email is a way to protect the contents of your message from being accessed by others. If you’re sending sensitive information over email, it’s essential to ensure that no one but the intended recipient can read it.

The encryption process occurs in two steps. First, you need to encrypt the message so that nobody can read it without the correct key. Then, it would be best if you decrypted it with the right key. So, how do you open an encrypted email in Outlook?

You’ll see a lock icon next to the sender’s name if you receive an encrypted email. You can open the email by clicking the lock icon. You will then be prompted to enter the security key to reveal the content of the email.

Encrypting your emails doesn’t mean you send them in secret code. It just means that only the person with the correct decryption key can open them. Now that you know encryption, you may wonder: Where is my Send Secure button in Outlook?

When you send a new email message, you can find the Send Secure button under the File option at the top left corner.

And that’s how to send emails using Outlook securely. Should you encounter any issues, such as Outlook failing to open in Windows 11, we have a dedicated guide for you.

Outlook.com is part of the Microsoft Office suite, so it’s no surprise that it offers a few email security features, among other noteworthy features you need to look out for. And should you encounter issues sending encrypted emails, check out our article.

Further, you can install multi-factor authentication software to add an extra layer of protection for all your accounts.

We also have an exciting comparison of Outlook vs. Gmail if you are in the market for a reliable email client.

Let us know what other security measures you have when sending emails below.

Fix: Printer Printing Blank Pages in Between [HP, Epson, Canon]

Posted on January 4, 2023October 23, 2025 by Milan Stanojevic

We print various documents frequently, but some users reported that their printer runs a blank page between every printed page.

Obviously, the printer printing blank pages in between is no standard scenario and it can be frustrating to deal with. In comes the big question: why does my printer print blank pages in between?

The issue is most likely related to your drivers, so be sure to reinstall or update them. However, the root cause is often tricky to find and you can even deal with a conjunction of factors.

Why does my printer print a blank page after every printed page?

When using your browser to print, third-party extensions can also cause havoc. If your printer prints blank pages every other page, disabling these modules could help.

Improper printer settings, debris or junk accumulated in the cartridges or trays as well as other features can be responsible for printer printing blank pages in between issues.

And speaking of printer issues, here are some common problems that users reported:

Printer prints blank page after each job
Printer skipping pages
HP, Epson, Brother, Canon printer printing extra blank pages, blank pages in between
Printer runs a blank page between every printed page
Printer prints blank pages every other page
Google Docs printing blank pages every other page – If Google Docs is not printing as it should, you might want to quickly clean up the browser’s cache.
Printer printing blank pages but has ink
Printer print a blank page first
Thermal, wireless printer printing blank pages
Printer prints blank pages but prints test page

This can be an annoying problem, and in today’s article, we’ll show you how to fix it properly. Just check out the solutions listed below.

How do I stop my printer from printing extra blank pages?

Make sure that your cartridges are clean
Perform a self-cleaning process
Update your driver
Reinstall your printer driver
Clean your tray solenoid
Make sure that the separators feature isn’t enabled
Turn off advanced printing features
Uncheck the print header/footer option

1. Make sure that your cartridges are clean

If you’re using an ink-jet printer, the problem might be your cartridges. According to users, sometimes your cartridges can get clogged, and that will lead to this problem.

To fix the issue, it’s advised to carefully clean them using a soft cloth. After cleaning the cartridges, check if the problem is still there.

2. Perform a self-cleaning process

Go to the printer Control Panel and press and hold the Go button for about 3 seconds until all lights are on your printer.
Once the lights are on release the Go button.
When the process is finished, check if the problem is still there.

If the printer runs a blank page between every printed page, perhaps you can fix the problem by performing a self-cleaning process.

This is fairly simple to do, and in order to do it, simply follow the steps indicated above.

We have to mention that this process is different for each printer, so you might have to do a bit of research or check your instruction manual in order to see how to perform this procedure.

3. Update your drivers

Printer problems can be caused by outdated drivers, and if the printer runs a blank page between every printed page, we advise you to update your printer driver to the latest version.

To do that, visit the manufacturer’s website and download the latest drivers for your printer. As expected, you need to know the correct model of your printer and which drivers to grab.

If this sounds a bit complicated for you, there are many great third-party tools that can help you with that. Outbyte Driver Updater, for example, is a reliable software tool to take into consideration.

Long story short, it will update all your drivers on your PC with just a couple of clicks.

It can basically keep your system safe from any potential malfunction caused by the installation of the wrong driver version.

Therefore, install it right away using the link below and after your drivers are up to date, check if the problem is still there.

⇒ Get Outbyte Driver Updater

4. Reinstall your printer driver

1. Disconnect your printer and turn it off.
2. Open Device Manager. To do that, press Windows Key + X and choose Device Manager from the list.
3. Locate your printer driver, right-click it, and choose Uninstall device.
4. If available, check Remove driver software for this device and click Uninstall.

When your printer runs a blank page between every printed page, the problem is most likely related to your drivers.

If your driver is corrupted, that might lead to this problem. To fix the issue, users are suggesting reinstalling your printer driver.

This is fairly simple to do, and you can do it by following the above steps.

Once you uninstall the printer driver, restart your PC. Once the PC restarts, connect your printer and turn it on. Windows will try to install the default driver for your printer.

If the default driver is installed, check if the problem is still there. If the problem is still there or if the driver wasn’t installed, move to the next solution.

5. Clean your tray solenoid

According to users, if the printer runs a blank page between every printed page, it’s possible that there’s an issue with your tray solenoid.

Sometimes these solenoids can become sticky, and that will cause your printer to use more paper than it needs.

To fix the problem, you need to open your printer and find these two solenoids and clean them. In addition, you might want to clean the solenoid for the duplexer as well.

We have to warn you that this is an advanced procedure, and unless you’re fairly familiar with your printer and its components, we suggest contacting a professional.

It’s also worth mentioning that this process will void your warranty, so if the device is still under warranty, perhaps it would be best to send it to the official repair center.

6. Make sure that the separators feature isn’t enabled

Press Windows Key + S and choose Control Panel from the list of results.
When the Control Panel opens, navigate to Devices and Printers.
Locate your printer, right-click it, and choose Printing Preferences.
Go to the Paper tab and there you should see the Separators option. Set it to No Separators and save changes.

Many printers support the separators feature, and by using this feature you’ll print a blank page between every printer page.

However, this feature can be disabled easily from printer properties. To do that, just follow the above procedure.

After disabling this feature, the problem should be resolved and everything will start working again.

7. Turn off advanced printing features

Open the Devices and Printer panel as we showed you in the previous solution.
Locate your printer, right-click it, and choose Printer preferences.
Go to the Advanced tab and disable all features.

According to users, if the printer runs a blank page between every printed page, the problem might be the printer’s properties.

Apparently, the advanced printing features can interfere with your printer and cause this problem, but you can disable them by doing as described above.

8. Uncheck the print header/footer option

Click the Menu button in the top right corner and choose More tools > Extensions.
Disable all extensions on the list by clicking the switch next to each extension.
After disabling the extensions, restart Chrome and check if the problem is still there.

Sometimes, such issues can appear while printing documents from Google Chrome. If your printer is printing blank pages in between, it’s possible that the Print header/footer feature is causing this issue.

To fix the problem, simply disable this option while printing from Chrome. If the problem is still there, it’s possible that the problem is caused by your extensions.

To fix this, disable all extensions and check if that solves the issue. If the issue doesn’t appear, enable extensions one by one until you manage to recreate the problem.

In case the issue is still here, you might want to try resetting Chrome to the default and check if that solves the problem.

Speaking of printer issues, many reported that printer is printing even pages first, and we wrote more about that issue in one of our new guides.

Which one worked for you? Tell us more in the comments area below.

How we Fixed Outlook Scheduling Assistant Greyed Out

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

Microsoft Outlook is one of the best email clients on Windows 10. Despite that, Scheduling Assistant is sometimes greyed out and users don’t know how to solve this issue.

When a certain on-premise Outlook user opens the Scheduling Assistant to set up a meeting, Free/Busy shows as greyed out. This is one of the many Free/Busy information retrieval issues and the weirdest part is that accessing the shared Calendar seems to work fine.

Only booking a meeting by using the Scheduling Assistant leads to the same annoying hash marks you’re also seeing. We are here to share with you a couple of procedures that will surely solve this problem, provided that you’re eager to take matters into your own hands.

Thus, to learn more about fixing this Outlook Scheduling Assistant error, continue reading.

What can I do if Outlook scheduling assistant is greyed out?

1. Delete the cache and let Outlook recreate it

Open Outlook and access your mailbox.
In the Outlook main window, click the File menu.
Select the option for Account Settings.
Select your Outlook Exchange account.
Then, click on the Change button.
It’s time to uncheck the option for Use Cached Exchange Mode.
Up next, exit out of Outlook.
Return to the Change Account settings to turn on the Use Cached Exchange Mode button.
Again, close out of the menus to exit Outlook.
Open Outlook for re-caching.

Note: This procedure can take up to several hours, depending on how much data you have in the cloud.

Outlook uses a feature called caching to communicate with servers for a better view of your email that resides on a collection of servers. This involves storing remote data temporarily on the local computer, so if the cache is corrupted, then lots of strange things seem to happen all of a sudden.

Scheduling Assistant appearing as greyed out could be one of them, so follow the instructions above to remedy potential Outlook caching issues.

2. Delete Outlook entry for the affected recipient

Trying to book a meeting should work like a breeze, yet those hash marks in Scheduling Assistant prove otherwise. If accessing the shared folder is working, then try deleting the entry for the affected recipient in Outlook.

After completing this simple fix, many users forget all about the corruption of that entry and everything starts working again.

3. Run Test E-mail AutoConfiguration

Alternatively, you may check the WebServices Virtual Directory settings, and run the Test E-mail AutoConfiguration on the Outlook client.

Verify the URLs returned from the server. If there’s nothing out of order here, it could be a misconfiguration proxy issue.

Conclusion

Not being able to see the Free/Busy status when in the Scheduling Assistant in Outlook is frustrating. The entire row is grayed out, yet simple fixes such as the ones described here should do the trick. Browse through the page to find the right solution for you.

If you need further assistance, then you can always contact us by using the comments area below.

READ ALSO:

5 Easy Fixes to Facebook Loading Slow on PC [All Browsers]

Posted on January 4, 2023October 22, 2025 by Loredana Harsana

The multitude of social media features dedicated to sharing videos and photos in real time often causes Facebook to run slow. This happens on all browsers.

While other sites might load at a regular speed, Facebook will still have issues because it is a complex platform and needs quite a few resources.

However, it’s not just something that happens out of the blue. You might, therefore, ask why Facebook is so slow sometimes. So, why does Facebook take so long to load?

Let’s take a closer look to see what that’s all about.

Why is Facebook so slow on my computer?

Loading issues are closely linked to faulty, weak, or otherwise impaired Internet connections, so you might want to start troubleshooting by closely examining your network.

If you have tested your network and it’s fast, but Facebook is still loading slowly, try closing some tabs from your browser and other unnecessary apps. Every tab and app consumes resources (CPU and RAM), and Facebook needs its fair share.

Finally, browser extensions are known to interfere with other apps and programs frequently, so you might want to rule out this possibility as well.

Facebook is slow on Chrome, loading slowly on Firefox
Facebook is slow, but the Internet fast
The Facebook app is slow-loading
Facebook loading problem
Facebook slow-loading pictures

In this article, we will bring a few easy solutions to help you fix this problem on your current web browser too.

How do I fix Facebook loading problems?

1. Delete the browser cache and cookies

Start Chrome.
Click on the Settings menu (the three vertical dots), hover on History, and then select History from the context menu.
LClick on the Clear browsing data option.
From the drop-down menu, select a Time range for which you want to clear the cache.
Checkmark all the boxes, then click on Clear data. You may keep the Browsing history if you really need to.

When a browser or a web app starts to move slower, you should immediately think about clearing the cookies and cache files.

We have shown you how to clear the cache and cookies from Chrome, but the procedure is very similar to any other popular browser out there.

2. Disable extensions on your browser

2.1 Google Chrome

Open Chrome.
Click the Extensions icon (that looks like a piece of a puzzle) from the top right and select Manage extensions.
Disable all the third-party toolbars installed.

Why is Facebook so slow on Chrome? Well, browser extensions are known to slow down your browsing experience and this can impact all online programs that you might be using, including Facebook.

Thus, you might want to disable these modules if Facebook is loading slowly.

2.2 Mozilla Firefox

Open the browser, access the Tools menu, and select Add-ons to open a window.
Select the Extensions or Plugins section.
Click on the extension you want to disable and then choose Disable.

If Facebook is not working on Firefox, you might need to disable the pug-ins or complementary modules in order to give it a proper boost.

We have outlined how to disable Chrome and Firefox extensions because most readers who complain about slow Facebook are using them. However, the method is very similar if you’re using another browser.

3. Use a reliable VPN

Even if you have a good Internet connection, using a high-quality VPN is the best option for fixing Facebook running slow on all browsers.

With PIA, you get the best and most secure VPN experience thanks to features like high-speed downloads and ad-blocking services that protect your PC from ads, malware, and more.

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4. Remove and reinstall the browser

Go to the Start menu, then select Control Panel.
Click Add/Remove Programs.
Choose the browser from the list and click Remove.
Restart your PC.

Sometimes, the best way to make your browser load correctly is to reinstall it. This solution will also improve your PC performance, and your Facebook will load faster.

5. Use a different browser

Facebook is working on many browsers, and if you’re not happy with the results, even if you’ve reinstalled yours, you should consider replacing it.

Luckily, we have a selection of the best browsers for Facebook. You should test a few and see which one is better for you.

Problems with Facebook Memories may also cause this issue, so read this article for more information.

We also have a great guide on how to fix You were misusing this feature by going too fast error, so you might want to check it out.

As you can see, several issues can cause Facebook to run slow on all browsers. We’d love to hear your opinion, so don’t leave the comments section.

Starfield may release on International Day of Human Space Flight (April 12)

Posted on January 4, 2023 by Robert Collins

It is one of the most anticipated games of the decade thus far, and Starfield will most likely arrive at last sometime in 2023. While an official release date has not been announced, it seems all but certain it will fall within the first half of the year (as confirmed on the game’s newly up-and-running support page over on Bethesda.net), with many pointing to May or June.

However, some fans are speculating that Starfield’s release could come a bit sooner. On April 12th, to be exact: the International Day of Human Space Flight. The idea was first brought up on the Starfield subreddit, with one user stating on a separate subreddit that “that would be very fitting.”

Comment from discussion Shadow27AU’s comment from discussion "The official Starfield support page went live today.".

While this is purely fan speculation, such a move would be perfectly in line with Bethesda’s history of aiming for memorable release dates for its games, as it did with the 11/11/11 release date for The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim. We will just have to wait and see—though likely not too much longer—if these fans are truly on to Bethesda’s plans.

Via Game Rant.

Catch the huge Xbox Last Chance sale before it ends

Posted on January 4, 2023 by Robert Collins

There have been a lot of big deals on Xbox games lately with the Black Friday and end-of-year Countdown sales. The season of savings continues—but only for a short time—with the massive Xbox Last Chance sale.

These deals are expected to last up to around January 10th, though individual game discounts may vary. Literally hundreds of deals on Xbox games are up for grabs, some of them as much as a whopping 80% off! While it is far too much to go into here, we’ve listed some of the highlights below. Feel free to check out all the deals of the Xbox Last Chance sale on Xbox.com.

Assassin’s Creed Vahlhalla Complete Edition—$48.99 (65% off)
Dying Light: The Following – Enhanced Edition—$8.99 (70% off)
Far Cry 6 Gold Edition—$32.99 (65% off)
Gotham Knights—$34.99 (50% off)
Marvel’s Midnight Suns Digital+ Edition—$53.99 (33% off)
New Tales from the Borderlands: Deluxe Edition—$24.99 (50% off)
Red Dead Redemption 2: Ultimate Edition—$29.99 (70% off)
Resident Evil Village—$19.99 (50% off)
Tekken 7 – Originals Edition—$14.99 (85% off)
The Outer Worlds: Board-Approved Bundle—$35.99 (55% off)

More deals await with the Xbox Last Chance sale, and there is bound to be something for every type of gamer. Is there anything on our list that has you excited for the sale? Let us know in the comments.

Featured image via Xbox.com.

Too Many Different Cell Formats in Excel Error: Fix it

Posted on January 4, 2023November 6, 2023 by Matthew Adams

The Too many different cell formats error message is one that can pop up for some Microsoft Excel users when they try to add formatting to a spreadsheet cell (or cell range).

Or the error message might pop up when you try to copy cells and data from another spreadsheet file or source into a sheet.

Consequently, Excel users can’t apply further formatting to the spreadsheet when that error message pops up.

The cell formats error occurs when an Excel file reaches the maximum number of cell format combinations.

Excel 2003 users can add a maximum of 4,000 unique cell formatting combinations to a spreadsheet. You can apply 64,000 unique cell format combinations in later Excel versions.

Those might be large figures but remember that unique formatting counts any kind of cell formatting for fonts, borders, alignment, numbers, fill colors, etc. So a large spreadsheet might reach the max formatting amount.

Does the Too many different cell formats error message pop up for one or more, of your Excel spreadsheets? If so, check out the “cell formats” error fixes below.

How do I fix common Excel cell format errors?

1. Clear all the spreadsheet’s cell formatting

Press the Ctrl + A hotkey to select all the cells in the spreadsheet.
Select the Home tab shown directly below.

Press the Clear button to open the submenu in the snapshot directly below.

Then select the Clear Formats option. Thereafter, you can apply new formatting to the spreadsheet.

Wrong formatting can also cause

2. Repair the Spreadsheet With Stellar Repair for Excel

An Excel file might also be corrupted if the cell formats error message pops up when you try to open it. You can fix corrupted Excel spreadsheets with the Stellar Repair for Excel software for Windows.

You can also try out a demo version of the software by clicking Free Download.

When you’ve installed and opened the software, you can click Select File to select the spreadsheet that might be corrupted.

Click Scan to start the scanning. After that, you’ll see a preview of the corrupted file; and can press the Repair button to fix it.

So that’s how you can fix the Too many different cell formats error. Reducing unique cell formatting in spreadsheets will certainly resolve the issue when you can edit the sheets.

If you can’t open the file in Excel, check out the Style Reduction Tool and Stellar Repair for Excel software, or try editing the spreadsheet with an alternative application.

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3. Add a standard font to all cells and remove fill colors

First, press the Ctrl + A keyboard shortcut to select all spreadsheet cells.
Then click the font menu on the Home tab to select a new font for all the cells.

Click the Fill Color button to open the palette as in the snapshot directly below.

Select the No Fill option to remove all fill colors from the spreadsheet. Then all the spreadsheet cells will have the same font and will not include any fill color formatting.

Clearing all a sheet’s formatting, however, might be a slightly drastic fix. If you prefer to retain some of the formatting in the spreadsheet, reducing the amount of unique cell formatting is a better fix.

One of the best ways to do that is to add a standardized font to the spreadsheet so that all the cells have the same font.

In addition, removing all separate fill colors in an Excel sheet might also reduce the amount of unique cell formatting.

4. Select the Clean Excess Cell Formatting option

Click the File tab and select Options to open the Excel Options window.

Click Add-ins on the left of the Excel Options window.
Then click the Manage drop-down menu to select COM Add-ins.
Select the Inquire check box in the COM Add-ins window, and then press the OK button.
Thereafter, you can select an Inquire tab on the Excel window.
Click the Clean Excess Cell Formatting button on the Inquire tab.
Select to clean all worksheets in the spreadsheet. Thereafter, click Yes to save the spreadsheet changes.

Remember that blank Excel spreadsheet cells can also include formatting.

For example, a column will include the same font formatting in blank cells and those with data in them if you apply the same font to the whole column.

Thus, blank cells that aren’t in use can also increase the number of uniquely formatted cells and cause # Value error; read this guide to learn more about it.

As such, removing excess formatting from a spreadsheet is another potential resolution for the “cell formats” error.

You can do that quickly with the Inquire add-on’s Excess Cell Formatting option. Inquire is an add-on in Excel 2013 and more recent versions.

5. Check out the Style Reduction Tool for Microsoft Excel

The Too many different cell formats error message might pop up when some users try to open a spreadsheet file.

Consequently, the Excel spreadsheet file doesn’t open, and the users can’t get rid of cell formatting as outlined above. In such circumstances, the Style reduction tool for Excel might be worth noting.

That’s a utility that fixes the cell formats error by reducing duplicate formatting styles.

Click the Download button to save the software to a folder. Then open the Style reduction tool window shown below, and click the File button to select the spreadsheet to fix.

Press the Analyze button to scan for duplicate styles, and click Fix to remove the formatting.

6. Open the file in alternative spreadsheet software

Alternatively, you could try opening the Excel file in alternative software. Then, you might be able to open and apply more formatting to the spreadsheet in the alternative application without any issues.

There are numerous spreadsheet software tools that also support the Excel file format. LibreOffice Calc is one application that you can open Excel files in, and you can also download that office suite.

How do you choose the best antivirus software?

Tip

The four main pillars to take into consideration:

➡ Protection
➡ Performance
➡ Usability
➡ Intuitiveness

They may seem abstract at first glance, so let’s break them down to see what we mean by each of them individually.

Those aspects need consideration whether you are an everyday user or a small business. Of course, large corporations will hold other criteria, as they usually don’t have to be as conservative with their resources as the average user.

Protection

This is more straightforward. It boils down to the software’s capacity to detect and effectively remove malware infections. A higher score here will tell us that the product can detect and remove most threats.

You probably heard of worms and Trojans, but here is a glimpse of the bigger picture regarding potential threats. All of the above fall under the umbrella of a Trojan infection. They’re different in terms of severity, but as you can see, there is a whole army of them.

And that’s only from a Trojan perspective. Each virus, malware, or spyware infection has a similar family tree. The more advanced the antivirus, the better it can detect all these family roots.

Performance

The performance will measure the impact of the antivirus on your device. Like all software, antiviruses run on computer resources. Some are more forgiving, while others require much of your available processing power.

Keep in mind that you will be running two different antivirus solutions. And although most of the time, you won’t be doing it simultaneously, this remains an aspect worth considering.

Usability

The final pillar will deal with the impact an antivirus solution has on the computer. So translated, we want to see if, during our scan, we can still use our PCs for daily tasks.

Now that the foundation has been laid, let’s look at our pick for the best antivirus to use with Malwarebytes. Note this list is in no particular order.

All options presented are equally impressive, so rest assured that whatever decision you make, you’ll get that coveted extra protection.

Intuitiveness

This quality refers to the general friendliness of the UI, short for User Interface. There are software examples out there, such as video editing ones, that are inherently convoluted.

That’s because they are usually intended for large-scale projects or require excellent, granular control over every detail.

The same does not apply to antivirus software. Being a general-purpose, essential piece of tech, it should be able to be used by everybody. Thus, design intuitiveness and ease of use are factors.

What is the best antivirus to use with Malwarebytes?

TotalAV – Works alongside Malwarebytes

TotalAV is a sensible companion to Malwarebytes. It provides the always-on antivirus layer, with real-time protection and WebShield for malicious and phishing sites, while Malwarebytes handles second-opinion scans. The two coexist without conflict.

On top of that, TotalAV’s tune-up tools take care of junk files, startup items and browser clutter, and one subscription covers Windows, Mac, Android and iOS. It is a simpler and cheaper suite than TotalAV, which for a companion product is a point in its favour.

Always-on real-time protection
WebShield for phishing and malicious sites
Coexists with Malwarebytes
Junk cleaner and startup manager
Windows, Mac, Android and iOS

TotalAV

Keep cyber threats at bay with this award-winning Internet Security package.

Free Trial Visit Website

Bitdefender Antivirus Plus – Proven cross-platform antivirus tool

Already a classic, Bitdefender has a proven track record of providing solid protection against most computer threats.

It includes real-time protection, meaning it will monitor any possible intrusion in your software. However, this comes at a cost, as Bitdefender may use many of your available resources.

In terms of general Internet protection, Bitdefender is one of the top choices on the market today. With the Secure Browsing feature, Bitdefender works in the background and keeps you aware of potentially harmful websites.

Nowadays, many jobs have gone remotely, so having an advanced webcam and social network protection is more imperative than ever. Bitdefender is also cross-platform supported, meaning it will run the same, regardless of your personal operating system preferences.

These features do come at a cost in terms of CPU resource consumption. Bitdefender is not the most aggressive in this regard, but specific minimum requirements will need to be met.

In terms of memory, the minimum requirement to run Bitdefender is 2GB of RAM. But, from our experience, that will provide a bad experience, rendering your PC unusable.

But, most modern devices come packed with more RAM than that, and with feature updates, software generally becomes more adequately optimized. So, this shouldn’t be a huge issue.

Bitdefender key features:

Advanced Threat Defense
Anti-Phishing
Safe Files
Webcam Protection
Secure Browsing
Social Network Protection
Cross-platform support

Bitdefender Antivirus Plus

Protect your business and online safety with Bitdefender’s premium solution.

Check price Visit Website

Kaspersky Standard – Effective built-in malware tool

The Kaspersky family has developed a wide range of tools for multiple purposes. The one that will suit the everyday user the best is Standard.

As you may have guessed, one of Kaspersky’s key features is precisely this family tree of tools. So basically, with specialized protection in a particular area, Kaspersky has the solution for you.

We can already see that of Kaspersky’s main selling points is the granular control that it gives you. However, another point worth considering is the Vulnerability Assessment.

This can prove to be an invaluable rapport, as it grants you precious insight into your device’s susceptibility to an attack. Based on that, Kaspersky runs its algorithms to determine the best action for enhanced protection.

Apart from that, Kaspersky is also friendly in terms of resources. So, you don’t need a high-end PC to run Kaspersky and other apps simultaneously.

It also has an effective built-in malware removal which, coupled with Malwarebytes, will offer a second-opinion check of your PC.

Although it doesn’t come with a Free version, it does come with a generous 30-day trial period. That should be more than enough to get a feel of the software, as its interface and overall UI are incredibly user-friendly.

If cost represents an issue, you can always go for other similarly effective free antivirus options.

Kaspersky key features:

Encryption Management
Cloud Discovery: Monitoring cloud services
Cloud Discovery: Blocking access to cloud services
Vulnerability Assessment
Protection of mobile devices
Web Control
Protection against ransomware

Kaspersky Standard

Check all the layers of safety are in place with Kaspersky Standard.

Free Trial Visit Website

Avast Business Endpoint Protection – Advanced anti-spam features

Another great antivirus to use with Malwarebytes is Avast. Its incredibly intuitive interface makes Avast such an easy choice to recommend. On top of that, it also comes with many security options that will satisfy most of your needs.

Avast has been certified 100 on multiple trusted review platforms, making it an ideal choice for single individuals, small businesses, and large corporations.

We especially recommend the Business Endpoint version, which has enhanced security protocols to protect your business, whether small, medium, or even large corporations.

Avast is powered by artificial intelligence, so you can safely assume it uses the most cutting-edge technology currently available.

Artificial intelligence implies that Avast can adapt to the challenges provided by new and emerging malware, and figure out how to create new and better, security protocols effectively.

A specialized Wi-Fi security scan and anti-spam feature are also worth noting, as many attacks come through these networks or phishing emails.

It also comes with a free trial, so you check out all the premium features before choosing this product. Then, test it and see if it checks all your needs. We’re almost certain it will!

This versatility, paired with excellent performance, makes Avast very easy to recommend and one of the best antiviruses to use with Malwarebytes.

Avast key features:

AI-powered
Automatic Software Updater
Secure DNS
Home Network Security
Anti-spam features
Specialized scan for Wi-Fi security
Real-time protection

Avast Business Endpoint Protection

Avast is a complete solution to guard your business against cyber threats.

Check price Visit Website

Norton AntiVirus Plus – Effective and trusted antivirus

Last but not least, we have Norton AntiVirus Plus. As we’ve said in the beginning, this list is in no particular order, as Norton is one of the best choices regarding malware protection and overall security.

Norton comes with a new and improved anti-malware engine. So using it with Malwarebytes makes sense and is highly effective.

Real-time protection is also amongst the best; Norton silently monitors everything from downloads to your web activity.

Apart from this, Norton also offers a password manager to safely and securely keep all of your passwords in one place and present them to you when you need them. It also comes with a PC cloud backup option that can be handy if you wish to store important files.

It is highly effective against malware, spyware, ransomware, phishing attacks, and other modern online threats. Overall, a very versatile, compact product suited for every type of user. We recommend Norton as a top choice antivirus software to use with Malwarebytes.

Norton’s main features:

Built-in firewall
Built-in password manager
Effective for gamers
Anti-phishing and anti-spyware filters
Very intuitive UI
Protection against a wide range of threats

Norton AntiVirus Plus

Intuitive, trusted, and effective antivirus tool that ensures complete protection for every type of user.

Check price Visit Website

Windows Defender will be the first choice for some, especially since it’s a free product already built-in into your operating system.

Although it was significantly improved over the years, we recommend you go for one of the options presented above. Performance-wise, no wonder being a Microsoft product, Windows Defender performs very well.

Defender is more than capable of recognizing most threats in terms of detection, landing a perfect 6/6 score on AV-Test. The main pain point, however, comes from false positives.

False positives are harmless files or links that are treated as threats. Apart from this, another drawback can be the lack of extra features.

For essential protection, Windows Defender can do the job, but we can’t recommend it as the best pairing solution with Malwarebytes for the abovementioned reasons.

Choosing the best antivirus to use with Malwarebytes comes down to personal preference. All of the above options are fused with cutting-edge technologies.

The price point is also another aspect worth considering. We recommend you use as many as possible in their trial version to make an informed decision.

Ultimately, your choice will be based on your context and requirements. What other options would you consider? Feel free to tell us in the comments!

Windows Upgrade Error 0xc1900208 [Easy Guide]

Posted on January 3, 2023October 3, 2025 by Madalina Dinita

The error 0xc1900208 can appear while you’re trying to upgrade to the latest version of Windows 10. This happens when there is software on the computer that is incompatible with the latest Windows 10 build.

As a result, you won’t be able to upgrade at all. In today’s article, we’re going to show you how to fix error 0xc1900208 once and for all.

1. Reset the Windows Update components

The first way to fix error 0xc1900208 is to reset Windows Update components. This is quite simple, and you can do it by following these steps:

Open Command Prompt as administrator.
When the Command Prompt opens, run the following commands:
- net stop bits
- net stop wuauserv
- net stop appidsvc
- net stop cryptsvc
Enter the commands below to create the backup of SoftwareDistribution directory:
- ren %systemroot%SoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.bak
- ren %systemroot%system32catroot2 catroot2.bak
Use these commands:
- net start bits
- net start wuauserv
- net start appidsvc
- net start cryptsvc
Restart your computer and try to update.

2. Uninstall the incompatible apps

Some antivirus applications are known to cause error 0xc1900208. However, you can fix this problem simply by finding and removing problematic applications.

Open the File Explorer by pressing the Windows key + E and paste this C: WindowsPanther in the bar and press Enter.
Right in the folder, search for the Compat*.xml file and open it.
You will find the name of the app that is incompatible with your system.
Uninstall that application from your PC and try to upgrade again.

Bear in mind that some applications might leave leftover files that can cause future issues, therefore it’s important to remove those files as well.

3. Run a third-party solution

If you’re going for third-party software, you might as well go for the best in the niche.

Firstly, using an uninstaller tool might be extremely beneficial to remove stubborn apps from your system. You can, of course, perform this task just using Control Panel to uninstall unwanted programs.

Yet that can leave temporary files and broken registry files behind that might cause errors. That’s why uninstaller software plays an essential role here, detecting the installed programs and permanently removing them from your computer.

Our top recommendation in this regard is CCleaner. It scans your PC for junk files and removes them in just a few clicks and it also integrates its own uninstaller.

Just locate your app in the list, select it and click the uninstall button. CCleaner will uninstall the app and completely remove any files related to it.

We hope these solutions were able to help you fix the error 0xc1900208 on your PC.

Let us know how it went for you and feel free to share any other possible solutions via the comments section below.

If you are interested in reading more about the topic, check out more handy solutions in our Windows Update Hub.

Also, for those of you that are interested in getting the best out of your operating system, don’t be shy to explore our Windows 10 Guides for more in-depth information.

Windows Update Error 0x80246017 [SOLVED]

Posted on January 3, 2023October 4, 2023 by Ivan Jenic

Windows 10 users could sometimes face an error when updating their Windows 10 version to the subsequent build.

Windows 10 update error 0x80246017 appears, and the update installation gets stuck. The entire error message reads: WU_E_DM_UNAUTHORIZED_LOCAL_USER & The download failed because the local user was denied authorization to download the content.

While many users have complained about it in Windows 10, error 0x80246017 also exists on Windows 11.

Luckily, there’s a solution to this problem, and you’ll find it in this article.

How can I fix the Windows Update error 0x80246017?

1. Delete Previous Windows Installation files

The most common solution for the Windows 10 update error 0x08246017 error is deleting previous Windows installation files. To delete these files, just do the following:

Open Command Prompt as admin.
Type the following command and press Enter:
- rundll32.exe pnpclean.dll,RunDLL_PnpClean /DRIVERS /MAXCLEAN
Now go to Search, type disk cleanup, and one Disk Cleanup tool.
Remove Temporary files and Previous Windows Installations.
Reboot your computer

If this workaround didn’t get the job done, you can try with a little registry tweak, just follow the instructions shown below.

2. Reset registry keys values

Installing the new build should set the registry keys values back to normal, but if it somehow fails to, you won’t be able to install the update. Thus, the Windows 10 update error 0x80246017 or some similar error might appear. To fix this issue, just follow these instructions:

Go to Search, type regedit and open Registry Editor
Navigate to the following path:
- HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESOFTWAREMicrosoftWindowsSelfHostApplicability
Find BranchName and check if it shows FBL_AWESOME1501 (If it doesn’t, change it)
Locate TresholdRiskLevel and change it to low
Find TresholdInternal and delete it
Find TresholdOptedIn and delete it
Close Registry Editor

3. Run the Update Troubleshooter

windows update troubleshooter update error 0x80246017

Windows 10 also features a built-in troubleshooting tool that can help you to fix general update issues and bugs. So, if the two methods listed above didn’t work, you can go to Settings > Update & Security > Troubleshoot and run the troubleshooter.

4. Disable your antivirus

As many Windows 10 users have found out by now, sometimes your antivirus software may trigger various update errors. The quickest way to fix this issue is to simply disable your antivirus tool and re-enable it after you’ve installed the latest updates.

That would be all, after performing one of these fixes, you should be able to install the latest build update for your Windows 10 Technical Preview build.

5. Check the status of some important Windows Services

Press Windows + R, type services.msc, and hit Enter.
Scroll down to the Windows Update service, double-click it, ensure it is running, and set the Startup type to Manual.
Next, locate the Background Intelligent Transfer Service, double-click it, ensure it is running and set the Startup type to Manual.

If you have any questions, suggestions, or maybe you know other solutions to fix the Windows Update error 0x80246017, make sure you reach for the comments section and share your ideas.

Windows Update Error 0x80244018 [5 Ways to Fix it]

Posted on January 3, 2023February 28, 2024 by Sagar Naresh

Having your Windows update halted by errors can be very frustrating, I’m sure we can all agree on that. Not being able to access new features or fix those bugs in the current version you’re running can really put a damper on things.

I know how exasperating it can be when your system throws that dreaded error message, “There were problems installing some updates.” But don’t worry, as I’m here to share a few solutions that will help you tackle this issue head-on.

This guide is packed with practical tips to resolve the Windows update error 0x80244018, so let’s dive right in and get your system back on track.

Why am I getting Windows update error 0x80244018?

After some research, we were able to list out some of the most common reasons users are getting the Windows update error 0x80244018.

The server is down: Sometimes, when official servers are down, you won’t be able to download the latest Windows updates on your PC.
Your internet connection is faulty: Your internet connection might be jumpy, which is why you are getting the Windows update error 0x80244018.
Antivirus is blocking the update: Aggressive antivirus settings might stop Windows from downloading the latest update.
System files are corrupt: If some important Windows update service-related files are missing or corrupt, you might get this error.
Background Intelligent Transfer Service isn’t running: Some third-party app or your settings might have disabled the Background Intelligent Transfer service.

How can I fix Windows update error 0x80244018?

Before you go ahead and check in with the advanced troubleshooting solutions, we would advise you to apply the below-mentioned fixes and hopefully resolve the problem quickly.

Shut down your PC and wait for about 5 mins before turning it on. A restart will help you reload all the system files from scratch.
Check if your internet connection is working perfectly fine or not.
If you have installed a VPN, we recommend uninstalling the program from your PC.

Now, let us apply the solutions the advanced solutions.

1. Use the Windows update troubleshooter

Press the Win + I buttons to open Windows Settings.
Click on Troubleshoot on the right side.
Select Other troubleshooters.
Click the Run button next to the Windows update option.
Your system will start detecting the issues and will prompt you to apply the fixes if there are one.

Windows OS comes with a built-in troubleshooting tool, which along with another hardware troubleshooter, also features a Windows update troubleshooter.

You can use this feature by following the above steps and fixing the problem quickly.

2. Restart the update service and rename the SoftwareDistribution folder

Open the Start menu.
Type the command prompt and run it as an administrator.
Type the below commands and press Enter after each one.
net stop wuauserv net stop cryptSvc net stop bits net stop msiserver ren C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.old ren C:\Windows\System32\catroot2 catroot2.old net start wuauserv net start cryptSvc net start bits net start msiserver
Wait for the process to complete.
After completion, restart your PC.

3. Delete the ThresholdOptedIn Registry Entry

Press the Win + I keys to open the Run dialogue.
Type regedit and press Enter.
Navigate to the below path. Computer\HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\WindowsSelfHost\Applicability
Delete the ThresholdOptedIn registry entry if it is available.

Windows stores all data and information regarding our installed applications in your system. If they crash, it will cause update issues, which is why you will face Windows update error 0x80244018. Follow the above steps, delete the ThresholdOptedIn entry, and check whether this resolves the problem.

4. Check whether the BITS service is running

Press the Win + R buttons to open the Run dialogue.
Type services.msc and press Enter.
Locate the Background Intelligent Transfer Service and double-click on it.
Under the Service status, press the Start button.
Select Automatic for the Startup type drop-down menu.

Services such as the Background Intelligent Transfer service should run in the background to ensure that the Windows update processes are performed smoothly. When any of these services are stopped, it could trigger update errors.

5. Turn off the Proxy Settings

Press the Win + I keys to open the Settings menu.
Select Network & Internet from the left side pane.
Click on Proxy on the right side.
Under Manual proxy setup, click the Set up button.
Toggle on the Use a proxy server option.
Restart your PC.

6. Run SFC Scan and DISM commands

Open the Start menu.
Type the command prompt and run it as an administrator.
Type the below command and press Enter. sfc /scannow
Wait for the process to complete.
Execute the below command. Dism /Online /Cleanup-Image /Check health Dism /Online /Cleanup-Image /restorehealth
Let the process complete.
Restart your PC.

That is it from us in this guide. However, if you are getting Windows update error 0X800f081f, then you can check out our guide that lists a bunch of solutions to resolve the problem.

Also, we have five quick solutions to resolve the Windows update error 0x800704cf. You can also check out our guide on update error 0x800f0831.

In case you have more problems, our download error 0x80248014 guide will offer you more solutions.

Let us know in the comments below which one of the above solutions resolved the problem for you.

0x8024401f Windows Update Error: 6 Ways to Fix it

Posted on January 3, 2023October 4, 2023 by Matthew Adams

The Windows Update error 0x8024401f has been discussed in numerous Microsoft forum threads. That issue arises when users check for Windows updates via Settings. Error 0x8024401f can also arise when users try to update apps via Microsoft Store.

As a result, Windows and app updates aren’t installed. The resolutions below are primarily for fixing error 0x8024401f in Windows 10, they might also resolve the issue in 8.1 and 11 using this guide.

What causes the Windows Update Error 0x8024401f?

Several potential causes for a Windows update error with the code 0x8024401f. Here are some common ones:

Network connectivity issues – If your computer cannot connect to the internet or the update servers, it can cause the update to fail with this error.
Firewall or antivirus software – If your firewall or antivirus software is blocking the update, it can cause this error. You may need to temporarily disable these programs to see if they are causing the issue.
Insufficient hard drive space – If your hard drive is full or almost full, it can cause the update to fail. Make sure you have enough free space on your hard drive before installing the update again.
Corrupted update files – Sometimes, the update files can become corrupted during the download process. You may need to delete the temporary update files and try downloading the update again.
Corrupted system files – If your system files are corrupt, it can cause the update to fail. You may be able to fix this by running the System File Checker tool.
Pending updates – If other updates are waiting to be installed, it can cause this error. Make sure to install any pending updates before installing the update causing the issue.

These are some of the most common causes of this error. I hope this helps!

How do I fix the Windows Update error 0x8024401f?

1. Run the Windows Update troubleshooter

Windows Update troubleshooter doesn’t always fix update errors, but it’s still worth a shot nonetheless.

Press the Windows key + S keyboard shortcut to open the Type here to search box.
Input troubleshoot in the search box, and click Troubleshoot settings.
Next, click Windows Update and select its Run the troubleshooter option.
Click the Apply this fix option if the troubleshooter presents a resolution to you.

2. Turn off third-party antivirus software

Some users have said they fixed error 0x8024401f by disabling their third-party antivirus software, such as Comodo, McAfee, and Sophos. To do so, right-click the system tray icon for your antivirus software to open a context menu.

You can usually select a disable or turn off option on an antivirus utility’s context menu. In addition, select an option to disable the utility’s firewall if its context menu includes one.

Context menu for Norton Security Fix Windows Update Error 0x8024401f

If you discover that the antivirus is causing the problem, then you should consider getting a better antivirus.

3. Don’t utilize a proxy server

Click the Type here to search button (with the magnify glass icon) on the taskbar and type proxy.
Click Proxy settings to open the window in the shot directly below.
Toggle the Use a proxy server option off.

4. Reset Windows Update

To do that, enter Command Prompt in the Type here to search box.
Right-click Command Prompt and choose the Run as administrator option.

Input these separate commands:

net stop wuauserv net stop cryptSvc net stop bits net stop msiserver

Open the C: > Windows folder within File Explorer.
Right-click the SoftwareDistribution subfolder there to select Rename.
Input SoftwareDistribution.old as the new folder title, and press the Return key.
Open the System32 folder, which is in the Windows folder.
Then rename the catroot2 subfolder to Catroot2.old.
Open an elevated Command Prompt window again.

Enter these commands to restart the services:

net start wuauserv net start cryptSvc net start bits net start msiserver

Close the Command Prompt, and restart Windows.

5. Reset the Microsoft Store cache

If you need to fix error 0x8024401f for MS Store app updates, open the Command Prompt as administrator. Then enter this command: wsreset.exe. Press the Return key after entering that command.

The wsreset.exe command Fix Windows Update Error 0x8024401f

6. Reset your Windows OS

Type the keyword reset in Windows 10’s search box.
Click Reset this PC to open the Recovery tab in Settings.
Click Get started to open Reset this PC.
Click the Keep my files option.
Click Next to continue, and press the Reset button.

A few users have also confirmed that resetting Windows 10 can fix error 0x8024401f.

Those are some of the most likely fixes for error 0x8024401f. We would like to know which solutions worked best for you, so leave us your feedback in the form of a message in the comments section below.

Windows Update Error 0x80244007 [SOLVED]

Posted on January 3, 2023October 4, 2023 by Radu Tyrsina

The scenario of confronting with Windows updates that are not working properly are numerous. Certain users experience the lack of any new install updates, repeated installation of the same updates, endless reboot cycles, and all sorts of error codes. For example, they describe getting the 0x80244007 error code.

This happens when they try to install certain updates by using the Windows Update function. In most cases, affected users are also receiving the following error message: There were some problems installing updates, but we’ll try again later.

The good news is that in this post we will talk about some of the reasons behind the Windows Update error 0x80244007 and offer practical troubleshooting solutions to solve it.

How can I fix the Windows Update error 0x80244007?

1. Try running the Update troubleshooter

First of all, select Start > Settings > Update & Security.
Then, open up the Troubleshooting tab of the Settings app.
Once you’re inside the Troubleshooting tab, select Windows Update under Get up and running.
Then, select Run the troubleshooter from the newly appeared context menu.
After successfully starting the utility, wait patiently until the initial scan is complete.
Depending on the issue that you’re encountering, you might be prompted to do some additional steps.
Lastly, just click on Restart.

Any time you get an error code like 0x80244007 while downloading and installing Windows updates, the Update Troubleshooter can begin scanning and help to fix the problem. Make sure you have Internet access and apply the above steps.

2. Clean out junk files with Disk Cleanup

Enter into Start > File Explorer > This PC.
Up next, right-click your main hard drive and select Properties.
Don’t hesitate to click the Disk Cleanup button.
You’ll then see a list of items that can be removed, including temporary files and more.
For even more options, click Clean up system files.
Feel free to tick the categories you want to remove.
Then, just click OK > Delete Files.

One of the main causes of the Windows update error 0x80244007 is that Windows couldn’t renew the cookies for Windows Update. If you’re still seeing that dreadful message, you can also clear temporary or junk files to resolve it via Disk Cleanup.

Don’t worry if you run into any Disk Cleanup issues. Just check this guide and quickly solve the problem.

3. Run the System File Checker (SFC) utility

Open up a Run dialog box by pressing the Windows key + R keyboard shortcut.
Up next, type cmd inside the newly opened text box and press Ctrl + Shift + Enter to open up a Command Prompt with admin access.
Right-click it and select Run as administrator.
If you are prompted for the admin password, enter the password and click OK.
A new completely black window should then open. You can type commands directly into this window.
Type sfc/scannow and press Enter.
This process could take a long time, so feel free to minimize the window and return later.
When the SFC process is finished, restart your computer and see if the issue is resolved.

Instead of spending time trying to find out the core of the 0x80244007 error message, use the System File Checker tool. This is designed to quickly fix the most common issues that may be preventing your computer from updating correctly.

4. Reset the Software Distribution folder

Open Start.
Search for Command Prompt, right-click the result, then select Run as administrator.
Then, you need to type the following commands to stop the Windows Update Service and the Background Intelligent Transfer Service, then press Enter:
net stop wuauserv
net stop bits
Next, in the File Explorer go to the Software Distribution folder.
Don’t hesitate to delete the folders inside by pressing the Delete button.
Once you’ve completed the above steps, Windows 10 will reconfigure the folder and re-download all the necessary components.

If you keep seeing the same Windows update error, let us finally walk you through the steps to delete the content inside the Software Distribution folder.

When it comes to fixing the Windows update error 0x80244007, there are several things that you can do, from utilizing the built-in Update troubleshooter to resetting the Software Distribution folder.

If all the previous troubleshooting steps failed, you could also try resetting all Windows Update components or performing a repair install.

Do you know any other way to bypass this Windows update issue? Feel free to share it with us in the comments section below.

Windows Update Error 0x80070663 [SOLVED]

Posted on January 3, 2023March 26, 2024 by Ivan Jenic

Since the beginning, new Windows updates have been bringing a lot of issues to users. Moreover, with the introduction of Windows 10 and the mandatory updates, the problems vastly increased.

Nonetheless, the importance of updates is unchanged: your security and overall performance are substantially improved with updates.

But, what to do if the updates won’t install and you are prompted with a certain error code, in this case, 0x80070663?

Well, this code seems to show up because of, either Microsoft Office package corruption or a general update failure. So, if you have any of the 2 mentioned issues, we prepared some workarounds for you.

How can I fix the 0x80070663 error?

1. Use SFC to check the integrity of the system file

SFC tool is a valuable built-in tool with the main purpose to scan and resolve system files corruption. Due to a virus infection or misuse, certain files can get corrupted or even deleted.

That can heavily affect update features and cause errors like the one we are sorting out today.

You can use the SFC tool easily by following these instructions:

Right-click Start and run Command Prompt (Admin).
In the command line, type (or copy-paste) sfc/scannow
Press enter to start the scanning.
After the process is finished, you’ll be informed of possible errors.

If you are looking for the safest and faster solution; a specialized repair tool will scan, detect and replace any missing or corrupted file on your device with a new one one

2. Disable antivirus

You’ve probably already read numerous times that third-party antivirus programs can block Windows updates.

To make sure that’s not the case, temporarily disable your antivirus, and try to install updates.

If you can install your updates after disabling your antivirus, we recommend you try another security tool that won’t interfere with your system.

We recommend you to get one of the antivirus software with the highest detection rates because these have good threat databases and will most likely not detect false positives.

3. Reinstall Office

As we already stated, this specific error can occur due to Office update files corruption. As you are probably aware of, updates for Microsoft Office come through standard update procedure.

And they can, as same as other cumulative updates, get corrupted. Because of that, we advise you to uninstall and reinstall Office. At least temporarily, before some of the future patches fix this issue permanently.

Here’s how to do that:

Open Control Panel.
Choose Add or Remove programs.
Find Microsoft Office and choose Uninstall.
You may as well repair the installation. but that’s not your safest bet.
Once the uninstalling task is finished, use CCleaner to clean remaining registry files.
Restart the PC.
Install Office again and check for updates.

Once it’s done, you should be able to download and install the latest Microsoft Office updates.

4. Hide the corrupted update with Show and Hide troubleshooter

Even though updates are forced in Windows 10, you can at least prevent certain, individual updates from downloading.

There so, you’ll temporarily resolve the issue and continue with the seamless updating process. Follow these steps to utilize this tool:

Download Show or Hide Update tool.
Save the file.
Once you run the tool, it will search for available updates.
Choose to hide the update file that provokes the error.
Install updates.

Have in mind that some security updates are essential. So, it’s not recommended to restrict them from updating. Luckily, we have another solution that will address that sensitive update issue.

5. Manually download cumulative updates from MicrosoftCatalogue

When online updates don’t work because of various reasons, you can download and install those files manually. Microsoft Catalogue is the collection of all of the files used in updates.

Starting with small cumulative updates and leading to the major updates and patches. In case you’ve tried previous workarounds and the problem with certain files is persistent, follow these steps:

Copy the name of the issued file.
Go to Microsoft Catalogue here.
Paste the name into the search box.
Download the file. Keep mind on your system architecture (x86 or x64).
Install the update file.
Restart your PC.
Check for additional updates to make sure the update is up and running.

6. Run DISM

If the aforementioned SFC scan didn’t get the job done, we’re going to try a perhaps more advanced troubleshooting tool. You guessed it, we’re talking about DISM.

DISM stands for Deployment Image Servicing and Management, and as its name says, it deploys the system image all over again. Hopefully, the potential issue will vanish along the way.

Here’s how to run DISM in Windows 10:

Open the Command Prompt as shown above.
Enter the following command and press Enter:
- DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-image /Restorehealth
Wait for the process to finish.
Restart your computer.
In case the DISM can’t obtain files online, try using your installation USB or DVD. Insert media and type following command:
- DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth /Source:C:RepairSourceWindows /LimitAccess
Make sure to replace ”C:RepairSourceWindows” path of your DVD or USB.
Follow further on-screen instructions.

7. Run the Windows Update Troubleshooter

The third troubleshooter we’re going to try and mention in this article is Windows 10‘s built-in troubleshooting tool. You can use this tool for resolving all kinds of issues, including update problems.

Here’s how to run Windows 10‘s built-in troubleshooter:

Go to Settings.
Head over to Updates & Security > Troubleshoot.
Select Windows Update, and go to Run the Troubleshooter.
Follow further on-screen instructions and let the process finish.
Restart your computer.

8. Uninstall previous updates

It’s also possible that the previous update you installed actually messed up your system. For example, it may disrupt the update mechanism, preventing you from installing future updates, thus leading to the error code 0x80070663.

If you doubt the legitimacy of the previous Windows update you installed on your computer, go and uninstall it.

Here’s how to do that:

Go to Settings.
Head over to Updates & Security > Windows Update.
Go to Update history > Uninstall updates.
Now, find the latest update installed on your computer (you can sort updates by date), right-click it, and go to Uninstall.
Restart your computer.

9. Restart Windows Update components

Another thing we’re going to try is resetting crucial Windows Update components inside your system. Here’s what you need to do:

Start Command Prompt as administrator.
When Command Prompt starts, run the following commands:

net stop wuauserv
net stop cryptSvc
net stop bits
net stop msiserver
ren C:WindowsSoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.old
ren C:WindowsSystem32catroot2 Catroot2.old
net start wuauserv
net start cryptSvc
net start bits
net start msiserver

10. Restart the BITS service

Speaking of crucial Windows Update components, the BITS service is one of the most important ones. If this service isn’t running, well, you won’t be able to install any updates.

So, make sure the BITS service is on:

Go to Search, type services.msc, and open Services.
Find Background Intelligent Transfer Service. Right-click and open Restart.
Wait for the process to restart.
Now, on the General tab, find Startup type and choose Automatic.
If the BITS is not running, right-click and choose Start.
Confirm selection and close window.

11. Make sure Windows Update service is running

The same goes for the Windows Update service:

Go to Search, type services.msc, and open Services.
Find the Windows Update service. Right-click and open Properties.
On the General tab, find Startup type and choose Automatic.
If the service is not running, right-click and choose Start.
Confirm selection and close window.

With this, we complete the list of fixes for the 0x80070663 error. In case you have any alternative workarounds, questions, or suggestions, please tell us in the comments section.

Can I still Use Windows 7? How to Stay on Windows 7 Forever?

Posted on January 3, 2023October 3, 2025 by Ivan Jenic

Windows 7 is somewhat the preferred OS choice of many computer users across the globe.

It is durable enough to run low-end operations while also optimized to execute high-end functions with near-perfection.

Its flexibility makes it ideal for all classes of computers, and many people see it as the best Windows version, with little regard for the newer versions (Windows 11 included).

However, Microsoft has phased out Windows 7 as of January 14, 2020. So, why are we still talking about it? There are still many loyal fans who would like to stay on Windows 7 forever.

Due to significant pushback from users worldwide, Microsoft made yet another concession; hence the Windows 7 end of life extended to 2023.

Fast forward to January 2023, the extension comes to an end. So what now: can you still use Windows 7, does Windows 7 still work? We shall try to answer all your questions, as follows.

Can I still use Windows 7?

Windows 7′ EOL is upon us, meaning there is no more official support (from Microsoft) for Windows 7 PCs.

With this, security patches and system updates are stopped, leaving Windows 7 PCs vulnerable and outdated.

What happens if you still use Windows 7?

Users are left with no choice but to upgrade their OS to a newer version. Failure to upgrade would expose their Windows PCs to malware attacks, bugs, system lags, and other security issues.

But is there really no choice to be made? We don’t think so.

If you still want to keep running Win7 on your PC for as long as possible, without official support, you can, and we will show you how to do it. But first, we have a few things to clear out.

? Does Windows 7 still work? Yes, and you will be able to stay on Windows 7 forever or until it is no longer available, which leads us straight to the next big question.

? Can I still install Windows 7? As long as you have a product key, you can install it on a compliant PC.

? Is Windows 7 still good? There is no right answer here. Technically, it is outdated, and there are better options to pick from. However, those who decided to remain loyal to this now-historical version of Windows still appreciate its stability and ease of use. To test out the iteration, use an online Windows 7 simulator.

? Can you still use Windows 7 safely? This is also debatable, you can go the extra mile and add a robust antivirus that works with Windows 7 as well as a lightweight VPN for privacy. However, the best way to keep out of trouble is to stay offline as much as possible.

In this guide, we are going to be showing you what you can do to stay on and use Windows 7 forever, without installing Windows 10.

How can I continue using Windows 7?

1. Disable Windows 10 Upgrade

1. Navigate to the Computer Configuration option on your PC, and click on it.
2. On the displayed window, select Policies.
3. Under Policies, click on the Administrative Templates option.
4. Select Windows Updates.
5. On the displayed window, double-tap on the Turn off the upgrade to the latest version of Windows through Windows Update option.
6. Finish the configuration by tapping on Enable.

This is the first and most conventional process if you want to hang on to Win7 on your PC. Most Windows 7 PCs by default auto-update to the latest version.

Hence, if this function is not disabled, your Windows 7 computer would automatically be updated to Windows 10.

To disable the Windows 10 upgrade option, there is a Group Policy setting that is designed to facilitate such configurations. And this would ensure your PC blocks any form of version upgrade on your PC.

However, the most convenient way of disabling upgrades is via the system configuration method. To disable and block Windows 10 upgrade using this method, follow the step-by-step guide provided above.

With this action, your Windows PC would maintain its original version for as long as possible.

However, when Microsoft pulls support, your device might become vulnerable to malware attacks, unauthorized access, and system malfunctions.

2. Continue using your Windows 7 after Windows 7 EOL (End of Life)

When Microsoft pulls out support for Windows 7, you can continue using the version, albeit at your own risk. To ensure you are not affected by the vulnerability that follows, do the following:

Download and install a durable antivirus on your PC. Since you are officially unprotected by Microsoft, ensure you go for reliable (tested and trusted) AV software.
Download and install GWX Control Panel, to further reinforce your system against unsolicited upgrades/updates.
Back up your PC regularly; you can back it up once or thrice a month. This is to facilitate recovery if and when required.
Stay informed about any new update/upgrade, and always custom-install any update you need.

By adhering strictly to the above-stated points, you can continue using Windows 7 for as long as you want. However, you have to be extra careful while surfing the internet, as your unprotected system is now vulnerable to hacks.

For a full walkthrough, you can follow this detailed Windows 7 installation guide that explains each step from start to finish.

3. Use a Virtual Machine

Virtual machines allow you to imitate an OS on another operating system. Hence, you can easily use this trick to bypass the impending Windows 7 EOL come January 2020.

There are numerous virtual machine programs out there; however, only a handful of them are durable. So, ensure you download and install a reliable one on your computer.

To continue enjoying Windows 7 after the EOL, follow the steps below:

Install a virtual machine program on your computer
Download and install GWX to prevent unsolicited upgrades
Install a new upgrade or a completely different OS
Install Windows 7 on the virtual machine software.
Run the imitated OS (Win7) on your PC via the VM software. The VM software interfaces between the installed Win7 and your PC

No one can say exactly what Microsoft is cooking up; if they are planning to end Windows 7 for good, they’d eventually phase it out with time.

For now, however, you can hang on to your Windows 7 especially if you’re clinging onto apps like OneDrive for Windows 7 or simply upgrade to the latest Windows 10 version.

Windows 7, according to official estimates from Microsoft, constitutes about 30% of all Windows PCs across the globe. This means that for every five Windows PCs, at least one is running Windows 7.

With this, it is one of the most reliable Windows versions out there, and users are especially impressed with its ease of usage and durability. That’s why we believe Windows 7 is the next Windows XP.

By this time, Windows 7 users would be expected to upgrade to a newer version or risk having their system’s security and patch support withdrawn.

Keep in mind that if you choose to use Windows 7 you’ll need a reliable browser to with it, and we have a great guide on how to install Thorium browsers on Windows 7, so don’t miss it.

If you’re using optical discs, we have a new article on how to create a Windows 7 installation disc, so don’t miss it. Keep in mind that Windows 7 can’t run modern apps, but this can be circumvented by using Windows 7 Extended Kernel.

So, if you still want to keep running your PC on Win7 after the impending apocalypse, the guides herein would assist you. In this article, we have succinctly described how to stay on Windows 7 forever.

Hope you find this helpful.

Fix: Printer Installation Failed in Windows 10 & 11

Posted on January 3, 2023February 27, 2024 by Ivan Jenic

Windows 10 offers great tools for creating various documents of all kinds. And of course, you’ll have to print those documents from time to time. But what if you face some kind of problem with your printer? Don’t worry, there might be a solution for that.

Why is my printer installation failing?

There could be several causes why your printer installation is failing, such as outdated or incompatible printer drivers, conflicts with software, a problem with the printer itself, or a lack of permissions.

How to fix unable to install a printer on Windows 10?

1. Check your print process files

There’s a possibility that your PC is missing some print process files. In that case, you don’t have to re-install the whole system for this, all you have to do is to copy needed files from the PC without this problem and you’re good to go. Here’s exactly what you need to do:

First, go to Search, type services and open Services.msc
In Services, find Print Spooler service and stop it
Now, from working PC, copy all files from the following location to the same location on the PC that has issues with the printer:
- C:WindowsSystem32spoolprtprocsx64

Now you have to create a registry entry for your newly copied print process file. Just follow these instructions to do that:

On the ‘working’ computer, go to Search, type regedit and open Registry Editor
Navigate to the following path:
- HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESYSTEMCURRENTCONTROLSETCONTROLPRINTENVIRONMENTSWINDOWS X64PRINT PROCESSORS
Right-click on Print Processors folder and go to Export
Save it on an external drive
Now open Registry Editor on ‘other’ computer
Navigate the same path as above
Go to File, Import and import the registry file from your previously saved

2. Run the printer troubleshooter

Windows 10 also features a built-in troubleshooter that allows you to quickly fix general print-related issues. To run it, simply go to Settings > Update & Security > Troubleshooter > run the Printer troubleshooter.

Additionally, you can also run the Hardware and Devices troubleshooter.

3. Use Clean Boot

Sometimes, some of the apps and programs installed on your device may prevent Windows 10 from detecting and installing your printer. In order to fix this issue, you can clean boot your computer so that it uses only the minimum set of drivers and apps it needs.

Go to Start > type msconfig > hit Enter
Navigate to System Configuration > click on the Services tab > check the Hide all Microsoft services check box > click Disable all.
Go to the Startup tab > Open Task Manager.
Select each startup item > click Disable
Reboot your computer.

4. Uninstall your printer driver

If your printer driver is installed incorrectly or your old printer’s driver is still available on your machine, this could also prevent you from installing a new printer. In this case, you need to completely uninstall all printer drivers using Device Manager.

5. Buy a new printer

Since you’re experiencing this issue in Windows 10, there’s a possibility that your printer is not compatible with the system, especially if you’re using an older one. So if you want to print your documents in Windows 10, you’ll have to buy a new printer if your current one is not compatible.

So, now that you’ve made sure that your printer is indeed compatible with Windows 10, but you’re still unable to install it, you can try the following solution.

This isn’t the only problem, and many reported that PC can’t connect to printer, but we tackled that issue in another guide, so don’t miss it.

If you’re using a Canon device, we have a great guide on how to download the Canon LBP2900B driver that might come in handy, so don’t miss it.

That would be all, you should be able to install your printer now. We hope that one of these fixes solved the problem. If you have any questions or suggestions related to this guide, let us know in the comments below.

Windows Update Error 0x80070026: Fixed

Posted on January 3, 2023October 4, 2023 by Ivan Jenic

The Windows update error code 80070026 usually appears in Windows 10 when you try to install the latest updates.

A possible reason as to why you get this error code is the fact that your C:Users folder was changed to another directory, like F:Users resulting in potential system errors with the Windows Update feature.

Luckily, there are a few very easy methods to fix error code 80070026 and resume your everyday work. So just follow the steps listed below in the order they are described and you’ll have your operating system up and running in no time.

How can I fix the Windows Update error 0x80070026?

Delete the content of the Temp folder
Copy the $$PendingFiles folder
Check your antivirus
Run DISM
Refresh your PC
Run the Windows Update Troubleshooter
Reset Windows Updates components
Install updates manually

1. Delete the content of the Temp folder

Reboot your PC.
Log in with your administrator account.
From the “C:” partition (or your main partition) double-click the Users folder.
Double-click the itnota folder.
Open AppData, then go to Local.
Now, open the Temp folder and delete all the contents.

Note: Before attempting the steps above backup call your important data like files and folders.

2. Copy the $$PendingFiles folder

Open the Windows 10 Settings menu.
Choose Update & Security.
In the Recovery tab, scroll down to Advanced Startup.
Click on Restart now.
After the reboot process has finished, you should get to a window that says Choose an option.
Select Troubleshoot and look for the Advanced options.
Next, click or tap on Command Prompt.
Write the following command and press the Enter: dir C:
Do this for all your partitions to determine which one is on the SSD or external hard drive, and which one is on the internal hard drive. (We are going to take partition G as the external hard drive and partition H as the internal hard drive.)
In the command prompt window, write the following and press Enter: robocopy /copyall /mir /xj G:$$PendingFiles H:$$PendingFiles
Afterward, run the following and press again Enter: rmdir /S /Q G:$$PendingFiles
Now open the File Explorer and see what letter the Internal HDD has. (We are going to use C.)
Write in the command prompt window the following and hit Enter: mklink /J G:$$PendingFiles C:$$PendingFiles
Exit Command Prompt and reboot your device.
When the device starts you will need to open your Windows Update feature and check again if you still get the error code 80070026.

Note: If some of the steps listed for the second solution are not available on your Windows 10 device, skip this solution completely and go to the next one.

3. Check your antivirus

Quite frequently, your antivirus prevents you from updating your computer. To check if your antivirus tool is the culprit, temporarily disable it and then hit the Check for updates button.

Many times, disabling your antivirus won’t be enough so you will need to uninstall it completely. If this proved helpful, that means you should consider switching to another solution.

There are numerous valuable antivirus programs available, and many of them are designed with unique and interesting features for each user’s needs.

4. Run DISM

In the search dialog box, write Command Prompt and open as admin.
Write the following and hit Enter: DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-image /Scanhealth
Then, run the following and press Enter: DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-image /Restorehealth
Exit and reboot your operating system once more.

See if your Windows Update feature is working correctly.

5. Refresh your PC

Open the Recovery menu as shown in the second solution.
In the Reset this PC section click on Get Started.
Follow the instructions on the screen to finalize the System Refresh and try again your Windows Update feature to see how it goes.

6. Run the Windows Update Troubleshooter

If the issue persists and you want to take a short break from any complex troubleshooting solutions, then you can run Windows’ built-in update troubleshooter.

This useful tool can help you fix general update issues so that you can finish installing the latest OS updates on your PC.

If you’re running Windows 10, go to Settings > Update & Security > Troubleshooter and run the update troubleshooter as shown in the screenshot below.

If you’re running Windows 7 or Windows 8.1, you can launch the Update troubleshooter from Control Panel.

Type troubleshoot in Contol Panel windows, open the tool and select View All to list all the troubleshooting tools. Locate and run the Update troubleshooter.

windows update troubleshooter control panel

7. Reset Windows Updates components

Launch Command Prompt as admin again.
Stop the Windows Update Services by typing the following commands and hit Enter after each one:net stop wuauserv
net stop cryptSvc
net stop bits
net stop msiserver
Rename the SoftwareDistribution and Catroot2 folder by typing the commands:Ren C:WindowssoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.old
Ren C:WindowsSystem32catroot2 Catroot2.old
Restart the Windows Update Services by typing the following commands:net start wuauserv
net start cryptSvc
net start bits
net start msiserver
Exit Command Prompt, restart your computer and check if you can install the latest updates.

8. Install updates manually

If the Windows Update service is still not working, try to install the problematic updates manually.

For example, if you’re trying to install the latest hardware driver updates, go to the manufacturer’s website and get the updates from there.

If you’re trying to install the latest Windows patches, go to Microsoft’s Update Catalog, enter the KB number of the respective update(s) and hit the download button.

If you’ve carefully followed the methods above, you now have a working Windows Update feature on your device.

If you need further assistance, you can write to us in the comments section of the page situated below and we will get back to you as soon as possible.

3 Quick Ways to Fix WOW Addons Error Message

Posted on January 3, 2023October 4, 2023 by Vladimir Popescu

Besides the WoW add-ons error message is one of the more annoying error messages out there, it can also significantly impact the quality of your game.

Fortunately, most of World of Warcraft’s add-ons errors have the exact cause, and by reading through, you’ll learn how to fix them.

Why are my WoW add-ons not working?

From the experience of numerous users, we gather that this error may be triggered by some factors, including:

Broken or outdated add-ons – If you get an add-on error message, one or more of your add-ons are either obsolete or severely broken. Blizzard updates World of Warcraft regularly to resolve issues like high latency or disconnects.
Third-party add-ons – Conflicts between third-party add-ons are often one of the significant causes, especially since they may not auto-update like others that go through frequent add-on resets. Some developers will provide an update for their add-on, which you will have to update manually.
Disabled add-ons – In some cases, you may have disabled the specific add-on in the game, which may cause it not to function.

Usually, with a WoW add-on error message, you get an intricate piece of text that can prompt you to the add-on causing the problem.

If this isn’t the case, or if you can’t figure out the error’s path strictly, then some manual tweaking will be required.

How do I fix World of Warcraft add-ons error messages?

Before going into any of these fixes, we suggest you download all your add-ons and create a zip file containing them. This way, you may reinstall them if you lose them during any process.

1. Repair corrupted files

Visit the official website and click Download for Windows to download the Battle.Net launcher.
Run the app and launch it.
Navigate to World of Warcraft.
Navigate Options, then click on Scan and Repair.
Select the Begin scan option.

This should help you solve any WoW add-ons error message.

2. Disable one add-on at a time and launch the game

Download your add-ons again and create a zip
Go to your World of Warcraft installation folder
C:\Program Files (x86)\World of Warcraft\_classic_
Go to Interface and access the Add-ons folder.
Delete one add-on, relaunch the game, and repeat the process till the game works properly.

Although it hurts, remember that you saved your add-ons as a zip file. Deleting one add-on at a time will help you track down which one is causing the error.

Tip

If the first add-on is problematic, don’t rush to unzip it immediately. Some add-ons communicate with each other, so it’s best to wait until the end of the process.

3. Use automatic updates

Lastly, you could also install an Add-on Manager.

There are multiple options available so that you can make your pick. What’s great about an Add-on Manager is that the above process is fully automated.

The manager will automatically detect outdated add-ons and suggest an update.

Every World of Warcraft player has, at some time, encountered this WoW add-ons error message. The solutions we have discussed should help you resolve any associated problems.

Feel free to tell us in the comments what add-on gave you a headache and how you dealt with it.

0x8024ce0e Failed To Install [SOLVED]

Posted on January 3, 2023October 8, 2025 by Vladimir Popescu

In Windows 10 you can choose how often and when you want to update your device which for many users is a great feature.

Lately, some of them reported that when trying to update their Windows 10 th following error message appeared:

There were problems downloading some updates, but we’ll try again later. If you keep seeing this, try searching the web or contacting support for help. This error code might help: (0x8024a105)

The error 0x8024ce0e Failed To Install is not uncommon and it appears usually as a result of improper installation, a virus, file corruption, or missing files.

Luckily this error is easy and simple to fix and we will show you in this article the exact steps you need to make, so make sure to keep on reading.

How can I fix the 0x8024ce0e failed to install error?

1. Use a specialized tool

The most reliable way of solving this kind of error implies using specialized software that will scan, update, and fix any system issues.

With these tools, you will not have to make any manual settings, other than run the program itself and allow for the process to finish.

2. Reboot your device

Click the Start Icon.
Now click the Power icon.
Choose Restart from the menu.

Although it seems as simple thing to do, it is known that rebooting your device will solve the error code 0x8024a105. In some instances, this solutions can also fix Update error 0x8024001e, so be sure to try it.

3. Ensure you have enough space

Open File Explorer.
Go to This PC.
In the Devices and drivers section check the remaining storage space on your drivers.

In order to upgrade a 32-bit OS your device needs at least 16 GB of free space, or 20 GB for a 64-bit OS. Therefore, depending on your device specification is essential to ensure you have enough space.

You can free up space on your device by deleting the unnecessary files and folders and even deleting apps that you are no longer using.

4. Disconnect external hardware

Make sure to remove any external devices and drivers, or any other hardware plugged into your device that is not needed for basic functionality.

Once you performed this step, try to run the update again and see if you are still receiving the Windows Update error 0x8024ce0e.

5. Check Device Manager

Press Windows Key + X and select Device Manager from the list.
Look for any device with a yellow exclamation mark next to it.
Once found, right-click the driver.
Choose Update driver or Uninstall.

You can also use a specialized tool that will help you quickly update all drivers automatically.

⇒ Get Outbyte Driver Updater

That is all. We hope that one of the solutions presented above have helped you to successfully solve the Windows update error 0x8024ce0e failed to install.

If you have additional recommendations or suggestions, we would love to hear them so don’t hesitate to leave us a message in the comments section below.

Windows Update Error 0x80070020: Causes & Fixes

Posted on January 3, 2023March 25, 2024 by Ivan Jenic

In this article, we’re going to talk about error code 0x80070020, which reportedly prevents users from installing a new version of Windows 10.

Since installing the freshest Windows release is highly advisable, we can’t let this error hang in there forever.

So, we’ve prepared a couple of solutions, that may be appropriate for dealing with error code 0x80070020 .

Why am I getting Windows failed to install the following update with error 0x80070020 message?

This message is quite similar to the update error 0x80070026, and if you encounter it, it’s advised to run the update troubleshooter.

Damaged Windows components can cause all sorts of issues, and update error 0x803c0109 is one of them. If you encounter it, we recommend checking if the update service is running properly.

Many have reported There were some problems installing updates message while trying to update, and we covered this issue in-depth in a separate guide, so you might want to check it out.

Error code 0x80070020 can prevent you from installing the latest updates. Speaking of update issues, users also reported the following problems:

Error 0x80070020 Windows 7 – This error can appear on older versions as well. Even though these solutions are intended for Windows 10, almost all of them can be applied to older versions of Windows, so feel free to try them out.
Download error – 0x80070020 Windows 10 – Sometimes this error can appear while downloading the latest Windows 10 builds. If that happens, restart Windows Update components and check if that helps.

How can I solve the error code 0x80070020?

1. Run the Windows Update troubleshooter

If none of the solutions listed above managed to solve the problem, you should try running Microsoft’s official Update Troubleshooter. This tool solves various update-related issues, and it might solve your problem, as well.

Here’s what you need to do to run Windows Update troubleshooter:

Download the Windows Update Troubleshooter from Microsoft.
Launch the tool > follow the on-screen instructions.
Try to install the update again.

2. Restart the Background Intelligent Transfer Service (BITS)

Background Intelligent Transfer Service (BITS) is a Windows process responsible for delivering updates to your computer. So, if this process gets corrupt, you’ll have problems receiving updates.

In order to make it work again, we should restart BITS, and try to run Windows Update once again. Here’s exactly what you need to do:

Press Windows Key +R and enter services.msc. Press Enter or click OK.
Find Background Intelligent Transfer Service. Right-click and open Properties.
On the General tab, find Startup type and choose Automatic.
If the BITS is not running, right-click and choose Start.
Confirm selection and close window.

If nothing’s wrong with BITS, move on to another solution.

3. Reset Windows Update services

Windows Update relies on various services in order to work properly, and if there are any issues with Windows Update, you might be able to fix them by resetting Windows Update services.

This is relatively straightforward, and in order to do this, you need to run a few commands in Command Prompt. To do that, follow these steps:

Start Command Prompt as administrator.
When Command Prompt starts, run the following commands:

net stop wuauserv
net stop cryptSvc
net stop bits
net stop msiserver
ren C:WindowsSoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.old
ren C:WindowsSystem32catroot2 Catroot2.old
net start wuauserv
net start cryptSvc
net start bits
net start msiserver

After running these commands, check if the problem with Windows Update is resolved. If you don’t want to enter all these commands manually, you can perform this solution by using the Windows Update reset script.

4. Perform SFC

Although many users consider the SFC scan an overrated solution, it might be helpful in some cases. In case you’re not familiar with this tool, it scans your computer for issues and corrupted features, and tries to solve them (more or less) effectively.

Here’s how to run the sfc/scannow command in Windows 10:

Press Windows Key + X to open Win + X menu. Select Command Prompt (Admin) or Powershell (Admin) from the list.
In the command line type sfc/scannow
The process should last a few minutes.
After it’s done, close the Command Prompt.

If the SFC scan can’t fix the problem, or if you can’t run SFC scan at all, you might want to consider using DISM scan instead. To perform a DISM scan, you just need to do the following:

Start Command Prompt as administrator.
Enter DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth and press Enter to run the command.
DISM scan will now start. The scan can take about 20 minutes or more, so don’t interrupt it.

Once the scan is finished, check if the problem is resolved. If the issue is still present, or if you were unable to run SFC scan before, be sure to repeat the SFC scan. After doing that, check if the issue is resolved.

Alternatively, you can rely on an automated repair tool to scan, find, and replace any corrupted and missing files on your PC.

5. Disable your antivirus

Third-party antivirus programs and Windows are not the best friends ever. Having a third-party antivirus installed on your computer can actually cause more harm than you’d hope for.

That conflict can cause malfunctions of various Windows features, including Windows Update.

If you’re using a third-party antivirus, you might want to try changing its settings and check if that helps. In some cases, you might want to completely disable your antivirus in order to solve this problem.

Even if you disable your antivirus, Windows 10 has its own antivirus in form of Windows Defender, so your PC won’t be in any danger.

In some cases, you might even have to completely remove your antivirus to solve this issue. If removing the antivirus solves the problem, you should consider switching to a different antivirus solution.

There are many great antivirus tools options fully compatible with Windows 10, that won’t interfere with it in any way.

6. Use Command Prompt to find the problematic services

According to users, sometimes certain services can interfere with your system and cause error 0x80070020 to appear. However, you can find these services by using Command Prompt. To do that, just do the following:

Start Command Prompt as an administrator.
Now run netstat -aon | find “:80” and netstat -aon | find “:443” commands. You’ll see a list of information. Look at the numbers at the right side. These numbers represent the ID of the processes that are using your network connection.
To find a problematic process, you need to open Task Manager. You can do that by pressing Ctrl + Shift + Esc.
When Task Manager opens, go to the Details tab and look at the PID column. There you should be able to find the same numbers you got in Step 2. Find the problematic process, select it and click End task.
Now go to Services window and check the PID column for any numbers from Step 2. If you find a match, right-click the service with that PID, and choose Stop from the menu. Keep in mind that certain services are required by Windows, so be cautious while disabling services.

This is an advanced solution, so be extra cautious and follow the instructions carefully.

Can’t open Task Manager? Don’t worry, we’ve got the right solution for you.

7. Perform an in-place upgrade

If you can’t update your Windows due to a 0x80070020 error, you might want to try performing an in-place upgrade. This process will install the latest version of Windows, but it will keep all your files and applications intact.

To perform an in-place upgrade, you need to do the following:

Download Media Creation Tool from Microsoft’s website.
Once you download Media Creation Tool, run it.
Select Upgrade this PC now.
Wait while Media Creation Tool prepares the necessary files.
Select Download and install updates and click Next. Wait while updates are downloaded.
Follow the instructions on the screen until you reach Ready to install screen. Click on Change what to keep.
Select Keep personal files and apps. Now click Next.
The installation will now start. Follow the instructions on the screen to complete it.

Once the installation is finished, you’ll have the latest version of Windows installed and the issue should be resolved.

That’s about it, we hope this article helped you deal with the Windows Update error 0x80070020, and that you’re now able to install the new update normally.

In case you have any comments, questions, or suggestions, please reach us in the comments section below.

FIX: Windows 10 Monitor Not Going to Sleep [5 Ways]

Posted on January 3, 2023September 30, 2025 by Milan Stanojevic

Sleep is an essential part of the life of any IT equipment as it gives the machine, like your computer, time to rest and save power when idle. It was actually added to computers for the sake of preserving battery life while solving energy waste issues.

The system assumes you’re away and cuts off power to unneeded subsystems while keeping sufficient power on so you can pick up from where you left on when you resume.

So what happens when the Windows screen is not turning off?

Well, for one, the battery is drained faster and your computer consumes more energy. You could probably try to manually put it to sleep, but it’s best if it does it automatically.

What can I do if Windows 10 monitor won’t sleep?

1. Unplug any devices connected to your computer

Sometimes devices that are connected like USB flash drives, joystick, mouse or keyboard, consoles, and others can cause the computer not to go to sleep mode.

This happens due to compatibility issues between the devices and Windows 10. To avoid it, disable the device. If it’s a game controller device, do the following:

Right-click Start and then select Device Manager

Click Human Interface Devices
Click HID Compliant Game controller and disable it

Note: when you disable the game controller, you may lose virtual joystick-related features in the synapse.

Some users have noted that the Skype app blocks their monitors from going to sleep mode or turning off if open in the taskbar, even if it wasn’t in use. So quit Skype and check if it helps.

Other users have noted that the issue is caused by adware, and when uninstalled, the monitor started behaving normally.

2. Disable USB Selective Suspend setting

Click Start
Select Settings
Select System

Click Power and Sleep

Go to Additional Power settings

Click Change Plan settings

Click Change advanced power settings

Click USB settings

Click USB Selective Suspend Setting and set to Disabled

3. Update latest drivers

Click Start and then select Settings
Click Update and Security
Select Windows Update

Select Check for updates

Install the latest drivers along with chipset drivers, firmware, and BIOS updates if available.

Some drivers are very hard to be found and you can put your system to risk while installing the wrong versions. However, you can avoid that by choosing to do it automatically with Outbyte Driver Updater.

This is the best-automatized solution to spot driver issues – mostly missing or outdated software.

If you want to install the latest version of your drivers without putting your system at any risk, then get it automatically with this awesome app.

⇒ Get Outbyte Driver Updater

4. Change Power Plan settings

Click Start and select Settings
Select System
Select Power and Sleep
Ensure the Sleep setting is set to the desired value
Go to Additional power settings
Select Change Plan Settings next to your option
Select Change advanced power settings
On the Power Options screen, you want to expand each setting and ensure that they allow the computer to go to sleep mode.
Set it to Allow the computer to sleep.

5. View event logs

Click Start
Search for View event logs in the search bar
Start the event logs and wait for them to load
Click Windows Logs System
Click Filter current logs on the right pane
Select Event Source: Power troubleshooting and click OK
In the middle, check the event logged when your PC woke up and check the details of the log to find the wake source

Some users have said that TeamViewer causes the monitor not to sleep, so disable all settings related to waking TeamViewer and uninstall the program.

Have any of the above solutions helped fix the problem on your computer? Let us know in the comments section below.

How To Run Windows Update Troubleshooter

Posted on January 3, 2023December 3, 2025 by Vlad Turiceanu

Updating Windows 10 can often turn into a nightmare. In some cases, users can’t install updates on their devices due to various bugs.

From the Windows Update option not working to many update error codes, situations are varied and require particular attention. The good news is that anyone can attempt to troubleshoot update issues using the Windows Update troubleshooter, even without much technical knowledge.

However, you still need to know how to run the Windows Update Troubleshooter, and that is what we will show you in this guide.

What is the Windows Update troubleshooter?

The Windows Update troubleshooter on Windows 11, 10, and older versions help to fix issues preventing you from installing updates and update-related error codes. It saves you from performing so many troubleshooting steps by diagnosing and fixing the causes of these issues.

Below are some of the features of this tool:

Cleans any update-related temporary file that could be causing problems
Repairs and resets any defaulting update-related components
Clears the SoftwareDistribution folder
Checks for any available updates
Checks the status of services related to updates

How can I run the Windows Update Troubleshooter?

1. Run the troubleshooter on Windows 10

Press the Windows Start button and click on Settings.
Choose Update & Security from the options.
Now, select Troubleshoot from the left pane and click on Additional troubleshooters from the right.
Click on Windows Update to expand it, then hit the Run the troubleshooter button.

Windows 10 has a built-in tool, a convenient, free method to check out what went wrong during the update process.

Additionally, Microsoft offers a Windows Update troubleshooter guide. First, you need to select the Windows version you’re running.

The tool will then ask you to run the built-in troubleshooter, and you already know how to do that.

2. Run the troubleshooter on Windows 11

Click the Start button and select Settings.
Choose System from the left side, then pick Troubleshoot from the right pane.
Click on Other troubleshooters.
Finally, hit the Run button for the Windows Update troubleshooter.
Follow the on-screen instructions to go through with the process.

For more details on using different troubleshooters, check out our full guide on how to run the Windows 11 troubleshooter.

The Windows Update troubleshooter carries so much importance and can save you a lot of stress. It is not a complicated tool to use, as we have shown in this guide.

If you can’t fix the Windows Update issue you’re experiencing with this tool, choose from our list of dedicated Windows update repair tools to solve the problem.

You can also rely on the Reset Windows Update Tool, which restores update components and fixes issues the built in troubleshooter cannot handle.

Should you encounter any additional problems or you have any other suggestions, don’t hesitate to write us in the comments section below.

Outlook not Sending Emails? Fix in 4 Steps

Posted on January 3, 2023August 1, 2025 by Ivan Jenic

A lot of people are using the Universal Outlook app, instead of a web-based version, but some reported Outlook not sending emails issues, among others.

Sometimes, the app even displays a warning to let you know that the message cannot be sent right now from Outlook.

In this article, we’re going to show you some tested solutions to fix your problem with Outlook emails failing, whether after an update or under any other circumstances.

Here are some of the most common issues reported by users:

Outlook not sending emails Windows 10, Windows 11
Outlook not sending emails but receiving
Then, Outlook not sending emails to Gmail
Outlook not sending emails stuck in outbox
Outlook not sending emails automatically
Also, Outlook not sending emails to certain addresses
Outlook not sending emails with attachments

Why is Outlook not sending my emails?

The first thing you need to understand is that pinpointing the root cause is often tricky. What’s more, it may not be a singular culprit to blame at all, but a conjunction of factors.

SMTP server authentication is not configured – In this case, you’re likely to stumble across Outlook error 0x80040115 when trying to send an email.
The Send option is not checked
Outlook account password is not synced – Make sure your password is properly updated if you recently changed it ‎
Connection issues – Make sure Outlook is online if you’re unable to send emails
Incorrect inputs – Double-check the recipient’s address and try to resend the message
Allowed data volume for transfer is exceeded (attachments are too large, etc.) – If such is the case, here’s how to send a large file through Outlook.
Corruption – Repair your Outlook profile and rebuild the Outlook database if needed
Security software interferences – Make sure your antivirus or firewall is not preventing Outlook from sending emails
Windows updates – Look for correlations between recent Windows updates and Outlook emails’ failure

How do I fix outlook not sending emails?

Create a new email profile
Check if TCP/IP protocol is enabled
Change your email provider
Turn on authentication

1. Create a new email profile

1. Go to Search, type control panel, and open Control Panel.
2. Go to User Accounts and open Mail.
3. In the Mail window, go to Add…
4. In the Profile Name box, type the name of your new profile and click OK.
5. After that, select Manually Configure Server Settings.
6. On the Choose Service page, click Internet E-mail, and click Next.
7. Fill in the boxes in the Internet E-mail Settings dialog box. Make sure that the Account Type setting is set to POP3.
8. Click Next and then, click Finish.
9. Now go back to the Mail window, in When Starting Microsoft Outlook, use this profile box and select the profile you just created.
Click OK. Finally, open Outlook to see if there are any changes.

There’s a possibility that your email profile is corrupted, so you can try creating a new one. Follow the steps described above to create a new email profile for Outlook.

If you want to know how to mark all emails as read in Outlook, check out our dedicated guide.

2. Check if TCP/IP protocol is enabled

If you still have problems, even if you switched to another profile, you can check if TCP/IP is set as your default protocol. Here’s what you need to do:

Go to Search, type ncpa.cpl, and press Enter.
Right-click on your Internet connection and go to Properties.
Under the Networking tab, make sure that Internet Protocol Version 6 (TCP/IPv6) is checked.
If not, then check it and click OK.

Did you know that you can avoid sending messages accidentally in Outlook? We have a special guide that shows you how to do that, so be sure to check it out.

3. Change your email provider

Despite being a very popular email service, Outlook has a very long history when it comes to known issues for both their downloadable client, as well as their web client.

Thus, if none of the solutions written below manage to fix the issue for you, maybe it is time to consider switching to the email client.

One perfect candidate for the job is Mailbird, since it has all of the tools of Outlook, and so much more.

With Mailbird, you can manage all your emails and contacts from multiple accounts easily in one unified Inbox, and visually customize the app to look in whatever way pleases you most.

⇒ Get Mailbird

4. Turn on Outlook authentication

Select the Tools menu in Outlook > go to Email Accounts.
Click View or change existing e-mail accounts > Next.
Select an email account > click on Change > More Settings.
Go to the Outgoing Server tab.
Check the option My outgoing server (SMTP) requires authentication.
Select the option Use same setting as my incoming mail server > hit OK > Apply > Finish.

Even more, you can send Outlook emails at a time of your choosing by applying some quick tips, as described in our guide. We also encourage you to check our article on how to recall & resend an email in Outlook.

That’s all, we hope that at least one of these solutions solved your problem with emails in Outlook. If you have any comments, please write them down in the comments section below.

Windows Update Error 0xc190012e [SOLVED]

Posted on January 3, 2023October 4, 2023 by Milan Stanojevic

Several users have reported getting the Windows Update error 0xc190012e whenever they try updating their Windows 10 operating system.

It seems that the most common situation in which this error appears is when users try to upgrade from Windows 10 Insider Preview.

This issue can be very annoying, especially if you’re trying to upgrade your Windows 10 OS for security reasons. This error can also stop you from accessing any new or updated features.

For these reasons, in this article, we will explore some of the best troubleshooting methods to try and solve this issue once and for all. Please follow the steps presented in this guide closely.

What is the Windows Update error 0xc190012e and why does it appear?

To explain today’s error in a more detailed way, keep in mind that it is directly related to a Windows Update glitch or some kind of system file corruption.

Plus, you have to consider that experts’ tests also claimed the Dell Encryption, Dell Data Security, and BitLocker interference as one of the most common causes of this issue.

According to some Windows 10 users, this occurs while attempting to install a few particular Windows feature updates. In most cases, it seems like versions 1903 and 1909 are the ones that are giving headaches.

Now, let’s see how you can easily fix the Windows Update error 0xc190012e in just a few simple steps.

How to fix the error 0xc190012e?

1. Clear temporary files

Click on Cortana search box, type in Disk Cleanup, and open it.
Select Drive C, then click Ok.
Windows will now calculate all the files that can be removed.
Select all the files that you want to remove from the list, and select Ok.
Try to see if this solved your issue.

2. Reset Windows 10 update components

Download the Windows Update Troubleshooter from Microsoft.
Open the file and select the Windows Update option, then click on the Advanced button.
Choose to Run as administrator.
Select Windows Update again, and click Next.
Wait for the process to complete, and close the troubleshooter.
Open Windows Update Troubleshooter again.
Click again on Advanced, then choose to Run as administrator.
Select the second option in the list Windows Network Diagnostics.
Click on Next.
After the process is completed, restart your computer and try to see if you can update your Windows 10 normally.

In case you didn’t manage to get rid of the Windows Update error 0xc190012e, your situation might be related to some corrupted files that need to be cleared.

Make sure you read all the listed solutions below because you’re surely going to discover one that will fit your needs.

3. Try MiniTool Partition Wizard Pro

Many users claimed that MiniTool Partition Wizard pro successfully supported them when encountering Windows Update errors, such as the one presented in today’s guide.

What is this tool exactly? It is one of the best disk cloning programs available for Windows users, is especially dedicated to those who need to back up or upgrade components, without spending hours reinstalling Oss or apps.

As many beginners choose MiniTool Partition Wizard Pro, we can strongly agree that it is extremely user-friendly and easy to use.

It seems like this tool will help you a lot when you got to migrate from a Hard disk to an SSD a Hardware Cloner, to quickly change partitions types and define them.

MiniTool Partition Wizard Pro is not only a disk cloning app, but it can also be considered as an all-in-one partition manager that works impeccably in recovering data and diagnosing disks.

With this software, you’ll be able to create, delete, move, resize, format, and extend partitions, convert disks between MBR and GPT, and many other amazing actions.

Partition Wizard can also run diagnostics on disks, measuring things like the read/write speed, verifying the integrity of the file system, fixing file system errors, and detecting bad sectors.

Because this tool can be simultaneously connected to up to 5 PCs, it would be a great idea to share the experience with your loved ones.

Plus, MiniTool Partition Wizard Pro is compatible with multiple Windows operating clients. In this matter, we have to consider Windows 2000, XP, Vista, 7, 8, 8.1, and 10.

Thus, do not hesitate to use it also on aged devices, as it would work smoothly and without any faced troubles.

As an overall conclusion, we have to admit the MiniTool Partition Wizard Pro is an excellent choice if you want to take care of your data storage setup, changes, and maintenance.

The Ultimate license of MiniTool Partition Wizard Pro offers the following features:

Merge Partition
Convert Dynamic disk to Basic disk
Change cluster size
Partition Copy, Disk Copy
Data recovery and partition recovery
Support up to 5 PCs

MiniTool Partition Wizard Pro

If you face the Windows Update error 0xc190012e, you should use one of the best partition managers!

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4. Run SFC command

Press simultaneously on the following keys: Windows + X.
Select Windows PowerShell (Admin).
Inside the PowerShell window, input the following command, then press on Enter: SFC /scannow
Wait for the Windows to check for missing or corrupt files, then restart your computer.

This command will help you not only with the Windows Update error 0xc190012e but also in case you face many other issues, like the 0x1000007e bugcheck blue screen error.

As it can be extremely useful in multiple situations, we strongly recommend saving it somewhere you can easily access it. If Sfc /scannow stops on Windows 10/11, make sure you also check a dedicated fixing guide.

5. Run CHKDSK command

Use the following keyboard shortcut: Windows + X.
Navigate to Windows PowerShell (Admin).
Type in this command then hit Enter: chkdsk C: /f /r /x
In case the volume you want to check is C, then the command will not run (the system is using it now).
Then, you will receive the message that asks you Would you like to schedule this volume to be checked the next time the system restarts?
Type in Y and press Enter so that the system performs the check next time your computer restarts.

6. Update Windows 10 manually (using ISO file)

Navigate to the Windows 10 Download Tool official page.
To update Windows 10, click on the Update now button.
If you want to create a Windows 10 installation media, select the Download tool now button.
Open the setup and follow the on-screen instructions to install the update

NOTE

Keep in mind that if you want to use the above solution, you have to first make sure that you own a Windows 10 license.

What other Windows Update errors should I be aware of?

Windows could not search for new updates in Windows 7 or 10 – This is also known as Windows 80072EFE error and seems to be pretty common among worldwide users.
Windows Update error 8007005 – This one occurs during Windows updates with an error message that states the following – Error 8007005: Windows encountered an unknown error.
The Windows Update error 0x800f0845 – Some users claimed that this error shows up when they’re trying to install the update component KB4056892, and during the installation of other update components.
Error 0xc0000409 in Windows 10/11 – According to our experiments, the error code 0xc0000409 can be the result of a known issue with the new Windows 10 Insider Preview Build 19624.
Windows Update error 0x800704c7 – In this case, you might face missing/corrupted files or background processes conflicting with the update due to which you are not able to get the latest update.
Windows 10/11 update error 0x8007000e – This one Error is an update error that affects some users when they try to search for new updates via Settings.

In this article, we explored some of the best troubleshooting methods for dealing with the error 0xc190012e. Feel free to let us know if this guide helped you by using the comment section below.

Outlook Reminder Sounds: How to Download and Customize Them

Posted on January 3, 2023October 4, 2023 by Matthew Adams

Some users utilize Outlook’s calendar to schedule event reminders. Outlook has a reminder sound that alerts users to scheduled events on their calendars. You can customize Outlook’s default reminder sound by changing it to one downloaded from the web.

How can I download and configure Outlook’s reminder sounds?

1. Download Outlook reminder sounds

First, you’ll need to download a new Outlook reminder sound. You can get Outlook reminder sounds from numerous alert sound effect website depositories. Check out the Free Sound Clips website, which includes an Alert Sounds page.

You can download numerous reminder alert sounds for Outlook in the WAV file format.

Alert Sounds page download outlook reminder sounds

To download a sound file at Free Sound Clips, click the link for it in the Sound Effects column. Then, you can select to download either a WAV or MP3 file. Download the WAV file.

Sounds4email is another website that includes a repository of sound effects. Those sound effects are designed primarily for email notifications, but you can still utilize some for reminder sounds.

Click a sound on the Sounds4email site to open a preview clip window for it, from which you can select to download its ZIP file.

Sounds4email website download outlook reminder sounds

After downloading the reminder sound, you’ll need to extract the ZIP file for the audio clip. Click the sound effect’s ZIP file in File Explorer to do that. Click the Extract all button. Then press the Extract button.

Extract Compressed window download outlook reminder sounds

2. Change the reminder sound in Outlook

Then you’ll need to change Outlook’s reminder sound to the downloaded one. Select the File tab in Outlook.
Click Options on the left of Outlook’s window.
Click the Advanced tab on the Outlook Options window.
Select the Player reminder sound option if it’s now already selected.
Click the Browse button.
Select the WAV reminder sound you downloaded.
Click the Open button.
Press the OK button on the Outlook Options window.

When a reminder alert pops up, it will include the sound effect you selected. That sound effect can be any short audio clip downloaded from the web (in WAV format).

Now that you know how to customize sounds, why not check our guide on how to set reminders in Outlook to learn more about them?

However, you can also download sound effects with other file formats and convert them to WAV format. If you want to do that, first check out this handy list with the best audio converters you can download now.

Error 0x800703ee When Updating/Installing Windows

Posted on January 3, 2023October 4, 2023 by Tashreef Shareef

When trying to copy or move files from your Windows system to an external storage device like a Micro SD card or a USB drive, you may encounter Error 0x800703ee. This error can also occur when trying to install, clean install Windows, or update the system. The full error reads:

Installation Failure: Windows failed to install the following update with error 0x800703EE

In this article, we have listed a few troubleshooting steps to help you resolve the error 0x800703ee on external storage when trying to clean Install Windows or install the update.

What is error code 0x800703ee?

If the error 0x800703ee the volume for a file has been externally altered so that the opened file is no longer valid is occurring when clean installing or updating Windows, it usually points to corrupt update files due to which the update process is not initiating.

This error can occur due to several reasons, including third-party antivirus conflict, programs using the file, issues with other third-party software installed on your system, and corrupted storage drives.

How do I fix error 0x800703ee?

1. Change the USB Port

At times a malfunctioning USB port can be the cause for the error 0x800703ee. The issue may also occur on a functioning USB port but due to some other issues.

A quick workaround would be to change the USB Port. Unplug the bootable USB flash drive and connect to a different USB port on your system. This is usually helpful if you are using a USB 3.0 port. Try connecting the flash drive to a USB 2.0 port and then proceed with the installation or upgrade process.

If you are working with the Windows Media Creation tool and are troubled by this error, then move on to the next steps.

2. Update your PC in Safe Mode

Press the Windows Key + I to open Settings.
Choose Update & Security.
Select the Recovery tab from the left pane.
Scroll down and click the Restart Now button under the Advanced Startup section and follow on-screen instructions to open the Recovery menu.
Under the Choose an Option section, select Troubleshoot.
Next, select the Advanced Settings option.
On the Advanced Options screen, choose the Start-up Setting option.
Click the Restart option under Start-up Settings.
After the PC restarts, you will have multiple numbered options.
Select option 4 to Enable Safe Mode. Press the 4 key on your keyboard to select the option.
After the PC restarts in Safe Mode, go ahead and try installing the update to see if the issue is resolved.

Restarting your PC in Safe Mode allows you to install updates without any third-party software conflict. A major cause of the error 0x800703ee has been due to conflict with third-party software.

Finding the exact software that is causing the issue is a difficult task. As a result, you can completely negate this issue by restarting your system in Safe Mode. When in Safe Mode, Windows only starts with necessary system services and apps running in the background.

3. Install the Windows update manually

Press the Windows key + I to open Settings.
Choose Update & Security.
Click on the Windows Update tab.
Scroll down and click on Windows Update History.
Scroll through the Update History and note down all the updates that have failed to install.
Go to the Microsoft Update Catalog website.
Search for the update that has failed to install on the right hand. Download all the update packages to your system.
Run the downloaded files one by one to install the updates.

Microsoft allows you to download and install some feature updates from its update catalog manually. This is particularly helpful if one or a few specific updates are causing the error.

Follow the steps to install the updates manually.

4. Clean Install using a USB flash drive

Download the latest version of Windows ISO from Microsoft.
Once you have downloaded the ISO, create a bootable flash drive using Rufus or any other tool of your choice.
Connect the USB flash drive to your computer and reboot the system.
The system will reboot into the Windows Setup screen. If the Windows restart normally instead of booting into the Setup screen, you need to change the boot priority in BIOS.
Restart your PC and start pressing the ESC / F2 / F10 key on your keyboard to change the boot priority. From the BIOS menu, open the Boot tab and set the bootable USB flash drive as the priority boot drive. Save the changes and exit.
From the Windows Setup screen, click on the Install now button and proceed with on-screen instructions.

If the installation fails with the error again, check if the Windows 10 ISO is corrupted. Download a new ISO file and try to clean install Windows 10.

The error 0x800703ee the volume for a file has been externally altered when installing or updating Windows can be triggered due to several reasons.

Follow the steps in this article one by one to fix the error and install the Windows update successfully.

Windows Update Error 0x8007371b [TRANSACTION CLOSURE INCOMPLETE]

Posted on January 3, 2023March 22, 2024 by Matthew Adams

Windows Update error 0x8007371b is an old issue that originally occurred on Windows 7 and Vista. However, users have also posted on forums about error 0x8007371b for Windows 10. The error 0x8007371b message states, 0x8007371B = ERROR_SXS_TRANSACTION_CLOSURE_INCOMPLETE.

That issue arises when users try to update Windows 10. As a consequence, updates don’t get installed. These are some potential fixes for Windows Update error 0x8007371b.

How can I fix error 0x8007371b?

1. Use a dedicated system repair tool

This type of error is often caused by a broken or corrupted system file. The best and fastest way to fix this is with the help of professional repair software. These tools allow you to perform comprehensive scans and replace any file with fresh genuine ones from their large databases.

2. Use Windows Update

Run the Windows Update troubleshooter
Open the search box by clicking the Type here to search taskbar button.
Enter the keyword troubleshoot in the search utility.
Click Troubleshoot to open that Settings tab.
Click Additional troubleshooters to open the window shown directly below.
Select the Windows Update troubleshooter listed there.
Click Run the troubleshooter to open the Windows Update troubleshooter.
Then go through and apply the troubleshooter’s suggested fixes.

3. Run the DISM scan

To run Deployment Image & Servicing Management scans, press the Windows key + S search box keyboard shortcut.
Type cmd in Windows 10’s search box.
Right-click Command Prompt and select Run as administrator to open an elevated CP window.
First, type in this command and press Enter: Dism /online /cleanup-image /ScanHealth
After than scan, input this Deployment Image command: Dism /online /cleanup-image /CheckHealth
Finally, type in this command and hit Enter: Dism online /cleanup-image /RestoreHealth

4. Run the SFC scan

Open an elevated Command Prompt window as outlined for steps one to three of the previous resolution.
Enter this System File Checker command in the Prompt’s window: sfc /scannow
Press the Enter key to run the SFC command.
Wait for the scan to finish and display its scanning outcome.
If the scan outcome says Windows Resource Protection repaired corrupt files, restart your laptop or desktop.

5. Clear Windows Update’s cache folder

Right-click your Start button and select Run.
To open the Services window, input services.msc in Run’s text box and click OK.
Right-click the Windows Update service to select Stop.
Next, open File Explorer with the Windows key + E keyboard shortcut for it.
Enter this path into the file path bar: %windir%SoftwareDistributionDataStore
Press the Ctrl + A key to select all the folder’s content.
Select the Home tab.
Click the Delete button.
Open the Services window again.
Right-click Windows Update and select Start to restart that service.

6. Uninstall third-party antivirus software

Open Run’s window.
Enter appwiz.cpl into Run and click OK to open the Programs and Features applet.
Select your listed antivirus software.
Click the Uninstall option for your antivirus utility.
Click Yes to provide further confirmation to uninstall software.

NOTE

Some antivirus utilities have their own removal tools. Uninstall your antivirus software with its official removal tool if it has one.

The above resolutions might fix Windows Update error 0x8007371b for some users but aren’t guaranteed to resolve the issue for everybody.

If the above fixes aren’t enough, consider reinstalling Windows 10 with the in-place upgrade method as a last resort.

Windows Update Error 0xc1900130 [SOLVED]

Posted on January 3, 2023March 22, 2024 by Matthew Adams

Some users have started threads on the Microsoft forum about the Windows Update error 0xc1900130. That’s another of those Windows Update errors which can arise when users check for updates via Settings.

Windows doesn’t install pending updates when that error arises. These are some of the resolutions for error 0xc1900130.

How do I fix Windows Update error 0xc1900130?

1. Run the Windows Update troubleshooter

The Windows Update troubleshooter is likely to easily solve this error code and allow you to resume your updates in no time.

To open that troubleshooter, click the Type here to search button on Windows 10’s taskbar.
To search for Troubleshoot settings, enter the keyword troubleshooter in the text box.
Click Troubleshoot settings to open that tab in Settings.
Then click Windows Update, and press its Run the troubleshooter button.
Select the Apply fix option if the troubleshooter provides a potential resolution.

2. Use dedicated software for Windows errors

The most convenient solution is to use a professional repair tool that performs an in-depth scan and identifies damaged system files that lead to Windows errors like this one.

3. Start all required update services

Make sure all the required services for Windows Update are enabled.

To do that, input cmd in Windows 10’s search box.
To open the Prompt with elevated rights, right-click Command Prompt and select Run as administrator.
Input each of these separate commands into the Command Prompt:

SC config wuauserv start= auto

SC config bits start= auto

SC config cryptsvc start= auto

SC config trustedinstaller start= auto

4. Reset Windows Update

Resetting Windows Update has fixed the 0xc1900130 error for some users.

Open an elevated Command Prompt as outlined for the second fix directly above.
Next, enter the following separate commands (press Return after entering each one):
net stop wuauserv
net stop cryptSvc
net stop bits
net stop msiserver
Next, you’re going to rename the SoftwareDistribution folder to clear it.
- To do that, enter ren C:WindowsSoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.old; and press the Return keyboard key.
Then input this command:
- ren C:WindowsSystem32catroot2 Catroot2.old.
  - That will rename the Catroot2 folder to reset it.
To restart the services, input these commands into Command Prompt:
net start wuauserv
net start cryptSvc
net start bits
net start msiserver
After that, restart your desktop or laptop.

5. Rename the iastora.sys file

Error 0xc1900130 can be due to a conflicting iastora driver.

To fix that, open File Explorer (press the Windows key + E hotkey).
Then open this folder in File Explorer: C: > Windows > System32 > drivers.
Right-click the iastora.sys file and select Rename.
Change the file title to iastora.sys.old, and press the Enter keyboard key.
Click Yes on any UAC prompt that might open.
Then restart Windows before checking for updates again.

6. Restore Windows 10 to an earlier date

With System Restore, you might be able to roll Windows 10 back to a time when error 0xc1900130 didn’t arise on your desktop or laptop.

To do that, right-click the Start button to select Run.
Enter restrui and click OK to launch System Restore.
Click the Next option to proceed.
To select from a full restore points list, click Show more restore points.
Then you’ll need to select a restore point that predates error 0xc1900130 on your PC.
- Select the oldest restore point if you’re not entirely sure what one to choose.
Software and updates installed after a selected restore point get deleted.
- Click Scan for affected programs to see what software a selected restore point removes.
Click Next and Finish to restart and roll back Windows 10.

The fixes above can get Windows 10 updates rolling again. Remember that you can also manually download and install cumulative updates from Microsoft Update Catalog.

Enter the updates’ KB numbers in the search box on that website to download them from there.

If you follow the troubleshooting steps mentioned above, you should be able to fix the Windows Update error in no time.

That being said, let us know if you found this article helpful by leaving us a message in the comment section below.

Windows Update Error 0xca00a000: Quick Fixes

Posted on January 3, 2023October 4, 2023 by Matthew Adams

Error 0xca00a000 is a Windows Update error that arises for some users. The full error message states: 2018-07 Cumulative Update for Windows 10 Version 1803 for x64-based Systems (update code) – Error 0xca00a000.

Consequently, the update hasn’t installed in Win 10. Some of the resolutions below might fix error 0xca00a000.

How can I fix error 0xca00a000?

1. Open the Windows Update Troubleshooter

First, try fixing the issue with the Windows Update troubleshooter. A few users have stated that the Windows Update troubleshooter repaired the error code. Users can open that troubleshooter as follows.

Press the Windows key + Q keyboard shortcut to open Cortana.
Input ‘troubleshoot’ in the search box.
Select Troubleshoot to open the Settings app as below.

Select Windows Update and press the Run the troubleshooter button.

Thereafter, the troubleshooter might provide a fix for error 0xca00a000. If so, select the Apply this Fix option.
Restart Windows after closing the troubleshooter.

2. Run a System File Scan

Windows Update errors can be due to corrupted system files. So, it might be worth running a System File Checker scan to repair files. To do that, follow the guidelines below.

Enter ‘Run’ in Cortana’s search box, and select to open Run.
Input ‘cmd’ in Run and press Ctrl + Shift + Enter.
Enter ‘DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-image /Restorehealth’in the Prompt’s window, and press the Return key.
Next, enter ‘sfc /scannow’ in the Prompt and press Return. Then the SFC scan might take about half an hour.

Thereafter, the Command Prompt might tell you that Windows Resource Protection repaired files. Restart the desktop or laptop if WRP did fix files.

3. Select an Automatic Startup for Windows Modules Installer

Some users have fixed error 0xca00a000 by selecting Automatic as the startup type for the Windows Modules Installer. So, it might be the case that the Windows Modules Installer is disabled. This is how users can change the startup setting for WMI.

Open the Run accessory.
Enter ‘services.msc’ in Run and click OK to open the window in the shot directly below.

Double-click Windows Modules Installer to open the window below.

Then select Automatic on the Startup type drop-down menu.
Click the Apply and OK buttons.
Alternatively, users can change Windows Modules Installer’s startup setting via the Command Prompt. Press the Windows key + X hotkey, and select Command Prompt (Administrator).
Then enter ‘SC config trustedinstaller start=auto’ in the Prompt and press Return.

4. Clean Boot Windows

Conflicting third-party antivirus software can also be another factor behind error 0xca00a000. Users can clean boot Windows to ensure there aren’t any conflicting antivirus software or other programs, which might resolve error 0xca00a000. Follow the guidelines below to perform a clean boot.

Input ‘msconfig’ in Run’s Open text box and press Enter to open the System Configuration utility.

typing lag/slow keyboard response in Windows 10

Click the Selective startup radio button on the General tab if that’s not already selected.
Select the Load system services and Use original boot configuration settings.
To remove programs from the startup, deselect the Load startup items check box.
Open the Services tab shown below.

Select the Hide all Microsoft services option there to remove them from the list.
Select the Disable all option to turn off the remaining third-party services listed.
Select the Apply option.
Click OK to exit System Configuration.
Select the Restart option on the dialog box that opens to reboot the Windows.

Improve performance by disabling Windows services

Thereafter, the required update might install. Users can restore the orignal boot configuration by selecting the Load startup items setting and Enable all option on the Services tab.

5. Clear the Software Distribution Folder

Error 0xca00a000 can also be due to corrupted Windows Update components within the Software Distribution folder. Therefore, clearing the Software Distribution folder will reset those components and potentially fix error 0xca00a000. This is how users can clear out the Software Distribution folder.

Before clearing the Software Distribution folder, users should disable update services first. To do so, press the Windows key + X hotkey and select Command Prompt (Admin).
Input these commands in the Prompt:

net stop bits

net stop wuauserv

net stop appidsvc

net stop cryptsvc

Next, press the Windows key + E keyboard shortcut to open File Explorer.
Enter ‘C:WindowsSoftwareDistribution’ in File Explorer’s address bar, and press the Return key.

Press Ctrl + A to select all the content within the folder.
Click the Delete button.
Thereafter, open the Command Prompt again. Then enter these commands in the Prompt:

net start bits

net start wuauserv

net start appidsvc

net start cryptsvc

Select Restart on the Start menu.

6. Manually Update Windows 10

Users can also install Windows updates manually. Instead of relying on Windows Update, users can get the required update from the Microsoft’s Update catalog. That method might not entirely be a fix for error 0xca00a000, but users can still install the required update nonetheless. Follow the guidelines below to manually update Win 10.

Open Microsoft Update Catalog in a browser.
Enter the update code that appears within the error message in the website’s search box.
Press the Search button to open the search results as below.

Then select to download the update for your Windows 10 version. For example, you’ll need to download an 1803 update for Windows 10 version 1803.
If you’re not sure what update to download, enter ‘system’ in Cortana’s search box.
Then click About your PC to open the window in the snapshot below, which includes the required Windows 10 version and system type details.

Open the downloaded update file executable to install it.

Those are some of the best resolutions for fixing error 0xca00a000 so that Win 10 updates as expected. The Windows Update troubleshooter on the Windows Support site might also provide some resolutions for fixing error 0xca00a000.

Error Code 0x80070490 in Windows Update [SOLVED]

Posted on January 3, 2023March 22, 2024 by Milan Stanojevic

Downloading Windows updates is important if you want to keep your Windows 10 PC safe, but some users have reported error code 0x80070490 while trying to download Windows updates on Windows 10.

So today we’re going to find out how to fix error 0x80070490. According to the reports, Windows Update stops running, and when that happens users get this error code.

This can be a big problem because you won’t be able to download Windows updates, and you’ll be missing out on new features and security patches.

What causes the error code 0x80070490?

Error code 80070490 can appear on all versions of Windows, and it’s usually caused by damaged system files, so you’ll have to repair them in order to fix this issue.

Most errors, including 0x800f0831 update error can be fixed simply by running the built-in troubleshooter, so be sure to give it a try.

This isn’t the only error that can occur when your files are damaged and many reported error 0x80070643 in Windows 11.

How can I fix the Windows Update error 0x80070490?

Create a new local account
Use a system repair tool
Run the Update Troubleshooter
Run the SFC scan
Run DISM
Check for malware
Disable antivirus
Delete user ID store cache from registry
Check if specific services are running
Delete SoftwareDistribution folder

1. Create a new local account

In order to fix this issue on Windows 10 you’ll have to create a new local account and move your files to it:

Create a new local account with administrator privileges.
Move your documents and personal files to new account.
Delete your old account and switch to new one.
After you’ve switched to new local account add your Microsoft account to it.

After doing that, error 0x80070490 should be fixed. However, if the issue doesn’t get resolved, try some of the solutions listed below.

Moreover, the program does an in-depth registry cleanup and removes malware, while also optimizing your PC.

2. Use a system repair tool

Installing trustworthy repair software whose aim is to fix Windows errors and keep your computer secure is a great solution.

This type of tool performs an advanced scan and through its repair function, it fixes your Windows errors within minutes, as well as your registry keys, DLLs, and corrupted system files.

3. Run the Update Troubleshooter

If you’re running Windows 10, you can use the new troubleshooting tool, simply called Windows Troubleshooter. This tool can be used for dealing with various system problems, including update issues.

Here’s how to run this troubleshooter in Windows 10:

Go to Settings
Head over to Update & Security > Troubleshoot
Find Windows Update, and click Run the troubleshooter
Follow further on-screen instructions
Restart your computer

If the troubleshooter stops before completing the process, there are steps to fix it with the help of a complete guide.

4. Run the SFC scan

Since we’re at the troubleshooting tools in Windows 10, let’s try another one. This time, we’ll be using the SFC scan. In case you’re not familiar with this tool, it serves as another built-in troubleshooter designed for resolving various system problems.

However, the SFC scan doesn’t have a users interface, so you’ll have to run it using the Command Prompt. In case you don’t know how to do that, just follow these instructions:

Go to Search, type cmd, and open Command Prompt as Administrator.
Enter the following line and press Enter: sfc/scannow
Wait for the process to finish.
Restart your computer.

If you’re having trouble accessing Command Prompt as an admin, then you better take a closer look at this guide.

5. Run DISM

And the last troubleshooting tool we’re going to try when resolving the 0x80070490 is the DISM. Deployment Image & Servicing Management (DISM) is yet another troubleshooting tool in Windows 10, but it’s the most powerful one.

So, if previous troubleshooters failed to resolve the problem, we’re going to try this one. In case you don’t know how to run DISM, just follow the instructions below:

Go to Search, type cmd, and open Command Prompt as Administrator.
Enter the following command on the command line:
- DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-image /Restorehealth
In case the DISM can’t obtain files online, try using your installation USB or DVD. Insert media and type following command:
- DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth /Source:C:RepairSourceWindows /LimitAccess
Make sure to replace ”C:RepairSourceWindows” path of your DVD or USB.

6. Check for malware

Some users also associate the error 0x80070490 with viruses or some other kind of malware. So, if none of the solutions from above managed to resolve the problem, scan your computer for viruses.

For this reason, we recommend you run a full PC scan and remove all threats found if any. You can use the inbuilt Windows Defender, but for more accurate results, we suggest you use a third-party antivirus.

Using a dedicated antivirus with high detection rates may save you some time and hassle as it generally implements more detection and blocking features than the built-in Windows utility.

7. Disable antivirus

On the contrary to the previous solution, there’s a chance your antivirus is exactly what gives you this error. Antivirus programs and Windows updates are known for not getting along with each other.

So, you may be getting this error because of your third-party antivirus. To check that, simply disable your antivirus, and check for updates. If there’s no error, make sure your antivirus is up to date.

On top of that, you may also consider changing your antivirus solution, or switching to Windows Defender which is a very good antivirus solution.

For the Norton users, we’ve got a dedicated guide on how to completely remove it from your PC. There’s a similar guide for uninstalling McAffee as well.

If you’re using any antivirus solution and you want to completely remove it from your PC, we recommend you use dedicated uninstaller software.

8. Delete user ID store cache from registry

To do that, follow these steps:

Open Registry Editor. You can open Registry Editor by pressing Windows Key + R and typing regedit. After you’ve typed regedit press Enter or click OK to start Registry Editor.
When Registry Editor starts, you need to navigate to the following key in the left panel:
- HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESOFTWAREMicrosoftWindowsCurrentVersionAppxAppxAllUserStore
Now you need to find keys that look like this: S-1-5-21-1505978256-3813739684-4272618129-1016. We have to mention that this is just an example, and most likely your keys will have the similar format, but the name of the keys won’t be exactly the same.
Select all these keys and delete them.
After you’ve deleted these keys, close Registry Editor and restart your computer.

If you can’t edit your Windows 10’s registry, there is a handy guide that will help you find the quickest solutions to the issue.

9. Check if specific system services are running

Press Windows Key + R and type services.msc.
When Services window starts, find the following services: BITS, Cryptographic, MSI Installer and the Windows Update Services. Make sure that those services are running.
If one or more of these services aren’t running, make sure that you start them by selecting the service and clicking Start the service.

Most users don’t know what to do if their Windows key stops working, which can leave them confused and worried.

10. Delete the SoftwareDistribution folder

The last thing we’re going to try is deleting the SoftwareDistribution folder. This folder stores all updated data, so if something inside this folder gets corrupted, you may encounter some update problems.

But before we delete this folder, we should disable the Windows Update service. And here’s how to do that:

Go to Search, type services.msc, and go to Services.
In Services list, search for Windows Update.
Right-click and go to Properties, then choose Disable.
Restart your computer.

Now that the Windows Update service is disabled, let’s go and delete (rename) the SoftwareDistribution folder:

Navigate to C:Windows and find the SoftwareDistribution folder.
Rename folder to SoftwareDistribution.OLD (you can delete it, but it’s safer if we just leave it there).
Restart your computer.

Not sure what to do with the Software Distribution folder? You can either rename it or even delete the folder.

Once you do that, go and re-enable the Windows Update service:

Once again navigate to Services and find Windows Update and, in Properties, change from Disabled to Manual.
Restart your computer once again.
Check for updates.

As you can see, fixing the error code 0x80070490 on Windows 10 & Windows 11 isn’t that hard and we hope that our solutions were helpful to you.

Wireless vs Bluetooth Gaming Headset: The Difference

Posted on January 3, 2023October 4, 2023 by Tashreef Shareef

This guide will discuss WiFi vs. Bluetooth gaming headsets and tell you all you need to know.

If you are looking for a wireless headset to add to your arsenal, you have most likely come across Bluetooth and wireless headsets. However, if you are wondering if they are the same, they are not.

All Bluetooth headsets are wireless, but not every wireless headset is Bluetooth supported. Wireless headphones have some definitive advantages over BT-enabled devices and are expensive.

So, should you get a wireless or Bluetooth gaming headset? This article discusses what makes a wireless headset a better alternative for wireless gaming than Bluetooth headsets.

Do gamers prefer wireless headsets?

The answer is yes! For most gamers, a wireless headset will be the go-to. They come with many advantages, including the following:

Portability and mobility – These are clear advantages. You may change your posture and sit farther back because they are not wired.
Increased comfort – Because there are fewer restrictions, you can quickly adapt playing to your setup. You may lie down, sit up or assume whatever positions work the best for you.
Audio control access – Because audio is a massive part of gaming, you may constantly need to change sound levels, especially if you find some soundtracks distracting. Having quick access makes a world of difference.
Sound quality – While you have done away with the litter of wires, most of these devices are developed to deliver the best possible sound quality.

Some users have complained they face a few issues using wireless headsets, but it is usually a breeze once you scale this.

Let’s dive into WiFi vs. Bluetooth gaming headsets and see how they stack against each other.

Is wireless or Bluetooth better for gaming?

While both types of headsets are cordless, the technology in use differs. Bluetooth headsets use radio waves to send signals; wireless headphones, on the other hand, use radio waves or IR to send and receive the audio signal.

Bluetooth headsets are compatible with almost all handheld media device that supports Bluetooth technology, like your laptop, desktop PC, smartphone, and more. In addition, this excellent technology offers more options in all price ranges and works with a built-in chip or an external Bluetooth adapter.

While a Bluetooth headset is suitable for media consumption, it is not ideal for anything that hates latency, such as multiplayer games where missing a footstep can cost you a game. We touch more on the disadvantages of Bluetooth headsets for gaming.

WiFi headphones, on the other hand, are sophisticated pieces of hardware. It usually requires a 2.4GHz base that connects to the audio source via USB or a 3.5 mm RCA cable to transmit and receive signals. The transmitters include the headset, so you don’t have to look for them separately.

Compared to the Bluetooth headset’s 30 feet range, the WiFi headset offers a better range of up to 300 feet. The wireless headphone is also ideal for gaming due to the better latency technology it employs.

Why is a wireless 2.4GHz headset better for gaming than a Bluetooth headset?

1. Latency

One reason Bluetooth headsets are not great for gaming is the latency issues.

On a WiFi connection, the average audio latency is between 5-10 ms, whereas Bluetooth headphones can range from 35-100ms.

Wireless headsets can reduce this up to 16ms, making them an ideal choice for wireless gaming headsets.

Audio Quality and Compression

Wired headsets offer the best audio quality. However, when it comes to wireless devices, Bluetooth and WiFi headsets have built-in codecs to compensate for the loss of audio fidelity.

The wireless technology can offer bandwidth up to 40,000 HZ even while using the mic, resulting in a better audio output.

Compatibility

While Bluetooth headset is compatible with the most common media devices, such as smartphones and laptops, it is still not compatible with gaming hardware such as PlayStation, Xbox, or even Nintendo Switch.

However, you can connect a WiFi headset to compatible devices via the RC cable or the USB-C port to stream audio.

To summarize, Bluetooth headsets are not ideal for gaming. Whether you do mobile, console, or PC gaming doesn’t matter.

Latency is the most significant disadvantage, and only WiFi headsets seem to reduce the lag.

Still, if you are inclined to a Bluetooth headset due to its wider compatibility without requiring an external source, look for a headset with an optional wired mode to help you with gaming sessions.

Alternatively, consider purchasing headsets that support Bluetooth and 2.4GH wireless technology to have the best of both technologies.

And that is as far as we will go in this WiFi vs. Bluetooth gaming headset guide. We hope you understand the differences and that this informs your choice if you are looking to acquire a new device.

The Linked Image Cannot be Displayed in Outlook [Easy Guide]

Posted on January 3, 2023October 4, 2023 by Madalina Dinita

Many Outlook users have encountered an error message when trying to display a linked image.

Outlook normally displays images from incoming emails, but oftentimes users get the infamous red X button and the message the linked image cannot be displayed.

The error mainly occurs in Outlook 2013 and Outlook 2016 users. The linked image cannot be displayed message in Outlook can be quite annoying and prevent you from viewing your emails properly.

Let’s see how to easily correct that.

How do I fix an Outlook image that can’t be displayed?

1. Check your antivirus software

In some instances, it’s possible that your antivirus is causing this issue.

If the linked image cannot be displayed in Outlook, it might be possible that email protection feature is causing the problem.

To fix the problem, open email protection settings and try disabling certain features. If that doesn’t help, you might have to disable your antivirus altogether.

In some cases, the only way to fix this issue is to remove your antivirus, so you might want to try that as well.

Even if you remove your third-party antivirus, you’ll still be protected by Windows Defender on Windows 10, so there’s no need to worry about your safety.

Many users had this issue with McAfee, but other antivirus applications can also cause this problem to appear.

For Norton users, we’ve got a dedicated guide on how to completely remove it from your PC. There’s a similar guide for McAffe users, as well.

If you’re using any antivirus and you want to completely remove it from your PC, after removing the antivirus, check if the problem is still there. If the problem doesn’t appear, you should consider switching to a different antivirus.

2. Modify the registry

The linked image cannot be displayed Office 365

1. Press Windows Key+R to open a Run dialog box, and type regedit and press Enter.

2. Locate and select the following subkey:

HKEY_CURRENT_USERSoftwareMicrosoftOfficex.0Common
DWORD: BlockHTTPimages
Value: 1

or this subkey if the Group Policy is enabled

HKEY_CURRENT_USERSoftwarepoliciesMicrosoftOfficex.0Common
DWORD: BlockHTTPimages
Value: 1

3. Right-click the BlockHTTPimages key > select Delete, and confirm the deletion.

5. Go to the File menu, and click Exit.

According to users, sometimes the linked image cannot be displayed in Outlook due to certain issues in your registry.

Your registry holds all sorts of values, and if one of those values is corrupted, you might encounter this and many other problems.

As always, before modifying the registry, back it up in case anything goes wrong.

However, you can fix that problem by completing the above procedure. After making these changes to the registry, check if the problem is still there.

If you can’t edit your Windows 10’s registry, read this handy guide and find the quickest solutions to the issue.

Can’t access the Registry Editor? Things aren’t as scary as they seem. Check out this simple guide and solve the issue quickly.

3. Relocate your Temporary Internet Files folder (IE)

Press Windows Key + S and enter internet options.
Choose Internet Options from the list of results.
In the Browsing history section click the Settings button.
Now click the Move folder button and choose a new location for temporary Internet files.

After doing that, save changes and restart your PC. Once your PC restarts, check if the problem is still there.

Sometimes the linked image cannot be displayed in Outlook due to your Temporary Internet Files folder.

The contents of this folder can get corrupted, and the best way to fix the issue is to choose a different location for a new Temporary Internet Files folder.

By doing so, you’ll recreate the Temporary Internet Files directory. To choose a new location for Temporary Internet Files, follow the above steps.

4. Disable the setting for encrypted pages

Open Internet Options window.
- We showed you how to do that in one of our previous solutions.
Navigate to the Advanced tab.
- In the Security section, disable Do not save encrypted pages to disk option.
- Now click Apply and OK to save changes.

According to users, sometimes the linked image cannot be displayed in Outlook due to certain settings.

Sometimes certain settings can lead to various issues, but you can solve the problem simply by disabling them. After disabling this option, check if the problem is still there.

5. Repair the Office Outlook app

Press Windows Key + S and enter control panel.
Select Control Panel from the list of results.
Head over to the Programs and Features section.
A list of installed applications should now appear.
Locate Microsoft Office on the list and click Repair.
Select Online Repair and click Repair once again to confirm.
Now follow the instructions on the screen to repair the Office installation.

If the linked image cannot be displayed in Outlook, it’s possible that your Office installation is corrupted. To fix this problem, it’s advised to repair the installation.

After the Office installation is repaired, check if the problem is still there.

You can’t open Control Panel? Take a look at this step-by-step guide to find a solution.

6. Add a sender to the Safe Senders List

In Outlook, go to the Home tab, click Junk, and choose Junk E-mail Options.
Head over to the Safe Senders tab and check Automatically add people I e-mail to the Safe Senders List check box.

In order to fix the problem with linked images, it’s important that you add a specific sender to a Safe Senders List.

In addition, you can also add the entire domain to the Safe Senders List. To do that, just follow the above procedure.

In addition, there should be an option to add individual emails and domains to the Safe Senders List, so you can add only specific contacts and domains.

After making these changes, check if the problem is still there.

7. Create a new user account

Open the Settings app by using Windows Key + I shortcut.
When the Settings app opens, navigate to the Accounts section.
Select Family & other people from the left pane.
Now click Add someone else to this PC button in the right pane.
Now select I don’t have this person’s sign-in information.
Choose to Add a user without a Microsoft account.
Enter the desired username for the new account and click Next.

According to users, if the linked image cannot be displayed in Outlook, the issue might be your user account.

Sometimes the user account can get corrupted, and this can lead to this and many other problems.

However, you can fix the issue simply by creating a new user account. After creating a new user account, switch to it and check if the problem is still there.

If the issue doesn’t appear on the new account, you’ll need to move your personal files to it and start using it instead of your old account.

If you’re having trouble opening the Setting app, take a look at this detailed article to solve the issue.

8. Reinstall Outlook

If the linked image cannot be displayed in Outlook, you might want to try reinstalling it. Sometimes the Outlook installation can be corrupted, and one way to fix it is to reinstall Outlook.

There are several ways to do that, but the most effective one is to use uninstaller software.

In case you don’t know, uninstaller software is a special application that will completely remove all files and registry entries associated with an application.

The best uninstaller software will be able to force the uninstallation of nonresponsive or malicious apps without causing any damage to your system.

Once Outlook is removed, install it again and the problem should be resolved.

Which solution worked for you? Leave your answer along with any other questions or suggestions in the comments section below and we’ll be sure to take a look.

Speaking of these solutions, apply them when encountering similar issues:

The linked image cannot be displayed Office 365 – According to users, this issue can be caused by your antivirus software and in order to fix it, you might have to disable your antivirus.
The linked image cannot be displayed. The file may have been moved renamed or deleted– This issue can appear if there’s a problem with a Temporary Internet Files directory. Simply move this directory to a different location and the problem should be resolved.
Outlook 2016, 2013, 2010 error the linked image cannot be displayed – This issue can affect almost any version of Outlook. However, most of our solutions are compatible with all versions of Outlook, so you should be able to apply them.
Outlook email signature the linked image cannot be displayed – If this issue occurs on your PC, you might be able to solve it simply by making a couple of changes in your registry.

How do I get images to show in Outlook?

You need to clear the tick from the Don’t download pictures automatically in HTML e-mail messages or RSS items check box, as described in this guide dedicated to getting images to show in Outlook.

How do I log into my Outlook email?

Go to the Outlook.com sign-in page and click on Sign in. You can log in with your email address or phone number. If needed, use this guide to fix Outlook not opening issues.

How to Fix Outlook not Receiving Emails from Gmail

Posted on January 3, 2023October 4, 2023 by Matthew Adams

Some Gmail users utilize Outlook email clients. That enables those users to open their Gmail messages within the Outlook applications. However, some users have said on the Microsoft forum that they can’t open their Gmail emails within Outlook. Outlook doesn’t download all Gmail emails for some users and the messages don’t appear in their inboxes.

How Can Users Fix Outlook Not Receiving Gmail Emails?

1. Check Gmail’s POP/IMAP Settings

First, users need to check that they have enabled either IMAP or POP to receive Gmail emails within Outlook. To do that, open Gmail within a browser.
Click the Settings button to open a menu.
Select Settings on the menu to open the General tab shown directly below.
Then click the Forwarding and POP/IMAP tab to open POP/IMAP settings.
Users can select Enable POP or Enable IMAP to receive Gmail messages within Outlook. As IMAP is the more current standard, select the Enable IMAP option if it’s not selected.
Users have also said that selecting the Disable POP setting with IMAP enabled fixed Outlook not receiving Gmail emails for them.

2. Delete Email Rules

Email rules might route Gmail emails away from the inbox for some users. To delete rules in Outlook, click the File tab.
Then select the Manage Rules & Alerts option.
Select a rule to delete on the E-Mail Rules tab within the Rules & Alerts dialog box.
Click Delete and OK to erase the selected rule.

3. Free Up Inbox Space

Outlook mailboxes have maximum size limits that range from 2 GB up to 50 GB in the most recent Outlook 2019. Users can’t receive any emails when they’ve reached their mailbox storage limits. So, some users might need to delete Outlook emails to receive further Gmail messages.

The Delete option gmail not being delivered to outlook

4. Enable Recent Mode

Users who utilize Outlook on multiple PCs or devices might need to enable Recent mode to ensure the email client software receives Gmail messages on all devices. To do so, click Info on Outlook’s File tab.
Click Account Settings to open an Account Settings window.
Select the Gmail account on the Account Settings window.
Then edit the Account name field by adding ‘recent:’ at the start of the email address there. For example, the email address might then be something like this: recent:[email protected].
Press the Done button.

5. Turn Off Third-Party Antivirus Software

Third-party antivirus firewalls can also block users from receiving messages within email clients. To fix that, users will need to at least temporarily turn off the antivirus utilities by right-clicking their system tray icons and selecting disable or turn off options. If users then receive Gmail messages in Outlook after turning the antivirus utilities off, they’ll need to adjust the firewall settings for the software as outlined in the post below.

Antivirus software gmail not being delivered to outlook

6. Turn Off the Windows Defender Firewall

In addition, try turning WDF off to ensure that it isn’t blocking Outlook in any way. To do so, open Win 10’s search utility with the Windows key + S hotkey.
Input the keyword ‘Windows Defender Firewall’ in the search box.
Click Windows Defender Firewall to open the Control Panel applet shown directly below.
Click Turn Windows Defender Firewall on or off to open the options in the image directly below.
Select the Turn off Windows Defender Firewall settings to switch off the firewall.
If that resolves the issue, users will need to configure the firewall to allow Outlook when they turn WDF back on. To do that, click Allow an app or feature through Windows Defender Firewall on the WDF Control Panel applet.
Select both the check boxes for Outlook, and click the OK button.

Some of the above resolutions might fix Outlook so that it receives all Gmail messages for its users. Remember, however, that there are quite a few notable freeware email client alternatives to Outlook. For example, users can set up Mozilla Thunderbird to be an email client for Gmail.

Is Outlook Scheduling Assistant not Showing? Try this

Posted on January 3, 2023October 4, 2023 by Milan Stanojevic

If you use an Office 365 or Microsoft Exchange account with Outlook, you can take advantage of the Scheduling Assistant to improve your time management. But what if Microsoft Outlook Scheduling Assistant is not working properly?

You got used to creating and updating meetings at the best time for all attendees and easily tracking who has replied and what they replied to. Furthermore, Outlook adds the meeting to your Outlook calendar and sends that great reminder before the meeting starts.

Sometimes, things don’t turn out as planned and various Outlook Scheduling Assistant issues arise. If you’re one of the Outlook users with such a problem, continue reading as this tutorial may be able to help you one way or another.

What to do if Microsoft Outlook Scheduling Assistant is not showing availability?

1. Scheduling Assistant is not showing availability

Open Outlook in Safe mode.
Close out of Outlook and hold the CTRL key down when you click on the Outlook icon.
Check and see if Scheduling Assistant is working.
If the issue doesn’t persist, it might be due to add-ins.
When having the confirmation, open Outlook.
Go to File < Options < Add-ins.
Under Manage, select COM Add-ins.
Click on GO (beside Manage).
Uncheck all the add-ins and click OK.
Try to open Outlook. What is the result?

To begin with, when attempting to use Scheduling Assistant, it either takes a long time for the information to come through on a user’s schedule or it just says all the info is unavailable no matter whose schedule users try to view.

You might need to disable the add-ins to solve the problem.

2. Outlook Scheduling Assistant is not showing rooms

Scheduling a meeting in Outlook seems to work properly at first, yet the room list will not show available rooms for meetings that last over 13 hours. Simply adding rooms individually will immediately correct the issue.

Other users say that creating a meeting and then adding an individual conference room in Scheduling Assistant leads to the room being displayed briefly. To solve this, reset the working hours in the room mailbox to a valid value.

3. Outlook Scheduling Assistant is not showing all hours

Worried about this issue too? Add this to your troubleshooting tips as this is a quick, yet efficient one: within the Scheduling Assistant window, look for the Options button.

There you’ll see a checkbox called Show only my working hours. Uncheck it right away and the Assistant will open up at all hours. You have to do this each time you use Scheduling Assistant, but it’s an inconvenience users got used to.

4. Scheduling Assistant is not showing all meetings and attendees

In Outlook, right-click Calendar folder.
Then, choose Properties.
In the Permissions tab, make sure that the Default user’s permission is Free/Busy time.
Click Other Free/Busy.
Then, set Update free/busy information on the server every 45 minutes.
Click OK to confirm action.

After creating a new meeting request, check the Free/Busy information, when Scheduling Assistant is refusing to show all meetings.

If the meeting is not present on the OWA calendar, you should contact your system administrator for further Exchange Server data analysis.

When facing any attendee relates issues, remember that Office 365 accounts usually update the attendees for all invitees within the org. This happens despite forwarding the invite to a new person to avoid the send an update message.

Moreover, when finding a particular attendee on the global address list isn’t possible, you just need to refresh the locally cached Address Book. In Outlook, click on File, select Account Settings, and then choose Download Address Book.

5. We’re checking everyone’s calendars Scheduling Assistant error

Download changes since last Send Receive

The error We’re checking everyone’s calendars pops up while scheduling a meeting in Outlook client. If that’s your case too, how do you choose the attendee’s address?

In case of choosing it from autocomplete cache, click the “X” to delete the entry. Then, re-type the email address to see the result.

If you choose addresses from GAL, you may try to update the Offline address book. To do this, follow this path Send/Receive > Send/Receive Groups > Download Address Book. Unselect Download changes since last Send/Receive. Finally, click OK.

Should the issue persist, you could also try recreating your Outlook profile to see if it helps or uninstall and reinstall Microsoft Office Pro Plus as this often resolves the problem.

In this post, we’ve guided you in troubleshooting some common Microsoft Outlook Scheduling Assistant errors.

If anything is unclear or if you have any other concerns, remember we can help. Use the comments area to let us know how we may assist you.

Why Is My Printer Printing Green & How to Fix It [Easy Ways]

Posted on January 3, 2023September 23, 2025 by Ivan Jenic

Color prints look stunning though that is only when all three primary colors fire in the right proportions.

Unfortunately, it is here that printers are often found lacking, and one common error noted is when the prints seem to have an abundance of green shade. Why is my printer printing green – That’s the big question.

That points to an error with the color selection, though the good thing here is that the issue can be remedied with a bit of effort.

However, the point to keep in mind is that it is generally those printers that have four separate cartridges for the four primary colors that can be adjusted to have less green.

Why does my printer print green?

In time, cartridges get out of calibration, which is one of the first and most obvious reasons why a printer is printing green when it shouldn’t. A manual adjustment should do the trick, but that is not always the case.

As always, corruption can impact your routine and printing makes no exception. Especially if you installed your printer a long time ago, there’s a chance that some files on your system may have become corrupted.

The same goes for printer drivers. As with all drivers, they require regular updating and maintenance in order to avoid malfunctions.

Let’s quickly go through some of the most common issues reported by users worldwide:

Printer only printing green – This is the most common case and it implies a printer printing everything green.
Epson, Canon, HP printer printing green – The issue does not affect a particular brand, but rather most of them.
Printer printing green instead of colour – instead of black, red, yellow, brown – Some users all complained that their printers print yellow instead of red, so pretty much all combinations are possible.
HP printer printing green tint – Speaking about brands, some particular models seem to be more impacted than others such as HP OfficeJet 3830, and Envy. Users also reported issues with HP printers not printing black.
Printer printing green photos
Yellow ink printing green, printer printing greenish tint
Printer printing green lines

Continue reading to see how you can fix the green printing problem in a few simple steps.

How do I stop my printer from printing green?

1. Adjust the color cartridge

Open the document – or anything else – that you need to print.
Click on Print and then select the printer that you want to use.
In the Print dialog box that opens, look for anything like Properties or Settings.
Look for something like Maintenance, or anything that resembles it.
Next, look for something like Ink Cartridge Settings. The point here is to get to the specific cartridge settings so that you can adjust the specific ink outflow.
Now, there isn’t anything specifically marked as green. Instead, it’s cyan and yellow that mix together to create a green color.
See if you are able to reduce the proportions of either of these – cyan and yellow.
If not, you will have to disable either of these to prevent the creation of the green effect.
Click on OK or any button that allows you to complete the printing task.
See if the prints conform to your liking with less green.

Sometimes cartridges get out of calibration. This is also one of the main reasons why printers suddenly start printing blurry. If so, try to reach the printer properties and adjust the colors manually.

2. Reinstall the printer

Go to Start, select Settings, and choose Devices.
Under Printers & scanners, click on the printer you are having issues with and select Remove device.
Reinstall the printer by following the standard procedure.

If you installed your printer a long time ago and used it many times, there’s a chance that some files on your system may have become corrupted in the meantime.

That’s why by reinstalling your printer you make sure you get rid of all sorts of errors that can also cause your documents to print green.

3. Update the printer driver

1. Type Device Manager in the Cortana Search box and select from the search result.
2. Right-click on the Printer and select Update driver.
3. In the next window, select Search automatically for the updated driver software, or opt for Browse my computer for driver software if you have the latest driver on your PC.
4. Follow the on-screen instructions.

This should ensure your prints are of the normal hue, sans the overwhelming shade of green. Once you have tried these solutions, the green printing problem should be solved.

You also have the alternative option of using dedicated driver updater software. Such tools can automatically update and fix your drivers.

A driver updater software can also be safer because they eliminate the risks that come with installing faulty drivers that don’t match your hardware.

⇒ Get Outbyte Driver Updater

Also, check out our handy guide to fix your printer if it’s only printing half of the page or leaving a blank in the middle of the page.

For more suggestions or other questions, please access the comments section below.