Microsoft Store Themes: How To Download & Install

Posted on by Madalina Dinita

The Microsoft Store is the main content hub for Windows users. You can download the latest Windows apps, games, Microsoft Edge extensions, music, or movies. You name it, and you can find it in the Store.

Did you know that you can also download Microsoft Store themes for PC? As a quick reminder, a theme is not only a wallpaper. It is a combination of desktop background pictures, window colors, and sounds.

There are lots of impressive desktop themes in the Microsoft Store that you can use to personalize your computer. You can choose from a wide range of themes, such as animals, natural wonders, movies, plants, and flowers, themes with custom sounds, or themes compatible with certain operating systems.

How can I download Microsoft Store themes?

1. First, go to the Microsoft Store’s theme page.

2. select the theme you want to install in the left-hand panel. We’ll select “Animals” > “African wildlife”

download themes Windows Store

3. Click the Download button to download the theme on your computer.

4. Double-click the downloaded theme in the download bar.

windows 10 theme

5. This will automatically install the theme and launch the Appearance and Personalization menu. You can further personalize the appearance of your OS by enabling the desktop background slide show option, or changing the menu color.

set windows 10 theme

It is worth mentioning that the Windows Store also offers panoramic themes for dual monitor systems. This feature is handy because it saves you the trouble of adjusting your favorite themes to your dual monitor system.

And if you have a few additional ones installed, find out how to delete themes in Windows.

Most likely, Microsoft will add more customization options in the future. What are your favorite Microsoft Store themes for desktop PCs?

How to Show Sender Name In Outlook If It’s Not Visible

Posted on by Tashreef Shareef

Sometimes, Outlook may not show the sender’s name in the inbox. This issue can occur while searching for an email or looking through messages. You can fix this by changing the view settings to Compact or Preview.

Find below a few ways in which you can fix Outlook not showing who the email is from.

How to get Outlook email show the sender’s name

1. Check the View settings

  1. To fix sender name not showing in Outlook 365, open Outlook and click View on the menu bar.
  2. Select Change View and select Compact or Preview.

2. Check Service Health Dashboard

Outlook email inbox not showing sender
  1. Open the Microsoft Office portal admin center.
  2. Open the Service Status and check if the issue is posted to the dashboard.
  3. If the issue is posted, Microsoft will release a fix or resolve the Outlook inbox not showing sender name error.

3. Open Outlook in clean view mode

Outlook email inbox not showing sender
  1. Press Windows Key + R to open Run.
  2. Type outlook.exe or cleanview and hit Enter.
    • Outlook will reset the default view.
    • It also deletes any custom views you have created.
  3. Close and relaunch the Outlook client and check for any improvements.

3.1 Open Outlook in Safe Mode

Outlook email inbox not showing sender
  1. Press and hold the Ctrl key.
  2. Click on the Outlook client to launch the app.
  3. Click Yes when a window appears asking if you want to start the application in Safe Mode.
  4. Open the inbox and check if the sender’s name is visible.
  5. If Outlook is showing the sender’s name, it is most likely that a third-party app is causing the problem.
  6. Restart the Outlook client in normal mode.
    Outlook sender name not visible
  7. Disable all the third-party add-ins that you have installed. To do this, go to File > Options > Add-ins.
  8. Relaunch and check if the issue persists.
  9. If the issue is resolved, find the add-on that is causing the problem by enabling them one by one.

4. Run Office repair tool

Outlook sender name not visible
  1. Press Windows Key + R to open Run.
  2. Type control and click OK to open the Control Panel.
  3. Go to Programs > Programs and Features.
  4. Select your Microsoft Office program from the list of the installed programs.
  5. Click on the Change option. Click Yes when prompted by the UAC.
  6. The repair tool offers the following options:
    • Quick Repair – The Quick Repair option will fix most issues quickly without requiring an internet connection.
    • Online Repair – If the issue persists, Online Repair offers advanced repairing options and requires an internet connection throughout.
  7. Click the Repair button to run the troubleshooter.
  8. Follow on-screen instructions and apply any recommended fixes. The emails with no sender in Outlook issue will be fixed.

5. Check for Office updates

Outlook sender name not visible
  1. Start Microsoft Outlook.
  2. Click on File and select Office Account.
  3. Under Product Information, click on Update Options.
  4. If the updates are disabled, click on Enable Updates.
  5. Click again on Update Options and select Update Now.
  6. Outlook will download and install available updates.
  7. Relaunch the Outlook client and check for any improvements.

The Outlook email inbox not showing sender issue can occur for multiple reasons. To fix the problem, check Office Admin Portal for status updates or follow the troubleshooting tips in this article to resolve the problem.

You may also be interested in what to do if the Inbox button is not working in Outlook, Outlook not updating the Inbox, or the Outlook navigation bar has moved to the left.

If you know of any other solution for this common Outlook issue, leave it in the comments section below so that we may update the article accordingly.

How to Keep a Dangerous File in Chrome & Stop Its Blocking

Posted on by Aleksandar Ognjanovic

Chrome is the most popular browser in the world, but many reported This file is dangerous message while using it. But what if you want to keep the dangerous file?

Your security is important, so you should use security and privacy extensions for Chrome to maintain it, but what if Chrome falsely targets a file as dangerous? This guide will help you fix that.

Why does Chrome say a file is dangerous?

This message is a part of Chrome’s Safe Browsing feature. The feature is designed to protect you against the following threats:

  • Fraudulent websites – This feature will automatically block access to websites that are deemed untrusted. It can also help you detect scams such as Google critical security alert scam.
  • Unwanted software – You can get this error if Chrome deems the file you’re downloading deceptive, potentially harmful, or if it comes from an untrusted source. This is frequently a false positive, so in most cases, you won’t have to worry as long as you have reliable antivirus software installed.
  • Malware – You can also get this message if you accidentally try to download a malicious file. Do keep in mind that sometimes false detections can sometimes occur.

How can I keep a dangerous file in Chrome?

Before we start fixing this issue, there’s one possible workaround that you might want to try:

  • Download manager – This type of software allows you to download files without using a browser, so you can circumvent this Chrome message by using one.
  1. Locate the download link that you want to use.
  2. Right-click it and choose Save link as.
  3. Now choose the download location and save the file.
  4. You should see a message at the bottom saying that the file can’t be downloaded securely.
  5. Click the arrow next to it and choose Keep.

The file will now download without problems.

2. Disable Chrome security prompts and restore blocked downloads

  1. Open Chrome and click on the three-dot menu from the top right corner to select Settings.
  2. Next, navigate to Privacy and security followed by Security.
  3. Here, make sure to select No protection.

  4. Click on Turn off to confirm.

Once the file is downloaded, scan it with your antivirus and enable this feature again.

3. Try a different browser

If you’re worried about your safety online, you might want to try Opera One. It’s an amazing alternative that offers lots of features. Most of them will make your life easier and help you keep your data safe.

Opera One has numerous privacy-oriented features, such as tracking and phishing protection. Moreover, there’s also the built-in VPN that keeps your online footprint to a minimum while keeping your privacy protected.

Moreover, Opera’s security settings are highly customizable, allowing users that know their online behavior to tweak them for the best performance. You can easily enable protection against untrusted websites and also set HTTP/SSL certification options.

You can also pre-select how much access you give websites to your data. From the Opera One settings, you can disable access to location, camera, and more.

Customization is another perk you will enjoy, as Opera One allows you to craft your own workspace and flow, customize your sidebar, and its appearance, and much more.

Opera One

Enjoy the Internet with the best antiphishing and antimalware system integrated directly into your browser.
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In recent years, both mainstream and alternative browsers introduced security checks when opening untrusted links or downloading suspicious files. Chrome is leading the trend with its built-in antimalware and anti-phishing system.

In this article, we explored how to download certain files, although they have been blocked by Chrome’s antimalware system.

Now that you know how to keep potentially dangerous files, you should be able to fix the Couldn’t download virus detected error in no time.

Let us know your questions or thoughts in the comments section below.

How Many Apps Does Microsoft Store Have: Year-By-Year Guide

Posted on by Radu Tyrsina

At the time of this writing, there are over 800,000 apps in the Microsoft Store. The unfortunate part is that among those applications you’ll find a lot of curious omissions.

For example, the most important Google apps, like Gmail are still missing. This tells us that, despite the Store’s relatively high number of apps, Microsoft still struggles with courting big developer names.

We will be counting just how many applications are in the Microsoft Store as much as we will can and will keep you updated on this. We all want the Microsoft Store to thrive, right?

How many apps are in Microsoft Store: Historical Data

windows store number of apps

Microsoft’s problem with the UWP apps is more than noticeable. Even though the company constantly develops new strategies for improving the state of apps in the Microsoft Store, it somehow always fails to hit the jackpot.

We already have innovations like cross-platform compatibility and Windows 10 Desktop Bridge. Some would say these features are quite attractive for developers. However, the situation has remained same.

Truth be told, the Microsoft Store has never been the fastest-growing platform. Both Google Play and the Apple App Store have reached milestones faster than Microsoft’s store.

Back in 2017, Apple’s and Google’s platforms are three times bigger than the Microsoft Store. According to reports, there were 2,800,000 apps in the Google Play Store and 2,300,000 in the Apple App Store.

The Microsoft Store comes in third with just 669,000.

We’ll keep track of how things evolve, so be sure to check our website as we will update you with news and numbers about the current state of Windows 10 applications.

For now, you can check all the updates of this article to see the evolution of Windows apps in the Store.

What is the current number of apps on the Microsoft Store?

Update 1:

Here is the first update to the number of Windows 8 apps currently in the Microsoft Store. According to the latest reports, currently, there are about 13,000 applications in the Microsoft Store (8 November 2012).

In slightly more than a week after its launch, the Microsoft Store’s number of apps increased by 50%, a good sign for Microsoft. But, this growth is sustained by apps that are professional.

My biggest issue with the Microsoft Store is that there might be enough applications, but most of them are applications that are published by amateur developers and ones you’ll delete as soon as you download them.

Let’s hope that the Microsoft Store will not increase only in quantity but also in quality.

Update 2

The Microsoft Store just keeps on growing. One week after its latest update, we now have around 16,000 Windows 8 and Windows RT applications in the Microsoft Store, 3,000 more than on our previous update.

This means that the Microsoft Store is growing by roughly 3,000 applications per week, which means around 12, 000 applications per month. Still, it’s pretty far from Microsoft’s own estimate of 100,000 by February.

Some sources say that eight million copies of Windows 8 have been sold, but we’re still expecting tablets with Windows 8 and RT to start pouncing on iOS and Android.

This is because current growth is no match for these stores, so in one year we’ll see the Microsoft Store will only have grown by around 150,000 apps.

Compare that to 700,000+ apps in the iOS and Android stores and you have four years until Microsoft Store can rival them. So, let’s hope more developers will feel the love for Windows 8 and Windows RT.

Update 3

The Microsoft Store is enlarging and it number of apps is always increasing. It’s now 23 November and rumor has it there are even more than 20,000 apps in the Store for Windows 8 and RT.

The last time we reported there were 16,000 apps and now that number has increased by 4,000 apps, which means slightly over the 3,000 apps/week number we’ve managed to get.

Let’s hope that the interest of developers will pick up and also, once more tablets are sold, more users will be there – the perfect target for developers.

Update 4

Windows 8 developers, it seems you are working hard at your desks! The latest report has it that there are more than 25,000 applications in the Microsoft Store, meaning that the Microsoft Store is growing at the previous rate, which is both good and bad news at the same time.

It’s good because the Store keeps on growing but it’s bad because it’s growing at a slow pace. Let’s hope we’ll hear better news.

Update 5

For those out there wondering how many apps there are in the Windows 8/RT Microsoft Store, we are still updating this article.

Five days before Christmas, new reports suggest there are already more than 30,000 apps in the Store, but the problem still persists with useless and irrelevant apps. Microsoft needs to do something about that, for sure.

Update 6

It’s been a while since the last update, but the Microsoft Store hasn’t stopped growing. According to the MetroStore scanner website, the Store will soon reach 50,000 applications for Windows 8 and Windows RT!

Of course, it still has a long way before it can rival Google Play or the mighty Apple App Store, but don’t forget that Windows 8 is a bet for the future that will slowly but surely gain traction.

Update 7

We’re updating the article to inform you about the number of apps in the Microsoft Store because it appears that we have reached a milestone!

According to data obtained by WinBeta, the number of Windows 8 and Windows RT apps will soon reach 100,000! This is indeed awesome as it’s double the amount we spoke about in the last update! Keep it going, awesome developers!

Update 8

It’s been a while since we updated this article, but as we’re reaching the end of 2015, it seems the release of Windows 10 has boosted the number of apps on the Microsoft Store which are said to be more than 700,000.

Update 9

Microsoft Store has now more than 800,000 apps. There is no official information about the exact number of apps, but we think that Microsoft is simply waiting for the seven-digit figure.

Once that milestone is completed, we will have the exact amount.

Your Network is Behind a Cone NAT: How to Fix This Easily

Posted on by Milan Stanojevic

In order to fully enjoy multiplayer experience on your Xbox One your network needs to be configured properly.

If that’s not the case you might get Your network is behind a port-restricted NAT message on Xbox One. This error will prevent you from accessing certain multiplayer features, so let’s see how to fix it.

How can I fix Your network is behind a port-restricted NAT error on Xbox One?

  1. Forward / trigger your ports
  2. Use DMZ feature
  3. Enable UPnP
  4. Repeat the Internet connection test
  5. Turn off UPnP settings
  6. Enable Access Point feature and turn the UPnP on
  7. Update your router’s firmware
  8. Change NAT filtering settings
  9. Use wireless connection instead
  10. Turn Bridged Mode on your modem

Before we start, let’s quickly explain what NAT is and how does it work. NAT stands for Network Address Translation and it’s performed by your router.

This feature allows all devices on your home network to access your external IP address that is assigned by your ISP.

There are three NAT options on Xbox One, and they are Open, Moderate and Strict.

Moderate NAT will give you Your network is behind a port-restricted NAT message, and this is why it’s important that you switch it to Open NAT in order to avoid these types of problems in the future.

Solution 1 – Forward / trigger your ports

In order to remove this message, it’s advised that your forward or trigger certain ports.

Problems with NAT can occur if specific ports aren’t forwarded, but you can easily change that. To forward your ports, you need to access your router’s configuration settings and assign a static IP address to your Xbox One.

After that, you need to forward the following ports:

  • Port 88 (UDP)
  • Port 3074 (UDP & TCP)
  • Port 53 (UDP & TCP)
  • Port 80 (TCP)
  • Port 500 (UDP)
  • Port 3544 (UDP)
  • Port 4500 (UDP)

Forwarding ports is different for each router, therefore we strongly suggest that you check your router’s manual for detailed instructions. Some users are recommending to trigger the ports in the range 88-88, 3074-3074, etc.

Few users reported that they fixed this problem by forwarding the following ports as well:

  • Port 16000 (UDP and TCP) for party chat and matchmaking
  • Port 1863 (UDP and TCP) for Kinect, Skype and video issues
  • Port 3075 and 3076 for Call of Duty Ghosts and some other games

After forwarding the ports you just need to connect to your network on Xbox One. Be sure that you don’t enter static network information. Instead set your network configuration to Automatic on your Xbox One.

By doing so your router will do all the necessary configuration for your console.

Now you need to test your network connection to ensure that everything is working properly. To do that, follow these steps:

  1. Go to Settings and select Network. You should see the relevant information regarding your network connection.
  2. In the Troubleshooting section select Test network connection. Wait while the scan tests your Internet connection. Once it’s done, select Continue.
  3. Now select Test multiplayer connection option from the Troubleshooting section.
  4. When you see the scan results hold LB + LT + RB + RT on your controller.
  5. You’ll see a new screen with detailed network report.
  6. Look for Detailed NAT status option. Wait for a minute or two and the Detailed NAT status will change. If it changes to OPEN NAT type, it means that the problem is resolved.

Few users reported that you need to restart your router while forwarding ports in order for changes to take effect. To do that, follow these simple steps:

  1. Press the power button on your router to turn it off.
  2. Wait for 30 seconds or more.
  3. Press the power button again and wait until your router turns on completely.
  4. After that, start your Xbox One and check if the problem is resolved.

Solution 2 – Use DMZ feature

Some routers support DMZ feature, also known as Demilitarized Zone, and you should be able to fix various network problems with your Xbox One simply by enabling this feature.

This feature works similarly to port forwarding, but instead of forwarding specific ports, it will forward all ports to your Xbox One.

To use this feature first you need to access your router configuration page and assign a static IP address to your console. If you have any port forwarding or triggering enabled, be sure to disable it.

After that, locate the DMZ feature and enable it. To enable this feature you might have to enter your Xbox’s static IP address or its MAC address.

Remove any network settings that you have on your Xbox One and make sure that your network configuration is set to Automatic. Now you need to test your network connection.

We explained in detail how to do that in our previous solution, so be sure to check it out. Be sure to press LB + LT + RB + RT on your controller after the network scan is completed to see the detailed results.

Wait for couple of minutes and check if Detailed NAT status changes to Open.

We have to mention that using DMZ feature is a lot simpler than forwarding the specific ports, but keep in mind that not all routers support this feature.

Before enabling DMZ feature, be sure to check your router’s manual and see if this feature is supported by your device.

Solution 3 – Enable UPnP

Few users reported that this issue can be solved by using UPnP, also known as Universal Plug and Play. This feature allows your network devices to discover one another and establish the connection seamlessly.

To enable this feature you need to access your router’s configuration page and clear any port forwarding and DMZ settings. Now locate and enable UPnP feature.

By enabling this feature your router should automatically detect the ports that Xbox One uses and enable them without the need for any manual configuration.

After enabling this feature, go to your Xbox One and set network configuration to Automatic.

Test your network connection and press the LB + LT + RB + RT button combination. Wait for a minute or two and check the status of Detailed NAT.

Although UPnP allows you to automatically configure your Xbox One to work with your router, few users reported issues with it.

According to them, this feature doesn’t work if you’re using Instant-On power mode on your Xbox, so you’ll have to switch to Energy-saving mode. To do that, follow these steps:

  1. Press the Menu button on your controller.
  2. Go to Settings > Power & startup.
  3. In Power Options section select Power mode and press the A button on the controller.
  4. Choose Energy-saving option.

After turning Energy-saving mode on UPnP should work without any problems and the Your network is behind a port-restricted NAT message will be removed.

Keep in mind that Energy-saving mode will completely turn off your console, so it will start a bit slower when you press the power button.

We also have to mention that UPnP feature doesn’t require that you assign a static IP address to your Xbox.

Still, few users reported that assigning a static IP address and turning on UPnP fixed the issue for them, so you might want to try that.

Solution 4 – Repeat the Internet connection test

Few users reported that you can fix this problem simply by repeating the Internet connection test a few times. According to them, you need to repeat it until you get Open NAT or Your network is behind a cone NAT message.

For detailed instructions on how to test your Internet connection be sure to check Solution 1.

Solution 5 – Temporarily disable your router’s firewall

Your router comes with its own firewall that is designed to protect your from malicious users and attacks, but sometimes your firewall configuration can affect your multiplayer experience.

To fix this problem you need to open your router configuration page and turn off the firewall. After turning off the firewall check if the Your network is behind a port-restricted NAT message still appears on your Xbox One.

Disabling your router’s firewall is always a security risk, but if disabling the firewall fixes the problem on your Xbox One, you need to enable the firewall and check the firewall configuration to determine why is your firewall blocking Xbox One.

Solution 6 – Turn off UPnP settings

Few users reported that UPnP feature was causing the Your network is behind a port-restricted NAT message to appear on their console.

As we already mentioned, this feature should automatically configure all network devices, including your Xbox One, but sometimes certain problems can occur.

After disabling the UPnP feature the problem should be resolved.

Solution 7 – Enable Access Point feature and turn the UPnP on

Couple of users reported that they fixed this issue on their Xbox One simply by changing their router configuration.

According to them, all that you have to do is to enable Access Point feature on your router and turn on UPnP. After doing that, the issue should be resolved.

Solution 8 – Update your router’s firmware

Your router is in charge for network configuration and all your network traffic, but sometimes in order to get the best performance from your router you need to update its firmware.

New firmware brings new features, and in some cases updating the firmware on your router can fix the problems with your Xbox One.

Users reported that Your network is behind a port-restricted NAT issue was resolved after installing the latest firmware update for their router, so you might want to try doing that.

Keep in mind that updating your firmware is an advanced procedure, and you should check your router’s instruction manual before trying to update the firmware on your router.

Solution 9 – Change NAT filtering settings

As we already mentioned, your modem configuration can cause this and many other network-related issues on Xbox One.

According to some users you can fix Your network is behind a port-restricted NAT issue simply by changing NAT filtering settings on your modem. To do that you need to follow these steps:

  1. Open your modem’s configuration page.
  2. Go to Advanced Settings > WAN setup.
  3. Locate NAT filtering and change it to Open.
  4. Disable SIP ALG and save changes.

This procedure might be a bit different on your modem, therefore we strongly suggest that you check your instruction manual for detailed instructions.

Solution 10 – Use wireless connection instead

Both wireless and wired connections have their advantages, and while using wired connection allows you to access the Internet without any interference or data loss, many users prefer using wireless connection due to its simplicity.

In fact, if you use wired connection you might encounter Your network is behind a port-restricted NAT message on your Xbox One.

Users reported that after switching to the wireless network, their NAT changed to Open and this issue was completely resolved.

Solution 11 – Turn Bridged Mode on your modem

Some modems can work as wireless routers as well, but sometimes that can cause issues with certain devices such as Xbox One. To fix this problem, you need to turn on Bridged Mode option on your modem.

This option will disable router features of your modem and you won’t be able to use Wi-Fi, so keep that in mind.

After turning on Bridged Mode, you just need to connect your console to your modem using an Ethernet cable and check if that fixes the issue.

To see how to enable Bridged Mode on your modem be sure to check its instruction manual.

Your network is behind a port-restricted NAT message is not an error, but this message can prevent certain multiplayer features from running.

In some cases this message can seriously affect your multiplayer experience, but we hope that you managed to solve this issue by using one of our solutions.

If you have any other suggestions or questions, don’t hesitate to leave them in the comments section below.

READ ALSO:

Reinstall Preinstalled Apps on Windows 10 [How to]

Posted on by Ivan Jenic

Sometimes, you might encounter issues with certain apps; if that happens, you must reinstall preinstalled apps on Windows 10.

If your apps are missing or have any problems, a quick reinstall should help; this guide will show you how to do it properly.

What are preinstalled apps on Windows?

Preinstalled apps are Microsoft Store apps available on your system as you install them. Thanks to those apps, users can perform basic tasks without downloading specialized software.

How do I reinstall preinstalled apps on Windows 10?

1. Use a specialized uninstaller before reinstalling apps from the Store

Sometimes, regular uninstalling procedures are not enough to completely uninstall an application. And if the app leaves some files behind, those can prevent you from adequately reinstalling that app.

That’s why we advise using an effective uninstaller software, an excellent solution that is easy to run and removes any app and leftovers that it may leave behind.

IObit Uninstaller is one of the best uninstalling software options; it has a free version and a pro version at an affordable price, and both come with top-notch performance.

This tool helps you uninstall unnecessary apps, especially when talking about many of them, and it helps you optimize the overall PC system performance.

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2. Remove applications manually to reinstall Microsoft Store apps

2.1. Remove apps from Apps & Features

  1. Press the Windows key + I to open the Settings app.
  2. When the Settings app opens, navigate to the Apps section.
    Reinstall Windows 10 apps Powershell
  3. A list of all installed apps will appear. You just need to select the application you want to remove and click on Uninstall. Then, follow the instructions on the screen to uninstall the application.
    Reinstall preinstalled apps Windows 10

One of the simplest ways to reinstall Microsoft Store apps is to uninstall them manually.

However, you will notice that some built-in apps have a grayed-out uninstall button, which means that you can’t uninstall them, at least not by using traditional means.

However, you can also uninstall those too. We have an excellent guide to help you quickly uninstall greyed-out apps on Windows 10.

2.2. Uninstall apps by right-clicking them

  1. Click the Start button and look for the application you want to uninstall.
  2. Right-click it and select Uninstall from the drop-down menu.

2.3. Reinstall the app from the Microsoft Store

  1. Press the Windows Key + S and type store. Select Store from the list of results.
  2. When the Microsoft Store opens, please enter the application’s name in the search bar and select it from the list.
    Reinstall the Windows Store app
  3. Click the Install button and wait for the application to reinstall.
    Reinstall Windows 10 apps Powershell

As you can see, this is a relatively simple method, and by using it, you can easily reinstall any application downloaded from the Microsoft Store.

If you want to remove built-in Microsoft Store apps from your PC, you might want to check out some of our other solutions.

3. Reinstall Microsoft Store apps using PowerShell

    If you want to reinstall any built-in Microsoft Store app such as Calculator or Mail, you’ll have to use PowerShell an advanced command line tool.

    In order to reinstall the apps, you need to uninstall them first. For safety reasons, it’s better to perform a complete backup or to create a restore point in Windows 10 before using this command to uninstall any app.

  1. 1. Press Windows Key + S and enter powershell.

  2. 2. Click on Run as administrator under PowerShell to open the app with elevated privileges.

    reinstall microsoft store app powershell run

  3. 3. When PowerShell opens, enter the following command and press Enter: Get-Appxpackage –Allusers | Select Name, PackageFullName

    reinstall microsoft store apps powershell

  4. 4. Now you should see a list of applications along with their full names.

  5. 5. Find the application you want to remove and copy its full name by pressing Ctrl + C.

  6. 6. Now enter the following command and press Enter to run it: Add-AppxPackage -register “C:\Program Files\WindowsApps\<PackageFullName>” –DisableDevelopmentMode

  7. 7. In our example this command would look like this: Add-AppxPackage -register “C:\Program Files\WindowsApps\Microsoft.WindowsCalculator_11.2307.4.0_x64__8wekyb3d8bbwe” –DisableDevelopmentMode

    • Keep in mind that the command will slightly differ depending on the application you’re trying to reinstall.

  8. 8. After running this command, the application or applications should be reinstalled and you’ll be able to use it once again.

  9. 9. If you want to reinstall all built-in Microsoft Store applications, including the Microsoft Store, you can do it by running the following command in PowerShell: Get-AppxPackage -AllUsers| Foreach {Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register “$($_.InstallLocation)AppXManifest.xml”}

PowerShell is an advanced tool, so be careful when using it. You can cause problems with your PC if you’re not careful.

4. Create a new user account to reinstall Microsoft Store apps

  1. Press the Windows key + I to open the Settings app.
  2. Then, navigate to the Accounts section.
    Reinstall preinstalled apps Windows 10
  3. In the menu on the left, select Family & other people.
  4. Next, click on Add someone else to this PC in the Other people section.
    Install Windows Store app manually
  5. Select I don’t have this person’s sign-in information.
    Reinstall the Windows Store app
  6. Click on Add a user without a Microsoft account.
    Reinstall Windows 10 apps Powershell
  7. Enter the desired username and click on Next.
    Reinstall preinstalled apps Windows 10

If you’re having problems with built-in Microsoft Store apps and can’t reinstall them using the methods above, you might have to create a new user account.

All built-in apps on it will be reinstalled by creating a new user account.

How do I remove preinstalled bloatware?

To do that, you can manually uninstall apps one by one or use debloating scripts to automate the process.

We wrote in detail how to remove bloatware from Windows 10 in a separate guide, so don’t miss it.

Does reset Windows remove preinstalled apps?

Depending on the type of reset you perform, you might remove all preinstalled apps and their data. However, the reset process will reinstall all preinstalled apps as well.

To learn more, we have a guide on how to factory reset Windows 10, so be sure to check it out.

As you can see, it’s easy to reinstall preinstalled apps on Windows 10, and by using these steps, you can reinstall Microsoft Store or restore missing default apps on Windows.

Did you find a different way to restore preinstalled apps on Windows 10? If so, let us know in the comments section.

Fix: Microsoft Windows Search Indexer High CPU Usage

Posted on by Matthew Adams

The Windows Search service is one that indexes files for the Windows search tool. That service is the SearchIndexer.exe or Windows Search Indexer process listed on Task Manager’s Processes tab.

However, some users have found that the Search Indexer process can hog a lot of system resources with high CPU and RAM usage.

Why is Microsoft Windows Search indexer running?

The Windows Search indexer can be a bliss just as much as it can be a nuisance and here’s why. Its role is to handle file indexing and thus speed up the search process on your PC.

When it’s running, you find whatever it is that you’re looking for faster. But it can also slow down your drive and affect your overall performance since it’s a relatively resource-intense process, to begin with.

Now, turning the Windows 10 indexing off in order to cut down on the Searchindexer.exe high CPU makes sense if you have a fast drive such as SSD as it can handle the search and retrieval of results on its own.

As always, the right configuration implies balancing different components, but if the Windows desktop search support high CPU becomes unbearable, you can rest assured that disabling the service -at least temporarily – won’t affect your system in any way.

You can always download Indexer Diagnostics to fix Windows Search issues, including high resource consumption instances. If not, feel free to check out our handy solutions to reduce the Windows search’s high CPU utilization.

? Microsoft Windows Search indexer high CPU on Windows 11

Before we move on with the solutions, let’s take a moment to see if and how the Windows desktop search support high CPU issue also applies to Windows 11. In short, yes, it does.

The good news is the solutions listed below will work just as well on the latest version of your OS. In addition, you can also perform these steps:

  • Update your drivers on the Windows 11 OS
  • Run SFC and DISM commands
  • Perform a System Restore to a point previous to the issue

In some cases, the Windows 11 Search Indexing can be turned off completely, so might want to enable it again.

How do I fix Windows Search Indexer high CPU?

1. Use a third-party repair software

If you’re having issues with Search Indexer’s high CPU usage, you should be able to fix it using specialized repair software that can fix a wide array of PC issues automatically.

The software will scan your PC for any problems and give you a list of issues. You can fix all these issues with just a couple of clicks without any additional user input.

These tools can fix a wide array of Windows errors, missing DLL files, BSOD errors, freezes, crashes, and, most importantly high CPU usage, so be sure to check them out.

2. Restart the Windows Search Service

  1. 1. You can start by pressing the Win + R hotkey and entering services.msc in Run‘s text box.

  2. 2. Press Run‘s OK button to open the Services window.

  3. 3. Scroll down to Windows Search.

  4. 4. Double-click Windows Search to open its configuration settings shown directly below.

    windows search properties

  5. 5. Select Disabled from the Startup type menu.

  6. 6. Press the Stop button.

  7. 7. Press the Apply and OK buttons.

  8. 8. Restart your PC.

  9. 9. Thereafter, open the Windows Search service window again.

  10. 10. Select Automatic (Delayed Start) from the Startup type drop-down menu.

  11. 11. Click the Start option, and then press the Apply and OK buttons to restart Windows Search.

    12. Restarting the Windows Search service might reduce the Search Indexer’s CPU usage. You can do this using the built-in Run dialog, which allows you to access Windows Search Properties.

    After restarting the services, the problem with searchindexer.exe high CPU usage should be resolved.

3. Run Search and Indexing Troubleshooter

  1. Click the Start button and select Settings.
  2. Now select Update & Security from the menu.
  3. Click on Troubleshoot from the left pane and Additional troubleshooters from the right.
  4. Select the Search and Indexing troubleshooter and hit the Run the troubleshooter button.
  5. Follow the on-screen instructions to fix the issue.

This can help fix other issues like search results aren’t quite ready yet.

4. Reduce Indexed Locations / Data

  1. To open Indexing Options, press the Cortana taskbar button.
  2. Enter indexing in the search box. Then click Indexing Options to open the window shown directly below.
     
  3. Press the Modify button to open the Indexed Locations window.
  4. Click the arrow beside the C: drive to expand its folders. Now you can deselect some of the check boxes to remove indexed locations.
  5. Press the OK button on the Indexed Locations window.
  6. Click Close on the Indexing Options window.

Reducing the amount of data the Search Indexer is indexing is one of the best ways to fix Windows Desktop Search support high CPU usage.

Users also complained about the delayed write failed error but the highlighted guide will help you fix it.

5. Rebuild the Index

  1. Open Indexing Options as outlined above.
  2. Click the Modify button, and deselect all the selected locations except the C: drive, as shown below.
    indexed location search indexer high CPU 
  3. Click OK to return to the Indexing Options window.
  4. Press the Advanced button to open the tab shown directly below.
  5. Press the Rebuild button on the Index Settings tab.
    advanced options window search indexer high CPU
  6. That will open the dialog box shown directly below. Press the OK button to confirm and rebuild the index.

Users reported that rebuilding the index fixed the searchindexer.exe high CPU usage, so we encourage you to try that.

6. Disable Windows Search Indexer

  1. Enter the keyword windows features in the Control Panel‘s search box.
  2. Click Turn windows features on or off to open the window directly below.
    windows features searchindexer.exe high cpu
  3. Deselect the Windows Search check box.
  4. Press the OK button to confirm the new settings.
  5. Reboot your desktop or laptop.

7. Run System File Checker

  1. Click the Start button, type cmd, and select Run as administrator from the results.
  2. Write or paste the following command and press Enter to execute it: sfc /scannow
  3. The process will start and the system files will be repaired. Wait until it is finished, then restart your device.

Should I disable indexing in Windows 10?

Digital indexation allows you to locate content faster by using specific filters such as keywords or creation dates. Now, if you don’t really search for files that often or if you use an SSD that can quickly retrieve files, it does not make much sense to keep indexing on.

The same goes for Microsoft Windows Search Indexer high CPU cases as you can easily get stuck at 100% disk usage.

This might be a more drastic resolution, but it will help with the Searchindexer.exe high CPU consumption rates. Don’t worry, this does not mean you won’t be able to use Windows Search at all.

Plus, if you need a replacement for Windows Search after switching it off, there are plenty of alternative third-party search utilities.

For example, you can install the freeware Agent Ransack, Copernic Desktop Search Lite, or UltraSearch. Agent Ransack is a highly-rated search software that has Lite and Pro versions.

So that’s how you can cut the Windows Search’s CPU and RAM usage down to size. That will free up system resources for other software and might also speed up the Windows OS a little.

Can’t Type in Command Prompt? 4 Ways to Quickly Fix it

Posted on by Loredana Harsana

Some of our readers have recently reported that they can’t type in Command Prompt to automate a task or troubleshoot computer problems.

It can seem quite unsettling when you cannot perform certain functions on your PC. Worry less, as we have provided some troubleshooting steps for this problem.

Why can’t I type in Command Prompt?

There can be several reasons why you can’t type in Command Prompt. From errors and complaints gathered from users, we have pointed out some potential causes of why you cannot type in Command Prompt.

Some of the factors responsible for this are:

  • Keyboard cable has been disconnected – It may be that your keyboard cable has been unplugged or the Bluetooth keyboard connector is inactive.
  • Corrupt User Profile – There’s a possibility that you won’t be able to type in Command Prompt if your current user profile or the system files are corrupt.
  • Antivirus and third-party programs – Some users claimed they discovered that their antivirus application was the cause, and after disabling it, they could use their Command Prompt.
  • No administrative privileges – Another possible reason for this error is if you are using a standard user account wherein your account does not have administrative privileges. You should consider granting administrative privileges to your user account.

Now that you know some of the reasons why you can’t type in Command Prompt, let’s proceed to how you can fix this problem.

What can I do if I can’t type in Command Prompt?

The following are a few quick checks you can perform since these have worked for others:

  • Check your keyboard’s connection cable.
  • Restart your PC in Safe Mode.
  • Disable your antivirus software for some time, and if possible, uninstall the program.
  • Remove some unnecessary programs from your Task Manager.
  • Install all pending Windows updates.

If, after applying all the preliminary checks, the error persists, please move to the next section to apply advanced solutions.

1. Run the SFC Scan

  1. Launch the Start menu, type powershell in the search bar, then press Run as an administrator.
  2. Now, type the following command in the PowerShell window and click on Enter: SFC /scannow
  3. Wait for the scanning process to complete and close the PowerShell window.

Once done, ensure you restart your computer. If PowerShell has stopped working in Windows 11, kindly read our recommended fixes here.

Besides following the manual steps, you can also count on specialized software to complete the procedure automatically.

2. Use your On-screen Keyboard

  1. Left-click on the Start button and type control panel, and launch it.
  2. Select the Ease of Access and click Ease of Access center.
  3. Then select Start On-Screen Keyboard.
  4. Left-click the Start button, type cmd, then launch it and use the On-Screen Keyboard.

Once you’ve brought up your Windows On-screen Keyboard, you should be able to type in the Command Prompt.

However, if the On-Screen Keyboard fails to work also, then you need to troubleshoot that with the fixes in our guide.

3. Run CMD as administrator from the Task Manager

  1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc keys to open the Task Manager and select Run new task.
  2. Type the following in the text field: cmd.exe
  3. Check the Create this task with administrative privileges box, and click OK.
  4. The Command Prompt will be immediately launched on your PC.

A simple trick is to run CMD as an administrator directly from your Task Manager. By this, you should be able to type in the Command Prompt with the administrative privileges.

If the Task Manager is not working on your PC, check out the possible fixes in this guide.

4. Use the Legacy mode

  1. Launch the Command Prompt, click on the Terminal icon at the upper-left corner, and select Properties.
  2. Select the Options tab, check the box to Use legacy console, and click OK.

This mode should allow you to type in Command Prompt if there are no issues with your PC’s keyboard.

These are the best solutions for this problem. Ensure to follow the steps outlined for each fix for optimal results.

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

Xbox Error Code 0x8b050033? Update using these solutions

Posted on by Tashreef Shareef

When trying to update your Xbox One console you may encounter the Xbox One update error 0x8b050033. This error occurs when the Xbox servers are down or are undergoing maintenance.

According to Microsoft, this is a common error and usually fixes itself when the services are restored. However, several users have reported that the error occurs if even all the Xbox services are up and running.

If you are also troubled by this error, here are a couple of troubleshooting tips to help you resolve the Xbox One update error 0x8b050033.

How can I fix Xbox One update error 0x8b050033?

1. Check Xbox Live service for outage

Xbox One update error 0x8b050033
  1. According to Microsoft, this error occurs if the Xbox Live servers are down and undergoing maintenance.
  2. Microsoft allows the users to check the Xbox Live service status on the official website.
  3. Visit the Xbox Live Status page.
  4. Xbox Live Status page lists all the services and games that are facing outage.
  5. If one of them appears to be down, wait till Microsoft fixes the issue. You can subscribe to service status updates by logging in with your Xbox account.

2. Perform a quick power start

  1. Make sure the Xbox One console is powered on.
  2. Press the Xbox button on the console for 15 seconds until the console is powered off.
  3. Once powered off, disconnect all the cables connected to the console.
  4. After a few minutes, reconnect all the cables.
  5. Press the Xbox button again on the console to power on the console.
  6. Try updating your Xbox One console and check for any improvements.

If the error is not caused by a server outage, it can be due to temporary issues with the console. A quick power cycle will work as a hard reset that will resolve any firmware related issues.

The Xbox One update error 0x8b050033 is a common error and is caused by an unresponding Xbox Live server. However, if there are no server issues, try performing a power cycle and see if that helps.

How to Enable gpedit.msc on Windows 10/11 Home Edition

Posted on by Andrew Wafer

In Windows 10 and 11 Home Edition, the Group Policy Editor (gpedit.msc) cannot be accessed by default. However, you can enable it without having to change your operating system.

You can use a batch file to make it work. If you want to learn how to do that and fix gpedit.msc not found, keep reading.

How do I enable Gpedit msc in Windows 10?

  1. 1. Type cmd in the Search bar, and click on Run as administrator.

    launch cmd as admin

  2. 2. Click Yes in the UAC prompt.

  3. 3. Paste the following two commands one at a time, and hit Enter after each:FOR %F IN ("%SystemRoot%\servicing\Packages\Microsoft-Windows-GroupPolicy-ClientTools-Package~*.mum") DO ( DISM /Online /NoRestart /Add-Package:"%F" ) FOR %F IN ("%SystemRoot%\servicing\Packages\Microsoft-Windows-GroupPolicy-ClientExtensions-Package~*.mum") DO ( DISM /Online /NoRestart /Add-Package:"%F" )

    enable gpedit.msc in Windows 10 home

  4. 4. To verify if the Local Group Policy Editor is installed, press Windows + R  to open Run, type gpedit.msc and click OK.

    gpedit.msc

    5. If your PC does not have Group Policy Editor enabled, you can easily tweak some settings to enable it. For this, you will have to use Command Prompt.

What can I do if the Group Policy Editor doesn’t start?

1. Force update the Group Policy Editor

  1. Press Windows + R to open Run, type the following command, and click OK: gpupdate /force

Windows will now force update the policies on your computer, and it should also fix issues with gpedit.msc.

2. Make changes in the Registry

  1. Press Windows + R to open the Run console, type regedit, and press Enter or click OK.
  2. Navigate to the following location in the Registry: HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT/CLSID/{8FC0B734-A0E1-11D1-A7D3-0000F87571E3}/InProcServer32
  3. Double-click the Default key, enter the following path under Value data, then click OK: %SystemRoot%/System32/GPEdit.dll

Once done, check if you are now able to launch gpedit.msc in Windows.

3. Change the Environment Variables

  1. Click the Windows button, type control panel, and select the app from the list.
  2. Make sure you have Large icons selected under the View by menu, and then click on System.
  3. Now scroll down in the right pane and choose Advanced system settings.
  4. Navigate to the Advanced tab, then hit the Environment Variables button.
  5. Select Path under System variables and click the Edit button.
  6. Copy and paste the following variables into the form and click OK:
    • %Systemroot%/System32
    • %Systemroot%
    • %Systemroot%/system32/WBEM

That being said, if you managed to open gpedit.msc, you might also be interested in finding out how to edit a Group Policy in Windows 10.

If you have any other questions, leave them in the comments section below, and we’ll be sure to take a look.

Enter Network Password in Outlook: 5 Ways to Get Rid of it

Posted on by Milan Stanojevic

Outlook is more than an email client, allowing users to create and manage tasks and note-taking, amongst many other features. Yet, many users reported that the Enter Network Password popup keeps appearing in Outlook.

The problem has been reported on all versions, including the Enter network password error in Outlook 2007. So, let’s find out how you can fix things.

What does Enter network password mean in Outlook?

The Enter network password box in Outlook 2007 keeps popping up when you have made changes to the account or migrated the profile. It usually acts as a confirmation medium, but when the error keeps appearing, it points to a problem.

Here are a few reasons you might be getting the prompt:

  • Incorrect password – The most common reason why the popup keeps reappearing in Outlook is that the password being entered is incorrect.
  • Misconfigured settings – In some cases, users found that misconfigured Outlook settings were responsible for the problem.
  • Corrupt Outlook profile – Even a corrupt profile can trigger issues, and the ideal solution here would be to rebuild the Outlook profile.

How can I fix Enter network password error in Outlook?

Before we head to the solutions listed below, here are a few quick tricks that might work:

  • Restart the computer and the modem router (wait for at least 30 seconds before turning it back on). Once done, verify whether the Enter Network Password error in Outlook is fixed.
  • Check if the Internet connection is unstable, and fix that.
  • Update Outlook.
  • Disable any third-party antivirus, firewall, or other applications designed to modify the network. In case that works, uninstall the program, and the error should be fixed for good.

If none of these work, head to the fixes listed next:

1. Check your Outlook password

Back to Outlook, the Enter network password message usually occurs if your password was changed recently. Sometimes, you might change the password in the webmail and forget to change it in the Outlook settings.

If you’re confident you didn’t change the password, try resetting the password and configuring your Outlook account again. After doing that, verify whether the Enter Network Password popup stops appearing.

2. Change your Send & Receive schedule

  1. Open Outlook and click on the File menu.file
  2. Next, click Options.options
  3. Navigate to the Advanced tab, and click on the Send/Receive button.send/receive
  4. Enter a value higher than 15 in the field next to Schedule an automatic send/receive every, and save the changes. We used 30 since it worked for most users.change time to fix enter network password outlook
  5. Once done, restart Outlook for the changes to apply.

After making this change, you shouldn’t see the Enter Network Password error in Outlook 2007 for Gmail.

3. Clear the Credential Manager

  1. Press Windows + S to open the Search menu, type Control Panel, and click on the relevant search result.control panel
  2. Click on User Accounts.user accounts
  3. Now, click on Manage Windows Credentials under Credential Manager.manage Windows credentials to fix enter network password outlook
  4. Locate the Outlook credential, select it, and then click on Remove.remove to fix enter network password outlook
  5. Finally, click Yes in the confirmation prompt.confirm

4. Rename the Protect folder

  1. Press Windows + R to open Run, enter %appdata% in the text field, and click OK.
    enter network password outlook keeps popping up
  2. Navigate to the Microsoft directory, locate the Protect folder, and rename it to Protect.old.
    enter network password outlook keeps popping up
  3. After doing that, launch Outlook, enter your password, and choose the option to remember it.

Once done, the Enter Network Password prompt in Outlook should disappear for good. Many reported that can’t rename the folder, but that, too, is easily fixable.

5. Add the account again

  1. Open Outlook and click on the File menu.file
  2. Click on Account settings, and again choose Account settings from the dropdown menu.account settings
  3. Select the account where the popup keeps appearing, and click on Remove.remove to fix enter network password outlook
  4. Click Yes in the confirmation prompt.confirm
  5. Again, head back to the File menu, and click on the Add account button.add account to fix enter network password outlook
  6. Enter the email address and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the process.add

That’s it! If nothing so far worked, adding the account again should fix things in case the corrupt cache triggered the Enter Network Password popup in Outlook 2007 for Yahoo Mail.

Before you leave, find out how to speed up Outlook in Windows.

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

OneDrive Not Syncing on Windows 11: How to Force it

Posted on by Cesar Cadenas

You found this article because you have OneDrive sync issues in Windows 11. Here is all you need to know.

Microsoft OneDrive is a cloud hosting service that sees a ton of usage. Right off the bat, it stores every kind of File on company servers with 5 GB for free. The client also adds file synchronization and is available on many platforms, some of which don’t belong to Microsoft.

To name a few, OneDrive is on macOS, iOS, Android, the Xbox Series X, and even the Xbox 360 from over a decade ago.

A big question asked by everyone is: Does Windows 11 support OneDrive? Windows 11 is the most compatible OS you can use, along with the OneDrive service.

Microsoft Office apps are directly integrated with OneDrive to ensure no previous work is lost. So there’s nothing worse than working on a giant project only to delete it suddenly.

All in all, OneDrive is incredibly useful, and it’s hard to imagine life without it, and it sees frequent updates. But however it may be, there are times when OneDrive will stop working for whatever reason. For example, it may get stuck and stop connecting to Microsoft’s servers.

Why is OneDrive not syncing my files?

OneDrive might stop syncing for various recognized reasons, which can keep you from accessing crucial files and disrupt your productivity. However, a few simple techniques may often resolve OneDrive sync problems.

There is a potential that you may encounter OneDrive sync troubles if you are using an outdated version of the program.

It would help if you attempted to obtain extra space on the cloud since you could have run out of room there. However, even if you have a premium account, OneDrive only allows you to upload files up to 10 GB in size.

The OneDrive sync issue might also be brought on by uploading a significant amount of data.

Other frequent problems contributing to the OneDrive not syncing issue include a problematic OS upgrade, a shaky connection, or a denial of permission.

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

  • OneDrivenot syncing to a new computer
  • OneDrivenot syncing quickly
  • OneDrivefiles not showing on another computer
  • OneDrivenot syncing between devices
  • OneDrivenot syncing after password change
  • OneDriveisn’t connected, not signing in Windows 11
  • OneDrivenot working, not responding, not running in Windows 11
  • OneDrivesync pending (Windows 11)

Without further ado, let’s jump right in!

How to fix OneDrive sync issues in Windows 11?

1. Reset OneDrive in Windows 11

  1. Click on the magnifying glass icon to open the Windows 11 search bar.
  2. Search for the OneDrive app.
  3. Right-click the app and select App settings.
  4. A new window will appear; scroll down until you see Reset.
  5. Select the Reset button to reset all OneDrive settings and resync the app.
  6. Conversely, you can select the three dots at the top of the OneDrive app to bring down the menu.
  7. Click Settings.
  8. You can reset the app by clicking Reset the app at the bottom of the settings menu.

2. Get more storage

  1. Select the three dots at the top of the OneDrive app to bring down the menu, and click Settings.
  2. If that’s the case, click on Get more storage.
  3. You will then be taken to a webpage where you can purchase more storage space for your OneDrive account.

3. Add OneDrive to the Windows Defender Firewall whitelist

  1. Click on the magnifying glass icon to bring up the search bar.
  2. Search for Windows Defender Firewall and select the first entry you see.
  3. Click on Allow an app or feature through Windows Defender Firewall on the left-hand menu.
  4. Click on Change settings at the top of the menu.
  5. Scroll down and locate OneDrive in the Allowed apps and feature menu. It should automatically be whitelisted.
  6. If unchecked, select OneDrive and then click the boxes under Private and Public.
  7. If it’s not there or OneDrive still doesn’t work, click on the Allow another app… button at the bottom.
  8. A new window will appear. Select Browse…
  9. In this new File Explorer window, search for Microsoft OneDrive.
  10. Click on the specific folder or File you want to whitelist on Defender Firewall.
  11. It will appear on the small window; click Add on the bottom.
  12. Once done, click OK at the bottom.
  13. Then close Defender Firewall and check if OneDrive sync issues on Windows 11 are resolved.

4. Turn off the Proxy server via Settings

  1. Click on the Start menu in the bottom left corner.
  2. Select Settings.
  3. Select Network & Internet on the left-hand menu.
  4. Click Proxy.
  5. Locate Manual proxy setup and select Setup.
  6. If it’s On, click the blue tab to turn it off.
  7. Click Save at the bottom.

5. Revert to Default DNS

  1. Click on the magnifying glass icon to bring up the search bar.
  2. Search for the Control Panel and click on the first entry you see.
  3. Click on View by in the corner.
  4. Select Category.
  5. Click Network and Internet.
  6. In this new window, go to Network and Sharing Center.
  7. Click Change adapter settings on the left-hand side.
  8. Right-click on Ethernet0 or your WiFi network, depending on what you have.
  9. Select Properties in the new drop-down menu.
  10. Next, double-click Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/ICPv4).
  11. Select Obtain DNS server address automatically.
  12. Then click OK to save changes.

6. Reset the OneDrive app with the Command Prompt

  1. Bring up the search bar again by clicking on the magnifying glass icon.
  2. This time, search for the Command Prompt.
  3. Click on Run as administrator on the right-hand side.
  4. Enter the following command into the Command Prompt: %localappdata%\Microsoft\OneDrive\onedrive.exe/reset
  5. Hit Enter to run the command.
  6. Once you’ve run the command, launch OneDrive and sign in to your account. After that, you should no longer have any syncing problems.

For a more detailed walkthrough on fixing sync problems this way, see this OneDrive reset command guide.

Will resetting OneDrive delete files?

All your current sync connections, including personal OneDrive and, if configured, OneDrive for business or education, are terminated when OneDrive is reset. Resetting OneDrive on your PC won’t result in losing any files or data.

Once the sync is complete, you must choose to sync all folders again if you just want to sync a select few before the reset. For both your personal OneDrive and OneDrive for business or school, you must finish this.

Also, resetting it may help when OneDrive opens multiple instances in Windows.

How do I reinstall OneDrive on Windows 11?

  1. Open the File Explorer and input the path below in the Address bar, then hit Enter.
    %systemroot%\SysWOW64\
  2. Double-click on the OneDriveSetup File.
    OneDrive sync issues Windows 11
  3. Windows begins to install OneDrive immediately after you open the File. To finish installing OneDrive, follow the installation wizard’s instructions.

You should have resolved your OneDrive sync issues on Windows 11 if you have read this far.

You also may be interested to know about the wide variety of note-taking apps on Windows 11. You may think that writing notes doesn’t require a specialized app, but you’d be surprised at what some apps can do with their advanced features.

Some have features that assist creatively-minded people with their projects.

Feel free to comment below if you have questions about other Windows 11 apps. Also, leave comments about guides you’d like to see, information on other Windows 11 features, or list guides like this.

Microsoft Store Purchased Moments Ago Notification: Fix

Posted on by Radu Tyrsina

Lately, there’s been a lot of concern amongst Windows users regarding a message within the Microsoft App Store.

Apps they never downloaded, never used, or apps that were purchased years ago, either appear as being purchased moments ago, either as being purchased today.

The Microsoft Store purchased moments ago notificatiom might appear because Microsoft Store either automatically downloaded the free apps or they simply came preinstalled with Windows 11.

There is no need to worry or get frustrated as there are a few easy ways to get rid of it, you just follow the steps below.

How do I get rid of the Microsoft Store purchased moments ago notification?

1. Run the troubleshooter

  1. Go to the Start button and select Settings.Start - Settings
  2. Click on System then on Troubleshoot.System - Troubleshoot
  3. Click on Other troubleshooters.Other troubleshooters
  4. From the list select Windows Store Apps and click on Run.Windows Store Apps
  5. Wait for the troubleshooter to finish the process.
  6. Restart your PC.

After you’ve finished with the troubleshooting process, you can go to the Microsoft Store again and verify if the error is still there.

If some of the apps still have the message purchased moments ago, move on to the next step as you may need to reset the cache.

2. Reset the Microsoft Store cache

  1. Press the Windows Key + R shortcut to open the Run dialog box.
  2. Type wsreset.exe then click on OK.WSreset
  3. A blank Command Prompt window will open.cmd_WSreset
  4. Wait for a few seconds as the window will close by itself and Microsoft Store will open automatically.
  5. Restart your computer.
  6. Check if the error persists.

By using this command, all the cache files in your Windows Store will be completely cleared and permanently deleted.

The cache contains the app’s data on your device including your sign-in details so you will need to log in again when opening Microsoft Store.

3. Update Microsoft Store

  1. Open Microsoft Store.
  2. Here, select See more.
  3. Got to Downloads and updates.
  4. Click on Get updates button.Get updates
  5. If an update for Microsoft Store is available, it will start installing automatically.

If you are having trouble updating Microsoft Store, you should take a look at our article and follow the steps to fix it.

Fixing is just as important as preventing so if you want to know how to prevent your Windows 11 to download apps & games automatically, keep reading our guide.

How do I prevent Windows 11 to automatically install apps?

1. Turn off automatic installation of apps / games without permission

  1. Press Windows + R keys to open the Registry Editor.
  2. Type regedit in the taskbar search bar then click OK.Regedit command
  3. Navigate to: HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\ContentDeliveryManagerNavigate to CDM
  4. Locate SilentInstalledAppsEnabled value from the right-hand pane, right-click on it and select Modify.Modify - SIAE
  5. Note: If you cannot locate this value, create one by right-clicking on the blank screen and choosing New > DWORD (32 bit), and renaming it SilentInstalledAppsEnabled.
  6. Change its value to 0 in the Value data box and then click OK.Change value to 0 - SIAE
  7. Restart your device.

2. Create a new Windows Key

  1. Follow the above steps to get to the Registry Editor, only now navigate to: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\Navigate to Windows
  2. Create a new key inside the Windows key by right-clicking the blank space and choosing New > Key.New - Key
  3. Rename the new key CloudContent.Rename new key
  4. Create a new value inside that new key by right-clicking in the blank space of CloudContent key and selecting New > DWORD (32-bit) Value.New - DWORD value
  5. Rename the new value DisableWindowsConsumerFeatures.Rename DWCF
  6. Right-click on DisableWindowsConsumerFeatures value, select Modify then change the value to 1 in the Value data box.Change value to 1 - DWCF
  7. Click OK then restart your computer.

Now is also a good time to uninstall the unwanted apps that were automatically installed by Microsoft as they will not come back again.

There you have it, three simple methods to fix the Microsoft Store purchased moments ago issue and two ways to prevent it from ever happening again, all you need to do is TO follow all the steps carefully and in order.

You should also take a look at this Windows 11 preview and find out what other apps are pre-bought or pre-installed on your new Windows 11 build.

If you want to ask us any questions, have a suggestion, or simply want to thank us, feel free to use the comments section below.

Dual Monitor Mouse Pointer Problem: 4 Simple Ways to Fix It

Posted on by Matthew Adams

Many users use multiple monitor setups, but sometimes dual monitor mouse pointer problems can occur in form of a corrupted cursor.

This isn’t the only issue, and sometimes your mouse can disappear completely. However, today, we’re focusing solely on the corrupted mouse cursor issue.

Why does my cursor look weird?

There are several causes for this issue, with the following being the most common ones:

  • Temporary glitch – Most of these can be fixed by simply moving your cursor or disconnecting the second display temporarily.
  • Monitor rotation – If you rotate your screen, you might encounter this issue. This is just a minor glitch, and it can be fixed easily.
  • Mouse settings – Certain settings can cause this issue. Adjust your mouse settings to fix this issue.
  • Projection mode – Your currently selected projection mode can also cause this issue, so you might need to change it.

How can I fix the dual monitor mouse pointer problem?

Before we start fixing this, there are a couple of checks you can perform:

  • Move the cursor between displays – A few users reported that moving the mouse quickly between the two displays fixed the issue for them. Moving the mouse over the right side of the Taskbar also helps. To do that, make sure to show the Taskbar on both monitors. You can also try moving the mouse in circles in the top right corner of the affected display.
  • Disconnect the second display – You will get a mouse pointer problem when using a dual monitor setup. Disconnect the second display, and the issue will be resolved. Also, ensure you properly set up dual monitors with different resolutions.
  • Disable monitor rotation – The issue appears with rotated screens, so disable rotation and turn it back on. Hopefully, that will fix the issue.

1. Select the Display pointer trails option

  1. Press the Windows key + S and type mouse.
  2. Select Mouse settings.
    mouse settings corrupted mouse cursor
  3. Click the Additional mouse settings option.
    additional
  4. Select the Pointer Options tab.
    pointer options
  5. Now, check the Display pointer trails box.
    display pointer
  6. To remove the trail effect from the cursor, drag the Display pointer trails bar to short at the far left.
  7. Click the Apply button, followed by OK to save the changes.
    ok apply corrupted mouse cursor

Some users reported activating the Display pointer trails box fixed the corrupted mouse cursor issue. While the pointer trail can sometimes be frustrating, you can reduce the effect considerably.

2. Update the mouse drivers

  1. Press the Windows key + R, type devmgmt.msc, and click OK.
  2. Click the arrow next to the Mice and other pointing devices option to expand it.
    mice
  3. Right-click the driver there and click Update driver.
    update corrupted mouse cursor
  4. Click the Search automatically search for drivers option.
    search automatically corrupted mouse cursor
  5. Now, follow the onscreen instructions to install the available driver update.

In some cases, the problem might be caused by an outdated driver. To update your mouse driver manually, follow these simple steps above.

Another solution to easily update your drivers is to use professional third-party programs that automatically download and install Windows drivers to avoid the risk of your PC malfunctioning.

3. Turn Off the Screensaver

  1. Click the Search icon and type screen saver.
  2. Choose the Change screen saver option.
    screen saver
  3. Click the screensaver drop-down menu and select None.
    none
  4. Select the Apply option, and press the OK button to close the window.

Some users have fixed corrupted cursors by turning the screensaver off. That resolution might not work for everybody, but it’s worth a try.

4. Select Duplicate on the Project Sidebar

  1. Press the Windows key + P to open the Project menu.
  2. Select the Duplicate option if you currently have a dual monitor setup configured with the Extend display mode.
    duplicate option
  3. Now, click Extend again to go back to the extended mode.
    extend

This is another fix that a few users using dual monitors have stated fixed a corrupted mouse pointer program.

How to reset the mouse cursor on Windows 10?

  1. Press the Windows key + S, type mouse, and select Mouse settings.
    mouse settings corrupted mouse cursor
  2. Click the Additional mouse settings option.
    additional
  3. Click the Pointers tab at the top.
    pointers corrupted mouse cursor
  4. Now, click the Use default button.
    use default
  5. Finally, click the Apply button, followed by OK.

With the steps above, your mouse settings should reset to default.

Those are some of the resolutions confirmed to fix corrupted cursors. Aside from those resolutions, reinstalling or updating the ATI graphics card driver might also set a corrupted mouse pointer.

Are you facing other issues, like erratic mouse movements on Windows 10? Check our detailed guide to fix them quickly. Also, consider easing movement between displays to prevent your mouse from getting stuck in corners.

If you have another corrupted cursor fix, share it below.

iertutil.dll Missing: How to Download & Fix it

Posted on by Claire Moraa

Iertutil.dll is a library file that is used by the Internet Explorer browser. It loads the Internet Explorer toolbar and other components. While it is important for the smooth running of your PC, sometimes it can go missing.

A damaged or missing DLL file is one of the most common reasons why your computer won’t start up properly. You may have accidentally deleted it, so read along to find out how to restore the missing DLL file.

What is Iertutil DLL?

You already know that DLL or Dynamic Link Library files are small files that contain compiled code and resources that can be shared among many applications. Iertutil.dll is a Windows DLL file. 

It’s a dynamic link library that contains functions to assist with internet and network connections. These functions can be used by any program or process running on your PC.

Iertutil DLL is required for Internet Explorer to work properly, and it may be associated with other products from Microsoft Corporation as well.

Why is the Iertutil.dll file missing?

A missing Iertutil.dll file can cause a variety of problems, including program crashes and error messages. Possible causes include:

  • Windows registry issues – If the registry becomes damaged or corrupted, it can cause problems with many different functions of your PC. 
  • Virus or malware infection – Viruses and other malicious programs are known to cause DLL errors by modifying important system files and resources.
  • Insufficient disk space –  If your hard drive has insufficient space, then you may start getting errors while installing programs or accessing some functions of your computer.
  • You’ve uninstalled applications that use this file – If you have recently uninstalled software that uses this file, then it is possible that the system has removed it from the computer for some reason.
  • Incorrect/incomplete installation –  If you have installed a program that includes the iertutil DLL and the installation fails, those DLLs will not be registered correctly.
  • Hardware failure – A hardware failure occurs when some part of the PC starts to malfunction. This could be anything from a broken motherboard, hard drive, or video card. You’ll need to run hardware diagnostics.

What can I do if the Iertutil.dll file is missing?

Before you embark on the multi-step solutions, check off the following:

  • Check your Recycle bin to see if the iertutil file is present. If so, you can easily recover deleted files.
  • Restart your Internet Explorer browser.
  • Try restarting your PC.

1. Run a virus scan 

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

You can also use an alternative and let a professional antivirus do a malware scan for you. This kind of tool comes with some of the most advanced security features that will keep all viruses at bay.

2. Clean the registry 

If your registry is corrupt by any chance, it would do you good to clean it. The best way to keep your Windows registry clean and healthy is to use a good registry cleaner tool.

Registry cleaners scan your entire registry and look for problems such as missing links or invalid entries. If, after the scan, it finds corrupt entries, it fixes these problems automatically.

3. Run the DISM and SFC commands

  1. Hit the Windows key, type cmd in the search bar and select Run as administrator.cmd-run-admin-w11 unexpected kernel mode trap windows 11
  2. Enter the following command: DISM.exe /Online /Restorehealth 
  3. Allow for the command to be executed, then type in the next one: sfc /scannow

If you had trouble with your Internet Explorer browser because of the iertutil.dll file missing, we hope our guide has offered substantial help. You may also come across a variation of the same error in the form of Iertutil.dll not found or Iertutil.dll bad image. The same fixes may apply to resolve these issues.

In case you’re looking to solve such issues faster, we have ranked some of the best DLL repair software to help you get this done in no time.

If you managed to fix the error with a solution not mentioned above, you’re welcome to share it with us in the comment section below.

Solved: Xbox One Home Screen is Not Showing Properly

Posted on by Milan Stanojevic

The Xbox has come a long way since its launch, as Microsoft works hard to clean up its Home screen. Among the changes that have been introduced via updates include being able to customize the Home screen, so you can get to your favorite apps, games, and friends.

Additionally, there’s a community screen where you can share game clips, achievements, and other happenings, which has also been revamped for easier browsing.

While we’re glad there are constant re-tooling changes happening on the interface for ease of use and better experiences, it may not be such a happy experience when the Xbox One S is not showing the Home screen.

If this is your situation, try the solutions below and see if they help resolve the issue for you.

Xbox One not showing the Home screen

1. Blank screen

    To fix a blank screen when your Xbox One is not showing Home screen, turn off the console by holding down the Xbox button for ten seconds, then turn it back on by pressing the Xbox button on the console

    If the screen is blank after you turn on the console, here’s how to fix it:

    • Turn on your TV and Xbox One S console
    • Set your TV to the correct input signal (HDMI).
    • Ensure the HDMI cable connection to your console, and the HDMI connection to your TV is secure.
    • Check that the HDMI cable is connected to the “out to TV” port on the console.
    • Cold boot your Xbox One console by holding the power button on the front of the console for approximately 10 seconds, and then turn it on again.
    • Reset your display settings by first ejecting any disc in the console, press and hold down the Xbox button for five seconds to turn the console off, then press and hold the Xbox button and Eject button till you hear a beep on the console – one immediately, and another after 10 seconds. The power light will flash on just before the second beep, but hold still until the second beep occurs. This boots your console in low resolution mode.
    • Reset the low resolution mode by going to System>Settings>Display & Sounds>Video Options>TV Resolution
    • Plug the HDMI cable into a different port on your TV
    • Use a different HDMI cable to connect the Xbox One S console to TV
    • Connect your console to a different TV

2. Black Home screen after system update

A system update could cause Xbox One S not showing the Home screen if the console will not go past the green Xbox startup animation or displays a black screen instead of the green Xbox startup animation.

If you’re seeing a black screen, it could be that the system check has failed to run the startup animation three times in a row, so the system flags it down as ‘do not run’ causing the startup to be blocked from running, and eventually you see a black screen in place of the Home screen.

You need to leave your console on this black screen for ten or so minutes, but it doesn’t mean there’s an error.

If you’re seeing a black screen, try the solutions below:

3. Perform an offline system update

The Xbox Offline System Update (OSU) lets you update your console from a USB flash drive, by downloading a file to the drive and then installing it directly to your console. To do this, get a PC with internet and USB port, and a USB flash drive with a minimum of 4GB space formatted as NTFS.

If you can see the Xbox Startup troubleshooter, download the OSU file (OSU1), then do this:

  • Plug your USB flash drive into a USB port on your computer.
  • Open the OSU1 file
  • Click Save to save the console update .zip file to your computer.
  • Unzip the file by right-clicking on the file and selecting Extract all from the pop-up menu.
  • Copy the $SystemUpdate file from the .zip file to your flash drive. The files should be copied to the root directory, and there shouldn’t be any other files on the flash drive.
  • Unplug the USB flash drive from your computer.

4. Update your Xbox One console

Once you have the correct OSU file on your flash drive, install it on your console using the OSU option on Xbox Startup troubleshooter. Here’s how to bring up the troubleshooter:

  • Power off your console
  • Unplug the power cord to completely power off the console
  • Wait 30 seconds, and then plug the power cord back in.
  • Press and hold the bind button on the left side of the console, and the EJECT button on the front of the console
  • Press the Xbox button on the console.
  • Continue holding the BIND and EJECT buttons for 10-15 seconds.
  • Listen for two “power-up” tones a couple of seconds apart. You can release the BIND and EJECT buttons after the second power-up tone.
  • The console should power up and take you directly to the Xbox Startup Troubleshooter.
  • Plug the flash drive with the OSU files to a USB port on the console
  • Once inserted, the OSU option will turn green (or become active)
  • On your Xbox controller, use D-pad and A button to select OSU to initiate the update using the files on your drive

Once the update is complete, the console will restart and you should be able to see the Home screen. Remove the flash drive from the USB port on your console.

5. Xbox One console doesn’t display the Xbox Startup Troubleshooter

In some cases, you may not be able to see the Home screen on your console because the console doesn’t display the Xbox Startup Troubleshooter.

Here’s what to do when this happens:

Verify the Xbox operating system version you are running

  • Press the Xbox button to open the guide.
  • Select Settings.
  • Open All Settings.
  • Choose System.
  • Select Console info & updates.
  • Your OS version is listed in the third row. Write down this information so that you can select the correct download.

Download the OSU file (OSU2)

The current OS version of your console requires two updates to be installed, OSU2 and OSU1 in that order. You need to wait until OSU2 update is complete before installing OSU1. To do this:

  • Plug your USB flash drive into a USB port on your computer.
  • Open the Offline System Update file OSU2
  • Click Save to save the console update .zip file to your computer.
  • Unzip the file by right-clicking on the file and selecting Extract allfrom the pop-up menu.
  • Copy the $SystemUpdate file from the .zip file to your flash drive. The files should be copied to the root directory, and there shouldn’t be any other files on the flash drive.
  • Unplug the USB flash drive from your computer.
  • Update your console

You will either be returned to the Home screen or prompted to start a second update (online) if the first update was successful. If the update wasn’t successful, download OSU1, and use the same procedure to get the first update.

Also, if you don’t see the Something went wrong error screen, restart your console. If this doesn’t show the Home screen, reset your console from the Xbox Startup Troubleshooter.

  • Use the D-pad and A button on your controller to select Reset this Xbox.
  • When prompted, select Keep games and apps. This option will reset the operating system and delete all potentially corrupted data without deleting your games or apps.  If the console reset is successful, you may be prompted to repeat some general console set-up steps before you are returned to the Home screen.
  • If after the reset the Xbox One S is not showing Home screen restore your console to factory settings via the Xbox Startup Troubleshooter to completely restore your console to its factory settings.
  • Note: This should be a last resort method. Resetting your console to its factory defaults erases all accounts, saved games, settings, and home Xbox associations. Anything not synchronized with Xbox Live will be lost.
  • Select Reset this Xbox. When prompted, select Remove everything. This will delete all user data, and all games and apps. If the console reset is successful, you will be prompted to repeat some general console set-up steps before you are returned to the Home screen.

If the reset was unsuccessful, then your Xbox One S console needs to be repaired. You can submit a request to have it repaired via Device Support at Xbox.

RELATED STORIES TO CHECK OUT:

Fix The Installation Failed in the Safe_OS Phase: Boot, Apply_image

Posted on by Ivan Jenic

Our readers report getting The installation failed in the safe_os phase with an error during apply_image operation. or The installation failed in the safe_os phase with an error during boot operation. The error occurs during the update process, whether offline or online when the operating system cannot migrate the driver since doing so will result in unauthorized operation.

During the safe OS phase, the system checks to ensure that everything, including the drivers, is acting in the manner that has been programmed. When it comes to the system’s reliability, any operation that is not encrypted or without the appropriate signatures will create a problem. In addition, when you try to upgrade an incompatible system by force, you will frequently get a Blue Screen of Death (BSoD).

How do I fix the installation failed in the Safe_os phase with an error during boot operation?

1. Update all your drivers

According to users, Installation Failed in Safe_OS Phase With an Error During Apply_image Operation message can appear if you have any problems with your drivers.

Outdated drivers can cause this problem to appear, so updating them is recommended.

For instance, many users reported that their USB drivers were the problem. After updating them, the issue was resolved.

However, other outdated drivers can cause this problem as well. So we wholeheartedly recommend using a third-party driver updating tool, to help detect and update all the essential drivers.

Once installed and launched, the tool scans your system and finds all problematic drivers. It also offers reliable recommendations for the latest software you can safely install.

2. Change your Windows 10 installation

This is a bit more complex solution since it requires you to change Windows 10 setup files. This solution is helpful to some users, but make sure that you follow instructions carefully to prevent any damage and unwanted issues.

The leading cause of this error is the KB3064209 Intel CPU microcode update. This doesn’t apply to you if you don’t use Intel’s CPU.

This was proven to work on Gigabyte GB-BXi3-4010 motherboards with Intel i3 4010U CPU installed, but we assume it should work with any other motherboard with Intel CPU.

KB3064209 updates the file C:/Windows/system32/mcupdate_genuineintel.dll

To install Windows 10, you need to delete this file. To do so, follow the steps below (we’ll use X: as a USB drive, C: as our operating system drive letter, and User as the user profile name. When applying this solution, make sure that you change these to match your settings.)

  1. Download Windows 10 ISO and copy its contents to a USB stick.
  2. Tap Windows then type cmd and open the Command Prompt result as an administrator.cmd-run-admin 0x80070002 windows update
  3. Create a new folder on your Desktop and call it mount.
  4. Mount and edit WIM (Image file:boot.wim, Index 1) by entering into Command Prompt: dism /Mount-Image /ImageFile:X:sourcesboot.wim /index:1 /MountDir:C:UsersUserDesktopmountdism-mount the installation failed in the safe_os phase
  5. Use Windows Explorer and navigate to: C:/Users/User/Desktop/mount/Windows/System32/mcupdate_GenuineIntel.dll
  6. Right-click mcupdate_GenuineIntel.dll and choose Properties.
  7. Go to the Security tab, then click Advanced.
    Windows 10 error 0xc1900101 - 0x20017
  8. Next, Change the Owner to your User account. (Enter your user account and click on Check Names button. Click OK to save the changes.)
    The installation failed in the safe_os phase with an error during install_updates
  9. In the Security tab click Edit and then Add to add your user account. (Make sure that you check Full Control so you can have maximum privileges. Click Apply and OK to save changes.)
    The installation failed in the safe_os phase boot
  10. Now delete mcupdate_GenuineIntel.dll.
  11. Close all open Windows Explorer windows.
  12. Go back to Command Prompt and unmount the image by entering: dism /Unmount-Image /MountDir:C:UsersUserDesktopmount /commit
  13. Now you’ll have to repeat steps 4-11 for the following files:
    • boot.wim /index:2
    • install.wim /index:1
    • install.wim /index:2
  14. If you’re confused, just replace boot.wim /index:1 with the values from the list above.
  15. Delete the mount folder from your desktop, remove the USB and boot the installer.

This is an advanced solution, so be sure to follow the screen instructions carefully to perform it properly.

3. Use an uninstaller third-party solution

Installation Failed in Safe_OS Phase With an Error During Apply_image Operation error can appear due to your temporary files, and one way to fix it is to uninstall them completely.

To perform this, removing your problematic files or programs from your computer is advisable.

Still, using Windows Control Panel might not help you with leftover files in your system.

And this is where uninstaller software plays its part, entirely removing all problematic files from the PC. So you can try to fix this error by using the best uninstaller software on the market right now.

Whatever the stop code accompanying this error: 0x800f0830 – 0x20003, fail code 0xc1900101, 0x800f0955 – 0x20003, and so on, you can try to remove your VPN software from your PC (along with any software leftovers).

Then, check if this measure helps to unblock the installation process on Windows 11.

4. Set services to automatic

  1. Press Windows + R and type services.msc. Press Enter or click OK.
    The installation failed in the safe_os first_boot
  2. Find the following services:
    • BITS(Background Intelligent Transfer Service)
    • Windows Update Service
    • Cryptographic Service
  3. Double-click each of these services to open their Properties.
  4. Now find the Startup type and set it to Automatic. Finally, click on Apply and OK to save changes.
    Windows 10 error 0xc1900101 - 0x20017
  5. Repeat the process for all three services.
  6. Restart your computer and try to install Windows 10 again.

After enabling all these services, the problem should be resolved, and you’ll be able to install Windows 10 without any issues.

5. Unplug all USB devices from your computer / remove your WiFi adapter

Some users report that unplugging all USB devices fixes this issue, so you might want to do that. This applies to your printer, phone, external hard drive, etc.

Try using a PS/2 keyboard and mouse instead of a USB one.

Also, if you’re using a dedicated WiFi card, you might want to remove it from your computer while trying to install Windows 10.

Do this only if you know how it works or your device is under warranty. Then, contact the official repair shop if available.

6. Disable your graphics/network card

If you’re getting Installation Failed in Safe_OS Phase With an Error During Apply_image Operation while installing Windows 10, the problem might be related to your dedicated graphics card.

According to users, your graphics card might not be fully compatible with Windows 10, and the only solution is to disable it from BIOS.

To do that, first, you need to enter BIOS while your PC boots. There are several ways to do that, and if you don’t know how to do it, be sure to check your motherboard manual for detailed instructions.

Once you enter BIOS, you need to find your dedicated graphics card and disable it. If you don’t know how to do that, check your instruction manual for detailed instructions.

Once the dedicated graphics is disabled, you might have to connect your monitor to the onboard graphics on the back of your PC. Now try to install Windows 10 again and check if the issue reappears.

Several users reported that disabling their dedicated graphics fixed the problem, so be sure to try that out.

In addition to your graphics card, the problem might be your network card.

If you’re using a built-in network card to access the Internet, disable it from BIOS and check if that solves your issue.

7. Update your BIOS

If you’re getting Installation Failed in Safe_OS Phase With an Error During Apply_image Operation error message while trying to install Windows 10, the problem might be related to your BIOS.

Sometimes outdated BIOS can cause this issue to appear; to fix it; you need to flash your BIOS and install the latest version.

Updating your BIOS is an advanced and somewhat risky procedure that can cause irreversible damage to your PC if you’re not careful.

To see how to properly update the BIOS on your motherboard, check your motherboard manual for detailed instructions, as well as our article linked.

Several users reported that updating their BIOS fixed the issue for them, so be extra cautious if you plan to use this solution.

8. Add/remove RAM modules

Another way to fix Installation Failed in Safe_OS Phase With an Error During Apply_image Operation error is to add or remove RAM modules.

Several users reported that they fixed the issue simply by adding or removing one or two memory modules to or from their PC. After doing that, the installation went smoothly.


How do I fix 0xC1900101 error when installing Windows 11?

  1. Press Windows + I then scroll down and click Troubleshoot.troubleshoot-opt-w11 0xa00f4244 nocamerasareattached
  2. Select Other troubleshooters.
  3. Scroll down to the Windows Update troubleshooter, then select Run.run-windows the installation failed in the safe_os phase

How do I fix a corrupted boot of Windows 10?

PC users who have had the misfortune of experiencing troubles with their systems may find that the boot repair tools for Windows 10 and Windows 11 are a godsend. There is nothing more frustrating than when your computer won’t start up.

Problems during the Windows boot process are more prevalent than you would believe. They can be brought on by anything, from the corruption of a single byte on your hard drive to malfunctioning a boot drive to the absence of a key in the registry.

Fortunately, we’ve developed a guide on the five best Windows 10/11 boot repair tools to rescue your PC.

Users reported the following variations as being the most common ones that they meet:

  • The installation failed in the safe_os phase with an error during the install recovery environment
  • The installation failed in the safe_os phase 0x20017
  • 0xC1900101 the installation failed in the SAFE_OS phase with an error during boot operation VMWare
  • The installation failed in the safe_os phase with an error during REPLICATE_OC operation
  • The installation failed in the safe_os phase with an error during install_updates operation
  • 0x80070570 – 0x2000c the installation failed in the safe_os phase during apply_image operation
  • The installation failed in the safe_os phase with an error during migrate_data operation
  • The installation failed in the safe_os phase with an error during install_drivers operation
  • The installation failed in the safe_os phase with an error during apply_image operation
  • 0x800f0830 – 0x20003 – The installation failed in the safe_os phase
  • The installation failed in the safe_os phase in Windows 11, windows 10
  • The installation failed in the safe_os phase 2022, server 2019, server 2016

Variations of this error include installation errors during the following phases: Recovery environment, Prepare rollback, Replicate_oc operation, Migrate_data operation, and First_boot.

Hopefully, one of our solutions proved helpful for your particular situation. We’d like to hear about how you managed to solve the problem, so feel free to drop us a line in the comments below.

SD Card not Showing up on Windows 10: 4 Ways to Recognize it

Posted on by Radu Tyrsina

More and more postings suggest that many Windows 10 users are affected by SD card not recognized problems.

If you also are experiencing problems with your SD Card or SD Card reader not being recognized in Windows 10, below are the steps you need to follow.

If you can’t read the SD card in Windows 10 can be a big problem, and in this article, we’ll show you how to fix the following issues:

Why is my SD card not showing up on my computer?

There are different reasons why you may experience this issue. Among the top are the following:

  • Damaged SD card hardware – If you use an SD card reader, you should double-check if it is physically damaged.
  • Bad PC hardware – Sometimes, if you connect the SD card directly to your PC, you may not see the card if the port is wrong.
  • Bad connections – There are also chances you have not properly connected the card to your computer.
  • Driver problems – This may be the case if you still use old or outdated PC drivers.

Let us now discuss similar issues and the best solutions.

What are other common SD issues?

  • SD card not showing up Windows 10 – According to users, their SD card isn’t in Windows 10. This can be an annoying problem, but you should be able to fix it using the solutions from this article.
  • Micro SD card not reading – Several users reported that their Micro SD card is not reading their files. This can be a big problem and prevent you from accessing your files.
  • External SD card not recognized – Sometimes, you might have difficulties with your SD card. According to users, the external SD card wasn’t recognized on their PC. This is a relatively common problem, and you should be able to fix it using one of our solutions.
  • SD card not recognized after format, partition – Several users reported that their SD card wasn’t recognized after formatting. This can occur if you select an incompatible file system.
  • SD card not detected in any device – If your SD card isn’t detected in any device, your card might be faulty or locked. This issue can also occur if you select an unsupported file system.
  • Kingston, Kodak, Verbatim SD card not recognized – This problem can occur with various SD cards, and many Kingston, Kodak, and Verbatim users reported this problem.
  • SD card not showing up, detected, working, writable, erasing, ejecting, reading, transferring, connecting, holding data – Various problems can occur with your SD card. Fortunately, most of these problems can be easily solved using one of our solutions.
  • SD card is write protected – If you’re getting this error message on your PC, the problem is most likely a locked SD card. However, you can fix this issue simply by pressing the lock switch on your SD card.

How can I fix the SD card not if it’s not showing up on Windows 10?

Before starting with any of the fixes mentioned, you should ensure the SD card is not locked. While you may still see the SD card even if locked, it is the best practice.

You may also try viewing your card reader before you insert your SD card. This way, you rule out the possibility of a damaged reader.

1. Run the hardware troubleshooter

  1. Press the Windows key + I to open the Settings app.
  2. Navigate to the Update & security section.
    Micro SD card not reading
  3. From the menu on the left, select Troubleshoot. Now select Hardware and devices and click on Run the troubleshooter button.
    External SD card not recognized

Sometimes, you can fix this problem simply by running the hardware troubleshooter. This is relatively simple, and you can do it by following the steps above.

After the troubleshooter is finished, the issues with your SD card should be resolved entirely.

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

2. Make sure that your drivers are up to date

2.1 Manual update

  1. Right-click on the Start menu and select Device Manager.
    sd card not showing up windows 10
  2. Look for any driver group with a yellow exclamation, expand it, right-click on the driver, and select Update driver.
    sd card not showing up windows 10
  3. Select Search automatically for drivers.
  4. Right-click on the driver setup file and select Properties.
    SD card is write protected
  5. Select the Compatibility tab.
  6. Check Run this program in Compatibility mode and select the previous version of Windows supported by the software from the drop-down list. Then click on Apply and OK to save the changes.
    SD card not showing up Windows 10
  7. Then restart your computer and check how it works.

2.2 Update drivers automatically

Updating drivers manually can be tricky sometimes, so we suggest using a third-party tool to do it automatically. Thus, you will prevent file loss and even permanent damage to your computer.

The tool recommended below will do a complete scan of your system automatically. Then, with a single click, you can repair and update all the necessary drivers in a single shot.

3. Use Disk Management to format your card

  1. Right-click the Start button to open the Win + X menu. Now select Disk Management from the list.
    External SD card not recognized
  2. Now you should see the SD card available. Right-click it and choose Format.
    SD card not recognized after format
  3. A warning message will appear telling you that formatting will delete all files from your card. Click on Yes to proceed.
    D card not detected in any device
  4. Set the File system to FAT32 and click on OK.
    Kingston SD card not recognized

If Windows 10 doesn’t recognize your SD card, you might be able to fix the problem simply by formatting it. You can do that from Disk Management by following the steps above.

After formatting the card, the issue should be resolved entirely, and your SD card will become recognized.

Keep in mind that the FAT32 file system has limitations, and if you want to save files larger than 4GB, you might want to use NTFS instead.

4. Use Command Prompt

  1. Type cmd in Windows search and click on Run as administrator to start Command Prompt with full privileges.
  2. Once the Command Prompt opens, you need to enter the following command and press Enter (Be sure to replace X with the letter that matches your SD card):
    attrib -h -r -s /s /d X:*.*
    SD card not detected in any device

According to users, you can sometimes fix this problem simply by using Command Prompt.

Malware can sometimes change the security permissions on your SD card, causing it to become unreadable. However, you can fix this problem by performing the steps above.

After running this command, your security permissions for your SD card will change, and the card should become recognized again.

There you have it. You should know that these solutions are not in any particular order. It would be best if you tried whatever seems the most appropriate.

Now, let us know in the comments section below what worked for you and what didn’t. Also, if you have any other questions or suggestions, leave them there.

Undoing Changes Made to Your Computer [Windows 11 Fix]

Posted on by Claudiu Andone

You probably have just encountered the message undoing changes made to your computer. We will take you through all you should know.

Windows Update issues are not yesterday’s news, and they are probably here to stay longer than we would like.

One of our readers reported that when he tries to update Windows 11, the process gets stuck, getting the 0xc1900101 error.

Then, the PC restarts only to see the Undoing changes made to this PC message on the screen. It’s incredibly frustrating because the update gets interrupted at a high completion percentage.

We have been confronted with error 0xc1900101 on Windows 10 too, and it’s usually related to corrupt or faulty drivers, so it’s most likely that Windows 11 inherited this bug.

Why does my computer keep saying undoing changes?

From user experience, we can tell that a few things may trigger this message. At the top of the list, we have the following:

  • Update errors – The Undoing changes made to this PC message result from an error during the Windows Update process.
  • Uncompleted processes – This mainly comes with the error 0xc1900101, but any such Windows Update fault can trigger the same problem and stop the process.
  • Bad or corrupted drivers – Problematic drivers usually produce this particular error.
  • Corrupted system files – Generally, when vital system files are corrupted, you will expect various errors to be thrown by the computer, which may trigger the computer to undo changes.
  • Overprotective antivirus programs – For some users, this is the case. The antivirus is doing more than required and may not allow some legitimate systems to run correctly.

There’s a whole family of error codes related to this problem, and the solutions we recommend will also work if you experience error codes 0xC1900101 – 0x2000c, 0x20004, 0x20017, 0x40017, 0x30018, 0x3000D, or 0x4000D.

How can I fix Undoing changes made to your computer message?

Before trying any of the solutions recommended below, we suggest you detach every connected peripheral. There is the off chance that they may be interacting with a process and triggering this error.

1. Update the drivers

  1. Click the Search button from the Taskbar, type device manager, and click the app from the results.
  2. Click any outdated driver section; in this case, we use the Display adapters section, right-click on the driver, and select Update driver.
  3. Select the first option, Search automatically for drivers.
  4. If the system finds a new one, it will install it. If not, you can click on Search for updated drivers on Windows Update.
  5. You will be redirected to the Windows Update. Click on Advanced options.
  6. Now, look at the Optional updates option. If you see that you have any new updates related to drivers there, click it and install them right away.

The method showcased above is manual and often tiring, so we recommend downloading Outbyte Driver Updater, a reliable tool that will keep the installed drivers up-to-date.

⇒ Get Outbyte Driver Updater

2. Run the Windows Update troubleshooter

  1. Click the Windows button and select Settings.
  2. Select System from the left pane, scroll down on the right pane, and click on Troubleshoot.
  3. Now click on Other troubleshooters.
  4. Locate the Windows Update troubleshooter and hit the Run button from its right.
  5. The system will detect any problems with the update and attempt to fix them. Next, try performing the update again and see if this time works.

3. Check for Windows updates

  1. Click the Start button and select Settings.
  2. Then click on Windows Update from the left pane and hit the Check for updates button from the right.
  3. If there are any new updates, the system will start downloading and installing them.

Even though the update is exactly the procedure you cannot perform, there might also be other system updates that you have missed, and installing them before the problematic one may solve this issue.

4. Disable or remove your antivirus

  1. Click the Search button from the Taskbar, type security, and select Windows Security from the results.
  2. Choose Virus & threat protection.
  3. In the next window, click on Manage settings.
  4. Now turn off the real-time protection.

We have shown you how to turn off the Windows Defender Antivirus, but if you have a third-party antivirus installed, you need to turn it off from its settings.

If that doesn’t work, uninstall your antivirus temporarily because it may block your updates. Of course, you can always reinstall it afterward.

If you discover that that software was causing the problem, think about getting a better antivirus for Windows 11.

5. Run an SFC scan

  1. Click the Search icon on the Taskbar, type cmd, then click on Run as administrator to start Command Prompt with full privileges.
  2. Type or paste the following command and press Enter to run it: sfc /scannow
  3. System File Checker will look for corrupt system files and attempt to fix them. Wait for the process to finish, then restart your PC.

6. Scan your hard drive for errors

  1. Select the Search button from the Taskbar, type command prompt, and click on Run as administrator to start Command Prompt with administrative rights.
  2. Type or paste the following command and press Enter to run it: Dism /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
  3. Wait until the process has finished, then restart your system.

7. Reset your PC

Note icon NOTE
Unfortunately, if none of the solutions above helped, it’s time to reset your PC to factory settings. However, the reset process allows you to keep your files, but you will lose all installed programs, so make sure you still have the software to restore them.
  1. Choose the Start button located on the Taskbar and click on Settings.
  2. Now select System and click on Recovery from the right pane.
  3. Next, hit the Reset PC button.
  4. Click on Keep my files if you don’t want to lose them, or select the second option if you want a fresh start. We also recommend performing a backup before going through with this step.
  5. Select the first option, Cloud download, to get Windows 11 online (you need at least 4 GB of free space on your drive). You can go for the second option if you have a local kit.
  6. Click Next, then Reset, and Windows 11 will start the reinstallation process.

If the procedure is unsuccessful, read our guide on what to do if the Reset PC is not working in Windows 11 and solve it immediately.

We hope our solutions helped you fix this update problem and that you removed the Undoing changes made to this PC message on the screen.

You should also check if your PC has enough space on your drive for the update because this update error might also be caused by insufficient disk space.

It would be helpful to check our article on how to make Windows 11 faster and more responsive, and you will also learn how to free some space on your drive.

Lastly, note that the solutions above will work for many cases, including undoing changes made to your HP or Dell computer and the black screen problem.

Let us know the method you opted for in the comments section below.

FSX Error 1722: Use These 5 Methods to Enable FSX

Posted on by Matthew Adams

FSX (Flight Simulator X) installation error 1722 can occasionally occur when installing or removing software from Windows.

It returns the following error message: Error 1722 Windows Installer Package FSX. A program run as part of the setup did not finish as expected. Contact your support personnel or package vendor.

Here are the probable triggers and most practical solutions if you have encountered them.

What is error 1722?

The 1722 error is a generic installation error that indicates a problem on the system level. It is known to be triggered by varying factors, including:

  • Windows installer – The error message highlights that this issue pertains to the Windows Installer, which many software depend upon for installation.
  • Invalid registry entries – While we caution against tweaking registry details, in some cases, you may need to; if not, the invalid entries will trigger this error.
  • Suspended services – Users may experience this error because some services have stopped, and they may need to be restarted.

If this error message pops up when you install or remove specific software, this is how you can fix FSX install error 1722 in Windows 10.

Update: Microsoft released the new title in the series. The new Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 looks incredible, but gamers already have problems installing it.

How can I fix FSX error 1722?

  1. Start the Windows Installer Service
  2. Re-register the Windows Installer Service
  3. Open the Program and Uninstall Troubleshooter
  4. Enable Windows Script Hosting
  5. Scan the Registry

1. Start the Windows Installer Service

  1. Press the Win key + R hotkey, type services.msc in Run’s text box, and hit Enter.
    fsx error 1722
  2. Scroll and double-click Windows Installer.
    fsx error 1722
  3. If the service status is stopped, press the Start button on the Windows Installer Properties window.
    fsx error 1722
  4. Then press the OK button to close the window.

2. Re-register the Windows Installer Service

  1. Press the Win key + X hotkey, and select Command Prompt (Admin).
  2. Input the script below and hit Enter.
    msiexec /unregister
  3. Then input the registration script below and hit Enter.
    msiexec /regserver
  4. Close the Command Prompt, and then restart the Windows OS.

3. Open the Program and Uninstall Troubleshooter

  1. Visit the Windows troubleshooter download page, and click the Download troubleshooter button.
    fsx error 1722
  2. Open the folder that you saved the troubleshooter to, and click MicrosoftProgram_Install_and_Uninstall.meta.diagcab.
  3. Press the Next button to go through the troubleshooter.

4. Enable Windows Script Hosting

  1. Press the Win key + X hotkey, and select Command Prompt (Admin).
  2. Enter the following line and press Enter:
    REG DELETE "HKCUSOFTWAREMicrosoftWindows Script HostSettings" /v Enabled /f

5. Scan the Registry

  1. Download CCleaner and install it.
  2. Open CCleaner and click Registry.
    fsx error 1722
  3. Select all the checkboxes, and press the Scan for Issues button.
    fsx error 1722
  4. After that, press the Fix Selected Issues button.
    fsx error 1722
  5. A dialog box opens requesting that you back up the registry. Click Yes, select a folder to save to, and press the Save button.
  6. Next, press the Fix All Selected Issues button to repair the registry.

You can fix Windows Installer registry entries with a registry cleaner or system optimization software.

We love to recommend CCleaner. It is a registry cleaner with millions of users; the above is how you can run a registry scan with that software.

So that’s how you can fix Windows Installer error 1722 to install or uninstall software that relies on the installer service. Note that these fixes should work for FSX errors 1722 and 1603.

You could also try fixing the issue with repair utilities included in this software guide.

If you have more questions or suggestions, feel free to leave them in the comments below.

Xbox Free Play Days December 8-11: Chivalry 2/Chorus/Hell Let Loose

Posted on by Robert Collins

Xbox Free Play Days is back once again for another round of games for Xbox Live Gold and Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscribers to try out free of additional charge. This week’s lineup is an eclectic one for sure, though a few of them are already available on Game Pass. These games will be available from Thursday, December 8 through Sunday, December 11.

Chivalry 2 

Chivalry 2
Chivalry 2
Download
QR-Code

Chivalry 2
Developer:
Tripwire Interactive LLC
Price:
Free

Return to the ultimate medieval battlefield. Chivalry 2 is a multiplayer first person slasher inspired by epic medieval movie battles. Players are thrust into the action of every iconic moment of the era – from clashing swords, to storms of flaming arrows, to sprawling castle sieges and more. Storm into battle with cross-play on all platforms!

Chorus

Chorus
Chorus
Download
QR-Code

Chorus
Developer:
Deep Silver
Price:
$39.99

Take control of Nara on a quest to destroy the dark cult that created her. Unlock devastating weapons and mind-bending abilities in a true evolution of the space-combat shooter. Along with Forsaken, her sentient starfighter, explore ancient temples, engage in exhilarating zero-g combat, and venture beyond our waking reality.

Hell Let Loose

Hell Let Loose Anniversary Edition
Hell Let Loose Anniversary Edition
Download
QR-Code

Hell Let Loose Anniversary Edition
Developer:
Team17
Price:
Free

Over the past year, millions have heard the battle cry and risen to fight in this epic WWII first person shooter. Join the masses, where you and your teammates will face off against 50 other skilled soldiers, playing unique important roles, on a series of iconic battlefields. In this limited-edition bundle celebrating its first year, you’ll hit the ground running with over 13 different maps and 5 of the most popular DLC packs we’ve released.

Which of these games are you eager to install and dive into this weekend? Tell us in the comments. If you would like to learn more, check out the Xbox Free Play Days FAQ page.

Minecraft Fix: Something Went Wrong in the Login Process

Posted on by Claire Moraa

You try logging into Minecraft, but you get the Something went wrong during the login process error. This can happen to anyone, no matter how good your internet connection is or how powerful the hardware you’re using is.

You can solve most issues with the game by updating Minecraft but some will require more. If you are stuck at the login screen, this article attempts to help you address the issue.

Why can’t I log in to Minecraft?

There are many reasons why you may have trouble logging into Minecraft on your PC or console:

  • You’re using the wrong username or password – Make sure that the username and password you’re using are correct. If you’ve forgotten either of these details, you can recover them.
  • Connection issues – If you have a slow Wi-Fi connection, you may get interrupted and get the Something went wrong in the login process if the problem persists, check your internet message.
  • You haven’t verified your email address – Minecraft requires you to verify your account details so if you haven’t, you may be locked out.
  • Browser cache/cookies – Browser cookies and cache are helpful to log in faster but over time they can become corrupted and cause issues.
  • Account has been banned – It’s also possible your account has been locked due to suspicious activity on your account. 
  • Server maintenance – Minecraft undergoes maintenance often so ensure to check the status page to see if there’s any scheduled maintenance.

How can I fix the Something went wrong in the login process error?

Before you jump into the slightly technical solutions, try the following:

  • Verify that the username and password you’re using are correct.
  • Close any unnecessary applications before logging in to Minecraft.
  • If possible, plug in an Ethernet cable rather than using Wi-Fi. Wi-Fi connections can be unreliable at times.
  • Your router won’t connect to the internet at times so restarting it may help improve connection issues.

1. Check for Minecraft updates 

  1. Hit the Windows key and click on Settings.settings windows 11
  2. Click on the Microsoft Store to open.
  3. Locate Minecraft and check whether it is due for an update.

2. Clear browser cache and cookies

Sometimes when you’re playing Minecraft, cookies and stored information from other websites can interfere with the game servers’ ability to recognize who you are. Clearing these items will allow them to start fresh again so they can identify who you are properly when logging in.

Each browser has its own unique steps for clearing its cache so ensure you follow the specific steps for your browser.

3. Run the Windows Store troubleshooter 

  1. Hit the Windows key and click on Settings.settings windows 11
  2. Click on System on the left pane then Troubleshoot on the right pane.System - Troubleshooters
  3. Select Other troubleshooters.going other troubleshooters win11
  4. Scroll down, locate Windows Store Apps and click the Run button.

4. Update Display driver

  1. Hit the Start Menu icon, type Device Manager in the search bar, and click Open.
  2. Navigate to Display adapters and find your graphics card.
  3. Right-click on your graphics card and select Update driver.update-graphics-driver video memory management internal windows 11
  4. Select Search automatically for drivers.search automatically for driver

You can also use a third-party tool that updates drivers automatically so that you don’t have to go through multiple steps. Outbyte Driver Updater is the said tool, and it scans and downloads from a wide database to install the best match for your drivers.

Outbyte Driver Updater

Great app to use when your drivers need a quick update with the latest versions.
Free Trial Download now

5. Repair and reset the Minecraft app 

  1. Hit the Windows key and click on Settings.settings windows 11
  2. Select Apps on the left pane then click on Apps & features on the right pane.
  3. Locate Minecraft, click on the three vertical ellipses and select Advanced options.
  4. Click on Repair.
  5. Go back and click Reset.

When you use this feature, your game files will be deleted, along with any data stored on your device. This will fix any issue you may be having with Minecraft, including the Something went wrong in the login process error in Minecraft in Windows 11, crashes, bugs, and more.

6. Check for Windows Updates

  1. Hit the Windows key and click on Settings.settings windows 11
  2. Select Windows Update and click on Check for updates.check for updates button in settings
  3. Download and install if available.

7. Uninstall and reinstall Minecraft

  1. Hit the Windows key and click on Settings.settings windows 11
  2. Select Apps on the left pane then click on Apps & features on the right pane.
  3. Locate Minecraft, click on the three vertical ellipses and select Uninstall.
  4. Open the Microsoft Store, search for Minecraft and Install it.

And that’s how to go about the Something went wrong in the login process error in Minecraft. We also have tips on how to play Minecraft on cross-platforms so that you and your friends can experience the fun even with different versions of the game.

You may also find our list of VPNs to play with Minecraft very useful, especially if you want to mask your identity while playing online.

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

FIX: Xbox One doesn’t fit the TV screen [Simple Guide]

Posted on by Milan Stanojevic

“So I just recently got an Xbox One S, and I love it. However, something has been bugging me. The screen is too large and doesn’t fit on my TV screen. My TV is 1080p, and I have it set to that, but it doesn’t fit. Any Advice?”

If you’re going through a similar situation where your Xbox One S is not fitting the TV screen, one of the causes could be the display adjustment settings either on your console or another device.

Most users who have had this problem usually raise it with regard to their console and TV, so the solutions we’ll offer here are centered on the two devices.

If you encounter the Xbox One S not fitting screen issue, try some of the workarounds listed here and see if they help.

How to adjust screen size on Xbox One if it doesn’t fit the TV screen:

1. Preliminary checks

To fix Xbox One S is not fitting screen, there are a few general troubleshooting fixes you can use before trying anything else, such as turning off the console by holding down the Xbox button for ten seconds, then turning it back on by pressing the Xbox button on the console

If the screen still won’t fit, turn on the TV and console, set the TV to the correct input signal, and ensure the connection is secure.

Cold boot your console and turn it on again then reset display settings by first ejecting any disc in the console, press and hold down the Xbox button for five seconds to turn the console off, then press and hold the Xbox button and Eject button till you hear a beep on the console – one immediately, and another after 10 seconds. The power light will flash on just before the second beep but hold still until the second beep occurs. This boots your console in low-resolution mode.

You can also connect your Xbox One S to a different TV or monitor and see if it helps.

Does this resolve the Xbox One S not fitting the TV screen issue? If not, try the next solution.

2. Check TV Overscan

Most people today have ditched the use of cables for streaming as a way of watching media on their TVs, but cables still have their function, and their quality in terms of data transmission is still flawless. However, you may encounter problems with over-scanning at one point or another.

Overscan is a term used to describe a scenario when the edges of the display extend beyond the TV’s edges, making it hard for you to see everything you want. This dates back to the old days of cathode ray tube televisions, but there are ways of fixing it as described below:

  • Using TV

You can fix Overscan via the TV settings, regardless of the TV you’re using, so as to maintain picture quality. The setting name will vary from one TV brand to another, but you can find it by:

  • On your remote, press Menu
  • Navigate to Picture size
  • Select Aspect Ratio (or similar)
  • Pick settings (these can include 16:9, 4:3, Zoom or Super Zoom among others).

You can also find a Just Scan or Screen Fit option, so select that and your display should now fit perfectly within your TV’s four corners.

  • Using Windows

This method depends on your GPU, but you can do the following:

  • Go to the control panel of the graphics card
  • Select Display
  • Select Adjust desktop size and position.
  • Select your TV from the options
  • Check the Enable desktop resizing box (check that you’re not duplicating the display)
  • Click Resize
  • Use the sliders to adjust the fit on your screen

3. Calibrate your TV for Xbox One S

Each Xbox One version has a TV calibration tool in its settings toolbox, which helps you get the most out of your console. To do this:

  • Open settings on your Xbox One S console by first tapping the Home button on your controller to open the quick menu
  • Highlight Settings
  • Hit ‘A’ to open Xbox One S settings app
  • Select Display and Sound
  • Hit right on the controller’s d-pad to select Video output and push A
  • In Display and Sound settings, select Video output
  • Select Calibrate HDTV to start
  • Change your TV settings – some TVs have game-specific picture modes compared to having gaming mode, which can be enabled together with another picture mode. If yours has picture mode instead of game mode, use the picture mode.
  • In picture mode, set to Cinema/Movie/Standard
  • Set Color temperature, Dynamic contrast, Color Management, and Edge enhancement to off
  • You will get a pattern with two rectangles, a square and circle displayed. Ensure all these fit in the bounds of your screen. Check that they’re not distorted.
  • Go to your TV picture settings
  • Find Aspect Ratio option (also called Image Size). If you see an option for original size or ‘Just Scan’, select that
  • Once the rectangles fit on your screen, open TV picture settings
  • Choose Sharpness and reduce it to as low as it can get without blurring the screen, then save the settings

Did any of these solutions help? Let us know in the comments section below.

RELATED STORIES TO CHECK OUT:

Solved: Outlook Data File Cannot be Accessed

Posted on by Milan Stanojevic

Many readers reported getting the Outlook data file cannot be accessed error when sending or receiving emails. This error mostly occurs due to a corrupt user profile, issues with Microsoft Office or changed files location.

Before we head to the slightly tricky solutions, try restarting your PC and temporarily disabling the third-party antivirus if you’re using one.

How can I fix the Outlook data file cannot be accessed?

1. Create a new profile

  1. Press Windows + S to open Search, type Control Panel, and click on the relevant search result.control panel
  2. Enter Mail in the search field, and click on Mail (Microsoft Outlook).mail fix outlook data file cannot be accessed
  3. Click on Show Profiles.show profiles
  4. Now, click on the Add button.add
  5. Enter a profile name, and click on OK.create new profile to fix outlook data file cannot be accessed
  6. Next, fill out the various fields here, and proceed with the on-screen instructions to complete the process.account

Once done, check whether the Outlook data file cannot be accessed error is fixed. If not, head to the next solution.

2. Verify the location of the PST file

You also need to make sure that the PST file is present in the default location because if it’s now, Outlook might throw errors. So, head to the following location, where Username is the current profile, and verify the same:C:\Users\Username\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Outlook

find pst file

If you started getting the Outlook data file cannot be accessed error after moving PST, this should fix things.

We also have a great guide on Outlook PST file location, so be sure to check it out to learn more.

3. Modify the Registry

  1. Press Windows + R to open Run, type regedit, and hit 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_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Office\16.0\Outlook\PSTpath
  4. Now, locate the PromptRepair DWORD, double-click on it, change the Value data to 0, and click OK to save the changes.change to fix outlook data file cannot be accessed

4. Disable OneDrive

  1. Click on the OneDrive icon in the system tray, select the gear icon, and then choose Settings.onedrive
  2. Navigate to the Accounts tab, and click on Unlink this PC.unlink this pc to fix outlook data file cannot be accessed
  3. Click on Unlink account to confirm.unlink

That’s it! Many users reported the Outlook data file cannot be accessed error in the shared mailbox due to issues with OneDrive, and unlinking the PC should fix things.

If you want to learn more about Outlook, visit our guide on Mail Merge in Outlook to learn how to use this feature.

5. Repair Office

  1. Press Windows + R to open Run, type appwiz.cpl, and hit Enter.appwiz.cpl
  2. Locate and select Microsoft Office, and then click on Change.repair office to fix outlook data file cannot be accessed
  3. Now, select Online Repair, click on Repair, and allow Office to fix issues with it.online repair

The online repair should get things up and running since the problem most likely lies with Outlook. From now on, you won’t receive the Outlook data file cannot be accessed error in Windows.

If Outlook can’t create the work file, the highlighted guide will help you.

If nothing worked for you, look for the Outlook BAK file to recover & restore lost Outlook Data.

Also, find out what to do if Outlook runs slow in Windows or how you may open EML files in Outlook in case of using an older version.

Don’t hesitate to contact the comments section below for any other questions.

Epson Printer Recovery Mode: Get out of it With 3 Methods

Posted on by Milan Stanojevic

Epson printer, like any other device, needs driver updates. These are necessary pieces of software that your printer needs to run smoothly.

However, quite a few users encountered an issue with updating this driver. Simply put, the Epson printer gets stuck in recovery mode. This error usually occurs when the user interrupts the update process.

Luckily, there are some solutions available to solve the problem quickly.

Why does my printer say recovery mode?

The reasons for the Epson printer being stuck in recovery mode issue are not far-fetched. Listed below are some of the known ones:

  • Faulty or outdated firmware: If you are experiencing the Epson printer recovery mode issue on l5190, ET-2720, and ET-2760, the problem can be an interrupted firmware update. The solution here is to download and install the latest firmware update.
  • Outdated driver: Another prevalent cause of this issue is outdated printer drivers. To fix this, you need to update the driver from the manufacturer’s website.

How can I fix the Epson printer stuck in recovery mode?

Listed below are some prerequisite troubleshooting steps you need to perform before proceeding to the fixes in this section:

  • Disconnect all peripheral devices
  • Remove your USB and ethernet cable
  • Turn off the printer for about 20 seconds and restart it
  • Check network connection

If you can’t fix this issue with these steps, you can now proceed to the solutions below:

1. Update firmware

  1. Download and install the Epson Software Updater and launch it.
  2. Select your printer model and check the box next to Firmware Updater.
    firmware epson printer recovery mode
  3. Click the Install item(s) button and follow the onscreen instructions to complete the process.
    install items

The primary cause of the Epson printer recovery mode issue on the XP-4105, WF-2850, and other models is outdated or faulty firmware. Updating it following the steps above should restore normalcy.

2. Update the driver

  1. Visit the Epson support website, enter your printer’s model, and click the Search button.
    search
  2. Click the Drivers option to expand it.
    drivers
  3. Now, download and install the suitable driver for your product there.
    driver epson printer recovery mode

Another possible cause of the Epson printer recovery mode problem is outdated drivers. And the best place to download the latest drivers is the manufacturer’s website.

3. Update network driver

  1. Press the Windows key + X and select the Device Manager option.
    device manager
  2. Click the arrow next to the Network adapters option to expand it and right-click the driver there.
  3. Select the Update driver option.
    update driver
  4. Finally, choose the Search automatically for drivers option and install any available update.
    search auto epson printer recovery mode

Some users have also found outdated network adapter drivers to cause the Epson printer recovery mode issue. This is why you need to update the drivers too.

If updating the driver manually is not fixing the issue for you, you can use an automated tool in Outbyte Driver Updater to scan and install the latest drivers.

This tool will help install the drivers from its database. With this, you can eliminate the risk of installing the wrong drivers.

Outbyte Driver Updater

Let this tool automatically install the latest drivers to make sure all new devices are compatible.
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While the Epson printer recovery mode issue might seem like a big problem, it is not the most difficult to fix, as shown in this guide.

If your Epson printer won’t print despite showing on your PC, check our detailed guide to fix it and restore regular service.

Did you get out of recovery mode with the help of our solutions? Then, do let us know in the comments below!

Minecraft Is Not Responding: 5 Quick Ways to Fix It

Posted on by Claire Moraa

Minecraft crashes can happen to anyone, but they’re especially frustrating when you’re in a middle of a game or building something cool.

The game may become unresponsive because it is not using the GPU or your hardware is just undergoing wear and tear.

Why does my Minecraft keep crashing?

If you’re a Minecraft fan, you’ve probably noticed that the game is crashing on your PC. That doesn’t mean the end of your fun, but it does mean that something is going wrong in the background.

Here are some reasons why your Minecraft might crash:

  • Outdated game – Minecraft is a constantly updated game, and the developers make sure to patch up any issues that may arise. It is possible you’re running an old version.
  • You have too many mods installed at once – If you rely heavily on mods, they can cause lag or other issues because they are so resource-intensive. 
  • Low on memory – If you are running low on memory, Minecraft may be unresponsive as it tries to compensate with the limited resources.
  • You’re using an unofficial version – Pirated copies are often riddled with bugs and issues that can make the game unstable or unplayable.
  • Outdated graphics card –  If you’re using an old computer with a dated graphics card, it might not be able to handle the latest version of Minecraft. You’ll need to upgrade your hardware before playing the game again.

How do I fix Minecraft not responding?

Before performing any advanced troubleshooting, we recommend you check the following:

1. Disable Minecraft mods 

Sometimes Minecraft modpacks may not be responding, which can lead to crashes and errors like not responding when launching the game or even crashing while playing online with others. If this happens often enough, then disabling all mods may be an effective solution. 

This will help you determine if there is any conflict between them and Minecraft itself. If disabling some of these causes a positive change, then it could be that the problem lies with them instead of the game itself. 

2. Free up hard drive space

If Minecraft isn’t responding, it’s usually because the game is using more memory than your computer can provide.

There are multiple ways to free up hard drive space on your PC. You can choose to perform all of them or use one and check whether the game improves.

3. Update your graphic drivers 

  1. Hit the Windows key, type Device Manager in the search bar, and click Open.
  2. Navigate to Display adapters and find your graphics card.
  3. Right-click on your graphics card and select Update driver.update-graphics-driver video memory management internal windows 11
  4. Select Search automatically for drivers.search automatically for driver

Updating your graphics drivers to the latest version is always a good idea. It can be a pain, though, because you have to find out which ones you need and then download them. 

Outbyte Driver Updater automates the process for you. It picks up all the latest available drivers from their servers and downloads them to your system where they are installed automatically.

Outbyte Driver Updater

Have your graphic drivers along with all your old drivers in no time.
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4. Check for Windows Updates

  1. Hit the Windows key and click on Settings.settings windows 11
  2. Select Windows Update and click on Check for updates.check for updates button in settings
  3. Download and install if available.

5. Uninstall and reinstall Minecraft

  1. Hit the Windows key and click on Settings.settings windows 11
  2. Select Apps on the left pane then click on Apps & features on the right pane.
  3. Locate Minecraft, click on the three vertical ellipses and select Uninstall.
  4. Open the Microsoft Store, search for Minecraft and Install it.

A reinstall of the application can be helpful in getting rid of any corrupt file or stored cache that may have been causing issues with the game.

It is also important to note that Minecraft not responding on startup or when joining the server may also be caused by server issues. If the servers are down or undergoing maintenance, all you can do is wait it out.

Other issues that may crop up include a BSOD error appearing on Minecraft while launching. If you come across such an error, don’t hesitate to check out our detailed guide on how to go about it.

Let us know if, after trying out these steps, there’s improved performance on your Minecraft game.

Xbox One S Keeps Disconnecting from Wi-Fi: How to Fix

Posted on by Aleksandar Ognjanovic

The revolutionary nature of Xbox One S makes it one of the best gaming platforms to date, and a viable successor to the Xbox One.

Nonetheless, it’s not without its issues, most annoying when it keeps disconnecting from Wi-Fi.

For that purpose, we prepared the most viable solutions in the hope to help you address the problem at hand. Make sure to check them out below.

Why does my Xbox keep disconnecting from the internet?

Solution 1 – Use wired connections

We’re aware this is an obvious solution, but if there’s even the slightest opportunity to connect your Xbox One S to an ethernet cable, make sure to do so.

There are literally dozens of reasons why a wireless connection isn’t as good, especially for gaming.

Even without repetitive disconnections, wireless isn’t the best suited for gaming in general.

Now, one can say this is a problem exclusive to the Xbox One S and maybe that’s the case.

But until Microsoft offers a permanent solution or even acknowledges it as a widespread problem, try sticking with ethernet.

On the other hand, if you’re unable to use a wired connection or you’re experiencing the same issues, make sure to check the additional steps.

Solution 2 – Adjust modem or router settings

Even though there’s a slight chance this is a general issue with Xbox One S, it’s more likely that this is an individual error.

Connectivity is a delicate subject if we consider the infinite number of different devices and configurations.

Now, although they are different, there are still some things you should check-up.

The first step is the simple one: restart your router. This will clear possible IP conflicts. In addition, try disconnecting other connected devices.

If any of them is in use for streaming, VoIP, or torrent downloading, make sure to disconnect them temporarily and look for changes.

In addition, you should check the ports. These are the ports you need to open in order to run Xbox Live:

  • Port 88 (UDP)
  • Port 3074 (UDP and TCP)
  • Port 53 (UDP and TCP)
  • Port 80 (TCP)
  • Port 500 (UDP)
  • Port 3544 (UDP)
  • Port 4500 (UDP)

Moreover, to avoid DHCP conflicts, make sure to assign the Xbox One S out of the scope. This can be done by accessing your router.

Since the procedure depends on your router model, we advise you to google it and learn about it in details before you start with tweaking.

Solution 3 – Disable Instant-On

Instant-On mode is indeed useful and it substantially speeds up the startup process.

However, some users suggested that, after hours and hours of passive work in the background, this can affect both performance and hardware.

Add to that a lot of gaming hours per day, and it’s clear that the console will heat up.

Can this affect the connectivity? Probably. Because of that, we advise you to switch to energy-saving mode and look for changes.

Follow the instructions below to switch to energy-saving mode:

  1. Press Xbox button.
  2. Choose Settings.
  3. Open All Settings.
  4. Choose Power & startup.
  5. Expand Power mode & startup.
  6. Select Energy-saving mode and confirm changes.

Solution 4 – Restore factory settings

Finally, to address all possible software bugs that may affect your connectivity, we advise you to perform a factory reset.

This is the last resort, but if you’re 100% positive that everything is set up as intended and the problem is persistent nonetheless, it might help you resolve it.

The instructions below should show you how to restore factory settings on your Xbox One S:

  1. Press the Xbox button.
  2. Select Settings.
  3. Choose All Settings.
  4. Open System.
  5. Select Console info & updates.
  6. Select Reset console.
  7. Here, you can choose between the 2 options:
    • Reset and remove everything.
    • Reset and keep my games & apps.
  8. We advise you to select the second option because the games and apps shouldn’t affect the console issues in any manner.

Even though it’s helpful, this procedure is, as some users stated, only a temporary solution or rather a workaround.

If you encounter any other errors with your Xbox One S, we recommend you to take a look at this guide in which we dealt with the most frequent ones.

In the end, if none of the previous solutions proved productive, we advise you to contact your retailer or contact Microsoft support.

We also have an article on what to do if Xbox Series X keeps disconnecting from Ethernet.

Feel free to share your experience with Xbox One S disconnections in the comment section below.

[Fixed] Runtime Broker High CPU Usage: 9 Quick Solutions

Posted on by Madalina Dinita

The Runtime Broker is a Windows process that helps manage app permissions on your PC. Usually, this tool shouldn’t use more than a few MB of memory, but in some cases, the Runtime Broker uses even 1GB of RAM or more.

Such unusual CPU usage affects the processor’s performance and in time, it can shorten its lifespan. In the majority of cases, the Runtime Broker uses too much RAM due to a faulty app.

If your Runtime Broker causes high CPU usage, try the workarounds below to fix this issue.

What is Runtime Broker?

Runtime Broker is a Windows process that can be managed through Task Manager and assists in administering permissions for software obtained from the Microsoft Store.

RuntimeBroker.exe is a process that is initiated by Universal programs, and if that process terminates, all apps that are presently active will close immediately.

Why is Runtime Broker using so much CPU?

According to Microsoft, high CPU usage is typically caused by incompatible or defective applications on your machine.

After installing a certain application, if you are experiencing High CPU Usage, you can uninstall the application to see if this solves the problem.

Additionally, if you have multiple Runtime Broker instances going on simultaneously, you will experience high CPU usage.

How can I fix Runtime Broker high CPU usage on Windows 10?

1. Stop the Runtime Broker from Task Manager

According to users, sometimes you can fix the problem with the Runtime Broker and high CPU usage simply by ending the Runtime Broker process.

This is quite simple to do, and you can do it by following these steps:

  1. Open Task Manager. You can do that quickly by pressing Ctrl + Shift + Esc.
  2. Then click Processes.processes-task flash game lag
  3. Now locate Runtime Broker process on the list. Right-click it and choose End task from the menu.
    Runtime Broker multiple instances
  4. Reboot your computer afterward.

After disabling all Runtime Broker processes, check for the problem. Keep in mind that this might be just a temporary workaround, but you might want to try it out.

You can apply the same approach to other processes, such as Microsoft Common Language Runtime Native Compiler High CPU Usage.

2. Hack the Registry

If you’re having problems with Runtime Broker and high CPU usage, you might be able to fix the problem simply by making a few changes in your registry.

This is relatively simple to do, and you can do it by following these steps:

  1. Press Windows Key + R and enter regedit. Press Enter or click OK.
    Runtime Broker multiple instances
  2. Go to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESYSTEMCurrentControlSetServicesTimeBroker.
  3. Change Start=dword:00000003 to dword:00000004.  However, this action affects parts of Cortana’s reminders.
timebroker regedit windows 10

After making these changes, check if the problem with high CPU usage is resolved.

3. Disable the tips about Windows

According to users, sometimes certain features of Windows can cause problems with Runtime Broker and high CPU usage.

However, you can fix the problem simply by disabling the Windows tips. To disable this feature, do the following:

  1. Open the Settings app. The quickest way to do that is to use Windows Key + I shortcut.
  2. When the Settings app opens, head over to the System section.
    Runtime Broker keeps running
  3. Now choose Notifications & actions from the left pane. In the right pane, locate and disable Get tips, tricks and suggestions as you use Windows.
    Runtime Broker high RAM

After doing that, the issue with Runtime Broker and high CPU usage should be resolved.

4. Switch your lock screen background Windows Slideshow to Picture

A few users reported that Runtime Broker high CPU usage issue is caused by your lock screen background.

It seems that the slideshow background on your lock screen is causing this problem, and to fix this issue, you need to disable it and switch to a single picture.

This is rather simple, and you can do it by following these steps:

  1. Open the Settings app and navigate to the Personalization section.
    Runtime Broker keeps running
  2. Go to the Lock screen section in the left pane. In the right pane, set Background to Picture.
    Runtime Broker high memory

After doing that, the issue with Runtime Broker should be completely resolved.

5. Check your antivirus

Sometimes, your antivirus can cause problems with Runtime Broker and lead to issues with high CPU usage.

To fix this problem, we advise you to disable certain antivirus features and check if that helps. If the problem is still present, you might have to disable or uninstall your antivirus.

If removing the antivirus solves the problem, perhaps this is a good time to consider switching to a different antivirus.

There are many great antivirus tools on the market, but if you’re looking for useful antivirus software that won’t interfere with your system, you should definitely look through the list and choose a better option for you.

You would have a better Auto-Pilot user experience, an extra-protection layer that encrypts immediately every file that is threatened by malicious programs, and better optimization for your PC.

6. Customize the advanced update settings

Sometimes, your update settings can cause Runtime Broker high CPU issues to appear. To fix this problem, you need to disable peer-to-peer updates.

This feature can be useful since it allows you to download updates from other PCs on the Internet and your local network.

However, sometimes that can lead to high CPU usage, but you can fix the problem by doing the following:

  1. Open the Settings app and navigate to the Update & Security section.
    Runtime Broker error
  2. In the right pane, click Advanced options.
    Runtime Broker error
  3. Scroll all the way down and click on Delivery Optimization.
    Runtime Broker multiple instances
  4. Locate the Allow downloads from other PCs option and disable it.

After turning this feature off, you won’t download updates from other PCs, instead, you’ll download them only and directly from Microsoft.

By turning this feature off the problem with Runtime Broker should be resolved.

7. Disable background apps

According to users, sometimes background applications can lead to this problem.

If you’re having issues with Runtime Broker and high CPU usage, perhaps you might be able to fix this problem by disabling the background applications.

This is simple to do, and you can do it by following these steps:

If you’re having problems with high CPU usage, the problem might be the Groove Music app.

  1. Open the Settings app and go to the Privacy section.
    Runtime Broker keeps running
  2. Navigate to the Background apps in the left pane. In the right pane, disable Let apps run in the background option.
    Runtime Broker high disk usage

After disabling this feature, the problem with high CPU usage should be resolved. Keep in mind that by disabling this feature you might miss certain notifications from Universal apps.

8. Delete Groove music using Powershell

Several users reported that this application is responsible for Runtime Broker’s high CPU usage, and in order to fix this problem, you need to remove it.

Since this is a Universal application, you’ll need to remove it with PowerShell. To do that, just follow these steps:

  1. In the Search bar, enter powershell. From the list of results right-click Windows PowerShell and choose Run as administrator.
    Runtime Broker error
  2. Copy the following commands one at a time: Get-AppxPackage -name Microsoft.ZuneMusic | Remove-AppxPackage Get-AppxPackage -name Microsoft.Music.Preview | Remove-AppxPackage

After removing Groove Music, check if the problem is still there.

9. Remove OneDrive

In some cases, Runtime Broker and high CPU usage can occur due to OneDrive.

To fix this problem, it’s advised to disable OneDrive or to remove it. To remove OneDrive from your PC, you need to do the following:

  1. Open Command Prompt as administrator. To do that, press Windows Key + X and choose Command Prompt (Admin) from the list. If Command Prompt isn’t available, you can use PowerShell (Admin).
    Runtime Broker high disk usage
  2. Type the command taskkill /f /im OneDrive.exe to end all OneDrive processes.
  3. Type the command %SystemRoot%System32OneDriveSetup.exe /uninstall for 32-bit Windows or %SystemRoot%SysWOW64OneDriveSetup.exe /uninstall for 64-bit Windows to uninstall OneDrive.
    uninstall onedrive cmd

After removing OneDrive from your PC, check if the problem with Runtime Broker and high CPU usage is still there.

How to fix Runtime Broker high CPU in Windows 11?

Besides the solutions above, which are also applicable in Windows 11, you can follow the next steps:

  • Update your OS
  • Optimize startup applications
  • Disable background apps

You can find out more solutions by checking out our guide on what to do to fix high CPU usage in Windows 11.

Runtime Broker problems can negatively impact your performance, and speaking of this process, here are some common problems that users reported:

  • Runtime Broker high disk usage, memory, RAM – This process can negatively impact your performance, but in order to fix the issue, you have to disable certain Windows features.
  • Runtime Broker error – Sometimes Runtime Broker errors can appear on your PC. This is usually caused by your antivirus, but you can fix that issue by changing your antivirus settings.
  • Runtime Broker multiple instances – If multiple instances of Runtime Broker appear on your PC, be sure to end all processes from Task Manager and the issue will be resolved.
  • Runtime Broker keeps running – Sometimes this process can keep running on your PC and negatively impact your performance. To fix that, simply change your Windows Update settings and the issue will be resolved.

For additional troubleshooting steps, check out how to fix CPU at 100% for no reason.

Problems with Runtime Broker and high CPU can cause many problems, such as reduced performance, but we hope you managed to solve this issue using the solutions from this article.

How to Rebuild Outlook Profile on Windows 10

Posted on by Vladimir Popescu

Commonly, Microsoft Outlook users keep their PST (Personal Storage Table) files protected by a password to prevent others from getting access to personal data.

The PST feature inside MS Outlook deals with attributing that password to an Outlook profile and sometimes it may become corrupted. This results in you not being able to access the Outlook inbox.

For this reason, in this article, we will discuss the best solutions for rebuilding an Outlook profile in Windows 10. The repair process applies to Outlook 2007, 2010, 2013, and also the 2016 version.

How can I rebuild my Outlook profile on Windows 10?

Use Control Panel

    A quick and easy way to rebuild your Outlook profile is via Control Panel. Simply follow the steps below and you will complete the process within a few minutes.

  1. 1. Press Windows then type control and open Control Panel.

    control-panel-image fix corrupt outlook profile

  2. 2. Type mail inside the search box then select the Mail (Microsoft Outlook) result.

    mail-outlook fix corrupt outlook profile

  3. 3. Click Show Profiles.

    show-profiles fix corrupt outlook profile

  4. 4. Click Remove, followed by Add, to create a new Outlook profile.

    remove-add fix corrupt outlook profile

  5. 5. Restart your computer.

So, in today’s article, we explored some of the best ways to fix a corrupted Outlook profile. We covered all versions of the software, so you don’t have to search separately for solutions.

Please feel free to let us know if this article helped you better understand your circumstances and what you can do to change them.

For more solutions, check out how to fix the Outlook Cannot Log On Verify You Are Connected Error.

You can let us know by using the comments section below.

Discord High CPU Usage: 5 Tested Solutions to Fix it

Posted on by Loredana Harsana

Initially designed for games, Discord also became an excellent platform for chatting. However, many of our readers reported that Discord has high CPU usage.

If Discord uses too much CPU, that can also affect the PC performance and other applications, such as games. It seems like high CPU usage and low GPU usage problems are bothering many, so make sure to fix them.

Why is my Discord using so much CPU?

This problem might occur because Discord is a VoIP (voice over Internet protocol), instant messaging, and digital distribution platform. Therefore, when Discord works, it requires more hardware resources, including the power of the central processing unit (CPU).

Also, Hardware Acceleration is often found to cause very high power usage in Discord, and disabling it worked for users. Besides, you should verify if there are conflicting programs on the system that affect the functioning of Discord and uninstall them.

Lastly, if the boot configuration is set incorrectly or limits the number of processors, it could also lead to a problem.

Now, let’s see what you can do if Discord is causing high CPU usage.

How do I fix Discord’s high CPU usage?

1. Turning on or off hardware acceleration

  1. Hit the Windows key, type Discord, then click on the first result.
  2. On the Discord app, go to User Settings (marked as a gear).
  3. On the left pane, scroll down to Advanced.
  4. Toggle the switch for Hardware acceleration forward.
  5. Click on the Okay button.
    Okay
Note icon NOTE
Hardware acceleration should be u003cstrongu003eONu003c/strongu003e, u003cspanu003eas the graphics card will take over a part of the performance. As a result, the processor is relieved. u003c/spanu003e

Many users noticed that having it on was causing high CPU usage in Discord, and by turning it off, the problem was fixed.

However, if your system supports the feature, you must keep it enabled as it could help you fix the Elevated API latency; read this to learn more about it.

So, if your hardware acceleration is on, turning it off could help you. But if this method doesn’t work for you, keep reading.

2. Change the Cores your computer uses

  1. Hit the Windows key, type msconfig into the search bar, and hit the Enter key to open System Configuration.
  2. System Configuration should pop up on your screen. Next, click on the Boot tab.
  3. Click on the Advanced options button.
  4. Untick the checkbox for the Number of processors.
  5. Click OK and close the windows.

Keep in mind that if this option is unticked, it tells your laptop not to limit itself to just one core of your processor. So, by changing this one setting, you can fix Discord’s high CPU usage problems for good.

3. Download and reinstall a fresh copy of Discord

  1. Press the Windows key + I to open the Settings app.
  2. Select the Apps option.
    apps discord high cpu usage
  3. Locate and click on the Discord app.
  4. Now, click the Uninstall button and follow the onscreen instruction to complete the process.
    uninstall
  5. Finally, go to Discord’s official website to download the app.

Another common fix is to reinstall the app. Downloading a new version can resolve the problem, as there may be a problem with your current version. 

For a more effective and straightforward uninstallation process, it is advised to use one of the best uninstaller software in CCleaner. This tool does not only remove the Discord file but also eliminates all remnants of the program.

Also, CCleaner helps to remove Junk files on your PC and keeps it in optimal shape. It might be all you need to remove all unwanted files and apps on Windows 10/11.

⇒ Get CCleaner

4. Change the graphics preferences

  1. Press Windows + I to open the Settings and navigate to System.
  2. Stay on the Display page, then scroll down and select Graphics settings from the right window pane.
  3. Select the Desktop app under Graphics performance preference and hit the Browse button.
  4. In the pop-up window, find the Discord file, then click on the Add button.
  5. Click on Options.
  6. Now set the Option/Graphics preference to High performance.
  7. Save and exit, then restart your PC.

Even if your processor is at 100% of its power, it won’t affect the processor itself and won’t create any long-lasting damage. So, the only issue you may have is with the processor overheating.

5. Turn off voice processing features

  1. Open Discord then go to Settings followed by Voice & Video.voice-video Discord High CPU Usage
  2. Here, scroll down to the Voice Processing section and turn off all the features in there including Echo Cancellation, Noise Suppression, Advanced Voice Activity, and Automatic Gain Control.voice-processing Discord High CPU Usage

Discord app vs. browser CPU usage

You should probably use the Discord app regarding CPU usage and speed. Most browsers like Chrome already register high CPU usage due to add-ons and other running tabs.

So, this affects the performance of Discord and increases CPU usage. With the dedicated app, the processes will only be limited to Discord activities.

How do I optimize Discord?

You can reconfigure several settings to optimize Discord’s performance and enhance your experience. Start with Noise Suppression, a feature found under Voice & Video settings, to filter out the background noise.

Noise Suppression setting in Discord

If you receive too many notifications from servers you are not presently active on; there’s always the option to modify the notification setting. To do that, right-click on the server, hover the cursor over Notification Settings, and select the desired option.

Also, you can configure keyboard shortcuts or Keybinds, as they are called on Discord, to perform functions quickly and easily. So head to the Keybinds setting and start adding them right away!

Adding Keybinds on Discord

These three changes will make your Discord experience seamless and much more enjoyable.

That’s all there’s to fixing things if Discord is using too much CPU once and for all and optimizing the app. You can also try basic troubleshooting steps like restarting your PC and Discord and scanning for viruses before proceeding to the fixes.

Discord is not the only app that can be prone to this issue. It seems like Avast Antivirus may also cause high CPU usage. Also, do not forget that you can always try the best software to fix high CPU usage.

For additional questions or curiosities, feel free to use the comments below.

Windows 11 Sync Settings Not Working: 4 Fixes to Apply

Posted on by Hasibul Kabir

Are the Windows 11 sync settings not working or just greyed out? If yes, you should follow this article to learn about this problem along with the effective solutions.

Windows 11 is amazing. You can sync your settings across other computers if these have the same OS. However, the problem occurs when it doesn’t work, or the option is not accessible. If you are currently facing this problem, you are not alone.

Why is the sync option not working on Windows 11?

Usually, the synchronization-related issue occurs when the following reasons exist on your device:

  • Microsoft account problem: If the account you are using has some problems, it may not work with the sync feature of Windows 11.
  • Problems with the registry: It may be possible that some software or services may have changed some values of the registry that are causing the problem.
  • Problems with group policy: If Windows 11 sync is disabled from group policy, you will not be able to use this feature.
  • Corrupted system: Misconfiguration or problems with system files can be another reason.
  • Blocked account: If your Microsoft account has been blocked for some reason, there is no way to use sync feature with this account until it is unblocked.

What can I do if Windows 11 sync settings are not working?

Before going through the troubleshooting methods, you should check the following things:

  • Restart Windows. In case of facing any restart issues, you can solve them in no time.
  • Update Windows to the latest version.
  • Make sure your Microsoft account is not blocked.
  • If possible, try a different account and see if it helps.

After that, go through the following methods to solve the sync settings problem on Windows 11.

1. Verify Microsoft account

  1. Press Win + I to open Settings.
  2. Go to Accounts and go to Email & accounts.going email accounts setting windows 11
  3. If you see a message like this account needs to be verified, click on the Verify button.
  4. Provide the necessary credentials and verify the account.

If it is a newly created MS account, check your email to verify on Microsoft’s server side.

2. Enable sync from group policy or registry

2.1 From Group Policy Editor

  1. Open the Start Menu, type gpedit.msc and press Enter.
  2. Expand Computer Configuration.
  3. Click on Administrative Templates and then on Windows Components.expanding windows components gpedit computer configuration
  4. Go to Sync your settings.
  5. Find the option Do not Sync and double-click on it.going do not sync gpedit
  6. Enable and save the settings.disabling do not sync windows 11 gpedit
  7. Restart your PC.

2.1 From Registry Editor

  1. On Start Menu, type regedit and hit Enter.
  2. Navigate to the following location: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\SettingSync
  3. Create a new DWORD and give the name as DisableSettingsSync and set its value 2.dsablesettingsync regedit value 2
  4. Create another DWORD called DisableSettingSyncUserOverride and set its value 2.
  5. Restart your PC.

3. Enable from Azure Active Directory

  1. Go to Azure AD admin center and log in.
  2. Click on Azure Active Directory and go to Devices.
  3. Go to Enterprise State Roaming.going enterprise state roaming azure
  4. Select Users may sync settings and app data across devices.
  5. Save it.

If you are a part of Azure Active Directory and encountering Windows 11 sync settings not working issue, the above steps will solve the problem. However, if you are not an admin, you will need to discuss about the steps with the system administrator.

4. Reset Windows

  1. Open the Windows Settings like before.
  2. Go to System and then Recovery.going recovery win11 settings
  3. Click on Reset PC.clicking reset PC win11 settings
  4. Go ahead and finish the process.

You also may be encountering different types of sync problems. If necessary, learn how to solve Windows 11 theme sync problem and also OneDrive Sync problem.

After trying the above methods, you will be able to solve Windows 11 sync settings not working issue. If you know any other better methods, feel free to let us know in the comment box.

How to document and track changes in Excel on Microsoft 365

Posted on by davew

Many people already know how to view and Track Changes in Word, but they might be worried that the steps will be different from Track Changes in Excel.

Track changes in Excel 2022

Microsoft’s previous directions on how to track changes in a shared workbook in Excel are obsolete. Microsoft is looking to remove Track Changes to make way for “co-authoring,” a special feature which is now available only to Microsoft 365 paid subscribers.

To co-author or track changes in Excel for Windows desktops, here are 3 things you need:

  1. The latest version of Excel for Microsoft 365 is installed on your machine.
  2. Be logged in to your Microsoft 365 account. If you already have the latest version of Excel installed, or use other Office apps on your PC, you may already be signed in to your subscription account.
  3. Use Excel workbooks in .xlsx,.xlsm, or .xlsb file format. If you have a file that doesn’t use these formats, go to File > Save As and click Save to save the file in .xlsx file format. Please note: Co-authoring in Excel does not support Strict Open XML Spreadsheet format.

Co-author a Workbook with others

Once you have the 3 prerequisites, you probably want to know how to actually use the co-authoring feature with an Excel Workbook.

If you find that coworkers in your group can’t see any edits they made or different colors in a workbook you share with them, make sure that everyone’s AutoSave is turned on.

track changes in Excel
Excel for Microsoft 365 app on Windows 11

Once AutoSave is turned on, you will be able to co-author an Excel Workbook with others.

Follow these steps to co-author a workbook in Excel:

1. Upload or create a new workbook using a web browser in OneDrive, OneDrive for Business, or a SharePoint Online library. SharePoint On-Premises sites not hosted by Microsoft do not support co-authoring.

tracking changes in excel

If you are using the Windows Desktop App, you can go to File > Save a Copy and save a copy to a specific location on your OneDrive to track changes in Excel.

2. Click the Share button in the upper right corner and click Share a second time. TRACK CHANGING IN EXCEL

3. Insert the name, group or email addresses of the people you want to share the workbook and click Send to send an email or click Copy to copy the link.

Summary

Reminder, Co-authoring in Excel is only available to paid subscribers, click here to try or buy Microsoft 365. Be sure to check Microsoft’s guidelines for Best Practices for Coauthoring in Excel to help you get started.

These steps will likely change as Microsoft is prepared to release a new Microsoft 365 app to replace the Office.com app installer. Be sure to check out our dedicated Microsoft 365 news hub for similar tips and tricks.

Microsoft’s latest Edge Dev build 110 drops support for Windows 7, 8 and 8.1

Posted on by Radu Tyrsina

Microsoft has released the first Edge Dev version 110 build. Coming in at version 110.0.1543.0, this build features the usual reliability fixes and improvements as well as new features. Here’s what you need to know.

First up, the newly added features. This version now supports a more consistent dark mode, even Sidebar content. What’s more, you will be able to create a share and redeem Workspaces share link in, and finally, you’ll be able to tell who closed Workspace tabs with timestamps.

For Mobile users, the Collections feature has been updated. The feature will get to show new content based on your collections as well as the web. Your existing collections will not be affected by this change and you can also switch back based on your preference. As for the Enterprise users, they will get enhanced support for ExtensionInstallBlocklist policy to block all Sidebar apps. Enterprise users also get s new policy that lets them control the scope search feature.

Aside from the added features, this update also features a host of reliability fixes and changed behavior. The most notable one is that starting with Chromium 110, Windows 7, 8, and 8.1 will no longer be supported. You might want to consider upgrading to Windows 11 to continue accessing Edge’s features and updates.

That said, be sure to check out Microsoft’s blog post for more details pertaining to this update. In other Edge related news, version 108 recently hit the Stable Channel, there was also an indication that Microsoft was working on a new feature dubbed Project Kodiak.

This update should roll out to users automatically, however, if this is not the case, you can trigger the update manually by visiting Edge’s Settings menu, then click on Help and Feedback, select About Microsoft Edge, and then wait for the browser to download the update.

via: Microsoft

How to redeem a gift card or code for Xbox Game Pass Ultimate and Microsoft 365

Posted on by davew

When you shop online, sometimes you can score offers to redeem a gift card or code and add it to your Microsoft account. Have an old Xbox Live Gold code or membership gift card you want to redeem? Microsoft has you covered. Xbox Live Gold codes or gift cards are automatically converted to the equivalent value in Xbox Game Pass. See Microsoft’s conversion table for more information.

redeem a gift card

And depending on your user level (Level 2 is the highest), you can also get significant Microsoft Rewards point discounts to use to buy gift cards that you can use towards buying physical Microsoft products, like the Surface Pro 9 or Xbox Series S|X.

Redeem a gift card or code for Xbox Game Pass

Xbox gift cards or Microsoft product key codes are typically 25 characters long and include both numbers and letters. Regardless if the gift card or code is for Xbox or Microsoft 365  To redeem a gift card or code, follow these steps:

  1. Go to https://redeem.microsoft.com enter the 25-character code, and click Next.
    redeem a gift card
  2. Click Continue to be taken to the next screen.
    As noted earlier in this post, Xbox Live Gold codes are automatically converted to an equivalent Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscription. So the 3-month Xbox Live Gold code that was entered will only get 50 days (just barely 2 months) of an equivalent Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscription.
  3. Click Confirm to confirm your gift card or code information that will be added to your Microsoft account.
    redeem a gift card

To check if you already redeemed a code, check your Microsoft account order history. If you want to activate a Microsoft 365 or Office-related product key code, you need to use a slightly different method.

Want a step by step walkthrough for console, web, and mobile? Check this guide on how to redeem a code on Xbox. Ready to install your games on Windows? See How to Download Xbox Game Pass Games on PC for clear step by step instructions.

Redeem a gift card or code for Microsoft 365

To activate a Microsoft 365 product code or license key, follow these steps:

  1. Go to https://setup.office.com, sign in to your Microsoft account, and click Next.
    redeem a gift card
  2. Enter the 25-character code and click Next to download and install Microsoft 365 apps (if needed).
    redeem a gift card

If the system can’t find your code, visit the Troubleshooting section for additional Microsoft support.

Redeem a gift card or code via the Microsoft Store app

Another way you can redeem a gift card or code is by using the Microsoft Store on Windows 11. Here’s what you need to do.

  1. Open the Microsoft Store on your Windows PC.
  2. Click your Microsoft account and click Redeem code or gift cards.
    redeem a gift card
  3. Enter the 25-character code in the space provided, click Next and follow the prompts.
    redeem a gift card

What happens after I redeem my gift card or code?

There are 3 things that may happen after you redeem a gift card or code:

  1. If the card or code has a cash value, the monetary balance will be transferred to your Microsoft account for you to spend online on Windows, Xbox, or the Microsoft Store.
  2. If the card or code is for a specific app or game, it will be added to your Microsoft account library so you can download and install it. To redeem certain Windows apps and Xbox games, you may need to go to a separate product page to download and install them.
  3. If the card or code is for a Microsoft 365 subscription, you can locate it under your Services & subscriptions in your Microsoft account.

Summary

Keep in mind, these steps will likely change once Microsoft migrates from using the Office app installer to the new Microsoft 365 app. Microsoft 365 updated its online web experience as of November 2022, but the app redesign won’t happen until January 2023.

Once released, the new Microsoft 365 app may change the way you redeem a gift card or code. But until that time, you can continue to use this method.

How do you usually redeem a gift card or code? Let us know in the comments!

Microsoft plans to add a Vertical Tabs layout option to OneNote on Windows soon

Posted on by Radu Tyrsina

Over the past few months, Microsoft has made a ton of improvements as well as enhancements across the OneNote clients. That is, from letting users view notebooks within Teams mobile apps to incorporating a dictate feature in the platform that makes the note-taking process easy.

And now, Microsoft has announced that it will be adding new Layout Options for OneNote on Windows. This is the top request the company has received from course facilitators and education facilities, especially those planning to transition to the OneNote on Windows (Desktop) version.

What’s more, they also requested Microsoft to make the UI resemble Windows 10’s OneNote. This is mainly because the Windows 10 version features pages, sections, and notebooks aligned on the left-hand side, and supports vertical tabs compared to the new app that presents the content in a horizontal tabs layout.

Moreover, students have stated that they prefer this layout option because it makes it easier for them to navigate through their reading material. That said, Microsoft has indicated that they will be adding a new layout option for students, Vertical tabs that will make it easier for them to navigate through their notebooks, sections, and pages in OneNote on Windows early next year.

As you might already be aware, Microsoft removed the OneNote for Windows 10 from the Microsoft Store replacing it with the new and unified OneNote app. Though you can still make use of OneNote for Windows 10, you’ll need a direct link to download it since it is no longer available on Microsoft Store.

However, if you are looking to get the new OneNote app, it is usually part of the pre-installed Office apps that come with a new Windows 11 device. If not, check out our guide which will help you download and install the correct version of the app. We also have a separate post that will equip you with neat tricks and tips that will help you get started with OneNote.

via: Microsoft

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Unable to Find the Ubisoft Game Launcher: How to Fix It

Posted on by Henderson Jayden Harper

Ubisoft allows users to play games on their devices and access their stats. It serves as a game launcher for its video game franchises. However, users report the unable to find the Ubisoft game launcher error when they want to play.

Ubisoft servers not available is another problem users commonly experience.

Why am I unable to find the Ubisoft game launcher?

Many factors can contribute to the occurrence of the unable to find Ubisoft game launcher problems. However, it mostly appears when users try to play Assassin’s Creed on Ubisoft.

Furthermore, a common factor that can cause the problem is an outdated Ubisoft Connect version on your PC. It means the app does not work with the latest features and builds. Other factors that are liable to cause problems are:

  • Ubisoft Connect cache – It is common to run into problems with apps on the computer if their cache files are corrupt or damaged. They become old and cause problems with the Ubisoft game launcher.
  • Issues with games installation files – Issues with the game installation files will relatively affect its functionality. It can make it not launch at all or prompt errors from time to time.

The causes listed above may differ depending on the instances of the problem. Nonetheless, you can fix the Ubisoft game launcher by following some steps.

What can I do if I am unable to find the Ubisoft game launcher?

Apply the following preliminary checks:

If the error appears, follow the advanced steps below.

1. Delete the Ubisoft launcher’s cache folder

  1. Press Windows + E to launch File Explorer.
  2. Navigate to C:\Program Files (x86)\Ubisoft\Ubisoft Game Launcher\
  3. Click on the Cache folder, press Ctrl + C to copy it, then paste it into Desktop.
  4. Go back to the Cache folder and delete it.
  5. Close File Explorer and restart your PC to check if the error persists.

Deleting the cache folder will resolve any problem with corrupt caches that is causing the error to occur. If you run into errors, delete the folder in File Explorer, and check some fixes.

2. Run in compatibility mode and as an administrator

  1. Right-click on the Ubisoft Connect client, then click on Properties.
  2. Click on the Compatibility tab, check the box for Run this program in compatibility mode for, then select your operating system.
  3. Scroll down and check the box for Run this program as an administrator.
  4. Click Apply, then OK to save the changes.
  5. Launch the Ubisoft launcher and try accessing your game to see if the error persists.

3. Verify your game files

  1. Launch the Ubisoft Connect app on your PC.
  2. Go to the Games tab, then click the game you wish to verify (the game prompting the error).
  3. Select Properties, and click on Verify files under Local files.
  4. Click on Repair after the verification to fix the corrupt or broken game files.
  5. Close Ubisoft Connect and relaunch the launcher to help it download the faulty game files.
  6. Try to play your game and check if the error persists.

Verifying game files for the game prompting the error will repair any corrupted files that may affect the game.

4. Uninstall and reinstall Ubisoft Connect

  1. Right-click the Start button, type installed apps, and launch it.
  2. Search for Ubisoft, click the three dots at the front, then click Uninstall.
  3. In the Ubisoft Connect Uninstall window, click Next to proceed.
  4. Leave all boxes unchecked, then click Uninstall.
  5. Go to the Ubisoft Connect page, click the menu, then click Download for PC.
  6. Double-click on the UbisoftConnectInstaller file, then click I Accept on the new page.
  7. Click Browse, select Desktop to change the installation directory, then OK.
  8. Click Install, then tap on Finish to complete the process.
  9. Launch your game and see if the error is fixed.

Reinstalling Ubisoft should be the last option to try because you can lose some app data.

Alternatively, check our fixes for the Uplay not compatible with the operating system error on the PC. Also, we have a guide on fixing the EasyAntiCheat error messages in Ubisoft games.

Kindly leave your suggestions and questions in the comments section below.