It is not entirely unusual for printers to cut off the bottom of printed pages. Sometimes the bottom half of lines or footers don’t appear in printed output when printers cannot print below a certain point.
Thus, the whole page isn’t always the full printable area for printers with paper-feeding mechanisms that leave small parts of sheets blank. Consequently, some users need to adjust their print settings to fix printing that cuts out the bottom of the pages.
To avoid the printer cutting off the bottom of the page, check the instructions below.
Why is my printer not printing the whole page?
1. Make Sure the Selected Paper Format Matches the Actual Printing Paper
To select a default paper format for the printer, open the Printing Preferences window. Click the Settings button on the Start menu.
Select Devices and open the Bluetooth and other Devices tab.
Click Devices and printers to open the Control Panel window shown directly below.
Then right-click the default printer and select Printing Preferences, which will open a window like the one in the image directly below.
Then click a Paper tab on that window to configure the default paper options for the printer.
Click Apply and OK after changing the paper options.
This problem is usually caused by Microsoft Word margins issues but the highlighted guide will walk you through on how to fix them.
2. Manually Configure the Page
Users who can’t find a paper format that exactly matches what they’ve loaded in the printer might need to manually configure the page size settings for a document. Then they can set up a page that exactly matches the dimensions of the paper in the printer to ensure nothing gets cut off the printed output.
A lot of office applications include page formatting options that enable users to do that. For example, LibreOffice Writer users can click Format > Page to set up a custom page format by adjusting the Width and Height values.
3. Adjust the Page Margins
Adjusting margins can often fix printing that cuts off the bottom of pages. Reduce the bottom page margin in a document to ensure that the bottom page content does not extend beyond the printing limitations of the printer. Users can adjust margins before printing with applications’ print or page layout settings.
4. Select a Page-Scaling Option
Some software includes page-scaling settings that will fit or shrink page content to a printable area. Those options ensure that printed output fits the selected paper by scaling pages up or down.
So, have a good look for Fit to Printable Area or Shrink to Printable Area option within the applications’ print options.If the required application doesn’t include page-scaling options, convert the document that needs printing to a PDF file.
Then users can open and print the document in Adobe Reader, which includes Fit and Shrink oversized pages settings. Click File > Print in Adobe to select either Fit or Shrink oversized pages before printing.
If you get the error message System Restore did not complete successfully, here is all you need to know.
Windows is a great operating system and has come a long way over the years by correcting all known issues or adding new functionalities to keep up with technology’s constant progress.
Even so, the greatest of investments are not flawless, and Windows makes no exception.
Many users reported being affected by System Restore issues, which happen in all operating system versions, including Windows 10.
The entire error message states that the System Restore did not complete successfully. Your computer’s system files were not changed.
Now let’s explore some possible triggers and solutions.
Why does my System Restore keep failing?
From user experience, we gather a few things that can trigger this error. Here are a few of the top ones:
Conflicting programs – Users have reported that the antivirus may interfere with System Restore and stop it from completing.
Driver errors – Sometimes, it may be because of device driver issues; they may be corrupted or bad.
Startup apps – Users have also reported that, in some cases, improper startup programs or startup scripts may cause this error.
While the System Restore function has been seriously revamped over the years, some unlucky users have reported various problems with this option. If System Restore is not working, regardless of the triggers, you may try the solutions below.
Note that you may have System Restore did not complete successfully with AppxStaging or error codes like 0x80070005, 0x8000ffff, 0x80071ab1, 0x80071ac5.
How can I fix System Restore did not complete successfully?
Sign in using a profile with administrator rights.
Press the Windows key + R on your keyboard to open the Run menu, then type msconfig and hit Enter to open the System Configuration.
Open the Services tab and check the box next to Hide all Microsoft services, then click Disable all.
Next, move over to the Startup tab and select Open Task Manager.
Open the Startup tab in the Task Manager window, then select and Disable each program.
Close the opened windows and restart your computer.
Of course, this is just one way of performing the desired action. You can also boot your system from the Windows Recovery Environment, the Microsoft sign-in screen, or the Settings app.
2. Run the System Restore in Safe Mode and check the issue status
Open the Start menu and click on the Power icon. Now, hold Shift on your keyboard and click on Restart.
When your computer restarts, choose Troubleshoot, Advanced options, Startup Settings, and click on Restart.
Press F5 to select Safe Mode with Networking when your computer restarts again.
After you enter Safe Mode, try to perform System Restore.
If you need more information on this topic, here are the Windows Startup Settings, including Safe Mode.
As time passed, installing Windows became a walk in the park. Does anyone remember Windows XP and the lengthy installation process closely followed by the demoralizing driver’s lookup? Those, luckily, belong to the past.
However, despite the fact that Windows 10 installation is simple, there are some errors, like the A media driver is missing a prompt which prevents users from continuing to the Install now screen.
The USB installation media boots fine, however, the installation fails due to a missing USB hub driver.
We provided some solutions which should help you overcome the media driver is missing Windows 10 USB install problem. Check them out below.
How can I fix the A media driver is missing Windows 10 USB install issue?
1. Make sure you meet the Windows 10 requirements
First things first. Before we move to deal with the steps, we suggest you check the system requirements for Windows 10.
Besides applying this to a standard system configuration, we also recommend updating your BIOS (if updates are available) before you move to a clean installation of Windows 10.
Here are the minimum system requirements you’ll need to meet in order to run Windows 10:
CPU: 1 gigahertz (GHz) or faster processor or SoC
RAM: 1 gigabyte (GB) for 32-bit or 2 GB for 64-bit
HDD space: 16 GB for 32-bit OS 20 GB for 64-bit OS
GPU: DirectX 9 or later with WDDM 1.0 driver
Display: 800×600
Of course, in order to achieve a seamless workflow, it’s better to have at least 2 GB of RAM (3 for the 64-bit version) and much better processing power.
2. Use a third-party driver updater software
Downloading drivers manually may lead to serious malfunctions, because is a process that carries the risk of getting the wrong driver installed.
Using a dedicated tool to find the missing driver for your Windows 10 PC is one of the safest and time-saving solutions. A professional driver updater software will automatically find the missing drivers and install them in seconds.
When running a driver updater, there is no need to upgrade or install drivers separately unless you configure it to do so.
3. Try switching the USB hub midway
This isn’t a new problem. Not by a long stretch. A lot of users experienced the error while clean installing Windows 7 and 8, as well.
Now, it seems that a certain user provided the solution for the Windows 7 installation issue, which can, hopefully, apply to Windows 8 or, in this case, Windows 10.
Namely, he/she was able to go past the error screen with a nifty workaround. Here’s how to do it yourself:
Boot from the drive and wait for the installation files to load.
Choose your preferences and click Install now.
When the error occurs, click Cancel, unplug the USB, and plug it into a different USB port.
Click Install now again and everything should work just fine.
This should work but we must stress that this mostly applies to users who already installed Windows 10 on a given machine before.
4. Try different USB stick and use USB 2.0 port exclusively
For some peculiar reason, not every compatible USB flash stick (6 GB of storage space) will load the installation files.
In case you have an alternative USB flash drive, try re-creating the setup and try installing Windows 10 again. You can use either Media Creation Tool or any third-party application to do so.
Furthermore, if you’ve never installed Windows 10 before on the given PC, chances are that the BIOS won’t load the installation setup if you use a USB 3.0 port.
So, make sure to stick exclusively with the USB 2.0 ports while installing Windows 10. You’ll easily recognize the USB 3.0 port by the blue stripe inside.
5. Set USB option to Auto and disable Legacy USB if available
Disabling/enabling some of the options available in BIOS helped some users circumvent the error.
Firstly, if you’re installing a 64-bit version of Windows 10, we recommend disabling Legacy USB and Legacy BIOS in the BIOS (UEFI) settings.
Also, make sure to enable the AHCI prior to plugging in the flash installation drive.
Some contemporary configurations allow users to enable the USB option to USB 3.0 solely. We suggest setting it to Auto. If you have the option like that in your BIOS/UEFI menu, of course.
6. Try using Rufus instead of the Media Creation Tool or DVD
Finally, if you’re unable to get through with it, starting from scratch with the Rufus might be your way out.
Even though the Microsoft-provided Media Creation Tool usually works just fine, we suggest trying out the alternative.
Also, if you depleted options when it comes to installing Windows 10 from the USB flash, just give a DVD a try.
You can download the ISO file and burn it to DVD by using nothing else but Windows resources. The main condition is that you have a DVD-ROM at your disposal.
Another viable solution is to upgrade to Windows 10 from Windows 7/8.1 with the Media Creation tool through the system and perform a clean reinstallation later on.
That should do it. In case you have an alternative solution for the a media driver your computer needs is missing problem or have questions regarding the enlisted ones, make sure to tell us in the comments section below.
With virtual surround sound software, you can get immersive audio even without complex sound systems. By adjusting presets and volume settings, these tools give you the possibility to get better quality sound.
You can find reliable options below if you want your gaming, movie nights, or music-listening experiences to improve.
What are the best virtual surround sound software?
Boom 3D can automatically calibrate itself based on the type of sound card and audio system you have.
The Boom audio engine offers a 3D Surround Sound and customizable equalizer presets. This lets you easily tweak audio to your own liking.
You have the ability to adjust the intensity of every surround sound channel. You can also toggle individual virtual surround sound speakers on/off, adjust the bass level, and scale the intensity of the 3D Surround Sound effect.
Key features include:
Select audio Output device – system speakers, on/over-ear headphones, in-ear headphones, external speakers, Bluetooth, and USB speakers
Volume booster
Volume controller – adjust specific application volumes
Audio effects – ambiance, fidelity, night mode, spatial, pitch
Quick controls – quickly change common settings without opening the full app
Boom 3D
Enjoy an immersive virtual surround sound experience with this adaptable software!
Created specifically for gaming with headphones, the surround sound algorithms powering Razer Surround create an accurate surround sound environment that allows a gamer to calibrate positional sound.
Razer Surround gives you the chance to go through a series of simple listening tests that will allow you to map the way you listen to your games intuitively.
More than this, your custom settings will be saved in the cloud so that you will immediately be ready to play games no matter if you’re at a friend’s house or a local LAN Cafe.
Key features include:
Bass Boost
Sound normalization
Voice clarity
Voice level
Custom & 11 pre-set equalizer settings
Ability to calibrate your individual preferences
Razer Surround
Razer Surround will blow your mind with its awesome 7.1 virtual surround sound engine for full immersion
SBX Pro Studio is a suite of audio enhancement technologies that was created to bring out the absolute best in your gaming audio.
This tool has seamless controls and a very user-friendly interface. You can take full control of how you want your audio to sound.
The algorithms used by SBX Surround provide audio enhancement to any audio by optimizing the listening experience for both two-channel and multi-channel sources. This feature will automatically adapt and provide the best surround sound experience to fit any of your listening experiences.
SBX Surround consists of two core tech components:
Upmix – It processes both stereo and multi-channel sounds and matches them to the active output configuration.
Virtualizer – It takes the audio that has been processed by Upmix and splits the signal to every speaker connected using head-related transfer function (HRTF) filters.
Equalizer APO is one of the best equalizers for tweaking your audio experience to the smallest detail and works especially well (compared to other EQ software) because it can be used in conjunction with Room EQ Wizard that allows you to easily read its filtered text file format.
It APO can enhance and improve the surround sound quality of your media, and once it’s installed, it can be configured by accessing its configuration TXT file found in the installation folder on your Windows 10 PC.
The app also offers you the possibility to transform its looking by installing Peace GUI, which makes it even easier to use and adds audio mixing tools to your PC.
Here are its key features:
Effects panel – balance, crossfading, delay
Graph window
Save configurations and activating them by a simple click/hotkey or desktop shortcut
Up to 31 gain dB Equalizer sliders per channel/speaker
9 speakers support (all, stereo, 5.1 and 7.1)
Filter frequencies, dB gains, filter qualities can all be changed per slider
Filters: peak, low/high pass and shelf, bend, notch, and all pass
Pre amplifying dB values for volume control (per channel/speaker)
Atmos was developed in 2012 and the new version expands the previous 5.1 and 7.1 setups to include a large number of speakers that you can place around the room. In this way, you’ll create that amazing 3D sound experience.
One of the most important features of Atmos is the concept of audio objects. Before this, sounds were constrained to specific portions of the audio.
This technology is incredibly adaptable, it will give you the same experience no matter if you use it in a cinema setting, or at home with a normal set of speakers.
Home Atmos systems with as little as seven speakers are capable of 128 audio objects but it supports up to 34 speakers.
Key features of Dolby Atmos include:
Object-based audio
Height channels for 3D sound360-degree spatial sound
Compatible with home theaters, soundbars, headphones
Steelseries Sonar is a free app that comes within the bundle offered by the company as support for their peripherals.
The surround effect is very easy to activate and you can also create a different setting based on activity. The app comes with several premade configurations but of course, you can create your own if you feel like none of them suits you.
Sonar can be easily used to enhance your chat over the microphone. It comes with features such as noise cancelation powered by AI, volume stabilizer, and noise gate.
As an answer to Dolby Atmos, Microsoft created Windows Sonic. This app can be found as a default app in Windows 10 that has the Creators Update installed.
Sonic simulates a 3D environment using the audio that comes from your device. It doesn’t work extremely well for movies but it makes up for it in games.
Some motherboards and sound cards may require device software to use the hardware. This type of software usually works in the background without the knowledge of the user. For example, if you are using an MSI motherboard then you may have Realtek HD Audio Manager software installed.
Before you use Windows Sonic, it is recommended that you disable any audio effects previously applied.
Follow these steps to activate and use Windows Sonic:
After you’ve deactivated any sound effects, locate the sound icon on your taskbar, right-click on it and then select Spatial sound.
You then want to select Open Volume Mixer, click the Speakers icon to open Speakers Properties and switch to the Spatial sound tab.
Under the Spatial sound format, click on the drop-down menu and select Windows Sonic for Headphones. Ensure you checked the Turn on 7.1 virtual surround sound option.
Select Apply, and then OK.
That’s it! Now you’re ready to experience the effects of Windows Sonic on your audio.
These are some of the best surround sound software to use on your computer. If you already used some of these tools, do tell us more about your experience in the comments below.
Webex is a powerful video conferencing tool for collaboration. You can share your screen and talk to multiple people at once. But when it comes to sharing your screen, you may encounter a problem: the Share Screen button is greyed out.
These problems with Webex can make the share screen difficult to use and make you think that it is not working. If you have experienced such issues, this article will show you how to fix this issue so that you can share your desktop screen in Webex meetings again.
Why is the share button greyed out in Webex?
Outdated app – If you’re not running the most recent version of Webex, you may be missing out on important updates needed for the program to function properly.
Security permissions – If you have not enabled sharing permissions on your PC, the share screen will not be active.
Outdated OS – If your Windows is not up-to-date, it may not meet the current system requirements of the latest Webex version.
App conflict – If you have another similar app that is running at the same time and using your webcam, Webex may not be able to share the screen.
Browser settings – If you’re using Webex on a browser, it is possible that your browser does not support sharing screens natively or some extensions are blocking the feature.
The host has disabled sharing – If the meeting does not allow sharing of content, you cannot share until the host allows you to.
The meeting is private – If your meeting is not yet public, the Share button will be greyed out. You need to make sure that your meeting is public before you can share it.
How do I fix the greyed out share screen on Webex?
A few basic checks before moving on to the advanced troubleshooting could help remedy the situation:
Make sure that you have enabled the sharing feature.
Log out and log back into your Webex account.
Sometimes Webex permissions can be limited by corporate policies or security software installed on your computer. If this is the case, then make sure that your organization gives you permission to share your Webex screen before making an attempt again.
If you’re using an older version of your browser, note that some older browsers may not work well with Webex and require the latest version to function optimally. For example, here’s how to update Microsoft Edge to the latest version.
Alternatively, you can switch to another browser or the app version to avoid browser limitations that may occur from time to time.
Try restarting your computer. Windows not restarting issues can be caused by broken system files, but you can take immediate action if facing this problem.
1. Check for software updates
Sometimes the issue occurs due to outdated software versions. You can try updating your software to see if it fixes the problem.
If not, try uninstalling and reinstalling Webex Meetings app again. This will ensure that you have the latest version and get rid of the previous one, especially if it was corrupted.
2. Disable browser extensions
If you have any browser extensions enabled, try disabling them and then restarting your browser. This seems to be an issue with certain browsers where extensions aren’t playing nicely with Webex.
If the share screen becomes active after you have disabled the extensions, you can try enabling them one by one until you find the culprit.
Select Windows Update and click on Check for updates.
Download and install if available.
Hopefully, one of these solutions has been able to fix the greyed out share screen on Webex. You may also come across an error where the Webex microphone is not working, so feel free to check out our guide on the same.
A Windows cannot find javaw.exe error message can pop up when you try to launch Java software.
The full error message states: Windows cannot find javaw.exe. Make sure you typed the name correctly, and then try again.
Because javaw.exe is similar to java.exe but runs without a console window, it’s best to keep it running, as it’s typically started by other programs. We’ll show you how to fix any issues without having to remove it.
What can I do if javaw.exe is missing on Windows?
1. Add the Javaw.exe Path to the Environment Variable Path
Press the Windows key + R to launch Run.
Input sysdm.cpl in Run and click OK to open the window shown directly below.
Select the Advanced tab.
Press the Environment Variables button to open the window in the snapshot below.
Click the New button under System variables to open a New System Variable window.
Enter Path in the Variable name text box.
Then, input the exact path of your javaw.exe file. The default javaw.exe path would be something like C:Program files(x86)javajre7bin or C:Program files(x86)javajre8bin on 64-bit Windows platforms.
If you’re not sure what path to enter, press the Windows key + Q hotkey to open Cortana. Then enter java in the search box.
Right-click javaw and select Open file location.
Thereafter, File Explorer will open the folder that includes javaw.exe. Enter the folder path open in File Explorer into the Variable value text box on the New System Variable window.
Press the OK button on the New System Variable window.
Click OK on the Environment Variables window.
The javaw.exe error often arises because Windows can’t find the Java program. So, adding the exact javaw.exe path to system variables often fixes the Windows cannot find javaw.exeerror.
Follow the guidelines above to add a new javaw.exe system variable path.
2. Reinstall Java
Reinstalling Java might also fix the javaw.exe error for users with antiquated Java versions. To reinstall Java, enter appwiz.cpl in Run and click OK.
Select Java and click Uninstall.
Select the Yes option on the dialog box that opens.
Click the Java installer file to open the setup window below.
Press the Install button on that window.
2. Scan for malware
This error can often be resolved by running a full computer scan with your antivirus software. Simply open your antivirus, navigate to the scan option, and initiate a complete scan.
When the process finishes, review the report to see if any threats were found and addressed.
If you don’t already use an antivirus, we recommend TotalAV because it uses multi-layered protection while being very lightweight. It ensure faster detection rates.
TotalAV
Guard your devices with advanced multi-layered protection that keeps all threats at bay.
Solving glitches is our specialty, so bookmark our Windows 10 Errors Hub if you need assistance with other PC-related problems.
Since your goal is to get this result as quickly as possible, apply the same solutions when dealing with the following:
javaw.exe not found – Users say they keep seeing the same message on their computer. Since it cannot find a working Java installation, we can only recommend reinstalling it.
Windows cannot find javaw.exe ASDM—Sometimes, users may not even get the ASDM Launcher login box. If you’re not a stranger to this error, quickly scanning your device is a wise move.
Do you still have problems with jawaw.exe? Let us know in the comments section below.
Let’s take a look at some of the best equalizer settings for games & best software to go with it. With those, you can enhance your gaming experience and get more immersive sound.
For action-paced games, be sure to set a higher value for high-frequency sounds.
If you’re playing more atmospheric games, set low-frequency sounds to a higher value.
In order to hear the footsteps while gaming, try adjusting 2000 or 4000 Hz frequency.
2. Equalizer settings for FPS games
General FPS games
25Hz
40Hz
63Hz
100Hz
160Hz
250Hz
400Hz
630Hz
1kHz
1.6kHz
2.5kHz
4kHz
6.3kHz
10kHz
16kHz
1.8db
1.4db
1.4db
0.6db
0db
-3db
-4.6db
-4.6db
-4.6db
-4.6db
-4.2db
-4.6db
-5.8db
-7.8db
-9db
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare
32Hz
62Hz
125Hz
250Hz
500Hz
1k Hz
2k Hz
4k Hz
8k Hz
16k Hz
-6db
-1db
0db
-4db
-1db
0db
0db
0db
1db
-2db
Call of Duty: Warzone
31Hz
62Hz
125Hz
250Hz
500Hz
1kHz
2kHz
4kHz
8kHz
16kHz
-7db
-7db
-7db
-7db
3db
3db
3db
8db
8db
8db
PUBG
30Hz
60Hz
120Hz
250Hz
500Hz
1kHz
2kHz
4kHz
8kHz
16kHz
1db
8db
6db
6db
0db
0db
4db
15db
10db
5db
Counter Strike: Global Offensive
16Hz
32Hz
63Hz
125Hz
250Hz
500Hz
2kHz
4kHz
8kHz
16kHz
0db
0db
0db
2db
4db
5.5db
8.5db
10db
8db
6db
Razer Nari headset:
31Hz
63Hz
125Hz
250Hz
500Hz
1kHz
2kHz
4kHz
8kHz
16kHz
2db
1db
0db
0db
2db
2db
3db
3db
4db
4db
Enhancements:
Bass Boost
Sound Normalization
Voice Clarity
50
Off
50
3. Use a gaming sound enhancer
If you’re looking to optimize your sound while gaming, then Boom 3D might be the perfect choice for you. It brings virtual 3D surround sound to your speakers or headphones.
As for fine-tuning, the software has a 31-band equalizer and 3D surround capability, so you can optimize the sound any way you like.
Other useful features:
Volume booster
Compatible with all types of speakers/headphones
Built-in audio effects
Improved music player
Ability to individually control the volume of each application
Boom 3D
This audio enhancement software offers a powerful equalizer so you can get the best sound quality.
These settings are sure to deeply enhance your gaming experience. Amongst other things, such settings will make you hear footsteps better, in order to have a quicker reaction in your favorite game.
Finding the best equalizer settings for gaming isn’t as easy, and there are no universal settings, so you’ll have to do a bit of experimenting until you find which values work best for your needs.
If you want to find the serial number on Windows 11, you should know that it’s pretty easy to check. Today, we’ll walk you through a few different ways to do it effectively.
Before that, keep in mind that if you are having issues with your Windows 11, they can easily be solved with the help of specialized repair tools.
Where can I find the serial number in Windows 11?
1. Use the Command Prompt
Go to the Search Bar, and type Command Prompt in the search box.
After Command Prompt opens, type in one of the following command and press Enter: wmic bios get serialnumberwmic csproduct get identifyingnumber
After entering the command, you should get a response with the exact Windows 11 serial number.
If you wish to find out what your PC’s model number is, type in the following command and press Enter: wmic csproduct get name
2. Use Settings
Right-click on the Windows button.
Select Settings from the list.
Go to System > About.
Under Windows specifications, you will see the serial number of your device.
3. Check your UEFI
Restart your device.
Depending on your PC’s manufacturer, you will be briefly asked to press a certain key during the booting process.
Press that key (Usually DEL, F1, F2, and Escape) until you open the UEFI settings.
Once inside the UEFI, look for text containing the Serial number.
You might need to select the category, or you might find the number showcased in the main menu.
4. Check your PC hardware’s box
Locate your motherboard or laptop box.
Look for the sticker with your serial number.
Alternatively, check for other documents you got with your PC for the serial number.
How can I check the serial number on my laptop on Windows 11?
If you are using a laptop, the same methods as above apply to finding the serial number. Many laptops have a serial number sticker on them.
Is the Windows serial number the same as the product key?
The serial number is a unique identifier for your motherboard or laptop. The product key is the number that you use to activate Windows. You can easily get a Windows key with PowerShell, and we have a whole guide that explains how to do that.
Tell us why you need to know the serial number on Windows 11 and whether our solutions helped you do it in the comments section below. Other tips are welcome as well!
There are times when your printer might be printing blurry images. This happens to be a common phenomenon with all printers and is more likely to happen after you start using your printer after a long gap of time.
I changed my ink cartridges and now the printing is blurry and shadowed, despite running the alignment process NUMEROUS times. How do I get my the text to be crisp and clean again?
Why is my printer printing blurry?
There can be a lot of reasons for that happening, the most common ones are dirty print heads, no ink, settings issues or old drivers on your PC.
Nothing to worry though as the issue can be remedied easily. In fact, all printers come with a built-in mechanism to deal with just such a scenario. Read on to find out the solution to the problem!
What can I do if my printer is not printing clearly?
1. Update the printer driver
Type Device Manager in the search box and select it from the search result.
Locate your printer, right click on it and select Update driver.
Choose theautomatic option which is more hassle-free.
If you have manually downloaded the update, you can opt for the second choice, that of manually installing the updates.
If this seems a bit complicated, you can always use third-party tools to update all your outdated drivers with just a few clicks.
2. Check the ink levels
A good first step for you to do will be to see if the printer has enough ink in its repository.
Printers of every kind allow the users to check the ink level, which can be either via PC or straight off from the printer device itself.
Since this process is different for every printer, be sure to check the user manual for specific instructions.
The associated printer app should have the necessary information and will let you know if the ink levels are within normal limits.
This again is something that needs to be done periodically as the nozzles often tend to get choked, more so if the printer has been sitting idle for a considerable period of time.
That is also precisely the reason the printer also comes with a self-cleaning operation to clean choked nozzles.
However, all printers have their own unique ways to initiate the cleaning process, so be sure to check out your printer manual.
However, a general rule of thumb is that the process can be started from within the maintenance section.
Also, it might be necessary for the cleaning operation to be performed multiple times for a good and thorough cleaning job.
4. Check the alignment
The alignment of the print cartridges or toners can also be equally important in determining the quality of the print. So, check to see if the alignment is perfect for the type of print you need.
If need be, perform the alignment operation multiple times until the desired result is obtained.
Refer to the company manual for steps on this though this is another option that is usually found in the maintenance section.
5. Settings issue
Most printers allow the user to set the quality of the print. Those can vary from draft quality to anything resembling the best quality.
Changing the setting to that which offers the highest quality of prints can also solve the issue of blurry prints.
6. Use the right paper
Poor quality of paper used for printing can also lead to blurry prints.
That makes it important that you use paper of the right quality that can be the best match for your printer, or for that matter, the type of ink that the printer uses.
Using the right-sized paper is equally important for getting the best quality prints each time.
However, if your printer is still printing blurry, there might be something wrong with the hardware itself. In that case, it’s best to contact the official repair center.
Looking for the best calculator software for Windows 10? Whether you need scientific features, unit conversions, or just a clean interface, there’s a perfect app out there for you. In this guide, we’ll highlight the top-rated calculator apps for Windows, including free tools, and open source options.
The default Windows Calculator is more than just basic math. With an intuitive layout and various built-in modes, it’s perfect for quick calculations or more complex tasks. You get standard, scientific, programmer, and even date calculation, all seamlessly integrated.
SpeedCrunch is a fast, open source calculator ideal for power users. It supports complex expressions with real-time results and syntax highlighting. No mouse needed—it’s entirely keyboard-driven for efficiency and speed.
Calculator² is a multi-purpose calculator app with a beautiful interface and wide functionality. It covers scientific calculations, graph plotting, unit conversions, and real-time currency rates—all synced across devices.
Scientific, graphing, currency, and unit calculator modes
Supports multiple themes and platforms (PC, tablet, phone)
Wolfram Alpha isn’t just a calculator—it’s a computational powerhouse. You can enter math problems in natural language and get detailed, step-by-step solutions powered by an AI-backed knowledge engine.
Natural language input for complex problems
Step-by-step explanations and real-time answers
Covers calculus, chemistry, physics, stats, and more
RedCrab offers a unique full-screen formula editor that mimics paper-like input. It’s great for handling large equations and visualizing math processes, especially in engineering and science fields.
FX-Calc is a scientific calculator that also allows plotting functions in real-time. It supports user-defined variables, parameter sweeps, and quick previews of results, all from a lightweight interface.
Frink is a powerful unit-aware calculator that automatically handles conversions. Built in Java, it offers scripting capabilities and precise tracking of physical units, ideal for physics and science calculations.
Full support for physical units and conversions
Built-in currency updates and date/time calculations
CalcTape functions like a calculator combined with a digital paper roll. You can annotate your calculations, edit them later, and even reuse older results. It’s ideal for bookkeeping or financial use.
GeoGebra’s scientific calculator is built with education in mind. It supports advanced functions, a clean touch interface, and full compatibility with school curriculums. It’s also ad-free and privacy-focused.
In this guide, we’ll show you how to fix the Red Alert 2 game if it’s not working on your Windows PC.
Whether the game is crashing, lagging, freezing, or running slowly, follow these steps to get Red Alert 2 up and running smoothly again.
How can I fix Red Alert 2 not working on Windows?
1. Open the Program Compatibility Troubleshooter
Enter troubleshoot in the Taskbar and open Troubleshooting settings.
Select Other troubleshooters.
Select the Program and Compatibility troubleshooter.
Press the Run the troubleshooter button to open the window in the snapshot below.
Then select Red Alert 2 in the troubleshooter’s software list, and press the Next button.
Wait for the Troubleshooter to investigate the problem.
Check whether the Red Alert 2 not working issue is gone or not.
2. Run Red Alert 2 in Compatibility Mode
First, open the Red Alert 2 folder in File Explorer.
Then right-click the gamemd.exe in File Explorer and select Properties to open the window.
Select the Compatibility tab in the snapshot directly below.
Select the Run this program in compatibility mode for option.
Then select WinXP (Service Pack 3) on the platform drop-down menu.
Select the Run this program as an administrator checkbox on the Compatibility tab.
In addition, adjust the graphical settings by selecting Reduced color mode and 16-bit color from the drop-down menu.
Then click Apply to confirm the new settings, and press the OK button.
Repeat the above guidelines for every exe in your Red Alert 2 folder, such as Ra2.exe, game.exe, YURI.exe and RA2MD.exe.
Red Alert 2 returns a FATAL String Manager failed to initialized properly error for some players who can’t get the game up and running.
Running RA 2 in compatibility mode is a fix more specifically for that error message. You can run RA 2 in compatibility mode as shown above.
3. Configure the Game’s Resolution
Open the Red Alert 2 directory within File Explorer.
Then right-click the RA2.INI file in the Red Alert 2 directory and select Open with.
Select to open RA2.INI with Notepad.
Then edit the ScreenWidth and ScreenHeight values in the RA2.INI file to match your current display resolution.
In addition, edit the VideoBackBuffer attribute to no value. The attribute should be configured as VideoBackBuffer=no.
Click File > Save to save the RA2.INI.
Make the file Read-Only
Red Alert 2 was designed for lower resolution monitors. Some players have fixed the game by adjusting its resolution to match their current VDU resolutions.
4. Adjust Red Alert 2 Game Settings in Origin
Open Origin in Windows and click My Games.
Right-click Red Alert 2 to select Properties on its context menu.
A window will then open that includes a command-line arguments text box. Enter -Win in the text box.
Select the Disable Origin in Game for this game option on the window, and press the OK button.
If you can’t play any RA 2 multiplayer matches in a local network, check out this page on CnCNet. CnCNet provides a fresh multiplayer client for Red Alert 2 that you can download.
Note that Red Alert 2 is not included with the CnCNet multiplayer client download.
That was all. We hope that your issue with Red Alert 2 not working on Windows 10 or Windows 11 and needing a fix was solved by now.
Windows Update can cause as many troubles as it causes good things. One of the issues that Windows update brings is the disappearance of the Internet connection.
If you faced this problem, don’t worry, because here are a few solutions for No Internet Access or Limited Internet Access.
Here are some more examples and error messages:
Windows 10 update lost internet connection – This error message also means that you’ve lost the internet connection after installing certain updates.
Can’t connect to the internet after Windows 10 update – As the error message says, this particular issue occurs in Windows 10.
Windows update no internet connection – It can also happen that you lose the internet connection during the very process of installing Windows Updates.
How do I fix Internet connection problems after installing Windows updates?
1. Use Device Manager
Go to Device Manager and then to Network adapters.
Expand Network adapters.
Check if your network adapter shows the message of No Internet Access or Limited connectivity and select it.
Right-click on your wireless network adapter and go to Update Driver Software.
Now on a new window, you will need to click on Browse my computer for driver software.
After that, select Let me pick from a list of device drivers on my computer.
Choose the Manufacturer’s drivers from the list of two and then click next.
After the completion of the process just restart your PC and check if you have the internet connection now.
If the Device Manager fix didn’t help, try to work a little bit in Command Prompt in order to fix your problem with the internet.
2. Type each of these commands respectively and hit enter after each one of them:
netsh int tcp set heuristics disabled
netsh int tcp set global autotuninglevel=disable
netsh int tcp set global rss=enabled
3. Now to check if the settings are disabled and type: netsh int tcp show global
4. Press Enter.
5. Reboot your PC and see if the problem is solved.
3. Update the Network adapter driver
There’s a chance the update you just installed is simply incompatible with your Network adapter. So, the next thing we’re going to do is update your Network adapter.
But since you can’t connect to the internet, you won’t be able to update your Network adapter the old-fashioned way, through the Device Manager.
So, use another computer, go to your Network adapter or motherboard manufacturer’s website, and download the latest drivers for your network adapter.
After that, manually install drivers on your computer, and you should be good. If you have any questions, just check our article about updating old drivers in Windows 10.
If you don’t have enough time or you simply want to get over this error by updating your drivers, we recommend you use professional driver updater software.
These dedicated tools are a little bit safer because they have large driver databases and can match your hardware with its corresponding driver with no mistake.
4. Clean Boot
Press the Windows key +R In the Run box, type msconfig and press Enter
Under the Services tab, check the Hide all Microsoft services and hit Disable all
Open Task Manager. Under the Startup tab right-click, disable each Startup item, and then close Task Manager
Click Apply/OK
Restart your PC
If you have the connection now, try to find which software caused you troubles and uninstall it
Try to perform a Clean Boot to see if there’s any third-party program causing your connection to break.
Third-party antivirus programs don’t go along with Windows updates.
Therefore, it’s quite possible that your antivirus is exactly what causes you problems after installing the update. So, consider disabling your antivirus temporarily, and check if you’re able to connect to the internet.
7. Reinstall your network adapter
Go to Search, type devmngr, and go to Device Manager
Find your Network Adapter, right-click it, and go to Uninstall Device
Restart your computer
There’s also a chance the freshly installed update interferes with your network adapter. Most of the time, updating your drivers should be enough.
However, you might also need to completely reinstall your network adapter.
Once you install the network adapter again, you’ll automatically get the latest version, therefore updating the drivers won’t be necessary.
Now, Windows should automatically recognize and install the Network Adapter shortly after you uninstall it. However, if that doesn’t happen, here’s what you need to do:
Go to Control Panel
Under Hardware & Sound, go to Add a device
Wait for the wizard to scan for hardware changes
Once it finds your Network Adapter, the installation will be finished
8. Run Windows 10 Network Reset feature
Go to Settings > Network & Internet
Stay in the Status section
Scroll down and click Network Reset
Follow further on-screen instructions
Restart your computer
There’s another (less-known) troubleshooting option for network problems in Windows 10. And that is the Network Reset feature.
As its name says, this feature resets every important Network feature in your system, which can be beneficial for dealing with potential interferences.
That’s about it, we certainly hope at least one of these solutions helped you resolve the problem with the internet connection after installing Windows updates.
If you have any comments, questions, or suggestions, just let us know in the comments below.
If you have any other Internet connection error there’s a big chance you will find a solution in our Fix Internet Connection Errors hub.
If you experienced any other Windows 10 errors we’ve got you covered. Check out our Windows 10 errors hub.
Why won’t my computer connect to the Internet?
There are a lot of issues causing your computer not connecting to the Internet, from simple problems like forgetting to pay your bill or a faulty cable to a malfunctioning network card or system configuration problems.
The default clock in Windows 10 gets the job done, but it’s not exactly flexible. If you’ve ever wanted a larger clock on your desktop, support for multiple time zones, or just a cleaner design, a clock widget can help.
The best clock widgets for Windows 10 offer more visibility, customization, and useful extras like alarms or calendar integration. In this guide, we’ll look at a few solid options that are easy to use, light on resources, and make your desktop feel more functional.
Clocks is simple and unobtrusive app, easy to customize with a few clicks. It lays over other programs and comes with 5 different basic clock shapes, so you can pick your favorite.
The basic version comes for free, and it also has a paid extension.
The Graphics are pretty nice and they feature cool, realistic animations that you can enjoy on your screen, whatever the resolution.
We decided to set it in the first place in our selection because it’s simple, effective, and very customizable.
Other key features include:
Free clock themes with five different basic clock features
Stylish look
Expressive animations
Clocks
Decorate your Desktop with this customizable and versatile Clock app and do tell the time.
This is a clock inspired by the HTC Sense UI initially designed for Windows 7; now you can install it on Windows 10 and even Windows 11.
Apart from the clock, the app also includes dynamic weather information (current conditions and future forecasts). The app is not for free, but it comes with a free trial period.
There are over 20 clock skins to choose from and you can set it with an automatic location (from cell/Wi-Fi or GPS) or manual.
Other key features include:
Clock flip animation
Automatic location
Wind conditions
Sense Desktop
Personalize your Desktop clock and check the weather forecast in real-time with this modern software.
Watch One is a classic digital clock, that also shows the date. You can adjust the color of the number and, of course, the background using one of the 30 included wallpapers.
Unfortunately, you can’t use your own background. As expected, the clock widget can be resized according to your preferences, and you can also set it to be displayed as a portrait.
It’s also worth mentioning that the clock is available in 22 languages so you can feel at home.
With the Watch One digital clock widget, the wallpaper can be changed into the main screen and it also has a switchable portrait or landscape feature.
Other key features include:
Customizable digital color
Support titles
Gorgeous design
Watch One
Customize every setting and create unique visuals for your phone with this intuitive software.
Additional clock widgets for Windows 10 that you might want to try
Desktop Digital Clock: Offers customizable themes and alarms, with options for displaying the second hand. It’s designed for Windows 10 and higher, with subscription or one-time payment plans for full functionality.
Desktop Clock Widget: A lightweight digital clock that integrates seamlessly with Windows, supporting up to 10 devices.
Metroclock: This clock is minimalistic and it allows for background customization and alarm settings, with a free version and premium upgrades.
Clock widgets are small applications or tools that display the time on your desktop, allowing for easy access to time information without opening other apps.
How do I add a clock widget to Windows?
You can add a clock widget via third-party apps like “Rainmeter” or by using built-in features in Windows 11 through the Widgets menu or taskbar customization.
Can I customize the appearance of the clock widget?
Yes, most clock widget tools allow customization of appearance, including clock face styles, colors, sizes, and additional features like alarms or world clocks.
Are clock widgets free to use on Windows?
Yes, many clock widgets are free to use, but some advanced features or themes may require paid versions of the software or add-ons.
We hope that you found the desired clock app among these ones. In case you’re looking for alarm clock apps, we have an entire article dedicated to them.
For more interesting widgets, don’t miss our guide on widgets for Windows 10 for more suggestions.
If you’re using multiple monitors and want to display the clock on each, Windows 11 makes it easy. Follow these steps to enable a taskbar clock on multiple monitors.
We welcome your suggestions and comments in the dedicated section below.
Black screen issues usually occur due to a corrupted or outdated driver. Several users have reported a black screen when installing graphics card drivers.
In some instances, users have reported the computer has crashed with a black screen after installing a graphics card driver. Only after uninstalling the GPU driver in Safe Mode, the user can resolve the issue.
In this article, we have listed a few troubleshooting steps to help you resolve the black screen after installing the graphics card driver problem in Windows 10.
How do I fix the black screen when installing graphics card driver?
1. Uninstall and reinstall the GPU driver
1.1. Reinstall graphics drivers in the Device Manager
Once you have uninstalled the GPU driver, you can reboot the computer to reinstall the drivers and resolve black screen after installing graphics card issue.
1. Open Device Manager by typing it in the taskbar.
2. Locate your GPU driver, right-click on it and select Uninstall or Delete option.
3. Reboot your PC. Windows should automatically detect the GPU and reinstall the driver automatically.
4. Open Device Manager again and check if your GPU driver appears on the list.
Alternatively, you can use dedicated uninstaller software to completely remove your driver files and then manually reinstall them from the manufacturer’s website
Using efficient uninstaller software will offer many advantages. Apart from uninstalling the app, it also deletes leftover registry entries and system files and declutters them.
Next, open your GPU manufacturer’s website and download the latest version of the GPU driver. For Nvidia GPU, download and install Nvidia GeForce Experience to install the required drivers.
If the black screen after installing the graphics card driver Windows 10 issue occurs again, reinstall the drivers in Safe Mode.
1.2. Reinstall the GPU driver in Safe Mode
Press the Windows key + I to open Settings.
Choose Update & Security.
Click on the Recovery tab from the left pane.
Scroll down to the Advanced Startup section and click the Restart Now button.
In the Choose and Options window, click the Troubleshoot button.
Next, click on the Advanced options.
In the Advanced Options windows, click Start-up Settings.
Click the Start button.
Windows will restart and show multiple boot options.
Press the 4/F4 key on your keyboard to choose the Enable Safe Mode option.
Windows will restart in Safe Mode with minimal services and programs running.
Before you install your GPU driver in Safe Mode, make sure to uninstall the GPU driver and other related software. Next, download the latest version of the GPU driver.
Once in Safe Mode, uninstall the GPU driver, if not already uninstalled. Next, run the GPU driver installer and proceed with the installation. Once installed, reboot the computer, and it should start normally.
Third-party software conflict can trigger the black screen after installing AMD graphics drivers issue. In Safe Mode, Windows starts with minimal service and without third-party app interference.
To avoid any kind of GPU errors and save time as well, you can also use an automated assistant that can proceed with this process by scanning your PC for outdated drivers and instantly updating them with a single click.
2. Adjust CPU voltage / Update BIOS / Reinstall older BIOS version
If you have updated your Motherboard BIOS recently, check if the update has changed the default CPU voltage. Underpowered CPUs can cause a black screen while installing graphics card driver issues.
Third-party system resource monitoring software like CPU-Z can help you monitor if you are underpowering your CPU. Download and install CPU-Z and monitor CPU-related information.
If the motherboard undervotes your CPU, try updating your BIOS or reinstalling the older BIOS in case you have already updated the Basic Input Output System.
Updating your BIOS is easy. We have a detailed guide on how to update your BIOS in Windows 10. Refer to the article to install the latest version of BIOS available for your motherboard.
If the error started to occur after installing the BIOS, try to reinstall the earlier version of the BIOS.
3. Check for HDMI cable issues
At times, a defective HDMI cable going through your PC to the monitor can cause Black screen issues. Unplug the HDMI cable and leave the computer idle for a few minutes. Reconnect the HDMI cable and reboot the computer.
Additionally, also check for issues with your PSU. A defective PSU providing insufficient power to the GPU and CPU can cause the hardware to malfunction resulting in the black screen issue.
4. Check for GPU hardware problems
If the problem persists, check your GPU for hardware failure. In most cases, apart from the black screen, you may also notice blue lines that are across the screen.
While there are some workarounds that you can try to fix the hardware failure in graphics cards, it is recommended to consult your GPU manufacturer if the device is under warranty.
As a last resort, try reinstalling Windows 10. A clean install can fix many issues such as corrupted system files and drivers that may have triggered the monitor’s black screen after installing the graphics driver problem.
Make sure to create a backup of your data before proceeding with a clean install. You can create a bootable USB drive or use Media Creation Tool to install Windows 10.
The black screen after installing graphics card driver problems usually occurs due to faulty GPU drivers and insufficient power supply. In some instances, you may have to troubleshoot your GPU for hardware failure as well.
When you run a Windows program, it may sometimes encounter a problem and crash. This can be an error in the program itself or a problem with your computer hardware or software that prevents it from functioning properly.
Wlmerger.exe is a common application file for Windows operating systems. It’s used by Microsoft Windows to run several applications. Apart from going missing, sometimes you may also run into errors such as exe files delete themselves.
Why do I have a corrupt Wlmerger.exe file?
There are many reasons why Wlmerger.exe may not be working properly on your computer:
Bad installation – It is possible that the application was not installed correctly the first time or downloaded from an untrusted site.
Virus infection – It could be due to a virus infection that has corrupted its files so they cannot be read by Windows anymore. Most users think exe files are viruses, but not all of them are.
Accidental deletion – It could have been deleted accidentally by you or someone else in your who has access to your computer
Hard drive error – There might be a problem with your hard drive where this file is located, which means that it cannot be found by Windows anymore.
Wrong location – If the Wlmerger.exe file is not in its dedicated location, it may cause problems with other applications.
Registry errors – Incorrectly editing your registry can lead to a corrupt registry, stop your PC from functioning properly and even cause permanent damage to your PC if not done correctly.
How can I fix a corrupt or missing Wlmerger.exe file?
1. Use a registry cleaner
Registry cleaners are designed to fix problems in your computer’s registry. If there is a corrupt or missing Wlmerger.exe file on your computer, then using one may be able to fix it. It will scan through your system and remove any unnecessary files from within your registry.
These files are often left behind after installing programs, which can cause problems for your computer when they are not removed properly.
It’s also important to note that deleting items from the registry could potentially break other applications on your system that rely on those items being present.
2. Transfer the file to its default location
Navigate to the following location and check whether you can locate the Wlmerger.exe file: C:\ Users\ User\ AppData\ Local\ Temp\ NVIDIA\ GeForceExperienceSelfUpdate\ 9.3.21.0\ Display.Update\ WLMerger.exe
If not, search your PC for the file.
Once you establish its location, cut and paste it on the location in 1.
It is important that the file is in its default location. If it’s not in its proper location, then the program will display an error message when it attempts to open the file.
In most cases, this means that the wlmerger.exe file has been moved or deleted by a virus infection on your computer hence causing the error.
3. Run a virus scan
Press the Windows key, 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. Click 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.
You should also keep in mind that if you have recently installed any new programs onto your computer, it is possible that they could be causing issues with Wlmerger.exe as well as other programs on your machine.
If this is the case, then removing these programs would be a good place to start resolving this issue once and for all.
4. Execute the DISM and SFC scans
Hit the Windows key, type cmd in the search bar, and select Run as administrator.
Type the following commands and press Enter after each one: DISM.exe /Online /Restorehealthsfc /scannow
When a file becomes corrupt, you can use the Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM) command to repair it. You can also use the System File Checker (SFC) scan to attempt to repair corrupt system files.
If you have tried all the methods above without any luck, then there would probably be no other choice than to uninstall the wlmerger.exe file from your computer manually and reinstall it to get rid of this error.
We found that some users want to change Windows 11 to a classic view. You should know that it is extremely simple, so your effort will be minimal. Find below 2 quick ways to do so.
Without further ado, follow the steps below to set Windows 11 taskbar to classic mode:
How to change Start menu in Windows 11 to Classic View
1. Use personalization settings
Open Settings.
Go to Personalization.
From the left window pane, select Taskbar, then drop-down the menu from the right side, and select Left instead of Center.
This option will help you to bring your desktop pinned bar to the Windows 10 look, changing its alignment from the center to the left low side of the window.
2. Once the Run dialog box is opened, type regedit, then press the Enter button.
3. Go to the following location: HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advanced
4. Right-click, then create a new DWORD (32-bit) value from the drop-down menu.
5. Name it Start_ShowClassicMode.
6. Set the value to 1.
7. Restart your computer.
Once you log back into Windows 11, you’ll be greeted with the start menu in the same appearance it’s been on the previous version.
How can I change the taskbar size in Windows 11?
Press the Windows key + R, on your keyboard.
Once the Run dialog box is opened, type regedit, then press the Enter button.
Search for the following location: HKEY_CURRENT_USERSoftwareMicrosoftWindowsCurrentVersionExplorerAdvanced
Right-click on Advanced, select New, then click on DWORD (32-bit) Value.
Rename the key asTaskbarSi, then hit Enter button.
Double-click on the created DWORD.
Change the value from0to2.
This option would help you in case you need to change the Windows 11 taskbar size. This would turn the icon’s size on the large model. As you could notice above, the 1 value is for the default icon size.
Why would I want to change Windows 11 to classic view?
Windows 11 offers a new look with modern and cool animations. It also has a well-known Recommended section that will help you quickly access recent apps and files. If you don’t like it, you can always customize the Start menu layout according to your needs.
And if you got used to the classic view of the taskbar, just follow the guidelines above to revert to it.
We hope the above procedures helped you. If this topic is entirely new to you, don’t hesitate to take a closer look at a full article regarding how to download Windows 11.
If your computer restarted unexpectedly or keeps rebooting without warning, you’re not alone. This issue affects many Windows 10 users, and it can happen during setup, idle periods, or while you’re working. Hardware faults, overheating, corrupted system files, or incompatible drivers may trigger it. Below, we’ve outlined all the verified solutions to help you fix the problem and prevent future interruptions.
How can I fix “The computer restarted unexpectedly” error?
Change the Value Data from 1 to 3 and click OK to save changes.
Close Registry Editor and restart your computer.
2. Check your hard drive cables
Sometimes you might get stuck in The computer restarted unexpectedly loop due to hard drive cable problems.
Users reported that switching the cables that connect the hard drive to the motherboard fixed the issue, so you might want to try that.
Keep in mind that by opening your computer case you will void your warranty, so if your PC is still under warranty, it might be better to take it to the official repair center.
3. Reset your BIOS settings and format the installation partition
Boot from your USB flash drive and if you see The computer restarted unexpectedly error message, press Shift + F10 to open Command Prompt.
Once Command Prompt opens, enter diskpart and press Enter.
Enter list volume and press Enter. You should see a list of all partitions available. Find the partition on which you wish to install Windows 10 and remember its Volume number.
Enter select volume 1. We used volume 1 in our example, but you need to use the volume that matches your partition.
Enter format fs=ntfs quick label=test and press Enter. You can replace test with any other name you want to use for your partition. We have to warn you that by executing this command you’ll remove all files and folders from the selected partition.
Type exit and press Enter to exit Command Prompt.
After you restart your computer problem with The computer restarted unexpectedly loop should be fixed.
4. Change your boot settings
While your computer boots, press Alt + F10 shortcut.
Command Prompt will now appear. Remove /noexecute=optin and enter system recovery. Now press Enter.
Now you should see a boot screen that has the address of the recovery partition. Press Enter and you should start the recovery process.
5. Disconnect all your USB devices
Most of us use various USB devices on their PC, but sometimes these devices can interfere with Windows and cause The computer restarted unexpectedly error.
If you’re having this problem, be sure to disconnect all your USB devices such as flash drives, printers, and even your USB keyboard and mouse.
Several users reported that disconnecting their USB mouse and keyboard fixed the problem for them, so be sure to try that.
We aren’t sure how your keyboard and mouse can cause this issue to appear, but if you encounter it, be sure to try this solution.
6. Change your BIOS settings
To do that, follow these steps:
Enter your BIOS while the PC boots.
Once you enter BIOS, navigate to Advanced Tab > Onboard Device Configuration.
Set the SATA Mode to AHCI.
Now go to the Boot tab and set Secure Boot to Enable. Also, change Load Legacy OPROM to Disable.
Set Boot Mode to UEFI and save changes.
While your PC boots, press F12 to open the boot menu. Now select your UEFI boot device. Keep in mind that you might not have all these settings available in BIOS, and if that’s the case, try to enable the available settings.
If the problem still persists, try disabling the aforementioned settings one by one and check if that solves the issue.
Connect a USB flash drive to your PC. For this task you’ll need a drive that is at least 8GB in size. In some cases, 8GB drive won’t be enough, and many users are recommending to use at least a 16GB drive.
Press Windows Key + S and enter recovery. Select Recovery from the list of results.
Now select Create a recovery drive.
Choose to create the recovery drive on your USB flash drive and follow the instructions on the screen to complete the process.
Once you create the recovery drive, need to do the following:
Connect the drive to your PC.
Now restart your PC several times during the boot sequence in order to access Advanced Boot section.
Select Troubleshoot > Advanced options > System Image Recovery.
Now follow the instructions on the screen to restore your PC.
Keep in mind that this is an advanced solution, so be extra cautious while performing it. It’s worth mentioning that a recovery drive from another PC might not always work, so it’s always a good practice to create a recovery drive on your PC before you encounter any problems.
Several users reported that they download the recovery drive from their computer manufacturer, so you might want to try that as well. You can also try to fix this problem by using third-party tools to safely recover your drivers.
8. Update your BIOS
In some cases, you might encounter this problem if your BIOS is out of date. Outdated BIOS can sometimes cause The computer restarted unexpectedly error appear, and in order to fix this problem, you might have to update your BIOS.
Updating BIOS is an advanced process, and if you’re not careful you can cause other problems with your PC to occur. In some cases, you can even permanently damage your motherboard, so be extra cautious.
Since you can’t access Windows, you’ll need to download a new version of BIOS on a different PC and move it to your flash drive. Now you’ll need to start Command Prompt and run BIOS update from it.
To see how to update your BIOS, be sure to check your motherboard manual for detailed instructions.
Once you update your BIOS to the latest version, check if the problem is resolved.
What are some variations of the computer restarted unexpectedly loop?
The computer restarted unexpectedly error can be quite problematic, and speaking of this error, users reported the following problems as well:
The computer restarted unexpectedly or encountered an unexpected error setup is starting services – This error can occur due to your boot settings, and if you encounter it, you might have to adjust your settings accordingly.
The computer restarted unexpectedly loop Windows 10 Surface Pro 4 – This error can appear on almost any PC, and many Surface Pro 4 users reported it. However, you should be able to fix it using one of our solutions.
The computer restarted unexpectedly loop Windows 7, Windows 8 – This error can appear on almost any operating system and Windows 7 and Windows 8 aren’t exceptions. Even if you don’t use Windows 10, you should be able to fix this problem by using one of our solutions.
The computer restarted unexpectedly restart the installation, installation cannot proceed – Sometimes this error can prevent you from installing Windows 10. If this happens, be sure to check if your hard drive is properly connected.
The computer restarted unexpectedly regedit – Sometimes this problem can be caused by your registry. However, you can easily fix the problem by changing a few values in your registry.
The computer restarted unexpectedly or encountered an unexpected error message can be rather troublesome and prevent you from installing Windows 10, but hopefully, you’ll be able to fix it by using one of our solutions.
Although it might sound unusual, one of the most important parts of graphic design is fonts. That is why professionals use font managers like Extensis Connect to always have everything under control.
This solution is pretty unique because it comes with both a cloud version and a desktop app and in this article, we will explore its best features and functionality.
What is Extensis Connect and how does it help you?
Extensis Connect unites two solutions: a font management tool through Connect Fonts Powered by Suitcase, and a digital asset management tool through Connect Assets on one flexible desktop and cloud-based platform.
Connect Fonts, powered by Suitcase, is a font manager that helps you organize, view, find, and use fonts efficiently.
However, it can also detect and track fonts within Adobe’s Creative Suite products like Photoshop, Illustrator, After Effects, and more.
That will help graphical designers a lot because they will be able to activate those fonts and use them in other apps easily.
Cloud-based Connect Assets is a central source for every digital asset that makes finding files fast, organizing them simple, and collaboration easy for teams of all sizes.
Actually, this is a digital asset management tool with workflow automation for organizations with large media collections.
We have tried the 15-day Free trial version of Extensis Connect and we will go through some of its best features we discovered.
What are the best features of Extensis Connect?
As we’ve mentioned before, Connect Fonts Powered by Suitcase has a cloud-based version and a desktop version.
The desktop version has more font-organizing features, and it also tracks Adobe fonts. The cloud-based version is a lot better for collaboration and sharing fonts and libraries with your team or peers.
Let’s go through some of Connect Fonts’ best features to help you decide if it’s the right choice for you.
1. Easy font syncing and activation
As we’ve mentioned above, Connect Fonts detects the fonts installed on your system, but also the Google Fonts and the ones from Adobe products.
To use a font from Google, for instance, you can just browse through the library and click on the corresponding dot to activate it.
You can make a temporary activation (the blue dot) and you will be able to use that font until you restart or quit Connect Fonts.
But if you work a lot with that font, you may activate it permanently (the green dot) and it will appear every time in your apps.
Of course, if the list becomes too big, that may slow your system and then, you have the option to deactivate them by setting the dot to gray.
Activating or deactivating a font in the cloud version
As you can see in the image above, the system is the same in the cloud-based version but the UI, in our opinion, is more appealing.
2. Searching fonts with detailed criteria
Going through thousands of fonts to find out exactly what you’re looking for is not the easiest task but with Connect Fonts it’s a breeze.
Right when you start searching for a font, you will get suggestions and smart tags you can use.
Moreover, if you double-click on a fon in the cloud-based version, you get the option to look for pairings, and fonts that are similar.
Smart Search is more complex in the desktop version
As you may see in the image above, in the desktop version, the search options are even more elaborate.
You have a lot of search criteria available, from the font’s family name to foundry or style. And the smart search will remain on your list for later usage.
3. Simple and easy organization
The most simple way of organizing your fonts in the cloud version is to apply the fonts the Favorites star. That will immediately add them to the My Favorites folder on your left.
Then, a simple click on the three dots button and activating them is a piece of cake.
However, you may also create new sets or collections of fonts. But please note that you cannot blend together fonts from other sources.
For instance, you can’t make a set with Google Fonts and Adobe fonts but in the My Favorites folder will appear all starred fonts.
In the desktop version, it’s even easier to create Libraries and Sets. And adding fonts to those is just a matter of dragging and dropping one or more fonts to the folders, just like you would do in File Explorer.
Another way of organizing the fonts is to apply tags so you can easily identify them when you’ll do a search.
And the magical part is that everything you do in the cloud version syncs to the desktop version. However, the Local Libraries won’t appear in the cloud version.
There are four different preview types for the fonts: Title, QuickType, Waterfall, and ABC123. Of course, this is also the order of detail complexity.
You can change the preview type conveniently by using the 4 icons at the bottom of the preview window and you may also change the font size.
This feature, unfortunately, is not present in the cloud-based version. The only font preview available there is the QuickType.
5. Add users and collaborate
Probably the best part of Connect Fonts is that you can share the font libraries and sets with your colleagues.
You can simply send email invitations individually or in bulk, and then they will have access to the content from Team Libraries.
They will also be able to use, add and collect fonts. That is great when you’re working on a common project, and you need to use the same fonts everywhere.
Most importantly, the Team Libraries will sync with the desktop version and as long as you’re connected to the Internet, all the changes you make in the desktop version will appear online as well.
Manage all your digital assets with Connect Assets
As we outlined at the beginning of this piece, Connect Assets is a cloud-based digital asset management hub.
With this tool, you can have all your documents and creative graphics files in one place and share them with your peers.
After you upload them, it will be easy to search within the library with auto-tags and smart keywords.
Of course, then, you may add users and work as a team as they will be able to share their own creations.
You may add libraries, drag and drop content, and set documents as favorites to access them even more quickly.
Extensis Connect pricing
As we’ve mentioned above, both products, Connect Fonts and Connect Assets within the Extensis Connect suite are available as a 15-day Free trial version.
However, if you want to commit to a license, Connect Fonts is available for $9 per user per month. Connect Assets costs $25 per user per month.
Extensis Connect
Manage your fonts and digital assets with friendly cloud-based tools for professionals.
Payments are debited annually and Extensis accept both credit card and PayPal options.
Pros
Simple and comprehensive user interface
Smart tags based on the look and feel of the font make font searching fast, efficient, and intuitive
Access to the largest crowd-sourced font collection
Available as a cloud-based or desktop app
Universal access (any team member, any place, any time
Suitable for individuals, teams, or agencies
Cons
Connect Assets is pretty expensive for individual usage
Final thoughts
Connect Fonts has to be a golden nugget for any graphics professional or agency. And yes, although we tested it as an individual would, this tool is fitted to any size organization.
Although the desktop version of Connect Fonts seems a bit old-fashioned graphics-wise, it is extremely efficient and surprisingly very easy to use.
The cloud-based tool is a lot more appealing but the merge and sync of the two instances make Connect Fonts a great productivity tool for creative people.
Connect Assets, on the other side, has only a cloud-based version but the idea of keeping all the assets of an agency in the same place is extremely attractive.
And the storage quota for a license is 1 TB, which is enough for a whole lot of projects and documents.
We hope that our review offered a lot of information on Extensis Connect software and that you will try them yourself.
You might also be interested in our list of the best Windows 11 fonts to try out on your PC.
If you already tried Connect Fonts or Connect Assets, feel free to write about your experience in the comments section below.
I’m sure many of us were excited about the release of Windows 11, but like me, you might have noticed that Windows 11 is not showing up in Windows Update. This can be due to a variety of reasons, such as compatibility issues and the phased rollout process.
If you’ve been eagerly waiting for the Windows 11 update to appear in your Windows Update section without success, you’re not alone. In this article, I’ll share multiple solutions to help you install Windows 11 on your PC.
Let’s navigate through the reasons behind the absence of the Windows 11 update and explore effective methods to ensure a successful upgrade. Together, we’ll overcome this hurdle and experience all that Windows 11 has to offer!
Why don’t I see the Windows 11 update?
A large number of computers wouldn’t be able to upgrade to Windows 11 owing to the strict system requirements. And Microsoft has its reasoning for that. Also, if you find Windows 11 23H2 not showing up, it could be a problem with compatibility or an issue at your end to blame.
Can my PC run Windows 11?
To check whether a computer can run Windows 11, Microsoft has released the PC Health Check app. Just download and install the app, run it, and you will find out whether or not your system is compatible.
If you get the message This PC meets Windows 11 requirements, your computer is compatible. Head over to the next section to find out ways to make the upgrade even if Windows 11 is not showing up in Windows Update.
For those of you who see This PC doesn’t currently meet the Windows 11 system requirements, you wouldn’t be receiving the upgrade via Windows Update. Head over to the end to find out how you can install Windows 11 on an unsupported PC.
What can I do if the Windows 11 update is not showing up?
1. Resume Windows Update
Press Windows + I to launch the Settings app.
Select Update & Security from the various options listed here.
In the Windows Update tab that opens by default, check if there is a Resume Updates button on the right. If there’s one, click on it to start receiving updates.
Your system will now automatically start scanning for any available update including those for Windows 11.
If you have paused updates, you wouldn’t be receiving any, including the one for Windows 11. Even if you don’t remember doing it, there’s no harm in cross-checking before we proceed further.
After you enable updates, if an upgrade for Windows 11 is available, it would be shown in Windows Update, and subsequently, downloaded and installed on your computer.
2. Reboot the computer
Navigate to the 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 on OK to restart the computer.
Before restarting, make sure to save any open files to avoid data loss. Rebooting the computer restarts the OS and fixes any trivial bugs that may be interfering with the Windows 11 update.
3. Run the Windows Update troubleshooter
Press Windows + I to launch the Settings app.
Select Update & Security from the list of options listed in the Settings.
Select Troubleshoot from the tabs listed in the navigation pane and click Additional troubleshooters on the right.
Click on Windows Update.
Click Run troubleshooter to diagnose and fix issues preventing your PC from receiving the update for Windows 11.
The troubleshooter will now start running. Follow the instructions and choose the appropriate response, if and when prompted, to complete the process.
The built-in troubleshooters offered by Microsoft are excellent in identifying and fixing small bugs, misconfigured settings, and other issues. After the troubleshooter is done running, check if Windows 11 is now showing up in Windows Update.
If they have become corrupt or have run into a bug leading to the Windows 11 not showing up in the Windows update issue, repairing or resetting them should come in handy.
If you are having issues with the Windows update, you can always fix the corrupted files with the help of specialized repair software.
5. Restart the Windows 11 update
Press Windows + R to launch the Run command.
Type services.msc in the text field, and either click on OK or press Enter to launch the Services app.
Locate and double-click on the Windows Update service.
Click on the Startup type dropdown menu and select Disabled from the list of options that appear.
Click on Apply to save the changes.
Next, click OK to close the properties window.
Close the Services app.
Now, you need to reboot the computer. To do that, press the Windows key, click on the Power button, and select Restart from the menu that appears.
Press Windows + E to launch the File Explorer, and navigate to the following path or paste it in the addressbar at the top and hit Enter.C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution
Press Ctrl + A to select all the files saved here, and hit the Del key to delete them.
Choose the appropriate response in case a confirmation box pops up.
Now, again launch the Services app as you did earlier, and double-click on the Windows Update service.
Select Automatic from the Startup type dropdown menu this time.
Click on Apply to save the changes.
Click on Start under Service status to run the service, and then click on OK at the bottom.
Go to the Windows Update section in Settings and check if you can now install Windows 11.
In some cases, the update for Windows 11 may seem stuck at 100% for hours without any progress. In such cases, following the steps mentioned here will get things up and running and allow you to upgrade.
6. Disable or uninstall conflicting apps
Press Windows + R to launch the Run command.
Enter appwiz.cpl in the text field and click on OK or hit Enter to launch the Programs and Features window.
Locate and select the app you want to remove, and click on Uninstall at the top.
Choose the appropriate response in case a confirmation box pops up.
To disable an app, you can go to its built-in Settings and turn on/off the required toggle or choose the appropriate response.
The method to disable each app is different and there should be an option for it somewhere in the app’s built-in Settings. Search the FAQ section on the official website for the program to find out the exact steps.
If disabling the app didn’t work or you couldn’t find the option for it, follow the steps above to uninstall the app.
Certain programs are known to block the Windows Updates, thus leading to the current issue.
You should look out for third-party firewalls and disable or uninstall them. Also, apps like Pi-hole or other similar ones, have been found to be the culprit, and uninstalling them fixed the problem.
Once you are done disabling or uninstalling the problematic apps, check if you are able to find and install Windows 11 from Windows Update.
7. Use the Installation Media
NOTE
For this method, you will require a USB flash drive with more than 8 GB of storage to create a bootable USB for installing Windows 11.
Navigate to the location where the downloaded file is saved and double-click on it.
Click Yes on the UAC prompt that appears.
The setup will take a few moments to get things ready.
Click on Accept to agree to the license terms.
Now, you will find the recommended language and edition already selected. In case you want to make any changes, untick the checkbox for Use the recommended options for this PC and choose the appropriate settings. Finally, click on Next.
Choose the USB flash drive option and click Next.
Select the removable drive that you earlier plugged in from the list and click on Next.
Wait for the setup to create a bootable USB drive. You can monitor the progress in this window.
After the bootable flash drive is created, click on Finish to close the setup.
Once done, you can now easily install the OS from the bootable USB drive. Although the guide is for Windows 10, it would assist you when installing Windows 11 as well since the process remains the same.
After the flash drive is booted, follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation process.
A major advantage of this method is that you will always have a bootable USB at your disposal, which would make things a lot easier in case you have to reinstall Windows 11.
We’ve written extensively about the issue of people being unable to complete the upgrade process to Windows 11 or not seeing the option at all. Here are some resources we’re suggesting for you to check out:
Can I use the Windows 11 Installation Assistant to upgrade?
Yes, the Windows 11 Installation Assistant is another tool at your disposal to upgrade to the latest iteration. However, you cannot use it if the PC doesn’t meet the minimum system requirements, since the Installation Assistant wouldn’t run.
You can download and use the Windows 11 Installation Assistant with the help of our guide. Simply, go to the How to use the Windows 11 Installation Assistant? heading and follow the steps listed there.
What do I do if my PC doesn’t meet the system requirements for Windows 11?
As promised earlier, we will now list out the ways you can install Windows 11 on an unsupported PC. However, Microsoft has stated that such PCs may have compatibility issues and might not receive updates, including those for security. You will thus be exposing the system to a major risk.
By the time you reach the end of this article, you know many ways to install the latest iteration from Microsoft on both supported and unsupported PCS. Also, the Windows 11 not showing up in the Windows Update issue would be fixed.
Let us know which method worked for you and your experience thus far with Windows 11.
Twitch is one of the most used and appreciated streaming services available on the market, but a large number of users reported the Error fetching your channel information message
It usually occurs for users that work with both Twitch and Streamlabs OBS. The error can be very frustrating especially if you dabble in gaming streaming, or if you want to see the latest streams from the channels you follow.
For these reasons, in this article, we will explore some quick fixes for this issue. Please make sure to follow the steps presented here in the order listed below.
What can I do if I failed to fetch settings from Twitch?
1. Restart app with administrator privileges
Restarting the app using administrator privileges might be exactly what Twitch needs to fetch the settings.
Hit the Windows key, type Streamlabs OBS, then right-click on it and open the first result.
2. From the upper-right corner of the window, click on your profile picture.
3. Select Logout.
4. Click on the X button at the top right of your screen to close Streamlabs OBS.
5. Hit the Windows key, type Streamlabs OBS, then right-click on it and select Run as administrator.
6. Log back into Streamlabs OBS using your Twitchaccount, and try to see if the error persists.
2. Run auto-optimizer
Hit the Windows key, type Streamlabs OBS, then right-click on it and select Run as administrator.
Click on the cog wheel Settings button, from the lower-left corner of the window.
Inside the General tab, click on Auto Optimize.
The optimization process will now start.
When the optimization process is complete, click on Next.
3. Check if your stream key is correct
Log into Twitch, then click on your profile picture.
Select Creator Dashboard from the drop-down menu.
In the left panel, expand the Settings section, then selectStream.
Under Primary Stream key, click on Show, then copy the stream key.
Now that you have your Twitch Stream key, hit the Windows key, type Streamlabs OBS, then open it as an administrator.
Click on the Settings cogwheel.
Click on Stream tab, then paste the copied Twitch stream key, and select Done.
Some users also reported that Twitch failed to retrieve the stream key. If it’s happening to be in the same situation, make sure you verify some useful solution to fix it once and for all.
In this article, we explored some of the best methods to deal with the Error fetching your channel information message.
Try them and feel free to let us know if this guide helped you by using the comment section below.
Google Meet is a video chat, but it’s more than just a simple video call. The app also lets you share your screen to show the other participants what’s on your computer, as well as share a document or presentation.
However, these extra features come at a cost. Users have reported that Google Meet sometimes uses more CPU than it should when running in the background. High CPU usage is a common occurrence in Windows devices so let’s troubleshoot this particular one.
Why does my Google take up so much CPU?
There are a few reasons why your CPU usage is off the roof when using Google services. Here are some potential causes:
You don’t have enough RAM – If your programs are competing for the available RAM, some will struggle to keep up. If this is the case, you’ll need to add more RAM or limit RAM usage.
Too many applications open – The more programs you have running on your computer at once, the more work each program has to do in order to keep running smoothly.
Windows update – According to users, they noticed that the high CPU usage started immediately after updating their OSes. It could be a bug or glitch in the new update.
Outdated drivers – If the problem is that your computer isn’t responding quickly enough, it could mean that your drivers are due for an update.
Screen resolution settings – Google Meet will not use as much processing power if your resolution is set to a lower setting.
Your computer might be underpowered – If you’re using an older computer it may not have enough power to run the program smoothly. It may be time to get your hands on a new PC.
Virus/malware – It’s possible that malware could be causing issues with Google Meet and taking up too much of your CPU. Malware often uses up a lot of resources.
Does Google Meet use a lot of RAM?
Google Meet is a very light app, so it shouldn’t use much of your computer’s RAM. However, if you’ve set your video settings to high quality or are using a lot of video effects, installed extensions, and plugins, you could end up using a lot more than expected.
Basically, the amount of RAM that Google Meet uses is dependent on a number of factors that you can easily tweak if you notice it’s consuming a lot significant amount of CPU.
How do I fix high CPU usage in Google Meet?
A few checks that may be able to help include:
Close down any unneeded tabs or Chrome extensions.
If you’re running an older version of the app, you may see high CPU usage. You should always keep your apps up-to-date. This will ensure that they have the latest security patches and are running efficiently.
If there are no updates, you can uninstall and download the Google Meet app again so that any new updates will be registered immediately.
2. Adjust your screen resolution settings
Hit the Start menu icon and select Settings.
Click on System then select Display.
Navigate to the Scale & layout section then under Display resolution, click on the drop-down menu and pick a lower resolution setting than your current one.
3. Update your display drivers
Hit the Windows key, type Device Manager in the search bar, and click Open.
Navigate to Display adapters and find your graphics card.
Right-click on your graphics card and select Update driver.
Select Search automatically for drivers.
If you’re not familiar with the process of updating drivers manually, it can be quite frustrating. Even if you’re an experienced PC user, updating drivers can be a time-consuming task that can lead to many problems.
This is where a third-party tool comes in. Outbyte Driver Updater is a tool that allows you to update your drivers automatically. It scans your PC for outdated drivers and offers solutions for updating them.
Outbyte Driver Updater
Try using Outbyte Driver Updater to easily update your outdated drivers with the latest versions.
Click on System on the left pane then Display on the right pane.
Scroll down and select Graphics.
Select the Change default graphics settings option.
Now, toggle off the Hardware Accelerated GPU Scheduling option.
Disabling hardware acceleration will only benefit an older processor. Multi-core processors need the hardware acceleration turned on so that it will reduce the load on the CPU. If this doesn’t work you can look for other ways to boost your PC’s performance.
Select Windows Update and click on Check for updates.
Download and install if available.
Supposing none of these come to your aid, you can try running a virus scan or switching to a more comprehensive antivirus program. Rolling back Windows updates may also be an option, especially if the spike in CPU usage happened after an update.
If you experience frequent high CPU usage from your apps, you should consider installing CPU usage cleaner software. These work in the background and clean up any processes that are resource-intensive.
Windows 10 has been out for a while, but people from all over the internet are reporting issues like Windows 10 install stuck at 1%, 20%, 90%, setup is starting stuck Windows 10, Windows 10 install stuck at Windows logo, Windows 10 installation is stuck at black screen, and most popular, SOMETHING HAPPENED.
And in this article, we’re going to try to help you find the solution to this problem. Before we get to actual solutions we have to tell you to check if your computer is compatible with Windows 10 first.
This goes especially for those who didn’t have Windows 10 Technical Preview installed at least once, but decided to upgrade when the full version came out. As a part of the compatibility test, you should also check is your BIOS is updated to support Windows 10.
How do I fix Windows 10 if it’s stuck during installation?
According to users, sometimes when the setup is starting it can get stuck on Windows 10 and not enter the installation process. This can be a big problem, but there are other installation problems that can occur.
As for installation issues, here are some problems reported by the users:
Windows 10 install stuck on logo, getting ready, black screen, setup is starting, checking for updates, spinning dots, blue screen, purple screen
There are many issues that can cause your Windows 10 setup to get stuck, but you should be able to fix most of these issues by using one of our solutions.
Windows 10 installation failed
Sometimes your installation can fail due to various reasons.
We already covered what to do if your Windows 10 installation fails in one of our older articles, so be sure to check it out for detailed instructions.
Windows 10 installation error
Sometimes you might encounter installation errors on your PC.
This can be caused by your language settings, but after adjusting them, the issue should be resolved.
Windows 10 install restart loop
Sometimes your PC might get stuck in a restart loop.
To fix this problem, be sure to check your hardware.
Sometimes your RAM might be faulty, and that can cause this and other errors to appear.
Windows 10 setup stuck making sure you’re ready to install
Often the installation can get stuck on making sure you’re ready to install message.
If this happens, be sure to disconnect all non-essential peripherals and check if that helps.
1. Install Windows 10 from an external media
If you received your free upgrade to Windows 10 through Windows Update, there’s a chance that something went wrong while your system was downloading updates, which affects the installation of the system.
Luckily, Microsoft provided ISO files of both 32-bit and 64-bit versions of Windows 10 for all those who didn’t get Windows 10 through the update. So, you can try with creating an external USB drive with Windows 10 installation and install the system.
You can download a tool for creating an USB image with Windows 10 ISO files here. Just follow the instructions, and we hope you’ll be able to install Windows 10 normally.
2. Something Happened while installing Windows 10
Go to Search, type control panel and open Control Panel.
Go to Region.
Go to the region for the United States (or whichever your region is) and click the Administrative tab.
Change the language to English (United States).
If you’re following the news about Windows 10, you probably heard about the infamous Something Happened issue. Internet went absolutely crazy for this creative (if it’s even on purpose) Microsoft’s way to tell you that you’re unable to install Windows 10 on your computer.
But if you faced this issue, it may not be so funny to you. So we managed to find the solution for this strange error message, and we hope it will work.
We don’t know if users outside the US are affected by this strange problem, but the solution is the same for any other region. After changing your Language Settings, you should be able to install Windows 10 normally.
3. Error 80240020 while installing Windows 10
Go to$Windows.~BT folder in C: and make sure you checked Hidden items option in the toolbar.
Delete as many files and folders as possible (you won’t be able to delete all of them due to permission issues).
Go to C:/Windows/Software Distribution/Download and delete everything within that folder.
Right click on Start Menu button and open Command Prompt (Admin).
Type the following command and press Enter: exe/updatenow
Some users who received Windows 10 as a free upgrade through Windows Update received an unexpected error 80240020. The reason for this error is reportedly due to the overloaded Windows servers, which may cause you to receive corrupted download files.
Wait for a couple of minutes and then check if Windows Update started to download Windows 10 again. Once the system is downloaded, you’ll get the message Preparing for Installation.
After that, when you receive a message Your upgrade to Windows 10 is ready, restart your computer and try to install Windows 10 again.
4. Disconnect additional monitors and other peripherals
According to users, your Windows 10 installation can become stuck due to multiple monitors. Several users reported various issues while using two monitors during the setup.
It seems that Windows 10 setup can’t handle two monitors, and in order to fix this problem, you just need to use a single monitor. Disconnect all additional monitors and try running the setup with just a single monitor and check if that works.
In addition to your monitor, sometimes other USB devices can cause this problem to appear. However, you can fix the issue simply by disconnecting all other USB devices.
Couple of users reported that their USB hub was the issue, but after disconnecting it, the installation completed without issues.
5. Remove the installation media
Many users reported that their setup was stuck during the expanding Windows files process. To fix the problem, it’s advised that you temporarily remove your installation media and insert it again.
Users reported that this worked while using a DVD to install Windows 10, but it might also work with USB flash drive, so you might want to try it out.
6. Change your BIOS settings
According to users, sometimes your Windows 10 installation can become stuck due to your BIOS configuration. To fix the problem, you need to access BIOS and make a few adjustments.
To do that, just keep pressing Del or F2 button while your system boots to enter BIOS. If you have problems entering BIOS, be sure to check your motherboard instruction manual and see how to access BIOS properly.
According to users, sometimes the following features can cause this problem to appear:
Legacy Floppy Drive Support
Intel SpeedStep
To fix the problem, simply disable these features and check if the issue is resolved. Few users reported that HyperTransport feature can cause this issue to appear, and to fix it, you need to set KN HT Speed to 1X and KN HT Width to 8.
After disabling these features, check if the problem is resolved.
7. Remove a few RAM modules
According to users, your Windows 10 installation can sometimes get stuck due to the amount of your RAM. Several users reported this problem while trying to install Windows 10 on a PC that has a large amount of RAM.
To fix the issue, users are suggesting to remove few RAM modules from your PC and check if that helps.
According to users, they had this issue while using 12GB of RAM, but after reducing the amount of RAM to 6GB, the issue was completely resolved and Windows 10 installed without issues.
Once Windows installs, you can insert the remaining RAM and the problem should be resolved completely.
Keep in mind that this doesn’t mean that your RAM is broken, but sometimes faulty RAM can cause this problem as well. To check if your RAM is working, you’ll need to use a third-party tool such as MemTest86+ and test your RAM with it.
8. Delete all partitions
If Windows 10 install gets stuck on your PC, the problem might be related to your partitions. To fix the problem, some users are suggesting to remove all partitions on your PC and then recreate them.
This is a drastic solution since it will remove all your files from your hard drive.
If you can’t install Windows 10, be sure to back up all important files before trying out this solution. On the other hand, if your PC is new and you don’t have any important files on it, you might want to try this solution.
9. Leave the setup running for a couple of hours
Sometimes the simplest solution is the best, and several users reported that they fixed the problem simply by leaving the setup running for a couple of hours. Eventually, Windows 10 installed and the issue was resolved.
Keep in mind that you might have to wait a couple of hours, and few users reported that the setup process took more than five hours. If you don’t want to wait for that long, we advise you to try some of our other solutions.
If you have any other Windows 10-related issues you can check for the solution in our Windows 10 Fix section.
Olicenseheartbeat.exe is a file that is related to the Microsoft Office subscription licensing. It is an executable file that is created for MS Office. Multiple users say that they are getting an olicenseheartbeat.exe application error when they try to launch Microsoft Office, specifically MS Office 2013.
The Olicenseheartbeat.exe application is not working is basically a runtime error, which could be caused because of multiple reasons, which we will be discussing along with a bunch of solutions that will help you resolve the problem in your Windows PC. Let us get right into it.
Why am I getting the olicenseheartbeat.exe application error?
There are a bunch of reasons for you to come across the olicenseheartbeat.exe application error in your PC while using Microsoft Office. Here are a few of the most common ones:
The program ended abruptly: If the program is closed midway because of some issue, then this could result in this error.
Microsoft Office files are corrupt: There might be chances that some of the MS Office program-related files are missing or corrupted.
You haven’t updated MS Office: You should make sure that you are running the latest version of MS Office to not only enjoy new features but also keep yourself away from errors.
How can I fix the olicenseheartbeat.exe application error?
Before you go ahead with the advanced solutions, here are a few tips that you can apply and possibly get rid of the olicenseheartbeat.exe application error:
If you ever come across any software-related issue, then the first thing that you should do is simply restart your PC, as the next time your PC boots, it will load all the files properly.
Close Microsoft Office and relaunch it. There could be chances that Office did not load properly.
Make sure that you have activated your copy of Microsoft Office with the correct key.
Scan your PC for viruses or malware and follow the process for its removal. If you are not sure about which antivirus to go for, we have a guide that lists some of the best antivirus software.
Ensure that you are running the latest version of MS Office to rule out problems because of bugs or glitches.
Now let us move on to the advanced troubleshooting methods that will help you fix the problem.
1. Repair Microsoft Office
Press the Win + I buttons to open Settings.
Click on Apps.
Select Installed apps on the right.
Locate Microsoft Office.
Click on the 3-dot menu icon in front of Microsoft Office.
Select Modify.
Select Repair and click Continue.
Follow the onscreen prompts and complete the repair process.
Relaunch Microsoft Office and check if this fixes the problem or not.
In case you are getting a program-related error, then it is best to repair the program, as some changes in the settings might have caused the problem.
2. Reinstall Microsoft Office
Open the Start menu.
Open Control Panel.
Click on Programs and Features.
Select Microsoft Office from the list of programs and select Uninstall from the top.
Follow the on-screen prompts to uninstall the program from your PC.
Restart your PC.
Install Microsoft Office again on your PC.
Check if this problem is resolved or not.
Reinstalling makes sure that if a program-related file went missing during the previous installation, is now loaded correctly.
Type the below command and press Enter. sfc /scannow
Once the scan completes, type the below command and press Enter. DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /CheckHealth
Let the process finish.
Restart your PC and check if this resolves the problem or not.
SFC Scan and DISM are built-in tools that Windows OS offers, which you can run on an elevated command prompt and fix multiple issues with your PC.
These commands help scan and fix the missing or corrupt system files. There are also dedicated repair toolsthat can help you fix system errors as well as other errors.
By using third-party software you will be able to resolve DLL errors, system crashes, BSOD errors, improve PC stability, and other problems.
4. Perform a system restore
Open the Start menu.
Search for Create a restore point and open it.
Select C drive and hit the System Restore button. C Drive is basically the drive where you have installed Windows OS.
Click Next.
Select the restore point and hit Next.
Click Finish.
Your PC will begin the procedure of restoring your system back to the state when everything was working normally.
Once done, check if this resolves the issue or not.
Reverting back to a restore point comes in handy in a situation when certain programs do not run smoothly or you are facing some system-related issues.
Select the Keep my files option. This will make sure that all of your apps and settings are removed and your personal files are saved.
Let the reset process complete.
Your PC will boot.
Install Microsoft Office and check if this resolves the issue or not.
This solution was suggested by one of the users and has helped several users fix the olicenseheartbeat.exe application error. If you are having problems resetting your PC, then you can check out our guide, which lists some quick ways to resolve the problem.
If you own any Surface device, you already know that Microsoft releases firmware updates occasionally. The goal behind these releases is to ensure that your Surface device is operating at optimum levels throughout, The company uses updates for drivers and firmware to fix bugs that might have been affecting the device’s performance negatively.
This is why making sure that you’ve installed these updates regardless of whether it is an optional update or not is important. However, it is worth noting that once you update your device to the latest firmware update, you’ll not be able to roll back to the previous one.
How to download firmware updates for your Surface device
Before proceeding to download and install a firmware update to your Surface device, there are a couple of things that need to be in check to ensure that the process is seamless.
First, you need to attach your Surface Type Cover or Surface Dock to ensure that those devices get the latest updates. Next, make sure that you have a stable internet connection that will allow you to download the update quickly. And finally, ensure that your device is at least 40 percent charged before installing updates. Alternatively, you can connect it to an outlet and proceed.
Once you’ve made these preliminary checks, you can now proceed to download and install the latest firmware update on your Surface device:
Click the Start icon in your Windows 11 taskbar.
Next, click on the Settings app to launch it.
Click on Windows Update in the sidebar.
Windows will start downloading available updates.
Click on Update now, and click on the Install button once the download is complete.
Finally, restart your Surface device.
You can also refer to the video below by Microsoft that details the process of how to update and install drivers and firmware for Surface devices.
Note: At first, you might not be able to check for a firmware update that has just been released. This is mainly because Microsoft usually rolls out in phases. When it is ready for you, you’ll be able to access it under Windows Update.
How to manually download firmware updates directly from Microsoft
Using the Windows Update to download firmware updates for your Surface device is the easiest way, you can alternatively download and install the update manually directly from Microsoft:
Search for the device you want to update and select it.
You’ll then be redirected to another webpage where you’ll be able to see the driver updates for the specific device you selected.
Click on the Download button.
Once the .msi file has been fully downloaded, click on Open file and proceed with the setup process by following the on-screen prompts to finalize the installation process.
How to download updates for Microsoft Surface Duo
As you might already be aware, Microsoft’s Surface Duo entry ships with Android out of the box. However, it is possible to run Windows 11 on the device though you run the risk of bricking it.
Navigate to System > System update > Check for update.
Your Surface Duo will start checking for any available updates and proceed to download it when it appears.
Tap on Restart when done to initiate the installation process.
Access new features and enhance your device’s security
A firmware update is quite significant and plays a crucial role in your device, therefore, you should ensure that your device is running on the latest one. This is because it not only grants you access to new features and enhances the device’s user experience, but also fixes bugs and glitches affecting the device. What’s more, it also provides users with an added layer of security because it patches new security vulnerabilities.
Microsoft has announced that it is making it easier for you to listen to your favorite Microsoft Tech Community Blog articles. The company is introducing a new feature to the platform, text to speech which is powered by Azure Speech Services.
The feature is an assistive technology that reads digital text aloud, similar to the one available in the Microsoft Translator app. Therefore, avid Microsoft followers and watchers will be able to listen to their favorite Microsoft Tech community blogs like a podcast, rather than having to go through the entire blog word for word, ultimately reducing the hassle and strain that one has to go through while reading.
Microsoft has partnered with the Azure Speech Services team, part of Azure Cognitive Services to bring this feature to its Tech Community Blogs. All you need to do to access this feature is to click on the little headphone icon which is at the top left of any Microsoft article.
Let us know what you think about this feature in the comment section below.
MS Excel is a powerful tool that comes with a plethora of great features to represent or get meaningful information out of a dataset. Merging cells is another great feature when you want to format the heading or center just to present the dataset in a proper manner.
However, there are reports where users have complained that for them, Excel cells are not merging. In this guide, we will give you five solutions that will help you get rid of the issue. Let us check them out.
Why aren’t the MS Excel cells merging?
After some research, we have found a few reasons that might be restricting you from merging cells in your MS Excel spreadsheet:
Cells are within a table: This is one of the most common reasons because of why you are coming across MS Excel cells that are not merging issues. Excel table does not allow you to merge cells that are inside a table.
Your worksheet is protected: For safety reasons and to avoid people from editing your worksheet, chances are the worksheet that isn’t allowing you to merge cells is protected.
Your worksheet is shared: Do note that along with the protected worksheet, a shared worksheet will also not allow you to merge cells in Excel.
These are the three main reasons why you are facing MS Excel cells not merging issues.
What can I do if Excel cells are not merging?
Here are a few things that you can do before applying the advanced solutions:
Perform a simple restart. Often if the program fails to load all its files properly, then it can throw up multiple errors.
Check if you are running the latest version of MS Excel on your PC. This ensures that this error isn’t because of an old version or compatibility issue.
Make sure that the worksheet that you are working on isn’t corrupt and does not have incompatible values.
Now, let us take a look at the solutions that will help you resolve this problem.
1. Merge cells in a table using the context menu
Select the entire table or click on any cell within the table.
Right-click, select Table, and click on Convert to Range option from the context menu.
Excel will show a confirmation window Do you want to convert the table to a normal range?
Click Yes.
Now select the cells that you wish to merge.
Click on Merge & Center button at the top menu bar in the Home tab.
Select Merge & center again from the drop-down menu.
A pop will show you Merging cells only keeps the upper-left value and discards other values warning. Click Yes.
You will see your selected cells are now merged.
2. Unprotect your workbook
Open your workbook.
Click on the Review tab.
Click on Unprotect Worksheet and Unprotect Workbook.
Select the cells that you wish to merge.
Select Merge & Center button at the top menu bar in the Home tab.
Click on Merge & center again from the drop-down menu.
A pop will show you Merging cells only keeps the upper-left value and discards other values warning. Click Yes.
You will see your selected cells are now merged.
The protected workbook will prevent you from editing, let alone merging cells. In such a case, you can follow the steps above and unprotect your cells.
Then you can follow solution 1 and convert the data to the range and then apply the merge function to merge the selected cells.
Under the Protect section, click on Unshare workbook option.
Now you can go ahead and merge the cells.
4. Disable Add-Ins
Open your workbook.
Click on the File option at the top Menu bar.
Select Options from the left panel.
Click on Add-in.
Make sure that the add-ins are disabled.
Go back to your worksheet and check if you can merge cells or not.
Often add-ins can interfere with the smooth functioning of the MS Excel program. While we install add-ins to enhance the functionality of the program, they can cause issues such as Excel cells not merging problems.
In this case, we would suggest you disable all the add-ins by following the above steps and then trying to merge cells in your workbook.
5. Repair your workbook
Launch MS Excel.
Click on File.
Click on Open.
Select your file and from the Tools drop-down menu, select the Open and Repair option.
Select Repair on the message that pops up.
Often workbooks get corrupted, or data in them get lost, which could be an issue if you aren’t able to merge cells in Excel. Simply follow the above steps, repair your workbook, and check if this resolves the issue or not.
These are some of the best solutions to apply when cells are not merging in MS Excel. Well, you will come across other issues with MS Excel as well.
For users facing Excel won’t scroll down errors, we have a guide that lists some effective solutions to resolve it. We also have a guide on the Excel toolbar missing to fix the issue.
We also have a dedicated guide for those who aren’t able to open Excel on their Windows 11 PCs. Let us know in the comments below which one of the above solutions helped you fix the cells that are not merging in MS Excel.
A lot of users utilize Outlook as email client software so that they can open Gmail emails within that application. However, for some, Outlook keeps asking for the Gmail password.
Consequently, users can’t establish an IMAP (Internet Messaging Access Protocol) connection for Gmail to open that webmail within the Outlook software. So, let’s find out why Outlook keeps asking for the password even though it is correct and the solutions that work.
Why is Outlook asking for my Gmail password?
Here are a few reasons why Outlook 2013 keeps asking for a Gmail password:
2-step verification setup – In most cases, it is the 2-step verification to blame, and, as a result, Outlook cannot connect to Gmail and keeps asking for a password.
Issues with the server – Sometimes, a temporary server outage or a problem can lead to an issue.
Compatibility issues – Google recently changed its authentication mechanism, and previous versions of Outlook were incompatible. So, updating should do the trick.
Some similar issues reported by users are:
Gmail keeps asking for a password – Though the login window gives the impression that it’s asking for the password, it’s sent by Outlook for confirmation.
Outlook 2007 Gmail keeps asking for the password – Don’t worry, as we’ve got your back. Every problem has a solution, after all.
Quick Tip:
A practical method to bypass this Gmail error on your PC is with a browser like OperaOne. It supports password management tools and offers enhanced security for your email.
With built-in VPN protection, this browser is the most suited to help you bypass server connection problems that might generate repeating password issues on your Gmail account.
Opera One
Resolve your email login issues using this optimized browser with a built-in VPN.
Now, click on Account Settings, and select Server settings from the dropdown menu.
Enter imap.googlemail.com in the text field next to Server under Incoming mail.
Next, click on Outgoing mail, type/paste smtp.googlemail.com in the Server text field, and click Next.
Once done, relaunch Outlook and check if it still keeps asking for a Gmail password. Though, in all likelihood, it shouldn’t.
2. Delete the credentials
Press Windows + R to open Run, type control panel, and hit Enter.
Click on User Accounts.
Now, click on Manage Windows Credentials under Credentials Manager.
Locate all MicrosoftOffice entries, select each individually, and click on Remove.
Click Yes in the confirmation prompt.
Similarly, remove all other MicrosoftOffice credentials, launch Outlook, and log in.
Once you have logged in repeatedly, Outlook wouldn’t keep asking for a Gmail password anymore. But, in case it still does, head to the following method.
3. Disable 2-step verification in Gmail
Open your Google Account page in a browser, and then click Security on the left of the page.
Click on the 2-Step Verification setting there.
Now, enter the password to confirm your identity and proceed.
Click on Turn off.
Finally, click on Turn off in the confirmation prompt.
Once done, restart the computer and verify whether Gmail still keeps asking for credentials on your PC. If it does, head to the next solution.
Click the Settings button followed by the See all settings on the menu.
Select the Forwarding and POP/IMAP tab.
Then select the Enable IMAP option. Finally, press the Save changes button, and you’re done.
Click your avatar, and then select Manage your Google Account.
Next, click Security on the left of the Google page that opens. Then click App Passwords.
Click Select app and choose Mail. Next, click the Select Device dropdown menu to select Windows Computer. Then press the Generate button.
After that, users will see a 16-digit password appear within a yellow box. Note that password, or copy it with the Ctrl + C hotkey.
Now, open Outlook, click File and select the Add Account option.
Enter the Gmail email address you’re trying to connect with.
Select the Let me set up my account manually option, and press theConnect button.
Select the IMAP option to choose an account type.
Click Next on the IMAP account settings section. Then enter the new 16-digit app password, and click Connect.
Users can still fix Outlook’s repeating password error for Gmail with 2-Step-Verification by generating an app password to connect to Gmail. If IMAP keeps prompting for a password, setting up an app password should help you, so be sure to try it.
5. Try using a web version or Gmail
If you keep getting this error, try accessing Gmail with your web browser as a workaround, this usually solves the problem.
Also, it could have to do with a temporary server problem, which in most cases, resolves on its own after a while.
You should have the problem fixed by now, and Outlook wouldn’t keep asking for a Gmail password.
Wallpaper Engine is one app that uses CPU and GPU resources on the PC. It can be a problem for systems that lack strength. However, users complain about Wallpaper Engine slowing down their PCs, even when it isn’t active.
The simple answer to the question is Yes. Users also ask if the Wallpaper Engine slows down the PC while gaming. Yes, it does.
As said earlier, it is an app that requires considerable GPU and CPU power to run smoothly on your computer. So, you can experience the Wallpaper Engine causing your PC to lag or crashing your PC.
Furthermore, many factors may be responsible for the Wallpaper Engine slowing down the computer. Some of them are:
System requirement issues – When your PC is not strong enough or doesn’t meet the requirements for the app, it can cause problems.
Graphics card issues –Because Wallpaper Engine uses the graphics resources on your computer, issues with your graphics cards will impact it immediately. So, an outdated or faulty graphics card can affect Wallpaper Engine, causing your PC to crash or lag.
Outdated Wallpaper Engine app – The app is constantly updated to improve its performance and fix bugs affecting its previous version. Hence, not having these updates installed can cause issues with the app.
These are a few of the causes of the lag in Wallpaper Engines. Regardless, you can get the app to work again just by troubleshooting your PC.
What can I do if the wallpaper engine is slowing down my PC?
Before proceeding with any advanced solutions, try the following:
Check the minimum and recommended requirements below to ensure your device is fit to run the Wallpaper Engine. If your device can’t meet these requirements, you upgrade or switch to a stronger device.
Minimum requirements:
OS: Windows 7 (with Aero), 8.1, 10, 11
Processor: 1.66 GHz Intel i5 or equivalent
Memory: 1024 MB RAM
Graphics: HD Graphics 4000 or above
DirectX: Version 10
Storage: 512 MB available space
If Wallpaper Engine still lags, go ahead with the solutions below.
1. Update your graphics driver
Press Windows + R keys to prompt the Run dialog box, type devmgmt.msc, and click OK to open the Device Manager.
Expand the Display Adapters, right-click the driver, then select the Update driver option.
Select Search automatically for drivers.
After the update is complete, restart your device and check if the issue persists.
Updating your graphics driver will fix any bugs affecting its performance. You can read our guide about updating graphics drivers on Windows 11 if you have any issues with the steps above.
2. Update the Wallpaper Engine on Steam
Left-click the Start button, type Steam, and click the Steam app to open it.
Go to the Library.
Find and click on Wallpaper Engine from the app list, and check if an update is available.
Click on Update if there is any update available.
Updating Wallpaper Engine will install the latest features and security fixes for the app and fix the lag issues. Check our guide on what to do if you run into a Steam error in the update process.
The Weather app comes included with Windows. That app provides detailed forecasts for users. However, Some users are complaining that the Weather app is not working for them.
Fortunately, it is not a big problem, and you can fix it quickly if you apply the solutions in this guide.
Why is the Windows Weather app not working?
Below are some of the reasons the Windows Weather app might not be working on your PC:
Faulty store app cache: Sometimes, this issue is caused by a corrupt Store app cache. You can fix this quickly by resetting the Windows Store app cache.
Issues with the Weather app: Sometimes, the Weather app might run into some issues. The quick solution is to run the built-in troubleshooter or reset the app.
How do I fix Microsoft Weather app issues on Windows 10?
1. Run the Windows Store App troubleshooter
Press the Windows key + I to open the Settings app and select the Update & Security option.
Select Troubleshoot in the left pane and click Additional troubleshooters.
Finally, choose Windows Store App, and click the Run the troubleshooter button.
If the Windows Weather app is not working on your PC, the Store app troubleshooter is one of the best tools to help you fix it. It diagnoses the problem and recommends fixes.
You only need to follow its recommendations, and the app should start working again.
2. Reset the Weather app
Press the Windows key + I and select the Apps option.
Select the Weather app and click Advanced options.
Now, click the Reset button and wait for the process to complete.
Sometimes, the Windows Weather app might not be working because of the changes you have made to it. Thankfully, Windows 10 includes a Reset option that helps restore the app’s default settings.
Wait for it to finish running, and the Windows Store app will start automatically.
Weather, and other apps, might not work if the Microsoft Store cache is corrupted. The easiest way to fix the cache is to clear it by following the steps above.
4. Reinstall the Weather app
Press the Windows key and right-click the Weather app.
Select the Uninstall option.
Now, click the Uninstall button to confirm the action.
Launch the Windows Store app, click the menu button (three horizontal dots) in the top right corner, and select My Library.
Finally, click the Install button before the Weather app.
If you have tried everything and the Windows Weather app is still not working, you might need to go broke and reinstall the app. This has fixed the issue for many users and might be helpful for you too.
The Windows Weather app is one of the best apps for weather forecasts. So, when it is not working, it affects many users. Hopefully, you solved the problem with one of the solutions above.
Feel free to let us know the solution that worked for you in the comments below.
Users may encounter error 0x8007112a: There is a mismatch between the tag specified in the request and the tag present in the reparse point when moving or deleting folders.
The error code 0×8007112a is common in Windows 7 & 10 and can occur for many reasons. A prominent factor that causes the error is folder permission issues on your PC. When you’re not using the PC on an administrator’s, you may not have the right to delete the folder.
Furthermore, you can see the Microsoft error deleting folder 0x8007112a due to the factors:
Conflict with other apps – You can run into issues with deleting or moving folders on your PC if other apps are conflicting with File Explorer. Third-party apps, such as antivirus software on your computer, can block your access to the folder you want to delete. Also, if other apps are using the file or folder in question, it can prevent you from deleting it.
Recent Windows update issues – If there is a faulty Windows update, it can corrupt the files and folders on your PC. Likewise, the Update can install bugs on your PC, corrupting your system files and resulting in Windows error 0x8007112a when deleting or moving folders.
These causes may vary on different devices, but you can fix the error using general fixes to troubleshoot your PC.
While the Radeon Software Host Application’s high CPU usage issue is pretty frustrating, you will be surprised that the fixes are simple and easy to apply.
How can I fix the Radeon Software Host Application’s high CPU usage?
1. Create a Radeon folder
Press the Windows key + E to open File Explorer.
Select This PC on the left pane and open the Videos folder.
Now, right-click any space there and select New > Folder.
Finally, name the folder Radeon ReLive and restart the Radeon software.
While this might look like a weird solution for the Radeon Software Host Application’s high CPU usage issue, it is one of the quickest and most effective. Many users have found it helpful, and you shouldn’t hesitate to try it.
Run the app and check what the AMD Radeon Software is constantly monitoring.
Now, delete the app, file, or folder.
Sometimes, the Radeon Software Host Application has high CPU usage because the software monitors some game folders or files. These folders are usually empty, and it tries to salvage something from them.
Launch the AMD Radeon app and click the Gear icon in the top right corner.
Now, click the General tab and go to the Recording section.
Finally, toggle the switch for Record Desktop back.
The Radeon Software has many endearing features that make the host application record high CPU usage. One of them is the recording feature.
Users have primarily found the record desktop feature troublesome. You need to disable the feature to reduce the app’s CPU usage. Also, you can further reduce it by going to the Media section under the General tab and disabling the elements there.
Finally, install the software and restart your PC.
Last but not least, on this list of fixes is to reinstall the software. This solution is relevant if you are using the 19.12.2 2020 version of the AMD software.
If downloading the older version does not work for you, you can search for an update on the AMD website.
We have reached the end of this guide on fixing the Radeon Software Host Application’s high CPU usage. All you need to do to fix the issue is to follow the solutions carefully, and things should be back to normal.
It is important to note that the Windows Audio Endpoint Builder wouldn’t record a high CPU usage typically, hence the need to attend to this issue with urgency.
How can I fix the Windows Audio Endpoint Builder if it registers high CPU usage?
Before exploring the sophisticated fixes in this section, you should try the two troubleshooting steps below:
Remove the audio jack and any other external device for about 10 seconds
Restart your PC
1. Use Command Prompt
Press the Windows key, type cmd, and select Run as administrator under Command Prompt.
Type the following commands and press Enter after each: Dism /Online /Cleanup-Image /CheckHealthDism /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealthDism /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealthsfc/scannowDism /online /Cleanup-Image /StartComponentCleanupDism /online /Cleanup-Image /StartComponentCleanup /ResetBasenet start w32time w32tm/resyncgpupdate/forcechkdsk /f /r
If you are prompted while running the CHKDSK, press the Y button.
Finally, note that you must wait for each command to finish running before moving to the next.
Sometimes, the Windows Audio Endpoint Builder’s high CPU usage is due to broken system files and corrupt memory partitions. Run the commands below will fix this quickly and restart all the needed components,
2. Uninstall and reinstall audio drivers
Press the Windows key + X and select Device Manager.
Double-click the Sound, video, and game controllers option to expand it and right-click each driver there.
Now, select the Uninstall device option.
Check the box for Delete the driver software for this device and click the Uninstall button.
Finally, go to the manufacturer’s website to download the latest or older version of the driver.
Many users have found problems with their audio drivers to be the cause of the Windows Audio Endpoint Builder high CPU issue. Reinstalling the drivers should solve the problem.
It is important to note that some users have had luck using the latest drivers while some fixed this problem using an older one. So, you can try either.
3. Run the audio troubleshooter
Press the Windows key + I and select the Update & Security option.
Click Troubleshoot in the left pane and select Additional troubleshooters.
Finally, select the Playing Audio option and click Run the troubleshooter.
At times, the Windows Audio Endpoint Builder might be registering high CPU usage because of minor issues. Again, the built-in troubleshooter is the best-placed tool to clear up these glitches and restore normalcy.
Press the Windows key + R, type services.msc, and click OK.
Right-click the Windows Audio Endpoint Builder option and select the Properties option.
Now, set the Startup type to Disabled and click the Stop button.
Finally, click the Apply button, followed by OK to save the changes.
The Windows Audio Endpoint Builder is one of the services that can be disabled without significant issues. However, you will lose your sound for the time being.
But, if the high CPU usage almost renders your PC unusable, it might be a worthy trade-off. Hopefully, you don’t have to get to this stage before fixing the issue.
With this fix, we can conclude this guide on fixing the Windows Audio Endpoint Builder’s high CPU usage issue. Feel free to let us know the solution that helped you solve the problem in the comments below.
After upgrading to Windows 10, some users have reported that they are experiencing a problem with a flashing screen.
The most reliable methods to resolve flickering errors would be to clean boot your PC and check potential harmful drivers or apps on your device.
Fortunately, we are here to solve your problem, just follow some of these further instructions and your monitor won’t flash ever again.
What is a flashing screen in Windows 10?
The flashing screen or blinking issues are display errors generated by various factors such as outdated drivers or system malfunctions.
When you experience flickering issues on Windows OS, you should access the PC in Safe Mode and update your display adapter with the right version.
How can I deal with screen flashes in Windows 10?
1. Enter the Safe Mode and Clean Boot
Restart your PC.
While your PC is booting, press and hold down the Shift key on the keyboard and click the Restart option while still holding down the Shift key.
Click the Troubleshoot icon.
Click the Advanced options icon.
Then, on the next screen, click theStartup optionsicon.
Select Safe Mode with Networking.
Click the Restart button and your PC will reboot.
After reboot, you will see the Startup settings screen.
To enter Safe mode, press the appropriate function key, for example, F4.
Up next, check if the problem still appears in Safe Mode.
That’s a troubleshooting option for Windows, that starts your Windows with a limited amount of features, so you’ll be able to see if some of Windows features are causing the problem.
If the issue doesn’t occur in Safe Mode with networking, then proceed to the Clean Boot steps given below.
If the issue doesn’t appear in the Safe Mode, then perform a Clean Boot in order to determine which software is causing the flashing screen problem.
To perform a Clean Boot, follow these steps:
Go to Search.
Type msconfig in the search box, and then click msconfig.
On the Servicestab of theSystem Configurationdialog box, select theHide all Microsoft services check box, and then go to Disable all.
On the Startuptab of the System Configuration dialog box, tap, or click Open Task Manager.
On the Startuptab in Task Manager, for each startup item, select the item and then click Disable.
Go to Search, type devicemngr, and open Device Manager.
Expand Display Adapters.
Right-click your graphics card, and go to Update driver software.
Follow further on-screen instructions.
If a new update is available, wait for the process to finish and install the update.
Restart your computer.
A logical cause of the screen flickering problem is an outdated graphics card driver. So, we’re going to update the GPU driver and see if there are any positive effects.
Then, to update your graphics drivers correctly, it’s better to do it automatically using the support of specialized software. That way you protect your PC from serious system errors.
In case you’re not sure how to update your GPU driver, follow the above steps, or even better, use dedicated third-party software.
Go to Search, type services.msc, and open Services.
Find Problem Reports and Solution Control Panel, right-click it, and choose Stop.
Do the same thing for Windows Error Reporting Service.
Restart your computer.
Some users also reported that disabling Problem Reports and Solution Control Panel and Windows Error Reporting Service services also solve the problem.
5. Update Windows
It’s not always a good idea to install the latest Windows 10 updates. Because some of them may disrupt your operating system. For instance, a bad update may cause a screen flashing problem.
So, what’s the solution in case of a bad update? Well, install some more updates!
If the screen flickering problem was indeed caused by a Windows update, Microsoft will eventually acknowledge it and release a fixing patch.
To install the latest updates, go to Settings > Update & Security, and check for updates. If a new update is available, your computer will download, and install it automatically.
6. Update Windows 10 apps
Some users have also said that it’s possible for some Windows apps to cause the screen flashing issue. So, we’re going to apply the same practice as for Windows Update. We’re going to update all your apps.
To update your Windows apps, simply go to the Microsoft Store, click the three-dotted menu, and go to Downloads and updates.
If any new updates are available, simply click Get Updates, and the updating process will begin.
Want to automatically update your Windows 10 apps? Check out this quick article and find out how to always stay up to date.
7. Scan the computer for viruses
It is always a good idea to scan your computer for viruses or other malicious software. You can use Windows Defender, of course.
In addition, you can as well consider other suitable antivirus programs to secure your computer from risky digital threats. There are various solutions you can choose from.
If updating Windows apps didn’t get the job done, we’ll get more extreme, and delete the troublesome app(s).
Since this can be a difficult and time-demanding task, check out our detailed guide about deleting Windows apps to make your life easier.
9. Change the monitor refresh rate
Go to the Settings app.
Now, head over to System > Display > Display Adapter Properties.
Go to the Monitor tab.
Change Screen refresh rate according to your monitor’s capabilities.
Another cause of the flashing problem could be a wrong monitor refresh rate. So, search through your monitor’s manual for the best refresh rate it’s compatible with, and change it accordingly.
Use the above steps to change the refresh rate of your monitor.
10. Perform a Windows Recovery
Go to the Start menu.
Click on PC Settings.
Go to Update and Security, and choose Reset this PC.
Under Reset your PC, click on Get Started, click Keep my files and follow further on-screen instructions.
Some of our readers said that pressing Ctrl + Win + Shift + B solved the screen flashing problem temporarily so you might try that as well.
If none of these steps helped you with your flashing screen problem, you might try performing a System Recovery.
Recovery is different from installing a new copy of the system, because it doesn’t affect installed files, so you can perform a Recovery without fear of using your files or settings.
To perform refresh your PC without affecting your files, follow the above steps.
If you are having trouble opening the Setting app, take a look at this handy article to solve the issue.
If you need more info on how to use the Reset this PC feature on Windows 10, take a look at this complete guide that will help you better understand how it works and what it does.
On top of these, do note that there are several issues or error messages related to blinking screen you can encounter on the way:
Windows 10 flashing screen after login – The user screen keeps flashing and it doesn’t load the service.
Screen flickering in Windows 10 – Usually caused by an incompatible display driver and corrupted apps.
Screen flashing Windows 7 – Although more users experienced this problem in Windows 10, it’s also common in Windows 7.
With the screen working properly again, you can get back to using the best screen sharing tools. Don’t hesitate to bookmark our Windows 10 Errors Hub for similar recommendations and tips.
We hope that these steps helped you to solve the problem with a flashing screen. But, if you have any questions or suggestions, please express your thoughts in the comments section below.
While there are many potential causes for the OBS high CPU usage issue, you can quickly fix it by following the steps in the next section.
How can I fix OBS if it’s registering high CPU usage?
1. Update GPU driver
Press the Windows key + X and select the Device Manager.
Click the arrow next to the Display adapters option and right-click the device.
Now, select the Update driver option.
Finally, choose the Search automatically for drivers option and install any available updates.
The OBS’s high CPU usage can be due to outdated or faulty drivers. This is because the app requires proper drivers to function well.
So, if your GPU card driver is outdated, it might cause it to use too much CPU. If the Windows driver updater cannot find the needed drivers, you can go to the manufacturer’s website to download the latest version.
Alternatively, you can use a dedicated driver updater in Outbyte Driver Updater to update your drivers. This tool automatically scans for outdated drivers and updates them before they can cause problems.
Outbyte Driver Updater
Have all your old drivers updated so you won’t experience high CPU usage.
Launch the OBS app and click the Settings option in the bottom right corner of your screen.
Choose the Video option in the left pane.
Now, click the dropdown before the Output (Scaled) Resolution option and choose a lower value than the one you use.
Finally, click the Apply button, followed by OK, and close the OBS app.
Your stream screen resolution determines the quality of the output. However, if it is too high, it can cause OBS to register high CPU usage. Hence, you might need to lower it to fix this issue.
3. Reduce the frame rate
Open the OBS app and click the Settings button in the bottom right corner.
Select the Video option in the left pane.
Now, click the Common FPS value dropdown and choose a lower frame rate than the current one.
Finally, click the Apply button, followed by OK to save the changes.
The frame rate determines the number of frames captured while recording. Unfortunately, this can also lead to the OBS high CPU usage issue if it is too high, as it strains your resources. Thus, it would be best if you reduced it to balance resource usage.
4. Change the X264 preset
Click the Settings button on OBS and choose the Output option in the left pane.
Click the dropdown next to Output Mode and select the Advanced option.
Now, click the dropdown next to CPU Usage Preset (higher = less CPU)and choose the best value for your PC.
The X264 is the video source library used by OBS for video encoding. It gives you options to balance your CPU usage and video quality. Hence, you can determine how much of your CPU OBS uses during the encoding process.
However, it is essential to note that the high the preset value, the lesser the CPU usage. The only downside is that choosing a high value like ultrafast will affect your video quality.
Press the Windows key + I and select the Update & Security option.
Click the Check for updates button.
Finally, install the available updates.
OBS is a resource-intensive software and needs your PC to be firing on cylinders to function well. Hence, if your PC is outdated, it might cause OBS to register high CPU usage.
There you have it: everything you need to fix the OBS high CPU usage issue. We believe you should be able to fix this issue for good and use the excellent stream software without worrying if you follow this guide’s steps carefully.
Windows offers limited options for enhancing or mixing the system and media sounds, but some third-party programs step in nicely to fill this gap.
Equalizer APO, for example, gives you ultimate control over your computer’s sound.
If Equalizer APO doesn’t work the issue is most likely from your Realtek sound drivers.
This is because the program itself would seem to work flawlessly, but your sound drivers play no audio.
Read this guide to the end to learn ways to tackle this issue in Windows.
How do I fix the Equalizer APO and Realtek sound drivers problems?
1. Update drivers using a dedicated program
A dedicated driver updating program is proven to repair the Equalizer APO and Realtek sound driver problems by automatically updating and replacing your outdated or buggy sound drivers.
It scans your system quickly to find driver issues, and then downloads and installs the right versions from its massive library of more than 18 million driver files.
You also don’t have to worry about system malfunctions due to the drivers’ incompatibility. Using automated support, you will get up-to-date versions that will enhance the performance of your device.
Hence, if you need a detailed scan that detects drivers’ issues and updates them in minutes, you most likely need a specialized tool.
2. Install as SFX/EFX
Press the Windows key and search for the Configurator.
Select the Equalizer APO Configurator.
In the Playback devices tab, mark all the devices that you’ll use with the equalizer.
Mark the checkboxes beside Pre-mix and Post-mix.
Chose the Troubleshooting options (only use in case of problems) checkbox.
From the dropdown menu, select Install as SFX/EFX (experimental).
Save your settings and exit the Configurator.
NOTE:If you apply these settings and still get Equalizer APO and Realtek sound drivers problems, return to the steps, unmark the checkboxes beside Pre-mix and Post-mix, and try it again.
3. Disable hardware acceleration for audio devices
Open Control Panel and select Hardware and Sound.
Click on Sounds.
Click on the Playback tab.
Right-click on the audio device and select Properties.
Go to the Advanced tab.
Uncheck the box for All hardware acceleration of audio with this device.
Save your settings and hit the OK button.
4. Enable all enhancements
Open the Control Panel and select Hardware and Sound.
Click on the Sounds option.
Switch to the Playback tab.
Right-click on your sound device and select Properties.
Go to the Enhancements tab.
Unmark the Disable all enhancements checkbox.
Hit the OK button.
5. Use the Windows Registry
Open the Registry Editor with admin rights
Open the Start menu and search for and open the Configurator.
Click on the Playback devices tab and choose the device to use with the equalizer.
Hit the Copy Device command to clipboard button.
Open Notepad or a similar app and press CTRL + V to paste the command. Note: Take note of the part of the command inside the curly brackets. This is the Registry key that you will edit.
To be safe, back up your registry following this guide.
Press the Windows key and search for regedit.
Right-click on Registry Editor and select Run as administrator.
Identify the correct value
In the Windows Registry, navigate to the following folder: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\MMDevices\Audio\Render
Click on the arrow beside the last key to expand it.
Find a key name with the string inside the curly brackets from step 4 above.
Modify permissions for it
Right-click on this key and select Permissions.
Hit Advanced.
Click on the Change link.
Enter Everyone in the field provided and click Find name.
Hit the OK button.
In Advanced Security Settings, mark the Replace owner on subcontainers and objects checkbox.
Click on the Add button and click the Select a principal link.
Enter Everyone, complete the name, and hit OK.
Select Full control from the Basic permissions area.
Apply your changes and close the dialog box.
Return to the Registry Editor and right-click the key.
Delete the key and reboot your machine.
Re-install APO with the Configurator.
At this point, you should get the Equalizer APO and Realtek sound drivers problems fixed.
We know how painful it is when your Realtek WiFi adapter isn’t working. From errors like intermittent connections to the adapter not being detected at all, these issues can be incredibly frustrating.
Luckily, they’re fixable, and that’s exactly what we’ll show you how to do below:
How do I fix the Realtek Network Adapter not working
1. Uninstall and download the latest network driver
Press Windows Key + X on your keyboard and go to Device Manager.
Search for Network adapter, and when you find it right click it and choose Uninstall.
In the Uninstall window, choose to Delete the driver software for this device.
Follow the instructions on the screen, and restart the computer when the uninstall process is completed.
After you’ve restarted your computer, go to Device Manager again and click the Scan for hardware changes button.
Doing this will reinstall the default network drivers.
2. Delete your wireless profile
Go to Search, type cmd, and open Command Prompt as Administrator.
When Command Prompt stats type in the following command and press Enter:
Be sure to replace WirelessProfileName with the actual name of your wireless connection
3. Run the Incoming connections Troubleshooter
Go to Settings.
Head over to Updates & Security > Troubleshoot.
Select Internet Connections, and go to Run the Troubleshooter.
Follow further on-screen instructions and let the process finish.
Restart your computer.
4. Reset your router
Realtek WiFi adapter problems can also stem from improper router configuration. Therefore, you can try resetting your router. Just press the reset button.
For more information on resetting your router or exporting your router’s configuration, be sure to check your router’s manual.
Some VPN clients install their own network adapters which can then interfere with those you use for WiFi.
If you can’t run Command Prompt as Administrator, follow our comprehensive guide on this topic, and fix this issue with ease.
That’s about it. We certainly hope at least one of these solutions helped you resolve the problem with your Realtek Network Adapter not working or not being found, and now you can surf the web.
If you have any comments, questions, or suggestions, just let us know in the comments down below.
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