How to Download Origin on Windows 11

Posted on December 19, 2022November 1, 2023 by Loredana Harsana

You can purchase some of the most incredible games available on Origin, such as Battlefield, The Sims, Star Wars, Fifa, and the list goes on and on. Thus, we will show you today how to download Origin on Windows 11.

The platform also offers numerous entertaining free-to-play games, so there is no need to spend money on games.

Aside from that, you may add friends, play with friends, use the in-game overlay to browse the web while playing, and gain achievements, among many other things.

If you find that you can’t install Origin on your computer, scroll down to our last section which discussed this topic and provides a solution for you to follow. Keep up with us!

What does Origin do?

Origin is a platform that is required in order to be able to play the majority of Electronic Arts games on your Windows 11 PC. The platform has been in existence for quite some time, and it offers a diverse selection of other games that you can purchase and play.

origin install how to download origin on windows 11

But it also has other useful features, such as the ability to talk with friends and earn achievements for the games you play. It is definitely worth checking out.

In addition to Steam and Epic Games, it is one of the many game launchers that are accessible for your Windows computer.

For those who would prefer to have a large number of various games to pick from and enjoy playing without the necessity of purchasing each one, EA Play is the solution.

In essence, it is a subscription service that grants you access to special in-game awards, trials of specific games, exclusive in-game incentives, as well as a library of games that you can choose from.

How can I download Origin on Windows 11?

Use their official website

1. Head to Origin’s official website
On their website you will find the option to download Origin on your Windows PC or Mac.
2. Click on Download
After you clock on download, then save the executable file they will show.
3. Double-click on the downloaded file
Lastly, you only need to install it and follow the on-screen steps. That’s it! Pretty simple, isn’t it?

Why can’t I install Origin on Windows 11?

Due to potentially unwanted files and invalid Windows Registry entries left on your computer by a computer, Origin may fail to install on your computer.

Too much clutter on your hard drive not only takes up valuable storage space but also makes your computer work harder to locate the things you do need.

It is possible to archive files that are no longer in use to an external device, while downloads, duplicates, and temporary files can be erased entirely.

The usage of a specialized tool that cleans your files and the Windows Registry, such as CCleaner, is recommended in this situation because other software installations and Windows functioning may be impaired as well.

An alternative to the aforementioned software, CCleaner, we recommend that you check out our article on 5 best registry cleaner applications for Windows 11.

For more information on how to clean your files, take a look at our post on how to run Disk Cleanup in Windows 11 and make your PC swifter to use.

And if you are interested in how to make Windows 11 faster and more responsive, don’t miss out on the guide linked, and make sure to share it with your friends!

Was this guide helpful for you? Don’t hesitate to tell us in the comments section below. Thanks for reading!

How to Install APKs on Windows 11

Posted on December 19, 2022August 13, 2025 by Loredana Harsana

If you’re wondering how to install APKs on Windows 11, the good news is that Microsoft now allows Android app support natively. You can install APK files directly or through third-party APK installers, opening the door to thousands of apps beyond the Microsoft Store.

Below are all the reliable methods to perform APK installation in Windows 11.

How can I install APK files on Windows 11?

How can I install APK files on Windows 11?
How do I open an APK file on my PC?
Are there implications of running APKs from third-party sites?
Are APK files safe?
Wrapping up

1. Enable the Windows Subsystem & download the Amazon Appstore

1. 1. Download and install Windows Subsystem for Android

Press the Windows + I keys to open the Start Menu.
Select Microsoft Store to launch.
Type Windows Subsystem for Android on the Microsoft Store search window and press Enter.
Click Open Microsoft Store to be redirected to the Microsoft Store.
Hit the Get button to start installation.
Once installed, you can now download and open APKs.

1. 2. Download and install the Amazon Appstore

Press the Windows + I key to open the Start Menu and click on All apps.
Locate the Amazon Appstore and click on it to launch.
Find the application of your choice and click on the Get button.

The Windows Subsystem for Android (WSA) lets you run Android apps natively on your PC. With it, you can install the Amazon Appstore and use it to get APK files.

In terms of compatibility, it’s the best option. However, the app selection is quite limited.

2. Sideload APKs using an APK file

Open your browser and click to Download SDK Platform-Tools for Windows.
Click the checkbox I have read and agree with the above terms and conditions to start downloading.
Open the zip folder to extract all files.
Open the Start Menu and select All apps.
Locate Windows Subsystem for Android and launch it.
Select Developer mode and toggle it on.
Go back to the extract folder and type cmd on the address bar.
Type in the following commands and press Enter after each one: adb.exe connect <IP address>

adb.exe install <file name>.apk
Once your app is installed successfully, the following message will be displayed:
Go back to the Start Menu and launch your APK to open.

By sideloading, you will be able to install more apps because you’re not limited to a specific app store. However, this implies some security risks and potential incompatibilities.

Even though you’ll be able to install the app, there’s no guarantee it will work error-free.

3. Get an Android emulator app

Download and install an Android emulator on your PC. We highly recommend Bluestacks because it gives you direct access to the Google Play Store and is highly optimized for all sorts of mobile apps.
Open Bluestacks and log into your Google Play account.
Once logged in, you can browse for and download apps as you would on your phone. You can then locate and access them directly from Bluestack’s interface.

With an Android emulator like Bluestacks, you’ll have the easiest of times.

They offer full access to the Google Play Store and practically work as a virtual Android device. The drawback is that they can be resource-intensive.

How do I open an APK file on my PC?

In order to install APKs on Windows 11, you need to have Hyper-V and Virtual Machine Platform enabled.

To enable the two features:

Hit the Windows + I keys simultaneously to open the Start Menu then select the Settings app.

Navigate to Apps and select Optional features.

Select More Windows Features.

Locate Hyper-V and click on the checkbox then press OK.

Also, find Virtual Machine Platform, click on the checkbox and press OK.

Wait for the installation to complete.

Are there implications of running APKs from third-party sites?

The safety of this approach is often questioned. Are you really installing what you think you are? Probably not from a random site you found on the Web.

But when you have a choice between an app installed from a site you know and one that is not, there are other considerations. It’s worth reviewing those to make sure your risk profile is as low as it can be.

When installing APKs from third-party sites, Windows users need to be aware of the risks. Malware attacks are a growing threat. You need to make sure that your device is completely safe and secure. We have outlined some of the top antiviruses for your PC to keep you safe while browsing.

Are APK files safe?

Not all APKs are safe. Only download APKs from trusted sources. Avoid unverified websites, as APKs can hide malware, spyware, or programs that steal data and control your device. Stick to official app stores or the developer’s official site.

Watch for phishing scams that mimic legitimate sites to steal login or payment details. Always check the URL before entering sensitive information

Also, if you choose to use other Android emulators to run APKs and encounter installation problems, refer to our guide on how to resolve the issue.

Wrapping up

Now that you know how to install APK files on Windows, you should be able to install apps like Pikashow for Windows 11 without any problems.

We hope you found a way to open and install APKs from one or more of the methods we listed above. If you encounter any problems while running APKs, leave us a comment down below.

GPUpdate /Force Not Working? 5 Ways to Quickly Fix it

Posted on December 19, 2022October 4, 2023 by Claire Moraa

Gpupdate force is a command designed to forcefully apply updates on Windows machines. This means that if you have updates waiting to be installed but you haven’t applied them yet, this utility will force them to be installed immediately.

The main reason why people use this tool is that it helps to update their machines as quickly as possible. It can also be used when you want to make sure that a policy setting is not applied or you want to troubleshoot why a particular setting is not working as expected.

Why is my GPO not being applied?

GPOs are applied on a computer-by-computer basis and can be applied in one of two ways:

Group Policy refresh – This occurs every 90 minutes by default and is the most common method for applying policies. You can easily change the time interval through the policy settings.
Group Policy update – This occurs when someone logs into a computer or starts it up for the first time after a policy change has been made.

However, sometimes, your gpupdate/force command may not be working on your Windows 10 or 11 device. This is because:

No GPOs to be applied – Gpupdate will not work if there are no GPOs currently in effect for the user or computer in question.
Incorrect/missing registry entry – An incorrect or missing registry setting can prevent the GPUpdate command from applying changes made to your computer’s group policy settings.
Virus/malware – If your system has been infected by malware or a virus, it can prevent this command from working properly. With a comprehensive antivirus, you can avoid such errors.
Corrupt user profile – A corrupted user profile can prevent certain operations like gpupdate force from completing successfully.
Computer not connected to the domain – If your PC is not connected to the domain, then this could be causing the problem. GPUpdate only runs on computers that are joined to a domain.
Insufficient privileges – It is also possible that the user account you’re using to execute the command does not have sufficient privileges to run the command.

How do I force the Gpupdate command to apply?

Before anything else, check off the following:

Ensure your computer is not offline from the network.
Check that you’re using an account with administrator privileges to execute the command. Here’s more insight into the difference between a standard and an administrator account.
If the gpupdate /force command is taking a long time to apply on your Windows, check your internet speeds.

1. Delete the registry.pol file

Hit the Windows + E keys to open File Explorer.
Navigate to the following location by pasting it on the address bar: C:\Windows\System32\GroupPolicy\Machine\
Now, locate Registry.pol file and move or delete it. A safer option would be to move it to your desktop because you might want to restore this file if any new issues occur.
Restart your PC and try running the command again.

2. Perform DISM and SFC scans

Hit the Windows key, type cmd and select Run as administrator.
Type the commands and hit Enter after each one: DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth sfc /scannow

3. Restart Group Policy

Press the Windows + R keys to open the Run command.
Type services.msc in the dialog box and click OK.
Locate the Group Policy Client and right-click on it to open its Properties.
Select the General tab and change the Startup type to Automatic.
Click the Apply button and OK to save changes.

4. Create a new user profile

There are times when you may have to create a new user profile and then use it to log on to your computer. This can be done for many reasons, but the most common is that there is an issue with your current user profile.

When creating the new user profile, don’t forget to assign administrative privileges that will enable you to make changes to the Group Policy Editor.

5. Reset Group Policy

Hit the Windows key, type cmd and select Run as administrator.
Type in the following commands and press Enter after each one: RD /S /Q "%WinDir%\System32\GroupPolicyUsers" && RD /S /Q "%WinDir%\System32\GroupPolicy" gpupdate /force
Restart your PC.

If all these fail, consider using GPMC to troubleshoot your Group Policy issues. It is a powerful and intuitive tool that can help you resolve most of these issues including gpupdate/force command not working.

As a last resort, a clean install or in-place upgrade may be on the horizon if the command line is still not working.

We also have answers on what to do if your group policy keeps reverting so feel free to check out our detailed guide on the same.

Let us know if you have been able to resolve this issue in the comment section below.

Hidparse.sys BSOD Error: 5 Easy Ways to Fix It on Your PC

Posted on December 19, 2022October 21, 2024 by Alexandru Poloboc

Hidparse.sys is a Windows driver, and sometimes you might get a blue screen after installing drivers. This is exactly the case with this file, and many reported this problem on their PC.

Sometimes these issues can occur after installing the driver manually or, in some cases, after a Windows update.

In today’s guide, we will take a closer look at this error and show you the best ways you can use to fix this problem once and for all.

What causes hidparse.sys blue screen error?

Several causes will result in this, but the most common are the following:

Bad Windows update – It’s not unheard of to experience BSOD error after the upgrade. In fact, even Microsoft confirmed that this issue can be caused by the KB5021233 update.
Corrupted files – Sometimes, the driver in question is damaged and needs to be repaired to work.
Driver version mismatch – A bad update can cause your driver version to be mismatched. To fix it, you’ll need to replace the bad driver manually.

What can I do to fix the HIDPARSE issue on Windows 10 22H2?

1. Disable driver signature enforcement and update Windows

Restart your PC three times during the boot to enter the recovery environment.
Go to Troubleshoot. Now select Advanced options and finally choose Startup Settings.
Now click on Restart.
When your PC restarts, press 7 or F7 to disable driver signature enforcement.
Now you should boot to Windows.
Press Windows key + S and type updates. Select Check for updates.
Let Windows download the missing updates.

Microsoft has addressed this issue and the update that fixes hidparse.sys blue screen is already available, so updating your operating system is the best way to fix this issue.

2. Use SFC and DISM

Disable Driver Signature Enforcement to boot to Windows. You can find instructions in Solution 1.
Next, press the Windows key + X and choose PowerShell (Admin).
Run the following command: sfc /scannow
Once the command is finished, run these three commands:
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /CheckHealth DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth

DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
After these commands are executed, the problem should be resolved.
Go ahead and check for updates to fix the issue permanently.

Following the steps above may seem too complicated for some, and this is why we recommend using a dedicated system repair software. These tools allow you to automatically scan for and fix system files.

3. Copy the file from the recovery environment

Restart your system while booting to Windows three times.
Select the Troubleshoot button.
Next, choose the Advanced Options button.
Select the Command Prompt button and wait for your device to restart, if needed.
Your device should restart to a Command Prompt window. You might need to sign into your device with your password before getting to the Command Prompt window.
Run the following command, then press Enter: xcopy C:\windows\system32\drivers\hidparse.sys C:\windows\system32\hidparse.sys
Once the previous command completes, type: exit
Select the Continue button.
Windows should now start up as expected.

Many reported that they weren’t able to complete step 6, and this is because they used the incorrect letter. To fix that, follow these steps:

Repeat the steps from above until step 6.
Once you reach it, run the following command: diskpart
Now enter list volume
Notice the name of your drive, it can be C or something else.
Type exit
Now use the following command but be sure to replace C with the letter that matches your system drive: xcopy C:\windows\system32\drivers\hidparse.sys C:\windows\system32\hidparse.sys
Close Command Prompt and try to boot.

NOTE

You can have one of the two versions of hidparse.sys file on your PC. One that dates 2021/04/28 and the other that dates to 2019/12/07. For this solution to work, you need to copy the 2021 version and not the 2019 one.

4. Disable Driver Signature Enforcement and rename the hidparse.sys file

Disable Driver Signature Enforcement as described in Solution 1.
Navigate to the following location: C:\Windows\System32\
Locate hidparse.sys and rename it to hidparse.sys.old
Go to drivers folder inside the System32 folder.
Locate hidparse.sys and copy it to System32 directory.
If that doesn’t work, repeat the steps from Solution 1.

Many reported that Hidparse sys says access denied while using other solutions, so renaming the file might help.

5. Uninstall update or use System Restore

Restart your PC three times to enter recovery mode.
Choose Troubleshoot. After that, pick Advanced options.
Select System Restore.
Follow the instructions on the screen to restore your PC.

If the System Restore doesn’t work, it’s suggested to uninstall the update by doing the following:

Restart your computer three times during the boot.
Navigate to Troubleshoot. Next, select Advanced options.
Choose Uninstall Updates.
Choose the type of update you want to uninstall. We suggest going for Uninstall the latest quality update.
Follow the steps to complete the process.
If that doesn’t work, repeat the steps and choose Uninstall the latest feature update.

After doing that, install the latest updates to fix the issue permanently.

If you’re still having this issue, be sure to visit our guide on how to fix blue screen loop on Windows 10 for additional solutions.

We also have a guide on wdfilter.sys blue screen error, so don’t miss it for more information.

Leave a comment below if you also had to deal with these problems.

How to Download the Camera Driver in Windows 11 [Step-by-Step]

Posted on December 19, 2022October 23, 2025 by Vladimir Popescu

You need to download and install your camera driver in Windows 11 if you want it to work properly.

In general, Windows automates this process, but if you want to update the driver or you can’t find the camera in Device Manager, this guide is for you. We’ll show you all you need to know.

How do I download webcam drivers for Windows 11?

1. Use Device Manager

Right-click on the Start icon and select Device Manager.
Expand the Cameras section.
Right-click on your Camera and hit Update driver.
Select Search Automatically for drivers and follow the on-screen instructions to finish up the process.

If you can’t find the Camera driver in Device Manager, click on View and select Show hidden devices.

2. Use the manufacturer’s website

To check your camera’s model, right-click on the Start icon, then click on Device Manager to open it.
Now expand the Cameras section. There you will see the name of your camera’s model. Copy it as you will need it later.
Go to your manufacturer’s website and locate the corresponding drivers for your cameras model. .
Once you have found the matching driver, or the desired one such as HD user-facing driver for Windows 11, simply download and install it by following the on-screen instructions.

Downloads pages on most manufacturer websites are usually located under the Support area. For instance:

For those who use a MSI computer, you will need to head to MSI’s official website and enter the camera’s model then search for the compatible drivers MSI camera driver for Windows 11.
Alternatively, Dell’s official website should be accessed by users who use their products. Enter your camera’s model then look for the compatible driver.
For Microsoft Lifecam, you can find the corresponding drivers in the Microsoft Update Catalog.
And lastly, Lenovo’s support page will be useful for Lenovo fans and clients. Again, type or paste in your webcam’s model and look for the suited driver.

3. Use dedicated driver software

If you don’t have time to manually search for your camera model, you can speed up the process with a third-party driver updater.

When it comes to these tools, Fortect Driver Updater is a top choice. Itcan install and repair all the drivers on your system with very little effort on your part.

Moreover, ituses a very small amount of system resources so you can let it run in the background. It will regularly check and update your drivers whenever a new version becomes available.

⇒ Get Fortect Driver Updater

How do I get Windows 11 to recognize my camera?

Press Windows Key + I to open Settings.
Select Bluetooth & Devices, then Cameras.
Select Camera Privacy Settings.
Toggle on the button to allowcamera access.

Bottom line

Having up-to-date drivers is key to maintaining good performance and preventing common camera problems like camera freezing.

Let us know in the comments section below whether you were able to download the Windows 11 camra driver.

We want to know which method worked best for you and whether you will switch to an external web camera.

Edge Out of Memory Error Code: 3 Ways to Free it up

Posted on December 19, 2022June 20, 2024 by Loredana Harsana

If you encounter Error code out of memory in Edge, you won’t be able to browse the web, and certain pages might crash, but luckily, this issue can be easily resolved.

Why does my browser keep saying “out of memory”?

This issue appears if your browser is out of date or due to certain security settings.

How do I fix Out of memory error in Microsoft Edge?

Before we try anything, ensure you have the latest version of Edge installed.

1. Adjust Edge’s security settings

Click the Menu button in the top right corner and choose Settings.
Next, navigate to Privacy, search, and services in the sidebar. Locate and disable Enhance your security on the web.
Restart your browser.

2. Create a new user profile in your browser

Open the Edge browser and click on the Personal icon at the top left of the browser window.
Click the Setup New personal profile button
You will be redirected to a new page where you can click Start without your data
On the next page click Confirm and start browsing
You will be prompted with color customization options, where you can choose whatever you like
After choosing your color scheme a new window will open and you’ll already be on the newly created profile

Alternatively, you can sign out and sign back in with a new account to fix this issue.

3. Modify the registry

Press the Windows key + S and type cmd. Select Run as administrator.
Next, run the following command: reg add "HKLM\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Edge" /v EnhanceSecurityMode /t REG_DWORD /d 0 /f
Check if the problem is resolved.

Most browsers also have this issue, and we have a guide on what to do if Opera is out of memory. This isn’t the only issue, and Not enough memory to open this page in Chrome is a similar error, but we already covered that one.

Which method helped you fix the error? Do not hesitate to let us know in the comments section below.

Fix Logitech G Hub Stuck on Loading Screen & Not Loading

Posted on December 19, 2022September 29, 2025 by Loredana Harsana

The Logitech G Hub stuck on loading screen error is a common issue that occurs when you attempt to open an application and it will not execute, even when you run it in administrator mode.

There are a variety of reasons why the software could get stuck, but fortunately, we found four solutions that will certainly fix the error.

Logitech G Hub is a new version of their gaming software, which was produced in the early 2010s. The most significant difference is that G Hub is put out in a more intuitive manner, and since 2019, all products have been using it as their default interface.

Follow along as we have prepared a comprehensive list of solutions for you to implement right after we see the causes of this error. Note that the methods below will also work with the Logitech G Hub stuck on loading screen in Windows 10.

Why is my Logitech G Hub stuck on loading screen?

The causes range from outdated drivers, and faulty app installations to auto-updates that cause more trouble than good.

Due to the fact that G Hub is a driver software, it operates in the background automatically. Because LGHUB automatically installs new updates when they are released, when you run this program, it may become unresponsive owing to the updates that have been installed at that time.

You can permanently turn off auto-updates and resolve loading issues such as the Logitech G Hub stuck on loading animation. Now let’s see how to address these errors.

Moreover, here are some error variations that you may encounter, but nonetheless, fix with the solutions below:

Logitech G Hub loading forever or constantly, keeps loading, not opening
G Hub infinite loading
Logitech G Hub stuck on logo
Logitech G Hub loading resources
G Hub stuck on loading animation
Logitech G Hub stuck on installing screen

Without further ado, let’s just jump right in!

How can I fix Logitech G Hub stuck on loading screen?

1. Reinstall Logitech G Hub

The linked processes are frequently not terminated when the Logitech G HUB client is uninstalled. You must therefore manually close them.

Right-click the Windows Start button and choose Task Manager to close the Task Manager processes related to the Logitech G HUB.
Look for any Logitech G HUB client processes in the Task Manager. Find the processes, do a right-click, and then choose End task.
There are three processes that you’ll probably find there: LGHUB, LGHUB Agent, and LGHUB Updater. Close them, then restart the client in administrator mode. The recently closed processes will be automatically restarted, which can assist you in fixing the problem.
After terminating all G HUB-related processes in Task Manager, go to the following location: C:/Program Files/LGHUB directory
Now execute each of these programs individually as an administrator by right-clicking each one with and selecting Run as administrator.
Next, access your Settings app and go to Apps followed by the Apps and features section.
Here, search for the Logitech G Hub app, click on the three-dot menu and choose Uninstall.
Next, head to Logitech’s website and click on the Download for Windows 10 button in order to reinstall the app. Note that even though it says Windows 10, it will work on 11 as well. This solution should fix the Logitech G Hub not detecting mouse and keyboard as well.

More lighting effects such as Fixed, Screen Sampler, and Audio Visualizer effects, are among the additional features available in the Logitech G Hub.

In addition, G Hub is significantly more lightweight than Logitech Gaming Software. The former app always included firmware and software updates for all of the Logitech devices that were compatible with it, which added a significant amount of needless burden to the PC.

CCleaner is a great way to clean up any junk left on your computer after you’ve uninstalling programs. In fact, it will free up disk space and delate any useless files present on your device.

2. Update your drivers

In order to solve the Logitech G Hub stuck on loading screen in Windows 11, access your Settings app and go to Windows Update followed by the Advanced options section.
Next, tap on the Optional Updates section to select all the driver updates shown to you. Lastly, click on Download and Install.

Device drivers are a critical piece of software that allows different hardware components to communicate with your computer in an efficient manner.

When device drivers are out of date, computers can become sluggish and suffer from apparent performance issues, which can be a major source of frustration and dissatisfaction.

3. Restart the LGHUB Services

Press the Windows and R keys at the same time to launch Run then type services.msc and hit Enter.
Find the LGHUB Updater Service and stop the service by right-clicking it and selecting Stop. Right-click it once again and select Start to restart the service.

Restarting pertinent services can also help customers resolve app-related problems. Restart the LGHUB Updater service if restarting the processes doesn’t resolve the problem.

4. Disable Logitech G Hub automatic updates

Open Logitech G Hub and go to Settings.
Uncheck the box next to the Enable automatic updates option from the top-right corner.

Device drivers are a critical piece of software that allows different hardware components to communicate with your computer in an efficient manner.

When they are out of date, computers can become sluggish and suffer from apparent performance issues, which can be a major source of frustration and dissatisfaction.

5. Update your OS

Hold Windows + I simultaneously in order to open the Settings app and go to Windows Update.
Tap on the button that either says Install now, Restart now, or Check for new updates in order to solve the Logitech G Hub stuck on loading screen error.

For users who reported their Logitech G Hub got stuck on loading screen on Mac computers, we recommend that you disable automatic updates as we have shown in the third solution.

We have shown you how to fix the stuck on loading screen error, but if you need further assistance, check out our post on what to do if Logitech G Hub is not working.

Alternatively, take a look at how to fix the Logitech G Pro Wireless not working issue and get back to gaming.

Don’t hesitate to share your thoughts with us in the comments section below. Thanks for reading!

Microsoft Edge’s February 2023 update will disable Internet Explorer 11

Posted on December 19, 2022 by Radu Tyrsina

For some time now, Microsoft has been intending to retire Internet Explorer in favor of Microsoft Edge. And earlier this year on June 15, the company started phasing out Internet Explorer urging users to transition to its browser Edge which also received an IE Mode update to cater to the users’ needs as it replicates IE11 in so many ways.

Still, on the same premise, Microsoft released new information detailing its plans as far as completely phasing out IE11 from Windows 10 is concerned. The company detailed that it intends to kill it off completely next year on February 14 via a Microsoft Edge update.

The initial plan was to disable it via a Windows Update on Windows 10, but the company has shifted gears and will be disabling it through a Microsoft Edge update instead. This is in a bid to enhance the user experience and ultimately make the transition process for the users simpler.

After Microsoft started phasing out IE11, its users started being redirected to Microsoft Edge. And now, once Microsoft rolls out the Edge update in February users will no longer be able to access IE11. Both Windows 8.1 and Windows 7 users won’t be able to access it either.

According to Microsoft:

Users will see a dialogue box when they are transitioned to Microsoft Edge. When they try to click any IE11 icons or other entry points, they will be redirected to Microsoft Edge. Users’ browsing data will be automatically brought over to Microsoft Edge from IE11 so they can seamlessly continue browsing.

What’s more, Microsoft has disclosed that June’s Patch Tuesday update will erase any remnants of Internet Explorer from Windows 10, that is, its logo that appears in the Start menu or on the taskbar. We invite you to make the transition as soon as possible before IE11 reaches its end of support to avoid any setbacks.

Share your thoughts with us in the comment section.

How to Use 2 Audio Outputs at the Same Time on Windows 10 [Tested]

Posted on December 19, 2022May 20, 2024 by Matthew Adams

You can configure Windows 10 to play sound from two connected playback devices simultaneously.

For instance, you can use two USB headphones at once on Windows as long as you properly configure both devices. Here’s how:

How do I use 2 audio outputs at once on Windows 10?

1. Enable Stereo Mix

Right-click the Speakers icon on the system tray and select Sounds.
Select the Playback tab shown in the snapshot directly below.
Then select your primary speakers audio playback device and click Set as default. That will be one of the two playback devices that play the audio.
Select the Recording tab shown directly below.
Right-click a blank space on the Recording tab and select the Show Disabled Devices option. Then you will usually see Stereo Mix on the Recording tab.
Right-click Stereo Mix and select the Enable option.
Then right-click Stereo Mix to select the Set as Default Device option on its context menu.
Click Properties on Stereo Mix’s context menu to open the Stereo Mix Properties window.
Select the Listen tab on the Stereo Mix window.
Then click the Listen to this device checkbox.
Select the second playback device listed on the Playback this device drop-down menu.
Click the Apply and OK buttons on both the Stereo Mix Properties and Sound window.
Restart your desktop or laptop. Thereafter, Windows will play audio at the same time from your primary audio device and the one you selected on the Playback this device drop-down menu.

Setting the default device on your computer can help easily switch between headphones and speakers, read this guide to learn more about it.

2. Select Output Devices to play audio from specific apps

To select audio output for specific software, right-click the Speakers icon and select Open Sound settings.
Then click App volume and devices preferences to open the options shown in the image directly below.
The Settings lists all your open apps. Click the Output drop-down menu adjacent to the software you need to select a playback device for.
Then, you can select a connected playback device from the drop-down menu. Note that Windows will save the chosen output audio device to play audio when you open the software you selected it for.

There are various ways to use 2 audio outputs at the same time on Windows 10. You can rely on the built-in settings or use third-party tools.

Check out the recommendation above and pick the option that best suits your needs. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to ask below.

High CPU Usage in Roblox: 5 Ways to Fix It

Posted on December 19, 2022September 26, 2025 by Claire Moraa

High CPU usage in Roblox is a common issue that causes FPS drops and stuttering in games. It can even cause the game to crash. The game can be quite resource-intensive when playing with lots of people or using a lot of graphics.

This article will take you through some of the most common causes of high CPU usage in Roblox and how to fix them.

Why is the game using 100% of my CPU?

If you’ve ever run a game and seen the CPU usage shoot up to 100%, you might have wondered how this is possible. It’s not that the CPU is being used so hard by the game that it can’t handle any other tasks, but rather that it uses all available cores to run itself.

This can happen for a variety of reasons:

Old game – You’re probably playing an older game that hasn’t been optimized for modern hardware. You can upgrade your CPU or play games optimized for old processors.
Outdated OS – Older OSes don’t include support for multi-core processors. This will help reduce CPU usage when running these old games so the best option is to upgrade your OS.
Resource-hungry game – Some games just require more processing power than others and will demand more resources than your computer can provide.

That being said, games that use 100% of your CPU are not necessarily bad. The reason they’re using so much CPU is to achieve the highest possible frame rate.

So just how much CPU should Roblox use? If you have a high-end gaming PC or laptop, then there’s nothing to worry about when running Roblox.

However, if your PC or laptop is below average and you want to play the game without issues, then it’s better that you know what kind of hardware and system requirements Roblox requires before playing it for the first time.

How do I limit Roblox’s high CPU usage?

Some basic things you can do to reduce CPU usage in Roblox include:

Ensure your PC meets the minimum system requirements to run Roblox.
Close all other programs running on your computer while playing Roblox as they might be using up some of your computer’s resources.
Uninstall any unnecessary programs.

1. Adjust your graphic settings

If you have an old PC or laptop, then it’s possible that your computer may not be able to handle high graphic settings in Roblox. This will make your programs compete for the available CPU.

In such cases, lowering the graphic settings will help you get rid of this problem as well as increase your frame rate and improve overall performance.

2. Disable Hardware Acceleration

Launch your browser (in this case Opera) and click on the icon at the top left corner to open the menu.
Select Settings from the drop-down menu.
Click on Advanced then hit Browser from the drop-down menu.
Scroll down and under System, toggle off Use hardware acceleration when available.

Hardware acceleration basically improves the performance of graphics and sound but takes up more resources at the same time causing high CPU usage in Roblox. The steps to disable it will be different for each browser, but with this example, you get the main idea.

3. Update your drivers

Click on the Search icon, type Device Manager in the search bar, and click Open.
Navigate to Display adapters to expand, right-click on your graphics card, and select Update driver.
Select Search automatically for drivers.

If you don’t know which drivers are causing problems on your PC because they’re not working properly anymore, manual updates can be time-consuming and still end up in a disaster. Luckily, there are other ways to approach this issue – a third-party tool.

Outbyte Driver Updater is a powerful yet simple Windows driver updater tool. It can help you easily update your outdated display card drivers, network card drivers, and other hardware drivers to their latest versions.

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4. Check for malware

Press the Start Menu, search Windows Security, and click Open.
Select Virus & threat protection.
Next, press Quick scan under Current threats.
If you don’t find any threats, proceed to perform a full scan by clicking on Scan options just below Quick scan.
Click on Full scan to perform a deep scan of your PC.
Wait for the process to finish and restart your system.

5. Update your PC’s software

Hit the Windows key and click on Settings.
Select Windows Update and click on Check for updates.
Download and install if available.

Is Roblox using CPU or GPU?

Roblox is not a game that uses graphics cards to render graphics although, in some instances, you may experience Roblox with high GPU usage. Normally, it uses your computer’s CPU to process the graphics, which means it’s less dependent on your graphics card.

That being said, if your computer doesn’t have a good processor, you’ll notice lower framerates in Roblox games. If you want to improve your framerate in Roblox, one option is upgrading your CPU.

Another option would be to make Roblox use GPU instead of your CPU especially if you have a multi-core processor. You can turn on hardware-accelerated GPU scheduling to take off the load on your CPU if Roblox CPU usage is high.

And as we wind up, you can also reset your browser or switch to gaming browsers if you’re still facing high CPU usage issues with Roblox.

We also have a solution for when you experience high ping and lag in Roblox so feel free to check our comprehensive article on the same.

Let us know if you’ve noticed an improvement in Roblox’s CPU usage after trying our solutions in the comments section below.

Fix Error Code 0x887a0005 [Video Editor / Photos, MW2, CoD]

Posted on December 19, 2022April 22, 2024 by Matthew Adams

Photos is the default image viewer app in Windows 10 that some users create and export videos with. However, Microsoft Photos displays an error 0x887A0005 when some users try to export videos with that app.

When some users click the Finish video button, Photos displays this error message:

Update your drivers to export video… We encountered an issue with your video drivers and are unable to export video… Here’s the error code, in case you need it: 0x887A000.

If that’s your issue as well, take a closer look at the tips and tricks described below. One of them will probably help you get things back to normal.

This guide focuses on photos/video editor error 0x887A0005 , but some of the solutions below will also help if you’re experiencing this issue while gaming (CoD, MW2).

What is error code 0x887a0005?

According to the notification that appears when you click on the error, the application has suddenly ceased working. Error Code: 0x887a0005 is typically caused by damaged game files or problems with the graphics driver.

Drivers are essentially software programs that assist your system in properly communicating with its hardware. As a result, if your system’s drivers are out of date or if any critical drivers are missing, it will not function as you want it to.

This is exactly why you got the error code 887a0001 on your computer. Drivers are critical components of your system.

Moreover, here are some error variations that you may encounter, but nonetheless, fix with the solutions below:

0x887a0005 (0x887a0006)
Error code 0x887a0005 Modern Warfare 2/MW2, Vanguard, Warzone 2, Call of Duty/CoD
0x887a0005 dxgi_error_device_removed
Error code 0x887a0005 (0x887a002b) (6456) d
Video editor error code 0x887a0005 – movie maker error 0x887a0005, Microsoft video editor error code 0x887a0005
Dx12 error code 0x887a0005
Update your drivers to export video 0x887a0005

Without further ado, let’s jump right in!

How do I fix error code 0x887a0005?

1. Update your PC’s graphics card drivers

The 0x887A0005 error message says the app encountered an issue with video drivers. Thus, updating your PC’s drivers to export video is a likely remedy.

Scanning the computer with professional driver updater software will tell you if its GPU drivers are outdated (or faulty) and enable you to quickly update them.

2. Run the troubleshooter

First, open the Start menu.
Click Settings in your Start menu to open that app.
Next, click Update & Security > Troubleshoot to open the options shown directly below.
Then click Additional troubleshooters to open the list of Windows 10 troubleshooters.
Select Windows Store Apps in the list, and click the Run the troubleshooter button.
When you’ve gone through the troubleshooter, restart your PC.

3. Reset Photos

Bring up the search tool in Windows 10 by clicking the magnifying glass taskbar button.
Type the keyword apps in the search utility.
Click Apps & features in the search tool’s results to open the window shown below.
Select the Microsoft Photos app.
Then click Advanced options to open the Reset button.
Press the Reset button there.
Click Reset again on the confirmation prompt that appears.
Note that you can also press a Repair button there. If resetting Microsoft Photos doesn’t do the trick, try clicking the Repair option as well.

4. Reinstall Photos

Open the search box by clicking its taskbar button.
To find the Command Prompt, input cmd in the search utility.
Open an elevated Command Prompt by clicking its Run as administrator option on the right side of Windows 10’s search tool.
Next, type this text into the Command Prompt: get-appxpackage *Microsoft.Windows.Photos* | remove-appxpackage
Press the Return key to uninstall Photos with the entered command.
Restart your laptop or desktop after uninstalling Photos.
Open the Microsoft Photos app page in your browser.
Click the Get button on the Photos app page.
Then select the Open Microsoft Store option.
Press the Get button in MS Store to install Photos.

5. Update Windows 10

Launch Settings by holding the Windows key and pressing I.
Select Update & Security to open the update options below.
Press the Check for updates button to download and install available patch updates.
If you can update Windows 10 to a new build, click the Download and Install option to get the latest version.

6. Turn off hardware-accelerated video encoding in Photos

Open the Photos app window.
Click the See more menu button at the top right corner of Photos.
Select the Settings option on the menu that opens.
Then scroll down the window to the Use hardware-accelerated video encoding when available option shown directly below.
Toggle off the Use hardware-accelerated video encoding setting.

7. Clear the MS Store cache

Open the search box with the Windows + S key combo.
Type WSReset.exe in the search box.
Right-click the WSReset.exe search result to select a Run as administrator option for it.
Wait for the blank WSReset.exe window to close and the MS Store to open. Thereafter, try exporting your videos in Photos again.

Those are the most probable resolutions for fixing the error code 0x887A0005 Photos issue. As users have confirmed some of these tricks, they’re certainly worth a try.

Moreover, if the Microsoft Photos app has disappeared, we’ve got a few quick fixes for that as well. After all, no issue is there to remain unsolved.

For further information on Microsoft Photos, take a look at how to fix Microsoft.Photos.exe high memory usage and optimize your computer.

Let us know in the comments section if you found our solutions helpful. We’d love to hear your opinion.

Fix Another Installation is in Progress Error on Windows

Posted on December 19, 2022July 15, 2024 by Milan Stanojevic

Is there a worse thing than being unable to install a third-party application as, seemingly, something else is currently installed in the background?

That’s the whole deal with the Another installation is already in progress error on Windows 10. Any solutions? More than a few, actually.

How do I know if the installation is stuck?

The best way of knowing if another installation is in progress is to check the Windows Installer service.

What is Install in progress?

As the message clearly suggests, although you might not even see that, probably another program or update is being installed at the same time.

This issue usually occurs in Microsoft Office but it can happen with any other software. Here are some other examples of the error:

Installation failed, another installation is already in progress
Another installation is already in progress in Veeam
Another installation is already in progress in Microsoft Office, Adobe, Google
Another installation is already in progress in AutoCAD
Another installation is in progress Epic Games
Another installation is already in progress in Python , Java, Node JS, SCCM
Autodesk: Another installation is in progress
Error 1500/1618: Another installation is in progress. You must complete – another installation is already in progress. Complete that installation before proceeding (0x80070652)
Sophos another installation is already in progress
SCCM another installation is in progress
Windows setup cannot be launched while another instance of setup is already running
Another installation is in progress Windows 11, Windows 10, Windows 7
Cannot start another instance of the installer while this instance is running
Your machine is busy installing a program other than Visual Studio

For all these errors, you will find a suitable solution below and things are going to return to normal.

Right below, in our first solution, you will learn how to do that and even restart the service to fix this issue.

But don’t worry because here, we’re going to show you how to fix that error on Windows 10.

How do I fix Another installation is in progress?

1. Restart the Windows Installer service

Press the Windows key + R to start Run, type services.msc, and press Enter or click OK.
Scroll down, find Windows Installer, and double-click on it.
Look at the Service status and if it reads Running, just click the Stop button below.
Then, wait for a few seconds and press the Start button again.
Close the Services window and check if the problem is resolved.

Windows relies on its services in order to run properly, and there’s a service called Windows Installer that’s in charge of installing new software.

Whenever you try to install a new application, this service will start and help you install it.

Sometimes, certain repair or uninstall processes can start automatically in the background, and it can require Windows Installer service in order to run.

If you try to install another software while Windows Installer is running, you’ll encounter this error.

One of the simplest ways to fix this problem is to open the Services window and restart the Windows Installer service just like we described in the solution above.

2. End the Windows Installer process

Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc on your keyboard to open Task Manager.
Navigate to the Processes tab and locate Windows Installer.
Right-click it and choose End task from the menu. Often you’ll see a 32-bit and 64-bit version of Windows Installer running. If you have multiple Windows Installer processes running be sure to stop them both.
Close Task Manager and try to install the application again.

As we previously mentioned, the Windows Installer service is in charge of installing new applications on your PC.

Windows Installer process is related to this service, and according to some users, you can fix this problem simply by ending the Msiexec process using Task Manager.

3. Disable Windows Installer service and restart your PC

Press the Windows key + R to open the Run console, input services.msc, and press Enter or click OK.
Scroll down and double-click on Windows Installer.
Set the Startup Type to Disabled and click Apply and OK to save the changes.
After doing that, restart your PC.
After your PC restarts, open the Services window again.
Locate Windows Installer service and open its properties.
Set the Startup Type to Manual and click OK and Apply to save the changes.
Close Services window and try to perform the installation again.

Windows Installer service is a common culprit for Another installation is already in progress error, and if restarting the service doesn’t help, you might want to temporarily disable it.

A few of our readers also reported that they fixed the problem simply by changing the Startup Type of Windows Installer service to Automatic just as described in our solution above.

4. Perform Disk Cleanup

Click Start, enter disk cleanup in the search window, and select Disk Cleanup from the menu.
Select the system drive, by default it should be C:, and click OK. Wait while Disk Cleanup scans your PC.
Select all options and click the OK button to clean your disk.
Wait for the process to finish and try to install the software again.

Few of our readers reported that performing Disk Cleanup fixed the issue for them. It seems that Another installation is already in progress error is caused by temporary files left by previous installations.

By running Disk Cleanup you’ll easily remove any temporary files left by older installations.

For more advanced clean-up we advise you to check some of the best tools to delete junk files that we selected.

Sometimes errors like this show up because of corrupt files, like installers in our case. This can only be resolved by finding a good version of it with no issues.

For this kind of situation, we use third-party software that searches your system for corrupted files and replaces them with original Windows files from its database.

5. Perform a Clean Boot

Press Windows key + R and enter msconfig. Press Enter or click OK.
Go to Services tab and check Hide all Microsoft services option and then click on Disable all.
Now go to Startup tab and click on Open Task Manager.
A list of all available startup items will appear. Right-click each item on the list and choose Disable from the menu.
After disabling all startup items, close Task Manager.
Go back to System Configuration window and click Apply and OK to save the changes.
Restart your PC.

When your PC restarts, check if the problem still persists. If the issue is resolved, it means that a third-party application or service was causing the problem.

To identify the problem, open System Configuration window and turn on disabled services one by one.

Keep in mind that you’ll need to restart your PC after enabling a service in order to apply changes. Be sure to repeat the same process in Task Manager for Startup applications.

6. Check your Registry

Press Windows key + R and enter regedit, then click OK or press Enter.
In the left pane navigate to the following key: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\WindowsInstaller\InProgress
If you can’t find this key, navigate to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Installer
In the right pane locate the Default value and double-click it. Delete the values from Data value field and click OK to save changes.
Close Registry Editor.
Set the Startup type of the Windows Installer service to Disabled just like in Solution 3.
Restart your PC and set the Startup type for Windows Installer to Manual.

Sometimes this problem can be caused by certain values in your registry, so you’ll have to manually edit those values.

Editing your registry can be a dangerous process, so we recommend that you export your registry and use it as a backup in case anything goes wrong.

7. Uninstall and reinstall Office

Download the Microsoft Support and Recovery Assistant.
After the download is finished, run the tool and follow the instructions to remove Office from your PC.
Once the uninstall process is finished, restart your computer.
After that, try to install Office again and check if the problem is resolved.

Users reported Another installation is already in progress error message while installing Microsoft Office. This can occur because another Office installation or update was running in the background when you started the setup.

To fix this problem, check for the Office icon in the system tray to see if the installation is running. If Office is installing or updating, you’ll need to wait for the process to finish.

If there’s no Office icon in the system tray, you need to uninstall and reinstall Office.

If the problem persists, consider using a professional-level tool. Unfortunately, some apps are really difficult to uninstall completely.

They leave behind residual files that will interfere with the functionality of your system, in one way or another.

We recommend trying one of the best uninstaller software available because they are equipped with up-to-date technologies that detect and safely remove the smallest traces of any app.

8. Uninstall Java and download offline installer

Press Windows key + I to open the Settings app.
Choose Apps.
Locate Java on the list and click the Uninstall button to remove it.

Users reported this error message while installing Java on their PC. To fix this problem you need to uninstall your current version of Java.

After Java is uninstalled from your PC, you need to download offline installation of Java. After you download it, start it and follow the instructions on the screen.

9. Re-register Windows Installer

Press the Start button, type cmd, and select Run as administrator from the list.
When Command Prompt starts, you need to enter the following lines:
- msiexec.exe /unregister msiexec /regserver
After both commands are executed, close Command Prompt and check if the problem is resolved.

In most cases, this error is caused by Windows Installer, and one potential solution is to re-register Windows Installer.

10. Create a new Windows user

Press Windows key + I to open the Settings app.
Select Accounts, then click on Family & other users.
In Other people section select Add someone else to this PC.
Select I don’t have this person’s sign-in information.
Select Add a user without a Microsoft account.
Set the username for the new user account and click Next. If you want, you can also protect the new account with a password.

If none of the previous solutions work, your Windows user profile might be corrupted. If that’s the case, you’ll need to create a new user profile and use it instead.

After creating a new user account, log out of our current account and switch to the new one. Check if the error message appears on a new user account.

If everything is in order, you might want to move your personal files to a new account and start using it as your main account.

11. Fix the Another installation is in progress error for Visual Studio 2015

Press the Windows key + R, type regedit, and press Enter or click OK.
When Registry Editor starts, navigate to the following key: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Session Manager
In the right pane locate PendingFileRenameOperations value. Right-click it and choose Delete from the menu. We have to mention that deleting values from the registry can lead to certain problems, so we advise you to create a backup of your registry just in case.
After deleting this value, close Registry Editor.
Try to install Visual Studio 2015 again.

Another installation is already in progress error can appear while installing any application, and users reported that it appears while installing Visual Studio 2015.

To fix this problem, you need to delete a single value from your registry. This is relatively simple, but before you make any changes to your registry, we strongly advise that you create a backup.

By doing so, you can remedy any potential issues that can occur after modifying the registry.

How do I stop background installation?

The quickest and easiest way to stop a background installation is to stop the Windows Installer service.

You have the full indications on how to do that right in Solution 1 of this guide.

Another installation is already in progress error will prevent you from installing new software. This can be a tedious problem, but we hope that you solved it by using one of our solutions.

You should also consult our guide on what to do if the Windows 11 Installation Assistant disappeared.

If you have any suggestions on how to fix this problem, we’re waiting for your input in the comments section below.

Darktide Error 4008: How to Fix The Failed Handshake Timeout

Posted on December 19, 2022December 5, 2024 by Henderson Jayden Harper

The Warhammer 40000: Darktide is a first-person action video game newly released on Windows. Despite being recently released, users have reported Darktide error 4008: failed handshake timeout error.

You can also check out Darktide error 4001 reported by users for a quick fix.

What causes error 4008 in Darktide?

The Darktide error code 4008 occurs when a client PC fails to connect to the server for a specified time. The error occurs to prevent the device from a continuous standby response from the server.

Some of the factors that can cause Darktide errors 4008 are:

Network connection issues – Darktide error 4008 failed handshake occurs when the client cannot secure a server connection to join the game within a specific time frame. Issues with network congestion and a slow internet connection can cause the error.
System requirement compatibility – Devices not compatible with the minimum requirements can interfere with its activities. It can result in frequent crashes and errors that prevent users from being Abbie to play their games.
Third-party app interference – Background running of other third-party apps like antivirus can hinder the client PC from securing a connection with the game server. So, the activities of Darktide can be impeded by other apps.

How do I fix error 4008 in Darktide?

Here are a few preliminary steps to apply:

Check your network connection.
Stop all background apps running on your PC
Restart your PC in Safe Mode and check if you can fix the error.

If the error keeps appearing, proceed with the following steps.

1. Disable Windows Defender’s Real-Time Protection

Left-click the Start button, type Windows Security in the search box, and then press Enter.
Select the Virus & threat protection option, and click Manage settings.
Toggle off the Real-time protection option to turn off Windows Defender Antivirus.

Disabling the Windows Defender Real-time protection will resolve any effect of the Windows defender affecting the game.

2. Check the integrity of the game file

Left-click the Start button and type Steam, then double-click to open it.
Select the Library tab and search for Warhammer 40,000: Darktide.
Right-click the game and select Properties from the drop-down.
Click the Local Files tab and select the Verify Integrity of Game Files button.

Checking the game’s integrity will verify and fix all the games’ corrupt or missing files. Read more on the ways to verify the integrity of game files not working for more advanced steps.

3. Update the Warhammer 40000: 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.

Updating the Warhammer 40,000: Darktide will fix all bugs and errors in the current version allowing the app to run smoothly.

4. Run the Warhammer 40,000: Darktide game as an administrator

Press Windows + E to open File Explorer.
Locate the Warhammer: Darktide app. Right-click on the .exe file and select Properties.
Navigate to Compatibility, check the box for Run as administrator, and click Apply, then OK.

Running Warhammer 40,000: Darktide as administrator will give the app permission to perform more tasks effectively and allow user access control.

You can check our guide on ways to fix run as administrator not working in Windows.

In conclusion, our readers can check Warhammer 40,000: Sanctus Reach issues and some helpful fixes you can use. We also have a guide on Darktide backend error and Darktide error 9999 so don’t miss it.

If you have further queries or questions and suggestions about this guide, kindly drop them in the comments section.

Teams Premium preview is now available for trial, says Microsoft

Posted on December 19, 2022 by Radu Tyrsina

As reported in October during the annual developer conference, Ignite, Microsoft announced that it will be unveiling the new Microsoft Teams Premium add-on in preview this month. The offering comes with a host of new features that are designed to enhance the meeting experience by personalizing it and making it more secure with end-to-end encryption.

Last week, the company announced that the add-on is now available in public preview for commercial customers as a 30-day free trial. You can access it via the Microsoft 365 Admin Centre. This means that users will now have access to features like live translations, intelligent meeting recaps, advanced meeting protections, and more.

IT admins can also leverage this add-on to extend their organization’s brand and company culture with branding, and organization backgrounds. Since Teams Premium is powered by AI, you can use it to make the meetings you attend or miss more productive and impactful. Through the combined efforts of the live translations feature and intelligent recap, you’ll now be able to achieve this.

It is worth noting that you’ll not be able to access all the features we highlighted during the Ignite event just yet. Features like intelligent recap and custom branding for meetings will be rolled out sporadically between now and January 2023.

Once the trial period runs out, you’ll lose access to the add-on, however, it is expected to hit general availability in February 2023. You’ll need to make a monthly payment of $10 for this offering.

Easy Fix: Accidentally Deleted Audio Driver from Windows 10

Posted on December 19, 2022October 13, 2025 by Tashreef Shareef

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.

⇒ Get Fortect Driver Updater

2. Run Audio Troubleshooter

Click on Start and select Settings.
Click on Update and Security.
From the left pane click on Troubleshoot tab.
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.

Windows 10 update deleted your files and you don’t know how to get them back? Learn how from our guide.

3. Roll Back or Uninstall Sound Driver

Press Windows Key + R to open Run.
Type devmgmt.msc and press OK to open the Device Manager.
In the Device Manager expand, “Audio Inputs and outputs” section.
Right-click on your Speaker Driver or Microphone Array (whichever device is having sound issues) and select Properties.
Go to the Driver tab.
Click on the Roll Back Driver button if it is visible. Click Yes if asked to confirm.
If the Roll Back driver button is grey, click on Uninstall Device.
Restart the PC. Windows will automatically re-install the device after the restart.

4. Use System Restore Point

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.

For more information and ways to retrieve a deleted driver, take a look at how to reinstall audio drivers in Windows 10 [Realtek].

Alternatively, check out what to do if audio device is disabled on Windows 10/11 PC in order to reenable and make use of them.

Was this guide helpful for you? Don’t hesitate to let us know in the comments section below.

Most Common Darktide Error Codes & How to Fix Them

Posted on December 19, 2022October 26, 2025 by Henderson Jayden Harper

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.

Also, we receive reports of Darktide 2 running into problems on Windows 11.

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.

Fix: Run a System File Checker (SFC) scan

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.

Verifying the integrity of the game file will repair any missing or corrupt files. If Verify the integrity of game files is not working on Steam, check how to fix it.

6. Darktide error code 2004

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.
Select Search automatically for drivers.
Restart your PC.

Check other steps for updating graphics drivers on Windows 11 if you have any issues.

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

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7. Darktide error code 2007

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.

In conclusion, our readers may be interested in the Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War III system requirements for PC. Also, you can read about Warhammer 40,000: Sanctus Reach issues and some effective fixes you can use.

We also have a whole guide dedicated to Darktide backend error and the Darktide error 9999 so don’t miss it.

If you have more questions or suggestions on this guide, kindly drop them in the comments below.

Windows 11 Not Showing WiFi Option (Quick Fix Guide)

Posted on December 19, 2022July 28, 2025 by Kazim Ali Alvi

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.

How do I get my Wi-Fi back on Windows 11?
FAQs

Why Is There No WiFi Available on Windows 11?

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.

⇒ Get Fortect Driver Updater

3. Verify that Airplane mode is disabled

Press Windows + I to launch the Settings app.
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.

5. Restart the PC

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 Uninstall device 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.

For any problems logging in after the clean boot, learn how to remove your login password in Windows 11.

15. Perform a system restore

Press Windows + S to launch the Search menu.
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.

If you are facing trouble with the connection, check our guide on how to increase the Internet speed on Wi-Fi. Also, find out the best browsers for Windows 11 to seamlessly surf the web while ensuring privacy and security.

Lastly, if your WiFi symbol is not showing on laptop, check out our dedicated guide for help.

If you want to learn more about other issues like no Wi-Fi networks found, a “Wi-Fi action needed” message, or a Wi-Fi adapter not working, check out these helpful guides.

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.

Repair Your Corrupted Windows 10 User Profile in Minutes

Posted on December 19, 2022August 8, 2025 by Ivan Jenic

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.

Note that the steps are similar for both Windows 10 and 11 and you can use this to fix a corrupted user profile in Windows 11.

Once you enter the Safe Mode, do the following:

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.

3. Repair user profile Windows 10 with CMD

3.1 SFC scan

In order to repair a user profile in Windows 10 with CMD, press Windows then type cmd and choose the Run as administrator option from the right panel.
Paste the following command and press Enter: sfc /scannow

Your files can become corrupted for various reasons, and in order to fix the problem, you need to perform an SFC scan.

If the SFC scan can’t fix the problem, or if you can’t run the SFC scan at all, you might want to try using the DISM scan instead.

This solution should also fix the Settings app if it resets on reboot, but the highlighted guide has even more methods to solve this issue.

3.2 DISM scan

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 PC and 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 worth mentioning that this process might require a Windows 10 installation media, so create one using Media Creation Tool.

If the resetting process sounds a bit confusing to you, be sure to check our guide on how to reset Windows 10 for more information.

6. Run an in-depth antivirus scan

In rare cases, certain malicious codes may trigger user profile issues and even corrupt your user profile.

You need reliable antivirus software to detect and remove the threats that caused this problem.

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.

Many users reported that Windows apps can crash due to a corrupted user account, which will negatively impact your user experience.

In some instances, you might even be signed in with a temporary profile on Windows 10 until you manage to find the issue.

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.

User profile errors can appear after a Windows Update, or if the user profile is not in the registry, but luckily you can fix those issues by doing the following:

If you choose to repair the user profile on Windows 10, you’ll have to use the command line and Registry Editor to achieve that.
You can also delete corrupt user profiles, but to preserve them, you must back up your files.
It’s also possible to reset user your profile, which involves creating a new one and moving all the files and settings to it.

Wrapping up

That’s how to fix a corrupted Windows 10 user profile. For other sign-in problems, see Black Screen After Sign-In and Windows 11 Sign-In Issues. Comments are welcome!

Microsoft Excel: How to Insert an Image Into a Cell

Posted on December 19, 2022October 4, 2023 by Henderson Jayden Harper

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.

Nonetheless, users report that they can’t insert new cells in Excel when working on the program.

Can I drag and drop images into an Excel cell?

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.

Read how to fix Microsoft Word not working on Windows 11.

Our readers can also check our guide on fixing corrupt Excel cells that may cause problems with their activities on Excel. Even more, you can read about what to do if you run into too many different cell formats error in Excel.

If you have further questions or suggestions on this guide, kindly drop them in the comments section.

How to Enable Directx 12 Ultimate on Windows PC [Step-by-Step]

Posted on December 19, 2022May 14, 2025 by Matthew Adams

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.

We also have a guide on how to check if your graphics card is DirectX 12 compatible, which may come in handy.

How do I get DirectX 12 Ultimate?

The only way to get DirectX 12 Ultimate is by using a GPU that supports it. The following graphics cards support it:

GeForce RTX 20 series
GeForce RTX 30 series
Radeon RX 6800 series
Radeon RX 6900 XT series

If you don’t have it already, we have a great guide on how to download DirectX 12 for Windows 11, so don’t miss it.

Does Windows 11 support DirectX 12 Ultimate?

Both Windows 11 and 10 support Direct 12 Ultimate, however, to use it, you need to have a compatible graphics card.

Is DirectX 12 Ultimate worth 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.

In our latest article we covered what to do if DirectX 12 is not supported on your system, so check it for more information. If you’re using an older system, don’t miss our guide on DirectX 12 on Windows 7.

Before you go, don’t miss our guide on how to fix DirectX errors if you encounter any issues.

PCI Device Driver Missing in Windows 10 [Complete Guide]

Posted on December 18, 2022October 23, 2025 by Vlad Turiceanu

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.

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Why is the PCI device driver missing?

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.

We also have a guide on how to deal with Device PCI requires further installation message, so don’t miss it.

Tell us which fix worked and share any other solutions you may know in the comments section below.

3 Tips on How to Download & Install DisplayLink on Your PC

Posted on December 18, 2022October 4, 2023 by Vladimir Popescu

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?

Go to DisplayLink’s support website and click on Download Drivers in the top left corner.
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.

3. Install the DisplayLink driver manually

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.

You may also be interested in our guide on what to do if the second monitor was not detected on Windows 10.

If you have more solutions or tips on this issue, we would appreciate your input in the comments section.

How to Fix Outlook’s There Is No Default Mail Client Error

Posted on December 18, 2022October 4, 2023 by Matthew Adams

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.

3. Edit the MSMapiApps registry key

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

If you’re not sure about this here’s our guide on how to check if your Windows OS is 32-bit or 64-bit.

4. Delete the Microsoft Outlook subkey

NOTE

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.

If you encounter any problems with editing the Registry, our guide on how to gain full access to edit the Registry in Windows 10 will help you.

5. Disable Cortana

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, select New, 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.

5 Asus Gaming Mouse to Improve Your Performance in Game

Posted on December 18, 2022October 4, 2023 by Tashreef Shareef

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.

What is the best Asus gaming mouse?

ASUS ROG Gladius II Origin – Best overall

Ergonomic design for a better fit
Detachable cord with different textures
Excellent performance with Optical Sensor
Good RGB lighting

Glitch configuration software
Only three configuration profile

Check price

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.

ASUS ROG Chakram X – High polling rate

36,000 DPI ROG AimPoint sensor
8000Hz polling rate
Built-in programmable joystick
Can connect up to 3 devices

The joystick is only 4-directional
Pooling rate is not supported by most titles

Check price

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.

ROG Strix Impact II – Swappable switches

Lightweight build
Push-fit swappable switches
RGB light lights and compatible with Aura Sync

Limited profile support
Not the best design ergonomically

Check price

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 – Simple ambidextrous design

Ambidextrous design
Three connectivity modes
Swappable buttons
RGB lighting

DPI button not usable during use
Small side buttons

Check price

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

Swappable push-fit switches
Ergonomic and lightweight
Wired and wireless connectivity
Excellent value for money

Surface calibration option not available

Check price

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.

Choose Where to Get Apps is Missing? 5 Ways to Get it Back

Posted on December 18, 2022March 29, 2024 by Sagar Naresh

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.
Corrupt Microsoft Store cache: The presence of corrupt cache files can often conflict with the app’s smooth functioning.

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.

If you want to know how you can enable Group Policy Editor on your PC, then you can check out our guide that gives you detailed steps on it.

3. Use Registry Editor

Press Win + R to open the Run dialogue.
Type regedit and press Enter.
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.

How to Fix Error Code 25509 in Modern Warfare 2

Posted on December 18, 2022October 4, 2023 by Madhuparna Roy

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.

What causes error code 25509 in MW2?

A glitch with the network connection – In most cases, it’s the network cable that’s not properly plugged into the router/modem or broken that triggers the error.
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.

3. Turn off VPN and proxy

Press the Win + I shortcut keys to launch Windows Settings, click on Network & Internet on the left, and then click on VPN on the right.
On the next screen, click to expand the VPN connection on the right you want to disable and click Disconnect.
Now, return to Network & internet, and click on Proxy.
Here, under Automatic proxy setup, turn on the Automatically detect settings option.
Next, under Manual proxy setup, disable the Use a proxy server option.

In case you encounter a proxy error, follow the troubleshooting methods in our detailed post to fix the proxy error in Windows 11.

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.

Error Code 0x801901f4 on Xbox: 4 Quick Ways to Fix It

Posted on December 18, 2022October 4, 2023 by Loredana Harsana

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.

You can read about fixing the Xbox update error if you encounter such during the process.

3. Power Cycle your Xbox

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.

Removing everything will clear all data and games on the console, resetting it to the way it came. You can check how to fix the Xbox controller detected but not working if you can’t navigate with it.

Make sure you work your way through the provided fixes to know which will work for you.

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

80070308: How to Fix This Windows Update Error

Posted on December 18, 2022October 4, 2023 by Hasibul Kabir

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:

Make sure that your internet connection is OK.
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\
Find the SoftwareDistribution folder.
Rename the Software Distribution folder to something like SoftwareDistribution.bak.
Similarly, go to the following location: C:\Windows\System32
Rename the Catroot2 folder.
Now, run these commands: net start wuauserv
start stop cryptSvc
net start bits
net start msiserver
Restart your PC.

3. Repair .Net component

Press Win + R to open Run.
Type the following command and hit Enter: optionalfeatures
Uncheck the .Net Framework-related services and click on OK.
Restart your PC.
Again, open the optional features Window and re-enable these services.
Restart Windows again.

Often, resetting the .Net components solves update-related problems like update error 80070308. So, you can try it.

4. Try fixing using the registry

Open the Start Menu, type Regedit, and hit Enter.
Go to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE and expand Components.
Now, find the DWORD value called pendingrequired and delete it or rename it to something else like pendingrequired.bak.
Restart your PC.

If you don’t find that DWORD value, skip this method and follow the next ones.

5. Update manually

Go to the Windows Update Catalog page.
Find and download the relevant update.
Install it on your PC.

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.

If necessary, learn how to solve if the restore point is not working on Windows. Additionally, you also can take steps to repair corrupted Windows system files using SFC and DISM commands. It will help if any internal system file problems cause this update error.

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.

0x80070001: Windows Can’t Install Required Files [Fix]

Posted on December 18, 2022March 29, 2024 by Madhuparna Roy

Sometimes, you may encounter an error message, Windows cannot install required files with an error code – 0x80070001.

This error may often arise after a Windows Update, or while performing a Windows backup and restore.

What causes error code 0x80070001?

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.
Corrupted system files – It’s when the Windows system files are missing or corrupted, you can bump into this 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:

Disconnect any external devices.
Create a new bootable USB drive for Windows 11.
Run an antivirus scan to check for malware or virus infection on your PC.
Check your internet connection.

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 hit Enter: %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.

You have successfully cleared the Windows update cache, and you should not see the 0x80070001 error code again.

2. Reset Winsock Library

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.

3. Re-install the TCP/IP Stack Protocol

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 Uninstall device.
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.

You can also repair and restore corrupted system files on your PC using the methods shown in our detailed guide, which is also applicable to Windows 11.

Alternatively, you can also disable the hibernation mode in Windows 11 to increase storage space.

You may also run the disk clean-up tool on Windows 11 to free up disk space and fix the 0x80070001 error.

If you have any other queries related to Windows 11 installation, do leave a message in the comments box below.

0x903f9008 Xbox Error Code: 4 Ways to Fix It

Posted on December 18, 2022October 4, 2023 by Radu Tyrsina

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.
The server is offline – If one of the Microsoft live servers are offline, this could cause the issue.

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.
Clear the system cache.
Log out from your Xbox account.

If these tricks didn’t work for you, try these methods one by one to resolve the issue and see if one of them works.

1. Make the console primary for your Xbox account

Sign in through the account with the license for the game in question.
Press the Xbox button on the controller to access the guide menu.
Go to System, and click Settings.
Select Personalization, and click My home Xbox.
Now select the Make this my home Xbox option.

2. Connect to Xbox Live

Press and hold the Xbox button on the controller to get to the guide menu.
Select System, and click Settings.
Go to General, and select Network settings.
Choose Setup wireless network.
Go to your wireless network from the available networks list.
Enter the password for your wireless network.

3. Check your internet connection

On the controller, press the Xbox button.
Go to System, and click Settings.
Select General, then click Network settings.
Next, click Test network connection.

4. Hard reset your Xbox

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: partners on Google Maps competitor, crypto mining banned on Microsoft’s online services, and more

Posted on December 18, 2022 by Radu Tyrsina

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

As of December 1, Microsoft has restricted crypto mining on its online services, including Azure. Explaining the move, Microsoft says it’s to enhance the security of customers’ accounts.

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.

FuboTV is not working on your device? Why and How to Fix this?

Posted on December 18, 2022October 4, 2023 by Tashreef Shareef

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.
Use any speed testing tools to check the internet speed.
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.

Microphone is Not Working on Chromebook: 6 Ways to Fix It

Posted on December 18, 2022October 4, 2023 by Loredana Harsana

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 Refresh button and while pressing the button, press the Power button as well.
When your Chromebook is turned on, release the Refresh button.

3. Troubleshoot Chrome

3.1 Remove extensions

Launch Chrome browser.
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.

4 Ways to Turn On or Off Live Caption on Windows 11

Posted on December 18, 2022October 4, 2023 by Loredana Harsana

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:

Make sure you are running the latest Windows Update for Windows 11.
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.
Close the Settings app and check if it’s working.

Should you want to use other features, you can check our guide to know the new changes in the Windows 11 Accessibility settings.

3. Use the keyboard shortcut

Another viable way is to use keyboard shortcuts to activate or remove the Live Captions in Windows 11.

Press the Windows + Ctrl + L keys simultaneously to launch Live Captions. Also, you can disable Live Captions if it was enabled.

4. Use Task Manager

Left-click the Start button, type task manager, and click Open.
Click on either the Processes or Details tab. Select Live Captions or Livecaptions.exe, and click on End task at the top of the Window.

This method only works when you wish to disable Live Captions. Here is a detailed guide on some of the best ways to open Task Manager in Windows 11.

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: How to Fix This Application Hang Error

Posted on December 18, 2022July 15, 2024 by Cesar Cadenas

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 /release ipconfig /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.

3. Run SFC and DISM commands to clean up

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 /CheckHealth DISM /Online /Clean-Image /ScanHealth DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
Once done, enter the following command to finish up: sfc /scannow

Another great method is to run this scan using a third-party tool that specializes in system file checking.

4. Disable Add-ins on Outlook

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.

No Sound After Sleep Mode: Enable It With These 3 Solutions

Posted on December 18, 2022September 28, 2025 by Ivan Jenic

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.

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2. Run the Sound troubleshooter

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.

What does Origin do?

How can I download Origin on Windows 11?

Use their official website

Why can’t I install Origin on Windows 11?

How can I install APK files on Windows 11?

Table of contents

1. Enable the Windows Subsystem & download the Amazon Appstore

1. 1. Download and install Windows Subsystem for Android

1. 2. Download and install the Amazon Appstore

2. Sideload APKs using an APK file

3. Get an Android emulator app

How do I open an APK file on my PC?

Are there implications of running APKs from third-party sites?

Are APK files safe?

Wrapping up

Why is my GPO not being applied?

How do I force the Gpupdate command to apply?

1. Delete the registry.pol file

2. Perform DISM and SFC scans

3. Restart Group Policy

4. Create a new user profile

5. Reset Group Policy

What causes hidparse.sys blue screen error?

What can I do to fix the HIDPARSE issue on Windows 10 22H2?

1. Disable driver signature enforcement and update Windows

2. Use SFC and DISM

3. Copy the file from the recovery environment

4. Disable Driver Signature Enforcement and rename the hidparse.sys file

5. Uninstall update or use System Restore

How do I download webcam drivers for Windows 11?

1. Use Device Manager

2. Use the manufacturer’s website

3. Use dedicated driver software

How do I get Windows 11 to recognize my camera?

Bottom line

How do I fix Out of memory error in Microsoft Edge?

1. Adjust Edge’s security settings

2. Create a new user profile in your browser

3. Modify the registry

Why is my Logitech G Hub stuck on loading screen?

How can I fix Logitech G Hub stuck on loading screen?

1. Reinstall Logitech G Hub

2. Update your drivers

3. Restart the LGHUB Services

4. Disable Logitech G Hub automatic updates

5. Update your OS

How do I use 2 audio outputs at once on Windows 10?

1. Enable Stereo Mix

2. Select Output Devices to play audio from specific apps

Why is the game using 100% of my CPU?

How do I limit Roblox’s high CPU usage?

1. Adjust your graphic settings

2. Disable Hardware Acceleration

3. Update your drivers

Outbyte Driver Updater

4. Check for malware

5. Update your PC’s software

Is Roblox using CPU or GPU?

What is error code 0x887a0005?

How do I fix error code 0x887a0005?

1. Update your PC’s graphics card drivers

2. Run the troubleshooter

3. Reset Photos

4. Reinstall Photos

5. Update Windows 10

6. Turn off hardware-accelerated video encoding in Photos

7. Clear the MS Store cache

How do I know if the installation is stuck?

What is Install in progress?

How do I fix Another installation is in progress?

1. Restart the Windows Installer service

2. End the Windows Installer process

3. Disable Windows Installer service and restart your PC

4. Perform Disk Cleanup

5. Perform a Clean Boot

6. Check your Registry

7. Uninstall and reinstall Office

8. Uninstall Java and download offline installer

9. Re-register Windows Installer

10. Create a new Windows user