Minecraft For Windows Error Download: Fixed

Minecraft is probably the most popular game in the world, and Microsoft did the right thing when it included the game in Windows Store, also known as Microsoft Store.

Some players are reporting that they encountered a Minecraft for Windows error download, so here are a few tips if you’re facing this problem, too.

If the error code is 0x803f7003, we have a dedicated article on it that could help you out.

How can I fix the Minecraft for Windows download error?

1. Try to refresh the download multiple times

  1. Press Windows Key + S and enter Microsoft Store. Select Microsoft Store from the list.
    microsoft store 0x803f7003 Minecraft download error Windows Store
  2. In the search bar in the top right corner enter Minecraft.
  3. Select the version of Minecraft that you want to download.
  4. Click the Download You might have to repeat this step a couple of times until you manage to download the game.
    download app 0x803f7003 Minecraft download error in Windows Store

In some instances, you might have to wait a couple of minutes and try to download Minecraft again. This is a simple solution, but it can help you with Minecraft for Windows error download.


2. Reset Windows Store

  1. Go to Search and type wsreset.exe.
  2. Right-click wsreset.exe from list of results and choose Run as administrator.
  3. Login to your Microsoft Account once again, and try to download Minecraft.

You can also reset Windows Store from the settings by from Settings app.

  1. Press Windows Key + I to open the Settings app.
  2. Go to Apps section.
  3. Select Microsoft Store > Advanced options.
  4. Click the Reset Click Reset to confirm.
    reset windows store 0x803f7003 Minecraft download error in Windows Store

After doing that, check if the error downloading Minecraft on Windows 10 or Windows 11 persists or not.


3. Check your regional settings

  1. Open the Settings app and go to the Time & Language section.
  2. Go to the Region in the left pane. In the right pane set Country and region to the United States.
    country or region 0x803f7003 Minecraft download error in Windows Store
  3. After doing that, check if the problem is still there.

After changing your regional settings, check if the problem is still there.

If the problem is still present, you should check out our article about solving Windows Store problems for more solutions.

There you go, these are just a couple of simple solutions that can help you with the Minecraft for Windows error download.

If you found our article helpful, feel free to let us know in the comments section below.

6 Best Fortnite Christmas Gifts Ideas [Fans Love #1]

Choosing Christmas presents for Fortnite fans can be as interesting as playing the game itself. For someone who has never played the game, here is a chance to get into the Fortnite world.

Gifting out the game in the spirit of Christmas can help you plant a smile on someone’s face. Let’s explore some exciting Fortnite presents to give this Christmas to a friend who is a fan of the game.

What are the best Christmas presents for Fortnite fans?

Fortnite Loot Llama Plush Pillow

  • 19 inches tall x 16 inches wide
  • Officially licensed Fortnite pillow in the shape of a Loot Llama
  • Super soft microfiber fleece plush pillow
  • 100% Polyester
  • Nothing really

Help someone experience a relaxed season this Christmas on the Fortnite Llama Plush Pillow as awesome Christmas presents for Fortnite fans. The pillow is 19 inches tall and 16 inches wide and it has a very good quality print.

It’s made from top-quality materials to guarantee a blissful sleep. It’s comfortable and easy to wash.

Fortnite Light up Boogie Bomb

  • 4.5 inches height by 3.75 inches width by 3 inches depth
  • Realistic pull-pin trigger and on/off switch
  • Lights and music show
  • 2x AAA batteries included
  • Poor customer support

The Fortnite light up boogie bomb is just exactly the best Christmas presents for Fortnite fans. It is a music boogie bomb that can dole out exciting music to get everyone dancing. The boogie bomb carries appealing lights that actually displays beautiful colors to light up the environment.

With the pull pin trigger, like with a real bomb you can control the light bomb to enjoy great tunes. It’s portable and fits entertainment with a couple of Fortnite fans community and friends.

Monopoly: Fortnite Edition

  • Well-known locations as properties
  • Aim to earn Health Point chips instead of money to stay in the game
  • Comes with 27 Fortnite outfits with pawn stands
  • Pretty far from the original Monopoly game

The Monopoly game specifically comes as great Christmas presents for Fortnite fans designed for the Fortnite edition. Enjoy playing your favorite monopoly but this time with popular Fortnite characters in the game using the 27 Fortnite outfits. The game is best suitable for ages 13 and above, earning health points.

As small as two players and as many as 7 players can participate in the monopoly game.

Fortnite Gaming Mouse Pad

  • Durable stitched edges
  • Washable design
  • Ultra-smooth surface
  • Fade Prevent
  • It can be too steady

A washable gaming mouse pad is a lovely gift idea for this holiday. It is made from resistant rubber and offers easy navigation on any surface thanks to its slick fabric.

This Fortnite Gaming Mouse Pad guarantees durability due to the stitched edge which prevents it from falling apart.

Fortnite Battle Royale Socks

  • 5-pack of socks
  • Fortnite characters design
  • Great value
  • May not be true-to-size

The lovely Fortnite socks with character prints are another friendly items to gift out. What qualifies it as the perfect Christmas present includes the comfort and warmth it provides this season.

Also, Fortnite fans can enjoy a variety of designs, colors, and sizes for boys and girls. Being an all-purpose breathable sock, it could be worn everywhere you want.

Fortnite Character Emote Camo Llama

  • 2 Compartments
  • 11.81 x 1.97 x 17.72 inches - perfect for school necessities
  • 100% genuine licensed Fortnite
  • Very light
  • Not very rezistant

Everyone loves a backpack and almost everyone carries one. The Fortnite backpack offers an exceptional gift idea this Christmas season. The Fortnite backpack is made from high-quality material.

Featuring an awesome all-over camo character print, including the fan-favorite loot box and mascot, Llama. The Fortnite backpack makes it easy to move valuable items around on camping trips, schooling, hiking, travels, and a laptop bag.

This was our selection of the best Fortnite Christmas gift ideas. We hope you found at least a good idea to gift this year. Leave us a note in the comments section below with other suggestions.

Windows 11 Camera Not Working: How to Reset or Unblock it

The webcam is one of the most often used instruments on a computer nowadays, and any disruption in its operation is intolerably inconvenient.

In most cases, Windows 11 recognizes peripherals, automatically. Regardless of the operating system’s accuracy in detecting faults, we may encounter errors ourselves.

For instance, the Windows Camera app error code 0xA00F4244, which is notorious in Windows 10 is now also happening in Windows 11.

It doesn’t matter whether you are obtaining the Access denied error message when attempting to use your webcam or receiving any other issue; the remedies listed below will apply and work in all cases. Follow along!

Why is my webcam not working?

There are two primary categories of explanations for this: hardware and software. For example, unlike something that is malfunctioning within Windows, a webcam is a physical device.

As a result, it is possible that the issue stems from the device itself or from your computer’s inability to recognize how to connect to it. The majority of problems with the Windows webcam are caused by software.

That is, either Windows 11 does not recognize that a camera has been plugged in or the software you are using does not have the appropriate rights enabled, resulting in access to the camera being denied.

This problem can be caused by a variety of other factors, including recent system updates, privacy settings that restrict access, and hardware concerns.

It’s annoying, but the camera will become mandatory if you need to install Windows 11 on your device, so you have to fix this problem.

We may, however, quickly correct the problem by utilizing several often-used workarounds. We’re here to talk about them and figure out how to get the camera app to operate.

Similar issues that our readers encounter frequently include:

  • Windows 11 Hello camera is not working – Our linked guide will fix the problem with the facial recognition option.
  • Wecam not working on Team – The problem is most likely linked to the software’s permission through Windows.
  • Skype camera not working – Fixing this issue is relatively simple as you probably have to update your webcam drivers and check your camera settings on Skype.
  • LifeCam Studio webcam not working – Changing port connections and unplugging other devices often help you solve these Microsoft LifeCam inconveniences.

What can I do if the webcam isn’t working in Windows 11?

1. Unplug and plug the camera back in

If the webcam is connected to the computer through a cord, unplug it and then plug it back in again.

Take advantage of this opportunity to switch to a different port to rule out the initial port as the source of the problem. Also, unplug any USB devices that are not in use (e.g., external hard drive, printer).

Other gadgets that are plugged into the computer could be interfering with the camera’s ability to communicate with Windows, which is doubtful.

2. Give access to apps

  1. Press the Windows key + I to open the Settings app, then go to Privacy & security and choose Camera from the right side.
  2. First of all, make sure that both camera access switches are on.
  3. Next, enable all the apps that you want to access your camera by turning on the switch next to them.

It is this approach in particular that will resolve the Access denied issue that you may receive when attempting to use your webcam. Checking the app access also helps when the camera freezes in Windows 11.

3. Update the camera driver

  1. Click the Search icon from the taskbar, type device manager, and select the app from the results.
  2. Expand the Cameras section by clicking on it, then right-click the adapter and select Update driver.
  3. Now select Search automatically for drivers.
  4. The system will scan for new drivers and if it finds a new one, it will install it.

We strongly advocate using a specialist driver updating program to do automatic scans for out-of-date drivers.

4. Check for optional updates

  1. Press the Windows key + I to open the Settings app and click on Update & Security from the left panel followed by Advanced options on the right side.
  2. Scroll down until you find the Additional options section then click on Optional updates.
  3. Now click on the Driver Updates option then select all the driver updates you are presented and lastly click on the Download & install button.

Despite the fact that Windows is generally in charge of driver updates, if you are experiencing an issue, you can perform a manual search for updates.

5. Repair and reset the Camera app

  1. Press the Windows key + I to start the Settings app, then click on Apps from the left pane and select Installed apps from the right.
  2. Look for the Camera app in the list, click on its three points button and select Advanced options.
  3. Now scroll down until you find the Reset section, then click on the Repair button. Check if the app is detecting your webcam and if not, also hit the Reset button.

If the native Camera app from Windows 11 is not detecting your webcam, it’s a good idea to repair and reset it from the Settings menu.

You should also look at our complete guide on how to enable the camera in Windows 11 and see if you overlooked some details.

6. Run the built-in camera troubleshooter

  1. Use the Windows key + I shortcut to start the Settings app, scroll down on the right side of the window and select Troubleshoot from the list of options.
  2. Tap on Other troubleshooters.
  3. Locate the Camera troubleshooter and click on Run next to it.
  4. Go on with the troubleshooting to fix the problem.

Windows will discover and resolve any issues that may have arisen with the device or its configuration settings. Once the mistakes have been identified, instructions will be provided, so make sure to follow them carefully.

7. Test your webcam online

  1. Go to a website that tests your webcam like WebcamMicTest and click on the Test webcam button. Make sure you grant them access to your webcam and mic for the test.
  2. If it detects your webcam, you should be seeing an image right away. If not, you might have other hardware or software issues.

8. Temporarily disable your antivirus

  1. Click the Search icon on the taskbar, type security and select Windows Security from the results.
  2. Now choose Virus & threat protection.
  3. Click on Manage settings unde Virus & threat protection settings.
  4. Turn the switch to off unde Real-time protection and check if the camera works now.

If the Windows 11 integrated camera is not working, disable your antivirus, firewall, and privacy applications for the time being.

Some programs feature built-in webcam protection, which could be the cause of the problem you’re experiencing.

We have shown you how to disable Windows Defender but if you have a third-party antivirus installed, you will have to go through its security menu and disable it from there.

If turning off these apps causes the camera to function properly, study their settings to determine what needs to be changed, and then immediately switch them back on.

A Webcam Protection option will prevent your apps from using your webcam so you should check the app that you installed for the camera.

9. Disable other cameras

  1. Click on the Search icon from the taskbar, type device manager, and select the app from the results.
  2. Look for the Cameras section, click on it to expand it, and if you have more than one installed, right-click on the one you’re not using and select Disable device.

If you have both an internal and an external webcam installed on your computer and the wrong one is being used, disable the webcam.

Windows will not allow you to utilize both webcams at the same time, and certain apps will not allow you to choose which webcam to prioritize.

Suppose you want to utilize the built-in camera but prefer to use the external one instead. In this case, you can disable the internal webcam in Device Manager.

Even if the camera is already activated and there is just one installation, you should take advantage of this opportunity to disable the webcam and enable it again.

10. Replace the webcam with a new one

Really old cameras are unlikely to work with newer versions of Windows and are slower to respond to any of the troubleshooting suggestions provided here.

In that scenario, your only choice is to upgrade to a more recent camera model. Take a look at our selection of the best 1080p webcams for PC and choose the one that fits your requirements.

Has my webcam been hacked?

One of the primary reasons so many people cover their computer webcams with tape or by using a dedicated cover to turn them off is to protect their privacy.

The ability to hack into webcams means that hackers may turn them on and record you whenever they want, usually with the help of a RAT (remote administration tool), that has been discreetly uploaded to the webserver.

Anyone could be the target of this type of attack. Ransomware attacks are generally directed at gaining control of anything that can be used to generate revenue.

Because of this, several malware programs attempt to infect webcams in order to obtain content suited for extortion from the cameras.

It’s critical to have strong anti-malware software to protect your webcam privacy, but also be aware of the indicators that someone has taken control of your webcam.

For example, you should be able to see a small indicator light next to your computer webcam. When a webcam is engaged for something like a video conference, you may see it turn on and become visible.

Although this indicator light may appear to be on at inconvenient times, especially when you aren’t using it, this is a telling sign that someone has gained control of your webcam from a distance and is utilizing it to have a look.

In order to learn more about how to protect yourself from hackers, we recommend that you read our article on the best webcam security software.

If you have not yet updated your operating system, check our guide on how to fix the camera app not working in Windows 10.

Alternatively, check out our guide on how to download the integrated camera driver for Windows 11 as you will definitely need one to make the best out of your webcam or download LifeCam drivers if it’s your webcam of choice.

For those who are using a laptop and have not found the suggestions above to be helpful, we have another post that describes different ways to fix your laptop’s camera.

Comment below and tell us which technique works best for you and whether you have already taped your camera or plan to do so.

Microsoft Store Error 0x803f7003 [Fixed]

Windows Store got remodeled, and now comes with a new interface and even a new name (Microsoft Store). Sadly, even the revamped Microsoft Store version isn’t without issues of its own.

One error that was quite common on previous iterations of Store is still here and it still bothers Windows users around the world. It goes by the Microsoft Store error 0x803f7003 and it, apparently, blocks updates or even access to the installed apps.

This error, in comparison to some milder ones, will render Microsoft Store completely unusable. In order to help you address this issue, we provided some solutions below. In case you’re irked by this error, progress through the list until you resolve it.

How can I fix the Microsoft Store Error 0x803f7003?

1: Run the Windows Troubleshooter

First things first. Before we move to a list of more complex applicable solutions, let’s give a Windows-native dedicated troubleshooter a chance.

With the introduction of Windows 10, users are able to resolve issues with the unified troubleshooter. A lot of reports say that it’s lackluster and barely helpful, but at least you’ll get some feedback on the severity of the error at hand.

Follow these steps to run Windows Store Troubleshooter and, hopefully, resolve the error:

  1. Press the Windows key + I to open the Settings app.
  2. Open Update & Security.windows 10 app store error 0x803f7003
  3. Choose Troubleshoot from the left pane.
  4. Scroll to the bottom and highlight the Windows Store Apps troubleshooter.
  5. Click on the ”Run the troubleshooter” and wait for it to finish.windows 10 app store error 0x803f7003

2: Reset Store’s cache

The majority of Microsoft enthusiasts enlist this as the major solution for the 0x803f7003 error code. However, it seems that the success isn’t the same for every user.

Some managed to resolve the error at hand with this simple side application called ”wsreset”. This application’s main use is to reset the cached data of the Microsoft Store, resolving the common halts in the process.

The procedure is simple, so just follow these steps:

  1. In the Windows Search bar, type wsreset.
  2. Right-click on wsreset and run it as an administrator.windows 10 app store error 0x803f7003

3: Check the time and regional settings

Time and regional settings are also important if you expect to have fully functional Microsoft Store, including the containing apps. The full-feature package works only for the United States, so we advise you to switch your regional settings to the US.

In addition, make sure that you’re time is properly set. This doesn’t need to be the sole reason for the error, but it might help you address it.

Here’s how to check these essential settings and apply the needed changes:

  1. Press the Windows key + I to summon the Settings app.
  2. Open Time & language.
  3. Under the Date & Time section, enable the ‘Set time automatically‘  and ‘Select time zone automatically‘.windows store app download stuck
  4. Now, choose Region & language from the same pane.
  5. Change Country or region to ‘United States’.windows store app download stuck

4: Run DISM

Deployment Image Servicing and Management is the dedicated command-line tool. It’s one of those tools no one have heard of until the issues emerge. Its main purpose is to scan the system files, especially the critical ones, and resolve possible issues. Since Microsoft Store is the essential part of Windows 10, DISM can be massively helpful.

There are multiple ways to run DISM, with both system resources and external installation media. We made sure to provide you with both variations down below:

The standard way:

  1. Type cmd in the Windows search bar, right-click on the Command Prompt and run it as an administrator.
  2. In the command line, type the following line and press Enter:
    • DISM /online /Cleanup-Image / ScanHealth
    • DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
  3. Wait until the procedure ends (it might take up to 10 minutes).
  4. Restart your PC.

With the installation media:

  1. Mount your Windows 10 installation media, either USB or ISO DVD.
  2. Open Command Prompt (already explained how to above).
  3. In the command line, type the following commands and press Enter after each:
    • DISM /online /Cleanup-Image /CheckHealth
  4. If there’s not any single error, enter this command and press Enter:
    • DISM /online /Cleanup-Image / ScanHealth
  5. If DISM finds any errors, enter the following commands and tap Enter:
    • DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth /Source:repairSource\install.wim
  6. Have in mind that you’ll need to replace the ”repair source” part of your installation media with the source path.
  7. Wait for the procedure to end and restart your PC.

5: Reinstall Microsoft Store

As you’re probably aware, one can’t uninstall Microsoft Store. It simply can’t. Microsoft is pushing its native store flamboyantly, and it doesn’t allow users to meddle with it as they wish. Windows 10 is service, isn’t it?

However, jokes aside, you can at least reinstall Microsoft Store with the little help of PowerShell command-line and one quite long and convoluted command. This should restore Store’s setting to factory values. It should be just the same as when the system was installed.

Here’s how to do it in a few steps:

  1. Right-click on the Start button and open PowerShell (Admin).
  2. In the command line, copy-paste (or type) the following command and press Enter:
    • Get-AppxPackage -allusers Microsoft.WindowsStore | Foreach {Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register “$($_.InstallLocation)\AppXManifest.xml”}windows store error 0x87AFo81
  3. Restart your PC.

6: Wait for updates

This. We’re all aware that issues are common, especially for the ever-growing system that adds occasionally a large bundle of changes. A lot of those issues are uncalled for and can make usage distressful.

However, the majority of buggy improvements are polished after a certain period of time, especially if an issue is critical as this certainly is.

Windows 10 updates are mainly automatically distributed, but you can check for updates manually and update your system accordingly. Here’s how to do it:

  1. Press the Windows key + I to open Settings.
  2. Open the ”Update & Security” section.windows 10 app store error 0x803f7003
  3. Under Windows Update, click Check for updates.

7: Reset this PC

Ultimately, you can always turn to recovery options and resolve all issues that way. Windows 10 comes with the ”Reset this PC” function, which should restore factory values similarly to system reinstallation.

We won’t advise this procedure with minor issues, but the 0x803f7003 error is rendering Microsoft Store completely unusable. Thus, this might be a need and not an optional solution or workaround.

If you’re unsure how to reset your PC to factory settings in Windows 10, here’s how to do it:

  1. Press Windows key + I to summon the Settings app.
  2. Open the Update & Security section.windows 10 app store error 0x803f7003
  3. Select Recovery from the left pane.
  4. Under ”Reset this PC”, click Get started.wifi not working on laptop but working on other devices
  5. Choose to preserve your data and restore your PC to default settings.

That should wrap it up. We certainly hope that one of these solutions hit the jackpot and that you’ve managed to resolve the Microsoft Store error 0x803f7003.

In case you care to share your experience with the error, provide additional solutions or ask a question in regards to the subject, make sure to do so in the comments section below.

Best Holiday Movies On Microsoft Store [This Season]

With Christmas around the corner, what better way to get into the holiday season mood than watching a Christmas movie? The list of Christmas movies available is quite long, but choosing just the right one is a difficult task,

Fortunately, we’re here to help you. In this article, we’re going to list the best Christmas movies available in the Microsoft Store to help you decide which movies to watch.

These are excellent if you’re looking for the following topics:

  • Classic Christmas movies
  • Greatest Christmas movies
  • Family Christmas movies
  • Christmas movies for kids

Which are the best Christmas movies on the Microsoft Store?

The Santa Clause 3: The Escape Clause

This hilarious Disney family comedy will make you laugh until your belly hurts. Santa Claus (Scott Calvin) faces his most difficult challenge yet:

The mischievous Jack Frost plans to end Santa’s career using the Escape Clause because he is jealous that he has no holiday.

If you’re curious to see how this story unfolds, purchase The Santa Clause 3: The Escape Clause from the Windows Store.

The price tag ranges from $3.99 if you want to rent the SD version of the movie to $17.99 if you buy the HD version.

⇒ Check price

One Magic Christmas

Ginny Grainger is a young mother who rediscovers the joy and beauty of Christmas. Her six-year-old daughter Abbie and Gideon, Ginny’s guardian angel, guide her through this wonderful experience.

Ginny is not exactly very happy. She has a hard time enjoying Christmas because her husband is unemployed and she holds a humble position as a grocery store clerk. Eventually, she realizes that things could be much worse and learns to appreciate what she has.

You can purchase One Magic Christmas for $3.99 or $17.99 (the HD version) from the Microsoft Store.

⇒ Check price

Santa Buddies

This is because nobody believes in Christmas anymore. The bad news is that if the icicle continues to melt, Christmas will be history.

As the Christmas Icicle makes a big crack, the reindeer become weak and powerless and the North Pole slumps into darkness due to power issues.

Puppy Paws, the son of Santa Paws and his newfound buddies must save Christmas and teach everybody what the real meaning of Christmas is.

To see if they succeed, you can purchase Santa Buddies from the Microsoft Store. The SD version of the movie costs $9.99 while the HD version costs $17.99. You can also rent the movie for $3.99.

⇒ Check price

Surviving Christmas

If you want to have a good laugh this Christmas, watch Surviving Christmas. A lonely, obnoxious young millionaire pays a family to spend Christmas with him and this triggers a series of funny events.

The millionaire participates in the Latham family traditions, such as Christmas tree selection and holiday shopping. However, Alicia, the family’s eldest daughter refuses to comply with her family’s wishes.

If you want to see what happens next, download the movie from the Microsoft Store.

⇒ Check price

The Christmas Dragon

Can you image December without Christmas? We can’t but this movie takes you to Medieval Europe where Christmas hasn’t come for several years.

A young orphan girl receives an important mission from a dying elf — to save Christmas. As she embark to this journey, she’ll need to use her wits and escape dragons, goblins, ogres and other creatures.

If you’re curios to see whether or not she manages to save Christmas, you can download The Christmas Dragon from the Store.

⇒ Check price


The Smurfs: A Christmas Carol

If you like animation movies, we’re sure you’ll enjoy The Smurfs: A Christmas Carol.

It’s Christmas time in Smurf Village! ‘Tis the season that brings joy to all the Smurfs…except one: Grouchy Smurf. When Grouchy Smurf says “Bah-Humbug” to the Christmas spirit, it’s up to Papa Smurf’s magic potion and three enchanted Smurfs to set things right. Can the Smurfs of Christmas Past, Present and Future teach Grouchy the real meaning of Christmas before Smurf Village falls into the hands of the evil Gargamel?

You can get this movie from the Microsoft Store.

⇒ Check price

A Heavenly Christmas

A workaholic who never valued Christmas too much dies at an early age and is then recruited to be a Christmas Angel.

The twist is that she fells in love with the man she was supposed to help heal his old wounds. Watch the movie to see who everything unfolds.

⇒ Check price

I’ll Be Home For Christmas

Jake Wilkinson is a self-centered college student who desperately wants to get home for Christmas dinner. If he doesn’t, he risks losing that vintage Porsche his father promised him.

The problem is that he suddenly wakes up in the California desert without even a penny in his pocket. Strangely enough, he’s wearing a Santa suit.

Jake desperately takes advantage of every transportation means he can find and races against time to get home for Christmas.

To make his task even more difficult, a series of comedy of errors trips him up and sets him off course. As he struggles to get back home, Jake eventually grasps the true meaning of Christmas and the importance of family.

You can purchase I’ll Be Home For Christmas for $3.99, or $17.99 (the HD version).

⇒ Check price

As you can see, the list of Christmas movies available in the Microsoft Store is not very diverse. Nevertheless, the seven movies listed above will definitely cheer you up this Christmas.

Windows Emoji Shortcut is Not Working? How to Enable It

Keyboard shortcuts are the secret weapon that power users use to save time. You can do all sorts of things with keyboard shortcuts, including closing windows, opening new tabs, and more. While it is a useful feature, some users prefer to turn off keyboard shortcuts.

Others on the other hand may have trouble at times getting these shortcuts to work. Sometimes, when you’re typing a message and you want to include an emoji, the keyboard may not pop up. 

Why are my keyboard shortcuts not working?

 There are a few reasons why this might be happening:

  • Outdated keyboard drivers – You may be using an outdated keyboard version. Ensure you keep your keyboard drivers updated for optimum performance.
  • You have disabled the shortcut – You may have accidentally disabled or changed the default keyboard settings in Windows. 
  • Third-party keyboards – If you have installed another keyboard, the two might conflict with each other and cause this behavior.
  • Keyboard language – Your keyboard may not be set up properly. Sometimes, the keyboard language changes automatically.
  • You’re using an unsupported app – You may be using the keyboard shortcut on an app that does not support it. 
  • Faulty keyboard – It is possible that your keyboard is damaged or isn’t working correctly.

How do I enable Windows emoji shortcuts?

The Windows emoji panel comes automatically enabled, but if for some reason this is not the case, here are steps to enable it:

  1. Hit the Windows + R keys to open the Run command.
  2. Type regedit then press Enter.
  3. Navigate to the following location: Computer\HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Input\Settings\proc_1
  4. Find EnableExpressiveInputShellHotkey, right-click on it and select New DWORD (32-bit) Value.
  5. Set the Value data to 1 to enable the emoji panel. 
  6. Restart your PC to save the changes.
  7. Now press Windows + . or Windows + : combinations as shortcuts to open the emoji panel on any text editor.

If interested, check out this quick guide on adding emojis to Outlook.

What can I do if the Emoji shortcut is not working in Windows?

Before moving on to the slightly technical solutions, try the following:

  • Close any background programs.
  • Disconnect other peripherals and connect only the keyboard to see if it works.
  • Try using a different keyboard if available to rule out whether it is a hardware or software issue.
  • Restart your PC.

1. Disable third-party keyboards temporarily 

The Emoji shortcut feature only works with native Windows keyboards. If you have an alternative keyboard installed, like SwiftKey or Gboard, try disabling it.

There are also many apps that can change your default keyboard, such as TouchPal. If you have installed any of these apps, you may need to disable or uninstall them.

2. Change your keyboard language 

  1. Hit the Windows key and click on Settings.settings windows 11
  2. Click on Time & language then click on Language & region on the right side.going language and region windows 11 settings
  3. Under Windows display language, ensure you set it to English (United States).

This is important because the keyboard shortcuts for emojis vary depending on which language you’re using. 

3. Update keyboard drivers

Using an outdated keyboard driver may be the problem behind the Windows Emoji shortcut not working error, and you can complete this procedure by using third-party software as it is the most efficient solution.

4. Check for updates

  1. Hit the Windows key and select Settings.settings windows 11
  2. Click on Windows Update then select Check for updates.check for updates windows 11 settings
  3. If available, click on Download & install.

Users have also complained of an issue where their keyboard is typing the wrong characters and letters. If you encounter the same problem, refer to our helpful guide for quick fixes.

In case you have a faulty keyboard on your hands, it may be time to upgrade your keyboard for improved performance and reliability.

Let us know if your emoji shortcut is working after trying out our recommended solutions in the comment section below.

Fix Keyboard Typing Wrong Letters and Symbols in Windows

A keyboard typing incorrect letters signals hardware issues, stuck keys or misconfigured settings. Below we’ll walk you thorugh tried and tested ways to fix this problem. Let’s get right to it.

What can I do if my keyboard is typing the wrong letters?

Here are some quick fixes to try first:

  1. If you are using a wired keyboard, connect it to another port on the computer.
  2. Make sure Num Lock is not enabled. If that’s the case, its indicator light would be turned on.
  3. If you are using a laptop, ensure no pressure is exerted on its body. Oftentimes, this causes the touchpad or keyboard to act weirdly.

If you tried these and the keyboard is still nto showing the correct symbols, try the more advanced fixes below.

1. Override the default input method

  1. Press Windows + I to open Settings, select Time & language from the navigation pane, and then click on Typing.
    time & language
  2. Now, click on Advanced keyboard settings.
    advanced keyboard settings to fix keyboard types wrong characters
  3. From the Override for default input method dropdown menu, choose English (United States) – US.
    change input to fix keyboard types wrong characters

Resetart your PC to make sure the changes apply. If you can’t find the desired entry here, add the language pack for it.

You can also run the built in Keyboard Troubleshooter in Windows to automatically detect and repair common typing issues, so check the full guide here: Keyboard Troubleshooter in Windows.

2. Reinstall keyboard drivers

  1. Press Windows + X to open the Power User menu, and select Device Manager.
    device manager
  2. Expand the Keyboards entry, right-click on the problematic keyboard, and choose Uninstall device.
    uninstall device to fix keyboard types wrong characters
  3. Again, click Uninstall in the confirmation prompt.
    uninstall
  4. Once done, restart the computer, and Windows will automatically download the best available drivers for the keyboard.

If this doesn’t work, you can update your keyboard drivers using a specialized tool, preventing PC damage by installing the wrong driver versions. For this, we highly recommend the easy-to-use and reliable Fortect Driver Updater.

3. Add the required language pack

  1. Click a picture of your keyboard, and add it to Google Lens to perform a search to identify the keyboard layout.
  2. Once you know the layout, press Windows + I to open Settings, choose Time & language, and click on Language & region.
    language and region
  3. Click on Add a language button.
    add a language
  4. Now, choose the relevant language pack, and click Next.
    choose language
  5. Click Install.
    language pack to fix keyboard types wrong characters
  6. Once done, head to Advanced keyboard settings, and then choose the language pack you just downloaded from the dropdown menu.
    choose language

4. Check AutoCorrect settings (for Microsoft Word)

  1. Open Word, and click on the File menu.
    file
  2. Now, choose More, and then click on Options.
    options
  3. Navigate to Proofing and select AutoCorrect Options.
    autocorrect options to fix keyboard types wrong characters
  4. Uncheck the entries that seem to be causing the trouble, and click OK to save the changes.
    untick options

Ensuring AutoCorrect is appropriately set up is a workaround, especially if your keyboard types the wrong letters in Word, but it works fine in other apps and programs.

In case the keyboard types the wrong characters in another program, make similar changes to it as well.

Why are my keys typing different symbols?

After some research, we could deduce a list of reasons the keyboard is typing different symbols or words.

  • Hardware issues – In most cases, the issue lies with the keyboard itself. It could be a malfunctioning key or an object stuck under one. Cleaning the keyboard usually does the trick, but you might have to replace it.
  • The Shift key might be stuck – If the Shift key is stuck or Num Lock is enabled, the keyboard behavior will be different from what you expect.
  • Keyboard drivers are causing problems – Incompatible, corrupt, or outdated drivers usually trigger conflicts and may affect the effective functioning of the keyboard.
  • The correct language pack is missing – A missing language pack can often be the underlying cause when your keyboard types the wrong characters. Simply adding the language pack should do the trick here.

Well, if nothing worked, then maybe your keyboard is faulty. In which case, you could either get it repaired, but that’s not often a sustainable option. Once a keyboard starts to fail, new problems keep coming up, and replacement only makes sense.

So, find out the best available keyboards, and get one for your computer. After you replace it, things should be up and running just fine.

Before you leave, find out the best ways to speed up Windows and get things done faster.

Other common keyboard problems that can be fixed with similar solutions include your keyboard automatically typing on its own, constant beeping while typing, not allowing double letters, or Windows 10 randomly switching keyboard language.

If you’ve got additional tips and suggestions on how to fix this issue, let us know in the comments below.

MS Store Errors 0x8007064a, 0x80246007 & 0x80248014: Fix

More error codes here, as we get them from the Microsoft Community support forums. Now, somebody is reporting that the Windows Store doesn’t install app updates and gives the following error codes – 0x8007064a, 0x80246007, 0x80248014.

Earlier today we reported an annoying Windows 8, Windows 8.1, and Windows 10 errors, codenamed as error 0×8004005. A Microsoft user says the following:

Windows Apps Store are not installing new updates, neither any new Apps is installing from Windows Apps Store. The Installation gets failed every time and we get error code :- 0x8007064a, 0x80246007, 0x80248014

Since we do have a lot of Windows 8, Windows 8.1, and Windows 10 app updates, it’s natural that we worry for those who can’t install the latest versions.

Of course, this happens only with those that receive the updates automatically and have to install them themselves. I’ve read somewhere that having more than one antivirus software installed could be the culprit.

You can also try doing the following:

  1. Press the Windows key + R
  2. Type WSReset.exe and hit enter
  3. Reboot and give another shot

If this doesn’t solve your problem, dive in into these troubleshooting methods.


How do I fix the MS Store errors 0x8007064a, 0x80246007, and 0x80248014?

1. Set your country and language settings to the real country you live in

If you selected another country than the one where you currently live, this may trigger various errors. The quickest solution to fix them is to use your real country and language settings.


2. Run the Windows 10 Troubleshooter

  1. Go to Start > type ‘settings’ > double click on the first result to launch the Settings page
  2. Click on Troubleshoot in the left pane > under ‘Find and fix other problems’, select Windows Store Apps0x8007064a, 0x80246007, 0x80248014
  3. Launch the troubleshooter

Windows 10 comes with a built-in feature that allows you to quickly identify and fix general issues affecting various Windows components.


3. Update Windows Store apps

  1. Click on the three-dot menu > select Downloads and Updates
  2. Click on ‘Get Updates’ to install the latest Microsoft Store updatesfix 0x8007064a, 0x80246007, 0x80248014
  3. Restart your computer and check if the issue persists.

4. Install the latest OS updates

Microsoft regularly releases new updates in order to improve system stability and fix various bugs reported by users.

Your Microsoft Store app is dependent on your Windows 10 OS, so running outdated OS versions may cause various Microsoft Store app issues and errors, including these three errors: 0x8007064a, 0x80246007, and 0x80248014.

To access the Windows Update section, you can simply type update in the search box. This method works on all Windows versions. Then go to Windows Update, check for updates and install the available updates.


5. Repair your registry

Before repairing your registry, don’t forget to first back it up in case anything goes wrong. To repair corrupted or missing registry keys, you can use a dedicated tool, such as CCleaner orMicrosoft’s System File Checker.

Since the SFC is already available on your computer by default, here’s how to run an SFC scan:

1. Go to Start > type cmd > right-click Command Prompt > select Run as Administrator

2. Now type the sfc /scannow command

3. Wait for the scanning process to complete and then restart your computer. All corrupted files will be replaced on reboot.


6. Run WSReset.exe

Windows 10 has a built-in tool for resetting Windows Store cache. The WSReset.exe command allows you to restart Windows Store and clear the app‘s cache.

It is very useful when you’re dealing with stalls and errors, including 0x8007064a, 0x80246007, 0x80248014 .

Here’s how to run his nifty tool:

  1. Press Windows key + S.
  2. In the Windows Search bar, type WSReset.exe and press Enter.0x8007064a, 0x80246007, 0x80248014
  3. This will restart Windows Store and clear the stored cache.

On the other hand, if you’re unable to resolve the error this way, make sure to check the additional solutions below.


7.  Reinstall the app

Sometimes, apps are the ones to blame for errors, not the Microsoft Store itself.

The best way to fix issues within the apps is to reinstall them. Once you have identified the culprit, here’s how to remove it:

  1. Navigate to Start > go to Apps & features > select the problematic app
  2. Click on Uninstalluninstall microsoft store app
  3. Restart your PC
  4. Open Windows Store > search for the app you uninstalled and install it again.

8. Sign out from Windows Store

Interestingly enough, some users confirmed they managed to fix errors 0x8007064a, 0x80246007 and 0x80248014 after signing out of their Windows Store account.

Here are the steps to follow:

  1. Open the Windows Store app.
  2. Click on your profile in the top right corner.
  3. Sign Out of your profile.sign out microsoft store account
  4. Search for the App that you want to install or update.
  5. Click on the app and choose the preferred action.
  6. Windows Store will ask you to sign-in.
  7. Sign in and check if the errors persist.


By following of these solutions fixed errors 0x8007064a, 0x80246007, 0x80248014. If you’ve got additional tips and suggestions on how to fix these errors, you can list them in the comments below.

Outlook Error 0x80040115: 4 Ways to Easily Fix it

When sending an email using Microsoft Outlook, the users have encountered the Microsoft Outlook error 0x80040115. If this error occurs, Outlook can’t log on or access the server.

Several users have reported similar errors in the Microsoft community forum, and today we’re going to show you the best ways to fix it.

What does the Outlook error 0x80040115 mean?

This error message appears when Outlook is unable to connect to the server. Regarding the causes, here are the most common ones:

  • DNS cache – It’s not uncommon for DNS cache to cause network errors. If this happens, you’ll need to flush your DNS.
  • Add-ins – Certain add-ins can cause issues, and sometimes Outlook won’t open if certain add-ins are installed.
  • Corrupted installation – If your Outlook installation is damaged, you won’t be able to use the client properly. The only option is to repair Outlook or reinstall it.

How do I fix Outlook error 0x80040115?

Before we start fixing this issue, you should check the following:

  • Check Microsoft 365 Admin Center – Visit the Admin center and make sure that your user account is not unlicensed.
  • Create a new mail profile – In Control Panel, locate the Mail applet and use it to create a new profile. Add your email to it, and that’s it. Some users reported that deleting and recreating their profiles helped solve the issue.
  • Repair your pst file – Use SCANPST to find and repair your pst file. Once the file is repaired, the error will be gone.
  • Restart Microsoft Exchange Services – If you’re a server admin, you can fix this problem by restarting Exchange services.

1. Flush DNS  records

  1. Press the Windows key and type cmd. Next, right-click on Command Prompt and select Run as Administrator.

  2. In the Command Prompt, type the following command and hit enter to execute:
    ipconfig /flushDNS
    ipconfig/flushdns command
  3. Close Command Prompt and check for any improvements.

This error can occur due to a DNS configuration error. Multiple users have reported that flushing the DNS has helped them resolve the error.

2. Check for add-in issues

2.1. Open Outlook in safe mode

  1. Press Windows Key + R to open Run.
  2. Type the following and click OK:
    Outlook /safe

  3. If prompted, choose a profile and click OK.
  4. When the Outlook opens, try sending an email.
  5. If the error does not occur in safe mode, you may have a third-party add-in installed that is creating conflict with the program.

2.2. Find and remove add-ins

  1. Launch Outlook.
  2. Click on File and select Options.

  3. In the Outlook Options window, select the Add-ins tab from the left pane.
    Outlook sending error 0x80040201
  4. Disable all the third-party add-ins installed.
  5. Relaunch Outlook and check for any improvements.

3. Repair Outlook installation

  1. Press Windows key + R to open Run.
  2. Type appwiz.cpl and click OK.
    appwiz unable to access jarfile
  3. Select the Outlook client and click on Change.

  4. In the Office troubleshooter window, you will see Quick Repair and Online Repair. Select the first option and check if it solves the problem. If not, use Online Repair instead.
    Outlook not implement error
  5. Close the troubleshooter and launch Outlook. Check for any improvements.

4. Change profile security settings

  1. Press the Windows key and type control panel. Click on Control Panel.
    Open control panel change default camera windows 10
  2. In Control Panel, search for Mail.
  3. Click on Mail ( Microsoft Outlook 2016) (32-bit) option.
  4. In the Mail Setup window, click the Show Profiles button.
  5. Select your profile and click the Properties button.
  6. Click the Email Accounts button.
  7. Select your email account and click the Change button.
  8. Click the More Settings button.
    Microsoft Outlook error 0x80040115
  9. Open the Security tab.
  10. Make sure Encrypt data between Microsoft Office Outlook and Microsoft Exchange is checked.
    Microsoft Outlook error 0x80040115
  11. Click OK to save the changes.
  12. Relaunch the Outlook client and check for any improvements.

The Microsoft Outlook error 0x80040115 error can make it difficult to send and receive emails. However, we have listed all the possible fixes to help you resolve the issue in no time.

In case you’re having additional problems, check our guide on the most common Outlook errors for more fixes.

Go through the steps and let us know which method helped you resolve the issue in the comments.

Windows Store Error Code: 0x80240439 [Solved]

The error 0x80240439 is back, preventing users from downloading Windows Store apps. This error has plagued thousands of Windows users in previous years and has now returned.

According to user reports, error code: 0x80240439 affects all Windows devices, and the workarounds available last year don’t really seem to work this time.

Users have so far tried a variety of solutions to fix this error: they reset the time/date settings, ran wsreset.exe, disabled third-party antivirus software, all to no avail.

Let’s find out together how to fix this Windows Store error on your PC.

What does the error 0x80240439 do?

I am getting the error code listed above and have tried all of the solutions provided in this thread on the support section.  I have tried to reset the time/date settings and have run wsreset.exe in addition to disabling the third party antivirus software i had running entirely.  Can someone please advise?

Microsoft’s support engineers didn’t reply to any of the forum threads created by users to report this issue, and the other Windows users/ Insiders couldn’t offer a solution for this issue either. According to one Insider, error 0x80240439 could be triggered by the maintenance operations Microsoft recently carried out on its servers.

Seeing the amount of people posting this error in the last couple of hours I think that MS is having server issues, as we were notified on the Insiders forum that MS was doing some upgrades at their end this might be the reason my guess is to wait a day before trying.

The good news is that some users already confirm error 0x80240439 no longer plagues them. Nevertheless, they are still very disappointed, criticizing Microsoft for not informing them about the server maintenance operations and the possible Windows Store issues that could ensue.

Now, in the morning, all of a sudden and without changing anything I am able to download previously bought apps again. No error message any more. Therefore, I do think that MS had server problems. I am so SICK of Microsoft. […] There is no excuse whatsoever to have server problems for more than 5 hours without communicating them immediately.

Can you download Windows Store apps now? Or is error 0x80240439 still plaguing you? Tell us more about your experience in the comment section below.

10+ Best After Christmas Laptop Deals [Sales & Offers]

Christmas is approaching fast and the season of winter magic and giving is starting. Today, one of the best gifts that you can buy for your loved one is a laptop computer.

If you’re not sure what laptop would be your best choice as a holiday gift, we made a list of the best Windows laptops to get this Christmas, enjoy.

Of course, this list is the best in our view, and we’ve tried to include the newest devices, but also some older ones that we still think are a good go. However, if you want to suggest another device, we’ll be glad to take a look at your idea.

Editor’s Note: We refined our buying guides and we compiled this exhaustive list of the best Windows 10 laptops to get today. We filtered the results by user intent to simplify your purchasing decision process.

If you’re looking for a budget-friendly laptop, you can keep on reading the original article below.

What are the best Windows Christmas laptop deals?

Dell Newest Inspiron 3511

  • 15.6-inch FHD and WVA Touchscreen display
  • 1TB PCIe SSD space and high-speed 32GB RAM
  • Next-Gen Intel i5 Quad-Core processor
  • Windows 11 Home pre-installed & multi-monitor performance
  • Light gaming capacity

This new version of Dell Inspiron 3511 is a worthwhile device for anyone searching for high-end specifications and rich memory space. More exactly, you benefit from a 1TB SSD and the fastest bandwidth to run countless programs or tabs.

Even more, this brand-new laptop offers a robust display image with a 15.6-inch screen, anti-glare LED Backlight, 720p camera, and integrated dual array microphones.

Dell XPS 13 9305

  • Intel Core i7 family processor
  • 13.3 Full HD Display
  • 16GB RAM and 512 SSD memory
  • Dual fans and heat pipes for low temperature
  • Not the best webcam quality

Dell XPS 13 aluminum laptop is a great Christmas deal because it has a portable architecture and advanced specifications such as FHD 1920×1080 resolution, Intel Evo platform for leading performance, amazing graphics, and the 11th generation Intel Core i7-1165G7.

In addition, the Dell laptop offers the InfinityEdge display with 3 sides that gives you a crystal-clear screen with a sweeping color spectrum and 100% sRGB and a 1500:1 contrast ratio.

Lenovo IdeaPad 3

  • 15.6-inch HD touchscreen display
  • Physical webcam shutter for added protection
  • 10th generation Intel Core i3-1005G1 processor
  • 1 TB 5400 RPM HDD + 128 GB PCIe SSD
  • Integrated graphics

Lenovo IdeaPad 3 is the right example of a low-cost laptop with a nice configuration. Its performance and screen quality are solid for a device from this price range.

The laptop has a 15.6-inch HD touchscreen display, perfect for a student or an artist. It sports a 10th-generation Intel Core i3 processor and 8 GB of RAM, perfect to power the preinstalled Windows 10 Home OS.

Lenovo ThinkPad L13

  • Powerful 10th Gen Intel Core processing
  • Thin and light-13.3-inch display
  • 720p HD camera
  • Window 10 Home
  • No optical unit

The Lenovo ThinkPad L13 laptop certainly has its pros and its cons (as anything else on this world, of course). The main con of this device is the fact that it’s not such a powerful laptop for gaming of any other graphics intensive application.

However, it’s highly configurable and you can choose, for instance up to a 512 GB SSD and ut to a 10th generation Intel Core i7 but if you want to stay on a low budget, the minimum configuration is pretty modest. One thing will stay the same, the 13.3-inch nice display.

HP Pavilion 15t-dk100

  • Windows 10 Home 64-bit OS
  • 10th gen Intel Core i5 processor
  • NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050 graphics card with 3 GB of dedicated memory
  • 16 GB RAM and 256 GB SSD storage
  • The sound is not gaming grade

The HP Pavilion 15t-dk100 laptop is driven by a 10th generation Intel Core i5 processor and 16 GB of RAM so you will have a strong start on running all applications and utilities. It’s also a great laptop for video editing.

It’s a gaming laptop so it’s only natural to sport a discrete graphics card. The NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050 comes with 3 GB of dedicated memory that will handle some of the newer games out there. Another good news is the integrated Windows 10 Pro OS.

HP Chromebook 11a-na0060nr

This HP Chromebook laptop offers very good performances and battery life for a device of its price range. But as the main weakness of this model is its pretty weak configuration designed to run the Google Chrome OS.

This laptop only has 4 GB of RAM and 32 GB of eMMC storage. It also has a MediaTek processor and MediaTek integrated graphics so this rig will be OK for browsing and even streaming on its 11.6-inch HD (1366 x 768) touchscreen, but it will not be great for more demanding apps.

⇒ Check price

Lenovo ThinkPad X13

Choosing Lenovo ThinkPad X13 as your ultrabook is a maverlous pices of business. ThinkPad X13 a high-resolution screen with wide viewing angles and long battery life packed in a slim and very durable lightweight laptop.

Besides long battery life, charging time of this laptop is very fast. Unfortunately it has no Ethernet or VGA, but this device is an excellent choice, especially for business users. It’s also a good laptop for photo editing.

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Lenovo Yoga Duet 7i

Lenovo Yoga Duet 7i is a 2-in-1 convertible laptop and comes with a very good configuration for its price. It can go up to Intel Core i7 10-th generation processor, and 8 GB of RAM.

But the star of the show is the 13-inch IPS 2K resolution touch display that comes with Dolby Vision technology. You can also be the star of the Internet by using the Wi-Fi 6 connectivity and keep your gadgets close with Bluetooth 5 technology.

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Dell Alienware M15 R3

Alienware M15 R3 is a gaming laptop, and a strong one, ready for any virtual battle. It comes with an extreme configuration starting with an Intel Core i7 10th generation processor, an AMD Radeon RX 5500M graphics card with 4GB of dedicated GDDR6 memory and 16 GB of RAM to push things to the limit.

The only weak spot, if you can call it that, is that the SSD installed has only 256 GB of storage. This laptop is pretty expensive but once you get in on the action you will see that it was worth every penny.

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HP Spectre x360

HP Spectre x360 is a fast laptop, that can handle all tasks and can even be put to work in the latest games thanks to the NVIDIA GeForce MX250 graphics card with 2 GB of dedicated GDDR5 memory.

Moreover, it comes with 16 GB of memory and a speedy SSD with 512 GB of storage. At the helm there’s Quad-Core 10th generation Intel Core i7 processor.

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ASUS VivoBook 15

This laptop is sleek and elegant and it has a great configuration for its price. The AMD Quad Core R5-3500U CPU is helped by 8GB of RAM and the AMD Radeon Vega 8 graphics. The 256 GB SSD is just right for a home or even a business laptop.

The 15.6-inch Full HD display with slim bezels also makes ASUS VivoBook 15 a great laptop for entertainment and video streaming.

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ASUS ZenBook Flip S

ASUS ZenBook Flip S offers really impressive performance from a great configuration even if it’s a 2-in-1 convertible laptop. Its smooth design and great 4K screen make this device a high-budget laptop.

The 11th generation Intel Core i7 processor, the 16GB of RAM, and the 1TB SSD will most likely convince you to give this laptop a run for its money.

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ASUS ROG Strix G17

ASUS ROG Strix G17 is another titan created especially for games but it still makes a great deal for its spectacular configuration. Unleash your budget for a 17.3-inch 144Hz IPS display laptop that sports an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2070 SUPER with 8GB of GDDR6 memory and ROG Boost.

You can always count on a 10th-generation Intel Core i7 processor and 16 GB of RAM.

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If you’re looking for an AMD-built gaming laptop, you can go with the ASUS TUF Gaming A15 laptop that is constructed around an AMD Ryzen 5 4600H processor and a GeForce GTX 1650 graphics card.

Its 15.6-inch 144Hz Full HD IPS display will be great for any type of game but the 8GB of RAM is not as promising for the latest titles that are more demanding.

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MSI GL65 Leopard

The MSI GL65 Leopard is powerful as much as it’s good looking. MSI’s gaming machine has a fast and powerful Intel Core i7 processor, and a stunning NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2070 graphics card with 8 GB of dedicated video memory.

The device’s amazing 1080p display, keyboard with lighting effects, and great audio system make this laptop one of the best gaming laptops out there. The only con of this laptop is the fact that it is a little bit heavy for carrying. But of course, using this beautiful gaming beast has its price.

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ASUS ROG Zephyrus G15

If we’re talking about slim and light gaming laptops, ASUS ROG Zephyrus G15 will be one of the main topics. This device is one of the best-designed and fastest gaming portables on the market.

G15 comes with a 15.6 inch IPS display with a stunning 144Hz refresh rate and 3 ms response time so it comes packed for any gaming genre. 16 GB of RAM and an NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1660 Ti graphics card with 6GB of dedicated video memory will stand tall to any title.

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Asus Zenbook 14

Asus ZenBook 14 is one of the best Asus in-house business laptops and is a mix of awesome performance and great design. With an AMD Octa-Core Ryzen 7 4700U processor and a 1 TB SSD, you will smoothly run any business application with lightning speed.

ZenBook 14 is very silent and has a good battery life, which means that you can concentrate on your work without worrying about the laptop. Unfortunately, this device is a little bit expensive.

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Acer Aspire 1

With 10 hours of battery life, Acer Aspire 1 comes as a big contender for a very affordable business laptop. It doesn’t have a powerful configuration but with its Intel Celeron N4020 dual-core processor and 4GB of RAM it will run most office and business applications.

A sleek design and comfortable keyboard will make you feel great while working. Aspire 1 has an ultrasharp 15.6 inch Full HD display, but it’s not very bright.

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Acer Aspire 5

It’s slim and light and comes with a moderate configuration and a great price. It’s Acer Aspire 5, a great budget laptop that will be great for home or office. It comes with a nice 15.6-inch Full HD IPS display with great viewing angles and an AMD Ryzen 3 3200u processor that will be ready to run all your applications.

The 8 GB of RAM and the 256 GB of SSD storage fit perfectly inside this good-budget laptop. It comes with a backlit keyboard so you can work or type in low-light environments and you can connect it to a bigger screen with a HDMI cable.

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Surface Pro 3

Microsoft Surface Pro 3 wind8apps

Microsoft Surface Pro 3 offers a bigger and sharper, 2160 x 1440, 12.5-inch display, and is significantly lighter and thinner than the previous model from the series. It’s a perfect laptop for remote working.

Surface Pro 3 also features a very flexible hinge and a new magnet on the Keyboard Cover, which makes this device very comfortable for use in the lap. Although Microsoft could do a better job with the battery life of the Surface Pro 3, this is still a very quality, premium device.

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Toshiba Dynabook Tecra A50

Business laptops are supposed to be sober and professional looking so that’s what Toshiba Dynabook Tecra A50 inspires. It’s packed with an Intel Quad Core i7-8565U processor, 16GB of RAM, and no less than 512GB of storage space in a speedy SSD.

With Wi-Fi 6 and Windows 10 Pro already installed, A50 is a recipe for success, in any business application you would throw at it. It also comes with an HDMI cable that invites you to pair it with a bigger screen to enjoy a movie after work.

⇒ Check price

This was our exhaustive selection of the best after-Christmas laptop deals. It’s impossible not to find the perfect laptop for your budget and requirements from our list so leave us a comment below with the laptop you chose and why.

Create a Restore Point in Windows 10 With 3 Simple Steps

Creating a system restore point on Windows 10 is always good. This is because you never know what will happen to your operating system at one point or another.

In this way, you will easily be able to restore a good working copy in no time without performing a clean install of Windows 10. While this may seem simple, you still need to know how to do it. And that is precisely what we will show you in this guide.

Is creating a restore point good?

Creating a restore point has so many advantages with little to no downsides. The System Restore feature on your PC automatically makes a restore point with every Windows update you install.

The same happens when you install an unsigned driver or program from MSI. This helps to fix your PC if anything goes wrong.

Below are some of the benefits of a restore point:

  • Helps to restore a PC to working condition without reinstalling the OS
  • Repairs Windows Environment
  • Does not delete user data files

How can I create a Windows 10 restore point?

  1. 1. Press the Windows key, type system restore, and select Create a restore point.

    start menu
  2. 2. Select the System Protection tab at the top and click the Create… button.

    system restore point windows 10
  3. 3. Now, enter the name for the restore point and click the Create button

    create system restore point windows 10

That is how you can create a restore point on Windows 10 without a sweat. In the rare case Windows 10 can’t find your restore point, check our detailed guide to get it back quickly.

If you want to restore your PC and System Restore fails due to antivirus, this guide will show you how to push it through.

If you have any additional questions regarding this article, please write to us in the comments below.

Fix: Silhouette Studio Encountered an Error and Must Quit

Silhouette Studio is a popular design software that allows you to create a wide range of designs from scratch or download one from the Design Store. Unfortunately, however, the Silhouette Studio has encountered an error and must quit issue that seems to bug a lot of users.

Why does my silhouette studio keep crashing?

Here are a few reasons why you get the Silhouette Studio quit without saving error:

  • Outdated graphics drivers – Running outdated drivers is usually the reason behind the error for most users, and updating the graphics drivers fixed things.
  • Corrupt library – If the software’s library is corrupt, you may receive the silhouette studio an error has occurred quit without saving error.
  • Misconfigured settings – Another common reason leading to the Silhouette studio won’t open error, but probably the easiest to fix.
  • A bug in the installed version of the software – Often, users encounter the error after updating the software, which points to a bug in the installed version.

Now that we know why this issue is occurring, let’s fix the problem once and for all.

How can I fix Silhouette Studio has encountered an error and must quit?

Before we head to the slightly complex solutions, let’s try a few quick ones:

  • Make sure your PC meets the system requirements for Silhouette Studio.
  • Unplug any non-critical peripheral connected to the computer.
  • Restart the computer. It’s probably the easiest way to get things up and running, even if it’s temporary.
  • Launch Silhouette Studio with administrative privileges. To do that, right-click on the app launcher and select Run as administrator.
  • Check if any Windows updates are available, and download them.
  • Verify if a newer version of Silhouette Studio is available on the official website, and download it.

If none worked, try the solutions listed below, and you will find one to fix the problem.

1. Update the graphics drivers

  1. Press Windows + X to open the Power User menu and select Device Manager.
  2. Right-click on your graphics card driver and select Update driver.
  3. Now, select Search automatically for drivers.
  4. Finally, wait for Windows to download and install the appropriate driver.

Updating the drivers helped many users who reported that Silhouette Studio was crashing in Windows 10.

If you want to update all drivers on your PC quickly, we suggest using driver updater software such as Outbyte Driver Updater that can do that automatically for you.

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2. Delete the program’s App data

  1. Close all running instances of Silhouette Studio.
  2. Press Windows + R to open Run, type %appdata%, and press Enter.
  3. Now, delete the com.aspexsoftware.Silhouette_Studio folder.
  4. Empty the Recycle Bin.
  5. Once done, try opening Silhouette Studio again and see if the problem is fixed.

3. Restore Silhouette Studio to factory settings

Note icon NOTE
Removing your library from Silhouette will delete all files stored. Therefore, it is recommended that you back up your projects before you try this step.
  1. Launch Silhouette Studio, click on the Edit menu, and select Preferences.preferences
  2. Navigate to the Advanced tab and click on Restore Factory Defaults.restore defaults to fix silhouette studio has encountered an error and must quit
  3. Finally, click on Continue and wait for the process to complete.continue to fix silhouette studio has encountered an error and must quit

Another quick fix to resolve the Silhouette Studio has encountered an error and must quit error is to reset the app to its factory defaults. This method has worked for many. However, remember that any set preferences and settings will be lost.

4. Download a previous version of Silhouette Studio

  1. Press Windows + R to open Run, type appwiz.cpl, and click OK.programs and features to fix silhouette studio has encountered an error and must quit
  2. Locate and select Silhouette Studio, and then click on Uninstall.uninstall to fix silhouette studio has encountered an error and must quit
  3. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the process.
  4. Now, head to Silhouette Studio‘s software page, and click Download Legacy Versions.download legacy versions to fix silhouette studio has encountered an error and must quit
  5. Next, click on the Download button for the version that worked fine.download
  6. After the download, launch the installer and follow the instructions to complete the process.

In case you started receiving the Silhouette Studio has encountered an error and must quit error after the software was updated, it’s likely a bug in the installed version.

So, return to the relatively stable one, throw no such errors, and the problem will be fixed for good.

What do I do if Silhouette Studio crashes on Windows 11?

  1. Press Windows + I to open Settings, navigate to Apps, and click on Installed apps.
  2. Click the ellipsis next to the Silhouette Studio and choose Uninstall.
    Confirm uninstall
  3. Follow the instructions on the screen to complete the process.
  4. Now visit the Silhouette Studio download page.
  5. Select the Windows 32-bit version from the dropdown menu.
  6. Once the application is downloaded, install it.

Downloading the 32-bit version will help fix the Silhouette Studio has encountered an error and must quit error in not just Windows 11 but all iterations of the OS.

One of our readers also managed to fix this problem by lowering the display’s resolution so that you could also try that.

If the problem refuses to disappear, do not forget to check some of the best designing software you can switch to today!

Please let us know if this guide helped you fix the error message by using the comments below.

Fix Potential Windows Update Database Error Detected

When trying to repair your Windows 10 Update feature, you might get the error message potential Windows Update database error detected.

This can be fixed by applying the steps posted below and then returning to your everyday usage of Windows 10 or Windows 11. Users have also reported receiving this error on Windows Server 2016.

Let’s see what this error means and how we can fix it in a few simple steps.

What does the potential Windows Update database error detected mean?

This error means that your operating system cannot access the Windows folder. This is due to some bad registries inside the Windows system.

If a database corruption occurs, Windows Update will stop working until you manage to recreate the database or remove the cache files.

File corruption can also cause Windows update error 0x8024001F, and to fix it, you need to make sure that nothing is interfering with the update process.

If any issue happens, you might get Windows Update components must be repaired message, but luckily for you, this is a simple process we’ll cover in this guide.

Many problems can occur with Windows updates, and in this article, we’re going to address the following issues:

  • Repair Windows update database corruption failed – According to users, sometimes issues the with Windows Update database can occur. However, many users reported that the database repair process failed on their PC.
  • Windows Update database error 0x800f081f – This problem sometimes comes with an error code. Many users reported 0x800f081f code along with this error message.
  • Windows Update database error registration is missing or corrupt – This is a variation of this problem, but you should be able to fix it by using one of our solutions.
  • Server 2016 Potential Windows update database error detected – You will need to manually visit the Microsoft Update Catalog, download the updates, and then manually install them on your PC.
  • Windows Update database error update service not running – Many users reported this problem as well. According to them, it seems that the update service isn’t running on their PC at all.
  • Windows Update components must be repaired – Make accessible space on your system disk.
  • Potential Windows Update database error detected 0x80070490 – This issue may arise due to a dispute between software provided by third parties or because the Windows Update database may get corrupted.
  • Windows Update database error code 80072ee2 – This error message sometimes comes with an error code, and many users reported error code 80072ee2 on their PC.
  • Windows Update database was stuck – Sometimes issues with Windows Update can occur, and several users reported that their database was stuck.

Let’s jump right into the list of solutions for the Windows Update database error without further ado. Follow along!

How do I fix potential Windows Update database error detected?

1. Delete folders

  1. Open File Explorer by pressing Windows + E, then enter the following location inside the search bar and delete everything inside this folder by right-clicking the files and selecting Delete: C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution\Download download-folder Fix Potential Windows Update Database Error Detected
  2. Next, go to this address and delete the Download.old file: C:\Windows\SoftwareDistributionsoftware-distribution Fix Potential Windows Update Database Error Detected

After this, the update should start right away without any Windows Update database errors.

2. Use third-party repairing software

You can use a reliable system repair program to scan and identify all the Windows files that need to be fixed and restore the registry values to their default settings.

For a fully optimized OS and a healthy PC, it’s essential to replace the files that have been corrupted with new ones. These tools have extensive databases of replacement files, and with a simple click, you can enable it to replace all the damaged files with healthy ones automatically.

After the software performs the actions mentioned above, reboot your computer.

3. Run the troubleshooter

  1. Press Windows, then type control and select Control Panel from the results.control-panel-serarch-w10 opera not responding
  2. Change the View by option to Large icons in the top right corner.view-large 0x80070002 windows update
  3. Left-click the Troubleshooting feature.troubleshooting-option 0x80070002 windows update
  4. Left-click the View All button situated on the left side of the screen.
  5. You will have a list of options now, and you will need to left-click the Windows Update troubleshooter.
    Windows Update database error registration is missing or corrupt
  6. Follow the instructions on the screen to complete the Windows updates troubleshooter.
  7. Reboot the Windows 10 device after the troubleshooting process finishes.

If you can’t open Control Panel on Windows 10, check out our article to find comprehensive solutions to this issue.

4. Perform an SFC scan

If you’re getting the same error message, you might be able to fix it by performing an SFC scan. By completing this scan, you’ll fix file corruption that might be causing this error.

To perform an SFC scan, do the following:

  1. First, tap Windows, then enter cmd and choose the Run as administrator option.cmd-run-admin 0x80070002 windows update
  2. When Command Prompt starts, enter the following command and press Enter to run it. SFC scan will now start and try to repair your PC. Keep in mind that this process can take about 15 minutes, so don’t interrupt it: sfc /scannowscannow 0x80070002 windows update

After the SFC scan is finished, check if the problem still appears. If you’re still having this problem, you might want to try using the DISM scan instead. To do that, open Command Prompt as administrator and run this command: DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

Remember that a DISM scan can take 20 minutes or more, so try not to interrupt it. After the scan is complete, check if the issue still appears.

If you could not run an SFC scan before, try running it after the DISM scan and check if the problem is resolved.

5. Restart the Windows Update service and rename the affected files

Sometimes you can fix the error message simply by disabling the Windows Update service and renaming the affected directories. To do that, follow these steps:

  1. Press Windows, then input cmd and select the Run as administrator option from the right side.cmd-run-admin 0x80070002 windows update
  2. When Command Prompt opens, enter the following commands and press Enter after each: Net stop wuauserv Net stop cryptSvc Net stop bits Net stop msiserver Ren C:WindowsSoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.old Ren C:WindowsSystem32catroot2 Catroot2.old Net start wuauserv Net start cryptSvc Net start bits Net start msiserver net-stop-server potential windows update database error detected

After running these commands, restart your PC. Once your PC restarts, try to install Windows updates again.

If you’re having trouble accessing Command Prompt as an admin, you better look at our guide.

6. Perform a clean boot

Sometimes, the issue can appear due to third-party applications. For example, applications can interfere with Windows and cause this message to appear.

To find the complex applications, you need to perform a clean boot by doing the following:

  1. Input msconfig in the Windows search box that you can open by pressing Windows, then press Enter.msconfig-w10 vertical lines on monitor
  2. Look for the Services tab, then select the Hide all Microsoft services box. Click Disable all.hide-disable vertical lines on monitor
  3. Navigate to the Startup tab, then click Open Task Manager.startup-open vertical lines on monitor
  4. Click on any startup app you might think will interfere with your activity, then choose Disable.
  5. Close Task Manager, click OK in the System Configuration window and reboot your PC.

If you’re interested in how to add or remove startup apps on Windows 10, don’t hesitate to refer to our post.

After your PC restarts, check if the issue still appears. If not, one of the disabled applications or services was causing the problem.

To fix the cause of the problem, you need to enable disabled apps and services one by one until you find the one causing this issue.

Remember that you need to restart your PC after enabling a set of applications or services. After you find the problematic application, you can uninstall, update, or keep it disabled.

How do I repair Windows Update?

The most straightforward way to repair Windows Updates is to use the dedicated troubleshooter. Then, follow the steps of our third solution to see how it’s done in more detail.

If necessary, use our guide on how to fix Troubleshooter has stopped working issues as they are handy tools to have.

That is it, six methods on how you can fix your potential Windows Update database error detected error message in Windows 10.

You can write to us below if these solutions worked for you or if you need further assistance with this issue.

Fix: Windows Update Client Failed to Detect Error 0x6024a005

If you are getting the Windows Update Client failed to detect with error 0x8024a005 while installing updates manually or automatically through the built-in Windows Update, it means there is something wrong with your system configuration. 

Windows has been known for its software updates released regularly to fix bug fixes. But what if your Windows Update is unable to install these updates? Some of your installed programs/hardware may be preventing the update process from running smoothly on your PC.

Why am I getting the error 0x8024a005?

If you’re getting the error 0x8024a005, it means that Windows Update wasn’t able to check for updates. This can happen because of a number of factors:

  • Poor internet connection –  If you have a poor internet connection, Windows Update will fail to download patches and updates.
  • Virus infection – It is possible that your computer is infected with malware that is preventing the installation of Windows Updates. Always ensure you have a reliable antivirus to counter such attacks.
  • Software conflicts – If you’re having problems installing updates, it’s possible that there are conflicts between other software running on your computer and the update files themselves. 
  • Incorrect proxy settings – If Windows cannot detect your proxy server settings, it could be because it is configured incorrectly, and Windows Update can connect to the Internet.

How can I fix the error code 0x8024a005?

Before moving to the advanced troubleshooting steps, try the following:

  • Check your internet speeds and ensure they are at optimal levels to handle large updates.
  • Make sure there aren’t any other devices nearby that are interfering with your signal.
  • If possible, connect your PC directly to the router with an Ethernet cable instead of over Wi-Fi.
  • Try restarting your PC to clear any temporary files that may be interfering with the updates.

1. Disable your antivirus temporarily 

  1. Hit the Start menu icon, type Windows Security in the search bar, and click Open.
  2. Click on Firewall & network protection then select Public network.public network
  3. Locate Microsoft Defender Firewall and toggle the off button.turning off Microsoft Defender Firewall Windows

2. Run the Windows Update troubleshooter

  1. Hit the Windows key and click on Settings.settings windows 11
  2. Click on System and select Troubleshoot.Open system troubleshooter
  3. Navigate to Other troubleshooters.
  4. Click the Run option for the Windows Update troubleshooter.run-windows-update error 0x80004005 windows 11

3. Reset the Windows Update component

  1. Hit the Windows key, type cmd in the search bar, and click Run as administrator.cmd-admin hp printer won't scan
  2. Type the following commands and press Enter after each one: net stop wuauserv rd /s /q %systemroot%\SoftwareDistribution net start wuauserv
  3. Next, type the following command and press Y after completion: Del "%ALLUSERSPROFILE%\Application Data\Microsoft\Network\Downloader\*.*"
  4. Now, delete the Windows Update cache by typing in the following commands: rmdir %systemroot%\SoftwareDistribution /S /Q rmdir %systemroot%\system32\catroot2 /S /Q
  5. Type in the following commands to reset Windows Update to the default security descriptor: sc.exe sdset bits D:(A;CI;CCDCLCSWRPWPDTLOCRSDRCWDWO;;;SY)(A;;CCDCLCSWRPWPDTLOCRSDRCWDWO;;;BA)(A;;CCLCSWLOCRRC;;;IU)(A;;CCLCSWLOCRRC;;;SU) sc.exe sdset wuauserv D:(A;;CCLCSWRPLORC;;;AU)(A;;CCDCLCSWRPWPDTLOCRSDRCWDWO;;;BA)(A;;CCDCLCSWRPWPDTLOCRSDRCWDWO;;;SY)
  6. Next, enter the following command: cd /d %windir%\system32
  7. Now, reregister the Windows Update files and update the DLL files by typing in the following commands and pressing Enter after each one:  regsvr32.exe atl.dll regsvr32.exe urlmon.dll regsvr32.exe mshtml.dll regsvr32.exe shdocvw.dll regsvr32.exe browseui.dll regsvr32.exe jscript.dll regsvr32.exe vbscript.dll regsvr32.exe scrrun.dll regsvr32.exe msxml.dll regsvr32.exe msxml3.dll regsvr32.exe msxml6.dll regsvr32.exe actxprxy.dll regsvr32.exe softpub.dll regsvr32.exe wintrust.dll regsvr32.exe dssenh.dll regsvr32.exe rsaenh.dll regsvr32.exe gpkcsp.dll regsvr32.exe sccbase.dll regsvr32.exe slbcsp.dll regsvr32.exe cryptdlg.dll regsvr32.exe oleaut32.dll regsvr32.exe ole32.dll regsvr32.exe shell32.dll regsvr32.exe initpki.dll regsvr32.exe wuapi.dll regsvr32.exe wuaueng.dll regsvr32.exe wuaueng1.dll regsvr32.exe wucltui.dll regsvr32.exe wups.dll regsvr32.exe wups2.dll regsvr32.exe wuweb.dll regsvr32.exe qmgr.dll regsvr32.exe qmgrprxy.dll regsvr32.exe wucltux.dll regsvr32.exe muweb.dll regsvr32.exe wuwebv.dll
  8. Reset your network configurations by entering the following commands: netsh winsock reset netsh winsock reset proxynetsh-ip the default gateway is not available
  9. Now restart the Windows Update service by typing in the following commands: net start bits net start wuauserv  net start cryptsvc
  10. Restart your PC, and the service should work normally.

4. Disable your proxy

  1. Press the Start menu icon and select Settings.settings windows 11
  2. Click on Network & Internet on the left pane, then scroll down and click Proxy on the right pane.Network and internet settings
  3. Select Edit next to the Use a proxy server option in the Manual proxy setup section.click edit manual proxy setup
  4. Toggle off Use a proxy server and click on Save.

Elsewhere, users also complained of the Windows update not loading, so if you experience the same, don’t hesitate to check out our article on the same.

We may also be able to help if you come across the Windows Update Error 0x800703f1, so be sure to refer to our article for a quick fix.

That’s all we had for this error today. Let us know of any other issues related to this error that you may have experienced in the comment section below.

How to Fix a PC That Won’t Boot After BIOS Updated

If your PC won’t boot after a BIOS update, the problem often comes down to boot errors caused by unsupported BIOS versions, third-party flashing tools, or interruptions during the update. These issues can prevent Windows from starting or even brick your motherboard.

Below, you’ll find solutions that work across major brands like HP, Dell, and ASUS to help you recover your system.

How can I fix a PC that won’t boot after BIOS update?

1. Reset CMOS

  1. Shut down your PC completely.
  2. Unplug the power cord and remove the battery if it’s a laptop.
  3. Hold the power button for 60 seconds to completely discharge your PC.
  4. Open the PC case and touch a metal surface to discharge your static electricity.
  5. Remove the CMOS battery; it should be a 3V standard flat wristwatch battery.pc error code 0xc000000 CMOS battery
  6. Please wait for a few minutes and place it again carefully.
  7. Power On your PC and look for changes.

On the other hand, if you cannot reach and access the CMOS battery, you can reset BIOS settings by temporarily removing motherboard jumper pins and reconnecting them.

In addition, once you boot again, set the proper BIOS time in the Boot settings. Without it, you won’t be able to boot in Windows 10.

2. Try booting into Safe mode

  1. Plug in or insert a bootable drive (USB flash stick or DVD) and restart your PC.
  2. Access the boot menu by pressing the F8 key during Restart (this may differ depending on the make).
  3. Using the arrow keys, navigate to the Boot section and change the boot order to start with the bootable drive.
    pc won't boot after bios update
  4. The loading process of the installation file should commence.
  5. Select your preferences and hit the Next button.
  6. Select Repair your computer from the bottom left corner in the following dialog box.
    pc won't boot after bios update
  7. Open Troubleshoot and choose Advanced Options.
    pc won't boot after bios update
  8. Choose Startup Settings and select Restart.
    pc won't boot after bios update
  9. Once your PC restarts, press F4, F5, or F6 to boot in various Safe Mode options.
  10. When/if the system boots in Windows 10 finally, you can restart your PC and start the system in a standard manner.

Many users reported that, somehow, the Safe mode ‘forced’ the system to boot and resolved the stall caused by the flashing failure.

If you want to know how to create a Windows 10 installation media, follow the steps in this simple guide.

3. Tweak BIOS settings

Now, this highly depends on your PC’s configuration and motherboard model. We advise you to google your motherboard and look for the preferred settings for that purpose.

Explaining what you’ll need to change is redundant since the options are pretty diverse.

If you’re not 100% sure, don’t meddle with BIOS settings. Instead, you should contact the official support or explain your problem to knowledgeable folks or PC enthusiasts.

That’s your safest bet to tweak BIOS settings and retrieve full functionality.

4. Flash BIOS again

You flashed BIOS once, and the hell broke loose. It seems ludicrous to do it again, but that might resolve your problems. Namely, you probably installed the wrong version or interrupted flashing and bricked your motherboard.

Luckily, some users who managed to get over the initial boot screen (and get stuck in Windows 10 animation) resolved the problem by flashing BIOS again with the correct version.

Nevertheless, we advise you not to rush and to take every step carefully. To help you address this, we recommend reading the article below with a thorough explanation of flashing.

Make sure to check it out before you move to flash.

5. Reinstall the system

Some users reported that the problem could be solved by reinstalling the system completely. However, it seems that the failed flashing procedure affects the hard disk somehow, forcing you to start from scratch.

The Windows 10 reinstallation procedure isn’t as complicated as it was on some older Windows iterations back in the day.

Nonetheless, for a novice user, it can lead to prolonged hardship. To avoid that, make sure to read the complete instructions compiled in the article below.

6. Replace your motherboard

Finally, if none of the previous steps helped you, we’re sorry to inform you that you’ll need another motherboard.

On a side note, you can ask for a repair which is also an option, but that’s a long shot, and the odds are not in your favor.

Your Windows 10 BIOS settings and updates control key hardware and boot functions but can sometimes cause startup issues. Using an unsupported BIOS version can cause verification ID errors or prevent your PC from booting properly. Interruptions during the BIOS update process may also lead to boot failures after flashing BIOS. Brands like ASUS have specific BIOS update steps worth following carefully.

If your PC automatically boots into BIOS without warning, this guide will help you fix it. When your BIOS recognizes your SSD but Windows won’t boot, there are targeted solutions to try. And if your PC gets stuck and won’t exit BIOS, our detailed walkthrough can get your system back on track.

That should conclude it. In case you have any questions or alternative solutions, make sure to share them with us. You can do it in the comments section below.

ReadyBoost Tab Missing in Windows 11: How to Bring It Back

The ReadyBoost feature helps increase system speed when Windows access the HDD. The feature is available on most Windows versions. However, some users report the ReadyBoost tab is missing on Windows 11.

Also, the missing feature will prevent you from improving your PC performance on Windows 11.

Why is the ReadyBoost tab missing on Windows 11?

The ReadyBoost tab may be missing on Windows 11 for many reasons ranging from issues with the USB device to problems with Windows.

However, the device compatibility issue is one of the most common factors. If the USB device plugged into your PC doesn’t meet the requirements for ReadyBoost, the tab will not be available.

Other factors that can cause the ReadyBoost tab to be missing on Windows 11 are:

  • Recent Windows updates – Windows users can encounter problems with some services on their PCs if the recent update is not fully installed or corrupt. It can cause the ReadyBoost tab to be missing, even when the USB device is intact.
  • Corrupt system files – It is common for Windows to malfunction when a corrupt system file is blocking its functionality. It can cause its services to fail and not respond when initiated. So, ReadyBoost missing on your PC can be due to corrupt system files.
  • Outdated drivers – When the driver responsible for the USB drive is outdated, it can cause issues with its activities, such as using ReadyBoost. Also, outdated drivers can expose your computer to bugs that affect its performance.

Fortunately, you can fix these causes by troubleshooting your PC. Hence, we’ll take you through some fixes for the issue.

What can I do if the ReadyBoost tab is missing on Windows 11?

Go through the following before proceeding with any advanced troubleshooting:

  • Temporarily disable antivirus software on your PC.
  • Turn off background apps running on your computer.
  • Restart Windows in Safe Mode and check if the ReadyBoost tab is still missing.
  • Check if the USB driver or SD card plugged into the computer is compatible with ReadyBoost. The ReadyBoost tab won’t show under its properties when the drive isn’t supported.
  • You should check the requirements below and see if your drive meets up with them: a USB flash drive or a memory card with a free storage capacity of at least 500 MB; a high data transfer rate; it must be in an NTFS drive or card format.

If the problem persists, try the solutions below.

1. Run an SFC scan

  1. Left-click the Start button, type command prompt, and click Run as administrator.
  2. Click Yes on the User Account Control prompt.
  3. Type the following and press Enter: SFC /scannow
  4. Restart your PC and check if the ReadyBoost tab appears.

The System File Checker (SFC) scan will detect possible corrupt or missing system files that can be responsible for the ReadyBoost tab missing.

You can check how to fix the run as administrator option if it’s not working on your PC.

If you are not sure about following the manual steps, you can also opt for automated repair software.

These tools help you run an extensive scan of your computer to find missing or corrupted files and then proceed to replace them with healthy, new files from their large databases.

2. Update USB drivers

  1. Press Windows + X key to launch the Quick Link Menu and click on Device Manager.
  2. Right-click on all the USB devices, then select Update driver from the drop-down.
  3. Click on Search automatically for drivers.
  4. Restart your PC and check if the error persists.

The USB driver update will fix bugs preventing the system from interacting with the USB device.

You can check our article for other ways to update drivers on Windows 11 if you can’t get through with the steps above.

3. Uninstall the recent Windows update

  1. Press Windows + I key to open the Settings app.
  2. Navigate to the Windows Update tab and select Update history.
  3. Click on Uninstall updates and select the most recent update installed.
  4. Click on the Uninstall button.

Uninstalling the recent Windows update will fix issues caused by the bugs in the recent Windows updates and make the ReadyBoost tab available.

Conclusively, our readers can check our guide about Windows 11 not recognizing the USB device and some fixes.

Also, you can read our article on how to make Windows 11 faster by disabling processes you don’t need on your PC.

If you managed to fix this issue, we have a guide on how to enable ReadyBoost on Windows 11, so don’t miss it. If for some reason, you can’t enable it, you can always use ReadyBoost alternatives instead.

This feature is available on other versions of Windows, and to learn more, don’t miss our ReadyBoost on Windows 7 guide to see how to enable it.

You can leave your comments below if you have any questions or suggestions regarding this guide. Should you have other queries also, do not hesitate to drop them.

Fix Screen Flickering in Windows 11 Like This

The Windows 11 screen flickering issue is changing display brightness at quick intervals. Like the screen dimming issue, this is a sign of an underlying problem that requires immediate attention.

While the problem might look serious, it can be easily fixed by following the solutions in this guide.

Why is my screen flickering and glitching?

A bunch of problems can cause the Windows 11 screen flickering issue after login or sleep. Listed below are the ones that users generally encounter:

  • Issues with the display adapter or graphics driver: If your Windows 11 screen is flickering on startup, it might be due to issues with your display driver. In this case, the entire display is likely to be affected. The solution here is to reinstall or update the driver.
  • Problematic or incompatible program: A faulty or conflicting app can cause your screen to flicker. The issue should be confined to the particular program or sections of the screen. You need to remove this app with an uninstaller software to fix the problem.
  • Incorrect refresh rate: If you have set the wrong refresh rate, you can experience the Windows 11 screen flickering and sometimes with no Taskbar. This affects the entire screen. Your only way out of this problem is to change the refresh rate to the default value.
  • Loose or incorrect connections: Sometimes, your laptop screen might be flickering because of hardware issues. This happens if there are loose connections between components. You might need to see an expert to check the problem is not hardware related.

How do I fix screen flickering on Windows 11?

If you are experiencing this issue on a desktop, try the troubleshooting steps below before delving into the fixes in this section:

  • Check for loose connections between the CPU and monitor
  • Try another cable
  • Check with another monitor

If none of the above steps fixed the issue for you, you can now proceed to the solutions below:

1. Update the graphics driver

1.1 Using Device Manager

  1. Right-click the Start button in the Taskbar and select Device Manager from the Quick Access menu.
    launch Device Manager
  2. Double-click on Display adapters to expand and view the devices under it.
    Display Adapters
  3. Right-click on the listed display adapter and select Update driver from the context menu.
    Update driver
  4. Select the Search automatically for drivers option and wait for the installation to complete.
    Search automatically for drivers
Tip icon Tip
If you are looking for an easier and faster option to update your drivers, we recommend using a dedicated tool such as Outbyte Driver Updater for automatic scans of missing or outdated drivers.

1.2 Using Windows Update

  1. Right-click the Start button in the Taskbar to launch the Quick Access menu, and select Settings.
  2. Select Windows Update from the tabs listed on the left.
    Settings app
  3. Click Advanced Options on the right.
    Advanced options
  4. Select Optional updates under Additional options.
    Optional Updates
  5. Select Driver updates to view the available updates.
  6. If you find an update for the graphics driver, tick the checkbox for it, and click on Download & install.

Driver updates submitted to Microsoft are listed in Windows Update after testing and verification for you to download. So while Windows is likely to install it in most cases automatically, there’s no harm in verifying if there’s an available update.

After updating the driver, restart the PC for the changes to take effect. However, you can still check the manufacturer’s official website if an update isn’t listed here.

1.3 Via the Manufacturer’s Website

  1. Launch the Device Manager, expand the Display adapters, right-click on the installed display adapter, and select Properties from the context menu.
    Graphics adapter properties
  2. Navigate to the Drivers tab and jot down the Driver Version. Once you have the current driver version, you can quickly identify if there’s an update available.
    Note driver version
  3. Go to Google and search for the device manufacturer’s website along with the driver’s name and version. Given below are the links to the download pages of the three leading graphics adapter manufacturers.
  4. After downloading the update, run the installer and follow the onscreen instructions to complete the installation process.

After updating the driver, check if Windows 11 screen is still flickering. In case it persists, moves to the next fix. If you cannot download and install the driver update, there are many methods to fix things.

Instead of submitting the driver update to Microsoft, many manufacturers directly upload it to their official website for users to download. So if you couldn’t update the graphics driver with the methods mentioned earlier, this one should work for you.

2. Roll back driver updates

  1. Launch the Device Manager, click on the down arrow before Display adapters to view the devices under it, right-click on the graphics driver, and select Properties.
  2. Navigate to the Driver tab and select Roll Back Driver.
    Roll back driver
  3. Finally, Follow the onscreen instructions to complete the rollback process.

If you started encountering the Windows 11 screen flickering issue after updating Windows or the driver individually, it could be a bug in the driver itself causing the issue.

In this case, you can roll back the driver update and revert to its previous version, which worked fine.

3. Reinstall the graphics driver

  1. In the Device Manager, expand the Display adapter, right-click on the installed graphics adapter, and select Uninstall device from the context menu.
    Uninstall device
  2. Now, tick the checkbox for Attempt to remove the driver for this device and click on Uninstall.
    Uninstall driver
  3. After the device is uninstalled, restart the computer. Once it continues, Windows will automatically install a fresh driver for the graphics adapter.

Now, check if Windows 11 screen is no more flickering. If it isn’t, you are not encountering the problem due to an outdated, faulty, or corrupt driver.

4. Select a lower refresh rate

  1. Press Windows + I to launch Settings, and select Display from the right.
    select Display
  2. Scroll down and select Advanced display under Related settings.
    Advanced Display
  3. Now, click on the drop-down menu next to Choose a refresh rate, and select a lower value from the available options.
    Change refresh rate

After changing the refresh rate, verify if the flickering screen problem is fixed.

If you set a high refresh rate, the Windows 11 monitor may exhibit issues with the display, with screen flickering being one of the common ones.

A higher refresh rate generally enhances our experience, but it’s sometimes counterproductive, as is the case here.

5. Uninstall the incompatible/problematic apps

  1. Press Windows + I to launch Settings.
  2. Navigate to the Apps tab on the left and select Apps & features.
    Uninstall app
  3. From here, identify the problematic app, click on the ellipsis next to it, and select Uninstall.
    select Uninstall
  4. Finally, click Uninstall on the prompt that pops up.

If your Windows 11 screen started flickering after installing an app or a particular program, this app might be the problem. To prevent further issues, you need to uninstall the app.

If you want to be sure that you have removed all components of the app, you should use uninstaller software. CCleaner is one of the best available to help remove even the most stubborn program.

It also helps remove any leftover files that can quickly lead to problems.

6. Perform a system restore

  1. Press Windows + S to launch the Search menu, enter Create a restore point in the text box, and click on the relevant search result.
    Search menu
  2. Click System Restore.
    System restore
  3. Click Next in the System Restore window that appears.
    Click Next
  4. Now, select a restore point and click on Next.
    select a Restore point
  5. Review the restore settings and click on Finish to start the process.
    Click Finish
  6. After the system restarts on completion of the restore process, check if the screen flickering is fixed.

If nothing else works, you can always perform a system restore. But the catch here is that the restore point must be created before you first encounter the error.

When performing system restore doesn’t resolve the Windows 11 screen flickering issue or there isn’t a restore point, you can always reset Windows 11 to its factory settings.

The solutions listed here will, in all likelihood, solve the flickering screen problem on your Windows 11 PC. Apart from the screen flickering, some users reported the screen flashing issue that can quickly be resolved with the right set of fixes.

You can also check our guide on part of laptop screen flickering to learn how to fix situations where only a section of your display is affected.

Let us know which solution worked for you, and share your experience in the comments section below.

External Hard Drive Not Showing Up Windows 11 – Fixes That Work

When your external hard drive is not showing up on Windows 11, it can disrupt backups, file transfers, or even day-to-day work. Whether it’s a new drive or a trusted one suddenly missing, this guide will help you identify the cause and fix it quickly.

How to Fix External Hard Drive Not Showing Up in Windows 11

1. Try a Different USB Port or Computer

Start by checking for basic hardware issues:

  • Unplug the external drive and reconnect it to another USB port
  • If possible, try the drive on a different computer
  • Avoid USB hubs and connect the drive directly to your PC

If you’re using a WD drive, some models have known connection issues. Here’s how to fix a WD external hard drive not showing up on Windows.

2. Check If the Drive Appears in Disk Management

Even if your drive doesn’t show in File Explorer, it may be visible in Disk Management:

  • Right-click the Start button and choose Disk Management
  • Look for a drive marked as “Unknown” or “Not Initialized”
  • If it’s unallocated, you may need to assign a drive letter or format it

After a major system update, drives may disappear from view. If that’s the case, follow this fix for a hard drive missing after a Windows 11 update.

3. Assign or Change the Drive Letter

If the system didn’t assign a drive letter, it won’t appear in File Explorer:

  • Open Disk Management again
  • Right-click the drive and select Change Drive Letter and Paths
  • Click Add or Change, then assign an unused letter and click OK

This is also useful if your second hard drive sometimes interferes with the boot process. Here’s what to do when your second hard drive stops Windows from booting.

4. Reinstall or Update the USB Controller Drivers

Corrupted or outdated drivers can prevent Windows from recognizing the drive:

  • Open Device Manager and expand Universal Serial Bus controllers
  • Right-click each USB Root Hub or Host Controller and select Update driver
  • Restart your PC once all drivers are updated

If you need help updating components, see this guide on how to update drivers on Windows 11. You can also install drivers manually if automatic updates fail.

For a faster solution, you can try automatic driver updater software to handle all updates in one step.

5. Format the Drive If It’s Not Recognized Properly

If the drive shows as RAW or unallocated, formatting may be necessary. Note that this will erase all data:

  • Open Disk Management
  • Right-click the drive and select New Simple Volume
  • Use the wizard to format it using NTFS or exFAT

You should also check if the drive is blocked by permission settings. If so, follow this Windows 11 permissions guide for external drives.

6. Enable the Drive in BIOS or UEFI

Some systems may have external USB access disabled in BIOS:

  • Reboot your PC and enter BIOS by pressing F2, Del, or Esc during startup
  • Find the USB Configuration section and make sure USB ports are enabled
  • Save and exit, then boot into Windows and check again

7. Run the Hardware and Devices Troubleshooter

This built-in tool is still accessible via a hidden command:

  • Press Windows + R, type msdt.exe -id DeviceDiagnostic, and press Enter
  • Follow the prompts to run the Hardware Troubleshooter

8. Check for Hidden Devices in Device Manager

Sometimes, Windows hides disconnected or malfunctioning devices:

  • Open Device Manager and go to View > Show hidden devices
  • Expand Disk Drives and look for greyed-out items
  • Right-click and select Uninstall, then reconnect the drive

If you want an automated method, Fortect Driver Updater can scan your system for hidden or outdated entries and help reinstall or clean them up with one click. It’s especially useful if you’re unsure which USB controller or device is causing the issue.

If the external USB still isn’t working, follow this guide on what to do if Windows doesn’t recognize a portable hard drive.

9. Run Error Checking

Corruption on the drive may prevent Windows from recognizing it properly:

  • Open File Explorer, right-click the drive (if visible), and select Properties
  • Under the Tools tab, click Check
  • Follow the prompts to scan and repair the file system

If you’re planning to replace the drive, check out the best hard drives for Windows 11 to ensure full compatibility.

Conclusion

If your external hard drive is not showing in Windows 11, the issue often comes down to drive letter conflicts, USB driver problems, or file system corruption. Most problems can be fixed through built-in tools or simple updates. However, if the drive is physically damaged, you may need professional recovery.

FAQ

Why is my external hard drive not showing up in Windows 11?

This can happen due to missing drive letters, outdated drivers, permission errors, or physical connection issues.

How do I force Windows 11 to recognize an external hard drive?

Reconnect the device, assign a drive letter, update USB drivers, and check BIOS settings if needed.

Can a damaged hard drive still show up in Disk Management?

Yes. It may appear as unallocated or RAW, even if it’s not visible in File Explorer.

What format should I use for an external drive in Windows 11?

Use NTFS for Windows-only drives or exFAT if you need macOS compatibility too.

AdobeGCClient: What is it & How to Safely Remove it

Some other tools and features come with the package when you install Adobe software. One of them is the AdobeGCClient.

If you have been seeing the program and wondering what it is and how you can easily remove it, this guide will show you everything you need to know about it.

What is the AdobeGCClient?

The AdobeGCClient (Adobe Genuine Copy Validation Client Application) is a process that is part of the Adobe Software Integrity Service validation testing.

It checks for pirated Adobe software and tampering with Adobe program files. Also, it detects any improper or invalid licenses.

How can I disable or uninstall AdobeGCClient?

1. How do I disable AdobeGCClient?

1.1. Using Task Manager

  1. Press the Shift + Ctrl + Esc keys to launch the Task Manager and locate the AdobeGCClient. Check for the Adobe Genuine Software Integrity option if you can’t find it.
  2. Right-click it and select the End task option.
    end task adobegcclient
  3. Now, press the Windows key + E to open File Explorer and follow the path below: C:\ProgramFiles(x86)\CommonFiles\Adobe
  4. Right-click the AdobeGCClient folder and select Delete.
    delete
  5. Finally, restart your PC.

1.2. Using Windows Services

  1. Press the Windows key + R, type services.msc, and click OK.
    services
  2. Double-click the Adobe Genuine Software Integrity Services.
    adobe adobegcclient
  3. Now, set the Startup type to Disabled and click the Stop button.
  4. Finally, click the Apply button followed by OK to save the changes.
    disabled

With the steps above, you should be able to disable the AdobeGCClient easily.

2. How do I uninstall AdobeGCClient?

  1. Press the Windows key + R, type control, and click OK.
    control
  2. Now, select Uninstall a program under the Programs option.
    uninstall a
  3. Right-click the Adobe Genuine Service option and select Uninstall.
    uninstall adobegcclient
  4. Finally, click the Uninstall button when prompted to confirm the action.
    uninstall button

If unsatisfied with disabling the AdobeGCClient service, you can follow the steps above to obliterate it. This will help eliminate any prompt you get from the process while trying to use your Adobe software.

If your Adobe Acrobat is showing an internal error occurred prompt, check our detailed guide to fix it quickly.

Feel free to let us know in the comments below if you encounter any problems while implementing the steps above.

Windows Program Not Responding: Why Does It Happen & How to Fix It

Do you have programs that are not responding on your computer? Many Windows users are in the same boat.

Common Windows error message when programs don’t respond

The good news is, today’ we’ll help you fix all of that. And if you’re curious how we got to these solutions, you can find some info about why this error happens in the first place below.

But first:

How to fix “Program is not responding” Windows error

1. Restart your computer

The first and the simplest thing you should do is restart your computer, mainly if the issue occurred recently. To perform a restart, press Alt + F4, select the option from the dropdown menu, and click OK.

Before you move on to more advanced solutions, try restarting the computer and see if the program not responding frequently in Windows starts to work after that.

2. Terminate the program

  1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open the Task Manager.
  2. Click the View more button in case the window is displayed in its short form, then click Processes.processes-task flash game lag
  3. Now you can right-click the app that’s not responding and select End task from the menu, or from the bottom right corner.
  4. Once done, relaunch the program on the computer not responding earlier in Windows 10, and check if it works fine now.

3. Update your app

  1. Type microsoft store in the Windows Search tab and click on the app from the results.
  2. Select the Library icon from the bottom-left corner, and click the Update button for each app if there’s a newer version available. Or, you can click the Update all button to install the latest version for all apps in one go.
  3. Restart your PC and check if your app works fine.

This is how you can update the apps you got from Microsoft Store, but if the unresponsive app is from another source, you will need to check its menu for this option.

In the unlikely situation where the app doesn’t have an update feature, head over to the developer’s website and get the latest version.

Also, find out what to do if Microsoft Store doesn’t work in Windows since it would prevent you from updating existing apps and installing new ones.

4. Perform SFC and DISM scans

4.1 Run an SFC scan

  1. Search for cmd and click Run as administrator to open Command Prompt with full privileges.
  2. Type the following command, and press Enter:sfc /scannow
  3. The scanning process will take a little time, so don’t interfere with it while it repairs your system.

If you cannot perform this step, check what to do if you can’t access Command Prompt as administrator and fix this problem immediately.

4.2 Run a DISM scan

  1. Type cmd in the Search tab and select Run as administrator.
  2. Paste the following command, and press Enter to run it: DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
  3. Like the SFC scan, this process will also take a while, so make sure you don’t interrupt it.

5. Reinstall the program

  1. Press Windows + I to open Settings and choose Apps from the menu.
  2. Now scroll down in the right pane, click on the app you want to remove, and select Uninstall.
  3. Once done, head over to the source where you first downloaded the app and reinstalled it.

6. Perform a full antivirus scan

  1. Type security in the Search tab and click on Windows Security from the results.
  2. Select Virus & threat protection.
  3. If you don’t have a third-party antivirus, you can now select the Full Scan or the Microsoft Defender Offline scan option and click on the Scan now button.
  4. If not, you can click on the Open app to your antivirus and perform a full scan from its options.
  5. For instance, in Bitdefender, the System Scan option is accessible right from the dashboard, but if you have a different antivirus, that might be different.

Since we’re talking about antiviruses, you might as well check if your system is infected with malicious software.

7. Disable your antivirus

  1. Click on the Search tab, type security, and select Windows Security from the results.
  2. Choose Virus & threat protection.
  3. If you don’t have a third-party antivirus, click on Manage settings under Virus & threat protection settings. manage settings
  4. Now, disable the toggle for Real-time protection.real-time protection
  5. Next, click Yes in the UAC to confirm the change.yes
  6. If you have a third-party antivirus, click on the Open app to access your antivirus and disable it from the security menu.

Windows 10 is infamous for preventing updates within certain apps and software. We want to check if your current antivirus solution conflicts with some of your programs.

8. Reset the PC

  1. Click Start and open Settings.
  2. Open the Update & Security section.
  3. Choose Recovery from the left pane and click Get Started under Reset this PC.
  4. Choose Keep my files.
  5. Follow the on-screen instructions, and choose the appropriate response when prompted to complete the reset process.

When a program does not respond in Windows, it stops interacting with the OS. This happens after Windows sends several messages in a few seconds, and if the program doesn’t respond and the message queue fills up, the error message is encountered.

Windows don’t throw an error when the program is not responding, and in some cases, it might start working again in a while. But, if it doesn’t, you could terminate the program from the Task Manager and then relaunch it.

Why do programs not respond?

There can be a lot of factors causing the problem—from a faulty system, conflicting apps, and bad drivers to malicious software and more.

You can’t pinpoint a single issue in this case, so trying as many solutions as possible is essential.

When a program is not responding, it means it is having problems communicating with Windows properly. This might be because the program is carrying out some background processes or due to some bugs and other issues.

Moreover, here are some error variations that you can encounter, and fix with the same solutions below:

  • All programs not responding
  • Programs not responding Windows 10, mMc
  • Program not responding and won’t close
  • Program not responding but using CPU
  • Windows program not responding

And if you’re unsure why the program stopped working in Windows 10, review each of the solutions presented and see what works for you!

What to do if a program is not responding?

Once again, since this is a widespread issue, we can’t know for sure what caused it. If you have any questions or suggestions, place them in the comments below.

Disk Cleanup in Windows 11: How to Access it & Free up Space

It’s essential to run Disk Cleanup in Windows 11 occasionally to get rid of that data and free up some space on your drive. In this piece, we’ll show you a few different ways to perform a disk cleanup on your PC:

How to do Disk Cleanup on Windows 11?

1. Via Drive Properties

  1. 1. Press the Windows key + E keys combination to start File Manager.

    file manager on windows 11
  2. 2. Click on This PC.

    file manager windows 11 this pc
  3. 3. Now right-click the C: drive and select Properties from the drop-down menu.

    windows 11 file manager drive properties
  4. 4. In the General tab, click on Disk Cleanup to start the app.

    windows 11 disk cleanup how to
  5. 5. Select the data you want to delete by clicking the corresponding boxes, then on OK.

    disk cleanup windows 11 settings
  6. For a complete cleaning of your computer, you should use the Disk Cleanup feature. The easiest way to access it is via Drive Properties, a built-in menu on your PC. From there, you can select which files you want to keep and which to delete.

2. Clean up the disk using Run

  1. Press the Windows + R shortcut on your keyboard to start Run.run windows 11 dialog
  2. Type the following line and press Enter to run it: cleanmgr /VERYLOWDISKcleannmngr command cmd
  3. After the command has run, you will receive a report of how much space you’ve managed to free up.saved space on disk

You can also use the following command to clean up your disk, but it will erase less data than with the command provided in our steps above:cleanmgr /LOWDISK

If you want to choose which files to clean, use this Disk Cleanup command, and then press Enter to run it:cleanmgr /sageset:1

It will start the Disk Cleanup utility with a minimum of options checked, but you can click the boxes you want from the menu.

3. Enable Storage Sense

  1. Click the Windows button and select Settings.windows 11 settings
  2. Access the System option from the right and select Storage.storage settings windows 11
  3. Now toggle the Storage Sense button to On.windows 11 sense
  4. If you click on the Storage Sense option further, you can configure it. By default, the feature will start to clean up unnecessary files in a low disk space situation. You can change that by clicking on the Run Storage Sense menu.windows 11 sense settings
  5. Select the right option for you to act automatically. You can choose from three settings: daily, weekly or monthly.windows 11 sense menu

Storage Sense is the automatic cleaning option that you can also find in Windows 10. If you don’t set it up, it will only be triggered when your disk space is low.

However, if you follow the steps above, you can enable Storage Sense in Windows 11 and configure it to start within desired time intervals so that you don’t need to do that manually again.

4. Remove temporary files

  1. Press the Windows + R to start the Run app, type %tmp%, and press Enter or click OK.windows 11 temp
  2. The action will open a File Manager app containing the Temp folder on your PC.windows 11 file manager
  3. Press the Ctrl + A shortcut to select all the files and folders, then right-click on them and select the Delete option (the bin icon). You can just hit the Delete key on your keyboard after selecting the files.windows 11 delete bulk

If you’re not ready to perform a bulk delete action using the Disk Cleanup tool in Windows 11, you can delete the junk files from the Temp folder on your PC.

Is it good to run Disk Cleanup?

Deleting most of the file categories that appear in Disk Cleanup is perfectly safe. But, it’s recommended that you don’t delete the Windows ESD installation files if the option shows up since these are critical to reset the OS.

Also, you may look through the other categories to identify if any sound files are selected, though deleting them should not harm. You might only miss the ability to revert to the previous version, and you can always do that using the Microsoft Update Catalog.

How to increase the drive space on your PC?

You might be in a situation where you run out of space on your drive, but you have already deleted all unnecessary files, folders, or programs.

However, you have a couple of options that you can use to increase the available space.

1. Extend your system partition

Note icon NOTE
This is an advanced procedure so make sure you backup data on your drives before starting.
  1. Click the Windows search icon from Taskbar, type create and format, and click on Create and format hard disk partitions from the results.windows 11 create and format
  2. Right-click the non-system partition and select Delete Volume from the menu. Be aware that this action will delete all the data from that partition. Also, make sure that you don’t select the system partition instead.windows 11 delete volume
  3. Now right-click your system partition (usually, it’s the C: partition) and select the Extend Volume option.windows 11 extend volume
  4. Windows will automatically allocate all the free space to the system drive you selected, thus increasing its amount of space.

You can delete an existing non-system partition to achieve your goal if you have more partitions on your drive.

You can scan your drive with a fast disk analyzer by checking our guide on how to use WizTree to identify large files and recover extra space.

2. Upgrade your PC or buy an external drive

Eventually, if nothing else works and you need more space, you’re only left with the option to install a new internal or external drive on your PC.

We have an excellent list, including the best external SSD drives with USB-C connections that will solve the space problem and are faster than HDDs.

Drive space can be problematic if you’re trying to install or run more demanding apps, and Disk Cleanup is the first and most convenient option to free up some valuable space.

However, besides running the Disk Cleanup app, you can use a more comprehensive storage analyzer like WinDirStat or manually uninstall the apps you no longer use.

FAQs

What does Disk Cleanup remove?

Temporary files, recycle bin items, thumbnails, delivery optimization files, and old Windows Update caches to free space safely.

How do I run Disk Cleanup?

Press Start, type Disk Cleanup, open it, pick the drive, check items, select OK, then Delete Files. For more options choose Clean up system files.

What is the difference between Disk Cleanup and Storage Sense?

Disk Cleanup is a manual tool. Storage Sense in Settings > System > Storage can automatically clear temp files on a schedule.

Is it safe to delete Windows.old or Windows Update Cleanup?

Yes, if you do not plan to roll back. Removing Previous Windows installation(s) and Windows Update Cleanup frees large space but ends rollback.

Summary

We hope our guide helped you use the Disk Cleanup app and provided information on how to free up space on your computer or upgrade your storage. You might consider wiping out the free space to prevent deleted data from being recovered.

This is one of the best tools to clean the C drive without formatting, so it’s important to know how to use it properly.

Also, check out the best deep clean hard drive software that will assist you in optimizing the drive space.

Disk Cleanup is one of the best ways to delete temporary files on Windows 11, but there are other built-in tools that can help. If you’re using an older version of Windows, we also have a great guide on Disk Cleanup on Windows 10, so don’t miss it.

If you have any questions or suggestions, please leave them in the comments section below.

Multiple Windows Explorer in Task Manager: How to Fix

A few users told us about a curious issue in which they see multiple Windows (File) Explorer processes in Task Manager. Those have wondered why Task Manager shows multiple Explorer processes.

That issue can occur in Windows 11 and older platforms of Microsoft’s desktop OS series. You can fix multiple Explorer processes in Task Manager with the potential resolutions below. Even more, here’s what to do if Windows Explorer is slow.

What causes Task Manager to show multiple instances of Windows Explorer?

There are two potential reasons for Task Manager showing multiple Explorer processes. Those causes are:

  • A Launch folder windows in a separate process option – This causes an extra Explorer process to be launched when enabled. If you see a couple of Explorer.exe processes, that option is probably why.
  • Malware masquerading as File Explorer – If one of the multiple Explorer.exe processes has very high RAM or CPU usage, there could be malware on your PC. Explorer.exe malware uses the Windows Explorer process to disguise itself on infected PCs.

One way to tell is to check the source folder of the Explorer.exe process. To do so, right-click a Windows Explorer process in Task Manager and select Open file location.

multiple windows explorer in task manager

All legitimate Explorer processes will have a C: Windows source folder. If the Explorer process has a different location, you’re probably dealing with malware, possibly in the form of a Trojan.

We recommend users go through the following troubleshooting steps when Task Manager shows multiple Explorer.exe processes. Apply the resolutions in the order specified.

How can I fix multiple explorer.exe processes in Task Manager?

1. Disable the Launch folder windows in a separate process checkbox

  1. Click the folder library icon on your taskbar to view File Explorer.
    File Explorer taskbar button multiple windows explorer in task manager
  2. Select the See more menu button on Explorer’s command bar.
  3. Click Options to bring up the General tab in Folder Options.
    See more menu multiple windows explorer in task manager
  4. Select the Folder Options window’s View tab.
  5. Deselect the Launch folder windows in a separate process checkbox.
    The Launch folder windows checkbox multiple windows explorer in task manager
  6. Click Apply to set the new folder option.
  7. Select OK to close Folder Options.
Note icon NOTE
In Windows 10, you’ll need to select the View tab. Then click the Options button. Select Change folder and search options from there.

2. Run an antivirus (malware) scan

  1. Double-click a Windows Security icon inside the system tray area.
  2. Click Virus & threat protection > Scan options in Windows Defender.
    Virus & threat protection tab multiple windows explorer in task manager
  3. Select the Full scan radio button.
    The Full scan option multiple windows explorer in task manager
  4. Click Scan now to initiate Windows Defender’s scanning.
    Scan now button multiple windows explorer in task manager
  5. Wait for the scanning to complete. Click Start actions if the scan detects anything.
  6. Restart Windows after the antivirus scan.

Windows Report also recommends users scan for and quarantine malware with the free Malwarebytes version. Malwarebytes is among the most efficient third-party tools for purging malware.

3. Run the SFC scan command

Note icon NOTE
We suggest this resolution for users who have issues accessing File Explorer after purging malware with an antivirus utility.
  1. Press Win key + S, and input Command Prompt within the Type here to search box that hotkey activates.
  2. Click Command Prompt’s Run as administrator option on the right side of the search tool.
    Run as administrator option multiple windows explorer in task manager
  3. Input this command text and press Enter to run System File Checker: sfc /scannow
    sfc scan multiple windows explorer in task manager
  4. Then wait for the scan to finish, which probably won’t take much longer than 20 minutes or so.

Those troubleshooting steps will kill off multiple Explorer processes in Task Manager. Hopefully, you won’t need to do anything more than disable Launch folder windows in a separate process.

If you still see multiple processes with that option disabled, proceed with an antivirus scan. Do so with Windows Security, Malwarebytes, or any other third-party antivirus tool installed on your PC.

Microsoft Teams free versions add community features

Microsoft is launching new community features for Microsoft Teams.  This feature is designed to take the best parts of Teams and allow users to use them free of charge to create and organize groups.  Common communication features such as chat, calling, file, and photo sharing are featured.  Users will also be able to use a shared calendar to organize events, which does include Google Calendar integration.

The communities feature is rolling out now to Microsoft Teams (free), Teams Essentials when you sign in with a Microsoft account, Microsoft 365 Personal, and Microsoft 365 Family.

Microsoft is aiming less at business and more at the smaller social gatherings in our lives such as sports teams and carpools.  Microsoft understands that other social media platforms already offer ways to create and organize groups, but believes they have a different take.  In an interview with The Verge Amit Fulay VP of Product had this to say.

“These are very distinct from pure fan communities or discussion communities, and where I think our strengths are as a company… is our ability to provide those productivity tools.”

Microsoft has created a set of templates to make it easier to get your group created. Groups will also be limited to the free consumer version of Teams, and for now just in the mobile apps for Android and IOS. Integration into the desktop apps is expected to come later.  A Microsoft account is required for Teams Communities and you can easily invite others to join via a community link.

For now, the features may be basic, but Teams Communities fills a gap for Microsoft after failed attempts to acquire social platforms Discord, TikTok, and Pinterest doesn’t have a presence in the social media space. We will have to wait and see if consumers are interested in Microsoft’s take on groups and communities versus the already-established offerings.

Via The Verge

Best Apps To Zoom In on Pictures Without Quality Loss [2026]

Pretty much any photo-viewing app can zoom in into pictures, but not all are made equal. If you want to preserve the quality, even after zooming in, keep reading.

We found the best apps that help enlarge photos with no grain or blur (or minimal, depending on file quality).

Best Zooming In Apps: Quick Overview

Here are some of the best software that supports high-quality zoom-ins. Some are only image scalers, while others are fully fledged photo manipulation tools.

App’s nameZooming featureOther key feature
Adobe LightroomEnlarge photos by up to 1600% Support for new cameras and lenses
Adobe PhotoshopEnlarge photos by up to 3200% One-click subject selection
AI Image EnlargerEnlarge photos by up to 800% Noise reduction
A Sharper ScalingEnlarge photos by up to 400% Increase image quality
PhotoZoom ProEnlarge photos by up to 1 million by 1 million pixelsAdjust image quality
Kneson ImagenerEnlarge photos by up to 300% –

What’s the best app to zoom in on photos?

Adobe Lightroom – Interaction with other users

Adobe Lightroom is one of the best apps you can get for not only zooming in on your pictures without losing quality but for editing in general.

You can zoom in on your favorite pictures while successfully maintaining their quality and don’t affect them in any way.

Moreover, you can add presets and face-tune with a click to make your pictures pop. You can easily edit your images to brightness, contrast, adjust shadows, and many more.

Take a look at Adobe Lightroom’s other key features:

  • Enhanced support for presets
  • Support for new cameras and lenses
  • Color and luminance range
  • Interaction with other users
  • Local storage preferences

Adobe Lightroom

Easily zoom in and edit your photos by using Adobe Lightroom’s advanced features.
Free trial Visit website

Adobe Photoshop – Easy to edit

The Zoom tool is one of Adobe Photoshop’s handiest utilities as it is ideal for magnifying or reducing the view of an image.

You just need to click on the specific area you want to zoom into for maximum clarity or switch the tool’s action between zooming in and zooming out.

For even more precision, use the tool to drag and select an entire area where you want to zoom in. No matter which of these actions you take, zooming has no effect on the image size.

Here are some other great features:

  • One-click subject selection
  • Replace backgrounds
  • Touch-up facial features
  • Photo collage templates
  • Fun filters and effects

Adobe Photoshop

Zoom in on your pics hitch free & see full details with Photoshop!
Free trial Visit website

AI Image Enlarger – Intuitive interface

AI Image Enlarger is a versatile tool that you can use to upscale your small images without losing quality.

This software solution lets you convert low- to high-definition photos super fast. AI image enlargers also offer in-browser zoom options.

These are minimal, and you get to download your finished image via e-mail. It can be useful when you need really quick results.

You can get better quality by using AI tools and increasing and upscaling your photos. The AI Upscaler helps you customize and optimize your images faster by using its upscaling algorithm.

Other key features include:

  • Adjust colors
  • Balance light
  • Enlarge and upscale images
  • Cartoon style
  • Noise reduction

Ai Image Enlarger

Try AI Image enlarger for quick adjustements!
Free trial Visit website

A Sharper Scaling – Increase image quality

A Sharper Scaling offers a powerful photo zoom-in effect that enlarges images without sacrificing quality.

With this tool, you can resize photos up to 400% without blurring or graininess. The software features four distinct algorithms for image enlargement, allowing you to preview and select the best version.

Save images as TIFF, PNG, or JPEG. It supports perspective correction, lens distortion correction, and rotation, enhancing image quality.

⇒ Get A Sharper Scaling

Benvista PhotoZoom Pro – Straightforward usage

BenVista software is available for Windows and Mac as a plug-in or standalone solution, using proprietary technology to enhance image quality during resizing.

It offers a more affordable version, PhotoZoom Classic, both available as free trials on Benvista.com.

Reliable resizing software is crucial, especially for low-quality images. PhotoZoom Pro 7 enlarges photos while reducing JPEG artifacts and noise, improving exposure and vividness.

⇒ Get PhotoZoom Pro

Kneson Imagener – Improved interpolation technology

Enlarging digital photos usually reduces quality, but Imagener is an image converter that enlarges photos without losing sharpness.

Its enhanced interpolation technology delivers better results than typical software and image enlargers, which often leave images blurry.

Imagener’s user-friendly interface makes it accessible to beginners. Users can select an image, set new dimensions, choose a resizing method, and preview results.

⇒ Get Kneson Imagener

There are hundreds of different solutions to reduce the size of images but quite a few if you want to zoom in on your pictures.

These are our picked apps that can help you zoom in on a picture without getting it blurry, and better yet enhance their quality because of the built-in advanced features and AI technology.

If you are looking for an app that has pan & zoom effect video from still picture or a slow zoom in effect app, you might want to try Adobe Premiere Pro. It is an excellent app that has any zoom in and out video effect that you want.

There are numerous software available for zooming in photos. Which software have you found to be most helpful?

Let us know if you decide to use one of the tools listed in this guide by using the comments field below.

What is Localbridge.exe Application Error & How to Fix it

Are you experiencing the localbridge.exe application error on Windows PC and you don’t seem to know what fix to apply?

Some of our readers have also reported diverse errors, such as exe files not opening and exe files deleting themselves on Windows. We will provide potential fixes to troubleshoot the error here.

What is Localbridge.exe?

The localbridge.exe is a process that is related to the Microsoft Office suite. This includes applications such as Word, Excel, OneNote, Outlook, etc.

When you launch a Microsoft application, Localbridge.exe also launches along with it. Opening certain applications will prompt this message that the application binary is damaged or the supporting modules are corrupted.

Some of the variations of this error include the LocalBridge.exe Bad Image error, and our solutions below also cover this problem.

Another message you will possibly encounter is LocalBridge.exe is not a valid Win32 application, which occurs when the file is not designed for your Windows version.

The file LocalBridge.exe is missing or corrupt is another error message that occurs when there’s a corrupt or missing file needed for the app. Some of these errors can also be fixed with the solutions provided in this guide.

Why do I get the Localbridge.exe application error?

There can be several reasons why you are experiencing the localbridge.exe application error. According to some users, the following are some of the common reasons behind the error on Windows PC:

  • A DLL mismatch – A DLL (dynamic link library) is a code and data library that allows simultaneous access by several programs. A program like localbridge.exe may produce errors on your Windows device when it is unable to find the proper DLL.
  • Corrupted app binary – The error message can also appear when the Windows.Storage.ApplicationData.dll component is corrupted.
  • Conflicts with third-party applications – The localbridge.exe application error can also manifest due to interference from third-party applications running in the background. Closing some of these programs should fix the error.
  • Damaged hardware – If the hardware is damaged or outdated, it can also trigger this error.
  • Malware infection – When LocalBridge.exe is accidentally transferred, deleted, or infected with malware, errors like this may appear. Therefore, it’s imperative to maintain an updated antivirus program that performs frequent scans.

Now that you know some of the potential reasons behind the localbridge.exe application error, let’s proceed to how you can fix this problem.

How do I fix the localbridge.exe application error?

The following are some of the preliminary checks to be conducted right away:

  • Restart your PC.
  • Use Windows security or a third-party antivirus to scan your PC for malware.
  • Remove some unnecessary programs from your Task Manager. If some processes fail to close, check this guide for fixes.
  • Perform a program compatibility troubleshooter.
  • Ensure to update your Windows also. If the Windows Update is not working, try the fixes in this guide.

After confirming the above checks and you can’t seem to fix the localbridge.exe application error, you can explore the advanced solutions below.

1. Run the SFC/ DISM scans

  1. Press the Windows + X keys to prompt the Windows menu, then click Command Prompt (admin).
  2. Type the following and press Enter: sfc/scannow
  3. Then, type this command and press Enter: DISM.exe/Online/Cleanup-image/Restorehealth
  4. Once the error is discovered, it will be fixed immediately. Close the Command Prompt and restart your PC.

You can make use of the command-line tool to run the SFC scan, which is one of the easiest fixes for your localbridge.exe application errors.

Another option to the above procedure would be third-party repair software to scan your computer and replace automatically all the corrupted and missing files with healthy ones.

2. Uninstall and reinstall Microsoft Office 365

  1. Left-click the Start button, type control panel, and click Open.
  2. Click Uninstall a program link under Programs category.
  3. Locate and click the Microsoft Office 365 app, then click on Uninstall.
  4. Then, follow the Uninstaller prompts to complete the process.
  5. Download the Microsoft Office 365 and follow the installation prompts to install the app.

Since Localbridge.exe is associated with Microsoft 365, reinstalling the app will correct all the issues that may cause the application error.

3. Perform a System Restore

  1. Left-click the Start button, type restore, and click on Create a restore point.
  2. Click the System Protection tab and select System Restore.
  3. Check Choose a different restore point and click Next.
  4. Select the restore point you wish to revert to and click on Next.
  5. Now click on Finish.
  6. Your PC will now restart and restore itself to the selected restore point.

If you encounter issues like slow Windows after the system restore, then consider checking our guide to troubleshoot the problem.

Meanwhile, in case you are experiencing application crashes, you can check our guide on how to fix this error.

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

Dell Command Update Won’t Open: 3 Tested Solutions to Fix It

Dell is one of the best laptop brands, thanks to many of its built-in features. One of its powerful features is Dell Update.

This application automatically updates critical fixes and important device drivers as they become available. However, several users have reported the dell Update to be broken.

Irrespective of the cause of the issue, this guide will show you how to fix it for good.

Why my Dell update is not opening?

The Dell Update for Windows 10 not working issue can occur if the application files are corrupted. In some instances, you may experience the problem if multiple instances of the app are running on your system.

This can also happen due to glitches with the app itself, or some driver incompatibilities that hinder the update from opening and applying itself.

Moreover, here are some error variations you might encounter:

  • Dell command update won’t open Windows 10, 11, 7
  • Dell command update won’t open after update
  • Dell command update opens and closes
  • Can’t open Dell command update
  • Dell command update not showing up, not starting, not working, not opening, won’t launch
  • Dell command update disappeared

Does Dell Command update work on Windows 11?

The straightforward answer is YES! Users of the new OS will need the Universal Windows Platform version for Windows 11, however, the Dell update application exists for Windows 10.

This standalone application for client computers called Dell Command Update offers updates for Dell-released system software.

The firmware, BIOS, driver, and application update process for Dell client devices is made simpler by this application. The CVE (Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures) are addressed in this release.

There are two downloads available for the Update: The Windows Universal Application and the Windows 32 and 64 bits version for Microsoft Windows 8.1 and 10. You can download the Dell Update from the official website.

How do I open Dell update if it won’t launch?

1. Repair the Dell Update app

  1. Press the Windows key + R to open Run.
  2. Type control and click OK. This will open the Control Panel.
    type control dell update not working
  3. Select the Programs option.
    programs
  4. Now, choose Programs and Features.
    programs and
  5. Locate and select the Dell Update or Dell Update for Windows Universal app from the list of installed apps.
    updates dell update not working
  6. Click on Uninstall and then click Yes when prompted by UAC.
    uac
  7. In the Setup screen, click the Repair button.
    repair
  8. The repair tool will scan the system for missing and corrupted files and apply the required fixes.
  9. Once finished, close the troubleshooter and restart your system.

After the restart, launch the Dell Update application if it does not start automatically. Check if the app is working again. 

The built-in repair function can fix any issues with the app, including the Dell Update not working problem, as it can be due to corrupted or missing files.

2. Reinstall the Dell Update app

  1. Press the Windows key + R.
  2. Type appwiz.cpl and click OK to open Control Panel.
    appwiz dell update not working
  3. Select Dell Update or Dell Update for Windows Universal from the list of installed apps.
    updates
  4. Click on Uninstall. 
    uninstall button
  5. Click Yes when prompted by User Account Control.
    uac
  6. In the Setup screen, click on Uninstall/Remove.
    uninstall button dell update not working
  7. Follow on-screen instructions to uninstall the app completely.
  8. Once uninstalled, restart the computer.
  9. After the restart, go to the Dell Update page and download the file.
    download
  10. Run the installer and wait for it to complete.
  11. Relaunch the app and check if the issue is resolved.

For a comprehensive account on how to download the Dell Command Update, check out our guide.

Reinstalling the app seems to have fixed the Dell Update not working or won’t open for many users. However, if the problem persists, uninstall the app using one of the best uninstaller software.

Does the problem persist? Try running the app as an administrator. Run the app with administrative privilege. To do this, right-click on the app’s desktop shortcut and select Run as Administrator.

Still not working? If the problem occurs after updating the app, uninstall the latest version, and install the previous version from Dell’s support center.

3. Use a driver update software

A great way to fix this issue with your Dell Update app is to install or update your drivers automatically.

With Outbyte Driver Updater, you can first scan your PC for outdated or missing drivers and have a detailed report in a very short time.

The software provides an extensive database with millions of official driver files that can be downloaded within the platform.

Additionally, there is a download manager and a driver backup feature that will deliver practical support to secure your driver files and see the progress of each driver file.

Another great workaround to fix this problem on your Dell app is with automated software that will update any drivers in minutes.

Hence, using Outbyte Driver Updater can efficiently repair your broken update program by updating old drivers or missing ones that may generate this kind of issue on your Dell PC.

Outbyte Driver Updater

Use this driver manager tool to resolve any app malfunctions and boost your PC performance.
Free Trial Download now

Does Dell automatically update drivers?

The Dell Update app is designed to receive drivers and application updates automatically. What it does with this update depends on your preference.

If you have a business client platform, you can use the Dell Command Update, which can help install updates automatically depending on your settings.

The Dell Update for Windows 10 not working issue can occur due to a glitch in the app. You can fix the problem by repairing the installation.

If the issue persists, install the Dell Update application using an uninstaller. These, with the other fixes in this guide, should help you solve the problem.

Feel free to let us know if you were able to make Dell Update work again on your PC.

6 Fixes for Steam Cloud Error [Out of Date, Unable to Sync]

Several readers reported encountering the Steam Cloud Error. The error primarily concerns a problem with Cloud Synchronization, which is generally due to a server-related issue.

Here’s how to fix this error:

How do I fix the Steam Cloud error?

Before you start, check Steam’s server status. If there’s an outage on their end, all you can do is wait. However, if the servers are up and running, follow the steps below.

1. Restart Steam

Your primary approach when dealing with the Steam Cloud Error should be to restart the app. Often, it’s a minor bug causing the error, and relaunching it should fix things.

Head to the Task Manager, terminate Steam or any related processes, and then relaunch the program. Once done, check if the error is resolved. If not, head to the following method.

2. Enable Cloud Synchronization for all games

  1. Launch the program, click on the Steam menu at the top-left corner, and select Settings from the list of options.Settings to fix steam cloud error
  2. Navigate to the Cloud tab from the left.Cloud
  3. Now, tick the Enable Steam Cloud synchronization check for applications that support it, and then click on OK at the bottom to save the changes.Enable cloud synchronization

If you had previously disabled the Cloud Synchronization feature, enabling it right away resolves the Steam Cloud error on all games. However, if you are getting the error on some games like Lost Ark and Destiny 2, it should be noted that they do not support Steam Cloud.

Once done making the changes, restart the app and check if the issue persists.

3. Retry syncing for individual games

  1. Launch Steam, select the game you are facing trouble with, and click on Out of sync under the Cloud Status option.out of sync
  2. Click on the Retry Sync button in the prompt that pops up.Retry sync to fix steam cloud error
  3. Wait for the process to complete, and Cloud Status should now read Up to date.Status changes

If you are experiencing the Steam Cloud error on games like Valheim, Stardew Valley, Rocket League, and Elden Ring, you should try syncing for individual games.

Once the Cloud Status changes, the error will be fixed, and you should have no trouble running the game. Follow the same process for every title that throws this error.

4. Verify the integrity of game files

  1. Launch Steam, right-click on the game with the error, and select Properties from the context menu.Properties
  2. Now, go to the Local Files tab from the navigation pane.Local files
  3. Click on the Verify integrity of game files button and wait for the process to complete.Verify integrity of game files to fix steam cloud error

Steam offers a tremendously built-in troubleshooting method to identify and eliminate game problems effectively.

Verifying the integrity of game files will help fix many errors, including the Steam Cloud Error on games like Dota 2 and Monster Hunter. If this doesn’t work, head to the last one.

5. Add an exception for Steam in Windows Firewall

  1. Press Windows + S to launch the Search menu, enter Control Panel in the text field, and click on the relevant search result that appears.Control panel
  2. Click on System and Security.System and security
  3. Next, click Allow an app through Windows Firewall under Windows Defender Firewall.Allow an app to fix steam cloud error
  4. Click on the Change settings button.Change settings
  5. Now, click on Allow another app at the bottom.Allow another app to fix steam cloud error
  6. Click on Browse to locate and add Steam, or you could paste the path to its launcher in the text field.Browse
  7. Navigate to where the Steam launcher is stored, select it, and click on Open.select launcher
  8. Click the Add button.Add to fix steam cloud error
  9. Finally, click OK at the bottom to save the changes.OK

In many cases, the Windows Firewall blocked Steam’s attempt to connect to the cloud, thus leading to the Steam Cloud Error. Adding an exception for the app would do the trick here.

If you have third-party firewalls installed, try disabling them or uninstalling the program to resolve things.

6. Clear Steam download cache

  1. Open Steam and go to the Settings tab.
  2. Select Downloads.
  3. Click on the Clear download cache button. steam clear download cache
  4. Wait for the process to complete and restart Steam.

How do I force Steam Cloud sync?

While Steam offers no built-in options to force cloud sync, there are a few workarounds that would come to your aid. The simplest one would be to close the game while you are connected to the web, have a stable Internet connection, and then wait for the files to be synced.

Make sure not to close Steam or turn off the computer too quickly since the sync process is running in the background, though it shouldn’t be long. Once that’s done, run Steam on any other system, and things here should be the same as on the first device.

What can I do if Steam is unable to sync?

Note icon NOTE
If Steam cannot sync files, you can try the five methods listed earlier in addition to the two below.

1. Check Steam’s server status

In most cases, when Steam cannot sync files, the servers are likely down. This doesn’t happen often, but before troubleshooting the problem, verify if the servers are up and running.

A bunch of websites collect data and inform users if the Steam servers are working fine. For example, you could use either Steamstat.us or Downdetector. If both report that the servers are up, try the following method.

2. Repair the Steam Library Folder

  1. Launch the program, click on the Steam menu at the top-left corner, and select Settings.Steam settings
  2. Go to the Downloads tab from the navigation pane on the left.Downloads to fix steam cloud error
  3. Click on the Steam Library Folders button at the top.Steam Library folders
  4. Next, click on the ellipsis, and select Repair Folder from the options.Repair folders to fix steam cloud error
  5. Click Yes on the UAC (User Account Control) prompt in case it appears.Click Yes
  6. Wait for the repair process to complete.Wait for the process

Once done, Steam would be able to sync files to the cloud, and you wouldn’t face any issues while playing the same game on multiple devices.

That’s all there’s to the Steam Cloud Error, the most effective fixes for it, and other similar problems related to Steam Cloud that you might encounter while playing games.

Also, find out what to do if Steam won’t go online and you are stuck in offline mode since this is an issue that leads to cloud-related errors.

Steam is an excellent platform for gamers. It offers more than a thousand titles, both paid and free. And with the ability to back up and restore Steam Cloud Saves, users can play games across devices without losing progress.

Do not forget to tell us which fix worked and the game you were facing the issue in within the comments section below.

How to Fix AMD GPU Not Detected and Missing from Device Manager

If your AMD GPU isn’t detected and it’s missing from Device Manager, it could be poorly seated, running outdated drivers, or simply not getting enough power. Sometimes, Windows defaults to integrated graphics if the card fails to initialize.

A quick reseat, power check, or driver cleanup usually points you in the right direction. Find steps for these and more solutions below.

How do I fix Device Manager not detecting my graphics card?

1. Install the latest AMD drivers

Installing the wrong driver version can cause permanent damage to your system. Instead, we recommend using a dedicated, third-party solution to update drivers automatically.

The solution below is light, and it will automatically repair and update all your drivers in one go with just a few clicks from your part.

⇒ Get Fortect Driver Updater

2. Uninstall the graphics driver

  1. Press the Windows key on your keyboard or click on the Start button.
  2. Type Device Manager in the search field and press Enter.
  3. Double-click the Display Adapters option to expand it.
    display adapter amd graphics card not recognized
  4. Right-click on the graphics card and then choose Uninstall device.
    uninstall device
  5. Click the Uninstall button when prompted to confirm the action.
    uninstall
  6. Once the uninstall process is finished, restart the system and cancel any attempt by Windows to reinstall the driver automatically.

Uninstalling the driver is the first step in fixing the GPU not detected or recognized in the Device Manager issue.

Also, some users had issues installing AMD drivers on the PC, and the two problems are often interlinked.

3. Install the drivers in Compatibility mode

  1. Download the driver from the manufacturer’s website and then save it on your local disk.
  2. Right-click on the setup file of the driver and select Properties.
  3. Select the Compatibility tab.
  4. Place a checkmark next to Run this program in Compatibility mode and select the operating system from the drop-down list.
  5. Let the driver install it and then check the functionality.

Even though installing the latest drivers is usually the best to solve the AMD graphics card not detected or recognized issue, sometimes they can have problems too.

If that’s the case, we highly advise installing the older version of AMD drivers for your graphics card.

Other AMD graphics card not detected possible issues

There are different variations of this issue reported by users with varying causes. Below are some of the popular ones:

  • Laptop not detecting AMD graphics card: A common problem encountered by many and it is easily fixable.
  • AMD graphics card not detected in Device Manager, BIOS – AMD GPU not showing in device manager: When not detected in both the BIOS and Device Manager, it’s likely a hardware issue to blame.
  • No AMD graphics hardware has been detected – no AMD hardware found on the machine: Check if the connections are in order and an AMD graphics hardware is installed.
  • AMD graphics card not detecting the second monitor: It’s usually the connections to blame.
  • AMD graphics card not working/stopped working or not displaying: It’s a software problem. And a quick driver update should help get things running.
  • AMD graphics card HDMI/driver not working: In most cases, reinstalling the driver should do the trick.
  • AMD/Nvidia graphics card not detected in Windows 10, Windows 11: One of the solutions listed here should help.
  • GPU not detected but fan spinning: It’s probably a software issue, often due to a third-party conflict.

Can BIOS detect GPU?

The BIOS is an essential feature of a PC in charge of hardware. So, if you have any problem detecting your GPU on your PC, the BIOS is one of the first places to check.

In some cases, you might be able to find your discrete GPU in the BIOS.

If there is no sound on your device after updating the AMD drivers on your Windows 10 PC, check our excellent guide on how to fix it.

We hope our solutions helped you fix the AMD GPU not recognized problem. Note that this fix is a general solution and can also be used to improve the NVIDIA not detected in Windows 10 or other graphic cards.

If you’re facing detection issues on Windows 11, this detailed fix for NVIDIA graphics card not detected in Windows 11 can help.

For laptop users who find their system doesn’t recognize the second GPU while gaming, here’s a practical guide on how to fix laptops that don’t detect a second GPU. And if your GPU fan is spinning but the card isn’t detected, this comprehensive breakdown covers key causes and troubleshooting steps.

If you still have problems with the GPU, you should also read our step-by-step guide on what to do if the PC is not detecting your GPU.

If you have any other suggestions or solutions, leave us a note in the comments section below.

What is Error 0x800701b1 & How to Fix it

So, there are a bunch of user reports that claim to have come across the error 0x800701B1 in two scenarios.

Some users have reported facing this issue when they perform normal tasks such as copying/pasting, moving files from their PC to HDD, etc., whereas there are some who have reported facing this issue when installing a new Windows update or installing the OS.

What is causing error 0x800701B1 on my Windows PC?

After some research, we have found a bunch of reasons why users are facing the error code 0x800701B1 on their PCs:

How can I fix the error 0x800701B1 on my PC?

Here are a few solutions that we would advise you to apply before jumping onto the advanced ones:

  • Try connecting the HDD or the USB drive to a different port and check if this resolves the issue or not.
  • Perform a simple restart, as it can fix temporary glitches or bugs without you needing to put in much effort. Restart issues are unpleasant, but if that’s the case, rest assured that you can solve them.
  • Remove other accessories connected to your PC that might be causing a conflict.
  • Scan your PC for a virus or malware. You can check out our guide that lists some of the best antiviruses for your PC.

Now let us move on to the advanced troubleshooting methods that would surely help you resolve the error 0x800701B1.

1. Delete the faulty boot entries

  1. Open the Start menu.
  2. Search for Command Prompt and run it as an administrator.
  3. Type in the below command and press Enter. bcdedit /export c:\boot_config_backup.bcd
  4. After executing the above command, type the below and press Enter. This will load all the bootloaders currently on your system. bcdedit /v
  5. If you can locate more than one Windows installation, then you need to select the identifier of the bootloader and execute the below command. bcdedit /delete {identifier}
  6. Restart your PC and check if this resolves the issue or not.

2. Convert the disk to GPT

For users facing the error during Windows installation

  1. Force shutdown your PC.
  2. You can press the F8 key to enter the Advanced Troubleshooting mode or restart your PC 3-4 times to let it automatically enter the mode.
  3. Choose Troubleshoot.
  4. Select Advanced options.
  5. Select Command Prompt.
  6. Type the below commands and hit Enter after each. diskpart list disk
  7. Execute the below command. select disk # (replace the # with the number of the disk drive you wish to convert)
  8. Type the below commands and press Enter after each. clean convert gpt
  9. Exit the command prompt and let your PC boot up.

For other users

  1. Open the Start menu.
  2. Search for Command Prompt and run it as an administrator.
  3. Type the below command and hit Enter. diskpart list disk
  4. Execute the below command. select disk # (replace the # with the number of the disk drive you wish to convert)
  5. Type the below command and press Enter. clean convert gpt
  6. Exit the command prompt and restart your PC.

3. Update the driver

  1. Open the Start menu.
  2. Open Device Manager.
  3. Expand the Disk drives section.
  4. Right-click the device and choose Update Driver.
  5. Select Search automatically for driver software.
  6. Your system will check if there is a new update available for the drive and prompt you to install it in case it finds one.

You can also visit the manufacturer’s website for the latest drivers. After you have updated the driver, see if this resolves the issue or not.

Alternatively, to ease out the process of manually updating drivers on your PC, you can use third-party software called Outbyte Driver Updater. Outbyte Driver Updater is a great solution to keep all drivers up-to-date with just a few clicks.

It not only helps you update drivers but helps restore missing or corrupt drivers, creates driver backups, and much more.

Outbyte Driver Updater

Get the best driver updates automatically with Outbyte Driver Updater.
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4. Perform CHKDSK for the USB drive

  1. Open the Start menu.
  2. Search for Command Prompt and open it as an administrator.
  3. Type the below command and press Enter. chkdsk *: /f (Replace the * with the drive letter of your USB drive)
  4. Wait for the process to get complete.
  5. Restart your PC and check if you are still getting the error 0x800701B1 or not.

Running the CHKDSK utility will help you fix the corrupt or missing system file errors. It is easily accessible via CMD, and you can do it by following the above steps.

5. Tweak your drive’s security settings

  1. Open the File Explorer.
  2. Right-click on the problematic drive and select Properties.
  3. Switch to the Security tab.
  4. Click on Advanced.
  5. Click on Change in front of owner.
  6. Hit Advanced.
  7. Select Find now.
  8. Double-click on your username and click OK.
  9. Check the box for Replace All Child Object Permission Entries with Inheritable Permission Entries from This Object.
  10. Click on Apply and OK.

That is it from us in this guide. If you are facing Windows update error 0x8007371b, then you can check out our guide that lists some effective solutions to resolve it.

We also have a guide for fixing update error 0x80070026 in Windows 11. Let us know in the comments below which one of the above solutions resolved your issue.

Fix Dell Laptop Plugged In Not Charging in 6 Easy Steps

Is your Dell computer plugged in but not charging? This problem can be a result of various factors, such as a faulty AC adapter, a dead battery, outdated software, and so on.

The first thing to do when you notice battery issues on your machine is to run the troubleshooter.

After running the troubleshooter, if the issue persists, you may have to replace your battery, AC adapter, or both.

However, before shelling out the bucks on new hardware, we’ve put together some troubleshooting steps that you can follow.

Why is my Dell laptop not charging?

This issue can affect any model, and many reported that Dell XPS 13 isn’t changing at all. This can be a big issue, and the cause is usually the adapter itself.

It’s also possible that your battery is damaged and it can’t hold the charge anymore. If this happens, you’ll usually get No battery is detected message on your PC.

If the battery is damaged, your laptop won’t start if the charger isn’t connected, and the only way to fix this is to replace the battery.

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

  • Dell laptop not charging when plugged in
  • Dell laptop not charging with USB C
  • Dell laptop not charging on docking station
  • Dell laptop not charging no light
  • Dell laptop not charging or turning on
  • Dell laptop not charging to 100
  • Dell laptop not charging when turned off
  • Dell laptop plugged in charging but percentage not increasing
  • Dell laptop plugged in not charging windows 10
  • Dell Inspiron 15 3000, Dell Latitude 5420, Dell Precision 5550 not charging

Without further ado, let’s jump right into the list of solutions. Follow along!

How can I fix my Dell laptop not charging when plugged in?

1. Connect the PC to a wall socket directly

A surge protector can cause your Dell computer not to charge, even if it’s plugged in. The protector does this to guard the battery.

To be sure that the issue is not caused by this simple factor, you have to power off the machine and plug it directly into a wall socket.

2. Change the power adapter

Another factor that may result in your Dell computer not charging but plugged in is when the AC adapter is faulty.

A common sign of a bad adapter is that it makes a buzzing noise when you plug it into power.

Even if the AC adapter is silent, it could still be faulty or simply not compatible.

To confirm, try using a different AC adapter to charge the Dell battery.

If this new adapter charges your laptop’s battery, then the issue is not from your PC but the AC adapter.

3. Reconnect your battery and adapter

  1. Turn off the laptop.
  2. Remove the laptop’s battery.
  3. Unplug the AC adapter from power.
  4. Disconnect the AC adapter from your laptop.
  5. Press the Power button on the laptop and hold it for 10 seconds.
  6. Put your battery back into the laptop.
  7. Connect the AC adapter to the laptop and wall socket.
  8. Boot the laptop.

4. Update your BIOS

Updating your BIOS is a delicate operation because if something goes wrong, it can lead to you losing your data and settings.

Therefore, before updating the BIOS, make sure to back up your data.

BIOS stands for Basic Input/Output System. It manages all the hardware (including your motherboard) connected to your computer and how they interact with your operating system.

If the BIOS malfunctions or gets outdated, it can lead to your Dell computer not charging but plugged in. Use this detailed guide to learn how to update your BIOS on Windows 10.

5. Update your battery drivers

  1. Press Windows Key + R to open the Run dialog box. Type in devmgmt.msc and hit ENTER.devmgm dell laptop not charging when plugged in
  2. Expand the Batteries section on the list. Right-click on Microsoft ACPI-Compliant Control Method Battery. Click on Uninstall device from the context menu.uninstall-battery dell laptop not charging when plugged in
  3. Hit the Uninstall button.uninstall-button-battery dell laptop not charging when plugged in
  4. Restart your computer to automatically reinstall the software, then follow steps 1,2, and 3 again but choose Update driver instead of Uninstall.update-batteries dell computer not charging when pluged in
  5. On the new window, click on Search automatically for updated driver software. Then reboot your system.

You can also use dedicated updater software like the Outbyte tool. You can set it up to regularly update your drivers, so you won’t experience this issue in the future.

⇒ Get Outbyte Driver Updater

6. Clean your charging port

Dust and lint can accumulate in your laptop’s charging port and cause an obstruction when you connect your AC adapter to the machine.

Even if your Dell laptop charges correctly when plugged in, you should clean the laptop’s ports regularly.

The proper way to do this cleaning is to first power off the system and disconnect the AC adapter from the power source.

Next, make use of lint-free cloth dabbed in rubbing alcohol (optional), and clean the charging port thoroughly.

After this, allow the port to dry completely and then reconnect the AC adapter back. You could also make use of a dry air blower.

These are the recommended steps to troubleshoot and fix the annoying situation when your Dell computer is not charging but plugged in.

Although this guide is for Dell laptops, this issue is common in other laptops, such as HP, Lenovo, etc.

Therefore, you can refer to our troubleshooting guide on how to fix the charging problem on these brands.

Leave a comment in the section below and tell us what you think. Thanks for reading!

PowerToys v0.65.0 is now available, features a bunch of fixes and improvements

Microsoft has released the latest version of PowerToys, bumping it up to version 0.65.0. When compared to the previous release, this version does not come with any new utilities, like the much anticipated quick launcher. Though it features a ton of bug fixes and stability improvements.

When you upgrade to this version, you’ll notice that the codebase has been upgraded to work with .NET 7. What’s more, the Quick Accent utility will now show a description of the selected character, and finally, the ColorPicker supports adding custom formats.

However, it is worth noting that this update comes with a couple of known issues. For instance, the Text Extractor utility may fail to recognize text on ARM64 devices running Windows 10. Moreover, some users might find that the new Windows 11 context menu entries for PowerRename and Image Resizer might fail to appear, though a system restart might fix this.

And finally, some users have lodged complaints indicating that they are not able to open the Settings window, which is caused by incompatibilities with some applications. Microsoft has however presented a solution for this, which should work for you. Be sure to check out the full changelog for this and more.

If you are interested in trying out PowerToys on Windows 10 or 11, you can download the version 0.65.0 update from the GitHub page. If you already have PowerToys running on your device, it should automatically notify you of this update. Alternatively, you can get this update manually today by launching your app, then clicking on General followed by the Check for Updates, and then the Install Now button.

via: GitHub

Microsoft To Do now auto populates tasks due today in the My Day list

If you’re not conversant with Microsoft To Do, it is an app that can help you increase your productivity by helping you remember the tasks you need to accomplish each day. Building upon this premise, Microsoft has announced that it is adding support auto population of tasks due today in the My Day list.

How does this feature work? Well, it automatically populates your tasks in My Day on their due dates. This is an important and useful addition to the app because it will assist users to stay on track and plan their days accordingly. It is also more efficient and effective compared to the previous approach where users needed to add the tasks manually in My Day.

thumbnail image 1 of blog post titled Microsoft To Do now supports auto population of tasks due today in the My Day list!

If you want to make use of this feature, simply launch the app and click on the My Day list. You’ll then be able to view a list that contains all of your tasks due today. This is inclusive of any tasks that were previously added to your lists and are due today.

Microsoft has stated that it has rolled out this feature to 5% of its audience already. The feature is expected to hit general availability in the coming weeks. If you are just learning about Microsoft To Do, be sure to check out our expert guide that will help you get started.

Via: Microsoft

How to Uninstall a Wacom Driver on Windows 10 & 11

Once you are done using the Wacom tablet on your Windows PC, you may want to uninstall the driver, but not sure how? After the Wacom drivers are installed, they are usually hidden, and hence, it becomes difficult to uninstall the drivers.

However, once you are done using the tablet, you may want to uninstall the Wacom driver, and that’s when the complication arises.

How do I uninstall Wacom drivers on Windows 11?

Before you proceed with the actual process of uninstalling the Wacom drivers, here’s what you should remember:

  • Uninstalling the driver will remove any Wacom configurations. Hence, make sure that you have created a backup of all your preferences in advance.
  • Once the drivers are installed, you would need to restart your PC. Therefore, make sure that all your work is saved.
  • At the same time, you must have the username and password of the Windows 11 administrative user account handy.

Once you have ensured all of the above instructions, here’s how to uninstall the Wacom driver on your Windows 11 PC.

1. Uninstall the device from Programs & Features

  1. Detach the tablet (Cintiq, Intuos Pro, Intuos, and Bamboo) from your PC.
    1. Remove the USB cable, or remove the USB dongle from your PC.remove usb dongle
    2. If the tablet is connected via Bluetooth, make sure that you disable the tablet and Bluetooth on your device. To enable Bluetooth on Windows 11, you can follow our guide.
  2. Next, press the Win + R keys together to launch the Run console, type appwiz.cpl in the search bar, and hit Enter.
  3. In the Programs and Features window, go to the right, right-click on any Tablet, Wacom Tablet, or Bamboo entries from this list, and select Uninstall. uninstall wacom tablet
  4. Once the device has been uninstalled completely, restart the PC.

For more information, you can follow the steps in our detailed guide on how to uninstall apps on Windows 11 easily.

2. Uninstall the driver from the Device Manager

  1. Open the Run console by pressing the Win + R keys, type devmgmt.msc, and hit Enter to open the Device Manager window. run devmgmt.msc command
  2. Next, click on View, and select Show hidden devices. Show hidden devices in device manager
  3. Now, expand all the sections one after another, look for Wacom drivers, right-click on each driver, and select Uninstall device. uninstall wacom driver
  4. Click on Uninstall again to confirm the action. uninstall comfirmation
  5. Repeat Step 4 for all the Wacom drivers.
  6. Once done, close Device Manager, and restart your PC.

3. Remove any leftover files

  1. Press the Win + R keys simultaneously to open the Run console. Type control.exe folders in the search box and hit Enter. run control.exe folders command
  2. This will open the File Explorer Options dialogue. Here, go to the Advanced settings section, and go to Hidden files and folders.
  3. Now, select Show hidden files, folders, and drives. Press Apply and OK to save the changes and exit. Show hidden files, folders, and drives
  4. Next, press the Win + E keys together to open the File Explorer. Here, navigate to the below locations one by one, and delete the folders:
    • C:\Program Files\Tablet
    • C:\Users\<user>\AppData\Roaming\WTablet
    • C:\Users\<user>\AppData\Local\Temp\wactemp
    • C:\Users\<user>\AppData\Local\Wacom
  5. Now, navigate to C:\Windows\System32\, look for the below files and delete each of them:
    • WacDriverDLCoinst.dll
    • Wacom_Tablet.dll
    • Wacom_Touch_Tablet.dll
    • WacomMT.dll
    • WacomTabletUserDefaults.xml
    • WacomTouchUserDefaults.xml
    • Wacom_Tablet.dat

Now that you have deleted all the remaining Wacom files from your PC, you can reinstall the new drivers if you want.

If File Explorer is freezing or not responding, we recommend some troubleshooting methods here to fix the issue.

What can I do to fix the Wacom driver not working?

Thinking of uninstalling the Wacom driver because it’s not working? Well, you can even make it work by simply updating the driver, as shown below:

  1. To open the Run console, press the Win + R shortcut keys. Then type devmgmt.msc and hit Enter to launch the Device Manager. run devmgmt.msc command
  2. Now, look for the Wacom devices in each of the sections, right-click on the device you find, and select Update driver. update wacom driver
  3. In the Update Drivers window, click on Search automatically for drivers. Windows will start looking up the latest drivers, and when found, it will install them automatically. Search automatically for drivers

Once done, reboot your PC, and check if the Wacom device is working now.

Alternatively, you can also download the drivers directly from the official Wacom support page and install them manually.

Now that you know how to uninstall the Wacom driver, you may reinstall the drivers back again from their official website when you want to use the device again.

Here’s a quick guide on how to install drivers manually in three different ways on Windows 11.

For any other queries on Wacom drivers, do let us know in the comments section below.

Display Connection Might be Limited [Solved]

USB-C not working in Windows 10 has become a common problem since it also triggers the Display connection might be limited message. The most common causes for this issue and display or cable incompatibility, an incorrect port or driver issues.

To resolve the above causes, ensure that your external display and cable connected to the computer (or phone) support DisplayPort or MHL alternate modes.

Also, make sure your DisplayPort device is supported by your PC and ensure the device or dongle is directly connected to your computer’s or phone’s USB-C port, which supports the correct Alternate Mode.

How do I fix the Display connection might be limited error?

1. Replace and update the USB drivers

1.1 Update the driver using Windows Update

  1. Press Windows + I to open the Settings app, and select Update & Security from the options here.update and security to fix usb c not working windows 10
  2. Click the Check for updates button on the right in the Windows Update tab.check for updates to fix usb c not working windows 10
  3. If an update is listed after the scan, click on Download and install to get it.download & install to fix usb c not working windows 10

When this notification pops up, it means your USB device or computer ran into a problem, and you need to reset the USB-C port. The possible causes include a problem with the device or computer driver or a different issue altogether.

You can try and fix it first by taking down the error code on your computer or device, and depending on the error code you see, use the steps below:

Microsoft often releases driver updates along with regular Windows updates, so it’s recommended that you manually check for these and install if a newer version is available.

1.2 Use Device Manager

  1. Right-click Start and select Device Manager.device manager
  2. Expand Universal Serial Bus controllers, right-click on the USB-C port, and select Update driver from the context menu.update driver to fix usb c not working windows 10
  3. Click on Search automatically for drivers in the new window.

1.3 Update drivers automatically

To ensure all drivers are updated safely, you need to use specialized software that scans your computer, finds all outdated drivers, and updates them to the latest versions.

Fortect Driver Updater performs excellently in this task, plus it acts as a driver manager in the long term, so you never have to worry about missing any driver updates.

⇒ Get Fortect Driver Updater

If you cannot find a better driver this way, there’s a good chance one is available on the manufacturer’s website. So, head to it, verify the same, and if there’s one available, install it.

Once done, verify if the USB C display is not working in Windows 10 problem is resolved.

2. Run the built-in troubleshooter

  1. Press Windows + R to open Run, enter msdt.exe -id DeviceDiagnostic in the text field, and click OK to open the Hardware and Devices troubleshooter.msdt.exe -id DeviceDiagnostic
  2. Click Next and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the process.next

The built-in tool is an effective way to fix things if the USB-C port has stopped working in Windows 10 or 11.

3. Enable USB-C in BIOS

Note icon NOTE
The steps might be slightly different on your computer, but they should provide an essential insight into the process. Check the FAQ section on the manufacturer’s website for the exact steps.
  1. Power off the computer, and then restart it. Once the display lights up, hit the dedicated key to enter the BIOS.
  2. Go to Advanced mode.
  3. Next, head over to the Onboard devices configuration.
  4. Navigate to the entry USB Configuration USB Type C Power Switch /USB 3 and set the option to Enabled rather than Auto.

Many users complained that USB-C is not working with their motherboards when plugging into the dedicated port. These concerns most major laptop brands from Asus to MSI, Dell, Lenovo, or HP.

What can I do if USB C is not working on Windows 10?

In addition to the methods listed earlier for the specific cases, you can modify the Power settings on your computer. For example, several users reported disabling the USB selective suspend setting fixed things for them.

Also, verify that the ports are working fine and that no dust or other particles are lodged inside. Blowing air into the port should do the trick here.

What causes the pop-up message: Display connection might be limited?

Many users reported that after they connect a docking station, a pop-up message says Display connection might be limited. We briefly touched this subject in the beginning of this guide but if you want more information, here are the reasons for this problem:

  • Incompatible display – The Display connection might be limited error generally arises due to incompatibility between your external display and your system. The device has new features for the USB-C connector that your computer or device does not support.
  • The display is not detected – A faulty USB-C cable might cause the external display not to be detected.
  • Incorrect port – It happens when you connect a USB-C device supporting the DisplayPort alternate mode to a port on the computer that doesn’t. Connect the device to a port supporting this mode to fix things.
  • Driver issues – After a Windows update, the Display Connection might be limited because the drivers didn’t migrate properly. Updating the Windows 10 drivers should fix the problem.
  • External dock or hub incompatibility – If the display is connected to your computer or device from an incompatible external dock or hub, you will get this error.
  • Hardware or software issues – USB-C port not working can be due to hardware and software issues. USB non-detection by Windows is one primary culprit, with USB Type C not recognized issues being frequent.

The problem may be limited to specific devices. For instance, a USB-C microphone is not working in Windows 10. Here the problem either lies with the driver, configured settings, or the peripheral itself. If it’s not a port issue, find out what to do if the microphone is not working in Windows 10.

Do not forget to check the specific solutions when Windows can’t recognize USB-C.

If nothing else works and you are sure that the problem lies with the software aspect, performing a system restore would get things up and running.

If you’re looking for an adapter, here’s a list of the best USB-C to micro USB adapters on the market.

That’s all there’s to problems with USB C ports in Windows. Also, the fixes listed here would work if the USB-C port is not working in Lenovo. Many users reported that they encountered Display connection might be limited on Lenovo.

If you upgraded to the new OS, find out what to do if Windows 11 is not recognizing USB devices in case you face issues with other ports.

Have any of these pointers helped you resolve the USB-C not working Windows 10 issue? Let us know in the comments section below.

VIDEO_TDR_FAILURE: Main Causes & How to Fix this BSoD

Graphics is an integral part of the PC and ensures a crystal clear image along with effective overall functioning. But, at times, due to issues with the graphics driver, you may encounter the VIDEO_TDR_FAILURE error in Windows 11.

The error may appear due to both hardware and software-related problems, which makes troubleshooting a tad bit trickier. So, let’s find out all about the igdkmd64.sys Video TDR Failure error.

What causes VIDEO_TDR_FAILURE?

The Video TDR Failure error usually has to do with the graphics adapter. Along with the stop code, you will see a file name, and many might be wondering what is igdkmd64 sys & how to fix a blue screen error?

The igdkmd64.sys is a file related to Intel graphics, nvlddmkm.sys to Nvidia graphics, and atikmpag.sys to AMD graphics. Here are a few reasons you might be getting the error:

  • Incompatible or outdated drivers – Usually, it’s incompatible or outdated drivers responsible for the VIDEO_TDR_FAILURE error in Windows 11.
  • Overheating – If the PC is overheating, chances are that the graphics adapter wouldn’t work correctly and may crash.
  • Processes consuming too much resources – Many users reported the error when running too many processes simultaneously.

And while we are at it, here are a few variations you may come across:

  • VIDEO_TDR_FAILURE while mining – With the recent boom in mining, miners have started encountering this error. This usually happens while deploying their graphics card for mining.
  • VIDEO_TDR_FAILURE atikmpag.sys – With the file name, atikmpag.sys, being listed, it indicates that the problem lies with the AMD graphics.
  • VIDEO_TDR_FAILURE nvlddmkm.sys– In this case, it’s the NVIDIA adapter or driver to be blamed.
  • igdkmd64.sys Memory Integrity System Service Exception – The igdkmd64.sys file causes BSOD errors for a lot of users, though almost are easily fixable.

How can I fix the VIDEO_TDR_FAILURE error?

Before we head to the slightly complex solutions, here are a few quick ones you might try:

  • Force power off the computer from the blue screen and then turn it back on. Now, check if the VIDEO_TDR_FAILURE error reappears in Windows 11 since it was a one-time issue in many cases.
  • Check for overheating and release some load off the CPU. To do that, terminate some tasks and background processes in the Task Manager.
  • Make sure Windows 11 is up-to-date.
  • Disconnect all non-critical hardware from the computer in case one of these conflicts with the graphics adapter.
  • If you are overclocking the CPU for better performance, revert any such changes, and use the PC under normal conditions.

In case none of these work, head to the solutions listed next.

1. Update the graphics driver

  1. Press Windows + X to open the Power User menu, and select Device Manager.device manager
  2. Expand the Display adapters section, right-click on the graphics adapter, and choose Update driver.update driver to fix video_tdr_failure windows 11
  3. Select Search automatically for drivers and wait for Windows to install the best one.search automatically for drivers

This is probably the easiest way to update the graphics driver. But you may often need to install the driver manually if Windows cannot find an update.

Also, you could directly visit the manufacturer’s website, download the compatible driver’s setup, and install it. Here are the links to the download pages:

If you don’t want the hassle of updating drivers manually, we strongly suggest doing it automatically by using a tool capable of installing, fixing, or updating PC drivers securely.

⇒ Get Fortect Driver Updater

2. Rollback the display driver

  1. Press Windows + R to open Run, type devmgmt.msc, and then hit Enter.devmgmt.msc
  2. Expand Display adapters, right-click on the graphics adapter, and choose Properties.properties
  3. Now, head to the Driver tab, and click on the Roll Back Driver button.roll back driver to fix video_tdr_failure
  4. Choose a reason for the rollback, and click on Yes to continue.confirm to fix video_tdr_failure windows 11

If you are getting igdkmd64.sys due to an incompatible driver, rolling back the update to automatically reinstall the previous version should fix the VIDEO_TDR_FAILURE error in Windows 11.

3. Uninstall recent Windows update

  1. Press Windows + I to open Settings, select Windows Update from the left, and click on Update history on the right.update history
  2. Now, scroll down to the bottom and click on Uninstall updates.uninstall updates to fix video_tdr_failure windows 11
  3. Click on Uninstall next to the update that you want to remove.uninstall
  4. Again, click Uninstall in the confirmation prompt, and wait for the process to complete.uninstall update

If the VIDEO_TDR_FAILURE error in Windows 11 started after updating the OS, uninstalling the recent update should do the trick, just like it did for several other users.

4. Modify the registry

  1. Press Windows + R to open Run, type regedit, and click OK.registry
  2. Click Yes in the UAC prompt.
  3. Now, paste the following path in the address bar and hit Enter:Computer\HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\GraphicsDriverspath
  4. Right-click anywhere on the blank portion, hover the cursor over New, choose DWORD (32-bit) Value, and then name it TdrDdiDelay.dword to fix video_tdr_failure windows 11
  5. Now, double-click on the entry you just created, enter 20 under Value data, and click on OK to save changes.change value data
  6. Once done, restart the computer for the changes to come into effect.

5. Use a dedicated Windows fixer

We suggest using a specialized tool when you are dealing with BSOD (Blue Screen of Death) errors. It will take care of them without you knowing their actual cause.

It is very likely to resolve this issue using dedicated tools, having automated assistance for Windows errors or system malfunctions provided by a system fixer.

6. Run the DISM and SFC scans

  1. Press Windows + R to open Run, type cmd, and hit Ctrl + Shift + Enter.command prompt
  2. Click Yes in the UAC prompt.
  3. Now, paste the following three commands individually and hit Enter after each:Dism /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth Dism /Online /Cleanup-Image /CheckHealth Dism /Online /Cleanup-image /RestoreHealth
  4. Once done, execute the following command to run the SFC scan: sfc /scannowsfc scan to fix video_tdr_failure windows 11

After running the two commands, verify whether the VIDEO_TDR_FAILURE error is fixed in Windows 11. If not, head to the next solution.

7. Reconfigure the NVIDIA Control Panel

  1. Launch the NVIDIA Control Panel.
  2. Navigate to Configure Surround, PhysX from the navigation pane, choose GeForce from the Processor dropdown menu, and then click Apply to save the changes.GeForce to fix video_tdr_failure windows 11
  3. Once done, restart the computer.

That’s it! If nothing so far has worked, reconfiguring the NVIDIA Control Panel settings for NVIDIA graphics should get things up and running when Windows 11 crashes with the VIDEO_TDR_FAILURE error.

In case this, too, doesn’t do the trick, it’s likely that the graphics adapter is failing due to hardware malfunction, and we recommend you get it checked at a computer repair shop.

After you have fixed the error, do not forget to find out how to make Windows 11 faster.

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