For the proper functioning of the audio and speakers of your computer, Windows requires Sound Drivers. While the Sound Drivers are generally unaffected by anything, some users have reported that after the latest update, Windows 10 wiped out their sound driver.
Several users took to the Microsoft Community Forums complaining about Windows 10 updated deleted sound driver.
The latest Windows update installed on my computer, after which my sound was disabled. I right-clicked on the speaker in the toolbar and it indicated that now headphones were the default sound device. I have tried everything to turn that off without success…
If you are also troubled by the deleted sound driver issue, below are a couple of ways to troubleshoot this problem in Windows 10.
What happens if I uninstall my sound driver?
If you do not have audio drivers installed on your computer, or if you uninstall them, the only thing that will occur is that you will lose the ability to play any audio.
Moreover, here are some error variations that you may encounter, but nonetheless, fix with the solutions below:
I accidentally deleted my audio driver Windows 10, Windows 11
Accidentally uninstalled audio driver Windows 10
Accidentally deleted Realtek audio driver Windows 10
Accidentally deleted sound device Windows 10 (removed audio device)
Restart sound driver Windows 10
Audio driver gone Windows 10
Windows 10 no sound after update
Without further ado, let’s just jump right in!
What do I do if I deleted my audio driver?
1. Use a professional driver installer tool
how do I reinstall my audio drivers Windows 10? You can manually reinstall the sound drivers from Device Manager, but we also suggest you try a dedicated tool that can do all the hard work for you. Besides this, you can avoid some serious malfunctions and save time.
Next click on “Playing Audio” and select “Run the Troubleshooter” button.
The Troubleshooter will now scan the system for any issues and show a few recommendations to fix the problem. Follow the on-screen instructions to fix the audio problem.
After that, reboot the system and check for any improvements.
If the issue occurred after installing a Windows 10 update, use a Restore Point to roll back the update and fix your audio issues.
Type Restore in the Window search bar and click on “Create a Restore Point” option.
Click the “System Restore” button in the “System Properties” window.
Choose “Next”.
Click on “Shore more restore points” box.
Now select the Restore Point that was created before the Windows update was installed.
Click on Next to proceed.
Read the description and click on Finish.
The System Restore process may take a few minutes to an hour. So wait for it to complete.
After the restore is complete, you should get a success message. Check if the audio drivers are working fine like before.
How do I update my audio drivers in Windows 10?
With the sound driver reinstalled, as you know, updating your drivers is one of the most important steps you need to perform routinely in order to ensure your computer’s sound functionality.
Thus, follow the steps below to update your audio drivers in Windows 10:
Press the Windows + I buttons to open the Settings app and go to Update & Security.
Click on View optional updates and expand the Driver updates section.
Select all the drivers and hit Download and install.
Even though Warhammer 40,000: Darktide is a newly released game, it suffers from many error codes. Users frequently complain about several Darktide error codes that affect their game performance.
What are the most common Darktide error codes and how to fix them?
1. Error code 2001
The Error Code 2001 in Warhammer 40K: Darktide mostly appears when playing the game. It interrupts and prevents players from completing matches in the game.
However, the error occurs due to system requirements issues with your PC. It indicates that your PC doesn’t meet up with the requirements for running the game. Also, corrupted game files can cause it.
Fix: Check the system requirements
Check if your computer meets Warhammer 40,000: Darktide system requirements to know if it is strong enough to play the game. If it doesn’t, upgrade your PC or switch to a stronger one.
2. Error code 3001
The cause of the error code 3001 on Darktide is unknown, meaning the factors may vary on different PCs. Moreso, it occurs due to the game’s failure to connect with its servers.
Also, the error blocks players from either accessing the game or completing the matches they’re actively playing.
Fix: Restart Windows in Safe Mode
On the sign-in screen, press the Shift key while holding the Power button.
Hold the shift key to open the Advanced Recovery Options page.
Click on Troubleshoot, then select the Advanced options.
Click on Startup Settings and select Restart.
Press 4 to Enable Safe Mode.
Restarting Windows in Safe Mode will disable startup apps that may interfere with the game from startup. Check other methods to Restart Windows in Safe Mode on your PC.
3. Darktide error code 2006
The error code 2006 occurs when joining a match or mission. It prevents players from getting past the Morningstar screen and selecting missions.
Furthermore, many factors can cause the error code to disrupt your game, and there’s no definite reason.
Fix: Reduce Worker Threads number
Launch Warhammer 40K: Darktide on your PC.
Click on Settings.
Navigate to Worker Threads, reduce the number by at least 2, and click Accept.
Restart the game.
Reducing the Worker Threads can resolve the error code.
4. Darktide error code 9999
The error code 9999 in Darktide appears when there’s difficulty connecting to the game server. It can show at any point in the game.
However, the error occurs due to corrupt game files impeding the connections between the game and its servers. Also, network issues can prompt the error.
Left-click the Start button, type the command prompt, and select Run as administrator.
Click Yes on the User Account Control prompt.
Type the following command and press Enter: sfc /scannow
Restart your PC, then check if the error appears again.
The System File Checker scan will repair corrupt system files causing the error. Check what to do if the SFC Scannow stops working on Windows 11.
5. Darktide error code 2003
Error code 2003 in Warhammer 40K: Darktide indicates that the game has disconnected from its servers. Hence, it prevents players from playing a game or joining a match.
Network congestion and other network issues can cause the game to disconnect from its servers. Also, the error may occur if the game files are not intact.
Fix: Verify the integrity of game files
Left-click the Start button, search for Steam, then double-click to open it.
Click the Library tab and search for Warhammer 40,000: Darktide.
Right-click the game and select Properties from the drop-down.
Tap the Local Files tab, then click the Verify Integrity of Game Files button.
Error 2004 is a similar error code to 2001. When Darktide crashes or runs into the error code 2004, it means there’s been a system requirement issue causing the game to act up.
A common cause of the error is an outdated graphics driver and an outdated Windows OS. They can result in your PC not meeting the system requirements for the game.
Fix: Update your graphics driver
Press Windows + R keys to prompt the Run window, type devmgmt.msc, and click OK.
Click on Display Adapters, select the driver from the drop-down menu, and click the Update driver option.
Other than updating your graphics driver manually, you can try an automatic alternative that helps you scan your computer for outdated drivers and find the best updates as their replacements.
Outbyte Driver Updater
Solve various PC issues and make sure you update your drivers with Outbyte Driver Updater.
Error code 2007 indicates an internal error in the game, causing it to crash when joining a mission. However, issues with game servers and corrupt installation files can be responsible for the error.
Fix: Update Warhammer 40,000: Darktide
Left-click the Start button and type Steam, then double-click to open it.
Click the Library tab and click on Warhammer 40,000: Darktide.
Right-click the game and select Properties from the drop-down.
Go to the Updates tab and select the Always keep this game up-to-date option from the automatic updates menu.
The update will fix bugs affecting the game.
8. Darktide error code 1003
When the Darktide error code 1003 appears, it means there’s a connection issue affecting the game. Hence, the game can’t connect to its servers.
Moreso, outdated router firmware can cause connection issues when playing the game, resulting in the error.
Fix: Check for Router Firmware updates
Bugs can infect the router if its firmware is not updated, causing its network to be unstable. Check the router manual for the router Firmware update procedures.
Note that the steps for a firmware update can vary in different routers due to different manufacturers.
The causes of the error codes highlighted above may vary for different users. Nonetheless, you can try other fixes mentioned in the above guide.
If Windows 11 is not showing the WiFi option, you’re likely missing key drivers or dealing with disabled services. This guide walks you through step-by-step solutions to restore wireless connectivity and access the WiFi toggle from the settings menu.
When the WiFi toggle is missing in Windows 11, it often points to:
A disabled WiFi adapter in Device Manager
Missing or outdated network drivers
Airplane Mode being active
Corrupt system or network configurations
You might also encounter this if you’re setting up a new device with no WiFi available during Windows 11 setup.
How do I get my Wi-Fi back on Windows 11?
Before trying complex fixes, start with these: boot Windows 11 in Safe Mode if Wi-Fi is missing, switch to Ethernet for a stable connection, and enable auto-login to skip entering your password.
1. Check for a physical switch to turn on Wi-Fi
Many new computers, and laptops, in particular, have a built-in switch to enable/disable the Wi-Fi. You will find it either on the side or around the keyboard.
After locating the switch, make sure it’s turned on and check if the Wi-Fi icon and settings reappear.
NOTE
If you are unable to locate the switch, check the manufacturer’s website or the manual that came along with the system for its position.
2. Update the Wi-Fi driver
2.1 Via Device Manager
Press Windows + X to launch the Power User/Quick Access menu.
Select Device Manager from the list of options that appear.
Locate and double-click on the Network adapters entry to expand and view the devices under it.
Right-click on the Wi-Fi adapter and select Update driver from the context menu.
Select Search automatically for driver to let Windows scan for the best available driver on the system and install it. Check if the Windows 11 no WiFi option issue is solved.
NOTE
The Device Manager method only allows you to install the drivers already downloaded to the system. In case you haven’t downloaded an update earlier, go for the methods listed next.
2.2 Via Windows Update
Press Windows + I to launch the Settings.
Select Windows Update from the navigation pane on the left.
Click on Advanced options.
Select Optional updates under Additional options.
Check if there is an update available for the Wi-Fi driver. In case there’s one present, tick the checkbox for it and click on the Download & install button.
2.3 Via manufacturer’s website
Launch the Device Manager.
Double-click on Network adapters, locate and right-click on the Wi-Fi adapter, and select Properties from the context menu.
Navigate to the Driver tab and jot down the driver version.
Once you have the current driver version, go to Google or any other search engine of your preference, and search for the update using the Driver Name and Operating System (Windows 11) as the keywords followed by Update driver.
Locate and open the manufacturer’s website from the search results.
On the OEM’s website, identify if there is an update available based on the current driver version you noted earlier.
In case a newer version is available, download it.
Navigate to the folder the driver update is downloaded to, double-click on it to launch the installer, and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation process.
After updating the driver, restart the computer for the changes to come into effect and check if the Wi-Fi icon can be accessed now.
In case you are looking for simpler ways to keep your drivers up-to-date, we recommend using a dedicated third-party tool. It automatically scans for driver updates and installs them to your PC, thus making the whole process simpler and more convenient.
Select Network & Internet from the tabs listed to the left.
Locate the Airplane mode toggle and ensure that it’s disabled. The Windows 11 no WiFi option issue, will be solved.
4. Turn on the Airplane mode and then disable it
Click on the Action Center icon at the right of the Taskbar or press Windows + A, to view the Quick Settings.
Click on the Airplane mode tile to enable it. Once enabled, the tile color will change to blue.
Wait for a couple of minutes, and then again click on the Airplane mode tile to disable the setting. Check it the Windows 11 no WiFi option problem is gone.
Quick Settings allow you to make modifications to the system and enable or disable features without having to navigate to their actual location. You can also customize the Action Center and only keep the tiles you often use, for a finer experience.
Go to your Desktop and press Alt + F4 to launch the Shut Down Windows box.
Click on the dropdown menu and select Restart from the list of options.
Click OK at the bottom.
We hope this helped you solve the Windows 11 no WiFi option situation. If you have trouble with the account after the restart, learn how to change your password and username in Windows 11.
6. Check if Wi-Fi adapter is enabled
Press Windows + R to launch the Run command and enter ncpa.cpl in the text field, then either click on OK or press Enter, to launch Network Connections.
Locate and check if the Wi-Fi entry is greyed out. In case it is, you have to enable it.
Right-click on the Wi-Fi adapter, and select Enable from the context menu.
7. Use the Roll Back Driver option
Launch Device Manager.
Locate and double-click on Network adapters, right-click on the Wi-Fi adapter, and select Properties from the context menu.
Go to the Driver tab and select Roll Back Driver.
You will now be asked to select a reason for rolling back the update. Choose the necessary response and click Yes.
NOTE
If the Roll Back Driver option is greyed out, either the driver wasn’t updated recently or Windows didn’t store the files for the previous version. In this case, you will have to reinstall it from the manufacturer’s website, as discussed in the previous fix.
In case the Wi-Fi disappeared after you updated the Wi-Fi driver, rolling back the update could work. Windows keeps the files for the previous version if you want to revert to it.
8. Reinstall the Wi-Fi driver
Launch Device Manager.
Double-click on the Network adapters to expand and view the devices under it, right-click on Wi-Fi adapter, and select Uninstalldevice from the context menu.
Tick the checkbox for Attempt to remove the driver for this device and click on Uninstall at the bottom.
After the driver is uninstalled, restart the computer.
When the computer turns on, Windows will automatically look for the best available driver and install it. Check if you are now able to connect to the Wi-Fi.
9. Update Windows 11
Press Windows + I to launch the Settings app.
Select Windows Update from the tabs listed on the left.
Click on Check for updates and let Windows scan for any pending updates. If there are any available, they will be downloaded and installed on the computer.
Sometimes, running an older version of Windows is also likely to cause a bunch of issues. In the updates released by Microsoft, there are patches for various problems along with other new features for your computer. It’s the former part that you should be concerned with here.
After installing the latest updates, the problem with no WiFi option in Settings on Windows 11 should be resolved.
10. Uninstall Windows 11 updates
Press Windows + I to launch the Settings.
Select Windows Update from the tabs listed on the left.
Click on Update history on the right.
Click Uninstall updates under Related settings.
Select the update you want to remove and click on Uninstall.
11. Run the Network Adapter troubleshooter
Press Windows + I to launch the Settings.
Scroll down and select Troubleshoot in the System tab.
Click on Other troubleshooters.
Click on the Run button next to Network Adapter troubleshooter.
Wait for the troubleshooter to run a scan and then select Wi-Fi from the list of network adapters.
Wait for the troubleshooter to identify and fix the issues.
12. Run File Explorer
Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to launch the Task Manager.
Click on the File menu at the top-right corner and select Run new task.
Type explorer.exe in the text field, and either click on OK or hit Enter to launch File Explorer.
After the File Explorer process starts, check if the Wi-Fi icon reappears.
13. Modify the Group Policy
Press Windows + R to launch the Run command.
Enter gpedit.msc in the text field, and either click on OK or hit Enter to launch the Group Policy Editor.
Navigate to User Configuration, then to Administrative Templates and Start Menu and Taskbar from the navigation pane on the left.
Locate and double-click on Remove the networking icon.
Select the checkbox for Disabled and click on OK to save the changes.
14. Perform a clean boot
Press Windows + R to launch the Run command.
Type msconfig in the text field, and either click on OK or hit Enter to launch the System Configuration window.
Go to the Services tab.
Tick the checkbox for Hide all Microsoft services and click Disable all.
Navigate to the Startup tab and select Open Task Manager.
Select all the startup items listed here one at a time and click on Disable each time.
Close the Task Manager once you are done disabling the startup programs
Click on OK in the System Configuration window.
Click Restart to launch Windows with just the critical services and startup programs.
Type create a restore point in the text field at the top and click on the relevant search result.
Click on System Restore.
Select the preferred setting and click on Next. The first option here is the recommended restore point by Windows while with the other setting, you can select one manually. We will choose the second option.
Choose a restore point and click on Next.
Review the details and click on Finish to start the restore process.
The computer will restart during the restore process, hence, we recommended that you save any open files to avoid loss of data.
System restore has been present on the previous versions of Windows as well and is an effective troubleshooting method.
It takes the computer back in time to a point where the error did not exist by modifying the settings and uninstalling apps. The restore process, however, does not affect the files stored on the system.
However, if you noticed a gradual reduction in the Wi-Fi strength over time or have run into trivial issues, it could be the failure of the hardware as well.
Let us know which fix worked for you in the comments section below.
FAQs
Why is WiFi toggle missing in Windows 11 setup?
If you don’t see WiFi during initial setup, you’re likely missing wireless drivers. Use an Ethernet connection temporarily or create a USB with drivers.
Can I install WiFi drivers without internet?
Yes. Download the drivers from another PC and transfer them via USB.
Windows 11 cannot find WiFi—what now?
Ensure the WiFi adapter is enabled, the drivers are installed, and Airplane Mode is off.
Windows 10 ties your user profile closely to your Microsoft account, so when that profile gets corrupted, things can quickly go sideways.
From login issues to lost settings, a corrupted profile can seriously disrupt your workflow.
Luckily, there are several ways to fix it, whether by repairing the registry, creating a new profile, or running system scans. Let’s walk through all the options you have to get back on track.
How do I fix a corrupted user profile in Windows 10?
1. Repair corrupted Windows 10 user profile with Windows Registry
NOTE
We highly advise you to create a backup of your hard disk or just files you don’t want to lose before trying anything which involves messing with the Windows Registry.
How do I fix user profile problems? If your Windows 10 user profile registry is corrupt, try restarting your computer first, as it probably doesn’t work. Then restart it again and enter Safe Mode.
Go to Search, type regedit, and open Registry Editor.
When Registry Editor launches, navigate to the following key: Computer\HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\ProfileList
Click each S-1-5 folder and double-click the ProfileImagePath entry to find out which user account it relates to. (If your folder name ends with .bak or .ba follow Microsoft’s instructions to rename them).
Once you have determined where is the corrupt user profile(and it doesn’t have a .bak ending), double-click RefCount and change the Value data to 0 and click OK. If this value isn’t available, you might have to create it manually.
Now double-click on State, make sure the Value data is again 0, and click OK.
Close Registry Editor and restart your PC. This is how to fix a corrupted profile registry in Windows 10.
This is a simple and easy method to fix a corrupt user profile on Windows 10 with Regedit, so be sure to give it a try.
If you believe doing it manually is confusing, we suggest you try automated repair software and restore broken and corrupted system files in a safe manner.
2. Create a new user profile in Windows 10
If you cannot log in to your user account on startup, you can only create a new account and then transfer files from your corrupt account to repair your user profile in Windows 10.
If you already have another account registered on your computer, log in with that account and follow the steps for copying files from one account to another, as shown below.
Moreover, if you don’t have another account, you’ll have to enable a special hidden admin account and then log in to that account to create a new user account and transfer files from your old user profile.
2.1 Enable a hidden admin account
Restart your computer and boot into Safe Mode. Note that the steps are similar for Windows 11 and 10.
Press Windows then type cmd and open the Command Prompt result as an administrator.
Type in the following command and press Enter: net user administrator /active:yes
You should get The command completed successfully message. Reboot your computer
You have activated the admin account, and it will be available to log in on the next boot. So, when your computer starts, just login into the admin account and follow the steps below.
2.2 Create a new user profile
Go to Settings by pressing Windows + I and select Accounts.
Go to Family and other users. Click on Add someone else to this computer.
Follow the instructions and finish the creation of the new user profile.
Now, you have a fully-function new user account, and all you have to do is to transfer your data from the old user account to it.
2.3 Transfer your data
Restart your computer, and log in to the admin account again (it’s better to use this account than the account you just created).
Navigate to the corrupt user account (it’s on the disk you have Windows installed on, under Users).
Open your corrupted user profile and copy content from it to your new user profile (if you have any problems with permissions, check out our post on what to do if you cannot delete files).
Once everything is done, log out from your admin account, and log back into the new account, and your settings should be transferred.
Tap Windows then enter cmd and select Run as administrator.
Next, paste the following command and press Enter: DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /CheckHealth
Keep in mind that a DISM scan can take up to 20 minutes or more to complete, so be sure not to interrupt it.
3.3 Use PowerShell
Before we start, we have to mention that PowerShell is a powerful tool for repairing a Windows 10 profile, and running certain commands can cause problems with your Windows installation.
To run this command, you need to do the following:
Start PowerShell as an administrator by right-clicking the Start icon and selecting the Windows PowerShell (Admin) option.
When PowerShell starts, paste the following command and press Enter: Get-AppXPackage -AllUsers |Where-Object {$_.InstallLocation -like "*SystemApps*"} | Foreach {Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register "$($_.InstallLocation)/AppXManifest.xml"}
After doing that, the problem with the corrupted user profile should be resolved. As you can see, it’s possible to repair the user profile on Windows 10 with cmd, and this solution will help you do just that.
4. Install the latest updates
Press Windows + I then when the Settings app opens, click on Update & security.
Now click the Check for updates button.
Windows will now download the available updates in the background. After installing the missing updates, check if the issue still appears.
5. Reset Windows 10
Open the Start Menu, click the Power button, then press and hold the Shift key and choose Restart from the menu.
A list of options will appear. Select Troubleshoot followed by Reset this PCand Keep my files.
Select your account and enter your password if prompted. If asked to insert the installation media, be sure to do so.
Select your version of Windows and click on the Reset button to proceed.
Follow the instructions on the screen to complete the reset.
If this method doesn’t work, you might want to repeat the reset process and choose to Remove everything followed by Only the drive where Windows is installed.
According to users, sometimes the only way to fix a corrupt user profile is to perform a reset for your user profile in Windows 10.
This process will remove installed applications but should keep your personal files intact. Just in case, it might be a good idea to back up your important files in case anything goes wrong.
It’s important to run a full system scan and wait until the antivirus has scanned all your system files.
Moreover, here are some error variations that you may encounter, but fix with the solutions below:
Corrupt user profile registry key
Corrupted user profile unable to load
User profile service failed
Corrupted user account active directory
Corrupted user file
User profile won’t load
User profile keeps getting locked out, keeps disappearing
Corrupt user profile on Windows 10/7 domain
Corrupt default user profile (Windows 10)
How do I check if the user profile is corrupted in Windows 10?
One of the symptoms of corrupted user profile in Windows 10 is if your Windows 10 profile is not loading properly, or when your account profile picture won’t update. This is usually followed by a message that appears when trying to log in. In addition, certain features might not work properly.
What causes a corrupted user profile you may ask? It’s possible that your system is damaged or that it has encountered a bug. It’s also possible that your profile is not deleted completely, thus causing the issue.
Microsoft Excel is an excellent tool for storing and calculating data. It allows you to insert text, numbers, dates, and error values into the cells. However, a recently added feature now lets you insert images into cells in Excel.
The straightforward answer is Yes. You can drag and drop images into an Excel cell. It allows you to select images directly from a file, and drag and drop it into the desired cell.
However, Microsoft Excel doesn’t support using the drag-and-drop option to copy items from Windows Explorer and insert them in the cells. There’s no definite reason for the restriction, but there is a way around it.
Furthermore, the drag-and-drop option is not a registered feature in Microsoft Excel, so it doesn’t support inserting images directly from open files. Hence, the image must be embedded in a file to be viewed in Excel.
How do I insert a picture into a selection cell?
Go through the following before proceeding with the guide below:
Move the necessary images to an identifiable file.
Ensure Word is running on your PC.
Back up your current work on Excel before trying to insert any image.
The above checks will help prepare the necessary items to insert images in the Excel cell. Follow the steps below to start inserting.
1. Via the Insert tab
1.1 Allow the Insert options in Excel
Launch Microsoft Excel and click on Files in the top-right corner.
Click on Options.
Then select the Advanced tab on the left pane. Go to the Cut, Copy and Paste tab, then check the box for the Show Insert Options button.
Scroll down to the Display options for this workbook tab, check the box for All, then click the OK button.
The steps above allow you to access and use the Insert Options to cut, copy, and paste images, charts, etc., into the Excel cells.
1.2 Use the Insert feature to add an Image into a cell in Excel
Go to the cell where you want to insert the image, click the Insert tab on the toolbar, tap the Illustration button, and select Picture.
Select an option from the Insert Picture From section, choose the image you want, then click the Insert button.
The picture will appear on the spreadsheet. Drag the small circles at the edges to modify the picture size until it is small enough to fit into the cell.
Save your Excel file and continue your work.
The Insert Option allows you to access pictures and other items to add to the Excel cells you’re currently working on. Check our article on what to do if the toolbar is missing in Microsoft Excel.
2. Insert an image into an Excel cell by dragging and dropping
Launch Microsoft Word, and create a new document.
Navigate to the directory of the image, and copy and paste it into the Word document.
Launch Microsoft Excel and enter the cell you want to insert the image.
Go to Word, click and hold on to the image, drag it across to the Excel spreadsheet, then drop it into the cell.
If needed, drag the small circles at the edges to modify the picture size until it is small enough to fit into the cell.
Since Microsoft Excel doesn’t support dragging and dropping from Windows Explorer, using Microsoft Word is the best alternative. It allows you to drag images and drop them into your desired cells easily.
Many users are wondering how to enable DirectX 12 Ultimate on their computer, and in this guide, we’ll tell you everything we know about it.
We’ll show you how to enable it using DXDiag so you can unlock better graphics, faster performance, and support for advanced features like ray tracing and variable rate shading.
How do I enable DirectX 12 Ultimate on my PC?
Does my PC support DirectX 12 Ultimate?
Press Windows key + R and type dxdiag.
Navigate to the Display tab. In the DirectX Features section look for DirectX 12 Ultimate.
If it’s not available or it says Disabled, it means your graphic card doesn’t support it.
Yes, the Ultimate version of DirectX 12 brings built-in support for built-in support for ray tracing, variable rate shading, mesh shaders, and more.
If you’re wondering how to enable DirectX 12 Ultimate, it should be available by default, if you have the compatible hardware. If not, your only option is to upgrade your GPU if you want to use DirectX 12 Ultimate.
If the PCI device driver is missing in Windows, that is probably because the OS is not recognizing the device you connected, or you installed a problematic driver by mistake. When you can’t get the right drivers either, try uninstalling it and restarting your PC to see if Windows finds a correct one. Another good thing to do is to install the latest OS updates, because they also come with updated drivers.
What can I do if the PCI device driver is missing in Windows 10?
1. Automatically update the driver
Press Windows + R to open Run, type devmgmt.msc in the text field, and hit Enter.
Locate the PCI device with the missing driver, right-click on it, and choose Update driver.
Now, select Search automatically for drivers and wait for Windows to install the best one.
A quick way to fix things when the PCI device driver is missing is to update the driver. Here, Windows does it all automatically, and the solution also works when you have the PCI device driver missing in Windows 7.
2. Install the driver manually
NOTE
The first few steps below revolve around identifying the device using the Hardware ID. If you already know which PCI device is missing a driver, directly head to Step 5.
Press Windows + X to open the Power User menu, and select Device Manager from the list of options.
Expand Other devices, right-click on the PCI device that’s missing a driver, and then select Properties.
Now, navigate to the Details tab, choose Hardware Ids from the dropdown menu, right-click on the first entry, and select Copy.
Now, search for the Hardware ID using Google or any other search engine, and identify the device it belongs to.
Once you have all the information, simply head to the OEM’s website, locate the relevant driver, and download it.
Finally, run the driver setup, wait for the installation to complete, and then restart the computer for the changes to effect.
That’s it! Manually installing the driver can be tricky, but it works in all cases, especially when the PCI device driver is missing in Windows 10 on HP. Also, this allows you to get a newer version before it makes its way to Windows Update.
It’s important to ensure that your system drivers are constantly updated, which is why using a dedicated third-party tool could simplify the process. To install the right driver version on your PC in just a few clicks, we strongly recommend Outbyte Driver Updater.
Outbyte Driver Updater
Make sure you update your drivers straightforwardly by using Outbyte Driver Updater.
Here are a few reasons why the PCI device driver is missing in Windows:
Incompatible or outdated drivers – Usually, when you have incompatible or outdated drivers installed, it leads to such issues.
Corrupt system files – When the system files are corrupt, it leads to issues with the OS, the installed applications, and the drivers.
Issues with Windows Update – Windows Update handles installation of the latest driver version for most devices. If the PCI device driver is missing, it indicates a problem with the Windows Update itself.
That’s all there’s to fixing things when the PCI device driver is missing in Windows. Once you manage to get the right driver, it’s also imperative that you update it regularly to avoid such errors in the future. And a third-party tool does this job perfectly.
Also, find the most effective ways to make Windows 11 faster and get the best-ever performance.
Don’t know how to update the DisplayLink driver for Windows 10? DisplayLink makes it easy and efficient to connect any display to any computer via USB or Wi-Fi.
Today, we will let you know how to download and install DisplayLink driver for your Windows 10 computer.
How do I connect to DisplayLink?
Connecting the Displaylink with your computer is very simple. Download the DisplayLink software on your PC, and then plug in the DisplayLink dock with a USB cable to your computer.
And since the newest DisplayLink docks come with USB-C ports, that makes it easy to connect to your external monitors.
The DisplayLink will install the driver needed for Windows 10 and then determine the best settings for the connection and automatically configure the external monitors for the best picture quality, also saving them for future use.
How do I download & install DisplayLink driver for Windows 10?
Now, select Windows from the Individual Installers if you are using DisplayLink on a personal computer or for home use, or select Windows from the Corporate Installers if it is for office use.
Now download the latest drivers from the Latest Official Drivers box and hit the Download button. Or if you are downgrading, you can find the previous versions of the DisplayLink drivers from Legacy Drivers.
Once the file is downloaded, open the file and complete the installation process.
Reboot your computer for the changes to take effect.
2. Check for Windows updates
Click the Start button and select Settings.
Choose Update & Security from the menu.
Now, select View optional updates from the right pane.
Click on Driver updates to expand the section and check if there is a DisplayLink related driver. If so, check its box and install it.
Also, ensure you install the latest Windows 10 updates because Microsoft includes driver updates within the OS updates.
Right-click the Start button and select Device Manager.
Click the Universal Serial Bus controllers to expand the section, right-click on the DisplayLink driver, and select Update driver.
Now, click on Browse my computer for drivers.
In the next step, you may either hit the Browse button and locate the driver you have downloaded in solution 1 from this guide or click on Let me pick from a list…
If you have the right driver, pick the first option, and you’re all set. If you don’t have it yet, choose the latter and pick the correct driver from the list.
Why is DisplayLink not working?
If you find that your DisplayLink has stopped working or not starting at all, it could be due to reasons such as a loose connection, outdated USB or DisplayLink drivers, or it can also be due to running outdated BIOS settings on your computer.
The first step to solving the issue is by recognizing what is causing the problem. However, we have a guide on what to do if DisplayLink is not working that will help you fix this problem in no time.
Also, try connecting a different USB product to the same port and see if it successfully connects or not. If it is, then go ahead and replace the cable.
If you have tried everything, but still your DisplayLink doesn’t seem to work, you should contact customer support as they can help you better, and if the dock is under warranty, you can also get a replacement.
That’s it! We hope that our guide helped you download and install the latest DisplayLink driver and now your device is working properly.
Some Outlook users have posted on Microsoft’s forum about a curious Either there is no default mail client error that arises on their PCs. That’s an Outlook error message that can pop up in slightly different circumstances.
The full error message says this: Either there is no default mail client or the current mail client cannot fulfill the messaging request. Please run Microsoft Outlook and set it as the default mail client.
What causes Outlook’s no default mail client error?
The above error message can simply pop up randomly in Windows for some users. Sometimes that error arises when users try to open email MSG files from File Explorer or when they try to share files via emails from Microsoft Office applications.
As the no default mail client error occurs in different circumstances, there are a few different causes behind it:
Outlook isn’t your default email client – The error message even instructs users to set Outlook as the default client, so this might be the most viable cause.
Wrong Registry paths – The registry might reference old paths that generate the issue when you try to open email files. Fixing the Registry will solve the issue.
Incorrect GUID (Globally Unique Identifier) for Outlook – When the error occurs for email file sharing, Outlook’s MSIComponentID registry value might have the wrong GUID. If so, repairing the MS Office suite can be the solution.
Cortana interference – Some of our readers have also cited that disabling Cortana has resolved this issue. As there are other causes, however, that potential resolution won’t work for everybody.
Therefore, there are a few ways you might be able to fix the no default mail client Outlook error. This is how you can fix that error in Windows 10.
How can fix the no default mail client error in Outlook?
1. Set Outlook to be the default email client software
Click the Start button and select Settings on the Start menu.
Then click the Apps category in Settings.
Next, select Default apps to open the window in the screenshot directly below.
Click the Email box there to open a choice of mail apps and select the Outlook email app listed there.
2. Repair your Microsoft Office suite
Hold the Windows key and press X at the same and select the Run shortcut.
Type this command in the Open text box and click OK: appwiz.cpl
Select your Microsoft Office suite in the Programs and Features window.
Click the Change option to bring up the repair tool shown directly below.
Now select the Quick Repair radio button and press the Repair button.
Click the Start button, type registry, and select Registry Editor to open its window.
Then open this registry path: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Wow6432Node\Microsoft\Windows Messaging Subsystem\MSMapiApps
Select the MSMapiApps subkey.
Next, right-click the Version REG_SZ value there and select Rename.
Enter Version_Renamed to rename the string, and press the Return key.
The registry key path cited above is for 32-bit Microsoft Office versions installed on 64-bit Windows 10.
If you have a 64-bit Microsoft Office version installed on a 64-bit Windows 10 platform, you’ll need to apply this resolution at this registry path: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows Messaging Subsystem\MSMapiApps
It’s recommended to back up the registry before deleting any subkeys in it. You can do so by clicking File > Export within the registry. Then enter a title for the registry’s backup file, and click the Save button.
Click the Start button, type registry, and select Registry Editor to open it.
Then open this registry path: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Clients\Mail\Microsoft Outlook
Select the Microsoft Outlook subkey, and press the Delete key.
Click the Yes option to confirm.
Close the Registry Editor, and restart your Outlook software.
Click the Start button, type registry, and choose Registry Editor to open the app.
Enter this key in the Registry Editor’s location bar and press Return: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows
Next, right-click the Windows subkey, selectNew, then pick the Key option.
Input Windows Search to be the key’s name.
Select the Windows Search key on the left of the Registry Editor.
Right-click a space within the window’s right pane to select New, and choose the DWORD (32-bit) Value.
Then enter the name AllowCortana for the string, and press the Return keyboard key.
Double-click the AllowCortana string to open the window shown directly below.
Type 0 in the Value data box, and click the OK option.
Windows 10 Pro and Enterprise users can disable Cortana with Group Policy Editor.
You can do so by disabling the Allow Cortana setting at this Group Policy Editor location: Computer Configuration\Administrative Templates\Windows Components\Search
Also, you can contact Microsoft’s support service for Windows and Office about this issue. To get in touch with that help service, fill out the description box on the Contact Microsoft Support page and click Get help. Then you can press a Contact Support button.
Alternatively, try posting a question on Microsoft’s Windows or Outlook forums. Simply click the Ask a question buttons on those forums to ask the community for potential resolutions. The Microsoft agents and independent advisors there will usually reply to technical queries.
Outlook users have widely confirmed the resolutions above can fix the no default mail client error. So, there’s a pretty good chance one of those resolutions will also resolve the same Outlook issue for you.
If you have any questions or suggestions, refer to our comments section below, and we will get back to you as soon as possible.
If you’re a gamer, you need a proper mouse, and to help you with that, today we’re going to show you the best Asus gaming mouse.
Before we start, you also might want to check our list of best Razer keyboards to equip yourself with the right gaming peripherals.
How to pick an Asus gaming mouse?
When buying a mouse, you need to pay attention to the following factors:
Gaming style – If you play MMO or RTS games, you’ll need a mouse with side buttons. RTS players will need more buttons while FPS players can use models with 2 or more.
Type of sensor – Laser mice tend to be more sensitive, so depending on the type of game you play you might need a laser or optical mouse.
Connection type – Depending on your mobility, you need to choose between a wired or a Bluetooth mouse. Both offer the same features, but if you’re on the go, the wireless one might be better.
Sensitivity – Depending on the type of games you play, you might need a mouse with higher sensitivity. If so, check DPI on your PC to ensure that your mouse meets your needs.
Customization – If personalization is important to you, look for a mouse that has reliable and advanced configuration software.
ASUS ROG Gladius II Origin is a popular gaming mouse by the company. The mouse was relaunched with new internals that wasn’t received positively; however, the improvement has made it an excellent gaming mouse for hardcore and casual gamers alike.
The mouse features the typical Asus hardware design elements such as the RGB Asus logo, lights on the scroll wheel, and the base of the mouse. Apart from this, the design is minimalistic.
ASUS ROG Gladius II Origin uses 12,000 DPI optical, 50G acceleration, and 250 IPS sensors for precision movement. The accidental clicks issue from the previous general is fixed with the new Omron switches rated for 50 million clicks. The push-fit switch socket design allows you to swap the switches to customize click resistance.
It comes with two detachable cables with different textures. Helpful if you carry around your mouse and use it with two different setups. ROG Armoury software lets you customize the settings to suit your style. You can customize lighting effects, and performance, create profiles and even map buttons.
On the flip side, you may find the mouse to be a little slippery, and the limit on three profile configurations can be a deal-breaker for some users.
This is a Bluetooth mouse, and it uses 2.4GHz frequency. It supports tri-mode connectivity, meaning that you can connect it to up to three devices.
You can also find a joystick on its left side and you can assign 4 buttons to it. The device comes with changeable tips, allowing you to find the best for your needs.
Speaking of buttons, we have to mention that there are additional seven buttons that you can easily program as you please.
It’s also worth mentioning that this model has Push-Fit Switch Socket II that allows you to hot-swap switches easily.
As for the sensitivity, this model has a 36,000 DPI ROG AimPoint sensor, and an 8000Hz polling rate for maximum accuracy. Regarding the DPI, you can adjust it easily simply by scrolling your mouse.
Overall, ASUS ROG Chakram X offers amazing performance, and if you’re looking for a gaming mouse, this model is worth checking out.
If you want an Asus wireless gaming mouse that is a little light on your pocket while offering more battery life, the ROG Strix Impact II is an excellent choice. It is a well-built wireless gaming mouse that can also be used in wired mode using the included USB cable.
The design of the mouse is minimal, with only the Asus ROG logo and the scroll wheel lighting up. It features five programmable buttons that you can customize through Aura Sync. You can further customize the mouse by swapping the push-fit switches for better clickiness.
With the dedicated DPI button, you can reach a maximum of 16,000 DPI for unerring precision. In addition, ROG Strix Impact II weighs just 93 grams and offers maximum acceleration of up to 40 G. The PTFE mouse feet and rubberized grip on the side offer good grip and works well on even smooth surfaces.
ASUS ROG Pugio II is another sleek, RGB-lit wireless high-performance optical mouse from the company. Equipped with a high-end optical gaming sensor of 16,000 DPI, you can choose your performance using the dedicated DPI button.
ASUS ROG Pugio II comes with three-mode connectivity. You can connect it using the traditional USB wired mode, use a wireless 2.4GHz dongle or Bluetooth for LE for uninterrupted connectivity. An inbuilt battery offers over 100 hours of playtime over Bluetooth LE and 69 hours of 2.4GHz RF.
It features an ambidextrous design offering an ergonomic hold complimented by the magnetic swappable buttons to reduce fatigue. You can adjust the buttons through the Push-bit mechanism as per your requirement.
Additionally, it features a radio switch at the bottom to instantly switch between the cleanest mode available. Finally, with Aura Sync, you can customize the RGB to match your gaming RIG’s theme.
ASUS ROG Keris – Supports wired and wireless connectivity
ASUS ROG Keris is the company’s attempt at cracking the elite gaming mouse market, and for the price, it is among the best in the segment. It is a wireless mouse, and similar to other high-end Asus gaming mouse it comes with a USB-C cable for wired connectivity.
It features a 16,000 DPI, 400 IPS optical sensor, and 1000Hz polling rate offering exceptional performance in FPS games. In addition, Rog Keris’s ergonomic design of the mouse makes it ideal for long hours of gaming sessions and prevents fatigue.
The exclusive ROG push-fit switches socket allows you to customize the flick force and extend the mouse’s lifespan. Asus claims a battery life of 78 hours with the RGB off and 58 hours with RGB on. It also supports fast wired charging and can give up to 12 hours of playtime on a 15-minute charge.
So these are the best Asus gaming mice that you can buy on every budget. If you need a regular, non-gaming mouse, then our best mouse for multitasking guide might come in handy.
What is your mouse of choice? Let us know in the comments below.
Like Google on Android, Microsoft allows users to choose from which source they can install on their Windows PC. They can choose the safest option to install apps officially from the Microsoft Store or install apps from third-party sources, which often acts as a pathway for viruses or malware into your system.
Several reported that the Choose where to get apps from button is missing, or the option is greyed out for them. This appears to be troubling Windows 10 users, specifically. The good thing is that we have a bunch of solutions that you can apply right away.
Why is the Choose where to get apps from option missing on my Windows PC?
Here are a few common reasons why the Choose where to get apps from option is missing for you in Windows Settings:
Antivirus has blocked it: Antivirus in your PC is essential but often using aggressive settings on your antivirus can block certain settings.
Your administrator has blocked it: If you are using a company’s laptop or school PC, chances are that your admin has blocked the option to prevent you from installing virus-infected apps.
The service isn’t enabled: Chances are that the option to install apps outside of the Microsoft Store isn’t enabled via Group Policy Editor.
How can I get back the Choose where to get apps from option?
We suggest you first go through the preliminary solutions:
Whenever you come across any issues with the software on your PC, the best thing to do is perform a simple restart as it will load all system files from scratch.
Make sure that you are running the latest version of the Windows update available as it ensures all bugs and glitches in the previous version are resolved.
Check if you are using the administrator account or not. Because an admin can block certain settings.
Now let us check out the advanced solutions and try getting back the Choose where to get apps from option.
1. Reset the Microsoft Store
Press the Win + I buttons to open Settings.
Click on Apps.
Click on Apps & features on the left pane.
Search for Microsoft Store by typing it in the search box.
Select Advanced options.
Click on Reset.
2. Use Group Policy Editor
Press the Win + R keys to open the Run dialogue.
Type gpedit.msc and press Enter.
Expand Computer Configuration.
Select Administrative Templates.
Double-click on Windows Components.
Select Windows Defender SmartScreen.
Click on Explorer.
Select Configure app install control from the right side.
Click on Not Configured.
Click Apply and OK.
Using the Group Policy Editor, you can easily modify the policies enforced by your domain administrator. As mentioned, your administrator might have blocked the setting, which you can easily enable by following the above steps.
Navigate to the below path and press Enter. HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows Defender\SmartScreen
Delete both entries from the right side:
ConfigureAppInstallControl
ConfigureAppInstallControlEnabled
Close Registry Editor.
Restart your PC and now check if the Choose where to get apps from option is still missing or not.
You can also make use of the registry editor and delete the entries as mentioned above to bring back the Windows 11 Choose where to get apps from option.
4. Switch to Windows 11 Home
Press the Win + I buttons to open Settings.
Click on System.
Select Activation from the left side.
Click on Go to Store option from the right side.
Now select the option to upgrade to Windows 11 Home for free.
If Choose where to get apps in Windows 10 is not showing, you can switch to the Home edition of the OS.
5. Run SFC Scan and DISM commands
Open the Start menu.
Type command prompt and open it as an administrator.
Type the below command and press Enter. sfc /scannow
Once the process completes, type the below command and press Enter. DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
There are chances some important files are missing which is why your Windows Settings is missing the Choose where to get apps missing option.
In such a case, you can use the built-in tools SFC Scan and DISM to scan for corrupt or missing system files and replace them with new ones.
While this is a nice way to do it, you can always rely on specialized repair software, which can help you not only fix corrupt system files but also help you fix a lot of other errors such as DLL errors, BSOD errors, system crashes, and much more.
These are some of the ways via which you can easily get the Choose where to get apps missing option. Let us know in the comments section which solution helped you resolve the problem.
If you are a fan of Modern Warfare 2, you may encounter the error code 25509 while matchmaking. MW2 has been known for glitches and errors due to bug patch updates. However, 25509 is a relatively new error reported by many gamers off-late.
Problem with the console – If you are using a gaming console, it could be an issue with the device itself.
VPN/Proxy interference – Sometimes, you may encounter the error code 25509 due to an active VPN or Proxy.
How do I fix error code 25509 in Modern Warfare 2?
Try some preliminary checks to see if one of them helps fix the error:
Restart the Xbox console.
Check for Warzone game updates. One of the most common errors does not allow users to update the game and throws up not enough free space errors, yet you can fix them in no time.
If none of the above help, we have some proven workarounds to help you fix the error code 25509.
1. Reset your network hardware
Remove the power cord from the back of the router, modem, or gateway, and wait for 5 minutes.
If using both a router and a modem, disconnect the power cord from both devices.
Long hold the Xbox button on your console till it shuts down, and then wait for 2 minutes before you start the device again.
Once 5 minutes are up, connect the modem or gateway, and now wait for all the lights to switch on and be normal again. Repeat for your router too.
Now that you successfully power cycled and reset the network hardware, you should not encounter the error anymore.
2. Reset the console keeping games and apps
Press the button on the Xbox device to open the guide.
Next, click to expand Profile & system, and select Settings.
Now, under Settings, click on System.
Under system settings, on the right, click on Console info & updates.
On the next screen, click on Reset console on the left.
You will now see a prompt asking Reset your console? Click on Reset and keep my games & apps.
Once done, you can now continue with your game without coming across the error code 25509 in MW2 anymore.
But, if you are using a third-party service like the Express VPN you can follow the method in our post (also applicable for Windows 11) to disable VPN temporarily or for good.
If all of the above methods fail to fix the error code 25509 in MW2, you can try contacting Call of Duty support via chat, contact form, or over the phone.
While it’s a new error code that has been bugging game lovers recently, these are some of the working solutions we found from different forums.
If you found any other solution for the error code 25509, do let us know in the comments box below.
Some of our readers have recently reported that they encounter the Xbox error code 0x801901f4 when trying to update their Xbox consoles.
To fix this error, we have gathered some possible fixes that worked for other users and believe should work for you too. Also, these solutions are also applicable to the Xbox error 0x97e107df.
What causes the Xbox error code 0x801901f4?
If you do not know the reason behind the Xbox error code 0x801901f4, the following are some of the major factors responsible:
Connection problems – Whenever you come across the Xbox error code 0x801901f4, this might mean your console is experiencing connection issues to the Live servers.
Corrupt system update – If the Xbox error code 0x801901f4 is new on your system, there is a possibility that you have installed a corrupt update. Hence, it may fail to read profiles.
Now that you know some of the causes, we can go ahead and talk about how you can fix the problem.
How can I fix the error code 0x801901f4 in Xbox?
Before engaging in advanced troubleshooting steps, you should consider performing the following:
If the servers are down, the core services supporting the Xbox console won’t work. Go to the Xbox live status page and check for details on the status of Xbox features and functionality. Read our guide on Xbox Live networking service missing and ways to fix the problem.
Remove your Xbox profile.
Create a new Microsoft account.
Having confirmed the above checks, if the problem persists, you can explore the solutions provided below
1. Restart your Xbox Console
Press the Xbox button on your controller to access the guide.
Now, navigate to Profile & System and select Settings.
Under General, click on Power mode & startup.
Select Restart now.
On many occasions, restarting the console can temporarily solve issues. In that case, when you run into Xbox error code 0x801901f4, you can follow the above steps to perform a restart.
2. Update your console
Press the Xbox button on your controller to access the guide.
Now, navigate to Profile & System and select Settings.
Click on System from the left pane menu, then tap on the Updates button from the right.
If there is any update available, you will be prompted to install it, then follow the onscreen instructions to complete the installation.
Press and hold the Xbox button on your console for about 10 seconds to turn off your console completely.
Next, disconnect the power cable from your console for at least one minute.
Plug the power cable back in and press the Xbox button to turn on your console.
If restarting your device doesn’t fix the problem, power cycling your Xbox console is another possible solution to apply as it sometimes helps solve systems update issues.
4. Reset your Xbox console
Press the Xbox button on your controller to access the guide.
Now, navigate to Profile & System and select Settings.
Click on System to expand and choose Console info.
Click on Reset Console.
Then choose between Remove everything or Reset and keep my games & apps.
Is the Windows update process stuck due to an error code 80070308? This article is the place where you will get the most precise solutions.
Usually, Windows updates downloading and installation process should work smoothly. But, sometimes, it doesn’t happen due to some errors. This type of problem may occur in modern Windows 11, 10, and even in old Windows 7 systems. One of the most common issues is the error code 80070308.
Why does the update error 80070308 occur?
Usually, this type of problem occurs due to the following reasons:
Corrupted Update component: Windows maintains some components which are responsible for handling the update process. If some of these things get corrupted, you will encounter update errors.
Bad internet connection: Sometimes, a bad internet connection also can cause the update error 80070308.
Third-party Antivirus:Third-party AV programs are often responsible for creating unexpected Windows update-related problems.
Internal Windows problems: Some internal problems with Windows can also be why you are getting the update error.
How can I fix the Windows update error code 80070308?
Before trying out solutions, we recommend a few things. These are:
Disable your antivirus or uninstall it temporarily to see if it helps.
If, after doing these things, you are still getting the same Windows update error 80070308, go through these methods to fix your problem.
1. Run the Update troubleshooter
Press Win + I on the keyboard to open Windows Settings.
Go to System and click on Troubleshoot.
Click on Other troubleshooters.
Now, click on Run next to the Windows Update.
Go ahead and complete any on-screen suggested steps.
Restart your PC.
Troubleshooting is a ubiquitous way to solve update error code 80070308 on Windows. If you are using an old Windows OS, you will need to find the troubleshooting option on Control Panel.
2. Reset update component
Open the Start Menu and type CMD.
Right-click on Command Prompt and choose Run as Administrator.
Run the following commands one by one: net stop wuauserv net stop cryptSvc net stop bits net stop msiserver
Now, navigate to the following location using File Explorer: C:\Windows\
In this way, you will be able to bypass the annoying Windows update error code 80070308. If you are facing this issue on Windows 7, learn how to download Windows 7 updates manually.
6. System Restore
Open the Start Menu, search for Create a restore point, and click on System Properties.
Click on the System Restore.
Check the Choose a different restore point and click on Next.
Select the restore point and click on Next.
Click on Finish.
Go ahead and follow the onscreen steps to complete the process.
Is the problem still bugging you? You can consider installing the latest Windows build manually using the media creation tool. If you are using Windows 7 or other old operating systems, We suggest you upgrade to the latest ones if your PC hardware can support it.
Microsoft has stopped supporting these operating systems. So, consider upgrading to Windows 11 or at least 10.
Is your Antivirus program the main culprit? You can switch to a different one, as you should not leave the system unprotected. We suggest you try any of these best Antivirus and Security programs.
This article has shown you how you can fix Windows update error code 80070308. Do you know any other method that can help others? You can let us know in the comment box.
Some of the reasons why you may come across the 0x80070001 error code on your Windows 11 are as below:
After a Windows update – It can be initiated by a problem with the Windows update components or malfunction in your system.
A Windows software not installed correctly or failed to install – When a Windows software is incorrectly installed or it did not install at all, you may see the 0x80070001 error.
Damaged programs and apps – When the programs and apps on the system are damaged, it can trigger the 0x80070001 error code.
Corrupted USB or DVD drive – Sometimes, you may see the error message if the installation media is damaged.
What does error code 0x80070001 mean?
If you see the age, Windows cannot install required files message with the error code – 0x80070001, which means, it’s an invalid function.
According to Microsoft, you often encounter this issue when you try to back up a specific library or when you accept the default settings in Windows Backup and Restore.
How do I fix error 0x80070001?
Before you try the primary troubleshooting methods below, here are a few checks you may want to perform:
If none of the above methods helps fix the issue, you can try the below workarounds to fix the 0x80070001 error.
1. Clear the Windows Update cache
Press the Win + R shortcut keys, type services.msc in the search bar, and press Ctrl + Shift + Enter keys simultaneously to launch the elevated Services window.
On the right, under the Names column, locate Windows Update. Right-click on it, then click Stop.
Again, open the Run dialog by pressing the Win + R keys together.
Type this command and hitEnter: %windir%\SoftwareDistribution\DataStore
This will open Windows Update’s download folder. Select all the contents in this folder and hit Delete.
Now, press the Win + R keys again to launch the Run console, type services.msc, and hit Enter to open the Service manager window.
On the right, under the list of services, look for Windows Update, right-click on it and select Start.
To open the Run dialog, press the Win + R keys together.
Type cmd in the search bar, and press the Ctrl + Shift + Enter keys simultaneously to launch the elevated Command Prompt.
Next, run the below command in the Command Prompt(Admin) and hit Enter: netsh winsock
Once the command has been successfully executed, restart your PC and now check the status of your connection. The Windows Update service should be running fine without any errors.
Press the Win + R shortcut keys to open the Run dialog, type Device Manager, and hit Enter to open the Device Manager window.
Next, expand the Network adapters section,right-click on your adapter, and select Uninstalldevice.
Press Uninstall again in the confirmation prompt to continue.
Now, go to the Action tab in the toolbar, and select Scan for hardware changes. Windows will now scan for the latest version of the network adapter, and re-install the device automatically.
Now, restart your PC and check if you still encounter the message, Windows cannot install required files with the error code – 0x80070001.
Error code 0x903f9008 on your Xbox might come up sometime when you try to start a game. This could be caused due to a server issue or a settings change.
In this guide, we will walk through the steps to fix the issue right after discussing the cause of the error. Let’s started!
What causes the error code 0x903f9008 on Xbox?
There could be various reasons for this error. Some of the popular ones are listed below:
A glitch in the Xbox account – If your Xbox console is offline due to a server problem or a small setting issue. You need to check the internet connection.
What can I do to fix error code 0x903f9008 on Xbox?
Before following the below-mentioned troubleshooting steps, please make sure you perform these fixes:
Restart your Xbox.
Restart your router.
Check the Xbox Live servers’ status. You need to visit the Xbox status page, scroll through all the services listed on the page, and expand them if there are any alerts. Check the notifications, and don’t forget to sign in to get notified once the service is up and running.
Press and hold the console’s Xbox button for 10 seconds. Release the button once the console shuts down.
Remove the power cord from the console. Wait for three minutes, then plug it in.
On the controller, press the Xbox button to restart your console and controller.
So, these are the methods you can follow to get rid of error code 0x903f9008 on your Xbox. Try them and let us know which worked for you in the comments section below.
Microsoft news recap is a weekly feature highlighting the top Microsoft news stories of the past week. Sit back, grab some coffee, and enjoy the read!
Microsoft partners with Amazon, Meta and The Linux Foundation on Google Maps competitor
Microsoft, Meta, Amazon Web Services, TomTom, and The Linux Foundation, are partnering to create an alternative to Google Maps and Apple Maps. The companies are to form the Overture Maps Foundation, aiming to create new apps based on open-source mapping solutions.
Microsoft bans crypto mining from its online services
Microsoft promises more gaming news soon after disappointing Games Awards presence
At the Game Awards 2022, big players in the gaming industry received awards and announced new games, but to the surprise of some, Microsoft wasn’t at the forefront of this. Now, the company has promised that there will be more gaming news coming soon.
GitHub releases AI powered Copilot for Business at $19/mo
GitHub’s AI-powered Copilot for Business has launched, for a price of $19/m per user. Copilot is described as being an AI pair programmer, with GitHub saying “Trained on billions of lines of code, GitHub Copilot turns natural language prompts into coding suggestions across dozens of languages.”
That’s it for this week. We will be back next week with more Microsoft news.
It can be frustrating if FuboTV encounters issues when you are watching your favorite TV show or sports. If your FuboTV is not working, it can be due to several reasons.
Streaming issues can occur due to server issues, unstable internet connection, temporary glitches, or hardware issues with the streaming device.
If you are also experiencing issues with your FuboTV service, here are a couple of troubleshooting tips to help you resolve the FuboTV not working problems with your streaming service.
Why is my Fubo not loading?
If Fubo is not loading, it means that there is a network error. First, check the servers to see if they are online, then go straight and check your internet connection to see if everything is in order.
This can also be caused by cached data that takes all the memory and will create issues such as when Fubo is not loading properly.
What do I do if my FuboTV is not working?
1. Check for server issues
Sometimes the servers can be offline for short periods of time, so this issue shouldn’t last more than an hour.
You can check the FuboTV status page to see if the service is experiencing any issues.
Open the FuboTV status page.
Check if the page displays any information about server issues.
If everything is running smoothly, it should show the Game on! FuboTV is running smoothly message.
However, if the page displays any issues, you can only wait till FuboTV fixes the problem and gets the service online.
2. Check your internet connection
Make sure your internet connection is stable and working with other devices.
Try accessing the internet on other devices that you have to check internet connection stability.
Restart the stream by changing to another channel and then back to the one you were having an issue with.
If you are experiencing an issue with a streaming device like Roku or Apple TV, try accessing FuboTV on your computer to see if you are having the same issue.
While your internet is working fine, continue with our other solutions if order to solve the FuboTV not working issue.
3. Restart your streaming device or computer
A quick restart can make wonders. If the issue is just a glitch in on your system, a simple restart will do the trick.
If the issue persists, try restarting your streaming device or computer.
Follow your device manufacturer’s instructions to perform a power cycle or hard reset.
Most streaming devices can be hard reset with a simple power off, followed by disconnecting and reconnecting the cables.
4. Restart your modem or WiFi Router
Turn off your modem or WiFi router.
Unplug the cables from the power outlet.
Leave the device idle for a minute.
Reconnect the cables and turn on the power supply.
Reconnect to the modem and check for any improvements.
Restarting your modem or router will clear any data that is residual and can create problems making FuboTV not working.
5. Uninstall and reinstall the FuboTV app
If the issue persists, try uninstalling and reinstalling the device.
Refer to your device’s manual to uninstall apps from your device.
You can reinstall the apps from the Apple Store, Play Store, or any other options available on your device.
Most of the issues with the FuboTV not working can be resolved with the common troubleshooting steps listed above. If you still experience the issue, contact FuboTV support.
If the microphone on your Chromebook is not working, it can be annoying and lead to delays in meetings and reaching deadlines. However, it can be fixed with some simple solutions.
In this guide, we will walk you through some popular fixes to resolve the issue after discussing the reasons behind the issue.
What causes the microphone not to work on Chromebook?
There can be a lot of reasons for the issue. Some of the most popular ones are:
Denied permissions – If you have not provided permissions to an app or browser related to your microphone, you might face this issue. Please make sure you have provided the necessary access to resolve the issue.
Incorrect audio settings – This issue can occur if you select the wrong input source or your microphone is disabled from Chromebook Settings. Check your audio settings to ensure the microphone is on.
Faulty software – If the software that you are using a microphone for is not installed properly or has bugs, you might have to face the issue. Try another video conference app and check if the problem persists.
Bugged updates – If there is a faulty ChromeOS update installed on your Chromebook, it might affect your microphone functionality.
What can I do if the microphone is not working on Chromebook?
Before diving into serious troubleshooting steps, make sure you perform these easy fixes:
If using an external microphone, unplug and replug it.
Click on the right side of the System shelf, and click the Shut Down icon. Wait for a couple of minutes and turn on your Chromebook as usual.
Check the USB port is working.
Disconnect Bluetooth devices.
Use any other web conferencing app.
1. Check microphone settings from the System shelf
Go to the notifications area located on the right side of the taskbar.
Navigate to the volume slider and click the Audio settings arrow.
Under Input, check or adjust the microphone volume slider. The microphone is working if there will be a checkmark in a circle near the icon.
2. Reset Chromebook hardware
Go to the System shelf bottom-right corner and click it.
Click the Shut Down icon.
Press and hold the Refreshbutton and while pressing the button, press the Powerbutton as well.
When your Chromebook is turned on, release the Refresh button.
On the Toolbar, look for Extensions and click on it.
Click Manage Extensions.
On the Extensions page, go to any extension, and click Remove. Now check if this resolves your issue.
If not, then try this with every extension and check whether it resolves the problem.
3.2 Delete cache
Click on three dots from Toolbar and select Settings.
Go to Privacy and security from the left pane and click Clear browsing data.
Put a checkmark beside Cache image and files & Cookies and other site data, then click Clear data.
3.3 Reset Chrome
Open Settings on Chrome, and go to Reset and Cleanup.
Click Restore settings to their original defaults.
Click Reset Settings.
3.4 Update Chrome
Go to the Settings page of Chrome, then click About Chrome.
Click Check for updates. If there is an update, Chrome will install it and click Relaunch to finish.
4. Allow permission to access the microphone in Chrome
Click on the three dots on the Toolbar, and select Settings.
Go to Privacy and security, then click Site settings.
Click Microphone.
Under default behavior, look for Sites automatically follow this setting when you visit them option; click on the radio button for Sites can ask to use your microphone.
Also, check the Not allowed to use your microphone list to ensure the site on which you want to use the microphone is not mentioned.
5. Update your Chromebook
Locate and click the Clock from the bottom right side of the System shelf.
On the extended menu, click Settings.
Go to About ChromeOS.
Click on Check for updates.
6. Reset Chromebook with Powerwash
Tip
Powerwash will set your device to its default factory settings. That means it will remove all your user accounts and make your device how it used to be when bought.
Go to the System shelf and locate the Clock; click on it. Select Settings from the menu that appears.
Select Advanced to expand. Click Reset settings.
Now click the Reset button.
Next, click the Restart button on the next window.
Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the Powerwash process.
So, these are some of the available fixes to resolve the microphone not working on the Chromebook issue. Try these methods individually, and let us know which worked for you in the comments section below.
Live Captions is a new feature available in specific Windows 11 builds that converts the system’s audio to text-based transcriptions displayed on the screen.
This article provides some quick steps if you want to know how to enable or disable Live Caption on Windows 11.
What is Live Caption?
Live Caption is a text-based transcription of the audio produced from a video file. The feature is pretty new to Windows 11, but it’s been around in earlier versions of Windows using Microsoft Teams phones.
Live Captions help users better understand the audio by displaying a text-converted version of the audio on the screen.
How do I turn on or off Live Captions on Windows 11?
Before proceeding to explore methods on how to turn on or off Live Caption on Windows 11, you should ensure the following:
Follow the prompts to download language captions files if you’re using them for the first time.
After confirming the above, you can proceed to the steps provided below to learn how to turn on or off Live Caption on Windows 11.
1. Via the Quick Settings
Press the Windows key + A to open Quick Settings and click on the Accessibility option.
Click on the Live Captions toggle button to turn it On or Off.
Press the Windows key + A to close Quick Settings.
Play the video and check if the Live Captions is active.
This is one of the fastest ways to get the Live Captions activated in Windows 11. If Quick Settings isn’t functioning on your PC, we have a detailed guide on how to fix Windows 11’s Quick Settings.
2. Use the Settings app
Left-click the Start button and click on the Settings app.
On the left side of the Window, click on Accessibility and select Captions under the Hearing category on the right pane.
Click on the toggle button beside the Live Captions to turn if on or off.
How many languages are supported in Live Captions?
Since this is a new feature on Windows 11, only the English language(US) is actively supported. Also, you have to download the necessary files needed to use Live Captions first before it can work on your PC.
Live Captions remain one of the best features on Windows 11. If you run Windows 11, this is one feature you’d love to keep on as it provides a better understanding of the system audio.
Toggling this feature on or off requires little to no technical know-how; if you follow through with our guide, you should get Live Captions up and running in no time.
If you have any suggestions or questions on this guide, please leave them in the comments section below.
Event ID 1002 is an error that occurs when an app just sort of hangs there. It doesn’t do anything, nor does it register any interaction before suddenly crashing.
This is actually a pretty common problem, and it can affect a wide variety of apps like Microsoft Outlook. And because it’s so common, there are a ton of fixes with this guide focusing on the best ones.
What causes Event ID 1002 to appear?
Before going into the weeds of the solutions, it’s important we break down what actually causes the problem in the first place.
Because Event ID 1002 is such a generic error, it’s pretty difficult to pin it down to exactly one. However, here are the likely culprits:
Your computer is infected with malware: Fixing this will require you to use antivirus software, but the question is, which one? There are six particular antivirus tools, such as TotalAV, which reign supreme.
Something on your Windows machine is corrupt:The problem either be corrupt files or an entire directory. Regardless of what it is, there are tools you can install to clean up your PC.
Windows Firewall may be interrupting the process:If an app comes from a third-party source, your firewall may think it’s not legit. We recommend giving the app firewall permissions to bypass this.
How can I fix and stop Event ID 1002 from appearing?
There are a handful of things you can do before diving into the more complex solutions. This first batch can honestly be all done in a few seconds; several minutes at most:
Restart your computer. This is the tried and true method of fixing the vast majority of problems on any Windows machine. Try this out and see if the problem is gone. Take immediate action if your PC is stuck on restarting.
Disable your antivirus. As important as having an antivirus app is, it’s been reported that it can actually interrupt important processes.
Reinstall the offending app. If there’s one particular app that’s constantly hanging, something may have gotten corrupted during the initial installation.
1. Adjust virtual memory in the Settings menu
Open the Control Panel and click System. Make the View By entry in the upper-right corner set to Large Icons.
In the new window that appears, take note of how much RAM you have installed on your computer. In this case, it’s 16 GB (16,000 MB).
Click Advanced system settings under Device Specifications.
Go to the Advanced tab, then click Settings under Performance.
Go to the Advanced tab in this new window, then click the Change button under Virtual Memory.
In this new window, deselect the box next to Automatically manage paging file size for all drives in if it’s enabled.
Click Custom size. You will now have to enter the megabyte amount for the paging file.
Enter the amount of RAM you have times 1.5 in Initial Size. In this example, it’s 24,000MB.
For Maximum, enter triple the amount of RAM.
Click OK, then restart your computer.
2. Run ipconfig commands in the Command Prompt
Bring up the Command Prompt on Windows Search and select Run as administrator.
Type in the following commands, and after each one, press Enter: ipconfig /releaseipconfig /renew
This particular solution is mainly meant for DHCP-enabled computers. You can still use it on other types of machines to see if that works.
Open Command Prompt again and run it with the same administrator permissions as before.
Type the following commands, and after each one, press Enter: DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /CheckHealthDISM /Online /Clean-Image /ScanHealthDISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
Once done, enter the following command to finish up: sfc /scannow
Open Outlook and click File in the upper-left corner.
Click Options in the bottom left.
In the Outlook Options window, click Add-ins on the left.
Click the Go button next to the Manage section.
Highlight one of the Add-ins and select Remove on the right.
Microsoft Outlook gets a specific solution to itself because it’s known to commonly have the hanging problem, and the other fixes don’t always work. We also recommend reinstalling Outlook.
What are other Windows 11 Event IDs and how can I fix them?
Windows 11 has a variety of Event IDs for specific errors. One of which is Event ID 1000, which is very to 1002 because of its generic nature.
It appears whenever apps crash, but it’s exactly what causes it. Either way, we recommend scanning the registry and reinstalling the Microsoft NET Framework to fix this problem.
Then there’s Event ID 7023, which is caused by the Connected Devices Service terminating and causing a system crash. You can run an SFC scan, as seen in this guide, or perform a clean boot to address this.
Feel free to comment below if you have questions about other Windows 11 errors. Also, leave comments about guides you’d like to see information on other Windows 11 Event IDs or features.
You have found this guide because you are experiencing no sound after sleep mode on your Windows 10 PC. Let us show you how to resolve it.
Sound issues aren’t exactly an alien concept on the Windows platform, which also applies to the Windows 10 operating system. And a common problem experienced on Windows 10 PCs is the device going dumb each time it wakes up from sleep.
Curiously, the sound issue is non-existent when the device returns from hibernation or after a restart. Somehow it is only when the device is out of the sleep cycle that it tends to lose its audio abilities.
All of this makes it not too big of an issue, but one that can drive you nuts nonetheless; more so if you are a music buff and can’t resume your listening post-sleep mode.
Why is there no sound after Sleep Mode?
From what we gather from users who have passed through this problem, a few things may trigger this issue. At the top of these are the following:
Outdated drivers – In most cases, this may be the case if the audio driver is outdated.
Hardware problems – In some instances, this may be a sign of issues with your computer speakers.
Problems with settings – Windows sound enhancement settings, for example, may trigger this problem. You should ensure that you have the best settings for all audio devices.
Here are some practical solutions, and they will also come in handy if the sound stops working after sleep mode, your HDMI audio stops working after sleep, or with brands like Dell, LG, HP, etc.
How can I fix no sound on Windows 10 after sleep mode?
Before you try any of these solutions:
Try restarting the device. A restart will force problematic processes to stop and could fix the problem.
You may also sign out of the account and sign back in. But if any of these do not work, go through these fixes.
1. Update the audio adapter
In the Search box, type Device Manager and click on the app.
From the list, click on Audio inputs and outputs.
Right-click on the audio driver and hit Update Driver.
Select Search automatically for drivers.
If you’re looking for a way to simplify the process, a third-party driver updater like Outbyte Driver Updater should do the trick.
All you need to do is run it, and it will instantly start scanning your PC for outdated, broken, or even missing drivers.
Once you’ve selected which drivers you want to fix, it will download and automatically install them for you.
Once that is done, you must finish it with a system restart to apply the changes.
See if this works. An outdated or corrupted driver is the most likely cause for your audio to malfunction, so explore all options to ensure your system is running the latest drivers.
Outbyte Driver Updater
Fix your drivers easily and locate the latest updates with the Outbyte Driver Updater software.
Press Windows + R, type control panel, and hit Enter.
Change the View by option to Large icons.
Click on the Troubleshooting option.
Select View all on the left pane.
Click the Playing audio troubleshooter.
Now, click Next and follow the recommendations.
3. Change system memory value
Press Windows + R, type msconfig, and hit Enter.
In the System Configuration window, select Boot tab followed by Advanced options...
Check Maximum memory and set the value at 3072.
Click OK to close all open windows, including the System Configuration
Restart your PC, and the audio should be back.
This is especially applicable to those notebook devices that have an installed memory of 4 GB.
However, if the issue isn’t resolved, you might also want to check if a Windows 10 update is available. Do a virus scan as well as with the latest version of your antivirus software.
Get in touch with the audio component manufacturer and see if they can provide an update to solve the issue.
Let us know in the comments below what worked for you.
If your mouse settings keep resetting in Windows 10, we have prepared all you need to know. A good wired mouse, a wireless mouse, or even a touchpad can be enough to make your life easier. But what do you do when your mouse is not correctly set up?
Many users report that they changed the mouse settings to fit their needs, and after a PC restart or a Windows 10 update, those settings reverted.
This common issue is well-known by Microsoft and is addressed in every new update. However, you’ll have to do it yourself when the problem doesn’t solve itself through an update.
Why do mouse settings keep resetting on Windows 10?
We gather that a few elements can trigger the problem from users who have registered this problem. Here are some that you should take note of:
Outdated drivers – Drivers are essential to linking hardware with software, but when outdated, you may expect some issues.
Outdated OS – If the Windows on your PC is old, it may conflict with other drivers and OS modules, which might result in the mouse settings being reset again.
While this is not a comprehensive list, it makes up the built-up of causes. However, the solutions we suggest will help if the mouse settings reset by themselves on Windows 10, if they won’t save, or if Windows 10 mouse settings reset on every login.
What can I do if mouse settings keep resetting on Windows 10?
1. Run Windows troubleshooter
Go to Start and select the Settings app.
In the Settings window, choose Update & Security.
Click on Troubleshoot.
A list of options will appear. Choose one depending on your mouse connection (wired/wireless/Bluetooth).
Run the troubleshooter and check if the problem was solved.
In many instances, the mouse drivers could be partially installed or defective. To solve these kinds of problems, you can run Windows’ troubleshooter.
2. Update the mouse drivers
In the Search box, type Device Manager and click on the app.
From the list, click on Mice and other pointing devices.
Right-click on the mouse driver and hit Update Driver.
Select Search automatically for drivers.
Wait for the process to finish and restart your PC.
Furthermore, you can uninstall the drivers, disconnect the mouse, restart your PC, reconnect the mouse, and wait for Windows to reinstall the proper drivers.
If that does not work, we recommend trying Fortect Driver Updater. This is a specialized tool that will scan your PC and update any missing or outdated drivers. This software also allows you to set up scheduled scans so you can be sure your drivers are always updated.
The System Configuration window will appear. Select the Services tab. Check Hide all Microsoft services and then click Disable all.
Go to the Startup tab and click on Open Task Manager.
In the Task Manager, Disable each startup item.
Restart your PC.
Windows uses only a minimum number of drivers and startup programs in the Clean Boot state. Doing this lets you identify if any third-party applications or startup items are causing the problem.
Note that the previously detailed solutions also work if you encounter the following errors:
Mouse pointer speed keeps resetting in Windows 10 – Many users describe how mouse options reset every time they restart or turn off the PC. In such a case, you’re entitled to suspect a driver issue or hardware conflict.
Mouse DPI keeps resetting – Mouse DPI continuously resetting is also a common bug. If you have Synaptics drivers, changing their settings in the registry often does wonders.
We hope that these solutions worked for you. Additionally, you can try some quick common fixes like checking the mouse hardware and changing the USB connection port.
Installing the latest updates for Windows 10 could help you out this time too.
If you have questions regarding the process or don’t understand a specific step, please post in the comments section below.
If Slui 4 isn’t working and you are getting an error on your screen when you try to activate your copy of Windows, it could be because you have an invalid license key. Recent hardware changes can also be at fault.
To put an end to these errors, follow the step-by-step instructions below.
What can I do if Slui 4 is not working in Windows?
To start with, try restarting your PC. Then, ensure your time settings are correct and that you’re using an account with admin rights to activate your copy of Windows. If activation still fails, follow the steps below.
1. Enter the OEM license
Hit the Windows key, type cmd in the search bar, and select Run as administrator.
Type and Enter the following command to find your original Product key: wmic path SoftwareLicensingService get OA3xOriginalProductKey
Now go back to Settings.
Select System and click on Activation.
Click on Change Product key and enter the code on 2 above.
2. Run DISM and SFC scans
Hit the Windows key, type cmd in the search bar, and select Run as administrator.
Enter the following command: DISM.exe /Online /Restorehealth
Allow for the command to be executed then type in the next one: sfc /scannow
This tool scans your system files and replaces any corrupt file with a good one if found on your PC.
Another reliable option is to use a specialized repair tool that helps you scan your computer for malfunctioning files and replace them immediately with healthy parts.
3. Use the automated Telephone system
Press Windows + R to open the Run window.
Type slui 4and hit Enter.
In the Select your region window, select the country and click Next.
Call one of the numbers displayed on the screen to get a Confirmation ID.
Once you get the confirmation ID, enter it and click Activate Windows.
Ensure that you have administrative privileges in order to access the Command Prompt. While you can get away with running a number of commands without administrative privileges, some, like the Slui command, require administrative privileges to be able to run this command line utility.
4. Access online activation from CMD
Type command prompt in the search bar and select Run as administrator.
Enter the following command: slmgr /ato and press Enter.
When the process is complete, you’ll get a confirmation prompt:
You can apply similar steps if Slui 4 is not working in Windows 7, 10, and 11. If Slui 4 cannot activate by phone or none of these solutions work, resetting Windows can help in resolving this issue.
You can even create a system restore point before resetting Windows. This will help you in restoring your system back in case something goes wrong during the resetting process.
Slui 4 may not work when your internet connection is unstable, the product key is invalid or locked, or even when you have a damaged or corrupt hard drive.
As a veteran Windows user, I can assure you that Windows updates are important for the smooth running and security of your PC. However, there are times when the Windows update won’t work and delivers a prompt saying that the service is not running.
The full error message states: Windows Update cannot currently check for updates, because the service is not running. You may need to restart your computer.
This can prevent you from installing important updates and make your PC vulnerable. Fortunately, as I have also dealt with this issue before, I can help you with a few tips and tricks that I have learned over the years.
How can I fix the Windows Update service not running issue?
Before exploring the sophisticated fixes in this section to make the Windows Update service run, below are some general troubleshooting steps you should try:
Disable or remove the third-party antivirus software.
1. Run the Windows update troubleshooter
Press the Windows key + I to open the Settings app, and select Update & Security.
Select Troubleshoot in the left pane and click Additional troubleshooters.
Now, select Windows Update and click Run the troubleshooter.
Finally, apply any recommended troubleshooting steps.
The Windows Update troubleshooter is one of the best tools for fixing update issues, including the service not running error. After running the troubleshooter, try checking and installing updates again.
2. Disable or remove problematic services
2.1. Enable Clean boot
Press the Windows key + R, type msconfig, and click OK.
Click the Services tab at the top, check the Hide all Microsoft services box, and click Disable all.
Now, choose the Startup tab at the top and click Open Task Manager.
Right-click each service there and select the Disable option.
Go back to the System Configuration window, click the Apply button, followed by OK, and restart your PC.
Now, press the Windows key + R, type service.msc, and click OK.
Double-click the Windows Update service to open its properties.
Finally, set its Startup type to Automatic, choose the Start option, and click the Apply button, followed by OK.
The first step to disabling any problematic app or process that could be causing the Windows update service not running issue is to clean boot your PC. If the issue is fixed after restarting your PC, you need to find the service or app that could be causing the problem.
You can do this by enabling the disabled services in batches. One service that users have found to cause this issue is the StopUpdates10Guard service. Below are the steps to follow to disable or remove it.
2.2. Disable or remove faulty service
Press the Windows key + R, type services, and click OK.
Double-click the StopUpdates10Guard service to open its properties.
Now, set its Startup type to Disabled and click the Stop button.
From here, click the Apply button, followed by OK.
Below are some of the factors that can cause the Windows update service not running error:
Faulty apps and services: One of the main causes of Windows could not start the Windows Update service on the Local Computer prompt is problematic apps. In some cases, it might be your third-party antivirus or service that is running in the background. The solution is to disable or remove the program using one of the best uninstaller software.
Corrupt update cache: If you get the Access denied prompt while trying to install a Windows update or restart the service, it might be down to a corrupt cache. You need to clear the update cache and restart the needed services again to fix this.
With this, we have come to the end of this guide. You now have everything to fix the Windows update service not running error on your PC. All you need to do is follow the detailed instructions, and everything should be back to normal.
Many users who have been using iTunes for quite some time have reported that it’s not opening anymore in Windows 11. Some encountered the problem after an update, while others had it out of the blue.
This makes it difficult to pinpoint the issue causing the error. But there are a bunch of methods that will help you easily fix it, no matter the cause.
So, we’ll see what you should do if iTunes is not opening in Windows 11, and we will also discuss some common causes.
Why is iTunes not launching?
From what we gather from users, a few things may stop the application from launching. Some of these include:
Bad iTunes installation – Sometimes, you may be dealing with a bad installation. In this case, you would need to get and use a fresh copy of the application.
Old or corrupted iTunes files – Corrupted files are a significant source of many Windows issues. You can expect a few problems and errors if an app file is corrupted.
Firewall or antivirus settings – Some antivirus may stop apps from opening. This is why we recommend only the most compatible antivirus applications.
Peripheral devices – Some users have highlighted that specific peripherals, especially Bluetooth and USB, may cause this problem.
Regardless of the trigger, our solutions will help if iTunes is not loading or working on Windows 11, or if it takes forever to open.
What can I do if iTunes is not opening on Windows 11?
1. Restart the iTunes app
Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to launch the Task Manager, locate the iTunes process, select it, and then click on End task at the bottom.
After you have terminated the application, relaunch it.
It’s probably the most straightforward method that would fix several trivial issues behind iTunes not opening in Windows 11. So, first, try restarting the app before you proceed to the other methods here.
2. Update iTunes
Press Windows + S to launch the Search menu, enter Microsoft Store in the text field at the top, and select the relevant search result that appears.
Click on the Library icon near the bottom-left corner to view all the installed apps.
Now, click on the Get updates button to scan for any available newer versions of the apps installed from the store.
If an update is listed for iTunes after the scan, wait for it to download and install.
In case it’s an issue with the current version of iTunes that leads to it not opening in Windows 11, updating the app should work. Whenever there’s a bug with a particular version, users report it to Apple, and a patch for it is released in the subsequent versions.
Also, this method will only work when iTunes is downloaded from the Microsoft Store. In case you downloaded it from the official website, click on the Help menu, select Check for Updates, and if any new version is available, install it.
3. Change the system language to English
Press Windows + I to launch the Settings app, and select Time & language from the tabs listed in the navigation pane on the left.
Next, click on Language & region on the right.
Make sure you have English selected as the Windows display language here.
If another language is set, click on the Add a language button.
Enter English in the text field at the top, select the appropriate option from the search results, and then click on Next.
Now, tick the checkbox for Set as my Windows display language and click on Install at the bottom.
Once done, restart the computer for the changes to come into effect.
There was a bug in the 12.12.0.6 version of the iTunes app that led it to not opening in Windows 11 if the display language was not set to English. Most users were able to fix the error by simply changing it.
Press Windows + R to launch the Run command, enter appwiz.cpl in the text field, and either click OK or Enter to launch the Programs and Features window.
Select iTunes here, and then click on Uninstall at the top.
Once the setup is downloaded, double-click on it to launch the installer and follow the on-screen instructions.
If the issue lies in the current version and no update is available, you can uninstall the app and reinstall an older version of iTunes. Though this should be the last resort.
5. Use a dedicated third-party app
If nothing else has worked, don’t lose hope! There are a bunch of third-party apps that work the same way as iTunes, and some even offer a tad more features.
We recommend Tenorshare iCareFone, a dedicated app that allows you to delete stuff selectively, offers the option to create data backups, lets you quickly transfer files, and comes with a diagnostic tool to identify and eliminate issues.
By this time you reach this part of the article, the iTunes not opening in Windows 11 error should most likely be eliminated. In case it persists, you can try performing a system restore.
Photoshop is an incredibly powerful application with great features. But while the program interface is overly intuitive, the same can’t be said about dealing with its bugs.
The most common Photoshop error is that the scratch disk is full. Some users get it when they try to start the program, and others when they try to perform a specific action.
What is a scratch disk?
Here is what you need to know about the photoshop scratch disk:
It is used for storage while photoshop is launched since the running app requires memory to store temporary project files.
If the program doesn’t have enough RAM to store something temporarily, it uses the hard disk space as a temporary virtual memory holder.
This hard disk space is called working volume (scratch disk).
If both the memory and the working volume become full of temporary files, you’ll get an error message that says Scratch Disk is full.
In the following lines, you will find practical solutions to empty the scratch disk in Photoshop.
How do I clear scratch disk in Photoshop on Windows?
1. Free up enough disk space
Open Photoshop, go to Edit, then select the Preferences menu.
Click on Scratch Disks and check which drives are used as the working volume.
Make sure you have at least 40 GB of free space available.
This is a helpful solution if you are wondering how to clear the scratch disk in Photoshop on Windows devices.
Make sure you have enough space in the drive partition where the working volume is located. The C:/ drive is automatically selected as the working volume if you do not specify it.
2. Delete the temporary files
Click the Start menu and past the path below, then hit Enter. %LocalAppData%\Temp
Delete everything in this Temp folder.
If you habitually forcibly close the program without giving it enough time to close projects properly, a large portion of the temporary files will be left behind.
If you do this often enough, your temporary folder becomes full of Photoshop files. But these files are easy to identify and delete. Usually, their name starts with PST or Photoshop Temp.
You can safely delete them without affecting the system.
Start Photoshop, then press Ctrl + Alt to see the menu for Scratch Disk Settings.
Select another partition from the drop-down menu, and click OK.
Your Photoshop should know to reboot without the scratch disk being full.
This is a nice shortcut that you can use to change scratch disk settings in case your Photoshop shows you the scratch disk is full before you get into the settings.
4. Increase the amount of memory allowed by Photoshop
Open Photoshop, go to Edit, then select the Preferences menu.
Click the Performance menu, then adjust the sliders under Memory Usage to increase the amount of RAM Photoshop can access.
Do not set the 80% threshold, which will cause your PC to run slower.
This is a helpful solution if you are wondering how to clear the scratch disk in Photoshop on Windows devices.
By default, Photoshop is programmed to use 60% of all RAM. However, you can use it even more, as mentioned above.
5. Customize your working drives
Open Photoshop, go to Edit, then select the Preferences menu.
Click on Scratch Disks and tick all your drives.
Restart Photoshop.
By default, only your C:/ drive is selected as a working volume, but you can allow all your partitions to share this load.
Experienced Photoshop users sometimes set up a special hard disk partition to prevent a problem like this from occurring.
If you were wondering how to clear the scratch disk in Photoshop on Windows devices, we hope this guide has been helpful.
Don’t forget to leave any other questions or suggestions that you may have in the comments section below, and we’ll be sure to check them out.
Not being able to add new rows in Excel can be a massive problem, and if you’re wondering why can’t I insert a row in Excel, this guide will tell you everything you need to know.
Why is Excel not allowing me to insert rows?
This can happen if your bottom rows aren’t clear, or if rows are protected. Add-ins and sheet protection can also cause this issue.
What can I do if I can’t insert a row in Excel?
If you’re in a hurry, you can copy data from one sheet to another as a quick solution.
1. Delete bottom row values
Select the next row after end of your table.
Press Ctrl + Shift + ↓ (Down arrow) keys on your keyboard to select all the cells out of your dataset range.
Click on the Home tab.
Click on Editing.
Select the Clear option.
From the Clear drop-down menu, select Clear All.
Entries from the selected cells will be removed.
Try inserting a new row and see if this resolves the issue or not.
You can also use the following shortcuts to do it quickly:
Shift+Spacebar to select the entire row.
Shift+Ctrl+Down Arrow to select all rows on the sheet.
Though JPG files are fairly error-free, some people have trouble with them not opening in Windows 11. This might be due to an outdated Photos app,damaged system files, or, as scary as it sounds, malware.
In this quick guide, we’ll explain all you need to know to tackle underlying issues so you can quickly get back to opening JPGs.
What can I do if JPG files are not opening in Windows 11
1. Check the file names for JPG images
Open Explorer’s window by clicking the taskbar button below.
Click View to select the Show option.
Select the File name extensions setting on the submenu.
Next, bring up your folder with an image that doesn’t open.
Right-click the file and select the Rename icon.
Enter a new title for the file, and ensure it includes .jpg at the end.
2. Reset or repair the Photos app
Click your taskbar’s Start button and open the Settings app.
Click on Apps and select Installed apps.
Scroll down to Microsoft Photos, and click the three-dot button for that app.
Select Advanced Options to view settings for Photos.
Click Reset to clear app data for Photos.
You can also try pressing the Repair button there as well.
Open Windows 11’s Start menu, input PowerShell within the search box, and select Run as administrator.
Input the command below and hit Enter: Get-AppXPackage | Foreach {Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register "$($_.InstallLocation)\AppXManifest.xml"}
Restart your device.
4. Update the Photos app
Open Microsoft Store from the Start menu.
Click Library in the MS Store app.
Press the Get updates button.
Wait for MS Store to download and install available updates.
5. Run a System File Checker scan
Type cmd within the Start menu’s search box, then to launch Command Prompt with elevated rights, click the Run as administrator option for that search result.
Enter this command for a Deployment Image scan and press Enter: DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-image /Restorehealth
Type this command for a System File Checker scan and press Enter: sfc /scannow
Then wait for the SFC utility to complete the scanning process.
6. Repair a corrupted JPG file with dedicated software
Try opening more than one JPG file in Windows 11. You might find that it’s only one JPG file you can’t open. If so, that one JPG file you can’t open could be corrupted.
You can fix a corrupted JPG file with photo repair software. Tools like Stellar Photo Repair can restore your JPG file to its original qualities and allow them to open without issues. It also fixes any damage caused by corruption, be it pixelation, distortion, or other.
JPG is one of the most prevalent file formats for images alongside PNG. It’s a lossy compression image format that’s ideal for websites. Therefore, many users save or convert images to JPG format.
Remember, you can try opening JPGs with third-party image viewer alternatives instead. Windows 11 won’t automatically open JPG files with different software unless configured. You’ll need to select a third-party image viewer as the default JPG software.
The potential fixes above will likely resolve most issues for opening JPG files with Windows 11’s default software.
If you have questions about fixing JPG files not opening in Windows 11, you can add them to the comments section below. Feel free to discuss JPG files not opening in Windows 11 there.
BSOD errors can appear on any PC, and one BSOD error that users reported is the Store data structure corruption error.
The error will crash your PC and cause you to lose any unsaved data, but there’s a way to fix this issue, and today we’ll show you how to do it. But first, let us discuss some possible triggers.
What causes store data structure corruption?
Like many other PC errors, this error can be triggered by several elements. From user experience, here are the top ones to be aware of:
Outdated drivers – The video card driver is the culprit most of the time and would need to be updated.
Third-party tools – For some users, it may be because of some conflicting software. In such cases, the crashes will continue until the software is uninstalled.
OS problem – In rare cases, users have noticed that it may be an OS problem triggering data structure corruption.
Note that this data critical structure corruption happens across different brands, including Dell and HP.
Let us now explore some solutions.
How do I fix Store data structure corruption error?
1. Use specialized repair software
Fixing Store data structure corruption error on Windows 10 doesn’t have to be a hassle, especially if you’re using specialized BSOD repair software.
2. Perform a clean boot
Press Windows + R, type msconfig, and hit Enter.
The System Configuration window will appear. Select the Services tab. Check Hide all Microsoft services and then click Disable all.
Go to the Startup tab and click on Open Task Manager.
In the Task Manager, Disable each startup item.
Restart your PC.
If this method helped stop the Store data structure corruption error, you need to enable services one by one until you replicate the issue.
By doing so, you should be able to find the problematic service or software.
3. Update your video card driver
Occasionally, your graphics card can cause Store data structure corruption on Razer Blade or any other PC. To fix this problem, it’s advised to update your drivers.
To do this accurately, you should manage your drivers using specialized software that can provide essential support for installing or updating any driver.
Press Windows key + R, type in mdsched.exe, and hit Enter.
Select Restart now and check for problems (recommended).
If installed, run a hardware diagnostic tool from the manufacturer.
This solution can be helpful if the Store data structure corruption due to undervolt issues. If you overclocked your memory, reset the clock settings to fix the problem.
5. Uninstall problematic software
Certain users have reported on forums that specific software programs may cause the blue screen of death store data structure corruption error.
If you have installed Daemon Tools, Intel HAXM (Hardware Accelerated Execution Manager), Alcohol 120%, or Mac Driver, they may be responsible for this issue.
We recommend you find that specific software on your computer and update it to the last version or remove it.
To completely remove specific software, it’s recommended to use the best uninstaller software due to its powerful functionalities of removing undesirable apps from your PC.
If none of the solutions was unsuccessful, you have one reliable solution: reinstall Windows 10.
After you have reinstalled your Windows 10, the store Data structure corruption error will not appear again.
BSOD errors can create many problems, but they can be fixed with specialized tools in most cases.
Did our solutions help you fix Store data structure corruption error? Let us know in the comments below.
Fast Startup, a critical feature in Windows, is unknown to most people. This is because it is usually enabled by default.
Users generally come across the concept when they want to speed up their PC, or encounter an error. Hence, we have dedicated this guide to help you understand Fast Startup and to disable it in Windows 11.
Should I disable fast Startup Windows 11?
The decision to disable or enable the Fast Startup feature on Windows 11 depends on what you use your PC for. It is usually advisable to keep the feature as it considerably increases your boot time.
However, the feature is known to cause issues at times. One of the main problems is issues with Windows updates. This happens when you completely shut down your PC to install an update.
But with the Fast Startup feature enabled, your PC will not shut down totally, and that affects the installation of the updates.
Also, you can experience issues with this feature if you use dual boot on your PC. This is because Windows locks your PC and overrides the dual boot. With this, your PC will always boot to Windows 11 automatically.
Finally, the Fast Startup feature can always lead to Blue Screen of Death errors. This is because your Windows kernel and drivers are stored in a session and are loaded in a hibernation file.
This hibernation file will be loaded into your PC on the next boot, thereby increasing the startup time. Unfortunately, loading the same kernel session every time can create mismatches between the original software components and the cache.
This can happen after updating your PC or drivers, leading to the dreaded BSOD. To round it up, if you are not facing any issues on your PC or using a dual boot, you might want to keep the Fast Startup feature.
How do I disable Fast Startup on Windows 11?
1. Using the Control Panel
1. Press Windows + S to launch the Search menu.
2. Enter Control Panel in the text field at the top, and click on the relevant search result that appears. This will open the Control Panel app.
3. Click on System and Security.
4. Next, select Power Options.
5. Click onChoose what the power buttons do from the list of options on the left.
6. Press on Change settings that are currently unavailable.
7. Now, untick the checkbox for Turn on fast startup and then click on Save changes.
8. The Fast Startup feature in Windows 11 will now be disabled.
2. Use the Registry Editor
Press the Windows key + R, type regedit, and click OK.
Navigate to the path below in the left pane: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Session Manager\Power
Now, double-click the HiberbootEnabled option.
Finally, set its Value data to 0 and click OK.
That is how you can disable the Fast Startup feature on Windows 11 using the Registry Editor. It must be stated that you need to be careful while making changes to your registry. So, make sure you follow the instructions above, as written.
Press the Windows key + R, type gpedit.msc, and click OK.
Navigate to the path below in the left pane: Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > System > Shutdown
Now, double-click the Require use of fast startup option in the right pane.
Finally, tick the Disabled radio button and click Apply, followed by OK.
The steps above show you how you can quickly disable the Fast Startup feature on Windows 11 using the Local Group Policy Editor (GPO). After applying them, the feature will be disabled till you come back to enable it again.
4. Use CMD
Press the Windows key, type cmd, and select Run as administrator under Command Prompt.
Now, type the command below and hit Enter: Powercfg -h off
Finally, wait for the command to finish running and close CMD.
Finally, another method is to disable the Fast Startup feature on Windows 11 using CMD. This is the simplest and fastest of all the methods listed.
That’s all there is to Fast Startup and how you can disable it on Windows 11. In the above sections, we have shown the pros and cons of the feature and the decision to disable it or not should be easier now.
AltGr is essential when you want to customize your keyboard to type in another language, for instance, Spanish. But users are reporting that the key is not working, making accessing certain characters rather difficult.
If you’ve been searching for a solution to this issue, you’ve come to the right place. This guide contains step-by-step fixes that will solve the problem convincingly.
Why is AltGr not working?
There are several reasons why the AltGr key is not working on Chrome, Visual Studio, Excel, and other apps. Below are some of the known causes:
Remote Desktop Connection: If AltGr is not working when Remote Desktop Connection is active, it is likely due to a bug. This bug has been around for long, and most users found it to be the cause of this issue. The solution here is to close the Remote Desktop window.
Bring any of your Remote Desktop windows to the foreground.
Press the Alt + Enter keys and check if the AltGr key is now working.
If it is not working, close the Remote Desktop, and the issue should be fixed.
As reported by users, the Remote Desktop Protocol is one of the reasons AltGr might not be working on your PC. Following the steps above has fixed this issue for many users.
Also, note that the steps above work if you have Hyper-V opened too.
2. Run the Hardware and Devices troubleshooter
Press the Windows key, type cmd, and select Run as administrator under Command Prompt.
Type the command below and hit Enter to run it: msdt.exe -id DeviceDiagnostic
Finally, wait for the command to finish running.
If you don’t have RDP or Hyper-V opened, and the AltGr key is not working, the issue might be a minor hardware glitch. Running the Hardware and Devices troubleshooter should restore normalcy here.
Extension compatibility – If you use other third-party services, you may face a compatibility issue from its extension.
Outdated cache – While the cache is an important time-saving function, old cache files may affect the running of some other services.
Now let us consider some practical resolutions if your Gmail attachment failed.
How can I fix Gmail attachment failed error?
Before going through the solutions, you must ensure that:
Your attachment is less than 25MB. You may have to make it smaller if it is not before it works.
Also, instead of going through these solutions, you should know that using another browser may work in most cases. While this does not fix the problem, it is a practical workaround.
Lastly, it may be a good idea to try other email clients. Email client software provides many advanced features that help you manage your emails across multiple platforms.
Click on the padlock icon and select Site Settings.
Ensure Gmail has been allowed all necessary permission.
The first thing to do and which might be causing the problem with the attachments are browser extensions and permissions.
That’s why we encourage you to disable all browser extensions temporarily (the focus is on adblockers) and check whether the Gmail web client has all permissions.
2. Update the browser
Launch your browser.
If you are using Chrome, enter the path below in your address bar and hit Enter (Note this will be different for other browsers): chrome://settings/help
Wait for the browser to update, and click on the Relaunch button if required.
You should also check for browser updates to ensure you’re using the latest version. Gmail attachment errors are more likely to occur in outdated browsers.
3. Disable the Proxy Server
Click Search, enter internet options, and click the app.
Click the Connections tab and press the LAN settings button.
Deselect the Use a proxy server for your LAN setting, and press the OK button.
The Attachment failed error message states that the issue could be due to a proxy server. As such, switching the web browser proxy off, if selected, might fix the error.
Open Run by pressing the Win key + R hotkey, enter firewall.cpl in the text box, and press the OK button.
Click Turn Windows Defender Firewall on or off.
Select both the Turn off Windows Firewall options on the Customize Settings tab.
Press the OK button to close the tab.
Your third-party anti-virus software might also have its firewall. You can switch a third-party firewall off by right-clicking the anti-virus software’s notification area icon and selecting its disable or turn off option.
The Attachment failed error message also hints that a firewall might be responsible for the issue.
To ensure there’s no firewall interference for email attachments, you can temporarily switch them off.
Those resolutions will probably fix the Attachment failed error so that you can attach files to Gmail emails again.
However, you can also report the issue to Google with the Gmail support contact form if further fixes are required.
Let us know in the comments section what worked for you.
Some Steam users reported noticing an issue regarding the download process on the online gaming platform. Downloads stop for no reason and resume automatically.
This is just one of the many download issues on Steam, but it is one of the most annoying. To fix this issue, we devised a series of solutions listed below.
Why are my Steam downloads fluctuating?
Below are some of the reasons your Steam download goes on and off:
Slow internet: Sometimes, your Steam download might be cutting in and out because your internet connection is slow. The solution here is to restart your connection and probably change to a better one.
Issues with download region: Sometimes, this issue is caused by your download region. This seems weird, but users have been able to get past it by changing their download region to a faraway location.
What can I do if the Steam download goes on and off?
Before moving to the fixes in this section, try the following prerequisite checks:
Use the wired instead of wireless connection on your PC.
Reboot your router/modem and the PC.
Disable VPN and proxy services temporarily.
If these do not solve the problem, you can proceed to the fixes below.
Hit the Windows key, search for Steam, and open the desktop client.
Click the Steam tab in the top left corner and select Settings.
Navigate to the Downloads tab, click on the Download region drop-down menu and select a different region.
Click on OK.
Check to see if downloading is now done properly.
The download region has surprisingly been the major reason the Steam download goes on and off. Users have been able to fix it by switching to faraway and weird regions.
Seoul in Korea and Frankfurt in Germany are the two most used regions. So, you can try them too.
2. Limit the download bandwidth
Press on the Windows key, type Steam, and open the app.
When the app opens, click on Steam in the top left corner and select the Settings option.
From the left side of the window, click on the Downloads tab, and check the box for Throttle downloads while streaming.
Now, checkmark the Limit bandwidth to tab and choose the speed you’d like.
Click the Apply button to confirm the changes and restart Steam.
Try to see if the changes had any effect. If not, restore it to No limit.
Some users have found joy in fixing this issue by throttling their downloads and limiting the bandwidth. This is because the automatic setting can be why the Steam download goes on and off when your network fluctuates.
Press the Ctrl + Shift + Esc keys to launch Task Manager.
Click the Services tab at the top and right-click the DiagTrack option.
Finally, select the Stop option.
The DiagTrack service is a Windows process that collects data on functional issues and has occasionally interfered with visible updates, like when a Steam download is not showing progress.
It’s also worth noting that this fix has helped some users whose Steam downloads keep restarting randomly, often due to background services interrupting connectivity.
4. Allow Steam to run through Windows Firewall
Click on the Windows key, type Control Panel, and open it.
Navigate to System & Security.
Under Windows Defender Firewall, choose to Allow an app through Windows Firewall.
Click Change settings.
Find the Steam app and make sure it has both Public and Private boxes ticked.
Try reloading Steam and see if it works.
Temporarily disable your antivirus or make sure that Steam is whitelisted.
If the solutions above fail to fix the Steam download goes on and off issue, your firewall might be blocking the connection. In this case, you need to whitelist Steam to restore normalcy.
That’s about it for this issue. We hope that at least one of our solutions can help you fix your fluctuating Steam download.
In the same vein, if your Steam download is slow, check our detailed guide to speed it up. Alternatively, if you’re instead facing issues with the Steam demo download button not working, that requires a slightly different troubleshooting approach. Check our dedicated guide.
Feel free to let us know the solution that helped you fix this issue in the comments below.
Is the USB3 device draining system power, and it shows an error Event ID 196 in the Windows Event Viewer? If yes, go through this article to learn about this issue more and get the steps to fix it.
Usually, we are not very concerned about USB devices like Pendrive, Card Readers, etc. But, sometimes, these may suck your laptop’s battery even though your computer is in an idle state. When you view in Event Viewer, you may get the following type of messages:
Event 196, USB-USBHUB3 Task Category: Surprise Removal Level: Warning USB device draining system power when system is idle.
Before fixing the problem, you should know a bit more information.
What is Surprise Removal?
Surprise Removal is a state that occurs when a user removes a device from a Windows computer without using the Safely remove the device option or the device manager. Your computer should be able to handle this sudden disappearance of the device smoothly.
Usually, in this type of situation, the system destroys any objects related to the removed USB device. But, if there is something wrong, you will get errors.
How can I fix Event ID 196: USB3 Power Draining error?
Now, you will learn about the methods that can help you to get rid of the problem. Before that, we would like you to do these things:
If everything is OK, follow these methods to solve the Event ID 196 power-draining issue.
1. Update all drivers
Open the Start Menu.
Type Device Manager and press Enter to open Windows Device Manager.
Right-click on the driver you prefer and choose Update.
Choose the preferred method to update.
Update all other drivers in this way.
A faster way to update the drivers is using an automated driver updater. These tools can update all outdated drivers and install any drivers automatically or with a single click.
2. Change Power Management for the USB Controller
Open the Device Manager, as shown before.
Right-click on the USB Root Hub (USB 3.0) and go to its Properties.
Go to Power Management and check Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power.
Save it.
Restart your PC.
This method is very useful to solve USB device draining system power when the system is idle.
Go to Windows Settings by pressing Win + I on the keyboard.
Go to Apps and click on Installed apps.
Click on the three horizontal dots next to the software you want to uninstall and click on Uninstall.
Now, restart your PC and see if it has fixed the problem or not.
5. Uninstall the recent Windows update
Open Windows Settings like before.
Go to Windows Update and click on Update history.
Go to Uninstall updates.
Click on Uninstall next to the update you want to remove.
Restart your PC after completing the process.
6. Re-install the USB driver
Open the Device Manager like before.
Right-click on your preferred driver and choose Uninstall device.
Check Attempt to remove the driver for this device and click on Uninstall.
Restart your PC.
Restarting the PC should automatically install the USB driver again. If not, use Outbyte Driver Updater to install the missing ones. Re-installation is a very effective way to solve event ID 196: USB-USBHub3 surprise removal or similar type of errors.
7. Disable Fast startup
Open the Start Menu, type Control Panel, and hit Enter.
Go to System and Security.
Go to Power Options.
Click on Choose what power buttons do.
Click on Change settings that are currently unavailable.
Uncheck Turn on fast startup and click on Save changes.
Restart your PC.
8. Disable the selective suspend setting
Go to Power Options like before.
Click on Change plan settings next to the selected power plan.
Click on Change advanced power settings.
Expand USB settings and disable Selective suspend setting.
Save it.
Restart your PC.
9. Update BIOS/UEFI
Turn off your PC.
Power it on and keep pressing F2 or F12, or Del, depending on the motherboard you are using when it shows the logo on the screen.
Find out the option like Flash Utility, Updater, etc., and go there.
Different brands have different ways to access BIOS. But, updating the firmware can fix the USB device draining system power when the system is idle, no matter whether it is a Dell laptop or Lenovo or any other bands like ASUS, MSI, etc.
10. Reset or re-install Windows
Open the Windows Settings like before.
Go to System and then Recovery.
Click on Reset PC.
Go forward and finish the process.
You also can consider reinstalling Windows. It may fix the USB-USBHub3 USB device draining system power when the system is idle.
According to some sources, if a write-protected USB storage device is connected when the PC is idle, it also may cause a problem. So, you also should keep this in mind.
This article has featured the methods that can help to get rid of Event ID 96: USB3 power draining error. If you have any other ways to troubleshoot this problem, feel free to let us know in the comment box.
Call Of Duty: Black Ops Cold War players often reported that the multiplayer mode is not working. In most cases, the game is disconnecting or displaying connection errors.
Since the issue has been reported by many, and in most cases, the problem seemed to be at the user’s end, troubleshooting shouldn’t be tricky. So, let’s find out how you can get things running.
Why is multiplayer not working on Cold War?
Here are a few reasons why you might be facing the issue:
All the content is not downloaded – One of the primary reasons you are getting the error is that all the content required for multiplayer gaming is not downloaded and is currently unavailable.
Bug in the current game version – Many reported Cold War multiplayer is not working after the update, which points to a bug in the current version.
The game installation didn’t go through correctly – This, too, has been a known underlying cause, and uninstalling the game and all associated files and then reinstalling it from scratch did the trick.
What can I do if the Cold War multiplayer is not working?
Before we head to the slightly complex solutions, we recommend you give these quick ones a try:
Restart the game when multiplayer is not working or you can’t find a match in Cold War.
If none of these worked, the solutions listed next surely would.
1. Download all packs
As stated earlier, not having all packs installed can trigger issues and lead to multiplayer gaming not working in the Cold War. Also, many users reported that their multiplayer pack was uninstalled after updating Cold War, so you may have to install it again.
Some users reported that even a missing High-Resolution Assets pack could trigger the error, so get that as well, along with every other pack that’s listed as Install Content.
2. Run the game as an administrator
Locate the game client, i.e., Battle.net launcher, right-click on it and choose Properties.
Navigate to the Compatibility tab, tick the checkbox for Run this program as an administrator and click on OK to save the changes.
Once done, restart the computer and check if the error is fixed.
3. Add an exception to the firewall
Press Windows + S to open the Search menu, type Allow an app through Windows Firewall, and click on the relevant search result.
Click on Change settings.
Click on Allow another app.
Now, click on Browse.
Navigate to the folder where the Battle.net launcher is stored, choose it, and then click on Open.
Click on Add.
Finally, make sure the checkboxes for Private and Public are checked, and then click on OK to save the changes.
Similarly, add Cold War to the list of exceptions to the firewall.
This is an effective way to fix things when Cold War multiplayer is not working on a Windows computer. All you have to do is add it as an exception to Windows Firewall or a third-party firewall if you are using one, and it should work. This also helps with the Grounded Hosting Game Error.
If the Cold War multiplayer is not working on a PlayStation, restoring the license should do the trick. All you must do is head to the Restore Licenses option in the Account Management settings.
It shouldn’t take long and won’t affect the game data or any other files on the PC. Besides, it will also fix issues with the other installed games.
5. Reinstall the game
If nothing has worked, your last option is to reinstall the game. This helped when the previous installation did not go through successfully and some critical files were missing.
In case a complete reinstall does not work, some users suggest only downloading the necessary packs, i.e., the game, Multiplayer, and Zombie packs.
That’s it! With these quick and easy solutions, you should be able to fix things when Cold War multiplayer is not working, whether on Xbox, PlayStation, or Windows.
For those playing Cold War on a PC, find the best ways to optimize Windows for gaming and get the best performance.
If any other solution works for you, drop it in the comments section below and help fellow Cold War players.
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