How to Ping in League of Legends [Fast Hotkeys/Buttons]

Posted on December 2, 2022October 4, 2023 by Madhuparna Roy

You are at the right place if you are wondering how to ping on League of Legends to warn your teammates about any threats.

Whether new to the game or an experienced gamer, you are communicating with your team at the right time is essential to winning games. Pings help you precisely with that.

At the same time, to increase FPS in League of Legends and enjoy the game without breaking the flow, refer to the solutions in our detailed guide.

Why do you need to use pings in League of Legends?

Some of the reasons why you should use pings in League of Legends are:

Helps communicate with the team – Smart Pings in LoL are pre-fed visual alerts in the game to help you connect to your team about the gameplay.
Alert your team of threats – League of Legends comes with a set of pings (player-relayed alerts) that help you to alert your team at the right time when sudden threats pop up.
Useful and time-saving – Also, transcribed in the chat, pings save time, and make communication smooth and fast than typing a message.
Regular additions of new pings – LoL keeps introducing different ping types in the game at regular intervals for your convenience.
Helps you stay safe during the game – Keeping a track of your ping is important, or you can end up missing skillshots, or unknowingly crossing the boundaries with your opponents.

So, if you want to know how to ping in League of Legends, we have created a quick guide for your understanding.

How do I ping in LoL with fast hotkeys and buttons?

Here are a few things to keep in mind before you move on to the primary section to know about the dedicated hotkeys and buttons:

Pings are found on the map, and they are designed to inform the team of any strategic information, with each of them making a unique sound.
The unique sound ensures that your teammates do not have to see the ping. In addition, hearing these unique voices helps them understand the type of alert.
This information includes many critical things like indicating the location of an opponent champion and telling that you are retreating or about to enter the fight.
You can directly give this information by using a ping instead of typing a message which can break the game flow.

You can now move on to the below section to learn about the fast hotkeys and buttons for the different ping types and how to ping in the League of Legends.

1. Regular Pings

Basic ping – G or CTRL and then left-click
Caution ping – V or ALT and then left-click

These hotkeys can be used on both the terrain and minimap.

2. Smart Ping menu

Hold down the Alt, Ctrl, G, or V keys and then left-click to open the Smart Ping menu.
To select one of the pings (Danger/On my Way/Assist Me/Enemy Missing), drag your mouse toward the desired ping and release the mouse button.
1. Danger Ping
2. On my Way (OMW) Ping
3. Assist Ping
4. Missing Ping
Each of these pings appears on the terrain, and the minimap and so can be used on both the terrain and minimap visuals.

3. Warded Pings

To use the Area is Warded ping, press the Esc key, go to the menu and select Hotkeys.
Next, expand the Communication category.
Now, add a button to the Area is Warded Ping.

While it looks much like the Danger ping on the minimap, the Area is Warded ping sounds different when clicked on.

Besides, this ping is not available on the smart ping menu. At the same time, it cannot be used by default, so you can follow the above steps to use the ping.

4. UI Pings

You can relay different UI elements in the team chat that displays additional information based on the team association.

To ping a UI element hold Alt and press Left-click on that element. You do not need to hold to click on scoreboard elements.

Some of the examples of the features you can select in League of Legends are as below;

Scoreboard Element	Information
Health bar (Self)	% amount of health
Mana bar (Self)	% amount of mana
Experience bar (Self)	% amount of level experience
Champion Level	Level
Statistic	Statistic amount (champions only)
Rune	Rune
Player Portrait	Alive or Respawn timer
Monster Icon	Respawn timer
Ability icon, Spell icon or Ultimate indicator	Ally: Cooldown remaining/Activation details/Ability in range enemy: Ultimate/Spell
Recall	Recall
Item icon or Trinket icon	Item Self: Cooldown, Charge
Gold	Gold amount
Bounty	Bounty amount
Ping	Ping (Latency)
Vision Score	Vision Score

Here’s a quick round-up of some of the essential hotkeys in League of Legends:

Hotkey	Description
`A` or `X` or `Shift`+right click	Attack Move
`G`	Toggle alert ping cursor
`H`	Toggle area is warded ping cursor
`V`	Toggle retreat ping cursor
`Alt`+left click	Ping location/Open Radial Menu
Ctrl+left click	Retreat Ping location/Open Radial Menu

Additionally, when you buy an item that directly benefits a minimum of one other player, you will see a purchase notification that will be transcribed in the team chat.

But if you are facing an issue where League of Legends is not opening, you can use the methods in our detailed post to fix the problem.

For any other queries, guides, or fixes related to LoL, do let us know in the comments box below.

Power Surge on USB Port: 3 Ways to Fix any Potential Damage

Posted on December 2, 2022September 27, 2025 by Loredana Harsana

We use USB devices daily, but sometimes error messages such as a Power surge on the USB port can appear while using specific devices.

Sometimes, the error message in full reads:

Power surge on the USB port – Unknown USB Device needs more power than the port can supply. A USB device has malfunctioned and exceeded the power limits of its hub port. You should disconnect the device.

This message sounds alarming, and we’ll show you how to deal with it properly in today’s guide.

Why is my USB port saying power surge?

From what we gather, users have experienced this problem for varying reasons. At the top of the list of triggers are the following:

Hardware malfunctions – In most cases, these are malfunctions with your attached USB devices that have made them go beyond the port’s power limits. You should always use only the best USB devices to avoid this.
Power management – If your Power Management settings are off for that USB driver, it may trigger this error.

In rare instances, users have gotten a Power surge on USB port error with nothing plugged in; you may still try the solutions listed below to resolve this.

How do I fix a power surge on a USB port?

Before venturing into any solutions, you should try detaching all USB peripherals and attaching only the ones you need. In some cases, this has been efficient in resolving the error.

Also, try connecting to a different USB port to rule out the possibility of a damaged port.

1. Use the Reset option from the error window

Expand or double-click on the error message to open the complete window.
Disconnect all the USB peripheral devices from your system, then click the Reset button from the screen.
Reboot the computer and reconnect the device again to see if the error persists.

This is a simple solution, but it might be helpful if the Power surge on USB port message appears with nothing plugged in.

2. Reinstall the USB Controller Driver

Disconnect the USB devices from your computer.
Press Win + X and click Device Manager.
Click Universal Serial Bus controllers to expand the options, then right-click on each driver and click Uninstall device.
Confirm your choice when prompted.
Restart your computer, and Windows will reinstall the controller drivers.
Plug the USB device and see if the error has disappeared.

Note: You need an internet connection; otherwise, Windows might not automatically reinstall the newest drivers.

Additionally, it is recommended to use specialized driver software to install, reinstall, or perform other driver-related actions that automatically solve drivers’ issues.

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3. Use and USB Hub

If the error happens with only a specific device on multiple computers, then maybe the device needs more voltage. In this case, you can use a USB hub with its power source.

These devices are standard, feature multiple USB ports, and are cheap. Therefore, they will help with the Power surge on USB port error.

The above solutions will help you solve the issue. Also, note that if you get this error message with nothing connected to the port, it may be a sign of a problem with the board, and you should try a BIOS update.

These are just a few simple solutions that you can use to fix Power surge on USB port, so be sure to try them all, and let us know which solution works for you.

Logitech G Hub not Detecting Blue Yeti: 4 Ways to Fix It

Posted on December 2, 2022October 22, 2025 by Vladimir Popescu

Now, a microphone is one of the most helpful hardware accessories for a laptop computer. It is required for every task, from recording audio to communicating with someone over the Internet.

However, several people worldwide have reported that their Blue Yeti microphone is not detected on their PCs, not even when using the Logitech G Hub program.

Why is Logitech G Hub not detecting Blue Yeti?

This error can happen due to a variety of issues, such as the following:

Hardware issues – Physical problems with the microphone will cause the Blue Yeti mic not showing up in the Ghub issue. And this can only be solved by replacing your microphone.
Loose cables – Check if you have connected the microphone to the correct port and if it is inserted all the way in. Also, try to disconnect, then reconnect it.
Driver incompatibilities – Drivers need to be up-to-date on both sides to allow the communication between computer components to end successfully. If your driver is outdated, the Logitech G hub won’t recognize your headset and microphone. Thus, in this case, we will have to update them as shown below.
Incorrect settings – You will have to check the microphone’s privacy settings to see whether G Hub can access it.

What can I do if Logitech G Hub is not detecting Blue Yeti?

1. Set Blue Yeti as the default device

Right-click on the Speakers icon in the bottom right of your Windows 11 display, then choose Sound settings.
Now scroll down until you meet the Input section and choose the Blue Yeti mic next to Choose a device for speaking or recording.
Finally, click the dropdown before Choose where to play sound under the Output section and select Yeti Speaker.

2. Update the Blue Yeti driver

Outdated drivers can be the cause for undetectable Blue Yeti microphone, so this short guide will show you how to easily update it on your PC.

1. To open Device Manager, select it from the Start menu by selecting it from the context menu.
2. Now expand the Sound, video and game controllers section and right-click on each option then choose Update driver.
3. Next, select Search automatically for drivers then reboot your system to successfully install the Blue Teti drivers on Windows 11.

Wait for the processes to complete before restarting your computer to ensure that the modifications are applied.

We strongly recommend using a dedicated program to automatically update your drivers in Fortect Driver Updater.

⇒ Get Fortect Driver Updater

3. Update G Hub

Open Logitech G HUB app.
Click on the three lines in the top left. corner.
Select Settings.
Click Check for update.
If a new update is available, G HUB will automatically install it.

4. Enable Blue Yeti Mic & Speakers in Windows Settings

Right-click the sound icon in the system tray (lower-right corner of your screen).
Select “Sound Settings” from the context menu.
Check both Output and Input settings and make sure to pick the Yet Mic & Yeti Speakers. If you can’t find the option, click on the Add device button to identify and add them to the device list.

For more information and other solutions applicable in Windows 11, check out our guide on how to fix the Blue Yeti mic not recognized issue.

And lastly, you will want to read our post on how to enable microphone access in Windows 11 to ensure that you didn’t miss this small detail.

In the comments section below, let us know which solution worked best for you and which microphone version you love the most.

Hello Neighbor 2, Chained Echoes and more releasing on Xbox next week

Posted on December 2, 2022 by Robert Collins

There are a dozen more slated for release on Xbox consoles next week, between December 5th and December 9th. Among them are a couple of day-one Game Pass releases. Without further ado let’s go ahead and check out the lineup, and note that all release dates are subject to change.

Hello Neighbor 2 is a stealth horror game about uncovering your creepy neighbor’s secrets. Play against a complex opponent controlled by an advanced AI that learns from you and all the other players! As time passes and the Neighbor adapts to the players’ patterns, his own behavior will change and surprise you. Will you be the one to outsmart the Neighbor and find out what he’s hiding? Pre-order now and start playing today!

Available on day one with Game Pass!

Firefighting Simulator – The Squad – December 7
The Rumble Fish 2 – December 8
Afterglitch – December 9
Chained Echoes – December 8

Valandis is at war. The three kingdoms have been fighting for centuries. Peace seems to be no option. And yet, a magical weapon of mass destruction leads to a fragile one. One, which won’t last. Prepare yourself for an adventure in a world full of wonders, magic, mechs, charming characters, airships, and vicious foes. Will you be able to make peace everlasting with your heroes?

Available on day one with Game Pass!

So which of these new Xbox games have got you most excited? Let us know in the comments section.

Featured image via Xbox Wire.

German watchdog group reports Microsoft 365 violates GDPR child consent protections

Posted on December 2, 2022 by Kareem Anderson

Microsoft and German federal and state data protection authorities are going back and forth over General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR) as the country looks to ban Microsoft 365 in schools.

The most recent dispute comes as the German Watchdog group Datenschutzkonferenz published a new report that states Microsoft remains in breach of GDPR despite two years of negotiations.

Datenschutzkonferenz’ issues with Microsoft 365 are two-fold with the first being a violation of cloud data sovereignty and the other having to do with adolescent data consent policies. GDPR stipulations state that children under 13 cannot consent to having their data collected and the Datenschutzkonferenz report claims that accessing Microsoft 365 by children automatically give Microsoft “access to unencrypted and non-pseudomized data.”

Microsoft disputes the DSK’s report with the following statement, “We ensure that our M365 products not only meet, but often exceed, the strict EU data protection laws. Our customers in Germany and throughout the EU can continue to use M365 products without hesitation and in a legally secure manner.”

However, over the past two years, Microsoft has attempted to make concessions to meet the demands of Germany’s DSK, but efforts have stalled with DSK claiming Microsoft has only changed its wording but not the actual way Microsoft 365 collects data, and Microsoft reiterating its commitment to addressing “any remaining concerns.”

While Microsoft is attempting to assuage fears the German DSK have over data access and collection, the company is realistically hamstrung by several US-based regulations that include the Lawful Overseas Use of Data Act (CLOUD Act) and FISA 702 which supersede foreign citizens’ rights to expedite data access when pursuing criminal investigations.

By their very nature, the CLOUD Act and FISA 702 require that Microsoft, Google, Apple, and other large scale international data traffickers “preserve, backup, or disclose contents of electronic communication or noncontent records.”

It is unclear where Microsoft and Datenschutzkonferenz go from here but unless the software giant can figure out a loophole to US-based regulatory policies dealing with international data, they and other companies will continue to potentially run afoul of GDPR standards in both broad and specific cases like those dealing with consent of minors.

Outlook Signatures Disappeared: 5 Ways to Get it Back

Posted on December 2, 2022March 26, 2025 by Vladimir Popescu

If you are wondering why my Microsoft Outlook signatures disappeared every day and how to fix this issue, then you are at the right place.

This guide will discuss all the available fixes for the recurring issue after discussing the potential causes.

Why has Microsoft Outlook Signature disappeared?

There could be a few reasons why the issue occurs. Some of them are mentioned below:

Conflicting software – This issue could arise if you have the trial version of Office installed on your computer. You need to uninstall the trial version.
Office version is of different architecture – If your computer support 64-bit and you have the software of 32-bit installed, there could be issues.
Browsing data – Your browser cache can cause this issue; if using the Outlook Web app, try deleting the cache and cookies.

How can I fix the Microsoft Outlook signature disappears?

Before trying out the serious fixes, let us check out the quick fixes:

Quit and restart your Outlook app.
Restart your PC.
Uninstall the trial version of Office if you have one.
Try a different browser if using the Outlook web app.
If you have made changes to Transport Rule, wait for two hours.

If none of the above fixes worked for you, then you must try the troubleshooting steps mentioned below:

1. Double-check the Signature settings

1.1 For the OWA app

Login to your outlook account on your browser.
Go to Settings, then click View all Outlook settings.
Click Mail from the left pane and click on Compose and reply.
Under default signatures, ensure you have selected the signature name from the drop-down beside For New Messages and For Replies/Forwards.
If not, mark it and click Save.

1.2 On the Outlook app

Launch the Outlook app and go to File.
Click Options.
On the Outlook Options window, select Mail and then click on Signatures.
Under Choose default signature, ensure you have selected the desired signature name for New messages and Replies/forwards.
If not selected, select them and click OK.

In case Outlook signatures disappeared after an update, reconfiguring the signature settings should do the trick. Because an update often changes things.

2. Clear browsing data (OWA app)

Open Chrome and click on three dots and select More tools.
Now select Clear browsing data.
Put a checkmark beside Cookies and other site data, Cache images and files, and select All time.
Click Clear data.

3. Check your device for signatures (Outlook app)

Press Windows + E to open File Explorer.
Copy this path and replace the username with the user account name on your computer. C:\Users\{Username}\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Signatures
In this folder, check if the contents are being overwritten.

4. Use Registry Editor

Tip

Before making any changes, it is advised to back up your registry files. To do that, go to File, then click Export. Now save the .reg file to an accessible location.

Press Windows + R to get the Run window.
Type Regedit and press Enter to open Registry Editor.
Copy and paste this path into the address bar: HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Office\16.0\Outlook\Setup\DisableRoamingSignaturesTemporaryToggle
Double-click DisableRoamingSignaturesTemporaryToggle and change the Value data to 1.
Click OK and close the Registry Editor.
Restart your PC.

5. Use a third-party app

If managing signatures is an integral part of your work, and you don’t want to deal with disappearing signatures on Microsoft Outlook, then you can try using Code Two Email Signatures.

The cloud service helps you create and manage email signatures, automatic replies, and more. This will help you add your signature directly when composing emails.

Using a reliable tool works when the Outlook signature disappears every day since it’s likely a bug triggering the issue. And you can always switch back, once a patch is released.

So these are some of the workarounds to fix the Microsoft Outlook signature disappearing issue. If nothing worked for you and you don’t want to use the third-party app, then sadly, you will have to wait for the update from Microsoft.

As for Excel not adding signatures, we’ve already covered that in our comprehensive guide.

Please let me know if something else worked for you in the comments section below.

Microsoft releases official Xbox 2022 Christmas wrapping paper

Posted on December 2, 2022 by Radu Tyrsina

T’is the season and Microsoft has now released their own official Xbox-themed wrapping paper for the 2022 Christmas season.

“Whatever you’re wrapping this year, wrap it with an original signature gift wrap that makes every present more awesome,” the official product description reads. “The Xbox Holiday 2022 Signature Gift Wrap features original holiday-meets-gaming artwork with a cozy and nostalgic feel, and tons of cameos, Easter Eggs, and references for gamers to pore over. Repeating Pattern Design printed on 65# photo quality Satin Paper. Full color edge to edge and easy to work with when wrapping your gift.”

Xbox 2022 Christmas Wrapping Paper. Image Credit: Microsoft

The wrapping paper can be purchased from this week on the Xbox Gear Shop website along with the recently announced Xbox ugly sweater and the many other newly added Xbox items.

LoadLibrary Failed With Error 1114: 6 Confirmed Fixes to Use

Posted on December 1, 2022October 21, 2025 by Matthew Adams

Encountering errors in Windows is common, and we get a lot of them. But, LoadLibrary failed with error 1114 is one that prevents apps from launching on PCs running Nvidia and AMD graphics.

The complete error message reads, LoadLibrary failed with error 1114: A dynamic link library (DLL) initialization routine failed. So, let’s find out how you can fix things in no time.

Why is LoadLibrary failing with error 1114?

LoadLibrary is employed by processes to access or link to a DLL file. And when it fails, the corresponding application fails to launch. It could fail with several error codes, with 1114 being one of them.

Here are some of the reasons you are getting the error:

Misconfigured graphics settings – In most cases, misconfigured graphics settings were responsible for the error.
Incorrect power settings – If you have a power saving setting turned on, it might lead to issues with the graphics.
Missing DLL files – Oftentimes, the DLL files were missing, which led to trouble accessing them, and as a result, the LoadLibrary failed with error 1114 showed up.
Corrupt system files – When the system files are corrupt, it leads to issues with OS, including this error.

Besides, here are some of the cases you may encounter the error:

AMD Driver LoadLibrary failed with error 1114 – The error is usually encountered due to issues with the AMD graphics driver.
Autodesk LoadLibrary failed with error 1114 – Autodesk applications often throw the error, but the solutions remain the same.
Minecraft LoadLibrary failed with error 1114 – Some users had trouble with Minecraft but reinstalling it usually did the trick.
Raft Failed to load DLL from the list error code 1114 – Many also reported the error with Raft, and our solutions would help in this case.

How can I fix Failed to load dll from the list error code 1114?

Before we try the slightly complex solutions, here are a few quick ones that might fix things:

Restart the computer.
Update Windows and the program that throws the error.
Uninstall the app installed recently in case the error starts appearing after you downloaded it.

1. Get the DLL file

The easiest way to fix the error is to get the missing DLL file. You can perform this manually and identify the missing files triggering the error, or better use dedicated software to fix any DLL file issues.

Thus, the most practical method you can employ is using an expert system repair tool that can detect and solve broken DLL files or damaged system files.

2. Change power plan settings

Press Windows + S to open Search, type Control Panel in the text field, and click on the relevant search result.
Now, click on System and Security.
Click on Power Options.
Click on Change plan settings next to the current plan.
Now, choose Change advanced power settings.
Expand Switchable Dynamic Graphics, double-click on Global settings, choose Maximize performance for both On battery and Plugged in, and then click OK to save the changes.

3. Run the Diagnostic Policy Service

Press Windows + R to open Run, type services.msc, and hit Enter.
Locate the Diagnostic Policy Service, right-click on it, and select Properties.
Select Automatic from the Startup type dropdown menu, click on Start to run the service, and then on OK to save the changes.

Once done, restart the computer for the changes to come into effect and verify if the LoadLibrary failed with error 1114 dialog disappears for good.

4. Update the graphics driver

Press Windows + X to open the Power User menu, and select Device Manager.
Now, expand Display adapters, right-click on the NVIDIA or AMD graphics adapter, and select Update driver.
Now, choose Search automatically for drivers and wait for the update to complete.

An outdated driver is just as likely to cause the error, and updating the graphics driver should get things running for most. Also, if Windows is unable to find an update, you can always manually install a newer driver version.

Update drivers automatically

Keep in mind that downloading and updating drivers manually from the manufacturer’s website can damage your system by choosing and installing the wrong driver version.

In order to prevent that, we strongly suggest doing it automatically by using Outbyte Driver Updater.

This tool is tested and approved by our team and will help you not damage your PC by downloading and installing the wrong driver versions.

After several tests, our team concluded that this is the best automatized solution.

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5. Change the graphics settings

5.1 NVIDIA graphics

Launch the NVIDIA Control Panel.
Now, choose Manage 3D settings under 3D Settings, select High-performance NVIDIA processor under the Preferred graphics processor dropdown menu, and click on Apply for the changes to come into effect.

5.2 AMD graphics

Launch the AMD Radeon Settings.
Now, navigate to Switchable graphics, select Installed Profiled Applications from the dropdown menu, and verify that the problematic app is set to High performance.

This should fix LoadLibrary failed with error 1114. A dynamic link library (dll) initialization in Windows. In case the error appears again, head to the last solution.

6. Reinstall the app that throws the error

Press Windows + R to open Run, type appwiz.cpl, and click OK.
Now, locate the app that throws the error, select it, and click on Uninstall.
Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the process.
Once done, head to the official website or the Microsoft Store, and download the app again.

If nothing else worked, the last option is to reinstall the app that’s throwing the LoadLibrary failed with error 1114 dialog in Windows. And this should get things up and running.

Also, find out how to fix things when DLL files are missing in Windows, and prevent such errors from reappearing.

Tell us which fix worked for you in the comments section below.

5 Best DisplayPort to HDMI Adapters

Posted on December 1, 2022October 4, 2023 by Milan Stanojevic

DisplayPort to HDMI adapters come in handy when connecting a video source to an external display. While buying one, only go with the best. There are plenty of options available, so we present to you the best DisplayPort to HDMI adapter supporting 4K.

Choosing a reliable and sturdy DisplayPort to HDMI adapter not just guarantees longer life but also helps deliver better performance and also improves the overall experience. Keep reading to find out the best options!

NOTE

Deals are subject to change. Keep in mind that the price often varies. We recommend checking the price on the vendor’s website. Some products may be out of stock by the time you check. So, hurry up and hit the buy button.

Are DisplayPort to HDMI adapters any good?

It all comes down to requirements, but you will find a display adapter that fits the budget and meets all conditions. Though, remember that DisplayPort to HDMI adapters are not bidirectional.

Otherwise, outputting from DisplayPort to HDMI would be just fine, and the ones listed here should do the job. Using one of these would also improve graphics in Windows.

What are the best DisplayPort to HDMI adapters to buy?

AmazonBasics Mini – Lightweight and portable

Measures 6 feet (1.83 meters)
Both lightweight and portable
Gold-plated connectors and foil-and-braid shielding
Easy-grip treads

Boot around the mini display port is way too thick

Check price

DisplayPort to HDMI adapters are supposed to cost a few dollars or so, and that’s proof that quality can come cheap at times. And this one is the best buy DisplayPort to HDMI in the market.

Don’t fear trying out one of AmazonBasics products! One of the best Mini DisplayPort to HDMI cables, this one can easily transmit audio and video from a computer or tablet to an HD display, besides delivering several other advantages over similar adapters.

Cable Matters – Easily fits in a laptop sleeve

Supports video resolutions up to 1080P (Full HD)
Audio support for 2, 5.1, and 7.1 channels
Great for digital projectors or simply extending your workspace to LED monitors
Easily fits in a laptop sleeve

Is not bi-directional; it only connects to a display with HDMI

Check price

This Cable Matters adapter performs perfectly. It can transmit crisp 1080p HDTV and uncompressed 7.1-channel audio at lossless quality.

Even more, its gold-plated connectors, non-slip surface, and molded strain relief make it both robust and ergonomic. Also, this is the best DisplayPort to HDMI cable for gaming.

StarTech DisplayPort to HDMI – Free lifetime technical support

No installation software or drivers required
Unbeatable price point
Backed by a 3-year warranty
Free lifetime technical support included too

Cannot transmit 4K

Check price

Do you want solid construction at a modest price? The StarTech DisplayPort to HDMI Adapter seems to be the right choice for most people, including yourself.

Once you’ve got the cord in your hand, it seems quite sturdy inside and out. It has support for resolutions up to 1920×1200 and assures crisp, crystal-clear picture quality.

Cable Matters 4K – Gold-plated connection heads

Active HDMI to Display port converter
Gold-plated connection heads
4K video resolution
Support up to 3840x2160 at 30Hz

Certain 4K monitors only support 1440p@60Hz instead of 4K@30Hz with this adapter

Check price

The Cable Matters HDMI to DisplayPort Adapter is your best bet for 4K Video Resolution Support. In fact, it’s one of the very few adapters that can reliably transmit 4K video at a smooth 30-Hz or 60-Hz refresh rate.

And the price should fit well within your budget. It’s got stellar customer reviews with no major complaints. Also, Cable Matters develops one of the best DisplayPort 1.4 to HDMI 2.1 cables.

A limited amount of users report problems when it comes to choosing a resolution higher than 1080 in the display settings, yet they can be solved.

AmazonBasics Adapter Cable – Perfectly well-built

Supports 1080p content, as well as audio content including 7.1, 5, or 2 channels
Ideal for using a mirrored display, or configuring a second monitor
Gold-plated connectors
Perfectly well-built

Can only convert signal from DisplayPort to HDMI

Check price

Choose this AmazonBasics Adapter Cable, and you can connect any laptop equipped with a DisplayPort port to an HDTV, monitor, or projector with HDMI input.

Well, it is all about what you’d expect from an inexpensive AmazonBasics product. Not the perfect option, but it does the job!

Everything considered, a feature such as vibrant 4K Definition Video is assured by an adapter such as Cable Matters 4K HDMI to DP. Yet AmazonBasics Mini DisplayPort to HDMI or Cable Matters DisplayPort to HDMI adapters are great choices too.

As we said earlier, choose one that best suits your requirements. And before you leave, do not forget to check the best color calibration software in Windows.

If you have any other queries or want to share a recommendation for the best DisplayPort to HDMI adapter, drop a comment below.

Fix: Windows was Unable to Install Your Base System Device

Posted on December 1, 2022September 12, 2025 by Ivan Jenic

Often you might be faced with a situation where you encounter Windows was unable to install the base system device message. This mainly occurs after installing or upgrading to Windows 10.

The problem is compounded by the fact that you aren’t sure what the base system device stands for, while the only clue you have is the yellow exclamation mark in Device Manager.

However, the problem is easy to deal with, and we will show you how to fix it in this guide.

What does Windows was unable to install your base system device error mean?

Windows was unable to install your base system device error means that your PC could not find the problematic device’s official driver to connect to. A yellow exclamation mark usually denotes this, and the faulty device is listed chiefly under Other devices.

This issue can be down to the two major factors listed below:

Faulty or outdated driver: The primary cause of the base system device doesn’t have a driver issue is a faulty or outdated driver. The quick way out here is to reinstall or update the driver.
Outdated PC: If you have not installed the latest Windows update, you might get the base system device driver error Windows 10 HP system and other products. The solution here is to download and install the latest updates.

How can I fix Windows was unable to install your base system device?

1. Update your PC

Press the Windows key + I to open the Settings app and select Update & Security.
Click the Check for updates button and install any available updates.
Now, click the View optional updates option and install the updates there too.

Windows updates are essential in keeping your PC running smoothly. They can also help install driver updates.

Hence, if you have not updated your PC in a while, you might get the Windows was unable to install your base system device error. Updating and restarting your PC should fix the issue.

2. Update the driver

Right-click the Start icon and select the Device Manager option.
Click the arrow next to Other devices or any other option where the driver shows the error.
Right-click on the device causing this error and select Update driver.
Lastly, select the Search automatically for drivers and install any available update.

Outdated drivers can lead to problems and can also be the cause of Windows was unable to install your base system device prompt. If the built-in updater can’t find an update, you need to go to the manufacturer’s website to download the latest version.

Alternatively, you can use a dedicated driver updater in Outbyte Driver Updater to update your drivers automatically. This tool scans for outdated, missing, and corrupt drivers and installs the updated version from its database.

With this, you can focus on other things while Outbyte Driver Updater takes care of everything driver on your PC.

Outbyte Driver Updater

A trustworthy tool with which you can update all your drivers in a second with the newest versions.

Free Trial Download now

3. Reinstall the driver

Press the Windows key + X and select Device Manager.
Click the arrow next to Other devices or any other option where the driver showing the error.
Now, double-click the driver there to open its properties and click the Details tab.
From here, select Hardware Ids from the Property drop-down menu.
Right-click the code there and select Copy.
Go back to the Device Manager window and right-click the driver.
Select the Uninstall device option.
Click the Uninstall button to confirm the action.
Now, paste the information on your browser to search for the latest driver.
Finally, select the driver manufacturer’s website to download and install the latest version.

If updating your PC does not eliminate the Windows was unable to install your base system device error message, you need to uninstall and reinstall the faulty driver. Going to your PC manufacturer’s website is the quickest way to do this.

There you have it: Everything you need to fix the Windows was unable to install your base system device error message. You only need to follow the steps carefully, and things should be back to normal.

In the same vein, if you are unable to install drivers on Windows 10, check our detailed guide to solve the problem.

Feel free to let us know the solution that helped you fix this problem in the comments below.

How to Factory Reset Windows 11 Without Logging in

Posted on December 1, 2022September 19, 2025 by Hasibul Kabir

If you want to perform Windows 11 factory reset without login, this article will tell you if it is possible or not. You will also know, if yes, how to do it.

Usually, on Windows settings, there is an option to reset a PC. It requires you to sign in. You also need to be an administrator to perform such a task. But what if you have forgotten your admin password or can’t sign in? You must follow the alternative in these situations.

Is it possible to do a factory reset without signing in on Windows 11?

Yes. You can reset your PC even if you cannot log in or forget your password. For this, you will not need to be a very technical person.

In general, you can easily do a factory reset of Windows 11 when you are signed in. But if you can’t log in, you will need to follow the methods mentioned in the next part of this article.

How can I do Windows 11 factory reset without login?

Though it is not a requirement, you still may need to have the following things for possible critical situations:

A bootable Windows 11 media.
A backup of your personal data for safety, as resetting Windows may erase everything. If necessary, learn about the best backup software for Windows 11.

Now, you can follow these methods to perform a factory reset.

1. Reset from the login screen

Turn on the PC if it is not turned on already.
Click on the power button on the login screen.
Press and hold Shift on your keyboard and click on Restart.
If it shows any additional things, click on Restart anyway.
PC will restart and boot into recovery mode.
Click on Troubleshoot.
Then, click on Reset this PC.
You will have two options: Keep my files and Remove everything. Choose either one you need.
Follow the on-screen steps to finish the reset process.

This is probably the most popular method to do a factory reset on Windows 11 or other Windows versions without login. If for any reason, you cannot do it, as an alternative, you can consider following the next method.

2. Reset using bootable media

Insert the bootable installation media on your PC.
Restart or power on your computer.
When the first thing appears on the monitor, keep pressing F9/F8/Esc/Del, etc., depending on your motherboard brand and model, to open the boot menu.
On the boot menu, choose the installation media to boot.
Now, you can choose your preferred options for Windows and click on Next.
At a time, you will get the option Install Now. Click on it.
Select your preferred Windows 11 edition and click on Next.
Click on Next again.
Now, you can choose between an Upgrade or a Custom install. Choose custom.
Format the system drive and install Windows on it.

Doing this will also act like a factory reset. It will clean everything on the system drive and won’t touch other drives of your partition.

For more details, we suggest you learn how to do a clean Windows 11 installation. You also may want to know the differences between Windows 11 reset vs. clean install.

Please keep in mind that after resetting using bootable media, you may need to install drivers on Windows 11 again. For this, you can use a tool like Outbyte Driver Updater. It can install and update drivers automatically.

This article has explained how you can do Windows 11 factory reset without login. If you have any suggestions or opinions, you can write them in the comment box below.

7 best Christmas ideas for large families [Gadgets for all]

Posted on December 1, 2022October 4, 2023 by Madalina Dinita

Celebrating the yuletide with a large family is always full of love, fun, and excitement. When looking for Christmas gift ideas large families will require, it could sometimes be a challenge to pick what’s appropriate. One reason is that it should center on something almost everyone should enjoy.

A wide range of Christmas gift exchange ideas for large families should be the first choice. So to keep one’s sanity intact and to save big on credit cards, here are some amazing large families’ Christmas gift ideas.

What are the best gift ideas for large families?

Cameras for Family Memory at Christmas

GoPro HERO8 Black

4K video and 12MP photos
Live streaming stabilization
Time-lapse videos
Bluetooth connectivity

The battery life is not so great

Check price

Enjoy the GoPro HERO8 Black 4K Camera offering UHD videos and 12MP photos. It has advanced camera control and built-in features to edit videos on the touch-screen. All help to make family moments an intriguing one this Christmas.

Culinary Gift Ideas at Christmas

Chef Di Cucina Pizza Maker

Ceramic stone base
Easy cleaning
Compact and easy to store
Specially designed rim that eliminates moisture

Not like wood ovens

Check price

Let the family enjoy, nice and tasty pizza of different designs this Christmas season with Pizzacraft Pizzaque PC6500.

It doesn’t take more than 15 minutes to get started cooking and delivers pizza crispy in less than 10 minutes. It’s the best Christmas gift idea for large families to experience going camping, tailgating, etc.

Desserts Christmas Gift Ideas

Cuisinart ice 21 frozen yogurt ice cream maker

Makes frozen desserts in 20 minutes or less
Up to 1-1/2-quarts capacity
Double insulated freezer bowl
Easy lock Transparent lid

Cannot create big batches of icecream

Check price

What more can a fun Christmas have other than this frozen yogurt ice cream maker? Get delicious and yummy ice cream in less than 20 minutes. It has a capacity for making up to 1 ½ quarts of ice cream.

Cuisinart ice cream maker comes with a mixing paddle and freezer bowl with a double insulator as amazing Christmas gift ideas for large families.

Family Games at Christmas

What better season is there for the best Christmas gift ideas large families can enjoy together playing indoor and outdoor games such as:

Jax Doodle Dice– Excellent game time for small and large families with kids aged 4+.
Cardinal Mexican Train Dominoes– Play and learn for ages 8+.
Pit – An exciting childhood game time with winning moves – ages 8+.
LEGO Classic Large Creative Brick Box 10698 – Learn and playtime with kids.
Jenga Classic Game – Playing the game of stacking with kids 8+.
Playaboule Bocce Ball Premium Set – is an interesting out-yards game for ages 6 to 12.
Indoor Snowball Fight – Now the whole family can have a snow fight if you reside in an area without snow.
Microsoft Xbox One S 1 TB/ 2 TB Console – Enjoy Minecraft Bundle, individual or family competitions even for Windows 10 plus 4k Media streaming, Netflix, and more for true family entertainment.
Combo Entertainment game swivel table – enjoy family games playing any of four games including flip-it football, billiards, table tennis or hockey.
Hedbanz – It’s a quick question family guessing game for the whole family to enjoy.
Kids Against Maturity – It combines the fill-in-the-blank gameplay with the funniest content to bring your family together.
Exploding Kittens Card Game – This is the perfect card game for adults, teens, and kids who love kittens, explosions and laser beams, and sometimes goats.

Audio-visual Gift Ideas for Christmas

The best Christmas gift ideas large families need clearly are in these blends of products to enjoy music and visuals:

Ion Audio Tailgator

50W of power
50 hour battery autonomy
Microphone, radio and USB charging
NFC connectivity

The microphone is not the greatest

Check price

Enjoy some of the best classic, oriental, and hip-hop songs with the family this Christmas using the Smart ion tailgator. It offers 50 Watts sound output, 50 hours battery, Bluetooth features, and phone charging ports.

Casio Privia PX-S1000

Adjustable stand
Bench
Sustain pedal
Online lessons
88 keys

Pretty expensive

Check price

This Casio Privia piano is an exciting gift for the family. It creates learning and bonding time for the family, a perfect time to learn a new skill. Plus it has a video tutorial and kids and adults to learn how to play.

Fitness & Fun Gift Christmas Ideas

JumpSport 250 Fitness Trampolines

Premium Bungees
Workout DVD
Online Access to Video Workouts
Small for indoor use

You can injure yourself without proper guidance

Check price

Keep in form while you play this Christmas season in the JumpSport 250 safety cushioned trampoline. It offers music and video workout sessions. It is a top-quality product with a 40% reduction to improve safety.

The JumpSport 250 comes as easy to install with little left to do but enjoy your exercise session while the family applauds you.

Home Improvement Gift Ideas for Christmas

iRobot Roomba 675

Works with Alexa
Self-charging
Works perfectly on hard floors or carpets
3 Stage cleaning system

Not good if you have a lot of obstacles in your home

Check price

Take the stress off loved ones with the best Christmas gift ideas large families will love. The iRobot can help give more time to family playtime and fun while it does the house cleaning. It can help clean the bathroom, hardwood floors, kitchen, and more.

The iRobot is so equipped it can help mop hard-to-reach places in the house such as hidden cabinet space, tight corners, toilet areas, and more. It can carry out wet mopping, dry sweeping, and damp sweeping.

With any of the above Christmas gift ideas, large families can enjoy nothing short of an intriguing celebration this season. Some of the products such as the camera would do better with a tripod stand but most of them are standalone products.

But whatever your picks, be sure to experience the best Christmas ever with family and friends.

AMD Software Installer Stuck: Use These 3 Methods to Fix It

Posted on December 1, 2022October 7, 2025 by Milan Stanojevic

Keeping your graphics card drivers up to date is essential, especially if you want to ensure that the latest titles are working correctly and at maximum performance.

The AMD Software Installer plays a vital role in this, as it makes the update process of AMD drivers. However, many users reported that the software gets stuck while installing drivers. Luckily, there are a couple of methods that you can use to fix this problem.

Why is the AMD software installer stuck?

There are various factors that can cause the AMD Software Installer to get Stuck on your PC. Listed below are some of the common ones:

Interference from antivirus software: The first thing you need to check if the AMD Software Installer is taking forever is your antivirus. The security software might be blocking the update or installation process. To fix this, you might need to disable the antivirus and switch to one of the best antivirus software for Windows 10.
Lack of privileges: Another cause of this problem is the lack of ownership of the AMD folder. You can fix this by taking ownership of the folder.
Issues with the graphics driver: If you are facing this issue when updating your drivers, the problem might be your graphics driver. Reinstalling your graphics driver in Safe Mode should fix this effectively.

What can I do if the AMD Radeon software installer is stuck?

1. Reinstall the AMD graphics driver in Safe Mode

Press Windows key + I to open the Settings app and select the Update & Security option.
Choose Recovery in the left pane and click the Restart now button under the Advanced startup section.
When your PC restarts, choose Troubleshoot > Advanced options.
Now, select the Startup settings option.
From here, click the Restart button.
Choose the Enable Safe Mode with Networking option.
Now, press the Windows key + X and select the Device Manager option.
Double-click the Display adapters option to expand it and right-click the device there.
Select the Uninstall device option.
From here, check the box for Delete the driver software for this device and click the Uninstall button to confirm the action.
Finally, download the latest driver with AMD Software.

If the AMD Software Installer is stuck when installing a driver update, you can fix it by uninstalling the graphics driver. Another option to make sure that the driver is completely removed, use the Display Driver Uninstaller.

Alternatively, if the AMD software installer is stuck at 0 or 99, you can always use third-party solutions that can update all your drivers with just a couple of clicks.

This helps you to bypass the stress of the installer getting stuck and having to restart the update process.

⇒ Get Fortect Driver Updater

2. Check the ownership of the AMD directory

Locate the AMD directory that the setup has created. In most cases, this should be the directory in question: C:\AMD
Right-click the AMD directory and choose Properties from the menu.
Go to the Security tab and click the Advanced button.
Click on Change next to the Owner section.
Enter your username, and click on the Check Names button. If the username is valid, click on OK to save changes.
Now, check Replace owner on subcontainer and objects and click on Apply and OK.

After making these changes, you’ll have full ownership over the AMD directory, and the AMD Radeon Software Installer won’t get stuck anymore.

3. Disable your antivirus software

Press the Windows key, type virus, and select the Virus & threat protection option.
Choose the Manage settings option.
Finally, toggle the switch for Real-time protection backwards to disable it.

In some instances, the AMD Radeon Software installer can get stuck due to your antivirus software. If that’s the case, you can try disabling your antivirus and check if that helps.

If the AMD Software Adrenalin Edition is stuck on the screen, that can be a significant problem. Hopefully, you can fix it using the fixes in this guide.

There are also times when Windows 10 prevents the installation of AMD drivers. In such a case, our dedicated guide will undoubtedly help you out.

Feel free to let us know the solution that helped you fix this issue in the comments below.

Fix Error Code 0xc000000d with These 4 Detailed Solutions

Posted on December 1, 2022October 4, 2023 by Ivan Jenic

Error code 0xc000000d is a Windows error that appears when the system cannot boot to Windows due to a messy PC boot configuration.

The error message appears in a Blue screen display with the message Your PC needs to be repaired. This can be devastating, but it is not the most challenging issue to fix, as shown in this guide.

What does it mean when it says your PC needs to be repaired?

There are a series of reasons for your PC needs to be repaired error code 0xc00000d on Windows 10. Below are some of the prevalent ones:

Faulty boot drive: A faulty hard drive is one of the major causes of the error code 0xc00000d on Asus or Lenovo laptops. In extreme cases, you must run some commands or replace the hard drive.
Corrupt system files: Another known cause for this issue is the corruption of the system files needed to boot up your PC correctly. Repairing and restoring these files should solve the problem for good here.
Faulty Windows installation: If you didn’t install your OS correctly, you could get this error. Reinstalling Windows is the way out of this.

How can I fix error code 0xc000000d?

NOTE

You may need to boot into Safe Mode for most of these solutions, especially if you can not start the computer normally.

1. Run Startup Repair

Create and insert a bootable installation media and boot your PC from it.
Choose your language and other available info and click Next.
Now, select the Repair your computer option.
Choose Troubleshoot > Advanced options.
Select the Startup Repair option.
From here, choose your operating system if you are prompted to do so and enter your password.
Finally, click the Startup Repair button to begin the process.

Startup Repair is one of the best repair tools on Windows for fixing startup issues.

Thus, if you can’t find a way past the error code 0xc000000d, you need to use this tool to diagnose and fix any issue preventing your PC from booting normally.

2. Use Command Prompt

Insert your bootable media into your PC and repeat Steps 2 to 4 in Solution 1.
Now, select the Command Prompt option.
Type the command below and hit Enter: sfc /scannow
Wait for the command to finish, then type the line below (replace c with the letter of your boot drive)and hit Enter: chkdsk D: /r
Finally, restart your computer after the command finishes running.

In some cases, faulty system files can cause the error code 0xc000000d. Running the SFC scan should fix this and restore normalcy.

Also, problems with your hard drive. The CHKDSK command should detect and fix this issue.

3. Run System Restore

Insert your installation media and repeat Steps 1 – 4 in Solution 1.
Select the System Restore option.
Now, enter your username and password and choose a restore point.
Finally, wait for the restore to complete.

If you started noticing the error code 0xc000000d after making some changes to your PC, you might need to restore Windows 10 earlier. However, you must have created a restore point in the past to use this solution.

4. Clean install Windows

If all the fixes above do not fix the error code 0xc000000d, you might need to clean install Windows. This will give you a new version of the OS and eliminate all the possible causes of the issue.

To get the detailed steps to follow, the requirements, and to prevent further problems, check our detailed guide on how to clean install Windows 10.

With this, we can conclude this guide. We believe you now have everything needed to fix the error code 0xc000000d.

If you are facing other issues like Windows activation error 0xc0020036, check our detailed guide to fix it effectively.

Feel free to let us know the solution that helped you solve this problem in the comments below.

Windows Defender is Blocking Avast Antivirus: 5 Ways to Fix It

Posted on December 1, 2022October 4, 2023 by Henderson Jayden Harper

Windows Defender is the built-in antivirus software for Windows PCs. It is effective in protecting your PC. However, some users use other antivirus services, running into issues with the Windows Defender. The Windows Defender blocking avast is a common complaint.

Why is Windows Defender blocking Avast?

Windows Defender is known for not working with other antivirus software. It will conflict with antivirus software like Avast, which has a firewall feature on it. So, the common cause of issues between Windows Defender and Avast antivirus is that the two programs are conflicting.

Furthermore, a couple of factors can cause Windows Defender to block the Avast antivirus software on your PC. Some are:

Avast antivirus compatibility issues – When the version of Avast antivirus you have on your computer is not compatible with your computer, it may not work, seeming like it was blocked. So, you can have issues with Avast not running on your PC if you don’t install a usable version.
Corrupt Avast installation file – Corrupt Avast installation files can be detected by Windows Defender, stopping the program it is responsible for from running. Hence, the built-in Defender blocks Avast and can make it unresponsive.
Outdated Avast software – Running an outdated Avast on your PC can cause many issues. So, it can cause concerns with how it interacts with other apps on your PC, especially another third-party antivirus.

Regardless of the reason, Avast, you can fix the problem by trying some fixes on your PC.

What can I do if Windows Defender is blocking Avast?

Go through the following preliminary checks:

Turn off background apps running on your computer.
Disable third-party antivirus software on your PC.
Restart Windows in Safe Mode and check if the problem persists.

If you still can’t fix it, try the solutions below.

1. Reset Avast

Double-click the Avast client icon on your desktop to launch it.
Click the Menu button and select Settings from the drop-down.
Click on Troubleshooting and select the option to Reset to Default.
Restart your PC and check if the issue has been fixed.

Restarting the Avast client on your PC will fix any problems preventing it from running as it should.

2. Disable Windows Defender’s Real-time protection

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

Disabling the Windows Defender antivirus on your PC can fix any interference preventing Windows Activation from connecting.

3. Disable Windows Firewall

Click the Start button and type control panel, then open it.
Select the Windows Defender Firewall option.
Click the Turn Windows Defender Firewall on or off option from the left side.
Go to the Private network settings and Public network settings, then click the radio buttons for the Turn off Windows Defender Firewall (not recommended) option.
Close the Control Panel and restart your computer.

Disabling the Windows Defender Firewall can resolve any conflict between the service and Avast.

4. Stop Windows Insider Program

Press the Windows + R key to open a Run dialog box, type ms-settings: windowsinsider, and press Enter to open the Windows Insider Program.
Click the Stop Insider Preview builds option and press Yes to confirm.
Click Roll me back to the last Windows release.
Restart your PC and check if the problem persists.

5. Uninstall the Avast antivirus with Utility

Go to Avast’s official website and download the avastclear.exe file.
Press Windows + R to launch the Run dialog box, type msconfig, then press Enter.
Navigate to the Boot tab and check the box for Safe boot.
Click Apply, then OK to restart your computer to boot into Safe Mode.
Right-click on the downloaded .exe file and select Run as administrator from the drop-down.
Click Uninstall at the bottom of the screen to uninstall Avast and clear all files.
Download the latest version of Avast and check if the problem persists.

This tool will uninstall the Avast app and clear every file that it can from your PC, allowing you to install a clean one.

Conclusively, you can check what to do if Avast is not updating the virus definitions for some reason. Also, you can check what to do when Avast is blocking Remote Desktop on your PC.

For further questions and suggestions, kindly use the comments section below.

11 Best Windows 10 Laptops to Get This Christmas

Posted on December 1, 2022October 4, 2023 by Ivan Jenic

It’s the season of giving all over again! One of the biggest joys of Christmas is buying presents for our loved ones. As computers have become an integral part of our lives, we’re sure there are some of you planning to get your kid/friend/cousin a new laptop for the upcoming year.

2016 was a great year for the laptop industry, mostly because of Microsoft’s concept of Windows 10. Therefore, the manufacturers have produced a huge number of high-quality laptops and convertibles.

As the choice is so rich, it might be a problem for you to pick up the best possible laptop. That’s where we come in, with our short list of the best Windows 10 laptops to get for Christmas 2016. The list is versatile, as it should contain someone of everyone’s taste and budget.

So, without any further ado, check out our list, and start making plans for the perfect gift for these holidays.

What are the best Windows 10 laptops to get this Christmas?

Acer Aspire 5 Slim

15.6 inches Full HD IPS Display
AMD Ryzen 3 3200U and Vega 3 Graphics
4GB DDR4 and 128GB SSD
Backlit Keyboard

Not very good for gaming

Check price

The Acer Aspire 5 Slim is one of the best values for money you can find on the market. This mid-range laptop is a combination of strong performance and ultra-portability. It sports an AMD Ryzen 3 3200U processor, 4GB of RAM, and a 128GB SSD, all packed in 14.31 x 9.74 x 0.71 inches.

The Aspire 5 Slim comes with a 15.6-inch and 1920 x 1080 IPS display. About battery life, it can last for 7.5 hours, which is pretty solid for its price range.

All in all, the Acer Aspire 5 Slim is a great student or travel laptop. It weighs just 3.9 pounds, which makes it suitable for any kind of activity. So, if you have a kid in school or a family member that travels a lot, considering this laptop as a holiday gift is a great idea.

2022 HP Stream

4GB DDR4 RAM and 64GB eMMC + 64 Gb
Intel HD Graphics
Intel Celeron N4020 dual-core processor
1 year Office 365, webcam

Not for gaming

Check Price

This is a very good-priced laptop, perfect as a Christmas present. It doesn’t come with a gaming configuration but it does offer a 1 year Office 365 subscription which makes it great for a student.

The system is powered by a Intel Celeron N4020 dual-core processor an 4 GB of RAM. It’s enough to run the most important applications. It comes with an Intel HD Graphics GPU and it will do just great will most apps and videos but it won’t be up for intensive gaming.

2022 Lenovo IdeaPad

Intel Celeron N4020 dual-core processor
4GB RAM and 64GB eMMC Flash Memory
14-inch Intel UHD Graphics
Windows 11

Can be pretty slow

Check price

If you want do perform a good deed for a kid, the 2022 Lenovo IdeaPad can be a great gift for him or her. It comes with Windows 11 preinstalled and 4 GB of RAM.

A small problem can be the 64 GB of storage that can be considered small for nowadays but the 14-inch display and the Intel HD graphics makes up for it. It also comes with a sleek and slim design that is also a plus.

Dell XPS 13

2.2 GHz Intel Core i5 Processor
4 GB DDR3 SDRAM
128 GB SSD

Only 13.3 inches display

Check price

The Dell XPS 13 is a beast for its price range. This line of laptops, especially the 2016 model is a winner of various awards by trusted online and offline media. And for a good reason. Dell took the last year’s model, and improved all of its main characteristics, in order to make an ultimate choice for buyers this year.

The Dell XPS 13 features the latest 7th-generation Intel Core CPUs (Kaby Lake), 8GB of RAM, and a 256GB SSD. The new version has improved WiFi performance, and excellent battery life.

Display of this device is also amazing. The Infinity display has almost no bezels around, which allowed Intel to pack the 13-inch screen into a chassis characteristic for 11-inch displays.

Of course, the Dell XPS 13 has its share of cons, like a weirdly placed webcam, but if we take into account all of its positive sides, this definitely shouldn’t be a deal-breaker.

Lenovo Yoga 710

11.6-inch touch-screen
Intel 7th Generation Core i5-7Y54
8GB Memory - 128GB SSD
360° flip-and-fold design

Pretty expensive

Check price

Now, a little something for all you budget savers. The Lenovo Yoga 710 (11-inch) is a solid convertible, for those who don’t ask for too much, but still want a solid device for the upcoming year. This device is a great mix of solid performance and endurance, because of its exceptional battery life.

Being a 2-in-1 convertible, Yoga 710 is suitable for just about any use. It feels equally comfortable in both laptop and tablet modes. The Yoga 710 doesn’t have the greatest screen in the category, but it still manages to produce about 66 percent of the sRGB spectrum on a 1920×1080 display.

When it comes to specs, the Lenovo Yoga 710 sports the 6th Generation Intel Core m3-6Y30 processor, 4GB or RAM, and a 256GB SSD. Once again, not the greatest configuration on the market, but still pretty good for its price range.

Surface Book

We can’t have a list of the best Windows 10 laptops to buy without the Surface Book. Microsoft’s first ever laptop is among the best pieces of tech you can buy today (Microsoft claims it’s the best laptop ever made). With its futuristic design, and powerful performances the Surface Book is an ultimate hub for all professionals, artists, and creators.

The tablet separation works flawlessly, giving this device some options you can’t find in the competition’s models. Microsoft will make the device even more powerful, with the upcoming Creators Update for Windows 10. So, a number of abilities you can do with the Surface Book is going to be huge.

The Surface Book also comes with one of the most powerful specs you can find in a laptop today. There’s the 7th generation of Intel’s processors, 8-16GB of RAM, and a 128GB – 256GB PCIe3.0 SSD. The screen of the Surface Book is a masterpiece, with the native resolution of 3,000 x 2,000.

But all of this comes with a spicy price, and that’s probably why the Surface Book will be a holiday purchase for just a few users.

⇒ Check it now on Amazon

Acer Aspire E 15

The Acer Aspire E 15 is a powerful Windows 1o laptop, perfect for everyday use. It features blazing fast start-up, high-speed connectivity and multitask support.

The laptop is designed for speed and mobility, allowing you to enjoy amazing movies, music and games for hours on ends thanks to its long battery life.

The device features three image and sound enhancement options that will can turn it into an entertainment powerhouse:

Acer BluelightShield: reduces blue-light emissions, eye strain and prevents eye fatigue.
Acer ColorBlast delivers twice as many colors as the average laptop. In other words, images are extremely close to that of the source image.
Acer ExaColor tunes color temperature and contrast gamma value for an RGB-like display quality.
Acer TrueHarmony delivers lifelike and rich audio.

⇒ Check it now on Amazon

Microsoft Surface Laptop

Microsoft launched the amazing Surface Laptop in 2017, and if your budget starts at at least $1,000 then this is definitely the best and coolest Windows 10 laptop to buy this Christmas.

The device is backed by the best of Microsoft, including Windows and Office. There are four tone-on-tone color combinations that you can choose from and five technical configurations.

The Surface Laptop is ultra-thin and light and offers a natural typing and trackpad experience, making it perfect for students and professionals.

⇒ Check it now on Amazon

Surface Pro 6

Speaking of new Surface devices, we’ve got another interesting laptop on the list: the amazing Surface Pro 6. If you need a versatile laptop, then this is the right choice for you. As always, Microsoft offers huge discounts on Christmas deals, so this is the perfect time to get this impressive hybrid laptop.

You can use it for work tasks, play your favorite games, stream your favorite content and so on. You name it and the Surface Pro 6 can handle it. You can use this device in laptop mode, tablet mode and studio mode. Surface Dial and Surface Pen support is also available.

⇒ Get the Surface Pro 6 from Amazon

Huawei MateBook X Pro

This laptop is just incredible. It has a really nice and classy design — it’s thin and ultra-portable (0.57-inch thin weighing only 2.93 lbs). It features a 13.9″ highly responsive 3K touchscreen that’s faster than anything you tried so far. Under the hood, it packs an 8th-gen Intel i7-8550U CPU, 16 GB RAM, and 512 GB SSD.

Windows 10 Home Edition comes pre-installed on this device and the good news is that there’s no bloatware. The 57.4 Wh battery can power you for up to 12 hours of video playback, 14 hours of office work, or 15 hours of web browsing, according to the official product description.

That’s definitely THE laptop that I would like to find under the Christmas tree this year.

⇒ Buy it now from Amazon

Acer Predator Helios 300

If you’re looking for a gaming laptop to buy this Christmas, then the Acer Helios 300 is an interesting choice. This machine is powered by a reliable 7th-gen Intel Core i7-7700HQ CPU clocked at 2.8GHz with Turbo Boost. This allows you to clock it up to 3.8GHz.

Key specs include: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060, 6 GB GDDR5 VRAM, 256GB SSD, 16GB DDR4 DRAM Memory, 15.6″ Full HD (1920 x 1080) widescreen IPS display. If you’re planning to rely on battery power for your gaming sessions, keep in mind that this laptop can power you for up to 7-hours.

⇒ Buy this laptop from Amazon

That’s about it for our list of the best Windows 10 tablets to get this Christmas. If you want to purchase a new piece of tech for the holidays, we hope we gave you a clearer idea.

Do you agree with our list? Is there any laptop you’re planning to buy? Let us know in the comments below.

Check Bluetooth Capability Easily with These 3 Simple Steps

Posted on December 1, 2022October 22, 2025 by Matthew Adams

Bluetooth can be quite useful, but before you can use it, you need to check Bluetooth capability. If Bluetooth file transfer is not working, it’s possible that you’re having some issues with it, so you need to check it with these steps.

How can I check the Bluetooth capability on my device?

How can I check the Bluetooth capability on my device?

1. Use Device Manager

The easiest way to check for Bluetooth support is to use Device Manager. This built-in app allows you to view and configure all the devices and their drivers on your PC.

1. First, press the Win key + X at the same time on your keyboard to open the WinX menu.
2. Select Device Manager on that menu to open the window shown in the shot directly below.
3. What you need to look for on that window is a Bluetooth Radios category. That should be listed somewhere nearer the top of the window.
4. If you can’t find Bluetooth Radios, click Network adapters on the Device Manager window. Bluetooth Radios might be listed there instead.
5. If you locate that section, it means that you have Bluetooth capability on your device.

2. Look for Bluetooth connection in Network connections

Press Windows key + S and type network. Now select View network connections.
Look for the Bluetooth adapter.
If a Bluetooth network adapter is available, it means that your PC has Bluetooth.

3. Check the Settings app

Click the Start menu button and select Settings.
Click Devices.
If you have Bluetooth, you should be able to turn Bluetooth on or off.

Those who don’t have Bluetooth can still add it to their desktop or laptop with a Kinivo BTD-400 USB dongle. You can plug that into a USB slot on your desktop or laptop.

How can I check the Bluetooth capability on Windows 11?

Windows 10 and 11 share many similarities, and checking Bluetooth compatibility is almost identical on both operating systems.

How can I add Bluetooth capability to my PC?

If you want to have Bluetooth on your PC, there are two methods you can use:

Use a PC with built-in Bluetooth – All laptops and some desktop computers have Bluetooth capability. If you’re buying a new PC and you need Bluetooth, consider getting a laptop computer.
Use a Bluetooth adapter – If you have a desktop PC and you need Bluetooth functionality, adding a Bluetooth adapter is the fastest way to do that.

This means that you can follow the steps from above and use them on Windows 11 as well.

FAQs

How do I know if my PC has Bluetooth?

To check if your PC has Bluetooth, go to the Device Manager (press Windows + X, then select Device Manager). Look for the “Bluetooth” section. If you see it, your PC has Bluetooth. If not, Bluetooth may not be installed or enabled.

Can I enable Bluetooth on my PC if it doesn’t show up?

Yes, you can enable Bluetooth by installing the necessary drivers for your device. Check your PC manufacturer’s website for Bluetooth drivers, or use the Windows Update feature to find and install them.

What do I do if my PC has Bluetooth but it’s not working?

Try restarting your PC and ensuring that Bluetooth is enabled in the Settings app. You can also troubleshoot by checking the Device Manager for driver updates or conflicts and re-enabling Bluetooth in the Bluetooth settings.

Can I add Bluetooth to a PC that doesn’t have it?

Yes, you can add Bluetooth functionality by using a USB Bluetooth adapter. Simply plug it into an available USB port, and install the necessary drivers to get Bluetooth working on your PC.

For more information on Bluetooth, check out this guide on how to pair multiple Bluetooth devices on Windows.

So that’s how to check Bluetooth capability on Windows. In case you don’t have the necessary drivers, visit our guide on how to download the Bluetooth driver.

Did you find this guide helpful? Let us know in the comments below.

Power Calibration Area Error: What it is & How to Fix it

Posted on December 1, 2022September 28, 2025 by Ivan Jenic

We often need to burn a DVD or CD using the built-in drive or an external one in a Windows PC. And this usually goes smoothly for most, but many users reported getting the Power Calibration Area Error while burning a DVD.

The Power Calibration Area Error on ImgBurn and other tools arises due to a bunch of reasons, and it’s easy to fix them all. So, let’s find out how you can do that.

What is Power Calibration Area Error?

The error shows up when the computer is unable to burn a CD or DVD due to its inability to identify the Optimum Power Calibration rate. This could be both due to hardware and software issues.

Here are some of the reasons you might be encountering the error:

Issues with the burner – A hardware issue is usually responsible for the error, and if nothing works, you will have to get a new one.
Problems with the CD/DVD – In some cases, it was a problematic CD/DVD itself that caused the problem. This is generally the case when you buy a cheap one.
Outdated drivers – If the burner’s driver is outdated, it would perform as intended and may often throw the Power Calibration Area Error.
Incorrect speed – Burning speed is a critical aspect that often goes unnoticed, and if it’s wrongly configured, you will have trouble burning a CD/DVD.

How can I fix Power Calibration Area Error?

Before we head to the slightly complex solutions, here are a few quick ones that might work:

Make sure the burner is clean, and there are no dust particles deposited on it. It’s recommended that you wipe it gently with a soft cloth.
Make sure the connections are in order. For a desktop, check if the cable connecting the drive to the motherboard is properly secured at both ends.
Use another CD/DVD for burning, in case the problem lies with the current one.

If these don’t work, head to the solutions listed next.

1. Run the built-in troubleshooter

Press Windows + R to open Run, paste the following command, and hit Enter:msdt.exe -id DeviceDiagnostic
Now, follow the on-screen instructions to complete the process.

The built-in troubleshooter is usually the most effective when you receive the Calibration area full error on Nero. So try it and check if things get up and running.

2. Update the drivers

Press Windows + I to open Settings, choose Windows Update from the left, and click on Advanced options.
Click on Optional updates.
Now, choose Driver updates.
If a newer version of the drive’s driver is listed, tick the checkbox for it, and click on Download & install.
Once done, restart the computer for the changes to come into effect.

When you get the Power Calibration Area Error, make sure to update the drivers. There are various ways you can do it, but if none work, it’s recommended that you visit the manufacturer’s website and manually download and install the update.

If you want an unchallenging way to update your drivers, then you should give Outbyte Driver Updater a try as it can perform this process automatically.

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3. Change the burning speed

Changing the burning speed worked for most users. Remember, you don’t necessarily have to lower the burning speed, as recommended by many. For some, increasing the burning speed from 8x to 24x fixed things.

So, the trick here is to slightly alter the burning speed, be it increasing or decreasing, and check if the Dvdfab Power Calibration Area Error is fixed. Keep changing the value until you get the right one.

4. Try a different software

If nothing so far has worked, we recommend using a software solution. And if you are already using one, switch to the best disc burning software for Windows.

The software you use plays a critical role, and issues with it can lead to errors. So, try another one, and the problem should be fixed.

In case the problem still persists, your only option is to get the CD/DVD drive checked by a hardware specialist and, if need be, replace it with a new one.

Also, before you leave, do not forget to check how to boost the performance of a Windows PC.

Tell us which fix worked for you in the comments section below.

13 Coolest Christmas Gifts for Zelda Fans [Personalized]

Posted on December 1, 2022October 4, 2023 by Milan Stanojevic

Christmas season is almost here and if you’re planning to make inspired choices, today we want to show you some of the best gifts for Zelda fans.

The Legend of Zelda is a popular action-adventure video game that has countless fans all over the world. Chances to know one of them too are quite high.

That’s precisely why a list including Zelda Christmas gifts is more than welcome these days. Just make sure to take your time and check it out below.

What are the best Christmas gifts for Zelda fans?

Legend of Zelda Twilight princess keychain set

Stored in a beautiful wooden box
High-quality metal alloys, no color, no rust, bright luster
Size 3-7 cm

Made in China

Check price

Christmas gifts don’t have to be always big and flashy, and if you’re looking for a small and subtle Zelda Christmas gift, you might be interested in this keychain set.

The set comes with 7 different keychains and you can easily attach them to your keys or necklace. Each keychain has an incredible design and it will look great alongside your keys.

Legend of Zelda triforce lamp

7 color modes
6 solid colors + color changing mode
USB powered
Can last more than 50,000 hours

The speed of colors changing is way too fast

Check price

Having a lamp on your table can always be useful, but if you’re a Zelda fan, perhaps you might be interested in this 3D lamp.

The lamp has 7 different color modes available and it’s powered by a USB cable. As for the lifetime, this lamp can last more than 50, 000 hours which is quite impressive.

The Legend of Zelda hyrule multi-tool

If you’re looking for a useful and geeky gadget, you might be interested in The Legend of Zelda hyrule multi-tool. The device has a unique design with a Hyrule crest on it.

This tool has a keychain attachment, but it also has a hidden screwdriver, as well as a bottle opener, so it can come in handy in certain situations.

⇒ Check The Legend of Zelda hyrule multi-tool price

The Legend of Zelda Hyrule coffee mug

If you don’t like the idea of a simple Zelda Santa hat, let us come with a different suggestion. If you want to warm up during the cold winter days, what better way than having your favorite drink from a Zelda mug?

This mug has a 10 oz capacity, and with the electro-plated Hyrule logo, you shall be able to show off your love for the Zelda series.

Note that this is an officially licensed Nintendo product. However, it is not suitable for microwave or dishwasher use.

⇒ Check the Legend of Zelda Hyrule coffee mug

Legends of Zelda Hallmark ornament

Made of resin
Measures 2 x 3 x 1. 5 inches
Great gift for fans of Legend of Zelda
Lead-free

Small size

Check price

This amazing Nintendo detailed resin representation of Link with a sword in his hand will surely make the day for any Legend of Zelda fan.

The figurine measures 2 x 3 x 1.5 inches, so you will be able to easily hang it in any location on your Christmas tree without bending the branch.

No matter if you want to present it to your loved one by surprising them with a one-of-a-kind tree ornament that’s already hanged, or by presenting it as a gift, Hallmark has you covered, offering this package in a gift-ready box.

Legend of Zelda heart container icon light

Collectible
Illuminates your room with a soft red glow
An amazing present for fans of the series
10 cm in height

Check price

If you’ve ever played The Legend of Zelda, then you surely know about the iconic heart container symbol.

Besides the decorative element of this beautiful device, you also get a soft-glow illuminator for your room, to set the mood for some more gaming.

It is powered by two AA batteries, which is ideal when it comes to portability, but depending on how often you use it, the batteries might need changing often.

MONOPOLY: The Legend of Zelda

An amazing gift for fans
Can play as your favorite character/element
Buy and sell memorable locations from the game series

Game pieces don't include Link or the Master Sword

Check price

This is a special treat for fans of board games that want to have a geeky Christmas this year as well.

If you’re a fan of Zelda and board games, perhaps you might be interested in this unique Zelda edition of Monopoly.

The board has actual locations from Zelda games, and even player pieces are inspired by Zelda games. Overall, if you love Monopoly and Zelda, this might be a perfect gift.

Legend of Xmas sweatshirt

Christmas season is almost here, and what would be a better gift for a Zelda fan than an ugly Christmas sweatshirt?

The sweatshirt comes with a unisex design and it’s made from 90% cotton and 10% polyester. As for the decorations on the sweatshirt, there are rupees, hearts, Triforce, and of course the Hyrule shield.

Do note that it is designed to look like an ugly Christmas sweater. It could actually bring a huge smile to someone’s face.

⇒ Check Legend of Xmas sweatshirt price

Deekec Legend of Zelda Ocarina 12

Ocarina of Time is probably one of the best-known Zelda games, and every Zelda fan will be familiar with the Link’s ocarina. If you’re into music or playing instruments, then this ocarina will be perfect for you.

The ocarina itself comes with a great design, and it even has its own songbook from the game, so you should be able to play all the familiar songs from the game on your own.

Do note that it is made from kiln-fired ceramic and durable glaze. It comes with a neck strap, songbook, display stand, and protective bag.

The ocarina has 12 holes and it measures 6 inches in length and 3.5 inches in depth

⇒ Check Deekec Legend of Zelda Ocarina 12 price

Paladone The Legend of Zelda drink coasters

What do you think of the idea of buying the perfect accompaniment for your drinks? That’s your chance to protect your tables, desk, or bar with these useful Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild coasters.

We are talking about corked-back metal coasters with an embossed design of The Legend of Zelda’s symbols that will impress your friends and family.

Keep in mind that this pack contains no less than 4 corked-back metal coasters and none of them will scratch your coffee table.

⇒ Check The Legend of Zelda drink coasters price

Legend of Zelda Triforce ring

Another great Christmas present for Zelda fans might be a Zelda inspired ring. This ring is made from tungsten carbide and it has motives from Skyward Sword on its surface.

In addition, it’s worth mentioning that this ring is scratch-resistant so it will remain in perfect shape for a long time.

Moreover, it is hypoallergenic, so it won’t cause any skin irritations. This could make a huge difference for those facing such issues.

⇒ Check Legend of Zelda Triforce ring

The Legend of Zelda chess set

Another perfect geeky present for this year can be The Legend of Zelda chess set. This chess set comes with 32 custom figures.

It’s worth mentioning that both sides have unique figures, which is a major plus. In addition, all figures are made from vinyl, and they will look amazing during chess games.

⇒ Check The Legend of Zelda chess set price

Legend of Zelda Triforce pendant necklace

If you’re not the type of person who simply thinks of a Zelda Christmas hat, another great geeky Christmas present for this season can be a Legend of Zelda Triforce pendant necklace.

This necklace is made from tungsten carbide, so it’s fully scratch-resistant. In addition, the necklace is hypoallergenic so it won’t cause any skin irritations to worry about.

⇒ Check Legend of Zelda Triforce pendant necklace price

We hope that this guide has managed to help you choose the perfect gift for your loved ones.

Feel free to share your suggestions with us by using the comments section found below this buying guide.

Fix: Server Unexpectedly Terminated The Connection in Live Mail

Posted on December 1, 2022October 4, 2023 by Vladimir Popescu

If you’re using Windows Live Mail, you might come across the Your server has unexpectedly terminated the connection error, amongst other issues with Live Mail.

If you, too, are struggling with this error, this article will provide you with the necessary steps to eliminate the problem.

Why does the server terminate the connection in Live Mail?

Windows users usually attribute errors with Live Mail to network connection problems; this might be true, but the error Your server has unexpectedly terminated the connection can be caused by several other reasons.

The following are some of the reasons why you may be experiencing this error:

Server problems – If bandwidth throttling is enabled on the exchange server, you run into the Your server has unexpectedly terminated the connection error.
Network connectivity – If your system has a poor Internet connection, you’ll be unable to connect to the Internet. A PC with unstable Internet would likely prevent you from accessing live mail.
Firewall blockade – Firewalls are known to restrict the functionalities of programs and features. If live mail isn’t configured to operate through the firewall, you might run into operational errors.
Insufficient bandwidth – If bandwidth throttling is enabled and there are a lot of background apps using the bandwidth, you might experience the Your server has unexpectedly terminated the connection error.
Antivirus – Antivirus software is quite strict on mail server connections. If the software determines that the connection to Live Mail is not secured, the antivirus will block the connection.

Since we have identified the potential causes, let’s explore the possible solutions.

What can I do if the server unexpectedly terminates the connection in Live Mail?

Consider performing these preliminary checks:

Ensure you have a stable Internet connection.
Terminate unnecessary background applications.
Restart the Windows Live Mail application.

If the above checks didn’t resolve the error, try the following solutions.

1. Temporarily disable Firewall protection

Press Windows + I to open the Settings app and select Update & Security.
Select Windows Security from the navigation pane, and click on Firewall & network protection.
Then, select a network type.
Finally, turn off the toggle for Windows Defender Firewall.
Click Yes in the UAC prompt to confirm the change.

Turning off firewall protection should be temporary. Ensure you re-enable it immediately after you’ve tested the Live Mail app. Alternatively, you can reconfigure firewall activation rules to enable the live mail function properly.

If you are using a third-party tool and disabling it works, check out the best firewalls for Windows and get rid of such errors forever.

2. Disable Bandwidth Throttling on Exchange Server

Login to the exchange server as the administrator and open a new Exchange Management Shell window.
Using command prompt, type in the following and press Enter: New-ThrottlingPolicy NewUserPolicy
Now, paste the following command to set the throttling policy and hit Enter: Set-ThrottlingPolicy itsmdaily -RCAMaxConcurrency $null -RCAPercentTimeInAD $null -RCAPercentTimeInCAS $null -RCAPercentTimeInMailboxRPC $null -EWSMaxConcurrency $null -EWSPercentTimeInAD $null -EWSPercentTimeInCAS $null -EWSPercentTimeInMailboxRPC $null -EWSMaxSubscriptions $null – EWSFastSearchTimeoutInSeconds $null -EWSFindCountLimit $null

While you are on the subject, find out how to increase bandwidth in Windows.

3. Reconfigure the Live Mail Account

Open the Live Mail app, go to the Accounts tab, and select Email.
Enter your email address and password, check the Manually Configure server settings option, and click Next.
Choose IMAP as the server type. Then, enter the Server address as imap.mail.com, port 993 as your port selection, tick the checkbox for Requires a secure connection, and click on Next.
Choose the appropriate response and complete the process.

The Windows Live Mail app is usually flawless, and you can easily fix things when getting the Your server has unexpectedly terminated the connection error.

Also, before you leave, do not forget to check how to download Live Mail on your PC without hassles.

If you encounter other issues with Windows Live Mail, do let us know in the comments below.

Best Christmas Sweaters with Lights and Music

Posted on December 1, 2022December 20, 2023 by Madalina Dinita

While the winter arrives with the joy of Christmas, it also brings the freezing weather along. Of course, there’s the fireplace to warm you up, but there could be no better alternative to a nice and warm sweater.

So, with the shopping season in full spree, what about gifting a snug yet funky sweater to loved ones? Christmas sweaters with lights and music are a thing and are fast replacing the classic and chic jumpers.

These trending oversized sweaters look more like they are handwoven, yet they are fun with lights and music attached. With the no style theme this season, you will be the highlight of the Christmas sweater party.

We found a few really cool Christmas sweaters with lights and music to boost the holiday spirit with some really whacky weaves. Here’s a quick rundown.

What are the best Christmas sweaters with lights and music?

Morph Men’s Digital Dudz Gingerbread Snack

100% Acrylic
Digital lights movement
Hand Wash
Smartphone app enabled

Slight problems with the app

Check price

This one’s plain and unique as the sweater dazzles up with an animated fireplace using the phone’s app. Yes, it’s simply amazing to see how the classic, festive design comes to life with a phone app.

The smartphone must be held in the sweater pouch, and the app can be played via the sweater hole. Doesn’t that sound super exciting? The animated fireplace makes you the chief attraction of the Christmas party in a jiffy.

Cayenne Light-up Gingerbread Man

60% Cotton, 40% Acrylic
Machine Wash
Has 4 flashing led lights that come on with movement
No batteries needed

The light show is not very complex

Check price

Cayenne Light-up Gingerbread Man is for the chic women who don’t shy away from trying something new. This gingerbread man sweater is perfect for both the Christmas party and for all winter.

What’s more? The tiny led bulbs on the sweater make it attractive wear. Best of all, the lights can be removed for convenience. For those looking for Christmas sweaters with lights and music for their loved ones, this cat sweater is a great deal.

Idgreatim Women Men LED Ugly Christmas Sweaters

100% Acrylic, knitted material
12 LED lights
Funny patterns.
Hand wash and machine wash

Sizing is a bit confuzing

Check price

This Ugly Christmas Sweater is in fact, a pretty looking colorful light-up jumper. It not just keeps you warm during the cold winter evenings but also features a whacky Christmas design that lights up.

With a ribbed trim, this fun sweater is available in all Small, Large, and XL and is a perfect Christmas gift. It’s a soft, and solid sweater, that offers some really bright light for the Christmas party.

Women’s LIGHT-UP Christmas Tree Sweater

60% Cotton, 40% Acrylic
Pull On closure
Machine Wash
Has 4 flashing led lights that come on with movement
No batteries needed

Might be considered too classic

Check price

For those who love to flaunt the Christmas tree during the holidays, this one’s a perfect take. This bright sweater with the Christmas tree graphic on the front makes for the perfect Christmas party wear. The 4 LED lights that starts blinking with movement.

The beautiful design with a graphic tree and a mix of different colors further enhance your presence. Available in two colors, Cayenne and Evergreen, it sports striped long sleeves, ribbed trim along the neck, cuffs, and the hem.

Men’s Santa Light Up Ugly Christmas Sweater

60% Cotton, 40% Acrylic
Pull On closure
Machine Wash
4 LED Flashing Lights
Activated by movement

Can be considered ugly

Check price

Perfect for men, this Light Up Ugly Christmas sweater makes them stand out in the winter parties. This pullover sports ribbed collars, cuffs, and hem in contrast colors along with Santa in the front. The 4 LED bulbs start flashing with movement making the wearer the center of attention.

Available in two different shades, Blue Onyx and Emerald, these Christmas sweaters with lights and music is just what you want as a gift this season.

Choosing the right Christmas Gift for the loved ones can be stressful, especially with so many options around. If Christmas sweaters that light up and play music are on your mind, this list will help you find the right one.

Perk up the Christmas evenings for the loved ones with these funky yet snug sweaters this season.

Windows Power Options Greyed Out: 5 Ways to Fix It

Posted on December 1, 2022August 5, 2025 by Loredana Harsana

Windows Power Options is an essential built-in feature that allows you to adjust your power settings to improve your Windows 11 battery life.

However, you might often find the Windows Power Options overridden or greyed out across multiple operating systems. Hence, we’ll explore the causes and possible solutions here.

Why are the Windows Power Options greyed out?

The grayed-out Windows Power Options aren’t a widespread error in the Windows community. We’re more used to minor errors like the power plan keeps changing. However, here are a couple of reasons why Windows Power Options were greyed out:

Corrupt system files – If Windows system files are corrupt, it will lead to a chain of problems, including display issues which can cause the Windows Power Options icon to be greyed out.
Third-party app – Several third-party tools for battery management come with peculiar settings and configurations; one of these tools may be the reason behind the greyed-out Power Options icon.
Outdated or incompatible drivers – Batteries have specific drivers released and maintained by Microsoft. If you install a driver not built for your PC, you might encounter incompatibility issues.
Recent hardware changes – The effect could grey out your Windows Power Options if you’ve recently changed any system hardware.

Of course, you also need to keep in mind that the Power Options are mainly used in portable systems that use a battery, not desktop PCs.

Now that we know why this might happen, let’s go through the solutions to fix the problem.

How do I fix Windows Power Options greyed out?

Before we proceed to advanced troubleshooting, ensure the following checks are applied:

Ensure your device is fully charged.
Close all third-party power management tools.
Restart your PC.

If the issue persists after these, try the solutions below.

1. Scan for hardware changes

Press the Windows button, type Device Manager, and launch it.
Click on the Action tab at the top of the Device Manager and select Scan for Hardware Changes.
Expand the Batteries section and ensure that the Microsoft AC Adapter and the Microsoft ACPI-Compliant Control Method Battery are displayed.
Check to see if the Windows Power Options is still greyed out.

Check our detailed guide to see how you can use the Device Manager to scan for hardware changes.

2. Update your battery drivers

Press the Windows button, type device manager, and launch it.
Select Batteries to open the drop-down menu, right-click on any of the two options, and select Update driver.
Select Search automatically for drivers and restart your PC.

If you can’t update your driver with the steps above, follow our detailed guide on installing drivers on Windows 11, or just use an automated driver updater tool.

3. Remove third-party power management apps

In the search box, type control panel and select it from the results.
Select Programs.
Under Programs and Features and click on Uninstall a program.
Then choose the program you wish to remove and click on Uninstall/Change.
Restart your computer

If you uninstall your third-party power management tool, all the settings and configurations previously used by your computer will be ineffective.

Third-party power management apps can interfere with your device’s battery configurations. Disabling them will ensure that windows Power Options remain visible.

4. Update your BIOS

Press the Windows + R to open the Run window, type msinfo32, and click OK.
Find the system information – serial number/ system model.
Navigate to the Official HP driver and software download page and select your product.
Enter your exact serial number or your computer model, and click Submit.
Select your OS and OS version, then click Submit.
Then, expand the All Drivers tab, click on the BIOS tab, and select the download button.
Press Windows + E to open Windows Explorer and go to the Downloads folder. By default, all downloaded files should be in this folder.
Install the .exe file that you just downloaded and follow the installation instructions.
Restart your PC to apply the update.

Updating your BIOS will help restructure your PC’s hardware configurations and enable the motherboard to identify hardware, e.g., battery, more efficiently.

The steps are different, depending on the PC manufacturer. However, ensure to get the motherboard’s model number or serial number before anything.

5. Restore your Windows to a previous point

In your Windows search, type in restore, and click on Create a restore point.
Navigate to the System Protection tab and hit click on the System Restore button.
The window that opens will display the recent system from the most recent to the oldest versions.
Choose a restore point saved before the Power Options became greyed out.
Click the Finish button and restart your PC.

If you know the timeline before the Power Options became greyed out, you can restore your PC to an earlier Windows version.

If you don’t know how to create a system restore point, then follow this guide for an overview.

Ensure to follow all the steps outlined above to fix your Windows Power Options if some options are greyed out.

If you have further queries or suggestions about this guide, kindly use the comments section below.

Stardock releases WindowBlinds 11

Posted on December 1, 2022 by David Allen

After an announcement and public beta in September WindowBlinds 11 has now been publicly released. WindowBlinds 11 is an app that allows you to customize the look and feel of your Windows 10 and Windows 11 interfaces. You can customize window frames, task bars, start menu, and more.

These customizations are made through skins. Window Blinds 11 ships with dozens included, and thousands more are available at wincustomize.com.

“This app is a cornerstone in our suite of desktop enhancements,” said Brad Sams, Vice
President of Stardock Software. “Windows 11 introduced a new design language for the OS, but
we know it’s not for everyone. With WindowBlinds 11, you can enjoy the benefits of a modern
OS, but also the flexibility to customize the interface to fit your own personal theme.”

Several skins have been updated for the release, and a new theme called Luna is available that will make your Windows 11 interface look like Windows XP. You can make your skins unique by customizing colors, fonts, and transparency. WindowBlinds 11 ships with two highly requested updates, an automatic dark mode, and a higher DPI for some skins. The in-app browser has been refreshed as well making it easier to find and customize new skins.

This version of WindowBlinds 11 is designed to work with all announced versions of Windows 11 including support for widgets on the taskbar and tabs in File Explorer. WindowBlinds 11 is now available for Windows 10 and Windows 11 users as part of Stardock’s Object Desktop Suite or individually for $19.99. An upgrade option is available for WindowBlinds 10 owners for $9.99. You can learn more about WindowBlinds 11 and purchase your copy from the Stardock website.

The Xbox Game Pass ugly sweater is now available just in time for the holidays

Posted on December 1, 2022 by Robert Collins

Microsoft has released another ugly sweater in time for the Christmas season. This time around Xbox Game Pass gets the ugly sweater treatment, complete with ABXY buttons across the torso and a snowman with an Xbox Game Pass logo for a head. This fun item would be the perfect gift for the Xbox gamer.

The previously released ugly Clippy sweater was apparently a hot commodity as it has sold out, and Microsoft says they don’t plan to restock them.

The Clippy sweater.

The Xbox Game Pass Holiday knitted sweater can be purchased for $74.99 and is available in green. Available sizes are from SM up to 3XL. Will you be snagging one of these for that Xbox gamer in your life? Let us know about it in the comments.

Featured image via Xbox.com.

7 Best Christmas Apps for Windows 10/11

Posted on December 1, 2022December 19, 2023 by Ivan Jenic

The holiday euphoria is starting to heat up. During the whole month of December, all we think about are our families and upcoming holidays. We think about presents, dress in ugly sweaters and Santa Claus costumes, and spread the holiday spirit.

Whether we want to admit it or not, computers are essential to our everyday lives. So, it’s also natural to enhance our workstations with Christmas cheer. We already showed you how to ‘decorate’ your Desktops for Christmas, but that’s not all.

We now present you with a list of the best Christmas-related apps for Windows 10. All these apps were made to fulfill the holiday excitement and even make Christmas better and more exciting.

Some apps are made for children, but it’s absolutely okay if you forget about your age for a moment and let yourself enjoy.

What are the best Christmas apps to check out?

Christmas Kitchen

What’s Christmas without a table full of delicious food? Of course, you’ll look for granny’s old recipe when preparing traditional food. But, if you need more ideas to make your Christmas feast even more prosperous, there’s an app called Christmas Kitchen.

Although this app was initially developed for Windows 8.1, it works exceptionally well on Windows 10. Christmas Kitchen features many Christmas recipes for absolutely any dish of the day.

You’ll find the best Christmas recipes for breakfast, dinner, dessert, and lunch. The app also has some cocktail recipes, in case you don’t want to celebrate Christmas the traditional way.

And even if you don’t find what you’re looking for in Christmas Kitchen, you can always try some other recipe apps, like Yummly, Allrecipes, iFood, and more. We’re sure all these apps will prepare some tasty Christmas-themed recipes for you.

Christmas Kitchen

Christmas Kitchen will bring all the delicious recipes to your table so that you really get the Christmas spirit.

Free Visit website

Christmas

If you’re, like Santa Clause, looking for your little elf assistant, this app might be perfect. Called Christmas, this assistant features everything you need from a Christmas-themed app. Here’s the complete list of features:

Countdown in days, hours, minutes, and seconds
One click share the countdown with your friends on Facebook, Twitter, by email, etc.
Pre-set 25+ SMS
25+ Wallpapers
Create gift list

So, Christmas is like five Christmas-themed apps combined. If you’re impatient, you can always check how much is left until Christmas. If you’re too busy during Christmas, you can send automatic SMS messages to your loved ones. You can customize your Desktop with Christmas wallpapers. And you can also create your own gift list.

So, if you don’t want to mess with multiple apps this Christmas, this app is perfect.

Christmas

The Christmas app will cover all your needs, including countdown, gift list making, and desktop wallpapers.

Free Visit website

Santa’s Advent Calendar

And finally, one of the best things to keep your mind on Christmas during the whole month of December is the advent calendar! You probably owned one when you were younger and cheered daily because it was a new gift.

Well, instead of sweets and candies, Santa’s Advent Calendar offers you virtual gifts to make the Christmas countdown more interesting.

The app has 24 hidden surprises, which are revealed daily until Christmas. SPOILER ALERT: here’s the list of all of them:

Sing-a-long to traditional Christmas favorites: Jingle Bells and Away in a Manger
Test your memory with the 12 Days of Christmas musical game
Interactive 3D Puzzles and Sliders with stunning festive graphics
Festive games: Christmas Pairs, Find Rudolph, Elf Escape and much more
Too cold to play outside, why not dress the snowman from the warmth of your home or draw on our frosted window
A collection of Christmas Jokes, Poems, and Riddles to keep you smiling all season – Ho Ho Ho!

Santa’s Advent Calendar

Everybody loves advent calendars as they bring plenty of surprises and Christmas joy for the whole family.

Free trial Visit website

Christmas Time Pro

This app lets you know how many days, hours, minutes, seconds, and even milliseconds are left until Christmas. So, if you’re looking for a Christmas countdown app, this is the most accurate tool that you can get.

At midnight on Christmas Eve, time will freeze while Santa delivers gifts throughout the world. At midnight on Christmas Day, the app resets, and you’ll see how many days, hours, minutes, seconds, and milliseconds are left until Christmas next year.

The app also features live tile and lock screen badge notifications. You can get it from the Microsoft Store.

Christmas Time Pro

This awesome countdown app for Christmas will tell you exactly when Santa will bring the long-awaited gifts.

Free Visit website

Sleeps Until Christmas

Are you counting the days until Christmas? You don’t need to because this app will remind you exactly how many nights are left and will update your live tile automatically!

Rudolph, the red-nose reindeer, will actually count how many times you need to sleep before Santa eats the Christmas cookies you prepared for him.

The app is entirely free, so enjoy it!

Sleeps Until Christmas

Let Rudolph, the red-nose reindeer remind you how long you must wait until Christmas!

Free Visit website

Christmas Songs and Music

Nothing gets you better into the Christmas spirit than singing along the most wonderful carols. And if you are in the mood, your phone should be in the mood, too. Spread some cheer and enrich your ringtones collection with the best Christmas ringtones for free.

The Christmas Songs and Music app will let you choose the ringtone you like best. All the Christmas ringtones are fun and will spread the magic before the holidays.

Available Features:

Set as ringtone, assign to contacts
Set as alarm clock
Set as SMS ringtone
Save, share on social networks or email sounds

⇒ Get Christmas Songs and Music

Call Santa

Did you know that you can now actually call Santa at the North Pole? Well, between us and you, it’s not really Santa but one of his helpers, but it’s an AI app you can converse with.

We called and had a nice long audio conversation with him. He asked us what presents we wanted and where do we want to spend our Christmas.

The AI tool was crafted pretty well, and the talk seemed extremely natural, so you might get your kid to talk to him as well and have a few background giggles.

⇒ Get Call Santa

Our list of top 7 Christmas apps for Windows 10 is now complete. We hope you’ll enjoy using these apps as much as you’ll enjoy spending the holidays with your loved ones.

So, what more can we say than Merry Christmas and Happy New Year?

8007002c-4000d in Windows 10: How to Fix This Error Code

Posted on December 1, 2022March 22, 2024 by Radu Tyrsina

Error 8007002c-4000d is a Windows error that arises when users attempt to install the latest Windows 10 updates.

The error states Windows 10 couldn’t be installed, featuring the 8007002c-4000d error code. In this article, we’ll provide you with several troubleshooting methods you can use to resolve this error.

What is Windows 10 install error 8007002c-4000d?

The error 8007002c-4000d occurs when you try to upgrade your Windows 10 OS to the latest version releases provided by Microsoft.

The error doesn’t just plague Windows 10 users; Windows 7 and 8.1 operating systems are known to experience this error while upgrading the OS to Windows 10.

When this error occurs, the installation or upgrading process will be halted; you won’t be able to upgrade your OS provided this error persists.

What causes install error 8007002c-4000d?

Many factors can trigger the Windows 10 install error 8007002c-4000d. This error often occurs when your system has a poor Internet connection.

However, other significant problems can cause trigger this installation error. Some of them include the following:

Antivirus Software – Sometimes, even the best antivirus for Windows 10 conflicts with necessary operations for Windows updates. Antivirus software may block Windows updates and trigger the installation error – 8007002c-400d.
Corrupted Windows files – If the file used in upgrading Windows 10 is corrupted, you’ll likely experience installation errors like the 8007002c-400d.
Unstable Internet connection – For computers that experience network errors like limited connectivity and Internet access, you’re likely to experience installation errors when upgrading to Windows 10.
Startup programs – Most startup programs are harmless, serving their necessary purposes. However, if the wrong application has startup privilege, it might prevent Windows 10 from installing.

Now that we know what can cause this issue, let’s go to the actual solutions to fix it.

How do I fix Windows 10 install error 8007002c-4000d?

Before we proceed to advanced troubleshooting, ensure the following preliminary checks are followed:

Fix network congestion on your computer by halting the processes that use your Internet connection.
Remove unnecessary startup programs from your system.

If those quick fixes still didn’t resolve the error, try the solutions below:

1. Temporarily stop or remove the antivirus software

NOTE

Before removing the antivirus, try stopping its services from the corresponding menus.

Press the Windows key, input the control panel, and launch it.
Select Programs.
Click Uninstall a program under the Apps and Features.
Select your antivirus software, right-click the options icon, and click on Uninstall.

Uninstalling your antivirus software should be temporary; never leave your system unprotected from viruses and malware.

However, if you don’t have sufficient access to uninstall a program, then hop on this guide to learn what to do.

2. Delete corrupted Windows files and restart the Update

2.1 Disable the Windows Update service

Press Windows + R to open the Run window, type in services.msc and hit Enter.
In the pop-up window, scroll down to locate Windows Update, right-click to open the Properties window.
Select the General tab, click on Stop, and click OK to turn off Windows Update temporarily.

2.2 Delete the Download Update files

Press Windows + E to open the File Explorer.
Navigate to the following path: C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution
Press Ctrl + A to select all the files in the path and press the Delete key to remove them.

2.3 Restart the Windows Update service

Open the Windows Update Properties window by following the steps above.
However, this time, select Start and click OK to restart the Windows Update service.

If you have problems with this solution, you may also consult our guide on what to do if the Windows Update service is not running.

3. Use a specialized repair program

Some of these issues are best solved automatically by specialized repair tools because they can find and repair most of the errors on your computer with ease.

4. Disable startup programs and third-party services

Left-click the Start button, type msconfig in the search box, and press Enter.
Switch to the Services section, check the Hide all Microsoft services option, and cress the Disable all button.
Switch to the Startup tab, then click Open Task Manager.
Select all the apps that may interfere with Windows 10 and click Disable.
Close the Task Manager and restart your PC.

A clean boot will reduce the number of programs fighting for your system’s resources and affecting the installation process.

There are several third-party tools for repairing corrupted Windows files, but the following processes can help you do it quickly.

We advise that you follow all the solutions outlined exactly for optimal results.

For further reading, you can go ahead and explore our guide on how to fix Windows 11 Update Error 0x800f020b.

Please feel free to leave your questions and suggestions in the comments section below. We’d like a response from you.

The Task Manager might display odd-looking colors after installing the latest Windows 11 optional update

Posted on December 1, 2022 by Radu Tyrsina

Microsoft has identified another issue affecting the Windows 11 2022 Update. The company made the announcement via the Windows 11 Health Dashboard and stated that the Task Manager might display odd-looking colors for users that have installed the latest Windows 11 optional update, KB5020044 to their devices.

The issue should however not affect the functionality of the tool, but visibility in some parts of the user interface might be poor. If you have Choose your mode set to Custom, in the Personalization > colors section of Settings, you are more likely to encounter this problem. On the other hand, if you’re using Dark or Light for the Choose your mode setting, this issue should not affect you.

As Microsoft continues to work on a fix for this issue, it has provided a workaround that should help you bypass this problem. All you need to do is set the Choose your mode setting to either Dark or Light until this issue is resolved.

Despite the odd-looking colors in the Task Manager, this update came with a fix for the issue that was causing some apps to be unresponsive for some users whenever they tried to use keyboard shortcuts to turn on/off or change IME (Input Method Editor) input modes. This is on top of the array of features the update added.

via: Microsoft

Try Battlefield 2042, Rainbow Six Siege and Batora: Lost Haven with Xbox Free Play Days

Posted on December 1, 2022 by Robert Collins

In this article

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Xbox Free Play Days is back for the first weekend of December with three more games. These games are available for subscribers of Xbox Live Gold and Xbox Free Play Days to play from Thursday, December 1st through Sunday, December 4th. Let’s go ahead and check out the lineup for this week’s Xbox Free Play Days event.

Battlefield 2042

Download
QR-Code

Battlefield™ 2042 Xbox Series X|S

Developer:
Electronic Arts

Price:
Free

Battlefield™ 2042 is a first-person shooter that marks the return to the iconic all-out warfare of the franchise. In a near-future world transformed by disorder, adapt and overcome dynamically-changing battlegrounds with the help of your squad and a cutting-edge arsenal.

Batora: Lost Haven

Download
QR-Code

Batora: Lost Haven

Developer:
Team17

Price:
$24.99

Batora: Lost Haven® is an interplanetary action RPG adventure with a rich, choice-driven story.

Avril never thought she’d have to step up and be a hero but after a mysterious and devastating event, her world was flipped upside down. With her homeworld on the brink of destruction, Avril has been gifted extraordinary powers and will have to journey across the universe to uncover ancient secrets and reckon with a series of life-changing decisions.

Rainbow Six Siege

Download
QR-Code

Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six® Siege

Developer:
UBISOFT

Price:
Free

Squad up and breach in to explosive 5v5 PVP action. Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six® Siege features a huge roster of specialized operators, each with game-changing gadgets to help you lead your team to victory. Command an arsenal of gadgets to secure the win: Set traps, fly drones, track footsteps, see through walls, and more! Lead your teammates to victory in intense, fast-paced PVP matches across a wide variety of destructible arenas. Join a massive online community of over 45 million players as you fight for supremacy. An ever-expanding universe of Operators, gadgets, items, and events – updated all year long.

Which of these games are you going to try out this weekend? Tell us in the comments. If you want to learn more you can head on over to the Xbox Free Play Days FAQ page.

Featured image via Xbox Wire.

Microsoft partners with PMI to announce low-code certifications for university students

Posted on December 1, 2022 by Radu Tyrsina

In a bid to increase employability, Microsoft has teamed up with the Project Management Institute (PMI) to announce the Power Platform University Hub. The institution will act as a hub where university students get to equip themselves with skills that will help them solve a wide range of business problems with low-code.

Technology plays a crucial role in our day-to-day lives and is ever-evolving, thus the increased demand for employees who are well versed in the sector that will not only be able to add value to an organization but also innovate to help solve today’s business problems.

Current trends have established that the number of developers available doesn’t match the actual number that is needed in organizations to build solutions. “Low-code platforms mean that organizations no longer need to be dependent on professional developer skills for all of their solutions. Gartner® forecasts that by 2025, 70 percent of new enterprise applications will use low-code technologies,” says Microsoft.

Hence the need to bring on more professionals that will help bridge this gap. The new Power Platform University Hub is in place to provide university students with an integrated curriculum that mainly focuses on the power of using low-code platforms to enhance digital transformation. Once enrolled in the program, students will be able to access dozens of course materials that revolve around low-code development and analytics tools.

Dr. Noel Carroll, Associate Head of Learning and Founder of the Citizen Developer Lab at the University of Galway stated that:

I am extremely passionate about building student confidence in using digital technology and empower them to question, create, experiment, develop, and learn. In this digital world, we need to ensure we are creating an inclusive society and learning environment. Diversity of opinions and experiences are a critical part of digital innovation and therefore empowering students through education is an important enabler for them to play a role in digital transformation across society and business. The Power Platform University Hub supports us to achieve this.

Upon completing the course successfully, you’ll get two certifications, that is, a PMI Citizen Developer™ Practitioner Micro-Credential and a PL-100 Microsoft Power Platform App Maker certification ascertaining that you went through training.

According to Microsoft:

The Power Platform University Hub helps educational institutions prepare their students to enter the workforce and make their students more attractive to potential employers by offering a self-guided learning journey across both the managerial aspect of accelerating and managing adoption of low-code solutions with best practices in mind, as well as the technical knowledge needed to build apps, data visualizations, chat bots, websites, and automation with low-code efficiently and effectively.

If you are interested in becoming a certified low-code professional, you will need to sign up for the program by having a faculty member complete the onboarding form. You’ll then get access to the Power Platform University Hub once your application is processed.

via: Dona Sarkar

Website Blocked Keeps Popping up [Malwarebytes Fix]

Posted on December 1, 2022October 4, 2023 by Henderson Jayden Harper

Malwarebytes is a reliable anti-malware for devices, and it has many features. However, several users report that the Malwarebytes website blocked keeps popping up.

Likewise, users complain about Malwarebytes memory issues on their devices.

Why does the blocked Malwarebytes website keep popping up?

A common cause of the problem is malware infection on your computer. Malware infections can affect apps installed on your PC and cause them to misbehave. So, Malwarebytes can frequently flag websites as threats.

Likewise, other factors can cause the Malwarebytes website blocked to keep popping up. Some are:

Accessing a malicious website – The message can keep popping up if you’re trying to access a malicious website. The Malwarebytes website security can detect malware and alerts you about it.
Outdated Malwarebytes client on your PC – An outdated Malwarebytes client on your computer updated can cause it to malfunction. So, the website-blocked message can keep appearing if Malwarebytes is obsolete.
Malwarebytes notification is enabled – You can experience issues with Malwarebytes pop-ups if you allow it to send in notifications on your device. It is common for Malwarebytes to send pop-ups for app update, upgrade, and blocked websites.

There are no definite reasons you may experience Malwarebytes website blocked popping up constantly on your PC.

What can I do if the blocked Malwarebytes website keeps popping up?

Before proceeding with any fixes, try the following:

Disable other antivirus and malware security on your PC.
Restart Windows. Do not hesitate to apply some quick steps if the PC fails to restart.

If the Malwarebytes blocked website keeps popping up, proceed with the solutions provided below:

1. Restart Malwarebytes in Safe Mode

Left-click the Start button and click on the power icon.
Hold the Shift key while clicking on Restart to launch the Advanced boot options menu.
Click on Troubleshoot and select the Advanced options.
Click on Startup Settings.
Press 4 to Enable Safe Mode and select Restart.
Then double-click Malwarebytes to launch it.

Restarting Windows in Safe Mode can fix issues with startup programs and system activities that are interfering with the Malwarebytes program.

2. End the task for your browser and close all tabs

Close your browser, right-click on the Taskbar, and select Task manager.
Select CPU and Memory, then click on the browser application on your PC.
Click on the End task option from the drop-down and restart your PC.

Ending tasks for your browser can completely close the website causing Malwarebytes to prompt the website blocked error. You can check the best Task Manager software for Windows 11.

3. Perform a full scan with Windows Defender

Left-click the Start button, type Windows security, and launch it.
Then select Virus & Threat protection and click on the link for Scan options.
Click on the radio button for a Full scan and select Scan now.

Wait while it runs and if it detects any threats, fix them. The Windows Defender scan will help detect viruses and threats on your computer.

4. Uninstall and reinstall Malwarebytes via the Malwarebytes Support Tool

Launch your browser and download the Malwarebytes Support Tool on your PC.
Double-click the mb-support-x.x.x.xxx.exe file to open it, then click Yes to continue the installation.
Check the box for Accept License Agreement on the License agreement prompt.
Select Next to complete the installation, and then the Malwarebytes Support Tool will automatically open.
Click Advanced, then Clean.
Select Yes on the Malwarebytes Cleanup pop-up and select OK to restart your PC.
Click Yes on the prompt after the computer restarts.
Choose Yes on the Reinstall Malwarebytes for Windows prompt.
Click an option when asked Where are you installing Malwarebytes?
Then click Install.

The Malwarebytes client will launch automatically and then check if the problem is resolved.

Reinstalling the Malwarebytes client will fix corrupt files and help update the latest versions.

Alternatively, our readers can check ways to fix Malwarebytes‘ real-time protection not working on their PCs. Also, check our fixes for Malwarebytes blue screen of death error on Windows 11.

If this guide has been helpful, you can tell us which solution worked best for you. Also, if you have more questions or suggestions, kindly drop them in the comments section below.

How to Uninstall Bubble Dock and Get Rid of Ads & Banners

Posted on December 1, 2022October 11, 2025 by Henderson Jayden Harper

Bubble Dock can be classified as one of the most annoying programs you can find on your PC because of its activities interrupting your browser. Hence, users are finding ways to uninstall the Bubble Dock program for their PC.

Also, potentially unwanted program removal tools can help delete programs like Bubble Dock.

What is Bubble Dock?

Bubble Dock is a program that claims to help users access videos, RSS feeds, YouTube, and other online information. The program can install on your computer without your consent through hijacked web browsers, creating a vulnerable point on it.

Furthermore, it is a potentially unwanted program that intrudes on users’ privacy by installing freeware downloads on the PC without consent.

Bubble Dock prompts sponsored picture ads and banners that interrupt users’ online activities. Also, it can redirect users to unwanted sites without consent.

Why do I need to uninstall it?

You need to uninstall the Bubble Dock program on your PC for many reasons. The most dominant reason is that it is always detected as possible malware by many antivirus software, making it malicious. It means that the program is liable to be a tactic to infiltrate your PC or corrupt your device.

Likewise, other reasons for recommending that you should uninstall the Bubble Dock on your PC are:

Interruption on your PC – Browsing through the internet can be a pain in the neck if Bubble Dock constantly displays notifications as it does. It’ll break your activities, resulting in a long time to complete your tasks.
Hijacks all browsers – The Bubble Dock program can install on all the browsers on your computer if it can get in through a single browser. So, it hijacks your browser and can be dangerous.
It modifies and redirects your browsing activities – Bubble Dock can modify your browsing by altering your start page, default search engines, etc. Also, it annoyingly redirects you to an unwanted website while you’re busy on the browser.

These are just a few of the multitude of reasons why you should uninstall Bubble Dock. However, you must be careful when uninstalling the program so as not to affect your PC.

How do I uninstall bubble Dock to get rid of ads and banners?

Before proceeding with any steps for uninstalling the program, go through the following preliminary checks:

Turn off background apps running on your computer.
Create a Restore Point on your PC to restore if there are any casualties.

After the steps above, use the following solutions to uninstall Bubble Dock:

1. Uninstall Bubble Dock via the Windows Settings app

Press Windows + I key to launch the Windows Settings app.
Click on Apps and select Installed apps.
Click on the options icon beside the Bubble Dock app, then click Uninstall.
Select Remove on Bubble Dock’s uninstall wizard prompt, then click Next to continue.
Click Yes and restart your PC to check if the process is successful.

Using Settings will remove the programs from your system and help get t rid of ads & banners popping up on your screen. Check what to do in our guide for users whose Windows Settings app is missing.

2. Use a professional antivirus

This kind of extension can be pretty annoying to the point where the ads are disrupting your whole experience.

Using a professional antivirus to remove these kinds of apps is recommended since they can be easily categorized as PUP (Potentially Unwanted Program) and the antivirus will know exactly what to do.

TotalAV is our recommendation for this issue since we know how it works with PUPs and how fast they can be removed.

TotalAV has a complete set of advanced features that will protect you against PUPs as well as any other types of viruses with no sweat.

TotalAV

Keep your computer safe and your experience unaffected.

Free Trial Visit Website

3. Delete Bubble Dock extension from your browser

Launch the Chrome browser, click the Menu button, then select More Tools and click Extensions.
Then click the Remove button to uninstall the malicious extension.
Click the Menu button and select Settings.
Go to Privacy and security, and select Clear browsing data.
Check the box for Browsing history, Cookies, and other site data, as well as Cached images and files, then click Clear data.

NOTE

This fix is applicable to all chromium browsers, with slight differences in steps.

This solution will remove Bubble Dock from your browser and also clear its residues from your browser. However, if it doesn’t work, try the next solution. You can download the Chrome cleanup tool to tidy up your browser.

4. Reset your browser

Launch the Chrome browser, click Menu, and select Settings.
Select the Reset and clean up tab, then click Restore settings to their original defaults.
Click Reset settings to confirm the process.

Resetting your browser is a more harsh and effective way to get the unwanted program out of it, and get rid of ads & banners.

You can also check ways to remove adware from other browsers on your PC.

Alternatively, our readers can check how to block unwanted programs from installing with Windows Defender on their PCs.

Also, we have a detailed guide on the best adware antivirus removal tools for your PC.

Kindly leave your suggestions or questions in the comments section below.

Xbox Series X was a ‘hot’ item on Black Friday, report claims

Posted on December 1, 2022 by Kareem Anderson

With Black Friday and Cyber Monday in the rear view, Adobe is taking stock of the hot-ticket items from the holiday shopping weekend and it looks like the Xbox Series X was among the top five “hot products” sold.

While the methodology for defining what a “hot product” consists of isn’t made clear from Adobe’s report, the company did mention last year that it analyzes data from over 1 trillion retail visits to sites as well surveying over 1,000 retailers regarding their most sought-after products to determine top selling items during Black Friday.

This year, Microsoft’s Xbox Series X joined the ranks of items related to Disney’s Plus’ Bluey show, drones, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II, and MacBook’s, while last year, the Series S topped Adobe’s list.

Interestingly enough, it seemed Microsoft was geared to sell more of the Series S this holiday shopping weekend after reading its own financial telemetry as it discounted the console by a minimum of $50 across the board in the US and £60 in the UK. Meanwhile, the Series X remained relatively unchanged in price with a few vendors offering gaming bundles and accessory discounts to offset the unmoved price of the console.

Anecdotally, I replaced my aging Xbox One with a Series S over the weekend because it was both readily available and at an easier to ingest price point.

It’ll be interesting to see how this holiday season fares for Microsoft’s Xbox hardware revenue despite the lack of exclusive content and in the face of its cloud gaming pursuits.

Fix: Auto Hide Taskbar is Not Working in Windows 7

Posted on December 1, 2022October 4, 2023 by Loredana Harsana

Some of our readers discovered that the auto hide taskbar feature is not working in Windows 7. This is an efficient way to add a little space to get the most from your screen.

So, this article will give you quick fixes to troubleshoot the problem. However, another way to get the most out of your screen in Windows is to go full screen.

Why is the auto-hide taskbar not working?

The auto-hide feature is much more reliable on Windows 10 and 11 but is tricky on Windows 7. Here are a couple of reasons why the auto-hide taskbar isn’t working:

Background applications – Often, you run multiple applications simultaneously. Such background applications can conflict with the auto-hide configurations of your OS. Check out the ways to turn off background apps here.
Notifications – When your computer receives important notifications, e.g., Microsoft help or Windows Defender, the taskbar will be prevented from hiding to ensure that you don’t miss the message.
Windows Explorer – In some cases, Windows Explorer might experience glitches or occasional freezes due to high memory usage; this can cause the auto-hide feature to glitch.
Third-Party apps influence – The chances of this happening are slim, but it’s possible that old applications can keep sending messages to your Windows, thereby preventing the taskbar from hiding.

Now that we figured out why this happens, let’s get to actually solving this annoying issue.

How do I fix the auto-hide taskbar not working in Windows 7?

Before we go to the advanced fixes, here are a few preliminary checks you should do:

Ensure that your taskbar is set to auto-hide. You can read our guide on how to hide the taskbar in Windows 11.
Uninstall unused applications.

If the above steps failed to solve your problem, here are some essential fixes you can use to fix the auto-hide taskbar not working:

1. Restart File Explorer

Press Windows + R to open the Run prompt, type in taskmgr, and press Enter.
Navigate to the Processes tab at the top of the popup window, right-click on explorer.exe, and select End process.
At the top of the Task Manager window, click on the File tab, and click on Run a New Task (You will be presented with a dialog box).
Type in explorer.exe and press Enter.

This should reset your taskbar settings and hopefully solve your auto-hide taskbar problems.

2. Unlock the Taskbar

Right-click on the taskbar at the bottom of your screen.
From the popup menu, locate the Lock the taskbar option.
If there is a tick behind it, click on Lock the taskbar.

The auto-hide feature will be rendered powerless when the taskbar is locked. The taskbar might be locked if your PC’s taskbar isn’t auto-hiding. This will unlock the taskbar and re-enable your auto-hide feature.

3. Clear notifications

It’s essential to clear your notifications bar to keep the taskbar hidden. Notifications are typically located at the bottom right end of the screen.

It’s essential to clear these notifications; priority notifications, e.g., Microsoft, usually prevent the taskbar from hiding. Clearing up your notifications bar might stop the problem from persisting.

4. Remove third-party software

From the Start menu, select the Control Panel.
From the Programs category, select Programs and Features.
Choose the antivirus program you want to remove, and then select Uninstall/Change.
When prompted, restart your computer.

You should only uninstall applications you suspect are interfering with your taskbar settings.

Hiding the taskbar is one of the best ways to maximize your PC screen. If your PC’s taskbar has refused to remain hidden, you can apply any of the steps above.

Windows 7 is pretty limited in features and it has become obsolete. Check our guide on how to upgrade your OS to Windows 10 or 11.

If you upgrade to a higher OS version, you can implement a transparent taskbar instead of auto-hiding the taskbar.

Should you have more questions or other queries, kindly tell us in the comments section.

Razer Naga Stops Moving Randomly: 5 Ways to Fix It

Posted on November 30, 2022October 4, 2023 by Loredana Harsana

If you’ve been experiencing problems with your Razer Naga, specifically, the mouse stops moving randomly, follow through with this article.

Razer Naga is one of casual and pro gamers’ most popular and best-selling gaming mice. However, this exquisite gaming mouse has its flaws. We’ll provide the necessary steps to solve this problem and avoid it in the future.

Why does Razer Naga stop moving randomly?

Gamers who experience occasional mouse freezes with the Razer Naga are usually folks with the chroma versions,’ but other versions aren’t exempted. Here are a couple of reasons causing it:

Faulty USB Port – If your PC is a bit old or damaged due to a power surge, the USB ports could develop faults. A faulty USB port will cause occasional free.
Surface Calibration – If the surface calibration of your mouse needs to be better calibrated, the mouse will track adequately, leading to occasional freezes in movement.
Dirty Sensors – As simple as it seems, a mouse with a dirty sensor would find it hard to operate functionally. If the mouse sensor is blocked by dirt or any other solid material, it might occasionally freeze.

Since we have identified the causes, let’s explore the possible solutions below.

What can I do if Razer naga stops moving randomly?

Problems with Razer Naga are usually easy to fix. Apply the following checks before moving on to more advanced solutions:

Clean the surface of your mouse sensor.
Rotate the ports used in plugging your Razer Naga.
If it’s a Bluetooth mouse, make sure you update your Bluetooth drivers.

If the problem persists, here are some essential fixes you can apply.

1. Update Razer Synapse

Click on the arrow on your desktop’s taskbar to expand the system tray.
Right-click on the Razer central icon and select the Check for Updates option.
Click on Check For Updates.
Install any new update found in the pop-up window.

If you already have the Razer software installed, updating it is the most effective way to troubleshoot this problem.

2. Update your mouse drivers

Right-click the Start button and select Device Manager from the list.
Expand the Mice and Other pointing device, right-click on the mouse driver, and select Update driver.
Click Search for drivers automatically and restart your PC.

By updating the mouse driver, the Razer Naga should start working back. Also, you can check out the various ways to download and update your mouse driver in Windows 11.

Another great alternative is to let an automated driver updater tool do the job for you.

3. Reset the mouse surface calibration

Plug the mouse into your computer.
Place the mouse on your standard mousepad.
Press and hold the left-click and right-click buttons and mouse wheel simultaneously for seven seconds to reset the calibration.

After resetting the mouse surface calibration, ensure that you use only one mouse pad afterward because the mouse is already calibrated to the previous touchpad.

4. Clean the mouse sensor

Unplug the mouse from the computer. Clean the sensor using a Q-Tip or cotton swab coated with alcohol. Let the sensor dry for at least five minutes, and plug in the mouse.

You may repeat this step until you’re satisfied that the cause of this problem isn’t dirt on the sensors.

5. Switch over to different USB ports

Unplug your Razer Naga from your PC’s USB port and plug it into any of the available ports on the computer.

Sometimes, a USB port might be blocked due to antivirus software. Plugging Razer Naga into a different port might eliminate this issue.

Fixing problems with Razer Naga is pretty straightforward. Most times, updating the software or switching USB ports might be all you need to resolve it.

We hope this article was informative and provided the necessary steps to help you help fix your Razer Naga when it stops moving randomly.

7 Best Christmas Gifts for VR Lovers [Deals & Offers]

Posted on November 30, 2022December 20, 2023 by Radu Tyrsina

Making a decision to purchase VR gifts for yourself or loved ones can be an exciting activity.

But making the right Virtual Reality headset pick might not turn out as simple as it should seem.

VR headsets now go for as low as $25 to a mid-range $500 or more. This article looks at some of the best virtual reality gifts up for grabs this season of sales.

The products below are perfect, especially if you are looking for the following:

Virtual reality gifts
Gifts for VR gamers
Oculus Christmas 2020

What are the best virtual reality gift ideas for VR enthusiasts?

Oculus Quest All-in-one VR Gaming Headset

SteamVR Tracking for realistic movements
360-degree controller
Realistic graphics
Great for thos ethat love immersive gameplay

Retina-like experience can be improved

Check price

The Oculus Quest headset is one of the coolest tech gifts or VR headset for PC to share this season with deals on Christmas.

It offers an immersive VR room-level experience with some of the advanced features one can dream of in a VR headset today.

The key value lies in the two well-positioned sensors light-house boxes) with sweeping lasers for accuracy, plus the two hand-handled controllers that allow for easy navigation for a pleasurable gaming session.

Meta Quest 3

128 GB storage space
Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2 graphics
Access to a library of 500+ immersive apps
Up to 2.2 hours of usage on average

It weighs more than Meta Quest 2

Check price

Meta is arguably one of the best VR gifts with a name to reckon with its advanced setup and touch motion controllers to cover wide VR room space.

Meta Quest 3 definitely makes the best choice for gaming with lots of exciting games for this season using the new touch controller by Meta.

It is one of the best VR headsets for PC offering high gaming interactive experience.

PlayStation VR – Mega Blood + Truth Everybodys Golf Bundle

Bundle includes PlayStation VR headset, PlayStation camera, PlayStation VR Move controllers, Demo Disc 3.0 Disc, Blood & truth disc and everybody’s golf VR game voucher
Battle through the crime-ridden London underworld as elite soldier Ryan
Step on to the course like never before in the most immersive everybody’s golf experience yet

The games included seem too unrelated to be a gift for a single person

Check price

Bundles are always great when you want to cheer someone up, especially now that it is Christmas and it’s the season of giving.

With this package deal, not only will you get a fantastic VR headset, but you’ll also get controllers and games so that you can start entertaining yourself immediately.

All in all, if you like action-packed games couples with the occasional moment of relaxation playing things like Golf, this bundle is for you.

Oculus Rift S PC-Powered VR Gaming Headset

Insight tracking to accurately simulate your movements into VR
Touch controllers for high precision gestures
Enhanced optics to deliver brighter colors
Ergonomic design for a comfortable gaming experience

A Facebook account is mandatory to use this hardware

Check price

This gaming kit delivers everything you can expect and more.

With improved optics to really brighten the colors, insight tracking to emulate your movements with accuracy, and touch controllers to help you replicate your gesture with precision, you can immerse into the gameplay and get a true taste of what virtual reality has to offer.

And there’s more to come. The Oculus Rift Gaming Headset is more than pretty colors and realistic movement, it’s about comfort as well.

This is where the ergonomic design comes into play.

Here’s a bonus too: the headset grants you access to hundreds of exclusive games from the Oculus store.

VR Cover for Valve Index

Soft cotton cover developed by hygiene specialists
Easly cleaning (can be washed in the washing machine and cleaned with hygienic wipes)
Comfortable and secure fit
Set contains 2 covers

A bit tricky to fit the elastic hoops

Check price

The VR Cover for Valve Index is made to boost your gaming experience simply by improving your comfort.

This cotton cover will keep your headset sweat-free and clean at all times by protecting the original foam.

Besides its obvious hygiene advantages, the set is meant to improve your conform through its soft cotton fabric that has a pleasant, non-irritating feel.

If you’re worried about spending a lot of time cleaning this cover, you will be pleased to know that it has a no-fuss cleaning routine and you can easily put it in the washing machine just as you do with other fabric items.

Between uses, you can simply use hygienic wipes (which are included in the package) and of course, you have a second cover to replace the one that needs washing.

Sony PlayStation VR

Plug and Play technology
Advanced 5.7 inches OLED VR Display with 120 fps
DualShock 4 wireless controller and motion controller
Supports 3D Audio technology

Cannot be worn with glasses

Check price

When seeking a valuable entry point virtual reality headset to gift out this season then the Sony PlayStation VR tech gift comes handy.

It provides room for the decent amount of gaming and software on the PS VR platform with games like Star Wars, Resident Evil 7, etc. and more applicable for PS4 users that for PC gaming.

With nine tracking light points using the PS camera and single sensor users can still enjoy room level virtual reality.

Samsung Gear VR

Intuitive controller that comes in the box to drop, point, select and drag
Hundreds of games and experiences from Oculus
Sensor type : accelerometer, gyro sensor, proximity sensor

Not great for extended use

Check price

The more recent Samsung Gear VR offers Samsung Galaxy users and others more immersive, wireless and affordable VR experience.

Though light and does not offer high specs the Samsung VR Gear provides an excellent viewing experience splitting the screen into two with 3D visuals.

You can enjoy passive content on a low budget but with much comfort.

Acquiring the best VR gift this year would depend largely on individual specs and budget to enjoy an awesome viewing or gaming experience.

But one’s interest in a standalone, console, mobile, or tethered to PC virtual reality headset will influence choice and cost largely.

Besides, the user’s smart device; iPhone, Google, Windows, or Android smartphone could be a deciding factor for VR headset too.

You should also check to see if your PC or laptop are VR-ready before making a purchase.

Download Xbox One Controller Drivers for Windows 7

Posted on November 30, 2022October 4, 2023 by Vlad Turiceanu

Although Windows 7 Xbox One controller driver download may seem like an old request, it is still relevant for users. However, they claim the challenge is how to download the drivers for Windows 7. Let us check out the guide to learn how to work through the download.

Does Windows 7 have controller support?

You cannot use Xbox One controllers on Windows 7 through Bluetooth connection because Windows 7 only supports the controller when connected via USB cord or the Xbox Wireless.

Microsoft released a wireless controller that can be used with PCs running Windows 7 and Windows 8 to make that move as seamless as possible.

The Xbox One controller is made to make it simple for users to pick up and start playing games without having to get too familiar with many new controls.

However, you must re-sync the Xbox Wireless Controller to the console to use it with the console after using it with a PC. Use a USB cord or the wireless sync button to accomplish this.

Try a different micro-USB cable if the controller is unresponsive. You can check for Xbox One controller driver errors if your controller remains unsupported.

In the next section, we will discuss how to run the Windows 7 Xbox One controller driver download.

How do I download Xbox One controller drivers for Windows 7?

1. Update your controller through your Device Manager

Connect your Xbox One controller to your PC via a USB cord.
Press the Windows + X keys and choose Device Manager from the list.
Locate your Xbox controller in the list, right-click on it and choose Update driver software.
Next, click on Search automatically for updated drivers. Clicking on this option automatically searches for drivers.
Your system will seek out the latest drivers, and if any are found, Windows begin to download the appropriate driver for your Xbox One controller.
Restart your PC.

To configure Device Manager to search for drivers for your computer automatically, you must first connect your controller via USB to your PC.

One of the simplest ways to download/update your Xbox One wired controller driver on Windows 7 is to follow the above instructions to search for new drivers via the Device Manager.

The Windows 7 Xbox One controller driver download used to be available via a direct download link, but they are now part of the Windows update.

2. Use a driver updater tool

Some of these steps can seem complicated for someone who isn’t used to computers, so another good solution is to let an automated software find all outdated drivers and automatically install their updates.

3. Use a driver CD/DVD

Insert the Xbox One controller driver CD/DVD into your computer’s CD drive.
Open My Computer on your Windows 7 PC.
To launch the new CD drive for installation, double-click on it or double-click the .exe extension file from the CD directory if it doesn’t launch.
Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation of the Xbox One controller driver.

The Xbox One controller driver for Windows 7 can sometimes be downloaded and installed through this old-fashioned technique, despite its antiquity.

You can use the above steps to install the Xbox One controller driver if you have the driver CD or DVD. In case you have DVD driver issues, you can fix them by checking our detailed guide.

4. Use the Microsoft Update Catalog site

Visit the Microsoft Update Catalog page.
Then, type Xbox controller driver in the search box and click on the Search button.
You should now see a list of the available Xbox controller updates.
Next, click on the Download button next to the Windows 7 Xbox controller update you want to download.
Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation process of the Windows 7 Xbox One controller driver download.

It’s easy to find and download Xbox One controller drivers for Windows 7 from the Microsoft Update Catalog website. In case your Xbox One wireless controller is not working, use this guide to troubleshoot it.

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

Why do you need to use pings in League of Legends?

How do I ping in LoL with fast hotkeys and buttons?

1. Regular Pings

2. Smart Ping menu

3. Warded Pings

4. UI Pings

Why is my USB port saying power surge?

How do I fix a power surge on a USB port?

1. Use the Reset option from the error window

2. Reinstall the USB Controller Driver

Outbyte Driver Updater

3. Use and USB Hub

Why is Logitech G Hub not detecting Blue Yeti?

What can I do if Logitech G Hub is not detecting Blue Yeti?

1. Set Blue Yeti as the default device

2. Update the Blue Yeti driver

3. Update G Hub

4. Enable Blue Yeti Mic & Speakers in Windows Settings

Chained Echoes – December 8

Why has Microsoft Outlook Signature disappeared?

How can I fix the Microsoft Outlook signature disappears?

1. Double-check the Signature settings

1.1 For the OWA app

1.2 On the Outlook app

2. Clear browsing data (OWA app)

3. Check your device for signatures (Outlook app)

4. Use Registry Editor

5. Use a third-party app

Why is LoadLibrary failing with error 1114?

How can I fix Failed to load dll from the list error code 1114?

1. Get the DLL file

2. Change power plan settings

3. Run the Diagnostic Policy Service

4. Update the graphics driver

Outbyte Driver Updater

5. Change the graphics settings

5.1 NVIDIA graphics

5.2 AMD graphics

6. Reinstall the app that throws the error

Are DisplayPort to HDMI adapters any good?

What are the best DisplayPort to HDMI adapters to buy?

AmazonBasics Mini – Lightweight and portable

Cable Matters – Easily fits in a laptop sleeve

StarTech DisplayPort to HDMI – Free lifetime technical support

Cable Matters 4K – Gold-plated connection heads

AmazonBasics Adapter Cable – Perfectly well-built

What does Windows was unable to install your base system device error mean?

How can I fix Windows was unable to install your base system device?

1. Update your PC

2. Update the driver

Outbyte Driver Updater

3. Reinstall the driver

Is it possible to do a factory reset without signing in on Windows 11?

How can I do Windows 11 factory reset without login?

1. Reset from the login screen

2. Reset using bootable media

What are the best gift ideas for large families?

Cameras for Family Memory at Christmas

Culinary Gift Ideas at Christmas

Desserts Christmas Gift Ideas

Family Games at Christmas

Audio-visual Gift Ideas for Christmas

Fitness & Fun Gift Christmas Ideas

Home Improvement Gift Ideas for Christmas

Why is the AMD software installer stuck?

What can I do if the AMD Radeon software installer is stuck?

1. Reinstall the AMD graphics driver in Safe Mode

2. Check the ownership of the AMD directory

3. Disable your antivirus software

What does it mean when it says your PC needs to be repaired?

How can I fix error code 0xc000000d?

1. Run Startup Repair

2. Use Command Prompt

3. Run System Restore

4. Clean install Windows

Why is Windows Defender blocking Avast?

What can I do if Windows Defender is blocking Avast?

1. Reset Avast

2. Disable Windows Defender’s Real-time protection

3. Disable Windows Firewall