Avast Stuck on Installing Additional Definitions: Fixed in 3 Ways

Avast is one of the best antivirus software in the tech world. It has many users who enjoy its latest updates and features. However, users complain about getting stuck when Avast is installing additional definitions, causing problems for them.

Moreso, users report that Avast is not updating the virus definitions, resulting in issues with the antivirus.

Why is Avast stuck on installing additional definitions?

Avast stuck on installing additional definitions indicates that the software can’t install update virus definitions for some reason. It can cause security breaches and other issues on your PC because the software can’t access the definitions needed.

However, some factors can cause the Avast antivirus software to be stuck on installing additional definitions. Some are:

  • Outdated Avast software – When the Avast software is outdated, it prevents it from accessing the necessary definitions for its performance. So, you can encounter Avast stuck on installing additional definitions due to bugs affecting the current version.
  • Windows Defender Firewall interference – Users can experience difficulties using the Avast antivirus software if the Windows Defender Firewall is running on their PC. It can block the activities of the Avast software, causing it to run into problems with the definition installation process.
  • Corrupt Avast installation files – A corrupt Avast installation file can affect the antivirus software on your PC. It can cause it to malfunction or not respond to its normal functions and can result in problems when installing additional definitions.
  • Avast antivirus compatibility issues – When the version of Avast antivirus you have on your PC is not compatible with your computer, it may not work, seeming like it was blocked. So, you can run into issues with Avast not running on your PC or not installing definitions if you don’t install a usable version.

There are lots of other factors that may cause the problem on Avast. Fortunately, there are some general fixes to help you get the issue resolved.

What can I do if Avast is stuck on installing additional definitions?

Before proceeding with any advanced troubleshooting, try the following:

If you’re not able to fix the error, proceed with the detailed solutions below.

1. Disable Windows Firewall

  1. Click the Start button and type control panel, then open it.
  2. Click on the Windows Defender Firewall option.
  3. Select the Turn Windows Defender Firewall on or off option from the left side.
  4. Go to the Private and Public network settings, then click the radio buttons for the Turn off Windows Defender Firewall (not recommended) option.
  5. Close the Control Panel and restart your computer.

Disabling the Windows Defender Firewall can resolve any conflict between the service and Avast.

2. Update the Avast app

  1. Click on Start, type control, and click on Control Panel to open it.
  2. Go to Programs and select Programs and Features.
  3. Select Avast from the list of installed apps and click on Remove/Change.
  4. In the Avast Setup windows, click the Update button.
  5. Click Next and follow the on-screen instructions to install updates.
  6. Reboot the computer and check for any improvements. 

Running Avast as an administrator will fix any permissions issues preventing it from installing the definitions.

3. Uninstall the Avast antivirus with Utility

  1. Go to Avast’s official website and download the avastclear.exe file.
  2. Press Windows + R to launch the Run dialog box, type msconfig, then press Enter.
  3. Navigate to the Boot tab and check the box for Safe boot. Click Apply, then OK.
  4. Right-click on the downloaded .exe file and select Run as administrator from the drop-down.
  5. Click Uninstall at the bottom of the screen to remove Avast and clear all files.  
  6. Download the latest version of Avast and check if the problem persists.

The uninstall tool will uninstall the Avast app and clear any residue files on your PC. Also, reinstalling the Avast software allows you to install the latest version.

Alternatively, our readers can read our in-depth comparison of Windows Defender and Avast antivirus to know which is the most preferred.

Likewise, you can read our guide on how to fix Avast antivirus not opening on Windows 11.

If you have further questions, kindly drop them in the comments section below.

IPTV Not Working: 4 Ways to Fix When it Won’t Load Anything

If you’re dealing with IPTV problems like IPTV not working anymore, constant IPTV crashing, or other problems today, you’re not alone.

Common causes include poor internet, app glitches, server issues, or expired subscriptions.

Luckily, many issues can be fixed by checking your connection, updating or reinstalling the app, restarting your device, or contacting your provider. Keep reading to learn quick fixes that can get your IPTV working again.

How do I get IPTV to work?

1. Clear the IPTV cache

  1. Log out and close the IPTV app.
  2. Go to Settings and locate the list of installed apps.
  3. Scroll down until you find your IPTV app.
  4. Look for options that say delete or clear cache or data.
    clear cache firestick app

2. Use a VPN

  1. Subscribe to Express VPN and download the relevant app for your desktop, mobile, IPTV box, or Smart TV.
  2. Launch Express VPN and log in with your credentials.
  3. Use the three dots to open a list of server locations.
  4. Search or scroll to the country where the channel you want to watch is located.
    expressvpn windows
  5. Use the big on/off button and wait to be connected.
  6. Launch your IPTV app.

ExpressVPN will also prevent slowdowns and buffering if your ISP is throttling streaming speeds. And thanks to its vast server network, you’ll be able to access content from anywhere around the globe.

ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN

Unblock geo-restricted content and enjoy the highest streaming quality with ExpressVPN’s fast and reliable service.

3. Change the DNS

  1. On your device, go to Settings and choose My Fire TV. Next, go to About and select Network. Write down all the information.
  2. Go back to Network, locate your network open the options menu, and choose Forget this network.
     forget this network fire tv
  3. Select the network again, enter its password, and go to Advanced.
    advanced connection options fire tv
  4. Enter your IP address, Gateway, and Subnet Mask. They should be the same as the values from Step 1.
  5. Lastly, enter 8.8.8.8 as primary DNS and 8.8.4.4 and secondary DNS.
    dns fire tv
  6. Save changes.

4. Try a different playlist

  1. Search for a new playlist or sign up for a premium IPTV provider.
  2. Copy the M3U URL or download the file locally.
  3. Open your IPTV app and locate the Playlists section.
  4. Add a new playlist and paste the URL or choose the local M3U file.
  5. Your channels should now be updated based on the playlist.

Many are also advising to change the portal link, so be sure to try that as well.

If you managed to fix the IPTV issues, go ahead and check the best IPTV providers in the UK and enjoy your favorite TV channels.

The guidelines above should hep you fix various IPTV issues such as error code 404.

Speaking of IPTV issues, many reported that IPTV is not showing TV guide, but we tackled this issue in a separate guide. We also have a guide on what to do if IPTV not working on AT&T.

If you’re using a different provider, don’t miss our guide on how to stop your ISP from blocking IPTV, or our Orange Blocks IPTV article.

Other common IPTV issues you might want to learn more about include IPTV problems over Wi-Fi, error code 401, and error code 403. Check out detailed guides on these here: IPTV not working on Wi-Fi, IPTV error code 401, and IPTV error code 403.

Of course, this is especially true if content is blocked due to geo-restrictions, which is among the main reasons IPTV is not working.

[Fixed] Keyboard Keeps Connecting & Disconnecting in Windows

External keyboards for Windows PC have always been something many users love. However, some users are complaining that their keyboard keeps connecting & disconnecting for some reason.

This can be very unpleasant, as it disrupts your activities. Fortunately, it is an issue that can be fixed easily, as we will show in this guide.

Why does my keyboard keep disconnecting and reconnecting?

Listed below are some of the known reasons your keyboard keeps connecting & disconnecting:

  • Wrong power setting: Sometimes, this issue might be because your PC is set to disable your USB ports when it needs to save power. This can cause your keyboard to disconnect for some time and reconnect later.
  • Outdated PC: Windows updates are important for your PC’s smooth running and could be why your keyboard is misbehaving. The solution to this is to update Windows 10.
  • Faulty USB drivers: In some cases, your USB drivers might encounter issues, leading to this problem. Reinstalling or updating your drivers to the latest version should do the trick.

How do I fix keyboard disconnecting and connecting on Windows 10?

1. Turn off the power saving option

  1. Press the Windows key + R, type devmgmt.msc, and click OK.
    devmgmt keyboard keeps connecting & disconnecting
  2. Click the arrow next to the Keyboard option to expand it and right-click the device there.
  3. Now, select the Properties option.
    properties
  4. Click the Power Management tab at the top.
  5. Finally, uncheck the box for Allow the computer to turn off the device to save power and click OK to save the changes.
    allow keyboard keeps connecting & disconnecting

The power-saving option in Windows allows the computer to disconnect idle devices to conserve power. However, this can also cause the keyboard keeps connecting & disconnecting issue. Try disabling the option and check for any improvements.

2. Reinstall Universal Serial Bus controller driver

  1. Press the Windows key + X and select the Device Manager option.
    device  keyboard keeps connecting & disconnecting
  2. Expand the Universal Serial Bus controllers section and right-click each of the devices there.
  3. Now, select the Uninstall device option.
    uninstall keyboard keeps connecting & disconnecting
  4. Finally, click the Uninstall button to confirm the action and restart your PC.
    uninstall button keyboard keeps connecting & disconnecting

If your keyboard keeps connecting & disconnecting, you can fix it by reinstalling the USB controller driver from the device manager.

If the manual steps seem difficult, you can always use an automated driver updater to scan your computer for outdated or malfunctioning drivers and immediately pick the latest update for a smooth performance.

⇒ Get Outbyte Driver Updater

3. Run the keyboard troubleshooter

  1. Press the Windows key + I and select the Update & Security option.
    update and
  2. Select Troubleshoot in the left pane and click Additional troubleshooters.
    additional trouble
  3. Now, select the Keyboard option and click Run the troubleshooter.
    run trouble

Windows 10 comes with a built-in keyboard troubleshooter that can fix issues like when the device keeps connecting & disconnecting. This tool will diagnose the issue and recommend fixes to restore normalcy.

4. Update your PC

  1. Press the Windows key + I and select the Update & Security option.
    update and
  2. Click the Check for updates button.
    check for keyboard keeps connecting & disconnecting
  3. Now, wait for the scan to finish and install any available updates.

Microsoft releases new updates to fix bugs and security issues periodically. If you haven’t updated your computer for a long time now, it may be the right time to do so

The keyboard keeps connecting & disconnecting issue can be frustrating due to the importance of the peripheral. But you should be able to fix it by following the solutions in this guide.

Similarly, if your keyboard light is not working, check our detailed guide to fix it quickly.

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

How to Run Trust Wallet on PC [Full Guide]

Trust Wallet is one of the most secure and trusted crypto wallets that allows you to easily buy, store, collect NFTs and perform many other cryptocurrencies actions.

If you are just now starting to use cryptocurrencies and related applications, don’t worry we will show you exactly how you can run Trust Wallet on your Windows 10 PC in a few easy steps.

Is there a Trust Wallet app for PC?

More than 5 million people are using Trust Wallet and thanks to it being such an easy-to-use mobile application, is expected that the number to keep on growing.

However, right now, there is no dedicated app for PC. However, you can still use it on your computer with a little help.

How can I run Trust Wallet on my PC?

  1. Go to LD Player download page and click on Download.
  2. Once the downloading process has finished, launch the installer.
  3. Next, open LD Player and type TrustWallet in the search bar.
  4. Locate TrustWallet in the list and click on Install.
  5. After the installation process ends, locate TrustWallet on your desktop.
  6. Click on it to open it and simply follow the sign-in steps.

This is about all and by following the steps we have indicated in this article you should be able to run TrustWallet on your PC without a problem.

Trust Wallet is the perfect solution for having an easy and secure way of managing cryptocurrencies and performing several transactions.

You might also be interested in our article on how to make Trust Wallet work on your browser.

We hope that you have also managed to install Trust Wallet on your device effortlessly, so don’t hesitate to leave us a comment in the dedicated section below.

How to Fix Windows 10 Stuck on Spinning Circle [7 Ways]

If your Windows 10 laptop is stuck on the spinning circle after you’ve upgraded to Windows 10, you have come to the right place.

This error is more common than you might think. It happens when the installation process is completed successfully, but for some reason, the installation cannot continue.

This error occurs on various operating system versions and with a wide range of system configurations. This allows us to conclude that a faulty hardware piece inside your device does not cause the problem.

Some users have allowed Windows 10 to remain in the dreaded ‘spinning circle’ cycle for more than 3 hours. This didn’t change anything. After this result, users are usually forced to perform a hard shutdown (pressing the power button until PC turns off).

Today’s article will explore some of the best methods to fix this issue. Read on to find out more.

Why does the circle keep spinning on my computer?

Listed below are some of the causes of the Windows keeps spinning circle constantly issue:

  • Faulty driver: If Windows 10 is spinning circle and won’t boot, it is likely due to a faulty display driver. The solution is to reinstall or update your driver to the latest version.
  • Issues with USB devices: Many users have found this issue to be down to the USB devices connected to their PC. They could fix this by removing these devices and restarting their PC.

After knowing the causes of this issue, below are some variations you can expect to fix with this guide.

  • Windows 10 spinning circle on boot
  • Windows 10 spinning circle on taskbar
  • Windows 10 spinning circle freeze
  • Windows 10 spinning circle after login
  • Windows 10 spinning circle on startup
  • Windows 10 spinning circle black screen

What to do if Windows 10 laptop is getting stuck on spinning circle

1. Press the Ctrl+Alt+Del keys

keyboard - windows 10 laptop stuck on spinning circle


One simple solution for this issue is to press the Ctrl + Alt + Del keys at the same time. This will reload the login screen.

Hopefully, you should be able to boot your PC normally from here.

2. Disconnect all USB devices

Sometimes, the USD dongles you plugged into your PC can cause Windows 10 to keep spinning circle while showing, please wait. This is especially true for wireless mouse and keyboard receivers.

The quick way out of this is to remove these devices and restart your PC.

3. Reinstall drivers in Safe Mode

  1. Press and hold the power button to force shut down your PC. Power it on and shut it down again when your system starts spinning. Repeat this twice or thrice till the Windows Recovery Environment shows up.
  2. Now, select Advanced options > Troubleshoot.
    troubleshoot windows 10 spinning circle
  3. Choose the Advanced options.
    advanced options
  4. Next, select Startup Settings.
    startup settings
  5. Click the Restart button.
    restart windows 10 spinning circle
  6. When your PC restarts, press 5 or F5 to Enable Safe Mode with Networking.
    safe
  7. Now, press the Windows key + X and select Device Manager when your PC boots.
    device manager windows 10 spinning circle
  8. Double-click the Display adapters option to expand it and right-click the device there.
  9. Select Uninstall device.
    uninstall
  10. Next, check the box for Delete the driver software for this device and click the Uninstall button to confirm the action.
  11. Finally, restart your PC.

In some cases, the Windows 10 spinning circle issue is down to problems with your video card driver. This is more prominent for users with Intel-based drivers. So, you need to uninstall the driver in Safe Mode and let your PC reinstall it automatically after restart.

4. Use Startup Repair

  1. Repeat Steps 1 to 3 in Solution 3 above.
  2. Choose the Startup Repair option.
    startup repair
  3. Finally, follow the onscreen instructions to complete the process.

5. Use a Windows 10 Recovery Disk

Cd - Windows 10 laptop stuck on spinning circle


If you own a Windows 10 Recovery Disk, all you need to do in this situation is to insert the disk inside your laptop.

After you’ve done this, Windows will automatically boot to the advanced settings menu and start the recovery process for your PC.

6. Use System Restore to recover your OS

  1. Repeat Steps 1 and 2 in Solution 3.
  2. Select the Reset this PC option.
    reset windows 10 spinning circle
  3. Now, click on Keep my files.
    keep or remove
  4. Finally, follow the onscreen instructions to complete the process.

7. Reinstall Windows 10

laptop on desk with coffee - Windows 10 laptop stuck on spinning circle


If all of the above methods fail to solve your Windows 10 spinning circle, you might need to reinstall your OS completely.

For everything you need to reinstall Windows 10, including the requirements, check our detailed guide.

With this, we can conclude this guide on the Windows 10 laptop getting stuck on the spinning circle issue. Hopefully, you can solve the problem by following the steps therein.

If your Windows 10 is stuck on the welcome screen, check our detailed guide to fix it quickly.

Please feel free to let us know if this guide helped you. You can do so by simply using the comments below.

Xbox Error Code 0x87e10bef: How to Fix and What Caused It?

Is the Xbox error code 0x87e10bef bugging you? This article will give you hints about why it may happen and a guide on how to fix this problem.

Usually, when you launch a game on the Xbox console, it should start instantly without any error. But, for some users, an error code 0x87e10bef repeatedly appears for specific titles. It is one of the most common problems, like error 0x87e11838, that prevents Xbox games from opening.

Why does the Xbox error 0x87e10bef?

Usually, the error code 0x87e10bef occurs due to the following reasons:

  • Incompatibility: If the Xbox firmware version is very old, the problem may occur when you try to launch specific titles.
  • Poor network condition: Unstable network condition is one of the most common reasons behind this problem. It also may occurs if Xbox is not connect to WiFi or ethernet.
  • Xbox services status: If the required Xbox services are down, 0x87e10bef may appear.
  • Corrupted cache: If local data or cache becomes corrupted, you may face this problem.
  • Account problem: Sometimes, you may forget to sign in with the correct account to play specific games.
  • Internal issues: Else, some internal configurations can trigger this problem on your game console.

What is error code 0x8000ffff on Xbox One?

The error code 0x8000ffff is similar to the error code 0x87e10bef. Both appear when you try to launch specific games. In fact, both errors may appear at different times for the same game. However, the error 0x8000ffff appears usually when Xbox fails to access the live services while starting a title.

It occurs mostly when the Xbox live services are down, or you are not using the correct account. We already have an article on this error. Check out how to solve Xbox error 0x8000ffff.

How can I fix Xbox error code 0x87e10bef?

There are four different effective methods you can apply to get rid of this Xbox error. However, before trying these ways, we suggest you do the following things:

  • Restart your console and see if it helps.
  • Go and check out this official Xbox Status page and find out if the services are down or not. If yes, wait until the services become operational again.
  • You also can check for Xbox firmware updates and install any available ones. See how to solve Xbox won’t update if necessary.
  • Make sure you have a stable internet connection.
  • The Xbox error 0x87e10bef may appear if the account you are using doesn’t own the game you are trying to launch. So, we suggest you sign in with the correct account. Then, try to play the game again. If necessary, try the previous methods again after changing the account.

After doing the above things, if you still encounter the Xbox error code 0x87e10bef, go through these methods to fix it.

1. Clear persistent storage

  1. Press the Xbox button and then select Settings.
  2. Tap on Devices & streaming and then on Blu-ray.going blue-ray xbox
  3. Go to Persistent Storage.
  4. Tap on Clear Persistent Storage.clearing persistent storage xbox

Restart the console after clearing the persistent storage cache. Now, try to launch the game that was showing the error code 0x87e11838 and see if it has solved the problem or not.

2. Clear alternate Mac address

  1. Go to Settings and go to the General tab.
  2. Tap on Network Settings.going network settings xbox
  3. Go to Advanced Settings.going advanced network settings xbox
  4. Tap on Alternate Mac Address.going alternate mac address
  5. Tap on Clear.
  6. Restart your console.

After clearing the Mac address, try to relaunch the game. It should solve the error code 0x87e10bef on Xbox One/Series X or S.

3. Try in offline mode

  1. Go to Settings and then Network Settings, as shown before.
  2. Now, find and tap on the Offline mode option.going offline xbox
  3. After that, try to launch the problematic game and see if it helps.

Offline mode works for a significant number of users. So, if your situation is similar to theirs, it may work like a magic.

If necessary, you also can try to reset your Xbox game console. But, do it if no other methods solved the error.

This article has featured the methods that fix the Xbox error code 0x87e10bef, and it has also described why it happens. If you have any opinion on this, feel free to let us know in the comment box.

Payday 2 is Crashing on Startup or Not Launching [Fix]

Payday 2 is a first-person shooter game, but unlike many other shooters, this game puts you in the shoes of a bank robber.

Although the gameplay sounds fun, Payday 2 has certain issues on Windows 10. Namely, it frequently crashes or displays a black screen, and sometimes it won’t even launch.

So, without further delay, let’s fix these issues.

What can I do if Payday 2 is crashing on startup?

1. Update your drivers

If your graphics card drivers are outdated, you might experience Payday 2 crashes or low fps, and this is why it’s crucial that you always update your drivers.

Users have reported that the game ran smoothly after downloading and installing the latest drivers.

Thus, we recommend the Outbyte driver solution to automatically download all the outdated drivers on your PC. The tool will help with the entire process, ensuring that you get the right drivers.

Besides, once you install it, you can periodically run a system scan to rest assured that your PC’s essential components are in good shape. It will recommend the right driver options and all the available ones from a vast database.

➡️ Get Outbyte Driver Updater

2. Turn off the Steam Overlay

  1. Start Steam.
  2. Open Settings and click on the In-Game tab.
    steam-settings
  3. Find Enable Steam Community In-Game option and uncheck it. Doing this will disable Steam Overlay for all of your games.
    steam-in-game
  4. Click OK to save changes.

If you wish to disable Steam Overlay just for a specific game, in our case, Payday 2, follow these steps:

  1. Open your Steam Library and right-click Payday 2.
  2. From the menu, choose Properties.
  3. Go to the General tab and uncheck Enable Steam Community In-Game.

3. Run Payday 2 in Compatibility Mode

  1. Find the Payday 2 shortcut or go to the game installation directory and locate the Payday 2 .exe file. Right-click the file and choose Properties.
    properties-driver
  2. Next, go to the Compatibility tab.
  3. Check Run this program in compatibility mode for and choose one of the earlier versions of Windows.
    Payday 2 black screen
  4. Click Apply and OK to save changes.

4. Move the render_settings file

  1. Press Windows + R and type %appdata%. Click OK or press Enter.
    appdata-run
  2. Go to the AppData folder.
  3. You should see three folders available. Go to Local folder.
  4. Navigate to PAYDAY 2 folder.
  5. You should see the render_settings file. Move it to your Desktop.
  6. Optional: Verify the integrity of the game cache.
  7. Try running Payday 2.
  8. If the problem still persists, restart your computer and try running the game again.

Payday 2 crashes can be caused if a specific file gets corrupted. And it’s usually the specified file that is affected, and that causes crashing issues.

5. Disable mods

Disabling modes might help, too. Some of the mods might cause compatibility issues and thus crash the game in certain sequences. Because of that, we advise you to disable mods individually until you find out which one is the cause of the problem.

This can be done simply by navigating to the game’s installation folder and accessing the Mods folder. Once there, you can remove them all at once by simply deleting the complete folder or removing them individually and try running Payday 2 again.

6. Enable the Use HQ Weapons option

The most common reason for sudden crashes recently reported on the official Steam forum seems to be related to the Use HQ Weapons in-game option.

Luckily, a lot of users resolved the problem by simply enabling this option from the settings menu.

It seems that this is a common issue: the game crashes or freezes once this option is disabled and other players use new gadgets.

How do I fix Payday 2 not launching?

1. Verify game cache

  1. Start Steam.
  2. Go to your game library and locate Payday 2.
  3. Right-click Payday 2 and choose Properties.
    properties-steam
  4. Navigate to the Local files tab and click on Verify integrity of game cache button.
    Payday 2 not launching
  5. Wait for the process to complete, and try running the game again.

To make sure that the verification process is successful, it might be a good idea to delete a few files from Payday 2 installation directory before you verify the game cache.

2. Change the resolution

  1. Open Run and repeat the first three steps presented in the 4th solution above to get to the Local folder.
  2. Here, locate the Payday 2 folder and open it.
  3. Next, locate the render_settings file and open it with Notepad.
  4. When the render_settings file opens, locate the following line (it might look a bit different on your computer):
    • resolution=”1280 720″
  5. Change the value of quotes to a different resolution. Do not delete the quotation marks. Just change the value between them.
  6. Save changes and try running the game again.
  7. If the issue persists, try changing the resolution value again. You might have to do this a few times before you find the resolution that works for you.

3. Delete IPHLPAPI.dll

If you can’t launch Payday 2 on your computer, you might have to remove IPHLPAPI.dll file. It should be located somewhere in Payday 2 installation directory.

How do I fix Payday 2 black screen?

1. Run Payday 2 in windowed mode

  1. Go to the AppData\ Local folder and open Payday 2 directory. (If you don’t know how to access AppData folder, check the previous solutions.)
  2. Locate the render_settings file and open it with Notepad.
  3. Find the following line:
    • windowed=”false”
      and change it to:
    • windowed=”true”
  4. Save changes and try running the game again.

2. Reinstall the game

In case the game won’t start or/and it stops to a black screen, and after the validity check explained above, we advise you to perform a clean reinstall of Payday 2.

You can do so within the Steam client, but there’s a good chance that this procedure will skip on certain remaining files and registry inputs.

  1. Open the Steam Client.
  2. Navigate to Library.
  3. Right-click on Payday 2 and choose Uninstall.
  4. Navigate to the installation folder and the AppData folder and remove everything.
  5. Navigate to the Registry Editor and type Payday 2 to find the related registry keys. Delete them.

You can remove the files completely much quicker and with less fuss by using a dedicated uninstaller tool that will delete every file related to the game.

Besides, this is the surest way to know that when reinstalling, the old, unnecessary files won’t interfere with the new ones.

Afterward, restart your PC, reopen Steam, and locate Payday 2 to reinstall it.

So these are some of the most common issues and tricks to fix things when Payday 2 is crashing on startup.

There’s also a VR version of Payday 2, and many reported that Payday 2 VR is not working properly, but we covered that issue in a separate guide.

And before you leave, check some quick tips to optimize your PC for gaming and get the best experience.

Feel free to let us know in the comments below the issue you are facing and how you were able to fix it.

0x80073d05 Error on Microsoft Store: 5 Ways to Fix It

The 0x80073d05 error arises when some users try to install or uninstall Microsoft Store apps. Some users have mentioned that the issue occurs when trying to reinstall apps.

That error code’s message states: 0x80073D05, ERROR DELETING EXISTING APPLICATION DATA STORE FAILED, An error occurred while deleting the package’s previously existing application data.

How come the 0x80073d05 Microsoft Store error occurs?

The 0x80073d05 error is a bug that can arise because of Microsoft Store app issues. This error is attributed to the following causes:

  • Left behind app data: Old package data from previously installed versions of the same apps can generate reinstallation issues.
  • Corrupted Microsoft Store cache: If the cache from Microsoft Store is corrupted, error 0x80073d05 may occur.
  • Windows system file corruption: There might be a few corrupted system files causing the 0x80073d05 error.

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

How can I fix the 0x80073d05 Microsoft Store error?

We recommend carrying out a few preliminary checks:

  • Restart your PC and try installing/uninstalling the Microsoft Store apps again to check if it’s just a temporary glitch.
  • Check Windows 11 is fully updated. If not, download and install available updates.
  • Run an antivirus scan to check for and purge malware.

If you have cross-checked these simple methods, let’s go to the actual troubleshooting solutions.

1. Run the app troubleshooter

  1. Click the Search button, type control panel, and click on the app from the results.
  2. Then select the Large icons setting on the Control Panel’s View by menu.
    Large icons 0x80073d05
  3. Click Troubleshooting to bring up that applet.
  4. Select View all on the left of the Troubleshooting applet.
    View all option 0x80073d05
  5. Click Windows Store Apps to launch that troubleshooter.
    Windows Store Apps troubleshooter 0x80073d05
  6. Select Advanced and Apply repairs automatically.
    Apply repairs automatically option 0x80073d05
  7. Click Next to initiate the troubleshooting, and select to apply anything suggested.

2. Perform a System File Checker scan

  1. Click the Search button from the taskbar, type cmd, and click Run as administrator for that matching search result to launch Command Prompt as admin.
    Run as administrator option 0x80073d05
  2. Type in this text for the System File Checker command and press Return: sfc /scannow
    sfc scannow command 0x80073d05
  3. Leave the Command Prompt up until the scan has reached 100 percent and shown a completion message.

3. Clear Microsoft Store’s cached data

  1. Click the Search button, and type wsreset.exe to find that Run command.
    wsreset search result 0x80073d05
  2. Right-click wsreset and select Run as administrator on that search result’s context menu.

Resetting Microsoft Store via Settings will also have the same effect as running the wsreset.exe.

4. Edit the affected app’s data folder

  1. Press the Windows key + R to start the Run applet, input %localappdata%, and click the accessory’s OK option.The OK button 0x80073d05
  2. Double-click the Packages folder to open it up.
  3. Right-click the folder that includes the title of the app you can’t reinstall because of the 0x80073d05 error and select Rename.
    Rename option 0x80073d05
  4. Add an underscore (_) at the beginning of the folder’s title. For example, the edited folder for the Spotify app would then be _SpotifyAB.SpotifyMusic_zpdnekdrzrea0.
    A folder with underscore 0x80073d05
  5. Launch the Microsoft Store app.
  6. Click Microsoft Store’s Library tab to view updates and downloads.
    Library tab 0x80073d05
  7. Select the Get updates option there.
    The Get updates button 0x80073d05
  8. Press the Windows key to view your Start menu. Click the Power option there to select Restart.

5. Reinstall Microsoft Store

You can reinstall Microsoft Store by executing a relatively quick PowerShell command. Check out Windows Report’s guide for reinstalling Microsoft Store for further details.

Those potential 0x80073d05 error resolutions are certainly worth a try. The fourth method for renaming leftover app data folders is especially widely confirmed to work by users who’ve needed to fix this issue.

If the app is not working altogether, read our guide on how to fix Microsoft Store in Windows.

Feel free to discuss the 0x80073d05 error in this post’s comments section. That’s a good place to add any questions about the issue or even share other 0x80073d05 error fixes not specified in this guide.

Fix: DisplayLink Not Detecting Monitor / Not Working on PC

DisplayLink is a technology designed to connect two or more displays to your computer using a USB, but users are reporting some issues with DisplayLink and Windows 10, so let’s try to fix these issues.

Although this technology has its advantages, it is far from perfect, and from time to time issues can occur and cause you some inconvenience, but don’t worry, we have a few solutions that might help you.

Here are some of the common problems that users reported:

  • DisplayLink won’t work – Try reinstalling your DisplayLink drivers.
  • DisplayLink only shows one monitor –  Select Extend option from the display settings.
  • DisplayLink HDMI not working – Update all your drivers and check if that solves the problem.
  • DisplayLink video not working – Switch to the USB 3.0 port and check if the problem is still there.
  • DisplayLink black screen – Disable the Nvidia Share feature.

How can I fix DisplayLink not working / not displaying monitor on Windows 10?

1. Remove the DisplayLink driver and reconnect the docking station

In some cases, you might be able to fix the problem simply by uninstalling the DisplayLink driver. To do that, simply go to the Apps section in the Settings app and remove the DisplayLink driver.

After doing that, you need to disconnect your docking station, power it off, wait for a few minutes, and connect it again.

Once your docking station is connected, the required driver will be installed automatically and the issue should be resolved.

2. Reinstall DisplayLink drivers

Users have reported Blue Screen of Death errors while using two or more monitors on their PCs, and in this case, the cause of the problem is usually the DisplayLink driver, so let’s try to reinstall it:

  1. Download DisplayLink Installation Cleaner.
  2. Download the latest DisplayLink drivers.
  3. Run DisplayLink Installation Cleaner software.
  4. After the uninstall process is finished restart your computer.
  5. When your computer restarts install the downloaded DisplayLink drivers.
  6. After you have installed the drivers your computer will restart again.
  7. When Windows 10 boots again go to Settings and select System.
  8. Next, choose Display and configure your monitors.

3. Update your DisplayLink drivers

In some cases, in order to fix this problem, you just have to update your DisplayLink drivers. To do that, just download the latest driver from DisplayLink’s website and install it. Once your drivers are up to date, the issue should be permanently resolved.

Downloading drivers manually can be a bit tedious task, but you can easily update all your drivers automatically by using Outbyte Driver Updater. Simply run this tool and let it download and update all your drivers for you.

Outbyte Driver Updater is portable and very easy to use. The interface is intuitive and all you need to do is launch it and allow it to scan your PC.

After the system scan is finished, Outbyte Driver Updater will compare all the drivers with its built-in database and will make sure to fix the ones that are broken or corrupted.

Once your drivers are up to date, the issue should be completely resolved. In addition to the DisplayLink drivers, some users are also recommending to update your chipset drivers, so be sure to do that as well.

⇒ Get Outbyte Driver Updater

4. Check Extend these displays option

Users have reported that their display isn’t shown in Display Settings after they disabled it. This is normal behavior when you choose Show only on 1, or any other monitor in Display Settings.

This option is used when you want to work only on your larger display, but you won’t be able to see additional monitors in Display Settings.

To fix this issue you just need to check the Extend these displays option in Display Settings and click Apply to save changes.

5. Use USB 2.0 cable or USB 2.0 port

Users report some issues with DL-3xxx and DL-5xxx USB docking stations, as well. According to them, if you use a USB 3.0 cable you might experience some sound problems.

We have to mention that this issue only affects playback devices, such as headphones, speakers, and monitors, that are attached to your docking station.

As far as we know, this issue is caused by a problematic USB 3.0 driver in Windows 10, and the current workaround is to use a USB 2.0 cable to connect the docking station to your PC, or to use USB 2.0 port instead.

On the other hand, several users had issues with DisplayLink while using a USB 2.0 connection. After connecting their monitor to a USB 3.0 port, the problem was completely resolved and everything started working again.

6. Use Display Settings to change the resolution

In some cases, users cannot change the display mode or resolution of their external monitor using the DisplayLink icon menu.

This isn’t such a big problem, but in Windows 10 in order to change the display resolution of the external monitor, you have to use Display Settings from Windows 10.

7. Mirror the primary display

Users are also complaining that they are unable to enter Tablet Mode while the external monitors are connected, and this is a normal behavior while external monitors are extending the main display.

In order to enter Tablet Mode, your external monitors need to mirror the primary display.

8. Run the troubleshooter

  1. Open the Settings app. You can do that by using Windows Key + I shortcut.
  2. Now go to the Update & Security section.
    DisplayLink video not working
  3. Select Troubleshoot from the left pane.
  4. Now select Hardware and Devices from the list and click the Run the troubleshooter button.
    DisplayLink only shows one monitor
  5. Follow the instructions on the screen to complete the troubleshooter.

After the troubleshooter is finished, check if the problem with the DisplayLink monitor is still there. Keep in mind that this isn’t the most effective solution, but few users reported that it worked for them, so be sure to try it out.

9. Disable Nvidia Share feature

According to users, issues with DisplayLink can occur due to the Nvidia Share feature. In case you’re not familiar, this is Nvidia’s overlay that allows you to create video recordings and screenshots during gameplay sessions.

Although this feature is useful, it can sometimes cause issues with DisplayLink, and the only way to fix the problem is to disable Nvidia Share completely. To do that, follow these steps:

  1. Start the GeForce Experience app.
  2. Click the Settings icon in the top right corner.
  3. Go to the General tab and disable the Share feature.

After doing that, the problem should be completely resolved. Keep in mind that you need to keep this feature disabled at all times if you want to avoid any future issues with DisplayLink.

10. Update Universal Serial Bus drivers

  1. Press Windows Key + X to open Win + X menu.
  2. When the menu opens, choose Device Manager from the list.
    DisplayLink black screen
  3. Expand the Universal Serial Bus controllers section, right-click Universal Serial Bus controllers and choose Update driver for the menu.
    DisplayLink only shows one monitor
  4. Now select Search automatically for updated driver software.
    DisplayLink HDMI not working
  5. After the process is finished, your driver will be updated.
  6. Repeat the previous steps for all Universal Serial Bus devices on your PC.

Once all Universal Serial Bus drivers are updated, the problem should be completely resolved.

If the issue with DisplayLink is still there, you might be able to fix the problem simply by reinstalling the Universal Serial Bus controller drivers. To do that, follow these steps:

  1. Locate Universal Serial Bus controller driver, right-click it, and choose Uninstall device from the menu.
    DisplayLink HDMI not working
  2. When the confirmation dialog appears, click Uninstall.
    DisplayLink video not working
  3. After removing all drivers, click Scan for hardware changes icon.
    DisplayLink won't work
  4. The missing drivers will now be installed.

This is a simple solution, but it might work for some users, so be sure to try it out.

That would be all, I hope this article helped you to solve the problem with your DisplayLink connector in Windows 10. If you have any comments or questions, just write them down, below.

3 Ways to Disable the HP Support Assistant in Windows

HP Support Assistant is a troubleshooting utility that comes preinstalled on HP computers. But, some users have been looking for ways to disable quick access to HP Support Assistant.

It’s usually due to the abundance of effective troubleshooting tools, some of which are free. However, while some users switch to these, others may have their reasoning. If you fall into either of the two categories, here’s how you can disable HP Support Assistant.

Should I disable HP Support Assistant?

Here are a few reasons you may want to disable the HP Support Assistant:

  • Increases boot time – By default, the HP Support Assistant is configured to load at startup, thus increasing the load time of the OS at boot. You may also use the Startup Folder to remove the utility.
  • Consumes high resources – In some cases, users reported that the HP Support Assistant is consuming high resources, which may affect the PC’s performance.
  • Too many notifications – The utility may send far too many notifications to users, which is often a significant reason users uninstall the app.

How can I disable HP Support Assistant?

1. Disable HP Support Assistant from starting automatically

  1. Press Windows + S to open Search, type Task Scheduler in the text field, and click on the relevant search result.task scheduler
  2. From the navigation pane, locate Support Assistant under HP and double-click on a task from the right.support assistant
  3. Navigate to the Triggers tab, select the trigger, and click on Edit.edit to hp support assistant quick access disable
  4. Choose One-time, select a date in the future (say 20 years from now), and click OK to save the changes.one-time
  5. Similarly, reschedule the others triggers and tasks to make sure that HP Support Assistant doesn’t launch automatically.

2. Remove HP Support Assistant from the Taskbar

  1. Open HP Support Assistant, and click on the Settings option near the top-right.
  2. Now, uncheck the Display an icon in your taskbar option, and click on Save at the bottom.hp support assistant quick access disable
  3. Once done, restart the computer for the changes to come into effect.

That’s it! This method should be handy if you were wondering how to remove HP Support Assistant from the Taskbar.

3. Uninstall HP Support Assistant

  1. Press Windows + R to open Run, type appwiz.cpl in the text field, and hit Enter.appwiz.cpl
  2. Locate HP Support Assistant, select it, and then click on Uninstall.uninstall to hp support assistant quick access disable
  3. Now, follow the on-screen instructions to complete the process.

If the previous methods didn’t work out for you or the desired results were not achieved, you can always uninstall the HP Support Assistant from the PC.

Once you have disabled HP Support Assistant from quick access, also make sure to optimize the settings for the best performance on the PC.

If you have any other queries or want us to cover a specific topic, drop a comment in the section below.

How to Download Audio From Facebook Messenger on PC

As per statistics available from previous years, Facebook generates 4 Petabytes (4 million GigaBytes) of data per day. A part of it is data shared via Messenger, and a lot of users were wondering how to download audio from Facebook Messenger on a PC.

Can you download audio from Facebook Messenger?

Yes, you can! Facebook Messenger has a built-in option that allows users to seamlessly download audio files in a few clicks.

Once done, you can listen to the audio anytime and anywhere, no matter whether you are connected to the Internet. Remember, a faster Internet connection can significantly boost the download speed.

How can I download audio from Facebook Messenger on my PC?

1. Use the mobile version of the website

  1. Open a browser that works best with Facebook, head to the mobile version of Facebook, and sign in.facebook
  2. Now, select the Messenger option.messenger to download audio on PC
  3. Locate the audio file, click on the ellipsis next to it, and select Download.download

That’s it! This is the simplest method to download audio from Facebook Messenger on a PC, and it shouldn’t take more than a few seconds.

2. Use Chrome’s Developer Tools

  1. Open Chrome, and locate the audio you want to download from Facebook Messenger.
  2. Click on the ellipsis near the top-right corner, hover the cursor over More tools, and choose Developer tools.developers tools
  3. Next, click on the arrow to view more options and select the Network tab.network tab
  4. Now, play the audio file.
  5. Finally, double-click on the audio file in the Developers tools, which will have a name that starts with audioclip.download audio from Facebook messenger on PC

3. Use a third-party app

If you want a lot more than simply downloading the file, there are a bunch of third-party tools that come to aid. As such, you can use one that allows users to extract the audio from any video, including the ones from Facebook.

Luckily there are many online services and offline apps that are designed for this specific purpose, so make sure to select the one that works best for you.

There you go! These were the best methods to download audio from Facebook Messenger on a PC. Also, do not forget to check the best antivirus for Facebook to keep both your account and PC secure.

Tell us which fix worked for you in the comments section below.

Overwatch is Not Using my GPU: How to Fix It in 5 Steps

Several gamers have recently reported that they encountered Overwatch not using GPU error and requested to know how to fix it.

For some, this error occurs because Overwatch or other PC games fail to display on the monitor via the GPU; instead, the games run through the CPU.

Why is Overwatch not using GPU?

There can be several reasons you are experiencing the Overwatch not using GPU error. The following are some of the potential reasons reported by some users:

  • Your video card is not connected to the graphics card – This is one of the major reasons Overwatch uses CPU instead of GPU error. When your video output is connected to the motherboard instead of the GPU, it puts all the strain on your CPU and causes performance issues.
  • Your PC’s GPU is overheating – Try installing a resource monitor software to fix overheating issues in Windows 11.
  • Outdated Graphics card driver – You can update your graphics card to newer versions of Windows.
  • Virus infection – When a PC is infected with viruses, it can trigger several computer hardware errors. You can install antivirus programs to get rid of viruses on your computer.
  • Your System Graphics card has insufficient resources – Some readers claim their PC crashes while playing games. If you experience Overwatch using 0% GPU or your system crashes, it could be that your graphics card cannot handle the graphics processing power of your game.

Now that you know some of the possible reasons behind the Overwatch not using GPU error, you can proceed to our next section to know how to fix this problem.

What can I do if Overwatch fails to use GPU?

Before engaging in any troubleshooting or settings tweaks, you should check the following:

  • Confirm the recommended requirement for your game and compare it with what you’re running. Here are the minimum system requirements for the game:
Overwatch minimum requirements
CPUIntel Core i3 or AMD Phenom X3 8650
RAM4 GB
OSWindows Vista/7/ 8/10 64-bit (latest Service Pack)
VIDEO CARDNvidia GeForce GTX 460, ATI Radeon HD 4850, or Intel HD Graphics 4400
PIXEL SHADER4.0
VERTEX SHADER4.0
FREE DISK SPACE30 GB
DEDICATED VIDEO RAM768 MB
  • Confirm that your computer has recognized your graphics card.
  • If you’re experiencing overheating issues on your PC, follow this guide to troubleshoot it.
  • Check your task manager to close any background application that may take up resources.

Having confirmed the above checks, you can explore the advanced solutions below.

1. Update your GPU drivers

  1. Press the Windows key, type Device Manager in the search box, and click on the Open button.
  2. Navigate to Display adapters. Right-click on your graphics card and select Update driver.
  3. Select Search automatically for drivers.

Updating your drivers once a couple of months will enable you to get the best gaming performance.

We have articles on how to use the dedicated software for updating the AMD and NVIDIA drivers:

The articles will explain how to download, install and use the dedicated driver update utilities for these manufacturers.

Besides all, you can manage all your drivers by using an automated tool that will update the GPU drivers instantly and resolve Overwatch issues.

2. Set Overwatch to high performance

  1. Press the Windows key, type Graphics Settings in the search box, and click on it.
  2. Under Graphics performance preference, click on the Browse button.
  3. Locate the game folder. Select High performance and click on Save.

Repeating the steps above for your games will make your computer use the graphics card on a per-app basis in Windows.

3. Run an SFC Scan

  1. Press the Windows, type command prompt, and click Run as administrator.
  2. Type the following command line and press Enter: sfc / scannow
  3. Close the Command Prompt and restart your PC.

Running the SFC scan is one of the simplest fixes for several application errors. You can use the command-line tool to run the SFC scan to thoroughly check for errors.

4. Close startup programs in your Task Manager

  1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to bring up Task Manager.
  2. Navigate to the Startup tab. Click on a program and press Disable. Repeat this for all programs on the list.
  3. Restart your computer.

If you still experience Overwatch 2 not using GPU after removing your startup programs, you can re-enable your startup programs as they’re not the cause.

5. Disable Dynamic Render Scale in Overwatch 2

  1. Launch Overwatch 2.
  2. Go to the Settings menu.
  3. Select Video, then look for Dynamic Render Scale and turn that setting to Off.
  4. Save the changes and try launching the game again.

Make sure you work through any of the above solutions to know which one works for you.

If you’re experiencing high CPU usage but low GPU usage, you can check our detailed guide to fix the issue.

Some readers also claim they experience Overwatch black screen on launch/while playing. We’ve provided potential fixes in our dedicated guide.

If you have any questions or suggestions, do not hesitate to use the comments section below.

Screenshot Not Working in Windows 10? Here are 5 Quick Fixes

Since Windows 8, users have been used to taking screenshots with the built-in feature on their PC. Unfortunately, some users are complaining that the screenshot feature is not working on Windows 10.

This can be pretty frustrating, especially if you don’t have a third-party tool for taking screenshots. Knowing the gravity of the issue, we have prepared this detailed guide to help you solve the problem quickly.

Why can’t I take a screenshot on Windows 10?

Below are some of the reasons you can’t take a screenshot on Windows 10:

  • Outdated drivers: One of the major causes of this issue is an outdated keyboard driver. You should be able to fix it quickly by updating your drivers.
  • Wrong key combinations: In some cases, the problem might appear because you used the wrong key combinations to take the screenshot. Knowing the key that works for PC is the only way out of this.
  • Faulty hardware: Sometimes, the screenshot not working on Windows 10 issue can be down to problematic hardware. To know this for sure and fix potential issues, you should run the hardware and devices troubleshooter.

How to fix print screen not working on Windows 10?

 1. Edit Registry

  1. Press the Windows key + R, type regedit, and click OK.
    regedit
  2. Navigate to the path below in the left pane: HKEY_CURRENT_USER/SOFTWARE/Microsoft/Windows/CurrentVersion/Explorer
  3. Now in the right pane, you need to find ScreenshotIndex. If you can’t find it, right-click the space there and choose New > DWORD (32-bit) Value.
    new dword
  4. Type ScreenshotIndex as the name of the new DWORD and double-click it.
  5. Now, set its Value data to 695 and click OK.
    value data screenshot not working windows 10
  6. Next, navigate to the path below in the left pane: HKEY_CURRENT_USER/SOFTWARE/Microsoft/Windows/CurrentVersion/Explorer/User Shell Folders
  7. Double-click the {B7BEDE81-DF94-4682-A7D8-57A52620B86F} entry on the right pane.
  8. Set its Value data to %USERPROFILE%PicturesScreenshots and click OK.
  9. Finally, close the Registry Editor and restart your PC.

2. Check if you’re using the correct key combination

If you’re using a Windows 10 laptop’s keyboard, the key combination for taking a screenshot is different. In most PCs, you must press the Fn key beside the usual Ctrl +PrtScr.

So, you have to note that. However, you will not need to use the Fn key on some PCs.

3. Update keyboard drivers

  1. Press the Windows key + X and select Device Manager.
    device manager
  2. Double-click the Keyboards option to expand it and right-click the device there.
  3. Now, choose the Update driver option.
    update driver
  4. Finally, choose the Search automatically for drivers option.
    search screenshot not working windows 10

We often point to outdated drivers if something’s wrong with your keyboard. Nevertheless, keeping all your drivers up to date is always a good idea.

So, if the screenshot feature is still not working on Windows 10 after tweaking the registry, go and update your keyboard drivers.

If you don’t want the hassle of searching for drivers on your own, you can use a tool in Outbyte Driver Updater that will do this for you automatically. This tool is very easy to use, lightweight, and reported to update and repair any driver without any issues successfully

4. Run the Hardware and Device troubleshooter

  1. Press the Windows key, type cmd, and select Run as administrator under Command Prompt.
    cmd admin
  2. Type the command below and hit Enter: msdt.exe -id DeviceDiagnosticmsdt
  3. Finally, wait for the command to finish running.

If none of the previous solutions resolved the issue, we would use Windows 10’s built-in troubleshooting tool. This tool can be used to address various kinds of issues, including hardware problems.

5. Use a dedicated tool

icecream screenshot not working windows 10

While there are a series of third-party screenshot tools you can use, we recommend using Icecream Screen Recorder. This is because it is a straightforward, simple, yet highly professional tool with enough features to accomplish what you want but not confuse you.

If you plan to capture an image to highlight particular areas or a specific section, this tool will be quite an innovative program. Also, it is the ideal solution if you use multiple browsers during your daily Internet sessions.

Feel free to check out more features on their official website. A fully-functional trial version is available, so you can try it out now.

⇒ Get Icecream Screen Recorder

The screenshot not working on Windows 10 issue can be pretty annoying. Fortunately, it is one that can be fixed, as we have shown in this guide.

If you are looking for ways to fix tinted screenshots on Windows 10, check our detailed guide for the steps you need to follow.

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

Secure Boot Enabled but Not Active: 3 Windows 11 Fixes

If you see the Secure Boot option enabled in BIOS, but on the system information page, it shows Not Active, then you are not alone. Many users reported that it stopped them from updating on Windows 11, but don’t worry; it can be fixed with the tested solutions below. 

What can I do if Secure Boot is enabled but inactive on Windows 11?

Before engaging in advanced troubleshooting steps, you need to update BIOS if outdated. Once done, follow these steps in sequence as mentioned below:

1. Disable the Compatibility Support Module (CSM)

  1. Press Windows + I to open Settings.
  2. Go to System, then click Recovery.System - Recovery Window -secure boot enabled but not active windows 11s 11
  3. Now click Restart now beside Advanced startup.Advanced Startup
  4. From Choose an option, select Troubleshoot.Choose an option - Troubleshoot-secure boot enabled but not active windows 11
  5. Now click Advanced Options.Advanced options
  6. Select UEFI firmware settings, then click Restart. UEFI
  7. Now select the appropriate option to go into BIOS mode. 
  8. Go to the Boot or Security tab, navigate to CSM and select Disabled for it.secure boot enabled but not active windows 11UEFI with Compatibility Support Module
  9. Once done, click Save Changes & Reset.

2. Change the platform

  1. Go to BIOS mode by following the steps from method 1.
  2. Locate the System Mode, and select User instead of Setup.
  3. Go to Secure Boot Mode. If it stays Standard, switch it to Custom. SECURE BOOT MODE -secure boot enabled but not active windows 11
  4. Now change it back to Standard and accept Factory Defaults.

3. Enable Secure Boot 

  1. Go to BIOS mode by following the steps from method 1.
  2. From the Security or Boot menu, locate Secure Boot.Secure boot -secure boot enabled but not active windows 11
  3. Select Enabled. Now select Save changes and exit to confirm the changes.

Why is Secure Boot enabled but not active?

There could be various reasons why the error occurs on your computer, some of them are mentioned here: 

  • Secure Boot feature disabled –  If the Secure Boot option in UEFI firmware settings is set to Disabled, the feature will not work, even if it is technically enabled.
  • CSM enabled – If CSM is enabled in UEFI settings, you might face the error. You need to disable this setting to fix it.
  • BIOS is outdated – If BIOS is not up to date, it may not support the Secure boot feature. You need to update BIOS to get the feature enabled.

So, these are methods that you need to follow to fix secure boot enabled but not active on Windows 11. It is crucial that Secure Boot is enabled at all times otherwise, you’d be exposing your device to errors like the tpm-wmi 1796 or the SECURE_BOOT_VIOLATION error.

Some modern games now require Secure Boot to be active as part of their anti-cheat systems, for instance, Battlefield 2042 enforces Secure Boot to launch the game properly.

We also have a complete guide on how to deal with Secure boot enabled but not active on Windows 10 and what to do if Secure Boot is grayed out on Windows 11.

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

Windows Update Error 0x80242017: 5 Ways to Fix it

Coming across an error while updating Windows is more common than you think. One of the popular ones is 0x80242017. It is imperative to fix such errors as they may affect your computer’s functioning. 

Here, in this guide, we will discuss some potential fixes to resolve the issue right after examining the reasons for its occurrence of it.

What causes Windows Update Error 0x80242017?

There are a few reasons for the issue to occur, below are listed some of the popular ones: 

  • Faulty entries in Registry Editor – If there are registry entries of uninstalled apps or corrupt registry entries in Registry Editor, it may cause the issue.
  • Missing system files – You might get an update error if the system files on your computer have become corrupt or been deleted accidentally.
  • Outdated drivers – If your computer has obsolete drivers, it might cause a lot of issues. And, one of them could be this error.
  • Infected with viruses – If your computer is infected with any malware or virus, then you might find it difficult to update your Windows. Run a malware scan to fix the issue before trying again.

What can I do to fix Windows Update Error 0x80242017?

Before engaging in advanced troubleshooting steps, you should consider performing the following checks:

If these primary checks didn’t work out for you, follow these methods:

1. Reset Windows Update components

  1. Go to the Search bar, type CMD and click Run as administrator.CMD elevated-0x80242017
  2. Copy and paste the following commands and press Enter after each command: 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

2. Run Windows Update troubleshooter

  1. Press Windows + I to open Settings.
  2. Go to Update & Security. Update & Security -0x80242017
  3. Now, select Troubleshooting from the left pane, and click Additional troubleshooters.Troubleshoot - Additional Troubleshooter
  4. From Get up and running, go to Windows Update and select Run the troubleshooter.Run the troubleshooter
  5. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the process.

3. Delete the Software Distribution folder

  1. Press Windows + E to open Windows Explorer.
  2. Follow this path: C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution\DownloadDelete Software Distribution - secure boot enabled but not active windows 11
  3. Press Ctrl + A to select all the files in the folder and click the Delete button from the menu.

4. Allow complete control of the System Volume Information directory

  1. Go to the Search bar, type CMD and click Run as administrator.CMD elevated-0x80242017
  2. Type the following commands and press Enter after every command: net stop sdrsvc takeown /F "C:System Volume Information" /A net start sdrsvc

5. Run SFC and DISM commands

  1. Launch Command Prompt using the steps mentioned in methods 1 or 4.SFC/scannow
  2. Copy and paste the following commands and press Enter after every command: sfc/scannow DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

6. Update outdated drivers 

  1. Press Windows + R to open the Run window.Device manager RUN COMMAND WINDOWS 10 0x8024200b
  2. Type devmgmt.msc and press Enter. 
  3. Inspect all the drivers by selecting a driver one by one, right-clicking on them, and choosing Update driver. Update driver 0x80242017
  4. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete.
  5. Restart your computer.

Alternatively, to avoid the hassle of inspecting all drivers installed on your PC, use an automated tool like Outbyte Driver Updater. It will run a quick scan, then update and repair all drivers with just a few clicks.

Outbyte Driver Updater

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So, these are methods you need to take to fix Windows update error 0x80242017. Try them and let us know in the comments section below.

Windows Update Error 0x80242016: 5 Ways to Fix it

If you fail to install 0x80242016, then you are not alone. Users often get such update errors while installing Windows updates on their computers. Luckily the issue can be fixed using simple methods. 

This guide will walk you through the steps to fix the issue right after discussing the causes. Let’s get started! 

What causes the failed to install 0x80242016 error?

There are a few reasons for the installation error to happen. Some of the popular ones are mentioned here: 

  • Wrong Registry values – If the values on your Registry Editor are corrupt, your computer might not work correctly. Hence you get an installation error when updating.
  • Damaged system files – You can get this error if your system files are damaged or corrupt. To fix it, you need to run an SFC scan.
  • Corrupt update component files – If the Windows update component is missing files or becomes corrupt, then it might trigger the error.
  • Corrupted temp files – Whenever you install updates, some temporary files are created on your PC. If these files get damaged, then you might see the error.
  • Computer infected with virus or malware – If your computer is infected with malware or virus, it might interfere with the update process, hence the issue. 
  • Not enough disk space – Before installing the update, you must check for sufficient hard disk space, as insufficient space could result in an error.

What can I do to fix Windows Update error 0x80242016?

Before engaging in advanced troubleshooting steps, you should consider performing the following checks:

  • Remove all the peripherals except the essential ones.
  • Disable Firewall.
  • Ensure you have a stable internet connection.
  • Check the date and time mentioned on the computer because an incorrect date and time can cause this issue.

1. Rename the Software Distribution folder & reset Windows Update components

  1. Go to the Search bar, type CMD and click Run as administrator.CMD elevated-the installation failed in the first boot phase with an error during sysprep operation WINDOWS 10-
  2. Copy and paste the following command to stop the Windows Update service and press Enter. You might have to do it a couple of times to ensure it is not running: taskkill /f /fi "SERVICES eq wuauserv"
  3. Type the following commands one after the other and press Enter after each command: net stop cryptSvc net stop bits net stop appidsvc net stop msiserver net stop wuauserv ren C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.old rmdir C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution\DataStore rmdir C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution\Download Ren C:\Windows\System32\catroot2 Catroot2.old net start wuauserv net start cryptSvc net start appidsvc net start bits net start msiserver 
  4. Close the Command Prompt window and restart your PC when the process is complete.

2. Run Windows Update troubleshooter

  1. Press Windows + I to open Settings.
  2. Go to Update & Security. Update & Security -0x80242016
  3. Now go to Troubleshoot from the left pane, and click the Additional troubleshooters link.Troubleshoot - Additional Troubleshooter
  4. On the next page, select Windows Update and click Run the troubleshooter button.Run the troubleshooter
  5. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the process.

3. Run the SFC and DISM commands

  1. Open Command Prompt using the steps mentioned in Method 1.CMD elevated-0x80242016
  2. Type the following commands and press Enter after every command: sfc/scannow dism /online /cleanup-image /scanhealth dism /online /cleanup-image /checkhealth dism /online /cleanup-image /restorehealth
  3. Once complete, reboot your computer.

4. Disable the Windows Search service

  1. Press Windows + R to open the Run window.Services.msc
  2. Type services.msc and press Enter to open Services.
  3. Locate and double-click the Windows Search service. Windows Search service - 0x80242016
  4. Select Startup type as Automatic. Automatic Startup type
  5. Click Apply and OK to confirm the changes.

5. Run Windows in a Clean boot environment

  1. Press Windows + R to open the Run window.CLEAN BOOT 1
  2. Type msconfig and press Enter.
  3. On the System Configuration window, go to the Services tab, place a checkmark next to Hide all Microsoft services, then click Disable all.Clean BOOT 2 -0x80242016
  4. Go to the Startup tab, and click Open in Task Manager.CLEAN BOOT 3 -
  5. Right-click on all Enabled items one by one and select Disable.Clean BOOT 4
  6. Click Apply and OK to confirm. CLEAN BOOT 5
  7. Select Restart. Once restarted, try to install updates again.

So, these are methods that you can use to fix installation error code 0x80242016. If nothing has helped you, you must consider resetting Windows to resolve the issue. 

If you have any questions or concerns about the process, feel free to let us know in the comments section below. 

Windows 10 Update Download Error 0x8024200B: 5 Ways to Fix It

Many users have reported getting the error code 0x8024200b when upgrading to Windows 10/11 from their previous versions. Don’t worry; we can fix this error in no time.

This guide contains all the methods to fix this error and install the Windows updates successfully. Let’s begin! 

What causes Windows 10 Update download error 0x8024200b?

There could be several reasons for the error code to appear when trying to upgrade; some of the popular ones are: 

  • Corrupted Windows Update – If the downloaded update files got damaged, then while installing these updates, you might get this error. You need to reset Windows update components to fix the issue.
  • Outdated printer driver – If your printer driver is obsolete, it might cause an issue. It is suggested to uninstall the driver to get rid of the problem.
  • Damaged temp files –  Your system stores temp files while updating your Windows. If these files get corrupted, then you might get this error code.
  • Windows hotfix missing – Microsoft came up with a hotfix for users switching to Windows 10 from an older version of the OS to fix issues due to incompatible drivers. If the update with the hotfix is missing, then you might get this error.
  • Missing system files – If your computer is missing important system files used for updating or upgrading Windows, then you can face the issue.

What can I do to fix Windows 10 Update download error 0x8024200b?

Before we go to the advanced fixes, here are a few preliminary checks you should do:

1. Reset Windows Update components

  1. Go to the Search bar, type CMD and click Run as administrator.CMD elevated-0x8024200b
  2. To stop BITS, Cryptographic, Windows Update and MSI Installer services, type all these commands one by one and press Enter after each command: net stop wuauserv net stop cryptSvc net stop bits net stop msiserver
  3. Now to rename SoftwareDistribution and Catroot2 folder, copy and paste these commands and press Enter after each command: ren C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.old ren C:\Windows\System32\catroot2 Catroot2.old
  4. To restart the BITS, Cryptographic, Windows Update, and MSI Installer services, type all these commands one by one and press Enter after each command: net start wuauserv net start cryptSvc net start bits net start msiserver

2. Run the Windows Update troubleshooter

  1. Press Windows + I to get Settings.
  2. Go to Update & Security.Update & Security -0x8024200b
  3. Now, select Troubleshooting, and click Additional troubleshooters.Troubleshoot - Additional Troubleshooter
  4. Under Get up and running, click Windows Update and select Run the troubleshooter.Run the troubleshooter
  5. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the process.

3. Use the SFC and DISM commands

  1. Open Command Prompt with admin rights using the steps mentioned in Method 1.
  2. Copy and paste the following commands and press Enter after every command: sfc/scannow DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealthSFC/scannow
  3. Once the process is complete, restart your computer.

4. Uninstall printer drivers

  1. Press Windows + R to open the Run window.Device manager RUN COMMAND WINDOWS 10 0x8024200b
  2. Type devmgmt.msc and press Enter to open Device Manager.
  3. Go to the Print queues and expand it. Then, inspect all the listed drivers and locate the one with the yellow triangle beside it.Printer driver Uninstalled
  4. Right-click on that driver, and select Uninstall device.
  5. Restart your computer to let the changes take effect.

5. Clear the BITS queue 

  1. Launch Command Prompt with administrator privileges using the steps in Method 1.
  2. Copy and paste the following command to clear the BITS queue and press Enter: bitsadmin.exe /reset /alluserscmd_bits - 0x8024200b

So, these are methods that you need to follow to get rid of the error code 0x8024200b. Try them and let us know which worked for you in the comments below.

Event ID 86 CertificateServicesClient-CertEnroll [Error Solved]

Windows use requests and responses to enroll for a certificate from a certification authority (CA). The process can get interrupted by a series of problems. Hence, it can result in the Event ID 86: CertificateServicesClient-CertEnroll in Windows.

Likewise, users complain about running into the Event ID 41 error on Windows 11.

What is Event ID 86?

The Event ID 86 is a process in the Windows event log that provides an in-depth record of events concerning the system. It indicates the Active Directory Certificate Services can’t use the provider stated in the registry for encryption keys.

Furthermore, Event ID 86 is logged into the Event Log by the Certificate Services Client and contains the details about the certificate request.

However, the Event ID 86: CertificateServicesClient-CertEnroll in Windows 10 can occur for many reasons. Some are:

  • Issues with the certificate request or the Certificate Authority – If the Active Directory Certificate Services on your PC are faulty or not intact, it can cause its processes to run into issues.
  • Windows Updates or Drivers issues – Windows PCs can malfunction with their processes if a corrupt update is installed or a pending update is not installed. Likewise, outdated drivers on the PC may result in errors.
  • BIOS-related concerns – You can encounter the Event ID 86 on Windows 10 if you don’t have the latest BIOS installed on your PC. Likewise, other issues with the BIOS can affect the certificate processes on your PC.

Other factors can be responsible for the Event ID 86 on your PC. Nonetheless, you can fix it by troubleshooting your computer.

How can I fix Event ID 86 in Windows 10?

Before trying any advanced troubleshooting steps, apply the following:

If you can’t fix the error, proceed with the troubleshooting steps below.

1. Uninstall recent Windows updates

  1. Press Windows + I to open Settings and click Update & Security.
  2. Go to Windows Update and select View update history.
  3. Click the Uninstall updates button and select the most recent update.
  4. Click on Uninstall.

Uninstalling the recent Windows update should help fix any issue with the last build causing the error to occur.

2. Run System Restore

  1. Left-click the Start button, type Restore, and click on Create a Restore Point.
  2. Go to the System Protection tab and select System Restore.
  3. Choose a different system restore and click Next to select a specific Restore point.
  4. Select the last time your PC worked perfectly, and click Next.
  5. Click the Finish button.

System Restore backdates your PC to the last time it functioned properly, removing the corrupt files like updates.exe. Check how to fix Restore Point if it’s not working and if you have any issues running it.

3. Update your device drivers

  1. Press Windows + R keys to prompt the Run window, type devmgmt.msc, and click OK.
  2. Click on the Display adapters you want to update, select the driver, and click the Update driver option.
  3. Select the Search automatically for drivers option.
  4. Repeat the procedure for every driver.

Updating the device driver will fix bugs affecting them and install the latest features to improve system performance. Check other steps for updating drivers on Windows 10 if you have any issues.

And if you are looking for a shortcut and want to update all your drivers in once, Outbyte Driver Updater has your back. With this tool, you’ll be able to search, download and install the latest drivers for your pc specifics and bring them up to date.

⇒ Get Outbyte Driver Updater

4. Update your BIOS

Note icon NOTE
The steps may differ depending on your PC’s manufacturer.
  1. Go to the HP driver and software download website, select your product from the list, then input your serial number or exact computer model.
  2. Select your OS, and OS version, and click Submit.
  3. Click the plus (+) button against All drivers, then click the (+) button against BIOS to expand it and see available updates, then click on Download.
  4. Double-click the downloaded file to install the .exe file, then follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation.
  5. Restart your PC.
  6. Select the Apply Update Now option during the startup to implement the installed BIOS update.

Updating the BIOS will improve compatibility and enhance system stability.

The updating process varies on different PCs, so we have a guide on how to check and update BIOS on various laptops.

In conclusion, our readers can check how to fix the Event Viewer reboot event ID error. Also, you can read our detailed guide on fixing Application popup event ID 1060 on Windows 10.

If you have further questions or suggestions, kindly drop them below.

How to Fix Windows Media Player Cannot Play the File Error

A lot of people still love to use Windows Media Player as their go-to player, but many users reported Windows Media Player cannot play the file error while trying to play certain files.

The full error message sometimes reads: Windows Media Player cannot play the file. The player might not support the file type or might not support the codec that was used to compress the file.

While the error can be due to a variety of factors, the solutions are not far off, as we will show in the next sections of this article.

Why Windows Media Player Cannot play the file?

The major reason for Windows Media Player cannot play the file error is the lack of the required codec to play the intended file. For instance, OPUS files may not open because they’re not supported.

In some cases, this issue might be because you selected the wrong device to play it. Lastly, if Windows Media Player does not support the file type you want to play, you are likely to get this error.

How can I fix Windows Media Player encountered a problem while playing the file error?

1. Wrong audio device fix

  1. Launch the Windows Media Player, right-click any space there, and choose Tools > Options.
    tools windows media player cannot play this file
  2. Click the Devices tab at the top and select Speakers.
  3. Now, select Properties.
    regedit
  4. Next, click the dropdown under Select the audio device and choose your preferred audio device.
  5. Finally, click the Apply and OK buttons to save your changes.
    select audio

Windows Media Player cannot play the file error can occur if you select the wrong device to play your file. The solution to this is to change the device from the app setting.

If interested, check out this guide to learn how to convert M4A to MP3 on your Windows computer.

2. Download codecs

  1. Right-click any space on the Windows Media Player and choose Tools > Options.
    tools windows media player cannot play this file
  2. Click the Player tab at the top.
  3. Now check the boxes for Connect to the Internet and Download Codecs Automatically.
  4. Finally, click the OK button to confirm your settings.
    player windows media player cannot play this file

Also, you can configure protocol settings.

  1. Repeat Step 1 in the solution above and select the Network tab.
    network
  2. In the Streaming protocols section, select all the protocol check boxes at hand.
  3. When you’re connecting to a server running Windows Media Services, your Windows Media Player attempts to use all the selected protocols.

The Windows Media Player can help you download the codecs automatically. However, this option might not be available on the latest versions of the app.

So, if you can’t find the Download Codecs Automatically option, you will need to download the K-Lite codec pack.

3. Registry fix

  1. Press the Windows key + R, type regedit, and hit Enter to open the Registry Editor.
    regedit
  2. Locate the following registry key: HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\CLSID\{DA4E3DA0-D07D-11d0-BD50-00A0C911CE86}\Instance\{083863F1-70DE-11d0-BD40-00A0C911CE86}path windows media player cannot play this file
  3. Ensure the following in the right pane:
    • CLSID has a value of {083863F1-70DE-11d0-BD40-00A0C911CE86}
    • Merit is set to 00600000
    • FriendlyName is set to DirectShow Filters
      values
  4. If any of the above values are wrong, just right-click the key, select Modify, and enter the appropriate value.
    modify
  5. Finally, close the Registry Editor and restart your PC.

In some cases, this problem can occur due to wrong values in the registry. The solution to this is to correct these values and restart your PC.

4. Try using a different player

This error can also occur if the file you are trying to play is encoded. In this case, the Windows Media Player simply cannot play the file, and you need to use another media player for Windows 10.

It should be known that the affected media files include files that have the following extensions: .3gp, .3g2, .mp4, .mov, and .adts. Use the appropriate codec when playing these files.

Thankfully, there are various options available. So, you should not be short of quality ones to use.

With this, we can conclude this detailed guide. We believe you have the right information needed to fix it now, and you only need to follow it carefully.

If the Windows Media Player stopped working on your PC for some reason, check our detailed guide to fix that too.

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

RogueKiller vs Malwarebytes: The best malware removal tools

Keeping your PC free from malware should be your number one priority, and applications such as RogueKiller and Malwarebytes are great options for malware removal.

Both of these applications can scan your PC and remove any malware that they find. However, the question remains, which one should you use? Here we’re going to answer this question.

What is RogueKiller?

RogueKiller is an anti-malware software that can find and remove all types of malware, from adware and viruses to rootkits.

The software also offers malware and ransomware protection, and it’s available as a portable application so that you can run it from a USB flash drive.

This is perfect if you need to scan an infected PC that doesn’t have Internet access. Regarding availability, RogueKiller is available only for Windows.

What is Malwarebytes?

Malwarebytes is a well-known malware removal software, and the first version of the software was released in 2006.

The software has evolved from a simple malware removal application to almost full-flagged antivirus software with real-time protection.

Currently, Malwarebytes is the most popular choice regarding malware removal software, and rightfully so.

Regarding availability, Malwarebytes is available on Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, and Chrome OS, so you should be able to run it on almost any platform.

RogueKiller vs. Malwarebytes, which is the better option?

Interface

RogueKiller: Simple and easy to use

The first time you start RogueKiller, you’ll be asked to configure your software, and you can choose between three different themes and choose which scanning and protection options you want to enable.

Remember that some of these options aren’t available in the free software version. Once you configure the software, you’ll be presented with a Dashboard.

From here, you can enable certain features and see information such as the current version of the software and the version of virus definitions you have.

There’s also an overview of the detected and quarantined files and a scanning option to perform a scan with just a few clicks.

The interface is easy to use, and you won’t have any issues using it. We did get a few notifications asking us to upgrade to the Premium version, but we didn’t mind them much.

Speaking of notifications, you’ll also get a banner while scanning asking you to download additional software from the same developer. Some users might not like this, but we didn’t find the banner too invasive.

Overall, RogueKiller has a solid user interface, and even first-time users won’t have any issues with it.

Malwarebytes: Incredibly simple to use

Malwarebytes comes with a straightforward interface, and the main window is divided into three sections so you can quickly perform a scan, modify protection settings or see scan reports.

You can see the notifications in the right pane so that you won’t miss a detected threat. In addition, the interface supports customization, and you can choose between two available themes or use a theme that matches your system theme.

There are also two backgrounds available, so you can spice up the look and feel of the software a bit if you want to.

While the interface is pretty simple to use, a few users might not like that a scanner has a banner reminding you to upgrade to the Premium version.

Speaking of other interface components, we also didn’t find the Security news section and the Global malware stats too helpful.

All these features don’t take away from the usability of Malwarebytes, but we doubt anyone would find them too helpful.

⇒ Get Malwarebytes Premium

Feature comparison

RogueKiller: A solid malware removal tool

RogueKiller is a malware removal software that will find and remove all types of malware from your PC.

The software uses artificial intelligence and cloud signatures to detect new malware types quickly. There are three scan types available, and you can create custom scans.

With this option, you can choose which file types you want to scan, and you can even pick individual drives and folders that you want to scan.

There’s a scan scheduling feature available, and although it gets the job done, it does seem a bit limited and clunky to set up.

It’s important to mention that RogueKiller also has built-in real-time malware protection, ransomware protection in the form of a Protected storage feature, and Data Leak protection.

Remember that real-time protection and malware protection are available only in the Premium version of the software.

The software comes in three plans, so we’ll give you a quick overview of each plan below.

RogueKiller Free:

  • Malware scanning and removal
  • Rootkit detection
  • Available only for personal use

RogueKiller Premium:

  • All features from the Free version
  • Malware and ransomware protection
  • Permission to be used in business environments
  • Email support

RogueKiller Technician:

  • All features from the premium version
  • Portable license
  • Can be used on an unlimited number of devices
  • Command-line support

Despite the limitations of the Free version, RogueKiller is still a reliable malware removal software that will surely come in handy when removing malware from your PC.

With real-time scanning, RogueKiller works almost like antivirus software, so consider it.

Malwarebytes: One of the best malware removal tools on the market

Malwarebytes is designed to remove malware from your PC quickly, and the scanning process is fast and straightforward.

Scan customization allows you to choose which drives or folders to scan. Moreover, you can scan memory objects, registry and startup items, and archives.

It’s important to mention that you can set the default action for all detected threats. You can quarantine them automatically or choose to select the desired action for each threat manually.

The report feature also allows you to read detailed reports about each scan you took. A whitelist feature is also available, so you can skip specific files or directories while scanning.

Malwarebytes also has a scan scheduling feature, but unfortunately, this feature is available only in the Premium version.

Speaking of the Premium version, Real-Time Protection is also available exclusively in the Premium version.

This means that features such as Web Protection, Malware Protection, Ransomware Protection, and Exploit Protection are exclusive to the Premium version.

Despite this limitation, Malwarebytes is still an excellent malware removal tool and is highly efficient even in the Free version.

Here’s a quick feature comparison between the Free and Premium versions of Malwarebytes.

Malwarebytes Free:

  • Ability to clean all types of malware from infected PC
  • Available on multiple platforms

Malwarebytes Premium:

  • All features from the Free version
  • Real-time malware protection
  • Protection against malicious websites
  • Ransomware protection
  • Exploit protection
  • Ability to schedule scans

If you want to learn more about the differences between these versions, we suggest you check our Malwarebytes Free vs. Premium article for an in-depth comparison.

Final thoughts

RogueKiller: Simple but solid malware removal software

RogueKiller is incredibly simple to use and should provide you with decent protection against all types of malware. Even in the Free version, the application is more than capable of dealing with all threats.

The visual interface could use a bit of improvement, especially the scheduling feature, but despite these minor complaints, the application is more capable of dealing with malware.

Specific features such as real-time and ransomware protection remain exclusively available in the Premium version, but even without them, RogueKiller is one pretty good malware removal tool.

Pros
Simple to use
Can remove all types of malware
Ransomware protection
Portable
Command-line support
Cons
Interface could be better

Malwarebytes: One of the best malware removal applications

Malwarebytes has a long history and has built its reputation as one of the most reliable malware removal tools.

The application is simple to use; the interface is friendly, so even first-time users should be able to find and remove malware from their PC with Malwarebytes.

The Free version has some limitations, but if you don’t need scan scheduling and real-time protection, then Malwarebytes is the perfect choice for malware removal on your PC.

Pros
Friendly user interface
Quick scan
Real-time malware protection
Phishing protection
Exploit protection
Cons
Some features are available only in the Premium version

To finish our RogueKiller vs. Malwarebytes comparison, we will answer a few of your frequent questions:

First, is RogueKiller safe to use?

Yes, RogueKiller is perfectly safe and legitimate software. However, the software will occasionally suggest you upgrade to the Premium version or try a similar software from the same developer.

While this isn’t an illegitimate practice, it is frowned upon by many users. However, despite these occasional promotions that may appear, RogueKiller is legitimate and safe to use.

Can I download RogueKiller portable version?

Yes, the portable version of RogueKiller is available from the developer’s website, meaning that you can download the tool and run it on your PC without installation.

You can also run the software from a flash drive, which can be extremely useful if you want to remove malware from a different PC.

When should I use the RougeKiller command-line tool?

The RougeKiller command-line tool is available only in the Technician version, and by using it, you can perform a malware scan from the command line.

This is extremely useful if you can’t boot to Windows due to malware infection and your only option is the command line.

You can also use the command line scan if you don’t want to use the graphical user interface or if you want to start a malware scan instantly.

Do RogueKiller and Malwarebytes have real-time scanning?

Yes, both RogueKiller and Malwarebytes support real-time scanning, but unfortunately, the real-time scanning feature is available only in the Premium version of the software.

However, both applications offer a free trial to test the Premium features, including real-time scanning.

While we’re on the subject, you might also be interested in checking our list of the best website malware removal tools.

Which one did you choose? Let us know your reasons in the comments section below.

Installation Failed in The FIRST BOOT Phase With An Error

Many people have reported that they were stuck with installation failed in the first boot phase with an error during Sysprep operation while updating their Windows computer. The issue could have been caused due several reasons. 

Here, in this guide, we will discuss the available fixes to resolve the Windows 10 first boot error right after examining the reasons for the same.

What causes the installation failed in the first boot phase error?

There could be several reasons for the error to occur; we have mentioned some of the popular ones here: 

  • Hardware issues – You might get this error if your RAM or hard drive is damaged or faulty. 
  • Wrong system configuration – If your computer has incorrect BIOS settings or bad drivers installed, you can get this error while updating your PC.
  • The installation process was interrupted – If there is a power failure or system crash during installation of the update, you might see this error.
  • Installation media is corrupt – The error could have appeared because of the corrupted installation drive or disc used to upgrade your Windows computer.
  • Computer infected with malware or virus – The malware or virus infection on your computer might corrupt the system files or configuration, hence the error.

How to fix the installation failed in the first boot phase error?

Before moving ahead with the troubleshooting steps, make sure you go through these preliminary checks: 

If none of these worked for you, let us check out the detailed troubleshooting methods to fix the issue:

1. Rename the Software distribution folder

  1. Go to the Search bar, type CMD and click Run as administrator.CMD elevated-the installation failed in the first boot phase with an error during sysprep operation WINDOWS 10-
  2. Copy and paste the following commands one by one and press Enter after every command: net stop wuauserv net stop cryptSvc net stop bits net stop msiserver rename c:\windows\SoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.bak net start wuauserv net start cryptSvc net start bits net start msiserver
  3. Close the Command Prompt window.

2. Run the Windows Update troubleshooter

  1. Press Windows + I to get Settings.
  2. Go to Update & Security.Update & Securitythe installation failed in the first boot phase with an error during sysprep operation
  3. Now, select Troubleshooting from the left pane, and click Additional troubleshooters.Troubleshoot - Additional Troubleshooter
  4. Under Get up and running, select Windows Update and click Run the troubleshooter.Run the troubleshooter
  5. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the process.

3. Make changes in Registry Editor

  1. Press Windows + R to open the Run window.Regedit - the installation failed in the first boot phase with an error during sysprep operation
  2. Type regedit and press Enter to open the Registry Editor.
  3. Go to the following path: Computer\HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\WindowsUpdate\OSUpgrade
  4. Right-click the OSUpgrade folder, select New, and then click DWORD (32-bit) Value.AllowOS upgrade
  5. Rename it AllowOSUpgrade. Double-click it and set the Value data to 1 and click OK.dword edit
  6. Close Registry Editor and restart your computer. 

4. Disable Secure Boot

  1. Press Windows + I to open Settings. Go to Update & Security.Update & Securitythe installation failed in the first boot phase with an error during sysprep operation
  2. Click on Recovery and go to Advanced startup and click Restart now.Advanced Startup
  3. From the Choose an option page, click Troubleshoot.Choose-an-option-Troubleshoot.=- Virtualbox won't show 64-bit
  4. Now click Advanced Settings.Advanced options -the installation failed in the first boot phase with an error during sysprep operation
  5. On the Advanced Settings page, click UEFI Firmware Settings.UEFI
  6. Click Restart from the next page.
  7. Now select the appropriate option to enter BIOS.
  8. Go to System configuration, then select Secure Boot and disable it.

5. Scan and fix corrupted files

  1. Go to the Search bar, type CMD and click Run as administrator.CMD elevated-the installation failed in the first boot phase with an error during sysprep operation WINDOWS 10-
  2. Type the following command and press Enter: chkdsk volume:/rCMD CHKDSK
  3. Once the process is complete, copy and paste the following command and press Enter: sfc/scannowSFC/scannow
  4. As the process completes, type the following commands and press Enter after every command: DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /CheckHealth DISM/Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth DISM/Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

6. Perform old devices and drivers cleanup

  1. Go to the Search bar, type CMD and click Run as administrator.
  2. Type the following commands and press Enter after every command: rundll32.exe pnpclean.dll,RunDLL_PnpClean /DRIVERS /MAXCLEAN exit CMD - the installation failed in the first boot phase with an error during sysprep operation
  3. Restart your computer and try to update again.

So, you can use these methods to fix the installation that failed in the first boot phase with an error during the Sysprep operation. Try them and let us know what worked for you in the comments below.

Windows Remediation Service Failed to Start? 5 Fixes

Windows Remediation service (WRS) is an essential component of Windows OS and is designed for running Windows features and services. The Remediation services include executable files, Sedlauncher.exe, Rempl.exe, Waasmedic.exe, Remsh.exe, Disktoast.exe, Osrrb.exe, and Sedsvc.exe. 

If you see Windows Remediation Service failed to start to verify the error on your PC, it could mean a few things.

Here, in this guide, we will discuss the common causes of the error and provide you with fixes to resolve it. 

What causes Windows Remediation Service fail to start error?

There can be various reasons for the service failing to start; some of the popular ones are: 

  • Service dependencies are not functioning – The Windows Remediation Service needs other services to work correctly. If any dependencies have stopped, the service might fail to start. 
  • Corrupted system files – If your system files are somehow corrupted, you might face all kinds of issues, including this error.
  • The service has been uninstalled or damaged – If WRS has stopped or damaged, it might work properly, hence the issue.
  • PC is infected with malware – If your computer is infected with a virus or malware, you might face an issue with system services.
  • Configuration files missing – If WRS is not configured correctly or the configuration files related to the service are missing, the WRS service may fail to start.

What can I do to fix the Windows Remediation Service failed to start error?

The error can come up with various other error codes and messages, some of which are:

  • Error code 1053
  • Windows Remediation Service failed to start. Verify that you have sufficient privileges.
  • Error 0xc0000035 in event viewer.
  • Error 1920. Service Windows Remediation Service (sedsvc) failed to start.

Before engaging in advanced troubleshooting steps, you should consider performing the following checks:

  • First, ensure your Windows is up to date.
  • Reboot your computer.

If you are done with these checks, follow the troubleshooting methods to fix the issue:

1. Use the Group Policy Editor

  1. Press Windows + R to open the Run console.
    GPEDiT.msc -Windows Remediation Service Failed to Start?
  2. Type gpedit.msc and press Enter to open Group Policy Editor.
  3. Follow this path: Computer Configuration\Windows Settings\ Security Settings\Local Policies\User Rights Assignment
  4. From the Details pane, locate and double-click Log on as a service.Logon as service
  5. Click Add user or group.
    Add user or group
  6. Start typing your user name, then click Check Names.
  7. Select your user name or Authenticated users and click OK.
  8. Click OK, then close the Group Policy Editor. 
  9. Press the Windows + R key, type CMD, and hit Ctrl + Shift + Enter.
  10. Type the following command and press Enter: gpupdate /force

2. Check the service dependencies & restart WRS

  1. Press Windows + R to open the Run window.Services
  2. Type services.msc and press Enter to open Services.
  3. Locate and double-click Windows Remediation Service to open Properties.Windows-remediation-service-in-Windows-Services
  4. On its Properties window, click Dependencies.
  5. Check The service depends on the following system components section, and you will find the list of services. 
  6. Make sure all these services are working fine.
  7. Locate and right-click Windows Remediation Service. Select Restart.

3. Use the Registry Editor

  1. Press Windows + R to open the Run window.REGEDIT RUN COMMAND
  2. Type regedit and press Enter to open Registry Editor.
  3. Follow this path: Computer\HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\WMI\Autologger\EventLog-System\{b675ec37-bdb6-4648-bc92-f3fdc74d3ca2}
  4. Locate Enabled, double-click on it, and change the Value data to 0. Next, change the Base to Hexadecimal. Click OK.Regedit Windows Remediation Service Failed to Start
  5. Now, locate EnabledProperty, double-click it, and change the Value data to 0. Next, change the Base to Hexadecimal. Click OK.ENABLED PROPERTY

4. Scan for infected files

  1. Press the Windows key, type CMD, and click Run as administrator.CMD elevated
  2. Type the following command and press Enter: sfc/scannow
  3. Once the scan is complete and there is an error, then copy and paste the following command and press Enter:DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
  4. Once the process is complete, restart your computer.

5. Run a security scan

Tip icon Tip
If you have a third-party security tool on your computer, launch it and run a deep scan to find viruses or infected files on your PC.
  1. Press the Windows key, type Windows Security and click Open.Windows Security
  2. Go to Virus & threat protection. 
  3. Click Scan options.V& T -windows remediation service failed to start
  4. Choose Full scan and click Scan now.Full Scan Scan Now
  5. It will scan your computer for viruses or malware on your computer.

So, these are some of the methods you need to use to resolve the Windows Remediation Service failed to start error. Try them and let us know what worked for you in the comments below.

[Fixed] A Device Attached to The System is Not Functioning

Computer issues will occur sooner or later, and many users reported A device attached to the system is not functioning error message.

This can be a problem, especially if you want to transfer files from a storage device, such as your iPhone or a USB flash drive. Thankfully, there are different ways to fix this problem, and we will show you how to do it in this guide.

How can I fix A device attached to the system is not functioning error?

1. Try using a different USB port

Sometimes, you might not need to make any changes to your PC to fix the device attached to your system is not functioning issue. Instead, you can try changing USB ports and even using a different cable.

This is a simple solution, and several users reported that this issue was resolved after connecting your USB device to a USB 3.0 port, so be sure to try that as well.

2. Check the Keep Originals option on your iOS device

  1. On your iOS device, go to Settings > Photos.
  2. Navigate to the TRANSFER TO MAC OR PC section and choose Keep Originals.
    transfer to mac or PC a device attached to the system is not functioning

After doing that, check if the device attached to your system is not functioning error is resolved.

Keep in mind that your images will be transferred in HEIC format, so you’ll need to download HEIC and HEIF codecs in order to view them.

3. Free up space on your iOS device

  1. On your iOS device, go to Settings > General
  2. Select the iPhone Storage option.
    storage iphone a device attached to the system is not functioning
  3. Check the available storage space. Make sure that you have at least a couple of GBs available.
  4. If needed, delete any files you don’t need and check if that solves the problem.

4. Update iTunes

  1. Open iTunes on your PC and click the Help tab at the top.
  2. Select the Check for Updates option.
    check updates device attached to the system is not functioning error
  3. Once iTunes is updated to the latest version, check if the problem is still there.

In addition to iTunes, make sure that your iOS device is up to date.

5. Update outdated drivers

  1. Press the Windows key + X and select the Device Manager option.
    device manager device attached to the system is not functioning error
  2. Click the arrow next to the option you want to update drivers for and right-click the device there.
  3. Now. select the Update driver option.
    update driver
  4. Finally, choose the Search automatically for drivers option and install any available updates.
    search auto

If you’re getting A device attached to the system that is not functioning in error, the issue might be caused by outdated drivers. So, you need to update them to get past the issue.

To make things easier, we recommend using a dedicated tool in Outbyte Driver Updater to update your drivers automatically. This is because you might need to update more than one driver, and that won’t be easy manually.

⇒ Get Outbyte Driver Updater

6. Check for bad sectors

  1. Launch File Explorer and right-click your storage device.
  2. Select the Properties option.
    properties
  3. Now, click the Tools tab at the top, followed by the Check button.
    check device
  4. Finally, click the Scan drive option and wait for the scan to complete.
    scan drive device attached to the system is not functioning error

Bad sectors and partitions on your storage device can be the reason for a device attached to the system is not functioning error. To fix this, you can use the built-in tool on your PC to check and repair these sectors.

7. Reset Location & Privacy

  1. On your iOS device, navigate to Settings > General.
  2. Select Reset > Reset Location & Privacy.
    Reset location & privacy iphone a device attached to the system is not functioning
  3. Connect your iOS device again, and select the Trust This Computer option.

Sometimes, if your PC does not need permission to transfer and receive files from your device, you might get a device attached to the system is not functioning error. All you need to do now is to change your privacy settings to make it work.

8. Run SFC and DISM scans

  1. Press the Windows key + S, type cmd, and select Run as administrator under Command Prompt.
    cmd admin
  2. Type the command below and hit Enter to run it: sfc/scannowsfc
  3. Now, wait for the command to finish running and run the command below: DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-image /Restorehealthdism device attached to the system is not functioning error
  4. Finally, wait for the command to finish running.

In some cases, the device attached to the system not functioning prompt might be due to broken or corrupt system files. Running the commands below is one of the quickest ways to fix these files.

9. Enable Safe Mode

  1. Press the Windows key + I and select the Update & Security option.
    update and
  2. Choose Recovery in the left pane and click the Restart now button under Advanced startup.
    restart now
  3. Choose Troubleshoot > Advanced options when your PC restarts.
    advanced options device attached to the system is not functioning error
  4. Now, select Startup settings.
    startup settings
  5. Click the Restart button.
    restart
  6. Finally, press the corresponding on your keyboard to Enable Safe Mode.
    enable safe

If the solutions above fail to fix this issue, you need to enable Safe Mode. Many users have confirmed that they could transfer their files in this mode.

A device attached to the system is not functioning error can prevent you from using your iPhone or other USB devices with your PC, but hopefully, you managed to fix this issue with our solutions.

If you need a list of the best tools to safely transfer files from your PC to your iPhone, check our guide for the top options available.

Fix: I Don’t See Shared Drives in Google Drive [Easy Tips]

Google’s Shared Drive feature allows the Business and Plus, Enterprise, and G Suite Business users to store, search, and access files with a team.

However, some users have reported the Google share Drive not showing up issue on Google forums.

Why is my Google G drive not showing up?

Users are unable to find the shared files or folders, even using the exact file name. To view the file, the user has to use a shareable link to the file.

it can be anything from a Google Drive sync issue to an account-related manifestation. However, occasional glitches are most commonly behind a Google Drive shared folder not showing up on desktop.

The fact that it seems to randomly appear and only affects some files – for instance, the Google Drive shared folder not showing all files – only confirms the bug theory.

If you are also troubled by this error, here are a few troubleshooting steps to help you resolve the Google Drive desktop shared with me not showing in the Google Drive client.

How do I see shared drives on Google Drive?

1. Add the Folder to My Drive

  1. Launch your Chrome browser and visit drive.Google.com.
  2. Log in with your Google Drive credentials.
  3. Click on the Shared With Me option.
  4. Open the folder that you want to share.
  5. Click on Add to My Drive.
  6. Your folder will now show on your Google Drive client.

Following the above steps should help if your work/school account’s shared folder fails to appear when accessed from your personal account.

2. Access it from the web view

Google Shared Drive not showing

If the files are missing from your Google Drive File Stream client, try accessing the Shared Folder through Chrome Google Drive. Launch Google Chrome and open the Google Drive extension. Check if the shared folders are visible.

You can also view the shared folders in the web view. If you see the folders in the web view, it is most likely a bug, and Google should fix it soon.

3. Force immediate sync

Google Shared Drive not showing
  1. Launch Google Drive File Stream on your computer.
  2. Navigate up one folder and use the hidden context menu option.
  3. Press the following key combination to select the Refresh Folder option:
    Windows: Hold Shift and right-click on the folder, then choose Refresh folder
    macOS: Hold the Control key, right-click on the folder, and select Refresh folder
  4. This should force Google Drive File Stream to sync the shared folder with your Google account.

According to a Google Product Expert, users may be able to fix this problem by forcing immediate sync or refresh on the folder that is not showing up.

However, in other instances, the folders seem to have appeared automatically over 48 hours. This requires the users to leave Drive File Stream running with sync enabled.

4. Disconnect and reconnect your Google account

  1. Make sure the Google Drive File Stream is running.
  2. Open File Stream Settings.
  3. Click on Preferences.
  4. Click on Disconnect account and then click OK.
  5. Select Drive File Stream settings and click Quit.
  6. Relaunch Drive File Stream and sign in with your Google account credentials.

After signing in, you may have to wait longer as the Drive File Stream arranges the file system and caches a local copy. You should be able to access the shared drive folder once the process is complete.

Note: For some users, the issue seems to get triggered after every reboot. So, you may have to go through the disconnect and reconnect process all again until a permanent fix is released.

? Wait for the bug to be fixed

In most cases, the Google Shared Drive not showing issue seems to be occurring due to a Google Drive File Stream bug. Google will most likely release an update if it is a widespread issue.

The Google Shared Drive not showing issue in Google Drive File Stream can occur due to a glitch or bug.

Try disconnecting and reconnecting your Google account to fix the issue. If it fails, force an immediate folder refresh to sync the folders.

Fast User Switching on Windows 11: How to Enable or Disable

Sometimes you may want to allow more than one user on your PC, and that’s when you need the Fast User Switching feature on Windows 11.

To allow access to more users, you may need to sign out and back in frequently, and the switch users feature by Windows helps you to change between users effortlessly.

What is Windows fast user switching?

Each user has a unique Windows account, allowing more than one user to share a computer.

As you sign in, the desktop settings, files, favorites, and history are assigned to the specific user id and cannot be accessed by other users.

Once you sign out, your profile is saved for the next time you sign in. In this case, you do not have to sign out for another user to sign in.

Instead, multiple users can sign in and change between open accounts, known as Fast User Switching.

How do I enable or disable fast user switching?

1. Enable/disable fast user switching via Group Policy

  1. Press the Win + R shortcut keys to open the Run console. Type gpedit.msc and hit Enter to open the Local Group Policy Editor.run gpedit command
  2. On the left side of the pane, navigate to the below path: Computer Configuration/Administrative Templates/System/Logon
  3. Next, go to the right and double-click on the Hide entry points for the Fast User Switching policy.Hide entry points for the Fast User Switching
  4. To enable Fast User Switching, select Not Configured, press Apply, and OK. Fast User Switching not configured
  5. If you want to disable Fast User Switching, select Enabled, press Apply, and then OK.https://windowsreport.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Hide-entry-points-for-the-Fast-User-Switching-not-configured-apply-ok.png

You can successfully enable or disable the Fast User Switching feature through the Local Group Policy Editor.

2. Enable/disable fast user switching via Registry Editor

  1. To open the Run console, press the Win + R shortcut keys. Now, type regedit, and hit Enter to open the Registry Editor window. run regedit command
  2. Next, navigate to the below path in the Registry Editor and hit Enter: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\System
  3. Now, on the right, right-click on an empty area, select New, and then select DWORD (32-bit) Value. create new dword value
  4. Rename the new DWORD value as HideFastUserSwitching. Double-click to edit. HideFastUserSwitching
  5. In the Edit DWORD (32-bit) Value dialog, set the Value data to 0 to enable the feature. Press OK.enable fast user switching
  6. To disable the feature, set the Value Data to 1, and press OK. disable fast user switching

Registry Editor is another great way to modify settings for a Windows feature like Fast User Switching. But, if it’s corrupt, you can follow our guide to resolve the issue (also applicable for Windows 11).

What is the shortcut to switch users in Windows 11?

  1. Go to the Windows icon, and click on Start.
  2. Next, click on the account name icon (or picture). user account or picture
  3. Now, select another user from the menu. switch profile

Thanks to Microsoft’s Fast User Switching feature, switching profiles on your Windows 11 PC is a smooth task.

Enable the feature mentioned above, allowing other users, like friends or family, to quickly sign in to your device.

To remove user accounts in Windows 11, refer to the troubleshooting methods in our detailed guide here.

For any other queries on Windows user accounts, you may leave a message in the comments section below.

How to Disable Adobe Acrobat Update Service [Windows & Mac]

If you want to disable Adobe Updater, you’re in the right place. As the name suggests, this service automatically updates your apps while running in the background.

It could be useful, but it can also hog PC resources. So, if you want to stop it from doing that you can disable it.

How can I disable Adobe Acrobat Update Service?

1. Disable Adobe Updater from Task Scheduler (PC)

  1. Search for Task Scheduler in Cortana and open it.to permanently stop Adobe Updater in windows 10 launch task scheduler
  2. Click the Task Schedule Library on the left.to remove adobe updater windows 10 open Task Schedule Library
  3. Right-click the Adobe Acrobat Update Task.
  4. Hit Disable From the right-side panel.
  5. Close the Task Scheduler.

2. Disable Adobe Acrobat Update Service from Windows services menu (PC)

  1. Initialize the run command box by pressing Windows + R and enter Services. Then hit Enter.open services.msc to disable adobe updater service in windows 10
  2. Find the Adobe Acrobat Update Service, right-click on it, and hit Properties.open the service properties to disable adobe updater windows 10
  3. Choose Disabled from the Startup type dropdown. remove adobe updater in windows 10
  4. Click Apply to save the settings and click OK to exit the Window.

3. Disable Adobe Acrobat Update Service from Registry (PC)

  1. Press the Windows key + R to open the run dialog box, type Regedit, and hit Enter.run regedit to disable adobe updater registry windows 10
  2. Navigate to the following location: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Wow6432Node\Adobe\Adobe ARM\Legacy\Reader(product code)\locate the registry to remove adobe updater in windows 10
  3. Double-click Mode and then change the Value Data from 3 to 0.

Note: After this process is completed, restart your PC to have the settings take effect.

Note icon NOTE
How do I disable Adobe Updater in Windows 11?

All the methods described above will work on Windows 10 as well as Windows 11. In addition, there is also the possibility to disable adobe acrobat update service via GPO.

4. Create new registry values (PC)

  1. Uninstall Adobe Reader from your PC.
  2. Press Windows key + R and enter regedit.
  3. Navigate to the following path: SOFTWARE\Policies\Adobe\Acrobat Reader\DC\FeatureLockDown
  4. In case the key from above isn’t available, you’ll have to manually create it.
  5. Right-click the right pane and choose New and then DWORD (32-bit) Value.
  6. Set the name to bProtectedMode.
  7. Create additional two DWORDs and name them bUpdater and bUpdateToSingleApp.
  8. Next, go to the following key HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\WOW6432Node\Policies\Adobe\Acrobat Reader\DC\FeatureLockDown
  9. Create a new DWORD and name it bUpdateToSingleApp
  10. Now install 32-bit version of the software.

5. Reinstall Adobe Reader with special parameters (PC)

  1. Remove Adobe Reader completely from your PC.
  2. Navigate to C:\Program Files (x86)\Common Files\Adobe\ARM\1.0\Cache
  3. Run the uninstall file if available.
  4. Next, download the Adobe Reader setup file.
  5. Press Windows key + S, type cmd and select Run as administrator.
  6. Now navigate to the directory where the Adobe Reader setup file is located using the cd command. On our PC, we used:  cd C:\Users\WindowsReport\Downloads
  7. Be sure to replace the setup.exe with the exact name of the setup file and run this command: "setup.exe" /msi DISABLE_ARM_SERVICE_INSTALL=1
  8. Follow the instructions to complete the setup.

6. Change Adobe app preferences (Mac)

  1. Open the Application Manager.
  2. Click the Preferences button at the bottom of the window.
  3. Uncheck the option Notify me of new updates on the menu bar.

The steps in this post will help you permanently disable Adobe Updater both on Windows 10 and Mac OS.

Note icon NOTE
If you can’t find the options specified above, make sure that you are actually in the Application Manager window, and not in the Creative Cloud Client.

Adobe Acrobat is a great app, but it’s not short of errors and bugs. Besides the automatic update service, people also deal with app unavailable errors or problems reinstalling.

While these are annoying, with a few smart steps like those outlined above, you’ll be able to come out on top.

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

Download & Install ScanSnap iX500 Driver for Windows 10 & 11

Do you need the appropriate driver for the Fujitsu ScanSnap iX500 duplex image scanner? The iX500 is one of the most commonly used scanners out there. However, this product has been discontinued. So, a lot of users cannot take full advantage of it because they don’t have a proper driver.

But you can download and install the driver easily on any version of the Microsoft operating system, including the latest Windows 11 and its predecessor Windows 10.

Is ScanSnap iX500 compatible with the latest Windows 11 and 10?

Fujitsu’s popular scanner model iX500 is fully compatible with Windows 11 and 10. Though some users faced driver-related problems or did not find a stable driver for Windows 11 at the beginning, it has changed now.

If proper drivers are installed, no one should face any compatibility issues with this ScanSnap scanner model and the latest Microsoft Operating systems. Fujitsu has officially discontinued the iX500 model. But, software support will end on January 31, 2024.

After that, users may face compatibility issues with future Windows versions and builds.

How can I download ScanSnap iX500 drivers for Windows 10?

1. Manually from the official website

  1. Go to the Download page.
  2. Select Windows 10 and click on the Display Software list.selecting windows 10 for ScanSnap iX500 driver
  3. Download the ScanSnap Home Download Installer as shown in the instructions for Windows 11.
  4. Install it on your PC.
  5. Follow the same steps to complete the setup and driver installation.setting up ix500 scansnap
  6. Restart Windows 10.

2. Automatically, using a dedicated tool

When updating drivers it is always recommended to use the utmost care, that is why it’s a good idea to employ the help of professional driver updating software.

These tools can update one or multiple drivers with just a single click. If appropriately configured, they can do this job automatically according to your own schedule.

How to download and install the ScanSnap iX500 driver on Windows 11?

Before downloading the driver, we suggest you do the following things:

  • Update Windows 11 to the latest version or at least one of the recent versions.
  • Have a workable internet connection.
  • Connect your iX500 scanner with a proper cable.

Now, follow these methods:

1. Use Device Manager

  1. Open the Start Menu, type device manager, and hit Enter to open it.
  2. Find the iX500 driver, right-click on it and choose Update driver.updating-scansnap ix500-device-manager
  3. Click on Search automatically for drivers.
  4. Follow any additional on-screen steps to complete the process.

As the driver is not installed, you can find it in Device Manager‘s Other devices section.

2. Use ScanSnap Home

  1. Go to the Software download page for Scan Snap iX500.
  2. Click on Download next to the ScanSnap Home Download Installer.downloading ScanSnap Home Download Installer
  3. Open it on your PC.
  4. It should detect the scanner connected to your PC.
  5. You also can select the model manually and click on Start setup.setup iX500 using ScanSnap Home
  6. Follow any on-screen steps to finish the setup and driver installation.
  7. After that, restart your PC.

3. Use a dedicated tool

  1. Download a reliable driver updater such as Fortect‘s.
  2. Install it on your PC.
  3. Open this software.
  4. Scan for the missing drivers.
  5. Download the iX500 driver for Windows 11.
  6. Install the driver.

Fortect Driver Updater is the best way to get the latest compatible iX500 driver on Windows 11. But you can follow other methods without any problem.

This article has shown the ways to download and install the ScanSnap iX500 scanner driver on both Windows 11 and 10. If you have any suggestions, you can write them down in the comment box below.

Outlook AutoFill Email Address not Working: Check & Fix ✅

The Outlook autofill, otherwise Auto-Complete, displays email addresses when you start to enter them in the To field.

However, AutoComplete doesn’t always work for some users. If Outlook doesn’t display email addresses when you enter them in To, you might need to fix AutoComplete. First things first, though.

Why are all my Outlook autocomplete email addresses suddenly missing? Like so many other users, you might also be wondering what causes this abnormal and sudden behavior, to begin with.

Let’s find out together.

Why is my Outlook not auto-populating email addresses?

Improper autocomplete settings, conflicting extensions, or file corruption are just some of the reasons for which you might encounter this issue.

And speaking of issues, let’s quickly go through the most common problems reported by our readers:

  • Outlook email address not auto populating
  • Outlook not autocompleting email addresses
  • Use autocomplete list Outlook greyed out
  • Outlook autocomplete not working for some contacts
  • Outlook 365 not auto populating email address
  • Also, the versions are often impacted – Outlook 2013, 2010, 2003, 2016, 2007 autofill email address not working

How do I restore autofill email addresses in Outlook?

  1. Check the Auto-Complete setting in Outlook
  2. Clear the Auto-Complete List setting
  3. Turn off Outlook add-ins
  4. Open Outlook in Safe Mode
  5. Reset Auto-Complete
  6. Repair the PST File

Before we dig into the solutions listed below, it might be worth considering a different email client.

There are lots of different email clients that offer efficient features in order to help you be more organized and stay on top of a busy day.

In case you wonder what email software you might use, we recommend carefully selecting the best email clients to boost your productivity.

1. Check the Auto-Complete List setting in Outlook

  1. Outlook includes an Auto-Complete setting that needs to be selected.
    • To check the AutoComplete option, click the File tab.
  2. Select Options to open the Outlook Options window.
  3. Select Mail on the left of the window.
  4. Scroll down to the Send messages options, which include a Use AutoComplete List to suggest names when typing in the To, Cc, and Bcc lines option.
  5. Select the Use AutoComplete List to suggest names when typing in the To, Cc, and Bcc lines option if its checkbox isn’t selected.

2. Clear the Auto-Complete List setting

If you don’t need to select the Use AutoComplete List to suggest names when typing in the To, Cc, and Bcc lines option, note the Empty AutoComplete List button beside it.

Outlook includes a maximum of 1,000 entries in its AutoComplete list, which you can clear by pressing the Empty AutoComplete List button.

Press that button and click Yes to clear the AutoComplete list. Note that you’ll need to fully enter all the email addresses once before Outlook‘s autofill displays them again.

3. Turn Off Outlook Add-ins

  1. Click File > Options to open the Outlook Options window.
  2. Then select Add-ins on the Outlook Options window.
  3. Select COM Add-ins on the Manage drop-down menu.
  4. Click the Go button.
  5. Deselect the add-ins’ checkboxes to disable them.
  6. Press the OK button to close the window.

You might need to turn off some add-ins to fix Outlook autofill email addresses. The iTunes Outlook Change Notifier add-in is one that corrupts the AutoComplete list. You can turn off Outlook add-ins as follows.

4. Open Outlook in Safe Mode

  1. Press the Windows key + X hotkey.
  2. Select Run to open the window in the snapshot below.
  3. Input Outlook.exe /safe in the Open text box.
  4. Click the OK button to launch Outlook.

Alternatively, you can open Outlook in a Safe Mode that deactivates all the application’s add-ins.

Sometimes, Safe Mode won’t accept your password. We’ve prepared a dedicated guide just for such an occasion.

5. Reset Auto-Complete

    1. First, open File Explorer.
  1. 2. Then open this folder in File Explorer: %LOCALAPPDATA%\Microsoft\Outlook

    opening outlook cache folder using run
  2. 3. Right-click the RoamCache folder and select Rename.

  3. 4. Enter old_RoamCache as the folder’s title.

  4. 5. Outlook will set up a new RoamCache folder when you open the application.

  5. How do I fix AutoComplete cache in Outlook? You can reset AutoComplete by clearing its cache. The RoamCache folder includes the AutoComplete cache.

    You can reset that cache by editing the RoamCache folder with the help of File Explorer. If you have any File Explorer issues on Windows 10, check out this dedicated guide to solve them.

6. Repair the PST File

  1. First, open your Outlook folder in File Explorer.
  2. That folder path could be this one on 64-bit Windows: Program Files(x86)/Microsoft/OfficerootOffice
  3. Or this one on 32-bit platforms: Program Files/Microsoft/OfficerootOffice
  4. Then click the scanpst.exe to open the Outlook Inbox Repair Tool window.
  5. Press the Browse button to select your PST file.
  6. Enter Outlook.pst in the Windows search bar if you’re not sure what folder the PST file is in. repair outlook
  7. Click the Start button on the Outlook Inbox Repair Tool window to fix the PST file.

Repairing the PST file might fix AutoComplete. Outlook includes a SCANPST utility (Outlook Inbox Repair Tool) that you can repair the PST file with.

Those are a few resolutions that might fix Outlook‘s AutoComplete so that the To field displays email addresses again.

The Outlook Support and Recovery Assistant might also come in handy for fixing AutoComplete. You can download the Support and Recovery Assistant from this webpage.

If you have any other questions, feel free to leave them in the comments section below.

Fix: Purchased Games & Apps Are Not Showing on Xbox One

Usually, you should be able to find all your purchased items without issues. However, many gamers have noticed that their Xbox One digitally purchased items like games are not showing up in games and apps on different models or in the Microsoft Store on your PC.

If issues like the Microsoft Store payment problems don’t bug you, every purchase you have made should be available on your account. But, If it doesn’t happen, it can bring a lot of frustration. Fortunately, you can overcome this situation easily.

Why can’t I see the game I bought in the Microsoft Store?

If the Microsoft Store is not showing the purchases you have made, it can be due to the following reasons:

  • Wrong account: In most cases, users may have multiple accounts, and they can’t remember which account owns their digital purchases.
  • Corrupted cache: If the local cache has been corrupted, it may fail to show you the purchased games and apps.
  • Problems with the Microsoft Store app: Sometimes, internal problems with the Microsoft Store app can trigger this type of problem.
  • Incorrect region settings: Some purchased items may not be available in your region. That’s why you are not seeing them.
  • It’s taking time: Some purchases may take up to 24 hours to be visible in your account. So, if you purchased any item a few moments ago on Microsoft Store, it may not appear immediately in your library.

Where are my purchases from the Microsoft Store?

No matter what, all of your purchases are available on your MS account. You can find them in the Microsoft Store library. Here is the way to do it:

  1. Open Microsoft Store on your Windows PC or Xbox.
  2. Click on the Library icon.going library microsoft store

Alternatively, you can go to this Microsoft Account Order page and find all the purchases, including Xbox One games, apps, game pass, or any other subscriptions.

What can I do if Xbox One-purchased games are not showing up?

The problem you are encountering has multiple solutions. However, before trying them out, we suggest you do the following things as primary steps:

  • Make sure you are using the correct Microsoft Account. To understand, see the order page on Microsoft’s website, as suggested in the previous section of this article.
  • Make sure that you are using the updated version of Xbox firmware.
  • Check if the purchase was actually successful. It is because, sometimes, Microsoft may have trouble processing your payment.
  • Update the Microsoft Store app.
  • Sign out. Then, restart your Xbox, press the Xbox button and go to Profile & system, tap on Add or switch, and then Add new. Now, follow the on-screen steps and sign in with your Microsoft account again.
  • Wait at least 24 hours if it is a new order that is not showing up.

After doing the above things, if necessary, follow these methods to fix Microsoft Store not showing purchases, including Xbox One games.

1. Change region

  1. Go to Xbox Settings.
  2. Go to System and then Language and region.
  3. From Location, select the correct region or the one where your purchased items are available.changing location xbox
  4. Restart Xbox.

2. Clear cache

  1. Press and hold the Xbox button for 10 seconds or wait until it turns off the console.xbox button
  2. Unplug the power cable.
  3. Press and hold the Xbox button again and continue doing it several times.
  4. Wait a minute and plug in the power cable again.
  5. Wait another minute.
  6. Now, press the Xbox button to turn on the console.

3. Reset Xbox

  1. Go to Settings and go to System.
  2. Go to Console info.
  3. Tap on Reset console.
  4. Choose between Reset and remove everything and Reset and keep my games & apps.resetting xbox
  5. Follow the onscreen steps to finish the process.

After resetting, configure and sign in again. Now, see if it has solved the problem or not. If necessary, contact Microsoft Support to get a more precise solution.

If you are interested, learn how to solve PUR-Authentication failure errors on Microsoft Store.

This article has explained how to fix Xbox One-purchased games not showing. In case you are facing a similar issue on your PC, read this guide to find solutions.

Before you leave, check our The person who bought this needs to sign in on Xbox since it covers a similar issue.

Let us know in the comment box if you have any questions or opinions.

What Is Error Code 51003 in Death Stranding? How do I Fix It

Is the Death Stranding error code 51003 bugging you while trying to play this game? This article will provide you the helpful information and suggestions on this.

Recently, a lot of games have been experiencing the error 51003 while playing the action game: Death Stranding. When this error appears, it shows the following message:

Connection to Death Stranding game server is unstable.

Switching to Offline Mode…

Error Code: 51003

You also may get a similar error code and get a message like unable to login to the Death Stranding game server. But, the root of the problem is the same.

What is the error code 51003 in Death Stranding?

The error code 51003 usually occurs when there is a network problem, or the game server cannot handle the requests it receives. Right now, in almost every case, the root of the problem is from the developer’s end.

Recently, Epic Games recently gave away this game for free, which brought a lot of new players. Now, when the servers become full and can’t handle new gamers, it throws this error message.

How to fix Death Stranding error code 51003?

At the present time, there is very little thing you can do to solve this problem. However, after doing some research, we have found some tricks that may temporarily help you get rid of this error. Before trying out the actual methods, we suggest you do the following things:

  • Restart your PC or console.
  • Check the status of the current outage from Downdetector’s Death Stranding page.
  • Make sure you have a good internet connection.
  • Power cycle your router.
  • If possible, use ethernet instead of WiFi.

After doing the above things, follow these methods one by one and see which one helps.

1. Change DNS

  1. Press Win + I to open the Windows Settings.
  2. Navigate to the Network & internet.
  3. Click on the Ethernet or WiFi, depending on the connection type you have been using.going ethernet win11 settings
  4. Click on Edit next to the DNS server assignment.clicking edit next to dns server assignment win11 settings
  5. Set it to Manual.
  6. Enable IPv4 or IPv6, depending on the DNS you are trying to use.
  7. Type the following DNS addresses as Preferred and Alternate DNS and click on Save:
    8.8.8.8
    8.8.4.4saving dns settings win11 settings
  8. Restart your PC.

The above-mentioned addresses are for Google DNS. You can use any other quality DNS servers you want. However, we have a very helpful article on this that may help you. Learn how to find the fastest DNS server.

A good DNS can help you to connect to the game server milliseconds faster compared to the other gamers who are using typical DNS. It may reduce the chance of getting Death Stranding server error code 51003.

2. Play in the non-peak hour

If we can see the last 24 hour’s outage reports from the Downdetector, we can easily find out at which time the death stranding error code 51003 occurs most. We suggest you play at a different time and see if it helps.

It may not be the perfect solution. But a significant number of gamers are doing it to avoid this annoying error.

In addition, you can disable your Firewall to find out if it is helpful or not. Another thing we can recommend is that you try one of the gaming VPNs. It is because if your connection uses a complex and problematic routing, you may fail to connect to the Death Stranding server at most times.

But, a proper gaming VPN can give you an optimized experience. However, not all users will get benefits from it, especially who are already using a very stable connection suitable for gaming. To learn more, find out if a VPN can reduce ping in games or not.

If you are interested, check out these best Ping and Lag reducers for online gaming.

This article has featured the most effective methods to solve Death Stranding error code 51003. We will update this post with additional methods when available. If you have any opinions or suggestions, feel free to write them down in the comment box.

Fix: Island Raft Survival Multiplayer Not Working

Island Raft is a fun oceanic survival game with a co-op multiplayer mode. However, some players of Raft can’t join world in games. Consequently, Raft’s multiplayer mode doesn’t work for them.

How come Raft multiplayer doesn’t work?

There are quite a few potential reasons for Raft multiplayer not working. Here are some of the most common:

  • The firewall and antivirus are blocking the app – Certain security software may block the game from connecting with servers.
  • Conflicting background programs – Some software conflicts can also generate multiplayer connection issues for Raft players.
  • Steam service failures – To resolve such issues, some users might need to repair the Steam service.
  • Network issues – Raft game connection issues can arise because of corrupted or obsolete DNS cache data. Such issues can be fixed with some ipconfig networking commands.

Now that we know why this happens, let’s see what we can do about it. But first, a small tip on how to play multiplayer games in Raft.

What do I need to do to play Raft multiplayer games?

To play Raft multiplayer games, you must open Raft from Steam’s launcher. All players need to have online status to join games. Also, note that you can only play online with players on your friend list. So, you’ll need to befriend some players via Discord to find somebody to play with first.

When you’ve found somebody to play with, you’ll need to add them on Steam by right-clicking Steam’s system tray icon and select Friends. Then you’ll need to share your Friend code with the other player. Click the + button to enter your friend’s code in the Enter a Friend Code text box.

Thereafter, you should be able to join a multiplayer game world. If you’re sure you’ve done everything correctly and Raft multiplayer doesn’t work, check out these potential fixes.

How can I fix Raft multiplayer not working?

Before getting into more complicated solutions for this problem, let’s cross a few preliminary checks from our list:

  • Make sure the game host has selected Allow friends to join. Ask the host player if he/she has selected this feature in the game settings.
  • Restart your router. Unplug the router and/or modem for at least 30 seconds, then plug them back in.
  • Disable the third-party antivirus or firewall from its settings and see if you can join a multiplayer game.
  • Restart Steam and your PC. Sometimes this is all it takes to get everything back to normal.

If you still can’t join multiplayer games in Raft, let’s try the detailed solutions below.

1. Flush the DNS

  1. Click the Start button, type cmd, and select Run as administrator from the results.
  2. Next, enter this command and press Enter to run it: ipconfig /flushdns
  3. As a result, the system will flush the DNS cache.

2. Repair the Steam Service

  1. Right-click the Start button and select the Run shortcut.
  2. Input this Run command: "C:\Program Files\Steam\bin\SteamService.exe" /repair
  3. Click the OK button.

If you haven’t installed Steam in its default directory, replace the path in the command above with your PC’s SteamService.exe installation location.

3. Clear caches for Steam and Raft

  1. Press the Windows key + E to start File Explorer.
  2. Next, open this folder path: C:\Users\YOURUSER\AppData\Local
  3. Right-click the Steam folder there and select Delete.
  4. Then right-click the Raft folder to select the Delete option.

Replace YOURUSER in the specified path above with your actual user folder’s title.

4. Turn off the Windows Defender Firewall

  1. Click the Start button, input firewall in the search box, and click on Windows Defender Firewall.
  2. Next, click Turn Windows Defender Firewall on or off to open some firewall settings.
  3. Select both the Turn off Windows Defender Firewall radio buttons, and click the OK option.
  4. Try playing Raft multiplayer with the firewall disabled.

It’s recommended to turn Windows Defender Firewall back on when not playing Raft.

5. Clean-boot Windows 10

  1. Right-click the Start button and select the Run accessory.
  2. Next, enter the following command and press Enter or click OK: msconfig
  3. Select Selective startup on the General tab.
  4. Deselect the checkbox for Load startup items.
  5. Make sure the Load system services and Use original boot configuration settings are selected.
  6. Click the Services tab and select the Hide all Microsoft services checkbox to exclude them from the services list and hit the Disable all button.
  7. Select the Apply and OK buttons to exit.
  8. Finally, select Restart to clean-boot Windows.
  9. Try playing a Raft multiplayer game after rebooting windows.

If this resolution works, a conflicting program starting with Windows was likely generating the issue. Restoring the original boot configuration by reversing the selected System Configuration settings will likely restore Raft’s multiplayer error. Then you’ll need to identify what program is conflicting with Raft.

6. Thoroughly uninstall GameFirst VI and PeerGuardian

  1. Click the Start button and select Settings.
  2. Now click on Apps.
  3. Scroll in the list of apps, click on GameFirst VI and/or PeerGuardian, and select Uninstall.
  4. Press the Windows key + E to launch File Explorer.
  5. Look for the GameFirst VI and PeerGuardian folders and delete them permanently.

GameFirstVI and PeerGuardian are two conflicting programs known to cause Raft and Steam multiplayer errors. Sometimes, a normal uninstallation procedure is insufficient to eliminate all the leftovers.

That’s why it’s better to thoroughly uninstall those software packages using a dedicated uninstaller such as IObit Uninstaller.

Aside from that, this tool has many handy features the default Windows uninstaller doesn’t. You can utilize it to uninstall Windows updates, browser toolbars and plugins, and even unwanted bundleware. IObit Uninstaller’s Software Updater tab also enables you to update installed software.

Other IObit Uninstaller features

  • You can erase files with IObit Uninstaller’s File Shredder
  • It includes an Easy Uninstall icon so you can remove software with
  • The Install Monitor feature logs system changes from newly installed software
  • IObit Uninstaller users can select alternative light and dark skins

IObit Uninstaller

Get rid of unwanted software completely with this tool that wipes all leftovers!
Free trial Visit website

You can report a multiplayer gaming issue to Raft support. To do that, click the Report an issue button on Raft’s Help Center page. Then fill out the contact form’s boxes to provide further details about your Raft multiplayer issue. Click the Submit button to send the support ticket.

Aside from that, Steam support’s service might be able to help you fix Raft multiplayer gaming issues. Click Sign in to Steam on the Steam support page. Thereafter, you can send a support ticket for Raft from that page.

The Steam forum is also a handy place to get troubleshooting advice for Raft and other games. Like other Steam games, Raft has a Discussions forum tab. You can add a post about your Raft multiplayer issue there for more troubleshooting guidance.

The above resolutions could feasibly fix a wide range of Raft multiplayer issues that stop you from playing the game online.

If the servers are inaccessible, you might want to try one of the best VPNs for Raft and circumvent the problem. For a somewhat similar issue with error code 1017 on Battlefront 2, check out our fix guide.

For more multiplayer troubleshooting in similar tactical shooters, see our Ready or Not multiplayer not working guide, which covers common fixes that also apply here.

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

How to Remove Black Bars From Games in Windows 10: 7 Easy Tips

Many Windows 10 users love to relax and enjoy their favorite games, but a few of them reported certain issues while gaming. Black bars randomly popping out seem to hinder the experience quite often.

In order to be fully immersed, the game has to work flawlessly and you should not experience glitches during your playtime.

According to users, it seems that black bars are appearing while they play games on Windows 10. This sounds like an unusual problem, but let’s see what triggers it in the first place.

Why does my game have black bars?

From resolution glitches to improper in-game settings, anything can trigger these pesky black bars or lines to randomly appear and ruin your gameplay.

Unsurprisingly, outdated or otherwise compromised display drivers can also have a huge impact.

Let’s take a look at some of the most common issues reported by our readers:

  • Black bars on side of screen when playing games – Black bars on side of screen Windows 10
  • Black bar in middle of screen Windows 10
  • Windows 11 black border around screen
  • Black borders in games, black lines on screen when playing games
  • Escape simulator, Forza Horizon 5, CSGO Intel, GTA 5 cutscenes black bars
  • Assassin’s Creed Odyssey black bars on full screen
  • Black bars when changing resolution
  • Random black bar on screen Windows 10
  • Steam black bars top and bottom
  • Black bars from games Nvidia

How do I get rid of the black bars in Windows 10 games?

  1. Make sure you use the native resolution
  2. Update your graphics card drivers
  3. Check the in-game settings
  4. Use the Ctrl+Alt+F11 shortcut
  5. Check Override application settings in Intel Graphics Control Panel
  6. Run games in windowed fullscreen mode
  7. Check Override the scaling mode in Nvidia Control Panel

1. Make sure you use the native resolution

  1. Right-click on the Desktop and open the Display settings.
  2. Select the recommended resolution and suiting orientation.
  3. Exit Settings and restart your PC.

Since there are two known formats, standard 4:3 and widescreen 18:6, we advise you to stick to your native resolution and screen format.

By doing so, you’ll avoid possible sidebars which commonly occur if you use a non-native format or resolution. This how-to confirms that your native resolution is set to some random unfitting value.

Once you’re certain that both of those are as they’re supposed to be, the problem should be resolved. However, if the issue is persistent, make sure to continue with the steps below.

2. Update your graphics card drivers

  1. 1. Press the Windows Key + S and type Device Manager.

  2. 2. In the Device Manager, expand Display Adapters.

  3. 3. Right-click on your GPU and select Update driver.

  4. 4. Wait for your OS to finish updating.

  5. This issue can sometimes be related to your graphics card drivers, and in order to resolve this issue, it’s advised that you update your graphics card drivers.

    In order to update your drivers, just go to your graphics card manufacturer’s website, find your graphics card model and download the latest drivers for it.

Update drivers automatically

If you don’t want the hassle of updating drivers manually, we strongly suggest doing it automatically by using third-party software. After several tests, our team concluded that this is the best-automatized solution. 

3. Check the in-game settings

Besides the system screen settings, we advise you to check the in-game graphics settings menu. It seems that this issue appears only with certain games and it doesn’t concern most of them.

Counter-Strike is one of those which have issues with black sidebars. In there you should find the resolution and screen orientation settings.

Make sure that they resemble the ones in system settings. Once you’re over that, and the problem is still present, one of the below-presented solutions should help you address it.

4. Set scaling to fullscreen

  1. Press Windows Key + S and enter Control Panel. Choose Control Panel from the list of results.
  2. Go to Appearance and Personalization and choose Adjust screen resolution.
  3. Change your resolution to a lower one and click Apply and OK.
  4. Next click on Advanced settings.
  5. Go to Intel Graphic and Media Control Panel tab.
  6. Locate the Scaling setting and set it to Scale Fullscreen.
  7. Click Apply and OK to save changes.
  8. Change the resolution back to its original value and click Apply and OK to save changes.

If you’re having black bars in Windows 10, you should try to set scaling to Fullscreen. How do I remove the black bars on my screen? Simply try following the steps described above.

This solution applies to owners of Intel integrated graphics, but if you have any other integrated graphics card, you should have similar options.

5. Use the Ctrl+Alt+F11 shortcut

In order to remove black bars in games, a few users suggested using the Ctrl+Alt+F11 shortcut. According to them, you just need to press Ctrl+Alt+F11 while in-game and the black bars should disappear.

We have to point out that using this shortcut will change your desktop resolution, so you’ll have to change it back after you’re done with your game.

6. Run games in windowed fullscreen mode

  1. Go to Control Panel and change the display resolution to 4:3 resolution.
  2. Start the game that has issues with black bars.
  3. Go to video options and change the mode to windowed fullscreen.

Although this workaround can help you, you’ll have to change the resolution to the original value once you’re done playing.

7. Check Override the scaling mode in Nvidia Control Panel

  1. Open Nvidia Control Panel.
  2. Navigate to Adjust desktop size and position.
  3. Check Override the scaling mode set by games and programs.
  4. Optional: Check Full-screen scaling mode from the list of options.
  5. Click Apply to save changes and check if the problem still persists.

Seeing black bars while playing games on Windows 10? You might have to change a few options in Nvidia Control Panel. To do that, follow the aforementioned steps.

How do I get rid of black bars in Windows 11 games?

Since Windows 11 is really not that different from its predecessor – except for a few design and perhaps, gaming-oriented improvements – you can go ahead and apply all the fixes recommended above.

For instance, many users want to know how to remove black bars from CSGO in Windows 11, but obviously, the issue can be found in other games as well. We’re confident that these tips will also help solve your black bars while gaming issues.

Finally, if your Firewall is ruining your gaming experience, here’s how to fix Windows Defender when it is closing games. This will get rid of the issue once and for all.

Black bars in games on Windows 10 can be quite distracting, but we hope our solutions helped you solve your problems.

The Media Is Write Protected: 5 Methods to Remove It

We use all sorts of drives to store our data, but sometimes you might get The media is write protected message while trying to do so.

This error is somewhat similar to System cannot write to the specified device error, which will cause you problems while saving data.

Luckily, there’s a way to deal with this issue, and in today’s guide, we’re going to show you the best methods that you can use to fix this problem.

Why are my files suddenly write-protected?

This issue can occur due to several reasons:

  • Software glitches – Sometimes, certain software can give you this error. Reinstalling the application usually fixes the issue.
  • Drive errors – In some instances, drive errors can cause this issue. Scan your drive to fix these problems.
  • Your settings – Sometimes, files and drives can have certain settings that prevent writing. Change them to fix the issue.

How can I fix The media is write protected error?

Before we start, there is a simple check that you need to perform:

  • Check for lock switch – The media is write protected on an SD card, and some USB drives can appear due to the lock switch. If your device is locked with it, you won’t be able to write data to it.

1. Reinstall the software that is giving you this error

  1. Press Windows key + X and choose Apps and features.
  2. Select the application that is giving you this error.
  3. Click on Uninstall to remove it.
  4. Once the software is removed, install it again.

Users reported this issue with uTorrent software, but if you’re having this problem with another software, be sure to give this method a try.

2. Check your disk for errors

  1. Press Windows key + X and choose Windows PowerShell (Admin).
  2. Enter the following command and press Enter: chkdsk c: /f
  3. Wait for the scan to finish.

If you’re getting The media is write protected on hard drive your hard drive, be sure to give this solution a try.

Note icon NOTE
If you get this error message on a different drive, enter its letter instead of C in step 2.

3. Use diskpart

Note icon NOTE
Diskpart is an extremely powerful tool, and we’re not responsible for any issues or file loss that might occur while using it.
  1. Connect your USB drive to the PC.
  2. Press Windows key + X and choose Windows PowerShell (Admin).
  3. Once it opens, enter diskpart
     
  4. Now enter list disk
  5. Use the file size value to find the desired disk. Note, this will probably be different on your PC. We used select disk 2
  6. Lastly, run the following command: attributes disk clear readonly

If case you’re getting The media is write protected in diskpart, perhaps is time to format your drive.

4. Change folder properties

  1. Locate the directory that is giving you this error.
  2. Right-click it and choose Properties.
  3. Make sure that Read-only option isn’t checked and click on Apply and OK.

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

5. Tweak the StorageDevicePolicies key

  1. Press Windows key + R. Enter regedit and click OK.
  2. Navigate to the following key:  Computer\HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control
  3. In the left pane, navigate to StorageDevicePolicies key. If you can’t find it, move to the next step.
  4. Right-click the Control key. Now expand the New section and select Key.
  5. Name the new key StorageDevicePolicies and move to it.
  6. Look for WriteProtect DWORD in the right pane.
  7. If it’s not available, right-click the empty space and choose New. Next, select DWORD (32-bit Value).
  8. Name the new DWORD WriteProtect. Double-click it to open its properties.
  9. Check if its Value data is set to 0. If not, change it.

There you go; we hope that the solutions listed above helped you fix this error message. If you’re having additional problems, visit our Error writing to file guide for more information.

Did you find a different solution that worked for you? Let us know in the comment section below.

Best Font Manager for Windows 10 & 11 [Out of 15 Tested]

Font manager software enables you to organize large font collections more efficiently.

The best font manager programs include options and tools for activating and deactivating fonts, organizing them into libraries and groups, previewing and printing sample glyphs, searching font collections, and more besides.

As such, a font manager is a fairly essential bit of kit for anybody who needs to utilize a wide range of fonts for graphics, documents, and website design.

These are a few of the best font management software for Windows 10 and other platforms.

Product nameKey featureDuplicate fonts finder
Adobe FontsFont finder tool❌
TypografFont database sets✅
FontBaseFree usage for everyone❌
NexusFontFree and simple UI✅
Suitcase FusionCloud-based manager for Windows & Mac✅

What are the best font management tools for Windows 10 PCs?

Adobe Fonts – More than 20,000 fonts

adobe fonts

If you use the Adobe Cloud desktop app, the best tool to manage your fonts is Adobe Fonts. Not only that, but you also get unlimited access to over 1,000 fonts that you can use across your projects.

Using Adobe’s library of fonts is very easy. First, you browse through the list of available fonts to find the one that best suits the direction of your current project.

Once you’ve selected the font you want to use, simply use the toggle to activate it.

Keep in mind that Adobe recommends removing the fonts no longer in use.  In this manner, you’ll optimize the performance of your Adobe tools and the font menu will stay nice, clean, and decluttered.

Other interesting features of Adobe Fonts include:

  • Mark your favorite fonts to find them quicker next time you need to use them
  • View your font history
  • Manage your fonts
  • Create custom fonts

Adobe Fonts

This tool not only has great integration with other Adobe software but also offers access to over 1,000 fonts.
Check price Visit Website

Typograf – Compare and print fonts

Typograf font comparison

Typograf is a lightweight and straightforward font manager that provides a comprehensive overview of installed TrueType, OpenType, Type 1, system, bitmap, and printer fonts.

The software is compatible with Windows platforms from XP to 10.

It is available at a pretty low price, with volume discounts, and you can try out an unregistered version of Typograf for a month.

Typograf is a font manager with a clear and straightforward UI design and a variety of handy font tools and options.

You can utilize the software to establish a database archive for fonts, install and uninstall fonts, organize them with Sets, print up to 80 fonts on a single A4 page, preview various font types and compare font tables.

The tool provides comprehensive font properties that include file data, style, designer, version, Unicode character set, typeface classification, and other details.

This software also includes a handy tool that searches for duplicated fonts so you can erase duplicates.

Typograf

If you like fonts, you’ll love the great typography instruction in the Help file, which includes a typeface history.

FontBase – Elegant UI

Best Font Manager for Windows

FontBase is relatively new software for 64-bit Windows 10/8/7, Linux, and Mac platforms. This font manager enables you to edit and customize your fonts as well as organize them.

The software is freeware that you can add to Windows by pressing the Download for Free button below.

FontBase’s live text editing is what really sets this software apart from some of the other alternatives. It enables users to customize font styling and provides real-time previews of adjustments made.

FontBase users can activate their fonts without installing them, compare fonts by pinning them and build favorite font collections.

Furthermore, it also enables you to quickly select and utilize fonts from the Google Fonts collection.

As this is still relatively new software, you can also expect plenty of updates that will further enhance FontBase.

⇒ Get FontBase

NexusFont – Font manager for Windows

NexusFont is a highly-rated freeware font manager that has an appealing and intuitive UI design and an efficient font management system.

The software is compatible with most Windows platforms, and it also has a portable version that you can add to a USB drive.

NexusFont’s multi-panel UI displays your font list alongside the font library and font details.

You can select color, bold, italic, underline, and style font-formatting options from the toolbar at the top of NextFont’s window.

NexusFont users can quickly install and uninstall fonts from the software’s context menu, find duplicate fonts and even export fonts as images.

You can also organize selected fonts into Set groups and quickly filter and sort the fonts by adding tags to them.

So this software pretty much has all the tools and options most will probably need from a font manager.

⇒ Get NexusFont

Suitcase Fusion – Desktop or cloud-based tool

Suitcase Fusion is one of the industry-standard font managers for 64-bit Windows 10, 8, and 7 platforms that support a variety of font formats.

It is an industry-standard software because of its compatibility with the Adobe and QuarkXPress design applications. Suitcase Fusion is retailing at $119.95, which might not seem the best value.

However, this software includes many innovative features that few other alternative font managers can match; and it also comes with a separate Font Doctor package that fixes corrupted fonts.

Suitcase Fusion provides many handy font management tools and options.

The software enables you to organize fonts into various libraries, create Set font lists within libraries, activate and deactivate your fonts, save your searches, select numerous search filters, and more.

Suitcase Fusion connects with the Google Font collection so that you can quickly access those fonts.

A more novel aspect of Fusion is its Adobe Creative Cloud application integration that enables you to browse your full font collection from within Adobe Photoshop with the Extensis Font Panel.

TypeSync is another novel addition to Suitcase Fusion that enables you to cloud-sync fonts between two PCs.

The software also provides automatic font management with Type Core that automatically activates and deactivates fonts when you open applications.

So this is a font manager with many unique tools and features.

⇒ Get Suitcase Fusion

Those are the crème de la crème font managers for Windows 10 that you can organize and browse font collections with.

Of those selected, Adobe Fonts has the best design application support and is probably the most innovative software.

However, FontBase and NexusFont are freeware alternatives that still include all the essential font manager tools.

Nevertheless, these tools will help you become more creative and will give a real artistic sense to your projects.

What font management software do you use? Do let us know in the comments section below.

AutoKMS.exe: Here’s how it works and how to remove it

The virus threat has always been there but nowadays, it’s rising to be a major problem for both individual users and big companies.

There are many malware signatures circulating freely, but one that’s commonly known is AutoKMS.

Today, we brought to you details about this software with ways to remove it from your system for good. So, if you bump into AutoKMS in Windows 10, make sure to check the explanation below.


What is AutoKMS.exe and how can I remove it?

1. Discover what AutoKMS.exe is

AutoKMS virus is not a virus per se, it’s more of a hack tool. Most of the time users download it intentionally.

They want to crack or activate unregistered Microsoft products, and therefore bypass the security measures, and avoid payment.

AutoKMS is graded as a low or medium threat. Most of the time, the unregistered software that comes with it is the real threat, like the Trojan virus.

On the other hand, it’s still an illegal third-party tool, so you can never be sure what you’re looking at. Since it connects to the remote host, there are a dozen unwanted scenarios.

It can grant access to hackers or download malicious software and much more. Some Microsoft technicians claim that AutoKMS is a variation of the Troyan virus, but not all go that far.

Simply because you can uninstall it anytime, and that’s just not the case with Trojan viruses.

Now, you might ask how it works. Basically, once you’ve downloaded a pirated version of, let’s say, Microsoft Office 2016, you’ll need AutoKMS to activate it.

You’ll be advised to disable the antivirus, and that’s not a smart thing to do. The tool can run in the background with the portable version or it can be installed just like any other application.

It connects to remote servers to mimic Microsoft’s KMS Activation process. Then, it activates your license for up to 180 days.

After expiration, you need to run it again and, voila, you’ll get a new license for 180 days.

It sounds great but it’s not. For various reasons. First, pirated versions of Windows or MS Office are not safe to use. Most of them might serve as a testing ground but not much more.

Second, large installation packages are heaven for hackers, where they can tamper with files and add whatever they want.

Additionally, if you use AutoKMS with original Microsoft products, there’s a great chance that things will go south for you.

Due to security measures, the whole structure can crash or substantially drop in performance. Therefore, we advise you to remove it as soon as possible.


2. Uninstall AutoKMS like any other app

  1. In the Search bar, type Control and open Control Panel.
  2. In the Category view, click on Uninstall a program.
  3. Find AutoKMS and uninstall it.
  4. Remove the downloaded installation files.

As we already stated above, you can simply uninstall it. Navigate to Control Panel and remove it just like any other application. If you’re not sure how to do it, follow the instructions above.


You can’t open Control Panel? Take a look at this step-by-step guide to find a solution.


3. Get rid of AutoKMS by using dedicated malware tools

The best way to remove all malware from your computer is to use an antivirus or antimalware dedicated tool.

However, don’t you imagine that we’re talking about a tool for advanced users. This anti-malware software and malware removal is easy to use and can help you forget all about AutoKMS.exe.

Since it is a modern all-in-one solution, it is lightweight and based on artificial intelligence and machine learning to keep your data safe even from the latest online threats.

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4. Perform a deep scan with Windows Defender

  1. Open the Settings app by pressing the Windows+ I hotkey combination.
  2. Select Update & Security.
  3. Open Windows Security or Windows Defender from the left pane.
  4. Choose Virus & threat protection.
  5. Click on Scan options and select Microsoft Defender Offline Scan.windows defender offline scan
  6. Save everything before you proceed because the PC will restart.
  7. Wait for the process to finish.

Follow the instructions above to perform a deep scan with Windows Defender. Your PC will restart and perform a thorough search for any malicious software and remove it.

If you need more info on how to perform a full system scan directly from Windows Security Center, don’t hesitate to check our dedicated guide.


After that, you should be in the clear. In addition, it’s your decision whether you’ll uninstall and delete the pirated program or not. But, always have in mind that free software tools aren’t always safe.

AutoKMS is only one suspicious piece of pirated software and there are others, much more dangerous files out there, carefully hidden within the installation.

We also recommend you to keep your computer safe by installing a great malware remover tool. If you aren’t sure which is the best, check our detailed guide for more information.

Before you leave, we have a guide on how to remove SppExtComObjHook.dll, and since this file is associated with AutoKMS, you should check it out for more information.

What’s your experience with AutoKMS? Tell us in the comments section below. We also have guides on Kmsss.exe and KMService.exe so check them out to learn more.