Best All-in-one Emulators for Retro Gaming on PC [2026]

Posted on December 13, 2022December 8, 2025 by Tashreef Shareef

All-in-one emulators are nothing but multi-platform emulators that can run games from different platforms from a single source, and here you will find the best of them.

Here at WindowsReport, we have presented many tools that allow you to play games designed for another platform in Windows.

To play Android games on a PC, you can try one of the many Android emulators like BlueStacks, LD Player, Nox Player, Memu Play, and Genymotion.

Likewise, we have also shared some resources to play your favorite Nintendo GameBoy and DS games on PC and iOS devices. You can explore a full list of dedicated handheld tools in this guide on the best Nintendo DS emulators for PC to compare multi system and single platform performance.

What are the best all-in-one emulators?

Bizhawk – Best retro emulator

Bizhawk is the best all-in-one emulator with a retro design created by developers at TASVideos. It is free to use and works on Windows OS-running computers.

The core functionality of Bizhawk is to offer users accuracy and power without complicating the working process.

Bizhawk can emulate and run Neo Geo Pocket, Nintendo DS, Sega 32X, PlayStation, Sega Saturn, Sega Master System, Virtual Boy, Uzebox, and ZX Spectrum ROMs on your Windows PC. You may check the full list of compatible ROMs on the official website.

Bizghawk supports full recording and Lua scripting. In addition, it comes with features like full-screen support, controller and hotkey mapping support, gamepad support for game controls, and auto rapid-fire controls function.

Other key features include:

Basic re-recording and bulletproof recording support
Input display
Auto hold
RAM watching and poking tools
Lua scripting

You may need to move some files around to install Bizhawk and run the game ROMs. Check the YouTube video below for the installation procedure:

⇒ Get Bizhawk

RetroArch – Best Nintendo emulator

RetroArch is a bit different than Bizhawk. It is a front for emulators, game engines, and media players and allows you to play games from multiple platforms on your Windows computer.

Being an all-in-one Nintendo emulator, RetroArch can run video game ROMs from Nintendo, Super Nintendo, NES, Nintendo 64, and more.

If you don’t have a Windows PC, RetroArch is a cross-platform emulator compatible with Mac OS, Linux, Android, iOS, gaming consoles, and other devices as well.

The user interface is super simple, and you can browse the game collection through the menu. However, the emulator itself is not the easiest to use.

The installation and setup procedure of RetroArch does take some effort and time. But, once you do, the emulator makes up for the effort by allowing you to play retro games from multiple platforms from a single framework.

The highly customizable system allows users to tweak most of the settings for the emulator and the games.

RetroArch uses RertoCores to emulate the games from other platforms. Some of the cores supported by the emulator include Dolphin to emulate Wii and GameCube ROMs, Citra for Nintendo 3DS, Redream to emulate Sega Dreamcast, Open Lara, a Tomb Rider game engine, melonDS, Gameboy, and more.

Other key features include:

Gamepad support and mapping
Shaders graphical filters
Achievement tabs
Netplay to host/join the online gaming community
Ever-expanding library

⇒ Get Retroarch

Mednafen – Best Sega emulator

Mednafen is a multi-system emulator for Windows computers. It is a portable emulator that uses OpenGL and SDL to render games.

Originally, Mednafen was introduced as a command-line-driven multi-system emulator; however, developers have created a GUI tool to make it user-friendly for everyone.

While RetroArch and Bizhawk offer great support for hand-held retro game emulation, Mednafen is preferable for those looking for a PlayStation 1 emulator and support for Nintendo and SNES emulators.

Some of the platforms supported by Mednafen include Apple 11/11+, PlayStation One, Sega Genesis, Master System, Game Gear, Super Nintendo, GameBoy Advanced Neo Geo Pocket, WonderSwam, and more.

Similar to RetroArch, Mednafen does not offer a direct installer. You need to move around some files and folders to get it working. But unlike RetroArch, Mednafen is much easier to install.

The support for ISO files and the ability to emulate TurboGrafx 16-CD / PC Engine CD is what makes Mednafen an excellent choice for playing CD games on your PC. For the frontend GUI, you can use Mednaffe or MedGui.

Other key features include:

Ability to take screenshots
Keymapping
Support for gamepad and keyboard controls
Record audiovisual movies

⇒ Get Mednafen

FinalBurn Alpha – Best Arcade emulator

FB Alpha (popularly known as FinalBurn Alpha) is a multi-system open-source emulator for Windows users.

The purpose of the emulator is to emulate the popular Arcade game system, although, now it has more than just Arcade game support.

The emulator supports all versions of Windows since Vista for both 32-bit and 64-bit editions.

Some of the popular platforms supported by FB Alpha include Capcom CPS-1-3, cave, Irem M62 and above, Konami, Kaneko 16, Neo-Geo, NMK16, Pacman-based hardware, PGM, Sega System 1 & 16 Toaplan 1-2, and more.

Other key features include:

Clear interface
Excellent performance
Low resource
Easy settings

⇒ Get FinalBurn Alpha

MAME – Multi-purpose emulation framework

Using the free, open-source MAME (Multiple Arcade Machine Emulator) emulator, you may play arcade games on your computer. It supports a broad range of arcade games, from those in the 1970s to those in the early 2000s.

MAME is renowned for its precision and capacity to play various arcade games. It is also well-known for its features, including netplay, rewinding, and save states.

Despite being a sophisticated piece of software, MAME is relatively user-friendly. The user interface is simple, and you can find many online tutorials to get you up and running. MAME is the appropriate emulator for playing arcade games on your PC.

Other key features include:

Supports a wide variety of arcade machines
Can run a large number of arcade games
Known for its accuracy
Wide range of features, such as save states, rewinding, and netplay

⇒ Get MAME

Bizhawk vs Retroarch

Although both are capable emulators, note that Bizhawk is a lot more straightforward. It simply loads the core that you want and plays your favorite games right there and then.

Retroarch is a lot more complicated, and it will require some knowledge and skills on your part.

This multi-emulator for PC has so many cores and options that you might get easily lost in the menus, but once you master it, the retro gaming world is yours.

Which emulator is best for low-end PCs?

You need to know that running an emulator on your PC means the app simulates another OS running on your machine.

And that virtual machine uses the same resources as your computer, including CPU and RAM so your PC has to handle both under the same roof. However, we have a list of the best emulators that can run on low-end PCs.

Is 2GB RAM enough for the emulator?

Yes, some emulators can run on at least 2GB of RAM. However, this is far less than ideal if you want to run some complex games.

All of these all-in-one emulators for Windows 10 and 11 are free. We have tried only to recommend the emulators that consistently receive updates from the developers.

If you want to play all your favorite games from childhood, these all-in-one emulators support running Nintendo GB Advance, Arcade, SNES, and more emulators on PC.

You might also be interested in consulting our list of the best Sega Dreamcast emulators for PC and getting more insights.

If RetroArch is not working for you; it could be due to outdated drivers, error downloading cores, or corrupted RetroArch app, read this guide to learn more.

Have you tried any of these emulators before? Then, do let us know your thoughts in the comments below.

Cyberpunk 2077 High CPU Usage: 5 Ways to Lower It Down

Posted on December 13, 2022September 18, 2025 by Vladimir Popescu

You are not alone if you experience lags when playing Cyberpunk and the Task Manager shows high CPU usage. Many users have complained about the issue, which ruins the gaming experience. However, this can be fixed in no time.

In this guide, we will walk you through some of the expert-recommended fixes to resolve the issue. But before that, let us discuss the reasons for the same.

What causes high CPU usage while playing Cyberpunk 2077?

Some of the common reasons for the 100% CPU usage when running Cyberpunk 2077 are :

Apps running in the background – If unnecessary applications are running in the background on your computer with your game, it could cause the PC to slow down, hence the issue.
Game overlays -If you enabled overlays on your digital distribution platform, it could be the reason. Try disabling the overlay from the app and check.
Outdated version of the app – Another reason could be the obsolete version of the Cyberpunk app. Check for updates and, if available, install it to resolve the issue.
Changes in settings – Cross-check the game settings to ensure you have not disabled any critical feature.

What can I do to fix high CPU usage while playing Cyberpunk 2077

Before trying the detailed troubleshooting steps, try these quick fixes:

Close unnecessary background processes.
Restart your computer.
Check system requirements for the game.

1. Disable the Game Overlay option

Tip

We have mentioned the way to disable a game overlay on Steam. You can change the overlay using similar steps for other gaming platforms.

Launch the Steam app.
Click on Steam from the left corner of the screen, and go to Settings.
Go to the In-Game tab, and remove the checkmark next to Enable the Steam Overlay while in-game.
Click OK.

2. Adjust in-game settings

2.1 Verify the integrity of the game files

Go to Steam and click Library.
Locate and right-click on Cyberpunk. Select Properties.
Under Local files, click Verify integrity of Game files.
Let the process complete and launch the game to check if the issue persists.

2.2 Change settings

Launch Cyberpunk 2077 and go to Settings.
Go to Gameplay, under Performance, change Crowd Density to Low.
On the Graphics tab, under Advanced, disable Ray Tracing.
Under Resolution Scaling, turn off DLSS.

3. Tweak Power plan settings on your PC

Press the Windows key, type Control Panel, and click Open.
For View by, select Small icons from the drop-down, and then click Power Options.
Go to your current plan and click Change plan settings.
Click Change advanced power settings.
Under the Advanced settings tab, expand Processor power management, and go to Maximum processor state.
Change the value to anything above 90.
Click Apply and OK.

4. Update device drivers

4.1 Use the Device Manager

Press Windows + R to open the Run window.
Type devmgmt.msc and press Enter.
Go to the list of drivers, one by one, select them, right-click, and choose Update driver.
Follow the on-screen instructions to complete.

4.2 Use a third-party driver updater

It is vital to keep your drivers on your computer up to date for smooth functioning. However, doing it manually requires some technical knowledge and is time-consuming. Therefore it is suggested to use a third-party app to get the work done. Outbyte Driver Updater is one such driver updater utility that can help keep your system drivers updated. Follow the below steps to update drivers using the tool:

Download and install Outbyte Driver Updater.
Click Scan, and it will find all the outdated drivers.
Select the outdated driver, and click Update.
The tool will download the latest available drivers.
Once downloaded, click Install to initiate the installation.
Follow the on-screen instructions to complete.

5. Turn Down Game Priority

Press Ctrl + Shift + ESC to launch the Task Manager.
Go to the Details tab.
Locate and right-click Cyberpunk 2077.exe from the processes.
From the context menu, go to Set priority to Normal.

Is Cyberpunk 2077 a CPU intensive game?

Cyberpunk is indeed a CPU and GPU-intensive game; hence, it is advised to check the minimum system requirements before installing it. If your computer doesn’t have the listed conditions, it might cause many performance issues.

So, these are some recommended methods to fix the high CPU usage while playing Cyberpunk 2077. Try these methods individually, and let us know what worked for you in the comments section below.

How to Fix For Honor High CPU Usage [100% Load]

Posted on December 13, 2022October 4, 2023 by Ivan Jenic

For Honor has been around for a bit of time now. And so far, most players agree that the concept is great, but the title is plagued with frequent issues.

Since it’s extremely harmful to Ubisoft to just sit and not do anything, the developer is working on new patches to improve the overall experience and relive original positive critics. However, it seems that something definitely didn’t work out, as patches released by the developer made the game worse for some players by introducing high CPU usage and memory leaks to the title.

This is a serious problem since high CPU usage makes it impossible for some people to play the game. Additionally, memory leaks cause even more problems, like black screen, for example.

How do I lower CPU usage in For Honor?

Luckily, for those experiencing the problem, there are a few solutions that can resolve it. So, check them out below if memory leaks are bugging you.

Set For Honor as Low priority task

The solution that seems to work for most people is moving For Honor to low priority. Here’s exactly what you need to do:

Open Task Manager
Go to the Details tab
Right-click For Honor, and choose Set priority > Low
Now, right-click For Honor again, and choose Set affinity
Untick the last processor core from the list

After performing this action, try running For Honor again. If CPU usage goes back to normal, you’re done. If not, check another solution listed below.

Disable uPNP

Some players suggest that disabling uPNP solves the problem, as well. UPnP stands for “Universal Plug and Play” and takes care of automatically forwarding a port on your router. So, there’s a chance you’re using a wrong port which can cause issues that include memory leaks. Since instructions for disabling uPNP are different depending on routers, we advise you to look online for your particular model.

In case the issue remains unresolved, let us know in the comments. Also, if you have another solution for this problem, please share it with other players!

RELATED STORIES YOU NEED TO CHECK OUT:

Xbox Ethernet Not Working: How to Fix [Quick & Easy Steup]

Posted on December 13, 2022February 22, 2024 by Aleksandar Ognjanovic

We can agree that the online gaming is taking over and Xbox Live is the essential part of Xbox ecosystem. And while you can use a wireless connection to play online, it’s still much better to use the ethernet (stable connection, less latency).

However, numerous Xbox One owners had a hard time with the LAN connection while wireless worked just fine. If your Xbox Ethernet is not working, then you have come to the right place.

It could be that your Xbox Ethernet cable is not working, in which case, simply changing the cable should do the trick. However, the problem could be more complicated and require further troubleshooting.

We prepared a few steps which should come in handy. In case you’re unable to resolve the ethernet issues on Xbox One, make sure to check them out below.

What can I do if my Xbox Ethernet is not working?

1. Power cycle the console

The first thing you should always do your Xbox One wired connection is not working is to do a power cycle or also called Full Reboot. This should resolve all minor issues, and there’s a whole lot of those when it comes to an Ethernet connection.

Of course, we don’t count a possible hardware malfunction, which isn’t exactly common. If you’re not sure how to perform a power cycle on Xbox One, follow the steps provided below:

Press and hold the Power button for 10 seconds or so.
Wait until the console shuts down.
After a minute, turn on the console again and look for changes.

Alternatively, you can unplug all cables and plug them in before powering console on.

2. Check your router/modem (connect directly to a modem)

If the issue is persistent even after you followed the previous step, we recommend checking your connection independently of Xbox One. And there are so many options you should go over before we can single out the cause of the problem.

Firstly, try connecting the Ethernet cable to PC to confirm that indeed has a fully functional connection. If it does, continue with the steps. On the other hand, if it doesn’t, troubleshoot the problems by using the PC.

Check out this guide to solve the problems on Windows 10. After you solve them there, you can try to connect your Xbox again.

Also, you may want to upgrade your router’s firmware. To do that, take a look at the steps in this article. The latest firmware could solve some connectivity issues and may help with the Xbox connection.

Try avoiding the router and plugging the Ethernet cable directly from the modem. Some users fixed the problem by simply using a separate modem for Xbox One, avoiding the possible IP conflict in the process.

Another thing is to confirm that there’s only one Xbox system with the wired connection within the same network. For some reason, you can have only one Xbox on wireless and Xbox on Ethernet.

Regardless of the Xbox iteration. In order to make it work on multiple systems, you’ll need to use bridged router settings.

Restarting router and modem rarely provides the resolution but you should give it a try. Some users recommended unplugging the cable, resetting the router and waiting for a minute or so. The issue with Ethernet mysteriously vanished after that for some of them.

And, finally, you should run the Network diagnostic. You can do it on Xbox One by following these steps:

Press the Xbox button to open the Main Menu and choose Settings from the left pane.
Select All settings.
Choose Network and then Network settings.
Tap Test network connection.
After the test ends, reboot the console and look for changes.

If there are any adapter driver errors, you can take a look at this guide that offers multiple solutions to fix them.

3. Reset MAC address and set a static IP

Resetting MAC address and setting a static IP address can help, as well. Even though it’s a long shot, resetting MAC address is proven as a viable solution for various connection-based issues on Xbox One.

If you’re unable to change to a static IP, check out this step-by-step guide on how to do it on Windows 10. After you set up your IP on Windows, the changes will have effect on your Xbox as well.

Furthermore, you won’t lose any data, so it’s a pretty harmless troubleshooting step. Here’s how to reset a MAC address on Xbox One:

Open Settings > All settings.
Choose Network > Network settings.
Select Advanced network settings.
Select Alternate MAC address.
Tap on Clear.
The console will restart.

For troubleshooting purposes, you might want to set an alternate MAC address on Xbox, and we have a guide that shows you how to do that.

Moreover, with static instead of the dynamic IP address, you should avoid IP issues and allow port forwarding. Eventually, you should be able to connect without further issues.

Follow these instructions to set a static IP address on Xbox One:

Open Settings and then All Settings.
Choose Network.
Open Network settings > Advanced settings.
Write down your IP and DNS values (IP, Subnet mask, and Gateway).
Under the Advanced settings, open IP settings.
Choose Manual.
Now, open DNS and write down DNS input you saved just like you did it in the IP settings.
Enter the values you wrote down and confirm changes in the Advanced settings.
Restart Xbox One.

If you have any issues, you can reserve the IP and DNS in the router settings. Find out how to do it and give it a go.

4. Put your Xbox One in DMZ

Finally, if none of the previous solutions were helpful and you’re positive that your router and/or modem are working as intended, we can only recommend port forwarding and set Xbox One in DMZ in the router/modem settings.

This should also avoid possible network conflicts and allow you to use the Ethernet in a seamless manner.

Since the procedure for both port forwarding and enabling DMZ differs depending on router’s/modem’s manufacturer, we can only advise to look up your device on the internet and find more.

That’s a wrap-up. In case you have questions or suggestions regarding the Xbox Ethernet not working issue, feel free to tell us in the comments section below. We look forward to hearing from you.

The Requested URL Was Rejected: How to Fix This Browser Error

Posted on December 13, 2022October 12, 2025 by Matthew Adams

If you’re getting aThe requested URL was rejected. Please consult with your administrator error in your browser, it’s most likely because of your cache and cookies or misconfigured settings.

Below, we’ll give you step-by-step instructions to address all potential causes of this error so you can access any web page you want hassle free.

How can I fix The requested URL was rejected error?

To start off, make sure the page you try accessing isn’t down or under maintenance – just insert the URL into IsitDownRightNow. If it looks like it’s okay, then we’re sure the problem’s from your setup.

Let’s tackle it:

1. Clear the cookies and cache

On Google Chrome

Open Chrome, paste the following path in the address bar, and hit Enter:chrome://settings/content/all
Now, look for the website throwing the error using the search box, and click on the Delete icon next to it.
Next, press Ctrl + Shift + Del, and choose All time from the Time range dropdown menu.
Tick all three checkboxes here, i.e., Browsing history, Cookies and other site data, and Cached images and files, and then click on Clear data.
Once done, relaunch the browser, and you should be able to access the problematic website.

On Firefox

Open Firefox, click on the three-line menu (Open menu) in the top right corner.
Go to Options > Privacy & Security.
Scroll down to the Cookies and Site Data section.
Click on Clear Data.Select Cookies and Site Data and Cached Web Content.
Click Clear.

On Edge

Open Edge, click on the three-dot menu (More) in the top right corner.
Go to Settings > Privacy, search, and services.
.Under Clear browsing data, click on Choose what to clear.
Select Cookies and other site data and Cached images and files.
Click Clear now.

We focused on these browsers because they encounter this issue most frequently, but the same logic applies even if you use a different one.

2. Add the webpage URL to your trusted websites

Press Windows + S to open Search, type Internet Options in the text field, and click on the relevant search result.Properties.
Go to the Security tab, and then click on Sites.
Now, mention the problematic URL to the trusted website list, and click on Add.
Click OK on all windows to save the changes.

Adding URLs to trusted websites is another resolution some users have confirmed fixes The requested URL was rejected error.

3. Disable extensions

NOTE

A quick way to identify whether an addon or an extension causes the problem is to run the browser in private mode. Then, if you don’t encounter the error, disable/remove the extension. Again, the steps are for Chrome.

Launch Chrome, click on the Extensions icon, and choose to Manage extensions.
Now, turn off the toggle for individual extensions, relaunch the browser after each, and check whether you can access the website.
As soon as you can, the extension last disabled was the problematic one. So, click on Remove.
Again, click on Remove in the prompt to confirm the changes.

That’s it! Extensions, too, have been reported to be an underlying cause for The requested URL was rejected error, and disabling/removing them did the trick.

4. Reset your browser

On Chrome

Click the three dots in the upper right corner.
Go to Settings > Advanced > Reset and clean up.
Click on Restore settings to their original defaults.
Click Reset settings.

On Firefox

Click the menu button and go to Help.
Select Troubleshooting information.
Click Refresh Firefox.

On Edge

Click on the three dots at the top right corner.
Go to Settings > Reset Settings.
Click on Restore settings to their default values.
Click Reset.

5. Try another browser

If all else fails, try accessing the webpage with a different browser. Just download and install another browser onto your machine and try accessing the sites that lead you to this error message.

A good option that’s stable and pretty much error-free is Opera.

We tested it when we got the Requested URL was rejected error on Apple Music on Google Chrome and it worked perfectly.

Opera One

Access any site with this error-free browser!

Free Check website

If you have any other questions or know of a solution not listed here, drop a comment below.

Can’t Download Windows 10 ISO: How to Download It with Ease

Posted on December 13, 2022October 4, 2023 by Aleksandar Ognjanovic

Getting hold of the Windows 10 copy is easier than ever. Microsoft’s Media Creation Tool covers every option, including both direct upgrade and creation of the bootable installation media.

And there you can choose between a USB flash stick or DVD ISO which you’ll need to burn to a DVD. The majority of users go for the USB option, but ISO can be of use for some, nonetheless.

However, some users had a hard time trying to download the Windows 10 ISO via the Media Creation Tool. We prepared some solutions for this ache, and you can find them in the comment section below.

Why can’t I download Windows ISO?

Here are a few reasons why you may not be able to download a Windows ISO file:

➡️ The most likely reason is that you are not eligible to download the ISO file. For example, you may need to have a valid license or product key to download the ISO file.

➡️ You may not have enough space on your drive to download the ISO,

➡️ Additionally, you may need to meet certain system requirements, such as having a compatible version of Windows installed on your computer.

➡️It’s also possible that the ISO file you are trying to download is no longer available or has been removed for some reason.

How to download Windows 10 ISO without failing?

1. Check your connection (pre-check solution)

Let’s start with the connection. The Media Creation Tool allows you to download the Windows 10 ISO file and it, obviously, requires an Internet connection.

It doesn’t matter if your bandwidth is slow as long you have a stable connection that allows direct download from the Microsoft servers.

With that in mind, we suggest an inspection of your network and troubleshooting possible issues.

If you’re not sure what to do, here are some steps that might come in handy:

Restart your PC and Wi-Fi router.
Try using a LAN cable instead of Wi-Fi.
Disable Proxy/VPN temporarily.
Disable the Metered connection.
Flush the DNS.

2. Run Disk Cleanup to free up space on your drive (worked for most users ✅)

Press Windows key + S to open the Search bar.
Type dsk and open Disk Cleanup.
Choose the system partition and click OK.
Click on Clean system files and choose the system partition again. The calculation can take some time.
Check all boxes and click OK.

If you still don’t have enough space on your drive to download the ISO, we recommend storing some of your data in the cloud.

You can find many free cloud software for Windows that will keep your data completely safe with top-level encryption and password protection.

Cloud software can help you keep your files organized, and create frequent backups and many of them come with unlimited undo options, so you won’t lose any version of your files even if you make changes to them.

On top of that, you will be able to access your files on any device as long as you have an internet connection and your credentials.

3. Restart the procedure

Download the Media Creation Tool.
Run the tool and accept the Terms.
Toggle the Create installation media (USB flash drive, DVD, or ISO file) for another PC option and click Next.
Select the Language and Architecture and click Next.
Select the ISO file option and click Next.
Choose where to store the file.
Wait for the tool to download the Windows 10 ISO file (It can take some time, depending on your bandwidth speed).

Note: Of course, if you’re not in dire need to use the DVD as the installation media, we suggest creating a bootable USB drive instead.

4. Download the ISO directly

Open the Edge browser.
Visit the official Microsoft’s Download site.
Press F12 to open the Developer menu.
Click on the Eject icon at the top of the right pane and open Emulation from the contextual menu.
In the User Agent string section, select Apple Safari (iPad).
The web page should reload and you can select Windows 10 from the drop-down menu. Click Confirm.
Choose the language and architecture.
Choose where to save the file and you’re good to go.

5. Become a Windows insider

Even though Microsoft blocks downloads for the official ISO, there is still insider (beta) system options.

Of course, this stands only if you’re interested in the Windows 10 Insiders program.

Either way, if you’re in dire need of Windows 10 ISO, this is another option we had to mention. Just follow the steps provided on the Microsoft page to become an insider.

When you finalize the sign-up procedure and roll in the beta program, you’ll get the ISO with the latest Insider Preview version of Windows 10.

If you have additional questions or possibly a suggestion on how to resolve downloading issues concerning the Windows 10 ISO, you can post them in the comments section below.

How to Use Multiple Monitors with Remote Desktop on Windows 11

Posted on December 13, 2022July 23, 2025 by Vlad Turiceanu

Using multiple monitors with Remote Desktop can seriously upgrade your remote work setup, if you know how to do it right.

Whether you’re managing complex spreadsheets, coding, or juggling windows across two or more screens, having just one display in a remote session can be a pain. This guide walks you through how to get dual or multiple monitors working smoothly with Remote Desktop.

How do I use dual monitors with a remote desktop?

How do I use dual monitors with a remote desktop?

1. Configure RDP

Go to the Windows Search, type Remote Desktop Connection, and open it.
Expand Show options.
Go to Display and check Use all my monitors for the remote session.
Click Connect and proceed to connect to the server like you usually do.

2. Use the Run utility command line

Press the Windows key + S to open Windows Search.
Type Run in the search box and hit Enter.
In the dialogue box, type mstsc.exe -multimon, then hit Enter.
Using this command, the Use all my monitors for the remote session box will be checked automatically.

This is another surefire and fast way to use dual monitors with a remote desktop on Windows 10.

This will open the program without the need to change any settings. The only thing left for you to do is to connect to the server. Note that the computer does not save your settings here automatically.

Hence, you need to repeat the command above every time you want to use the dual monitor set-up.

3. Enable monitors directly

Go to your Windows Search Bar.
Type Run and press Enter.
In the Run command box, type mstsc /span and hit Enter.

Note that this method is not the most popular for using dual monitors with a remote desktop on Windows 10. This is because it requires all your monitors to share the exact vertical resolution.

If this is not the case, some monitors might not work.

Those are the simple methods for dual monitors with a remote desktop on Windows 10. You can see that they only require a few tweaks, and you are set.

In case the presented instructions didn’t work in your case, we recommend TeamViewer as the best-suited solution for dual monitor remote desktops.

Also, if you need multiple choices for third-party software, you can check other remote control software options from our article.

Feel free to share your experience using the remote desktop with a dual monitor set up in the comments below.

Windows 11 Ethernet not Working: How to Fix it

Posted on December 13, 2022September 6, 2025 by Kazim Ali Alvi

Windows 11, the latest iteration in the series from Microsoft, has a lot to offer, both in terms of functionality and design.

However, after the upgrade, many users reported that the Ethernet was not working in Windows 11. Usually, their PCs weren’t connecting to the internet.

On the other hand, for some, Ethernet was connected but no they had no internet.

This poses a significant problem since they have trouble establishing a secure Internet connection. Hence, it becomes imperative that the Windows 11 Ethernet not working error is immediately fixed.

But before we head to the existing solutions, you must first understand the error’s exact causes. This will help you identify the underlying problem in your case and make the troubleshooting simpler and quicker.

What causes the Ethernet not working error in Windows 11?

A bunch of reasons can cause the issue, and we have tried to list them all below:

Outdated or corrupt drivers
Running an older version of the Windows
Issues with the hardware
System infected with malware or virus
The Ethernet adapter is disabled
Misconfigured settings
Conflicting applications

Now that you understand the underlying causes, it’s time we head to the fixes.

Why is Ethernet not working, but Wi-Fi is?

It might be due to connectivity issues if your Wi-Fi is working but not your Ethernet. On the other hand, it might be that the cables are not correctly plugged in or there is some damage to your cable.

Also, it might be due to outdated or corrupt drivers. Lastly, the problem can be because of conflicting network settings.

How do I fix the Windows 11 Ethernet not working issue?

1. Check Ethernet cable connections

When dealing with the Ethernet not working error in Windows 11, your primary approach should be to check if the connections are in order.

It would help if you first verified whether the cables are plugged in firmly. Or, unplug and replug them and ensure they fit perfectly into the port.

Also, check for damages to the Ethernet cable. More often than not, a damaged line is found to be the underlying cause. Check for any significant bends or cuts in the cable; if any are found, replace them.

2. Restart the modem/router

A simple fix for problems encountered when establishing an Ethernet connection is to restart the modem/router. Then, you can either unplug the power cable or check for a power switch to turn it off.

Some newer models have built-in batteries, in which case, these will have to be removed as well to turn off the modem/router.

After turning it off, wait for a minute or two, plug it back into the power source, and check if the Ethernet not working error in Windows 11 is fixed.

3. Restart your Windows 11 PC

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.

In most cases, it’s a trivial bug behind the Ethernet not working error which can be fixed by restarting the computer. When you reboot the Windows, the OS is reloaded, and any bug that crept in earlier will be eliminated.

After restarting the PC, check if you can establish a connection via Ethernet. In case it doesn’t, head to the next fix.

And even if it does, you should execute the remaining fixes since rebooting generally acts as a temporary solution to most problems.

4. Check if the Ethernet adapter is enabled

Press Windows + R to launch the Run command.
Type ncpa.cpl in the text field, click on OK at the bottom, or press Enter to launch the Network Connections window.
Locate the Ethernet adapter and check if it’s greyed out. If that is the case, the concerned adapter is disabled and will require to be manually turned on.
Right-click on the Ethernet option and select Enable from the context menu.
After enabling the adapter, check if the Windows 11 Ethernet not working error is fixed.

5. Reinstall the Ethernet driver

Right-click the Start button in the Taskbar or press Windows + X to launch the Power User/Quick Access menu.
Select Device Manager from the list of options that appear.
Locate and double-click on the Network adapters entry.
Right-click on the Ethernet adapter and select Uninstall device from the context menu.
Next, tick the checkbox for Attempt to remove the driver for this device and click on Uninstall.
After removing the driver, restart the Windows 11 PC.

In many cases, the driver may corrupt over time and lead to various errors with the Ethernet. Here, all you have to do is reinstall it.

Once you restart the computer after uninstalling the corrupt Ethernet driver, Windows will automatically install a fresh copy of it that is not corrupt. This should fix the Ethernet not working error, and the Ethernet doesn’t have a valid IP configuration issue in Windows 11.

6. Update the Ethernet driver

If an outdated version of the driver is installed on the PC, it’s likely to cause many errors, including the Ethernet not working issue. Hence, it would help if you kept the driver up-to-date.

Editor’s tip

Thus, an automated method can be the fastest and safest solution for your device. Outbyte Driver Updater is the top pick in this case because it performs a meticulous scan of your device drivers and instantly finds them the latest update from the online database.

There are three ways you can update a driver in Windows 11: using the Device Manager, Windows Update, and manually downloading the latest version from the manufacturer’s website.

All three methods have been listed to help you update the Ethernet driver.

6.1 Via Device Manager

NOTE

Device Manager can only install driver updates already available on the system. In case you have one downloaded, proceed to the steps listed below. Otherwise, you can head to the following method, i.e., Windows Update.

Press Windows + S to launch the Search Menu.
Enter Device Manager in the text field at the top and click on the relevant search result to launch the component.
Locate and double-click on Network adapters.
Right-click on the Ethernet adapter from the ones listed here and select Update Driver from the context menu.
Next, select Search automatically for drivers, the first option in the Update Drivers window, to let your system scan for the best available driver on the PC and install it.

After the driver is updated, check if the Ethernet not working error in Windows 11 is fixed. If it didn’t help or Windows couldn’t find a newer version on the system, head to the following method to update the driver.

6.2 Via Windows Update

Press Windows + I to launch the Settings app.
Select Windows Update from the tabs listed in the navigation pane on the left.
Next, click on Windows Update on the right.
Locate and click on Advanced options under More options.
Now, locate and select Optional updates under Additional options. At the end of the option, you can find the number of updates available. If there are none available, you can skip the following steps and go to the following method for the update.
Click on Driver Updates.
If there’s an update available for the Ethernet driver, tick the checkbox for it and click on Download & install.

Windows Update is a quick and safe method to update the drivers installed on the system. But, only the drivers that have been submitted to Microsoft and have been certified will be listed here. And the whole process takes time.

This means there’s a good chance of an update on the manufacturer’s website while it is yet to be approved by Microsoft, and these, too, are also safe to install. Hence, it becomes essential to visit the manufacturer’s website.

6.3 Via the manufacturer’s website

NOTE

Before you check the manufacturer’s website for driver updates, it’s essential to find out the current version to identify if a newer one is available.

Launch the Device Manager as discussed earlier.
Double-click on the Network adapters entry.
Right-click on the Ethernet adapter and select Properties from the context menu.
Navigate to the Drivers tab and note the Driver version.
Now, go to Google and search for a driver update with Device Name and OS (Windows 11) as the keywords, followed by Driver Update.
Locate and open the manufacturer’s official website from the search results.
Check for a newer version using the current version you noted earlier.
If there’s an update available for the Ethernet driver, download it. This file will most likely be in .exe format.
Navigate to the folder where the downloaded file is stored, and double-click on it to launch the installer.
Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation process.

Sometimes, a driver update may be available on a third-party website, not the official manufacturer’s website. In such cases, it’s recommended that you thoroughly verify the source before proceeding to the download.

After downloading the latest version, check if the Ethernet not working error in Windows 11 is fixed. For automatic scans of missing or outdated drivers, we recommend using a dedicated tool such as Outbyte Driver Updater.

If the error persists, it does not have anything to do with the driver. Hence, move to the next solution.

7. Run the Network Adapter troubleshooter

Press Windows + I to launch the Settings app.
Click on Troubleshoot on the right in the System tab.
Next, click on Other troubleshooters.
Locate the Network Adapter troubleshooter and click on the Run button next to it.
Wait for the troubleshooter to start running, select the Ethernet option when prompted, and click Next.

The built-in troubleshooters offered by Microsoft are one of the best ways to fix an error. And you can use it to improve the Windows 11 Ethernet keeps disconnecting issue.

Just locate the relevant troubleshooter, run it, follow the on-screen instruction, choose the response when prompted, and it’s done.

8. Update Windows 11

Press Windows + I to launch the Settings.
Select Windows Update from the tabs listed on the left.
Click on Windows Update on the right.
Click on Check for updates to scan for available ones and download them.

Running an older version of Windows is also known to cause many problems, including the Ethernet not working error. Hence, it’s recommended that you keep Windows updated to avoid encountering errors.

Apart from errors, with each update, Microsoft releases a bunch of features and patches for previously known bugs. These are bound to make your Windows experience a lot better and safer.

9. Reset network settings

Press Windows + I to launch the Settings app.
Select the Network & internet tab from the ones listed in the navigation pane on the left.
Click on Advanced network settings from the options listed on the right.
Next, click on Network reset under More settings.
Click on the Reset now button next to Network reset.
Click Yes on the confirmation box that appears.

If the above methods didn’t work, resetting the network settings might fix the Ethernet not working error in Windows 11 or an unidentified network issue. When you reset, the network adapters are reinstalled, and the settings revert to their default state.

Is Ethernet faster than WiFi?

Generally, Ethernet is faster and offers less latency than Wi-Fi. Also, it is usually more reliable and secure.

The speed you also get from Ethernet depends on the cables you are using, with some of the latest producing about 1GB/s. However, Wi-Fi is a more friendly option for mobile users and offers consistent speed.

How do I execute the fixes if an Ethernet connection cannot be established?

If the Windows 11 Ethernet is not working in error, you can try establishing a Wi-Fi connection, if that’s available. However, if you are also facing trouble with that, boot Windows 11 into Safe Mode.

We are going through all this trouble since some of the fixes listed here will require a working Internet connection. Rest assured that these solutions are the critical ones that have a higher chance of resolving the issue.

The fixes listed above will, in all likelihood, resolve the Ethernet not working error in Windows 11. However, if the error persists, you can either restore the system or reset Windows 11 to its factory settings.

Besides that, take a closer look at this article dedicated to solving Wi-Fi issues in Windows 11. You’ll see that some of the culprits are similar.

In case WiFi is not working but Ethernet does, check out our dedicated guide for more details.

Please let us know which fix worked for you in the comments section below.

Fix: Ethernet Doesn’t Have a Valid IP on Windows 11

Posted on December 13, 2022September 25, 2025 by Kazim Ali Alvi

The debate about whether to use Ethernet or Wi-Fi has been raging for years now, with each offering certain benefits over the other.

But neither is completely free of errors. One of the common ones is Ethernet doesn’t have a valid IP configuration in Windows 11.

The error is not that common, but when encountered, users are unable to access the Internet. Which makes it all the more important to effectively troubleshoot it.

But there is another important question to be answered beforehand, i.e., why Ethernet doesn’t have a valid IP configuration in Windows 11? So, let’s walk you through the answer to it and the most effective fixes for the error.

What do I do if Ethernet doesn’t have a valid IP configuration in Windows 11?

1. Check the connections

The very first thing you should do when encountering the Ethernet doesn’t have a valid IP configuration error in Windows 11 is to check that the connections are in order. Make sure that the cable is properly plugged in at both ends.

Besides, you can remove the cable at both ends, i.e., the computer and the modem/router, blow light air into both ports and then firmly replug the cable. Once done, check if the error is fixed and you are able to connect to the Internet.

2. Restart the computer and your modem/router

Apart from the connections, the problem may also lie with the modem/router or could be a glitch in the OS itself. But, the best part is that most of these can easily be eliminated by a simple restart.

To turn off the modem/router, unplug it from the power source. Also, some may have built-in batteries, so make sure to check and remove them as well. Wait for a couple of minutes and then replug it to the power source.

After restarting both the computer and the modem/router, check whether the Ethernet doesn’t have a valid IP configuration error in Windows 11 is eliminated.

3. Disable fast startup

Press Windows + S to launch the Search menu, enter Control Panel in the text field, and click on the relevant search result that appears.
Click on the System and Security entry.
Next, click on Change what the power buttons do under Power options.
Click on Change the settings that are currently unavailable at the top.
Finally, untick the checkbox for Turn on fast startup (recommended) and click on Save changes at the bottom.

After making the changes, restart the computer for these to fully come into effect.

Fast startup is a feature in Windows that reduces the time required by OS to load when you turn on this computer. This is achieved by keeping certain drivers and related processes running instead of terminating them at shutdown.

But, the feature is often found to conflict with the functioning of connected devices due to improper relay of commands. If that’s the case here, disabling fast startup should fix the Ethernet doesn’t have a valid IP configuration error in Windows 11.

4. Manually choose IP and DNS server

Press Windows + R to launch the Run command, enter ncpa.cpl in the text field, and either click on OK or hit Enter to launch the Network Connections window.
Right-click on the Ethernet entry here, and select Properties from the context menu.
Locate and select Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4), and click on Properties.
Enter the details in the screenshot below for the same entired on your computer after selecting the Use the following IP address and Use the following DNS server addresses options. Once done, click on OK at the bottom to save the changes.

We have used Google’s DNS server in this case since it has helped fix the issue for a lot of users. If that, too, doesn’t help, try the next method.

5. Update the driver

Press Windows + S to launch the Search menu, enter Device Manager in the text field at the top, and click on the relevant search result.
Now, locate and double-click on Network adapters to expand and view the devices under it.
Right-click on the Ethernet entry and select Update driver from the context menu.
Next, select Search automatically for drivers from the two options in the Update Drivers window.
Your system will now scan for the best available drivers for the system and install it for the Ethernet adapter.

The Device Manager method is one of the simplest ways of updating the network driver, but the update doesn’t always go through since it only scans the system for a newer version.

If the update doesn’t go through, you can check for the latest driver version in Windows Update or manually install it from the manufacturer’s website.

Also, there’s a simpler and more convenient way of updating the drivers, using a third-party app.

We recommend Outbyte Driver Updater, a dedicated tool that will scan every source for the latest version, and keep all the installed drivers up-to-date.

6. Disable IPv6

Press Windows + R to launch the Run command, type ncpa.cpl, and click on OK.
Right-click on Ethernet, and select Properties from the list of options in the context menu.
Untick the checkbox for Internet Protocol Version 6 (TCP/IPv6), and click on OK at the bottom to save the changes.

7. Enable DHCP

Press Windows + S to launch the Search menu, enter Services in the text field, and click on the relevant search result that appears.
Locate and double-click on the DHCP Client service to launch its properties.
Click on the Startup type dropdown menu, and select Automatic from the list of options.
Finally, click on the Start button under Service status to run the service, and then click on OK at the bottom to save the changes.

The DHCP Client is used to automatically allot and configure the various network-related settings on your computer. If it is disabled, by any chance, you may encounter the Ethernet doesn’t have a valid IP configuration error in Windows 11.

8. Reset network settings

Press Windows + S to launch the Search menu, enter Windows Terminal in the text field at the top, right-click on the relevant search result, and select Run as administrator from the context menu.
Click Yes on the UAC (User Account Control) prompt that pops up.
Now, click on the downward-facing arrow at the top, and select Command Prompt from the list options. Alternatively, you can hit Ctrl + Shift + 2 to launch Command Prompt in a new tab.
Now, type paste the following three commands one at a time, and hit Enter each to execute them:netsh winsock reset netsh int tcp reset netsh int ip reset
Once done executing the commands, restart the computer.

If none of the methods listed above have worked, you can try resetting the network settings using the three commands in an elevated Windows Terminal. This should eliminate the Ethernet doesn’t have a valid IP configuration error in Windows 11.

Why Ethernet doesn’t have a valid IP configuration in Windows 11?

Every device connected to a network needs an IP address, which acts as its identity here. And if it’s unable to get one when using a wired connection, you will encounter the Ethernet doesn’t have a valid IP configuration error in Windows 11.

There could be a bunch of reasons why you are encountering the error. While some have to do with the hardware, others could be related to the settings and software aspects. Here’s a list of them all:

Improper connections
Problems with the router
Malfunctioning NIC (Network Interface Card)
Outdated or corrupt driver
Misconfigured settings

The solution to most of these issues is rather simple and wouldn’t take more than a few minutes to execute. So, follow the methods above in the listed sequence for quick and effective troubleshooting.

How can I increase the Internet speed in Windows 11?

Once you have eliminated the error, the next major challenge faced by users is to keep the Internet speed stable and increase it to the maximum in Windows 11. It’s quite simple, and a few modifications could help considerably increase the Internet speed.

You can lower the bandwidth for downloading updates, disable apps from running in the background, terminate unnecessary processes that consume too much data, or disable Windows or third-party firewall, though this should be your last resort.

To learn how to increase the Internet speed in Windows 11, check this guide. Also, find out how to use a network speed monitor.

Ethernet, no doubt, offers higher reliability and a stable Internet speed, but oftentimes, you come across errors like Ethernet doesn’t have a valid IP configuration in Windows 11. Also, the mobility of the connected device is restricted in this case.

Also, learn what to do if Ethernet keeps disconnecting in Windows 11, or even the previous iteration. Besides, check how to fix the Ethernet doesn’t have a valid IP configuration error in Windows 10.

Lastly, if you get the Local Area Connection doesn’t have a valid IP configuration in Windows 10 message, check out our dedicated article.

Tell us which fix worked and your thoughts on the Ethernet vs Wi-Fi debate, in the comments section below.

Fix: Can’t Install Drivers on Windows 10 (6 Methods)

Posted on December 13, 2022August 8, 2025 by Milan Stanojevic

If you’re unable to install drivers on Windows 10 and get errors like Windows has failed to add and install some of the specified drivers, you’re in the right place.

It’s most likely due to corrupted system files, outdated drivers, missing admin rights, or software conflicts blocking the installation. We’ll show you 6 tested ways to fix it below.

Let’s get right to it.

What can I do if Windows 10 drivers won’t install?

1. Run Hardware and Devices troubleshooter

Right-click Start
Select Control Panel
Go to View by option on the top right corner
Click the drop down arrow and select Large icons
Click Troubleshooting
Click View all option on the left pane
Click Hardware and Devices
Click Advanced
Click Run as Administrator
Click Next

If you can’t install drivers on Windows 10, then run the Hardware and Devices troubleshooter to resolve the issue.

This checks for commonly occurring issues and ensures any new device or hardware is correctly installed on your computer.

2. Update your drivers

Alternatively, you can also try to check whether or not it is a driver issue, as missing, broken, or outdated drivers can hinder the functionality of your hardware components.

While this can be done manually, it can be time-consuming, and that is why we recommend that you try a third-party driver updating utility instead, since it also eliminates the risk of human error. Fortect Driver Updater is excellent for this task, and it will update all your drivers in just a few seconds.

⇒ Get Fortect Driver Updater

3. Run DISM tool

Click Start
In the search field box, type CMD
Click Command Prompt in the search results list and type the following:
- Dism /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth
- Dism /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

If you still can’t install drivers on Windows 10, run the DISM tool, or Deployment Image Servicing and Management tool.

The DISM tool helps fix Windows corruption errors when Windows Updates and service packs fail to install due to corruption errors, like if you have a damaged system file.

Once the repair is complete, reboot your computer and try to install drivers on Windows 10 again.

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

4. Run an SFC scan

Click Start
Go to the search field box and type CMD
Select Command Prompt

Right click and select Run as Administrator

Type sfc/scannow
Press Enter
Restart your computer

You can also use one of the registry cleaners listed in this article. If you still can’t install drivers on Windows 10, try the next solution.

Most users don’t know what to do when the Windows search box goes missing. Read this article to learn how you can get it back in just a couple of steps.

5. Perform a Clean Boot

Performing a clean boot for your computer reduces conflicts related to software that can bring up the root causes why you can’t install drivers on Windows 10.

These conflicts can be caused by applications and services that start up and run in the background whenever you start Windows normally.

How to perform a clean boot

In order to successfully perform a clean boot on Windows 10, you have to be logged on as the administrator, then follow these steps:

Go to the search box
Type msconfig

Select System Configuration

Find Services tab

Select Hide all Microsoft services box
Click Disable all
Go to Startup tab
Click Open Task Manager

Close Task manager then click Ok
Reboot your computer

You will have a clean boot environment after all these steps are carefully followed, after which you can try and check if you still can’t install drivers, or if the problem is gone.

If you want to know how to add or remove startup apps on Windows 10, check out this simple guide.

6. Perform a System Reset

Performing a reset allows you to choose which files you want to keep, or remove, and then reinstalls Windows. Here’s how to get started:

Click Start
Click Settings
Click Update & Security
Click Recovery on the left panel

Click Advanced options
Click Reset this PC
Click Get started and choose an option either Keep my files, Remove everything, or Restore factory settings

Note: all your personal files will be deleted and settings reset. Any apps you installed will be removed, and only pre-installed apps that came with your PC will be reinstalled.

Sometimes, you want to keep some important files or you just want to back up your data, just to be safe.

Have you tried to install the drivers again after using any of these solutions? Let us know your experience in the comments section.

If you’re having other issues with driver installations, it’s most likely due to corrupted files, outdated drivers, or software conflicts. You can get more help by checking out these guides on updating drivers in Windows 10, updating drivers in Windows 11, or updating graphics drivers in Windows 11.

Also, leave there any other suggestions or questions you may have.

How to Exit BIOS Mode in Windows 10 &11 [Even When Stuck]

Posted on December 13, 2022May 27, 2025 by Ivan Jenic

If you’re trying to exit BIOS mode safely, it can be confusing, especially when your PC seems stuck and won’t leave BIOS no matter what you do.

This usually happens because the system can’t find a proper boot device, a BIOS setting got messed up, or sometimes hardware issues interfere with normal startup.

Whatever the cause, I’ll walk you through how to get out of BIOS on startup, even when it feels stuck, and safely return your PC to normal operation.

What can I do if I can’t get out of BIOS?

To exit BIOS, press the F10 key to save changes and boot your PC. If your model uses a different key, it should appear on the screen. However, if you can’t exit BIOS, follow the troubleshooting steps below:

1. Set BIOS settings to default

Go to the Save & exit tab in BIOS.
Select the Load Optimized Defaults option.
Confirm the change

2. Make sure other components are not damaged

First, check your hard drive, as it’s often the culprit. See if it’s listed as a boot source in the BIOS. If it’s not, ensure the drive is properly connected to the motherboard and power supply.

Next, check your RAM. We suggest you remove and reset the memory modules to make sure they’re properly connected.

Also, try booting with one module at a time to identify the faulty one. If all components seem intact bu the problem persists, try the solutions below.

3. Reset BIOS

NOTE

Resetting the BIOS involves working with hardware components, which can be tricky. If you haven’t done this before or aren’t confident, it’s best to skip this step and seek professional help to avoid any potential damage.

Power off your computer, and unplug it from the outlet.
Open your case.
Find the CMOS jumper. It is located on your motherboard, and is usually labeled with CLEAR, CLR, CLEAR CMOS, PSSWRD, or a variety of other labels.
You’ll notice that there are three pins, and the jumper covers only two. Move the jumper to other two pins. So, if the jumper is covering the first and second pins, move it to the second and third.
Press the power button. Your computer won’t start because the power is off, but this will discharge any remaining power stored in the capacitors. When you do this, your BIOS will reset.
Now, just return the jumper to its original state
Close the case, turn the power on, and start your computer.

You can also reset your BIOS by removing your motherboard battery. Simply locate the battery on your motherboard and gently remove it. Once you remove the battery, try to start your PC without it.

Without the battery, your PC won’t be able to store your BIOS settings and it will revert to default.

4. Disconnect external drives

If you have an external drive connected, your PC might try to boot from it. Since your external drive doesn’t have any bootable files on it, that will automatically start BIOS.

To fix this problem, simply disconnect all external storage, including hard drives and flash drives, and try to boot your PC without them. After doing that, check if the problem still appears.

5. Change BIOS settings

Enter BIOS, go to Security Options and disable Secure Boot. Now save changes and restart your PC.
Enter BIOS again and this time go to Boot section. Disable Fastboot and enable CSM (Compatibility Support Module).
Save changes and restart your PC.

After doing that, your PC should recognize your hard drive and the issue should be completely resolved.

6. Use UEFI boot and check your Boot order

To fix this problem, users are suggesting to switch to UEFI boot. To do that, just enter BIOS, navigate to Boot section, and enable UEFI boot.

In addition, be sure to check the boot order. Set your hard drive or SSD as the first boot device and try to start your PC.

Issues like hardware damage and system failure can prevent your system from booting. However, if you address the issue as explained above you should be able to exit BIOS successfully.

If your BIOS recognizes your SSD but your PC won’t boot, check out this guide on BIOS recognizing SSD but won’t boot. Also, if your computer won’t start after a BIOS update, this fix for PC not starting after BIOS update might help explain why you’re stuck in BIOS mode.

But if you have any more questions, don’t hesitate to ask us in the comment section below.

Outlook password prompt disappears? 5 Simple Ways to Fix it

Posted on December 13, 2022February 19, 2024 by Madalina Dinita

Microsoft Outlook usually offers smooth performance, but at times it does fail. Many users ask for help when the password prompt disappears or doesn’t show at all.

Outlook may prompt you to re-enter the email password for an account established within. The message Need Password is eventually taking the info bar at the bottom of the Outlook window. You click to input your password, but the password dialogue box quickly disappears.

Don’t try rebooting your computer. This apparently solves the issue, but only until the next day. Deleting the Outlook profile doesn’t work either when the Outlook password prompt disappears.

These solutions can help you with most issues of outlook needs password but no prompt appears, so continue reading as this article may be able to help you.

What to do if outlook needs password but no prompt appears?

1. Simple Outlook+Word password prompt disappearing fix

Close Outlook down.
Open Word and select a blank document.
Then, click File > Account > Sign Out.
Close Word down.
Open Outlook once again.
You should now get the Username and Password prompts.

Before anything else, apply the above trick. It is simpler and faster to do than the rest of the fixes below.

2. Clear Credential Manager

Close Outlook.
From the Start menu, select Control Panel.
Click User Accounts.
Then, click Credential Manager.
In the Windows Credentials and Generic Credentials section, click Details.
Click Remove from vault.
Click Yes on the warning box.
Repeat these steps for all stored credentials referencing the Office 365 or ms.outlook email addresses.
Close the Control Panel window.
Then, re-open Outlook.

When using an Office 365 account, your issue might be the result of improperly-formatted credentials stored in Windows Credential Manager.

3. Remove the workplace account

Close down Outlook.
Hold the Windows + I keys at the same time to open the Settings window.
Go to Accounts > Access work or school.
Click Disconnect.
Re-initiate Outlook.
It should now prompt for credentials and connect successfully, with no additional sync-up needed.

Note: You may later connect your workplace accounts from the same path: Setting > Accounts > Access work or school.

If you’re having trouble opening the Setting app, take a look at this article to solve the issue.

4. Add a DWORD with a value of 1

You could also add a DWORD called DisableADALatopWAMOverride with a value of 1 to the registry in this path: HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Office\16.0\Common\Identity\.

Your next step is to reboot your PC. Open Outlook and check if the issue persists. If it does, remove the registry entry you created earlier and perform a second reboot.

5. Check potential errors with the credentials

Open Settings in Windows 10.
Click System > Shared Experiences.
If the Accounts section shows any error with the credentials, it’s time to input the correct credentials.
Finally, open Outlook and things should work properly now.

Note: Ensure Outlook and any other Office applications are closed before applying the above steps.

Don’t worry any longer when you click the dialog box to enter the password just to flash for less than a second before it disappears. The solutions mentioned here should solve the password prompt disappearing issue, and the Outlook performance will be improved.

This isn’t the only problem, and many reported that Outlook keeps asking for password, so you might want to check that guide as well.

Was this article helpful? If you need further assistance, please don’t hesitate to contact us via the comments section below. We are always open to your questions.

Excel Formula Returning 0: How to Fix This Error

Posted on December 13, 2022September 1, 2025 by Claire Moraa

Have you ever put together an Excel formula, but after you click through and apply the formula to your spreadsheet, you’re greeted with an error? This usually states that your formula has returned an incorrect value or 0.

Chances are, if you’re reading this, you’ve encountered the same Microsoft Excel problem. But don’t worry – there are some quick ways to fix this issue.

Why is my formula returning 0 instead of blank?

There are many causes for this error:

Your data isn’t in the expected location – If your formula references cells outside the current worksheet, it will return 0 because those cells don’t exist.
There’s more than one function in your formula – If there’s more than one formula in your function, make sure parentheses surround each one.
You’re referencing a wrong cell – If the formula is correct but returns 0, then the issue is that you are most likely referencing the wrong cell or range, or Excel can’t add new cells.
Wrong formula syntax – It is possible that the formula is correct but crafted in the wrong format. Some of the functions used in your formula require specific formats as inputs.
Punctuation errors – Punctuation marks such as commas or semicolons can cause errors in your formulas.
Text values instead of numbers – When working with formulas, it’s possible to have a value return as text instead of a number.
Copy/pasting values – If you have copied values from another worksheet instead of entering them manually, they could present these problems because they may have their own formulas from their previous sheet.

How do I stop Excel from returning 0?

Before performing any technical processes, check out the following first:

Check your formula and ensure it’s not missing any parentheses.
Ensure you include all the cells in the specified range.
Check whether there is another function defined in the same cell that is causing conflicts.
Make sure you haven’t forgotten to include an important part of your formula in your calculation.

1. Turn off automatic calculations

Launch the Excel sheet and click on Formulas.
Select Calculation Options and click on Manual.

Also, if you’re using data from another source, a from another worksheet, make sure that all of your formulas are referencing the correct cells and that those cells contain values.

2. Repair the Excel program

Right-click the Start menu icon and click on Settings.
Type Control Panel in the search bar and click Open.
Go to Programs and select Uninstall a Program.
Now, click Microsoft Office and select Change.
Finally, click Online Repair, then select Repair.
Once the repair process completes, restart your computer and check whether the issue still occurs or not.

3. Convert text to number

Launch the Excel sheet and select the number of cells that are returning 0 when you apply the specific formula.
Click on the yellow exclamation mark to open the drop-down menu.
Select Convert to Number and apply the function again.

It’s common to use Excel as a database, and in many cases the data you’re storing is text. This can be a problem when it comes to formulas that rely on numeric values because Excel will convert text to 0 if it has no other way of evaluating your formula.

The simplest way to deal with this issue is to make sure that all your data is stored as numbers, not as text values, and this also prevents the # Value error; read this guide to learn more about it.

And it’s a wrap on how to solve the issue of Excel returning the value as 0. Elsewhere, you may find that Excel uses too much CPU, hence slowing down your PC or making it unresponsive. If this is the case, check out our helpful guide on how to fix this issue for good.

You may also be interested in opening multiple Excel files at once, especially if you’re working with parallel documents. In our article, we show you just how easily this can be achieved.

Before you leave, don’t miss our latest guide on how to add a new line in cell in Excel.

When working in Excel, the #NAME? error can appear for many reasons, such as typos, missing quotes, or unavailable functions. To understand all possible causes and solutions, check this detailed guide on how to fix the #NAME? error in Excel and keep your formulas running smoothly.

We’d love to hear of any other additional methods that may have helped you bypass this error in the comment section below.

How to Fix We Can’t Set Up Mobile Hotspot in Windows 10/11

Posted on December 13, 2022June 24, 2025 by Matthew Adams

Getting the “We can’t set up mobile hotspot” error on Windows 11? Or maybe the option’s grayed out and won’t let you enable it?

If you can’t set up a mobile hotspot, it usually comes down to one of three things: a disabled network adapter, missing sharing permissions, or outdated drivers.

The good news? All of these are quick to troubleshoot, no advanced tech skills needed. Check the steps below to get your mobile hotspot back to working in no time.

How can I fix the we can’t set up mobile hotspot issue?

1. Enable the network adapter

Press the Windows key + X and choose Device Manager.
Locate your network adapter on the list and right-click it. Choose Enable device.
You might have multiple adapters listed, make sure that only the correct one is enabled.

2. Allow network users to connect (using Command Prompt)

Open Search, type cmd and choose Run as administrator.
Run the following command, but replace the name with the desired hotspot name and pw with the hotspot password:
netsh wlan set hostednetwork mode=allow ssid=name key=pw
After that, start the hotspot with this command: netsh wlan start hostednetwork
Open search and type view network connections. Select the first result from the list.
Look for a new Local Area Connection. It should have a Microsoft Hosted Network Virtual Adapter in the description. Right-click it and choose Properties.
Go to Sharing and enable Allow other network users to connect through this computer’s Internet connection. You’ll also have to set up the right connection in the Home networking field.
Save changes.

If you encounter any issues, go to the Device Manager, choose View, and show hidden devices. Locate the Microsoft Wi-Fi Direct Virtual Adapter, and disable and enable it.

After that, you should be able to enable mobile hotspot in the Settings app.

3. Update Your Network Adapter Driver (Using Device Manager)

Right-click the Start button and select Device Manager.
Expand the Network adapters section.
Right-click your wireless adapter (usually has “Wi-Fi” or “Wireless” in the name) and choose Update driver.
Select Search automatically for drivers.
If Windows finds a newer version, it will install it automatically.
Restart your PC and try setting up the hotspot again.

NOTE

Want an easier way? Tools like Fortect Driver Updater can scan your system and update all outdated drivers in just a few clicks, especially helpful if you’re not sure which adapter to pick or prefer a one-and-done fix.

If you’re having trouble with Internet Connection Sharing or connecting to a hotspot, simple steps can help. For mobile network connections, check how to enable eSIM on Windows 11. You can also learn how to set up a mobile hotspot and troubleshoot common issues.

Before you go, don’t miss out guide on what to do if Windows 11 hotspot is slow since it might come in handy if you encounter additional issues.

For more hotspot tips and device-specific fixes, you may also want to check out what to do if your computer won’t connect to an Android hotspot, how to connect a Windows 8 PC to an iPhone hotspot, MacBook hotspot connection issues, and this full guide on Windows 11 mobile hotspot not working.

If you have any other questions related to the solutions for the We can’t set up a hotspot error, feel free to leave them in the comments section below.

My Printer Cuts Off the Bottom of the Page [Solved]

Posted on December 13, 2022October 4, 2023 by Matthew Adams

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

Page Styles window my printer cuts off the bottom of 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.

Chrome's print options my printer cuts off the bottom of the page

4. Select a Page-Scaling Option

Adobe Reader's Print window my printer cuts off the bottom of the page

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.

System Restore did not Complete Successfully: 4 Fixes to use

Posted on December 13, 2022October 4, 2023 by Radu Tyrsina

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?

Keep the computer in a clean boot status and check
Run the System Restore in Safe Mode and check the issue status
Fix System Restore issues caused by specific errors
Disable antivirus

1. Keep the computer in a clean boot status

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.

3. Fix System Restore issues caused by specific errors

Press Windows Key + R to bring up the Run menu.
Once it’s opened, type in gpedit.msc.
In the left pane, navigate to Computer Configuration and Administrative Templates.
Then select System and click on System Restore.
Check the state of these two options: Turn off Configuration and System Restore settings.
If they aren’t set to Not configured, double-click each setting and set it to Not Configured.
Finally, click Apply and OK to save changes.

You may also have System Restore problems because of various errors, and we will show you how to fix some of the most important ones.

So, if this option seems to fail, you might want to ensure that System Restore is enabled on your PC.

4. Disable antivirus

Click on the hidden access arrow in the Taskbar.
Click on your antivirus icon, hover over Avast shields Control and select Disable for 10 minutes (This step varies for different antivirus software).
Try the System Restore.

There you go; these are some of the best methods to solve the system restoration that did not complete the successfully error quickly.

Have you already tried one or more solutions from our guide? Or perhaps you know of other workarounds that might help to address this issue?

Feel free to share your expertise with us via the comments section below.

A Media Driver Is Missing Windows 10 USB Install [Solved]

Posted on December 13, 2022May 16, 2024 by Aleksandar Ognjanovic

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:

Create the USB installation drive with Media Creation Tool or Rufus.
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.

7 Best Virtual Surround Sound Software for an Immersive Experience

Posted on December 13, 2022October 26, 2025 by Milan Stanojevic

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 – Best Overall

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!

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Razer Surround – Personal calibration

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

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SBX Pro Studio – Seamless control

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.

⇒ Get SBX Pro Studio

Equalizer APO – Multiple devices on one sound card

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)

⇒ Get Equalizer Apo

Dolby Atmos – Layers of sound

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
Adapts to 2.1 to 7.1.4 setupsCinema-quality sound
Enhanced gaming audio
Supported by Netflix, Disney+

⇒ Get Dolby Atmos

Steelseries Sonar – Very intuitive interface

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.

Key features include:

Intuitive, easy-to-use interface
Volume boost
Smart volume
Noise cancelation
Premade configurations
Customizable virtual surround
10 band equalizer

⇒ Get Steelseries Sonar

Windows Sonic – Built-in for Windows

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.

Share Screen is Greyed Out in Webex: 3 Ways to Fix It

Posted on December 13, 2022October 4, 2023 by Claire Moraa

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:

Check your internet connection and ensure you have a working and active connection.
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.

3. Check for OS updates

Hit the Start menu icon and select Settings.
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.

In other instances, you may find that Webex is still using your mic even a f ter the meeting, so visit our guide for some helpful tips to stop this anomaly.

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

Windows Cannot Find Javaw.exe [Solved]

Posted on December 13, 2022October 26, 2025 by Matthew Adams

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.exe error.

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.
Restart Windows after uninstalling Java.
Download Java installer.
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.

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Don’t hesitate to follow the topic on our website and check out this Java section too.

If you want to keep up with everything related to this topic, check out our Java section. You can find additional recommendations, fixes, and also.

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.

Best Equalizer Settings For Gaming in 2026

Posted on December 13, 2022August 13, 2025 by Milan Stanojevic

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.

What are the best equalizer settings for gaming?

What are the best equalizer settings for gaming?

1. Change high-frequency and low-frequency sounds

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.

Check price Visit Website

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.

For lovers of music, we also have the best Spotify equalizer settings lined up for you.

How To Find Serial Number on Windows 11 PC: 4 Ways to do it

Posted on December 13, 2022September 3, 2025 by Loredana Harsana

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 serialnumber wmic 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.

Now that you know how to check the Windows 11 serial number, we have a guide on how to check your motherboard serial number, so don’t miss it. You can also easily check your, Windows license type with just a single command.

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!

How to Fix Printer that Prints Blurry [Canon, HP, Epson]

Posted on December 13, 2022October 4, 2023 by Ivan Jenic

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 the automatic 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.

If the printer cannot print B&W without color ink, you can check our guide and find out how to fix the problem.

3. Clean the print head nozzles

printer that prints blurry clean ink cartridges

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

align ink cartridges printer that prints blurry

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

change paper size printer that prints blurry

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

type of paper change printer that prints blurry

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.

9 Best Calculator Apps for Windows 10 [2026 List]

Posted on December 13, 2022July 15, 2025 by Milan Stanojevic

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.

1. Microsoft Calculator
2. SpeedCrunch
3. Calculator²
4. Wolfram Alpha
5. RedCrab Calculator
6. FX-Calc
7. Frink
8. CalcTape
9. GeoGebra Scientific Calculator
FAQs
Final Thoughts

1. Microsoft Calculator

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.

You can also download the Microsoft Calculator from GitHub if you want to install it manually on another system or version.

Multiple calculator modes (Standard, Scientific, Programmer)
Date calculation and memory functions
Built-in unit and currency converter

✅ Download from Microsoft Store

2. SpeedCrunch

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.

Over 80 built-in math functions
Custom variables and live results
Open source and highly customizable

✅ Download from speedcrunch.org

3. Calculator²

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)
Real-time currency data powered by external APIs

✅ Download from Microsoft Store

4. Wolfram Alpha

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

✅ Use via wolframalpha.com

5. RedCrab Calculator

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.

WYSIWYG formula editor with visual layout
Handles complex functions and multiple lines
Free version with advanced features available

✅ Download from redchillicrab.com

6. FX-Calc

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.

Real-time 2D plotting and quick output preview
Save/load user-defined functions and constants
Minimalist but feature-rich interface

✅ Download from fx-calc.de

7. Frink

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
Scripting support and cross-platform Java base

✅ Download from futureboy.us

8. CalcTape

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.

If you’re missing the classic layout, you may want to download the old Windows 10 calculator to bring back a retro feel.

Interactive tape-like interface with annotations
Smart editing of previous entries
Easy-to-use and customizable layout

✅ Download from sfr-software.de

9. GeoGebra Scientific Calculator

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.

It’s a great free alternative to some of the best Windows 11 calculator apps if you’re upgrading soon.

Full scientific calculator with no ads or tracking
Graph plotting and symbolic math features
Compatible with school and university-level math

✅ Download from geogebra.org

FAQs

What is the best free calculator software for Windows 10?

SpeedCrunch, Calculator², and GeoGebra are excellent free options, depending on your need for scientific functions, currency conversion, or clean UI.

Are there any good open source calculator apps for Windows?

Yes! SpeedCrunch and Frink are both powerful open source tools with extensive customization and scripting capabilities.

What makes third-party calculators better than the default?

Third-party apps offer advanced features like graphing, formula scripting, unit tracking, and more intuitive UIs for specific needs.

Final Thoughts

Each of these calculator apps for Windows 10 brings something unique, whether it’s advanced graphing, scripting support, or a clean visual layout.

Instead of settling for the default, choose a calculator that truly fits your daily tasks and technical needs.

How to Fix Red Alert 2 Windows 10/11 Errors

Posted on December 13, 2022September 27, 2024 by Matthew Adams

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.

5. Play Red Alert 2 Multiplayer Games at CnCNet

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.

We also have a great guide on how to fix Command and Conquer Generals on Windows 10, so don’t miss it.

Let us know in the comments section below how the process went and whether you have any further questions.

Fix: No Internet After Windows Update or Fresh Install

Posted on December 13, 2022October 4, 2023 by Ivan Jenic

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. Use Command Prompt

1. Open Command Prompt.

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.

If you’re interested in how to add or remove startup apps on Windows 10, check out this simple guide. Can’t open Task Manager? Don’t worry, we’ve got the right solution for you.

5. Use Network Troubleshooter

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

The network troubleshooter can be quite helpful in fixing connection issues, especially when there is no internet connectivity in safe mode.

6. Disable antivirus and firewall

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.

Best Clock Widgets for Windows 10 with Time Zones, Alarms & More

Posted on December 13, 2022October 22, 2025 by Milan Stanojevic

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.

What is the best clock widget for Windows 10?

What is the best clock widget for Windows 10?

1. Clocks – Easily customizable

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.

Free Trial Download now

2. Sense Desktop – Dynamic weather information

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.

Free Trial Visit Website

3. MetroClock – Various background options

MetroClock is an app with a minimalistic design, which displays the time, day of the week, and date.

The app comes with 10 backgrounds that you choose from. Also, it has an alarm feature in case you need to set one.

This is also a free app and you can use it on older systems like Windows 8 but you can go up to Windows 11 with it.

Although the MetroClock app has various backgrounds, you can also pay to acquire more beautiful backgrounds.

Other key features include:

Appealing selection of backgrounds
Alarm option
Minimalistic design

MetroClock

Keep things simple but efficient and use this minimalistic clock app with various features.

Check Price Visit Website

4. Nightstand Analog Clock – Classic design

Nightstand Analog Clock sleek, classic analog transparent clock, which comes with 59 background landscape images.

Users complain, though, that the app is not dynamic and the time won’t change in case one travels to another time zone.

Also, you can customize the background image with one of your own, but change it at every reboot.

Even though the Nightstand Analog Clock app has a simple design, it is also appealing thanks to its multiple background options.

Other key features include:

Uncomplicated design
Beautiful background images
Easy usage

Nightstand Analog Clock

Set the perfect desktop background for your phone and try this flexible Clock App.

Free Trial Visit Website

5. Watch One – Multiple languages available

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.

Free Trial Visit Website

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.

FAQs

What are clock widgets for Windows?

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 When/After Installing Graphics Card Driver [Fix]

Posted on December 13, 2022September 8, 2025 by Tashreef Shareef

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.

⇒ Get Outbyte Driver Updater

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.

5. Reinstall Windows 10

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.

Wlmerger.exe: What is it & Should You Remove it?

Posted on December 13, 2022May 14, 2024 by Claire Moraa

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 /Restorehealth sfc /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.

A clean install of Windows should also be on your list as a last resort for this and other like errors like Zbrain.desktop.

Aside from the error, you may also run into an issue where Windows can’t find the Explorer.exe file. Be sure to check out our helpful guide on the same.

Let us know in the comment section of any additional solutions you tried but not mentioned here that have worked for you.

How to Change Windows 11 to Classic View [Simplified]

Posted on December 13, 2022July 4, 2025 by Vladimir Popescu

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. Change taskbar type using the Registry Editor

1. Press the Windows + R keyboard shortcut.
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 as TaskbarSi, then hit Enter button.
Double-click on the created DWORD.
Change the value from 0 to 2.

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.

For easier navigation, you might also want to set the Windows Control Panel to classic view, especially if you’re switching back to the old Windows 11 layout.

Remember that your opinion is truly important to us, so feel free to share it by leaving a comment in the section below.

How to Fix: Computer Restarted Unexpectedly or Encountered an Unexpected Error

Posted on December 13, 2022August 7, 2025 by Milan Stanojevic

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?

How can I fix “The computer restarted unexpectedly” error?
What are some variations of the computer restarted unexpectedly loop?

1. Use Registry Editor

In order to fix this problem, you’ll need to use the Registry Editor. To do that, follow these steps:

When you see The computer restarted unexpectedly error message press Shift + F10 on your keyboard. This should open Command Prompt.
Enter regedit and press Enter to start Registry Editor.
Once Registry Editor starts, navigate to the
```
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\Setup\Status\ChildCompletion
```
and double click the setup.exe in the right pane.
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.

7. Use a Windows recovery drive

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.

Other Windows startup issues we covered include: PCs getting stuck on the restart screen, Windows 10 not restarting properly, and Dell laptops freezing during restart.

You’ll also find fixes for more specific problems, like random restarts in Windows 10, unexpected restarts in Windows 11, and even cases where your PC restarts when playing games.

For a broader guide on systems stuck during reboot, check out our full article on how to fix a PC stuck on restarting.

Let us know which one worked for you in the comments section below.

Manage your Fonts and Digital Assets with Extensis Connect Software

Posted on December 13, 2022October 4, 2023 by Claudiu Andone

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.

4. Extensive preview options

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.

Free trial Visit website

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.

Windows 11 Update Not Showing: How to Fix it in 7 Steps

Posted on December 13, 2022September 17, 2025 by Kazim Ali Alvi

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.

4. Repair Windows Update components

Although you are required to repair or reset Windows Update components when encountering an error, it may also help you get the Windows 11 update in this case.

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.

Plug in the flash drive to your sytem.
Go to the download page for Windows 11 and click on Download Now under Create Windows 11 Installation Media.
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.

However if you have made up your mind, you can install Windows 11 after bypassing SecureBoot and TPM checks. This would require making some minor changes to the Registry.

It’s also possible to install Windows 11 without TPM, another workaround users had been looking for due to the TPM 2.0 requirement.

If you are still unsure, learn how to install Windows 11 on a Virtual Machine, try it out, and then make the upgrade. Nevertheless, if you have already made the jump, it’s easy to roll back from Windows 11 to Windows 10.

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.

Failed to fetch settings from Twitch? 3 Methods to Fix it

Posted on December 13, 2022October 4, 2023 by Milan Stanojevic

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.

1. 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 Twitch account, 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 select Stream.
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 Uses Too Much CPU: 5 Ways to Reduce It

Posted on December 13, 2022October 1, 2025 by Claire Moraa

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.
Disable any background apps that aren’t necessary for the task at hand.
Restart your PC. Do you keep hitting the Restart button, but nothing happens? Rest assured that our guide will help you.

1. Update the Google Meet app

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.

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4. Disable hardware acceleration

Hit the Windows key and select Settings.
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.

5. Check for Windows updates

Hit the Windows key and click on Settings.
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.

We also may be able to help if your Windows Explorer is a culprit in consuming too much CPU.

Your feedback is important to us, so start us off in the comment section with how you have been able to save your CPU resources.

Full Fix: Windows 10/11 is Stuck on Install

Posted on December 13, 2022October 4, 2023 by Ivan Jenic

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

Windows 10 install stuck on getting ready

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

Windows 10 setup stuck making sure you're ready to install

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.

What are the best all-in-one emulators?

Bizhawk – Best retro emulator

RetroArch – Best Nintendo emulator

Mednafen – Best Sega emulator

FinalBurn Alpha – Best Arcade emulator

MAME – Multi-purpose emulation framework

Bizhawk vs Retroarch

Which emulator is best for low-end PCs?

What causes high CPU usage while playing Cyberpunk 2077?

What can I do to fix high CPU usage while playing Cyberpunk 2077

1. Disable the Game Overlay option

2. Adjust in-game settings

2.1 Verify the integrity of the game files

2.2 Change settings

3. Tweak Power plan settings on your PC

4. Update device drivers

4.1 Use the Device Manager

4.2 Use a third-party driver updater

5. Turn Down Game Priority

Is Cyberpunk 2077 a CPU intensive game?

How do I lower CPU usage in For Honor?

Set For Honor as Low priority task

Disable uPNP

What can I do if my Xbox Ethernet is not working?

1. Power cycle the console

2. Check your router/modem (connect directly to a modem)

3. Reset MAC address and set a static IP

4. Put your Xbox One in DMZ

How can I fix The requested URL was rejected error?

1. Clear the cookies and cache

On Google Chrome

On Firefox

On Edge

2. Add the webpage URL to your trusted websites

3. Disable extensions

4. Reset your browser

On Chrome

On Firefox

On Edge

5. Try another browser

Opera One

Why can’t I download Windows ISO?

How to download Windows 10 ISO without failing?

1. Check your connection (pre-check solution)

2. Run Disk Cleanup to free up space on your drive (worked for most users ✅)

3. Restart the procedure

4. Download the ISO directly

5. Become a Windows insider

How do I use dual monitors with a remote desktop?

Table of contents

1. Configure RDP

2. Use the Run utility command line

3. Enable monitors directly

What causes the Ethernet not working error in Windows 11?

Why is Ethernet not working, but Wi-Fi is?

How do I fix the Windows 11 Ethernet not working issue?

1. Check Ethernet cable connections

2. Restart the modem/router

3. Restart your Windows 11 PC

4. Check if the Ethernet adapter is enabled

5. Reinstall the Ethernet driver

6. Update the Ethernet driver

6.1 Via Device Manager

6.2 Via Windows Update

6.3 Via the manufacturer’s website

7. Run the Network Adapter troubleshooter

8. Update Windows 11

9. Reset network settings

Is Ethernet faster than WiFi?

How do I execute the fixes if an Ethernet connection cannot be established?

What do I do if Ethernet doesn’t have a valid IP configuration in Windows 11?

1. Check the connections

2. Restart the computer and your modem/router

3. Disable fast startup

4. Manually choose IP and DNS server

5. Update the driver

6. Disable IPv6

7. Enable DHCP

8. Reset network settings

Why Ethernet doesn’t have a valid IP configuration in Windows 11?