Windows 11 Not Activated After Upgrade: Error 0xc004c003 [Fix]

Posted on November 24, 2022March 28, 2024 by Vladimir Popescu

If you have recently transitioned to Windows 11 its possible that your Windows 11 is not activated after upgrade.

The error code 0xc004c003 is an issue that users encounter when their system attempts to activate the OS using the OEM Activation Digital Product Key.

Although this might seem as a serious issue, you should be able to fix it with one of our solutions.

What is the Windows 11 activation error 0xc004c003?

This error appears on Windows 11 when one is trying to activate the license of Windows because the operating system is faced with an error on the server. The cause cannot be singled out.

The error will appear in the following format:

We can’t activate Windows on this device because you don’t have a valid digital license or product key. If you think you do have a valid license or key, select Troubleshoot below. Error code: 0xC004C003

What causes the 0xC004C003 Windows 11 activation error?

To access the registry hive and verify the product key one has to go through the licensing code component in Windows. The 0xc004c003 error code is triggered when the access is denied due to using incorrect access.

It is also worth noting that an unsuccessful key validation can cause this error. However, the reasons as to why the key validation was not successful vary.

How do I fix the error code 0xC004C003 on Windows 11?

1. Use Command Prompt to activate Windows 11

Press the Windows key and type cmd on the search bar.
Then, right-click on Command Prompt and select Run as administrator. Click Yes if prompted by User Account Control.
Key in the following command, then press Enter: vbs –rearm
Click on OK and restart your device once the request is successful.
Open the activation page and check if the error has been resolved.

Sometimes, the Microsoft server fails to verify and activate your license because of server issues. However, you can still use the Command Prompt to activate your license.

2. Use a PC optimization utility

We can’t activate Windows on this device 0xc004f074 message is often caused by underlying issues with the system files or the registry.

Dedicated repair tools can quickly scan and identify the problematic file and either fix it or replace it with a fresh one in just a few minutes.

3. Check the Windows version you are on

NOTE

The installed operating system can change, depending on how you installed Windows 11 on your device. Especially if you performed an in-place upgrade, Windows will automatically detect the existing edition and install the appropriate edition that you should be using.

Press the Windows key + I key to open Settings.
Click on System, scroll down, and click on About.
Then, scroll down to the Windows specification section. Find the Edition section to view the Windows 11 edition installed on your PC. If your Windows 11 matches the previous edition you had installed, then this is not the problem that is causing the error code to appear.

4. Get Microsoft to reactivate Windows

The first time you register a Windows 11 license, it automatically associates itself with the hardware on your device. This helps Microsoft ensure that the license is being used as per the terms indicated.

Therefore, users do not need to manually activate Windows on their operating system every time they make a clean install.

However, if you have made changes to your device in terms of hardware (for instance, you got a new motherboard), Microsoft will not be able to verify the validity. As such, the 0xc004c003 error code appears.

To counter this issue, you can use the Digital Product Key or even run the troubleshooter to verify and activate Windows.

Use Microsoft’s resources especially if Windows 11 is not activated after clean install or after a hardware change.

5. Switch to Windows 11 Home

If you used the Home edition license key to upgrade your device to Windows Pro from Windows 11 Home, this is the reason why the activation error code appears.

Therefore, you can either downgrade to the previous version you had installed or upgrade to the Pro version by buying it.

6. Adjust the Registry to install Windows 10 Home

Press Windows key + R key to open the Run dialog box.
Key in the following code and click on OK. Also, click on Yes when prompted by the User Account Control: regedit
Navigate through the following code in the Registry Editor: Computer\HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion
On the right, find and double-click on the ProductName value.
Then, type Windows 11 Home Single Language. Then, click on OK to save changes.
Then, find and double click on the EditionID Value.
Then, type CoreSingleLanguage and click on OK to save changes.
Next, navigate to the following location in the Registry Editor: Computer\HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\WOW6432Node\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion
In the right pane, look for the ProductName value and change it to Windows 10 Home. Then, click OK to save the changes.
Then, find the EditionID, double-click on it, and change it to CoreSingleLanguage. Click OK to save the changes.
Close the Registry Editor.

This is an advanced solution, but as long as you follow the instructions closely, it should help you if your Windows 11 is not activated after upgrade.

7. Switch to Windows 11 Home

Go to Microsoft’s official Home Windows 11 obtain web page.
Scroll down to the download Home Windows 11 Disk Picture (ISO) part. Click on the drop-down and choose Home Windows 11. Click on the Download button.
Then, select the language you want to use. Click on Next.
Click on the 64-bit Obtain button. This will initiate the process of getting Home windows 11 ISO.
Once the ISO is downloaded, open the folder. Then, click on the ISO picture and choose Mount.
Home Windows will mount the ISO and open the drive folder automatically. If not, click on the DVD Drive icon beneath This PC. Then, double-click on the Setup.exe file, in the ISO folder. Then, click on Yes if prompted by User Account Control.
Then, click on Change how Setup downloads updates.
Click on Not proper now. Then, click on Subsequent to proceed.
Choose Notices and license phrases.
In Prepared to put in window, ensure the Set up Home Windows 11 Home and Maintain private records data and apps choice is displayed. Click on Install and wait.
Then, restart your device.
Navigate to the Settings page. Then, select About. Locate Home Windows Specs and test the Version.
Activate Windows by opening the Settings page. Then go to the Activation section located under System.
Follow through the on-screen directions to activate your version of Home Windows 11.

That’s how you can reinstall Home Windows operating system, without necessarily losing important files or applications.

The activation error is not present on devices that are currently running on the January 2021 security release or an earlier release.

If you are currently facing the activation issue, run the January 12, 2021 release or an earlier one to fix the problem.

How can I resolve activation error codes on Windows 11?

Microsoft does not allow users with inactivated Windows licenses to make use of some personalization and other functionalities on systems. Therefore, you need to verify your Windows 11 version and product key.

Alternatively, you may use the Command Prompt. Even more, verify the validity of your license and perform a downgrade to the correct edition of Windows 11 if it is necessary. You can take a look at our guide on how to restore reset Windows 11 to its factory settings for this.

Moreover, feel free to make use of third-party repair applications that will help you deal with a wide range of Windows update difficulties, even if Windows 11 is not activated after upgrade.

However, if the same issue persists, you should consider rolling back from Windows 11 as we wait for Microsoft to come up with a solution for these bugs and glitches.

Have you encountered the 0xc004c003 activation error code on Windows 11 and were you able to solve the issue using the methods we listed above? Share your thoughts with us in the comments section below.

Excel is Not Opening: How to Fix It in 5 Steps

Posted on November 24, 2022January 15, 2024 by Ivan Jenic

Many issues may occur with Microsoft Excel when it comes to running accordingly on your Windows 10 or 11 PC.

As an example, it’s possible that your Excel application will not open because it gets corrupted due to problematic add-ins or faulty system files.

You may also encounter Excel not opening errors due to operating system issues, which means it can’t communicate with Windows services that allow the application to launch normally.

There are various causes for this Excel issue that may happen on your Windows device, and the most frequent scenarios are:

Excel won’t open after an update (on Windows 10 frequently)
Excel files won’t open when double-clicked
Excel not opening files directly
Excel is not opening correctly

In addition, you can experience opening errors on both Windows 10 and 11 because of application running issues or operating system malfunctions.

For instance, some users reported an Excel-related failure that seems to occur after installing Windows 10 Creators Update.

After the system update, certain files can’t be opened with Excel for no apparent reason. Needless to say, everything was functioning fine before.

How do you fix Microsoft Excel not opening?

1. Make sure that the files are supported and not corrupted

The first step you should take when addressing issues with specific file formats is to check their eligibility. So, ensure the file is supported and not corrupted before we move to the additional steps.

Moreover, some users reported the Office update was the culprit rather than the system, so consider that also.

Updates for Office are too often the same as the ones for Windows in general: full of issues. If you’re positive that the Office update instigated problems, make sure to send a ticket to support.

On the other hand, you can update it since the problem may have already been sorted out with the latest available release.

2. Disable Protected view

Some protective measures are known to cause issues. Namely, in order to protect your surroundings, Excel (and other Microsoft Office programs, too) may prevent certain files from opening. Protective View might be completely blocking Excel from accessing your files. Therefore, disabling it could fix the problem.

1. Open Microsoft Excel.
2. Go to Options.
3. Navigate to Trust Center.
4. Click on Trust Center Settings.
5. Navigate to Protected View.
6. Uncheck the boxes for all 3 options. This will completely disable Protected View.
7. Click OK to apply and save the changes.
8. Launch the Excel file and check whether it runs without problems.

That should help you overcome possible issues inflicted by the overprotective Protected View.

Protective measures look great on paper since there’s not too much security, to be fully honest. But things in practice beg to differ.

3. Repair Excel

Office 365 has its drawbacks but online support is not one of them. At least for the majority of users. One of the nifty features that should help you substantially with this Excel issue is Repair.

Namely, you can repair an individual program from the package by using Online Repair. In this case, we’re, of course, referring to Excel. If the update changes something within the Excel installation or renders it unusable, you can fix it with this tool.

Follow the procedure below to repair the Excel:

Right-click the Start menu and open Programs and features.
Right-click Excel and select Change.
You should see the How would you like to repair your Office Programs screen.
Click on the Online Repair and wait for the procedure to finish.
Restart your PC and look for changes.

Repairing Excel can also help you fix issues like Exception from HRESULT 0x800a03ec; read this guide to learn more.

4. Restore Component services values to default

In addition, besides some common bugs that the update induced into the system, it also may have changed some essential settings. These can impact the usage of all 3rd-party programs, including the semi-native Office 365 or older variations of Microsoft Office.

There is one option that may impact file issues, and that’s Component security. For that purpose, follow the instructions below to restore it to default values and, hopefully, resolve the issue:

In the Search bar, type dcomcnfg and open it from the results list.
Under the Component services in the navigation pane, navigate to Computers > My Computer.
Right-click My Computer and open Properties.
Under the Default Properties tab, make sure that these options have these values:
- Default Impersonation Level: Identify
- Default Authentication Level: Connect
Confirm with OK and try accessing the files again.

If this wasn’t the thing that affected the misbehavior of Excel, move on to additional steps.

5. Reinstall Office

If the problem is persistent and you’re certain that it lies in the Office corruption, reinstallation is the next obvious step. However, have in mind that some of your custom settings may be gone once you delete Office.

Additionally, you’ll need to redeem your code in order to obtain Office from Microsoft’s official site.

Follow these instructions to reinstall the Office:

Right-click Start Menu and open Programs and Features.
Right-click Office 365 and uninstall it.
Restart your PC.
Go to this Office official site.
Sign in with the Microsoft Account connected to Office.
Select the preferred version, architecture, and language, and click Install.
Once the setup file is downloaded, double-click to start the installation.
After the installation is finished, activate your Office, and you’re good to go.

The brand-new installation should relieve you of the issues at hand. However, if the system is the culprit and you’re in a hurry to use Excel, there’s nothing left to do but perform a reset or clean reinstall.

We’re perfectly aware that this isn’t the best-case scenario for all of us, but sometimes, it’s obligatory in order to make things work as intended.

Until then, we hope that Microsoft will release some of the fixes for various issues reported by users worldwide.

Why Excel is not opening in Windows 10?

The Excel app hasn’t been updated or installed correctly on your PC so that it won’t launch with Windows 10.

Because this problem may prove to be a hard nut to crack, you can apply multiple solutions we tested and provided here to resolve Excel launching errors on Windows devices.

Why is Excel not opening in Windows 11?

One of the reasons why Excel won’t open in Windows 11 is that it is configured to disregard other apps that use DDE. When you double-click a file, the DDE aims to send a message to Excel.

As said before, another factor can be the third-party add-ins that run on your Excel application. You may consider disabling this feature to fix the issue quickly.

Finally, we conclude this article. Don’t forget to post your questions or alternative solutions in the comments section below. It will mean a lot.

Also, if you’re still unable to resolve the problem, we advise you to contact Office support as soon as possible and provide them with details regarding the problem you’re experiencing.

Best Ark: Survival Evolved Black Friday & Cyber Monday deals

Posted on November 24, 2022October 4, 2023 by Teodor Nechita

If you love action, adventure, jungles, dinosaurs, and any combination of the above, then you will definitely like to know about Ark: Survival Evolved.

While this game has been around for quite some time now, Not everyone managed to try it out, and this game has far too much to offer for you to miss out on it.

Well, now’s your chance to get it at a special price during the Holiday season.

Note: All the prices and offers in this article are subject to change, so be sure to check the official product page to get the latest deal. If the product or offer you’re looking for is no longer available, you can try to find it on its official manufacturer page or get another one from our list.

Which is the best ARK: Survival Evolved deal?

Not everyone buys physical disks anymore, and most games are now up for grabs as digital downloads keys.

That being the case, Ark: Survival Evolved can be bought from many places, but Steam manages to offer the best deals yet.

Now that the game is down by 80%,, with the original price not being all that high anyway, it would be a shame to miss out on this fantastic deal.

Ark: Survival Evolved

Hund for the ultimate prey and avoid becoming dino food in this fantastic action-adventure survival game!

Check price Visit website

Now that you’re on your path to buying this game, it is only a matter of time until you get to see what it’s like to survive the true raw power of the wilderness.

Keep in mind that this game isn’t a simple walk in the park, it’s more like Jurassic Park! And speaking about Jurrasic, you might want to take a closer look at this Ark Survival Evolved mouse pad with dinosaur anime.

What other fantastic deals do you think deserve to be covered? Let us know by leaving us a message in the comments section below.

Fix: Error Code 0xc004e016 on Windows [Activation Issue]

Posted on November 24, 2022November 1, 2024 by Ivan Jenic

Error code 0xc004e016 on Windows 10 is an activation error that occurs when you try to upgrade to Windows 10. It’s mostly happening when you use the wrong product key, but there might also be other problems.

Let’s get it fixed.

How do I fix error 0xc004f015 on Windows?

NOTE

For a stable Windows 10 installation, switch to a wired connection or disconnect extra devices from your Wi-Fi to free up bandwidth..

1. Activate Windows with Command Prompt

Press Windows then type cmd and select the Run as administrator option.
Now type the following command and press Enter to run it: slmgr /ipk W269N-WFGWX-YVC9B-4J6C9-T83GX
Wait until the process is done, then type the following command and press Enter again: slmgr /skms kms.xspace.in
Lastly, type this command and press Enter to activate Windows 10: slmgr /ato

2. Clean boot your computer

Go to Start > type msconfig > hit Enter
Go to System Configuration > Services > check the ‘Hide all Microsoft services’ check box > Disable all.
Go to the Startup tab > Open Task Manager.
Select each startup item > click Disable.
Restart your computer and try to activate Windows 10 again.

In rare cases, third-party apps and software may interfere with your Windows installation service. To eliminate this risk, you can clean boot your computer so that it boots up using only a minimum set of drivers and programs. Here are the steps to follow:

3. Run the slui.exe 3 command

Open a new Run window by pressing the Windows key + R key.
Type slui.exe 3 an hit Enter.
Enter your product key and check if this solves the issue.
If error 0xc004e016 keeps appearing, open a new Run window again.
This time, type slui.exe 4 and hit Enter and follow the on-screen instructions.

4. Perform a clean install of Windows 10

To do this you’ll need to format your partition and download Windows 10 ISO. After you’ve installed Windows 10 you’ll be asked to activate it, but you can just choose to skip this step.

If, for some reason, you don’t know how to do this on your own, you can ask someone to help you, or hire someone to do it. Before doing this, please backup your important files.

5. Additional troubleshooting methods

If the issue persists, here are some other quick potential solutions to fix it:

Unplug unnecessary peripherals
Disable your antivirus, firewall or VPN
Run the Windows Update troubleshooter

We hope that these answers have helped you to fix error code 0xc004e016 on Windows 10, but if none of these answers work for you, maybe it’s best to contact Microsoft and to see what’s causing this issue.

If you have any other Windows 10-related issues you can check for the solution in our Windows 10 Fix section.

8 Amazing Cyber Monday Portable Projectors Deals & Sales

Posted on November 24, 2022October 4, 2023 by Milan Stanojevic

Today we want to show you the best portable projectors that you can get at a discount for this season.

Portable projectors are great. You can easily connect them to any device that has an HDMI output.

This allows you to carry your projector in your bag and connect it easily to your smartphone or tablet and enjoy multimedia with your friends.

Portable projectors can also be useful if you need to give presentations but you don’t want to deal with old and cumbersome tools.

Many portable projectors are on discount this year, so without further ado, let’s see some of the best options.

What is the best affordable portable projector?

Auking Mini Projector

Full HD 1080p resolution
Built-in speakers
Incorporated fan cooling technology
Cross-platform compatibility

More suitable for movie-watching than PPTs

Check price

Why go to the movies when you can easily enjoy a premium cinema experience from the comfort of your own home?

This home theater projector will deliver everything you could expect and more.

From FHD resolution and a 35% boost in brightness, built-in speakers to enhance the audio quality, and low noise plus cooling technology, you are in for a big treat.

ViewSonic M1+ Portable Smart Wi-Fi Projector

Dual Harman Kardon Bluetooth speakers
HDMI plus USB Type C ports
Long-lasting built-in battery
Wi-Fi-enabled

Max SD card size you can use is 32GB

Check price

This portable project will deliver countless hours of entertainment – its built-in battery will make sure of that.

Enjoy a big screen with crystal-clear images and high-end audio powered by Dual Harman Kardon Bluetooth speakers.

The projector can easily be paired with your smart TV as well thanks to its Wi-fi-ready design. Just plug and play to enjoy!

GooDee G500 Mini Video Projector

Portable design (carry bag included)
Supports 1080P resolution
Cross-platform compatibility
5-year service guarantee

The battery is not included in the package

Check price

Equipped with HDMI/USB/headphone/AV/VGA ports to meet all your needs, this mini projector will redefine your viewing and listening experience.

Boasting an 80% brightness boost, 1080P resolution, and a giant screen, the projector delivers accurate images, vivid colors, and smooth video.

Sound is also not neglected as you will enjoy crystal-clear audio thanks to its built-in dual powerful speakers.

Lightweight, compact, and quiet, the projector can easily become the perfect to-go entertainment provider.

ELEPHAS WiFi Movie Projector + Sync Smartphone Screen

1080P HD resolution
Cross-platform compatibility
No external adapter required
Noise reduction technology plus built-in speaker

Does not directly support streaming services

Check price

With Full HD 1080P input and 24-bit true-color support, this mini projector will deliver a spectacularly big screen to enhance your movie-watching.

Highly versatile, the mini projector can be paired with all your favorite devices through its numerous ports, and of course, you can go completely wireless.

The projector is Wi-Fi ready and it only takes one synchronization with your smartphone to work seamlessly time and again.

Meer YG300

Meer YG300 is light, and due to its small size, it can fit in your pocket or bag with ease.

The projector supports multimedia and all standard media formats, and it’s powered by and 5V/2A source.

Thanks to the number of input ports you can connect almost any device to this projector, but if you want to connect your smartphone, you might need an additional adapter.

Meer YG300 specifications:

Brightness: 400 lumens
Contrast: 800:1
Native Resolution: 320*240 Support: 920*1080
Projector distance: 1-3m
Screen size: 24-80 inches
Color Reproduction: 16.7k
Input: USB/micro SD/HDMI/AV
Speaker:8Ω1w
Imaging Tech: TFT LCD
Unit size: 14.7*3.4*1.9inches
Net weight: 0.64pound

⇒ Check price on Amazon

AAXA Technologies KP-101-01

AAXA Technologies KP-101-01 is a small and fully portable projector with a built-in battery that lasts up to 80+ minutes.

The projector is compatible with a wide range of devices, and it even supports MicroSD cards and USB storage devices.

This projector also comes with an adjustable tripod, so it’s a perfect choice if you need a portable projector.

AAXA Technologies KP-101-01 specifications:

Resolution: 1280 x 720px
Brightness: 25 Lumens
Contrast Ratio:1000:1
Light: 3 LEDs that can last up to 15,000 Hours
Projection size: Up to 60″
Inputs: Mini-HDMI, MicroSD & USB 2.0 Inputs
Multimedia: Onboard Video, Picture & Music Player
Battery: Built-in, can last up to 80+ minutes
Size: 4.25″ x 2.36″ x 0.7″

⇒ Check price on Amazon

These are some of the best portable projectors that you can get for this season, so be sure to get them while they are on discount.

4 Cyber Monday Deals on Streaming Sticks [Roku, Fire TV]

Posted on November 24, 2022October 4, 2023 by Milan Stanojevic

Many devices will be on discount this year, and the same goes for streaming sticks. If you’re looking for a new streaming stick for your TV, today we’re happy to show you the best streaming stick deals.

Note: All the prices and offers in this article are subject to change, so be sure to check the official product page to get the latest deal. If the product/offer you’re looking for is no longer available, you can try to find it on its official manufacturer page or get another one from our list.

What are the best streaming stick deals?

Fire TV Stick 4K – high definition image streaming
Fire TV Stick – great value
Roku Streaming Stick – basic features
Roku Ultra – 4K image quality

Now let’s take a closer look at the pros and cons of each streaming device.

Fire TV Stick 4K – high definition image streaming

Processor: Quad-core 1.7 GHz
GPU: IMG GE8300
Storage: 8 GB internal
Wi-Fi: Dual-band, dual-antenna with MIMO support, supports 802.11a/b/g/n/ac standards

Some Wi-Fi minor issues

Check price

Fire TV Stick 4K allows you to enjoy in 4K video on your TV, so it’s perfect for all your media needs. With this streaming stick, you can enjoy over 500,000 movies and TV episodes.

In addition to your favorite TV shows and movies, you can also listen to your favorite songs using Amazon Music, Spotify and iHeartRadio services.

We also have to mention that Fire TV Stick 4K has a built-in Alexa support, so you can perform various tasks using voice commands.

Fire TV Stick – great value

Processor: Quad-core ARM 1.3 GHz
GPU: Mali450 MP4
Storage: 8 GB internal
Wi-Fi: Dual-band, dual-antenna with 2×2 MIMO support, supports 802.11a/b/g/n/ac standards
Bluetooth: Bluetooth 4.1

Volume controls issues

Check price

Unlike the previous entry on our list, Fire TV Stick doesn’t support 4K video, due to less hardware power. However, this streaming stick offers the same access to online services such as Netflix, Hulu, HBO, YouTube, etc.

This version also supports various music services such as Pandora, Amazon Music, and iHeartRadio. You can even play a hundred of available games right from it.

Fire TV Stick also has an Alexa Voice Remote so you can perform various actions just by using your voice.

Roku Streaming Stick – basic features

Video resolution: 720p, 1080p
Audio: Digital stereo over HDMI, DTS Digital Surround, pass through over HDMI
Network: Dual-band wireless, supports 802.11 b/g/n standard
Voice support: Yes

The HDMI extender must be ordered

Check price

Roku Streaming Stick allows you to stream online content and you can enjoy in over 150,000+ movies and TV episodes. In addition, you can view content from Netflix, BBC iPlayer and many other services.

Roku Streaming Stick supports voice control so you can play various content simply by using your voice.

In addition, there’s also a mobile app available that you can use to remotely control your Roku or use it to cast videos, photos and music to your screen.

Overall, Roku Streaming Stick offers great features, and its only flaw is the lack of 4K support.

Roku Ultra – 4K image quality

Video resolution: 1080p, 720p, 4K (2160p)
Audio: Digital stereo, DTS Digital Surround, Dolby Audio, and Dolby ATMOS
Network: 802.11ac MIMO dual-band wireless
Voice remote with buttons for TV power and volume, plus lost remote finder

The first time setup involves downloading a system update

Check price

Roku Ultra allows you to enjoy in 4K video on your PC, and just like its predecessor it allows you to access over 150,000+ movies and TV episodes. In addition, you can stream content from other paid services such as Netflix, HBO, etc.

Overall, Roku Ultra is an improvement over the older model, and if you have a 4K TV, this streaming stick might be perfect for you.

A streaming stick can be a welcome addition to your TV, especially if you stream online content frequently. These are some of the best streaming sticks available, so be sure to get them while the discount lasts.

5 Dell Alienware Deals & Sales

Posted on November 24, 2022October 4, 2023 by Milan Stanojevic

Gaming laptops are always a good investment, considering that they can also be used for creative workflows and intensive tasks. And if you’re looking for a great bang for your buck, season sales are the perfect moment to get one.

Alienware is already teasing fans with major discounts. The tech giant is offering these amazing gaming laptop deals that allow you to gear up and save up.

What are the best Alienware deals?

Alienware m15 R4 – very powerful yet portable
Alienware m17 R3 17.3 inch FHD Gaming Laptop – huge display
New Alienware m15 R3 15.6inch FHD Gaming Laptop – ultra thin laptop
New Alienware Area 51M Gaming Laptop – awesome design
Alienware AW510H 7.1 PC Gaming Headset – memory foam ear pads
Alienware AW610M – long battery life
Alienware AW510K – customizable RGB caps

Alienware m15 R4 – very powerful yet portable

i7-10870H CPU
Nvidia RTX 3080 GPU
32GB RAM
1TB SSD
Windows 10 Home

Expensive

Check price

The Alienware m15 R4 is our top pick for the best laptops in this domain, as it offers a powerful CPU and a great GPU to go along with it – the Nvidia RTX 3080.

The 32GB RAM ensures that you will be able to run any games without worrying about tweaking your graphics settings, and the powerful CPU supports this fully as well.

This device comes with a 1TB SSD, which ensures both fast writing and reading speeds, and provides you with some fast booting times as well.

The OS installed on this device is Windows 10 Home, but you can always change it to a more suitable option if you need to.

Alienware m17 R3 17.3 inch FHD Gaming Laptop – huge display

10th Gen Intel Core i7-10750H processor
16GB DDR4 RAM plus 1TB SSD
Nvidia Geforce RTX
Full HD display

Some minor issues with overheating

Check price

Alienware is a cherished brand among gamers for good reason – it delivers the kind of performance a gaming aficionado needs in order to go fully immersive and act quickly in order to conquer opponents.

With a unique combo of powerful CPU and GPU, this Alienware laptop allows you to achieve just that.

The powerful10th Gen Intel Core i7-10750H processor fuels your gameplay, while the 17-inch full HD screen plus the Nvidia Geforce RTX graphics deliver beautiful, high-speed motion graphics.

New Alienware m15 R3 15.6inch FHD Gaming Laptop – ultra thin laptop

10th Gen Intel Core i7-10750H processor
16GB DDR4 RAM plus 512GB SSD
Nvidia GeForce RTX GPU
Anti-ghosting keyboard with per-key Alien FX lighting

Some users complained about the life of the battery

Check price

Incredibly thin, yet enormously powerful – this is what you can expect from this Alienware equipment that will take your gaming to a whole new dimension.

When combined, high-end durable materials on the outside and high-tech ultra-modern technology on the inside can only deliver top-notch results.

Fueled by the 10th Gen Intel Core i7K processor and equipped with a Full HD display with 144Hz refresh rate and 300-nit brightness, this laptop will offer countless hours of intense gameplay with smooth, high-speed motion graphics.

New Alienware Area 51M Gaming Laptop – awesome design

Intel Core i7-10700K processor
Nvidia GeForce RTX 2070 graphics
1TB SSD plus 16GB RAM
17.3-inch Full HD Display
2.5Gbps bandwidth Ethernet connection

No knows issues

Check price

Unprecedented power and performance in all the right places – this is what this ultimate gaming-optimized laptop promises to deliver.

Understanding the importance of a long ping, Area-51m R2 provides a 2.5Gbps bandwidth Ethernet connection that will redefine your notion of speed.

Gamers will undoubtedly appreciate the TactX keyboard that enables programming allowing you to obtain a quick response for any keystroke.

Alienware AW510H 7.1 PC Gaming Headset – memory foam ear pads

7.1 headset
Hi-resolution drivers
Noise-canceling microphone
Compatible with multiple platforms
3.5 mm jack

Not compatible with Xbox One

Check price

The Alienware AW510H headphones have an alien design indeed and you will be able to wear them for hours thanks to the hybrid of plush memory foam, sports fabric, and leatherette on the ear pads. The fabric combination is also designed for optimal cooling and to enhance noise isolation.

Of course, as their name suggests, they feature 7. 1 surround sound, perfect for full immersion and for pinpointing every sound in the virtual space.

All this effect is produced by custom-tuned 50 mm 20Hz – 40kHz drivers for a high-resolution audio experience.

Alienware AW610M – long battery life

16000 DPI optical sensor
350 hours battery life
Fully rechargeable
7 buttons
3-zone AlienFx RGB ligthing

Click buttons are loud

Check price

The Alienware AW610M is a mouse you must try out if you’re a fan of this series, offering you an amazing scroll quality and a premium ergonomic build.

This device has a 16000 DPI optical sensor, ensuring that any movement will be represented on screen without any issues.

One battery charge gives you about 350 hours of usage, and the cable the mouse comes with can charge the mouse quickly, while also allowing you to use it as a wired mouse if needed.

The 7 buttons this mouse features can be customized to suit your needs, while the 3-zone AlienFx RGB lighting ensures that this mouse will fit perfectly with your Alienware gaming setup.

Alienware AW510K – customizable RGB caps

Alienware AW510K is a low profile keyboard for gaming but the low profile denomination doesn’t mean that it doesn’t stand out, it only means that the keys themselves have a short travel lenght and are less protuberant.

The key durability recommends them for 50 million keystrokes with no loss of quality and the AlienFX offers 16.8 million colors per-key RGB lighting.

Of course, AW510K comes with fully programmable keys for macros and also media keys with a volume roller that makes controlling sound a lot easier.

That is our selection for the best Dell Alienware deals & sales. We hope that you found at least one product to your liking. If we missed something, let us know in the comments section below.

ESC key not working in Windows 10 [BEST SOLUTIONS]

Posted on November 24, 2022May 15, 2024 by Ivan Jenic

The Escape key on a keyboard has been the standard get me out key for computer software since the beginning of computers.

This was a very easy method of exiting different scenarios on a computer but for the last 10 years, developers have started to focus on usability features, and having a single key on the keyboard that if pressed by accident can close an application is a big problem.

In this article, we’ll discuss how we can troubleshoot the Escape key in Windows 10 in different scenarios.

What can I do if the ESC key won’t work on Windows 10?

Check your driver
Use SHIFT + Escape
Test your keyboard
Check for viruses
Run the keyboard troubleshooter
Uninstall the Synaptics Pointing Device driver
Turn off Filter Keys
Uninstall the recently downloaded software
Check the keyboard for dust or foreign matter

1. Check your driver

The keyboard driver translates the input from the keyboard so it can be read by the operating system. Drivers, like any other computer file, can get corrupted by different software or viruses.

This can also be caused by upgrading or downgrading your operating system if the installed driver isn’t fully compatible with the new version.

Update the driver manually

The method that we usually recommend to try and fix this is uninstalling the current driver and letting Windows reinstall it again:

You can achieve this by right-clicking on the Start button and selecting Device Manager.
From here expand the Keyboards list, right-click on your current keyboard and select Uninstall, like in the image below.
Confirm this by click OK on the next dialog.

Once the keyboard has been removed from the list reboot your computer to reload your operating system and force it to detect the keyboard. It will then proceed to reinstall the driver and hopefully fix the problem.

NOTE: Newer USB keyboards are more complicated than they used to be. In order to use them at their full potential, you will need to install the driver provided by the manufacturer.

Update drivers automatically

The safer and easier way to update drivers on a Windows computer is by using an automatic driver updating tool.

It automatically identifies each device on your computer and matches it with the latest driver versions from an extensive online database. Thus, you will keep your system safe from downloading and installing the wrong driver versions.

2. Check for viruses

The Esc key not working might hide a bigger problem caused by malware so it is recommended to run a full antivirus scan on your computer.

You can use the built-in Windows Defender to run a full PC scan. To do so, just open Windows Defender from the taskbar, click Open Windows Defender Security Center, then click the Virus and Threat Protection button. Click Advanced Scan and wait for the process to complete.

Alternatively, you can use third-party antivirus software. We strongly recommend looking into the best antivirus software because dedicated tools have higher detection rates than Windows Defender.

Plus, there are many antivirus software that won’t interfere with Windows Defender, allowing it to run its scans. Generally, Windows Defender detects when you install another virus protection software and lets you set it up accordingly.

We recommend getting an antivirus with a large and constantly updating threat database. On top of that, we recommend you look into tools that provide multi-layered protection and some sort of online privacy features.

After you decide and install your preferred antivirus, run a scan and see what it reports. The user interface varies from one software to another, but the scan button is generally really easy to access, just like in Windows Defender.

Wait for the scan to complete and see the results report. If you have any viruses, the antivirus should be able to remove and quarantine them.

To avoid such problems in the future, check the name of the threat and see if you can find where you could have gotten it from. Viruses usually come from malicious websites or suspicious links, so if you can trace your steps and avoid accessing these in the future, you will save yourself from a lot of trouble.

Make sure to keep your antivirus running at all times, as it is easier to remove a threat before it gets to permanently damage your system.

3. Use SHIFT + Escape

Like I said in the first paragraph, the ease with which the Escape key could be used in the past posed a lot of problems if it was pressed by accident.

This is why most of the newer applications have now switched to using the Shift + Escape keys combination.

For example, Google Chrome uses the SHIFT + Escape keys combination to give you access to its internal task manager, as you can see in the image below.

4. Test your keyboard

Sometimes the problem isn’t with the operating system but with the hardware. Keyboards and mice are probably the most used and abused input components on a computer, meaning that they tend to break more often than other components.

If your keyboard is connected to your computer using a USB or PS/2 socket than you can disconnect it and install it on a different machine. This way you can test if the problem is with your computer or with the keyboard.

You can also try connecting a different keyboard to your machine and try using the Escape key on that one. Or simply purchase a new keyboard.

5. Run the keyboard troubleshooter

Go to Settings, then click on Update & Security and click on Troubleshoot in the left-hand panel
Navigate to Find and fix other problems
Select the keyboard troubleshooter, run it, and then check if the ESC key is working.

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

6. Uninstall the Synaptics Pointing Device driver

If your default driver comes into conflict with Windows 10, certain keys may fail to work. You can fix this problem by uninstalling the Synaptics Pointing Device driver.

Simply navigate to Control Panel and go to the Uninstall program section. Uninstall Synaptics Pointing Device driver from there.

7. Turn off Filter Keys

Go to Control Panel, type ease of access in the search box and open Ease of Access Center.
Navigate to Make the keyboard easier to use option.
Scroll down and select Filter Keys. Uncheck the Turn on Filter Keys option, then hit Apply and OK.

8. Uninstall the recently downloaded software

Go to Start, type control panel, and double click on the first result to launch Control Panel
Go to Programs, then click on Uninstall a program
Select the software that you recently installed and select Uninstall
Restart your computer and check if the ESC key is responsive now.

9. Check the keyboard for dust or foreign matter

Make sure that your keyboard is free of dust, dirt, or other foreign matter. You can simply turn it upside down so that any specs of dust or debris may fall out.

You can also use compressed air to blow out dust from the crevices on your keyboard. If you’re a tech-savvy person, you can disassemble the keyboard.

However, keep in mind that this approach may void the manufacturer’s warranty, so proceed at your own risk.

If the steps above failed to fix your Escape key, please provide more details about your problem in the comment section below and we’ll try to help as best as we can.

Xbox Live Gold Offers Many Hot Game Deals on Cyber Monday

Posted on November 24, 2022October 4, 2023 by Sonia Martin

The discount season is here and it also just officially went live on Microsoft’s website. This means that there are 800 game deals available on the official Xbox website. Some of them are now up to 65% off.

In other words, if you were looking to extend your game library, or gift a loved one his or her favorite title, this is the perfect chance to do that and save some money.

The only thing left to do now is make your choice, click on it, and get it before these awesome deals expire. That’s right, these bargains are time-limited, so don’t waste any time.

What are the Xbox Live Gold deals this year?

As always, Gold members also get an extra 10% discount for all the games on the Christmas holiday list. So, if you want to purchase one of the major game titles released this year, act quickly.

Speaking of games, if you need additional gaming gear, here are some more deals for all the gamers out there:

It’s no secret that Xbox Live Gold Cyber Monday sale can save you a lot of hard-worked money on everything from quick three-month memberships to a full year of online services.

However, the Xbox Live Gold price isn’t the most expensive online multiplayer subscription in the industry, but it certainly pays to scour some discounts when the time comes to renew.

Xbox Live Gold 1 month

Check out discounts on the Xbox Live Gold subscriptions and choose the one that best fits your style.

Check Offer

The main draw to that Xbox Live Gold price is access to online multiplayer, as it’s the only way to play cooperatively or competitively online on Xbox.

That being said, there are other benefits included to sweeten the deal a little, like two free monthly games and exclusive discounts at the Microsoft Store as well.

Games are also massively discounted on the Xbox Store

In addition to the Xbox Live Gold membership Black Friday deal, there is a vast collection of games that are now discounted on the Xbox Store.

Not all titles are discounted by the same amount, but you can definitely find what you are looking for and pay up to 65% for your favorite game.

But trust us when we say that, after you see these titles and how much they go for, you will surely want a piece of the action.

However, you better move quickly because these offers won’t last forever. So, without any further ado, these are the most popular choices right now:

Far Cry 6

This blockbuster title thrusts players into the adrenaline-filled world of a modern-day guerrilla revolution, which takes place in Yara.

Check Price

FIFA 22

Take on the world’s greatest players, inside of the world’s biggest stadiums, as a part of the world’s toughest competitions.

Check Price

NBA 2K22

Whether you play in the NBA or WNBA, dominate the court and show your opponents what it means to be a true superstar.

Check Price

Cyberpunk 2077

Customize your character’s cyberware, skillset, and playstyle, and explore a vast city where the choices you make shape the story and the world around you.

Check Price

As we said, this is just a tiny fraction of all the awesome games you can find a discount on the Official Xbox Store. Check out the entire offer and decide what you want to add to your collection.

Also, make sure to also check all the other game deals available during the seasonal sales event.

Holiday Sale comes with generous offers across the board, whether we are talking about hardware or software, so be sure to check our dedicated deals.

What are some of the offers you are hunting for this season? Share your thoughts with us in the comments section below.

5 Best Rugged Hard Drives for Your Data [Cyber Monday]

Posted on November 24, 2022October 4, 2023 by Sonia Martin

With rugged hard drives, the keyword is more — hardier, more shockproof, more water-resistance, more dustproof. Everything is more.

This is the word on every photographer’s, videographer’s, researcher’s, journalist’s, or deejay’s lips when hunting for a rugged hard drive.

What are the most dependable hard drives?

LaCie Hard Drive 1TB

It resists drops even from 4 feet, dust, water, pressure, shock
It comes with a built-in password protection
Uses USB 3.0, usually 4 x faster than ordinary USB 2.0 (But it’s still USB 2.0 compatible)
1 TB storage at 5400 rpm (rotational speed)

It must be handled gently

Check price

Among the all-time best rugged hard drives is the monstrous LaCie 1TB Portable hard drive.

It’s a robust hard drive with a built-in ability to impressively fight back and overpower any attempts by drops, shocks, and water to mess up your data.

SanDisk 1TB

360 degrees Protection: water and dust-resistant (IP55), shockproof. Can survive 2-meter drops on concrete.
Greater Durability: Its reinforced solid state core guarantees lasting service.
Slim: The hard drive is compact and perfect size for the pocket.
USB Type-C: The drive works with the super-fast USB type C port. (Still USB-A Compatible)

The drive must be formatted

Check price

This SanDisk Extreme rugged Portable SSD typically delivers high-speed transfers (up to 550 Megabytes per second read speeds).

This explains why it’s a favorite of photographers and video editing professionals.

Plus, you can trust its solid-state technology with all your creative designs thanks, especially to its standout shock resistance.

Silicon Power 1TB

High-speed Transfers: It rapidly moves extra-large files (even 4GB) to and from devices
PS4 / XBox Compatibility: One of the best for gaming enthusiasts (supports various versions of Xbox & PS4s)
All-around Data Protection: Shockproof and water-resistant
Cable-carry Design: Stores the cable easily so you won’t worry about missing cables

Not exactly plug and play

Check price

The manufacturer promises and delivers a high-end military-grade shockproof and water-resistant hard drive in the silicon rugged portable hard drive.

The ultra-rugged rubber casing combines with a resilient internal suspension system to implement a super-power-like buffer effect. And so all efforts by dust, fall, and water to destroy your files fail miserably.

WD Elements 2TB

Shock-resistant: Doesn’t budge under any circumstances
Interconnectivity: choose the popular USB 3.0 or the good old USB 2.0 depending on the device
Fast data transfers: It offers swift data transfer thanks to the extreme rotation speed
High Capacity: It delivers 2 TB of clean storage
Hardware encryption: More security for your files

The driver must be formatted for Mac users

Check price

From Western Digital comes this high-performance, universal connectivity rugged hard drive.

It packs thoughtful features such as foolproof password protection, auto backup software for convenience, and a premium finish.

Buffalo MiniStation 1 TB

USB 3.0 Compatible: Universal connectivity for PCs
Military grade ruggedized protection
Hardware Encryption: This delivers more security against unauthorized access
Water (IPX3 standard ) , dust (IP5X), and shock resistant
Integrated USB cable: Easy to plug in and convenient

There is no USB-C cable

Check price

One of the most versatile options in our Cyber Monday rugged hard drive deals, this rugged hard drive comes with its unique wrap-around USB data cable.

It, in addition, uses built-in NFC technology to permit you to unlock and access the stored files conveniently using the accompanying smart card. You, therefore, don’t have to cram passwords.

Rugged hard drives offer the best degree of dust, water, and fall resistance. They thus withstand harsh conditions including extreme temperatures so your files are pretty much protected.

10+ Best Portable Speakers on Cyber Monday Deals & Sales

Posted on November 24, 2022October 4, 2023 by Aleksandar Ognjanovic

If you’re frequently on the move and use your smartphone to listen to your favorite music or podcasts, your next piece of hardware might be a portable speaker.

You can take it with you wherever you go, connect it wirelessly via Bluetooth and share your favorite tracks with your friends and family. They’re usually quite easy on the budget, but some discounts make many of them a no-brainer bargain.

We enlisted our list of top 6 portable speakers with their distinctive features to make your choice easier. You can check them out below.

What is the best small Bluetooth speaker on the market?

JBL Flip 4

3000mAH Rechargeable Battery (12 hours of playtime)
2.8 x 6.9 x 2.7 inches, comes in Black color and it’s cylinder shaped
IPX7 Waterproof
Dual external passive bass radiators.
JBL Connect+ (link all Connect+-ready JBL speakers to amplify the sound).
Voice Assistant Integration

Cannot use when charging if the battery is too low

Check price

JBL is the leader in the portable speaker‘s niche for a good reason. Their products offer great sound and ultra-portability. Flip 4 is one of the best Bluetooth portable speakers you can get at the moment.

It comes with a mini USB charging cable. It’s waterproof and can be immersed in water up to 1 meter without leaving any damage to it.

The speaker also comes with 6 buttons to help you optimize the sound control, play/stop option, call answer, and so on.

OontZ Angle 3

5.25 Inches long 2.6 inches high and 2.8 inches wide.
2200 mAh battery size plays up to 12 hours on a full charge.
Black color and triangular design with no hard corners.
Water resistant IPX5 standard.
Easy to pair over the Bluetooth with all imaginable devices.

The black buttons are very difficult to see

Check price

This nifty portable speaker is a great acquisition for all people who like some clear audio playback without distortion while on the move.

Thanks to the Bass Radiator feature, Angle 3 has quite a strong punch for such a small portable device.

JBL Charge 3 Red

Features:

IPX7 Waterproof.
9.1 x 3.5 x 3.5 inches, comes in red color and a cylinder-like chassis.
Built-in rechargeable Li-ion battery supports up to 20 hours of playtime.
JBL Connect+ (link multiple JBL speakers to create a surround effect or amplify the sound).
The noise and echo-canceling speakerphone.

Description: While we’re at JBL products, it’s worth mentioning a bit larger option with the code name Charge 3. It brings all the usual JBL features all their Bluetooth speakers have.

If you prefer a larger portable speaker to pair with your device while on the move, this might be the speaker for you.

⇒ Check it now on Amazon

Ultimate Ears WONDERBOOM

Features:

IPX7-rated waterproof.
4.2 x 4.7 x 5.3 inches, super-compact and comes in a variety of colors.
360-degree sound and big bass.
Option to link two WONDERBOOM speakers for amplified sound.
10 hours of playtime after a full battery charge.
Great aesthetics.

Description: Now this is a welcome change from all pill-like portable speakers. This ultra-compact speaker looks great and offers a brilliantly crispy sound with no distortion.

It fits great both in your home and as an attachment to your traveling rucksack while on the move.

⇒ Check it now on Amazon

DOSS E-go

Features:

Powered by 12W stereo drivers with enhanced bass.
Small size and lightweight (7.8 x 2 x 2.5 inches).
IPX6 Waterproof, Dustproof, Crashproof (made out of resilient fiber, black color).
Supports Aux-In, TF card, as well as the Amazon Echo Dot.
Up to 12 hours of playtime

Description: This portable Bluetooth speaker checks all the marks in the budget category. It’s quite affordable and offers a lot for a price, quite compact, and resilient.

It would be a worthy acquisition or a great present for everyone who fancies some high-quality music on the go.

⇒ Check it now on Amazon

Tribit X-Boom

Features:

360° Immersive Sound
Innovative XBass Technology activated by the dedicated Bass button.
Advanced IPX7 waterproofing
Amazing 20h Playtime with the 5200 mAh battery.
7.1 x 2.7 x 2.7 inches, comes in black, cylinder-shaped chassis.
Compact design makes it quite portable

Description: The selling point of Tribit’s portable Bluetooth speaker is the battery. Up to 20 hours of playtime after a full charge is just an amazing performance.

Add to that a great design and an extra bass feature and we got ourselves a fan favorite in this ever-growing niche.

⇒ Check it now on Amazon

What’s your favorite? Feel free to tell us in the comments section below.

Update Drivers in Windows 10 in 6 Steps

Posted on November 24, 2022July 16, 2025 by Ivan Jenic

Here are 6 easy ways to manually update your Windows 10 drivers. While Windows Update handles most automatically, important ones like graphics, audio, or chipset drivers can get missed.

Manually updating them helps fix hardware issues and can boost your PC’s performance. Let’s get started.

How can I update drivers in Windows 10?

How can I update drivers in Windows 10?

1. Via Windows Update

Press Windows + I and click Updates & Security.
Click on Windows Updates, and then on Check for updates on the right.
Your PC will now check for driver updates in Windows 10 and install the available ones.

Microsoft has partnerships with more significant hardware manufacturers like Intel, Nvidia, AMD, etc. Therefore, these companies regularly release driver updates for their components via Windows Update.

And the best part, you can update drivers on Windows 10 for free via Windows Update. So, if you’re rocking a newer Nvidia or ATI graphics card, check for Windows updates regularly to keep the device drivers up-to-date.

2. Use the Device Manager

1. Go to Search, type device, and open Device Manager.
2. You’ll now see the list of all your hardware listed in Device Manager.
3. To check for driver updates for any component, just right-click on it, and choose Update driver from the list of options.
4. Now, you will have two choices. You can select the first one if you want the system to automatically search for a driver. The second is for when you already downloaded a driver and so you will have to point its location
5. If a driver update is available, the wizard will automatically install it, if not, your driver is already up to date.

In case you don’t receive your driver updates via Windows Update, the most common way to check for driver updates is with the Device Manager.

You can manually update your drivers through it. This built-in tool allows you to separately update every driver for your devices.

It might take some time to check every single driver manually, but you can solve a lot of problems by doing that.

3. Install dedicated driver downloading software

There are various third-party tools that you can use to install the latest drivers on your Windows 10 computer automatically. However, professional driver updater software is one of the most efficient options.

You need to know from the start that a professional tool makes updating drivers simple, even for newbies. More precisely, the device runs automatically to find outdated drivers.

Fortect Driver Updater is the perfect tool for this task as it is very powerful and easy to use. In just a few moments you can have all your drivers updated and you can set up automatic scans for the future, so you’ll never have to worry about this issue again.

⇒ Get Fortect Driver Updater

4. Update your drivers from the manufacturer’s website

Microsoft already has agreements with all the noteworthy manufacturers and provides the necessary drivers within regular Windows updates. However, some manufacturers can release special updates to tweak specific problems in some exceptional cases.

In most cases, these versions will also be released via updates for your PC, but there seems to be no harm in checking for driver updates on the manufacturer’s website as long as it’s a trusted brand. The drivers can usually be found on the Support page.

Here are the official driver download links for the most common drivers used on Windows PCs:

5. Use the Compatibility Mode

Locate the driver installation program on your computer or a media (CD/DVD).
Right-click on the program’s setup file (an executable file usually has the word set up in its name), and select Troubleshoot compatibility.
The Program Compatibility Troubleshooter will look for any problems.
Click on Troubleshoot program.
Now select which is the problem with the program. If the driver worked fine in a previous version, select the first option and click Next.
Choose the Windows version where the driver worked fine, and click Next. We selected Windows 7 in our example.
Now click on Test the program and then hit Next again.
Now follow the instructions to install the drivers as you usually do.
Finally, you can save these settings if the installation and the drivers work fine.

In the unlikely event that you fail to update your drivers with the previous methods, there is still the option to troubleshoot compatibility. This is a way to convince older drivers to work on a supported version of Windows.

6. Via BIOS

Download the latest BIOS (or UEFI) from the manufacturer’s website.
The BIOS update file is usually in a .exe format, so you can copy it on a bootable USB flash drive. (Make sure you unzip the file before the move and double-check that there is no other file stored on the industry).
The next step is to insert the USB stick into the system.
To activate the booting sequence, press and hold the power button a few times.
Choose Troubleshoot.
Click Advanced options and select UEFI Firmware Settings.
Finally, select Restart and use the menus to update the BIOS / UEFI.

As you can see, updating the drivers through BIOS is closely linked to flashing the BIOS itself.

We know that handling the BIOS can be daunting, but an expert guide for updating the BIOS is all you need. Nevertheless, we recommend using this method as the last resort as it is both risky and time-consuming.

Every piece of hardware requires a proper driver to work correctly because drivers are the soul of every computer. If a particular component of your computer is missing or has an outdated driver, various problems may occur.

While updating all drivers is often essential, here are a few you must not skip:

Display drivers – This driver is the software component that enables a computer to display images from a video card. This program is crucial because your video card isn’t used to its full potential.
Controllers – You can find a list of vendors and drivers for devices that aren’t built into your motherboard on the controller drivers page.
Network card drivers – To connect your computer to the internet, you need software called a network adapter driver. It would be best to keep your network adapter drivers up-to-date to prevent potential issues.
Sound card drivers – A sound card and its accompanying driver software are responsible for managing the audio output of your PC. This sound card might be a separate piece of hardware slotted in via an expansion port or an integral part of the motherboard itself.
Mouse drivers – To put it simply, a mouse cannot interact with a computer without a device driver known as a mouse driver. In most cases, the mouse driver will already be installed on your computer.

These are the different ways to update the device drivers in Windows 10. Of course, you can always use any method that seems most accessible, but all of them are guaranteed to work and get you the latest drivers for HP, Dell, and other manufacturers.

Should you have any problems, make sure to check out our dedicated troubleshooting guide for drivers not installing.

If you’re using a legacy system, we also have a great guide on how to roll back a driver on Windows 7, so don’t miss it. You can also learn how to update NVIDIA drivers on Windows 11.

Do not hesitate to refer to our above tips and update drivers in Windows 10 in no time. Let us know how the procedure went for you in the comments below.

No Pages Available Blue Screen: 6 Ways to Make it go Away

Posted on November 24, 2022October 8, 2025 by Milan Stanojevic

Blue Screen of Death errors are frustrating, but they help prevent costly damage to your PC. One such error that users are complaining about now is the NO PAGES AVAILABLE blue screen issue.

While various factors can lead to this error, it can easily be fixed, like previous BSODs. And we will show you how to do it convincingly in this guide.

What causes the No Pages Available blue screen?

Various factors can cause the No Pages Available blue screen error. Listed below are some of the prevalent causes:

Corrupt system files: If your system files are corrupt, you will likely face this error. The solution is to repair and restore these system files with a specialized repair tool.
Outdated drivers: Driver issues are among the chief causes of BSODs, and this one is no different. In this case, you need to reinstall or update your drivers to fix the issue.
Memory issues: Sometimes, the problem might be down to faulty partitions on your hard disk. You need to run the CHKDSK command to fix this.

How can I fix the NO PAGES AVAILABLE BSoD error?

1. Use a specialized BSOD repair software

Fixing the No Pages Available blue screen can be daunting, especially if you’re not tech-savvy. However, there are specialized tools that can make this task a lot easier.

Sometimes the underlying issue that is causing the error in the first place is not completely obvious.

But if you use dedicated software and let it scan your PC for corrupt files and other similar issues, chances are you will be able to solve the problem in just a few minutes.

2. Update drivers

Press the Windows key + R, type devmgmt.msc, and click OK.
Expand the component you want to update the driver for, right-click the driver, and select Update driver.
Now, select Search automatically for drivers and install all available updates.
sear

To keep Windows 10 safe and stable, it’s crucial to download and install the latest updates.

These updates offer many performance improvements, new features, and many fixes related to hardware and software.

Since the NO PAGES AVAILABLE blue screen can be caused by incompatible hardware or software, it’s highly advised to perform Windows Updates regularly to avoid any potential hardware or software issues.

Downloading Windows updates are essential for system stability, but another critical aspect of every operating system is its drivers.

⇒ Get Outbyte Driver Updater

3. Run the SFC scan

Press the Windows key + S, type cmd, and select Run as administrator under Command Prompt.
Enter the following line and press Enter: sfc/scannow
Please wait until the process is done (it may take a while).

The following troubleshooting tool we will try here is the SFC scan. This command-line tool goes through your system and scans it for potential issues.

If it finds the cause of the NO PAGES AVAILABLE blue screen error, it’ll likely resolve it.

4. Run DISM

4.1. Run command normally

Launch Command Prompt as admin.
Paste the following command and press Enter: DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
Finally, wait until the scan is finished.

4.2. With the Windows installation media

Insert your Windows installation media.
Launch Command Prompt as admin
In the command line, type the following commands and press Enter after each:
dism /online /cleanup-image /scanhealth dism /online /cleanup-image /restorehealth
Now, type the following command and press Enter:
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth /source:WIM:X:SourcesInstall.wim:1 /LimitAccess
Make sure to change an X value with the letter of the mounted drive with Windows 10 installation.
After the procedure is finished, restart your computer.

Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM) re-deploys the system image, which can lead to resolving various problems. Including the NO PAGES AVAILABLE blue screen error.

5. Check the hard drive

Press the Start icon, hold the Shift key, then choose Power > Restart.
When your computer restarts, choose Troubleshoot > Advanced Options.
Select Command Prompt from the list of options.
When Command Prompt appears, enter the following lines and press Enter after each line to run it:
bootrec.exe /rebuildbcdbootrec.exe /fixmbrbootrec.exe /fixboot
Now run the command below (replace C with your drive letter) and hit Enter: chkdsk c: /r
Finally, restart your computer and check if the issue is resolved.

Corrupt disk sectors or other hard drive-related problems can easily cause various BSOD issues, including the NO PAGES AVAILABLE blue screen error.

So, checking the state of your hard drive surely won’t hurt.

6. Reset the PC

Press the Windows key + I and select Update & Security.
Select Recovery in the left pane and click the Restart now button under Advanced startup.
Choose Troubleshoot > Advanced Options.
Now, Select System Restore.
Enter your username and password and choose the restore point.
Wait for the restore process to finish.

If the System Restore didn’t help, you might have to reset Windows 10. Remember that resetting Windows 10 will remove all files and folders from the C drive, so create a backup.

If the problem persists even after the reset, it’s most likely that the NO PAGES AVAILABLE blue screen error is caused by faulty hardware. In this case, you might need to see an expert to check your hardware components.

If you are facing other blue screen issues like Kernel Mode Heap Corruption, check our detailed guide to fix it quickly.

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

The Information Store Could not be Opened: 5 Fixes to Try

Posted on November 24, 2022October 4, 2023 by Matthew Adams

Some users have posted on Microsoft’s forum that the information store could be opened error that arises when they try to launch Outlook.

There are a few variations of that error message for the different Outlook versions. However, for Outlook 2019 and 2016 users, the entire error message states:

Cannot start Microsoft Outlook. Cannot open the Outlook window. The set of folders cannot be opened. The information store could not be opened.

Here is all you should know about this error.

What causes The information store could not be opened error?

We have gathered from a user experience that a few things may trigger this error. At the top of this list of causes, we have the following:

Wrong settings – This plays a significant factor. Among the top causes are incorrect navigation settings.
Compatibility – Some versions of Outlook should run in compatibility mode in some OS editions to prevent this error.
Corrupted files – Some critical files will trigger the error message if not repaired.

With that said, let us discuss some variations and causes of the error.

Where and when does this error occur?

Here are some more related issues reported by our readers. Review the list and see if any of these cases apply to you.

Outlook 365/Office 365 The information store cannot be opened – This is a variant of the 365 services.
Specified default store cannot be opened – This error will be triggered on specific files you try to access. Sometimes, it may affect a set of folders.
The information store could not be opened Exchange 2016/2013 – Here is another variant that is specific to exchange servers.
The information store could not be opened Outlook 2016/2019/2013/2007 – Users of these editions of Outlook may experience this variant of the error.
Cannot start Microsoft Outlook – A clear indicator of this error is when Outlook simply refuses to open.

However, numerous potential fixes for the information store cannot be opened error. Check out some of the resolutions below to fix the information store issue.

How can I fix the Information Store Error?

1. Open Outlook in Safe Mode

Press Windows + R, type msconfig, and hit Enter.
Navigate to the Boot tab, tick Safe boot, select Minimal, then click Apply and OK.
Finally, select Restart when prompted.
The OS with boot into safe mode, and you can try opening the application.

2. Deselect the Compatibility Mode Option

Right-click the Outlook icon and select Properties.
Select the Compatibility tab, and deselect the Run this program in compatibility mode check box.
Lastly, click Apply and OK.

3. Fix the Navigation Pane File

Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog.
Type in the script below and hit Enter.
outlook /resetnavepane

One of the many problems that might arise from a broken Outlook navigation pane is an inability to access the data repository. If the information store cannot be accessed on Outlook because of a problem with the navigation pane file, fixing the file makes sense.

4. Fix Outlook’s PST File

Open File Explorer by pressing the Windows key + E keyboard shortcut.
Open the Outlook folder in File Explorer. The default folder path for Outlook 2019 and ‘16 is: C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft Office\root\Office16
Double-click SCANPST.EXE to open the Microsoft Outlook Inbox Repair Tool, click Browse to select an Outlook PST file, then click Repair.
Press Start to scan.
Finally, select a Repair option if the scan detects errors.

5. Clean Boot Windows

Press Windows + R, type msconfig, and hit Enter.
Click Selective Startup to select the Load system services and Use original boot configuration options on the General tab. Uncheck the Load startup items option.
Select the Hide all Microsoft services option on the Services tab, and click the Disable all button.
Click the Apply button.
Lastly, press the OK button, and select the Restart option.

These resolutions will fix the information store cannot be opened error for lots of users.

Outlook users can also check out the Microsoft Support and Recovery Assistant utility, which might fix the information store error.

Finally, let us know in the comments below which solutions were most effective for you.

3D Pens With The Best Deals Of The Year

Posted on November 24, 2022October 4, 2023 by Vlad Turiceanu

It’s amazing how a 3D pen is similar to a portable 3D printer, but they differ in utility. Like desktop 3D printers, it has a heating element and an extruder.

Unlike desktop 3D printers, which are controlled by motors and computer software, the movement of the 3D pen is controlled by your hands.

To be more specific, the plastic is heated and pushed out of the pen’s nozzle tip. When the plastic is ejected, it is in a molten state and may be shaped in any way.

After a few seconds, it cools and takes on the shape that was sculpted into it. And there you have it! A nice miniature 3D sculpture, a cool asset for the artist in you, or for the children.

The developers of 3D Pens have not forgotten about their offerings, including some discounts on Amazon. There are many other 3D pens available, but the offers listed here are the nicest available in 2022.

Which is the best 3D pen to buy?

We feel that those 3D Pens, at such a low price and in such great bundles, would be excellent gifts this season for both youngsters and adults who wish to participate.

So be crafty, utilize your imagination, and make a child happy this season.

What do you think of 3D pen crafting? Please leave your thoughts in the comment section below.

Windows 8.1 is going out of service. What should you do?

Posted on November 24, 2022November 24, 2022 by Alexandru Poloboc

As you surely know by now, Microsoft will terminate support for the Windows 8.1 operating system early next year, which means you will have to take some measures on your end.

Security-wise, the Redmond-based tech company strongly recommends an upgrade to one of the later, supported operating systems.

Users that still haven’t upgraded to Windows 11, or Windows 10 for that matter, are already being bombarded with notifications.

How can I prepare for Windows 8.1 end-of-service?

Yes, this isn’t a joke, and Microsoft will terminate all Windows 8.1 support on January 10th, 2023, so right after the new year.

For those of you thinking that you can ride this train a bit longer, just know that Microsoft will not be offering an extended support package for Windows 8.1.

If you are a Windows 8.1 user, you surely know that Microsoft originally retired all Windows 8 support in 2016, but the updates will completely stop starting with January 2023.

So, you either purchase a new PC, if the one you are using is only good for obsolete versions of Windows or officially pay to upgrade to either Windows 10 or Windows 11.

Furthermore, businesses won’t be able to pay for additional security patches and will have to upgrade or accept the risk of running software without security updates.

That being said, know that it’s not just Windows, either. The tech giant encourages users to subscribe to Microsoft 365, which continually offers updates, patches, and new features, as part of an ongoing subscription.

With that in mind, Microsoft will stop providing both patches and new features for Microsoft 365 users running Windows 8.1.

So, you can see how the implications exceed simply having to deal with annoying notifications and deadline reminders.

What should I know about upgrading from Windows 8.1?

Some of you were probably thinking about upgrading directly to the last version of Windows, which is Windows 11, so we’re going to have to shed some light on that.

First of all, Microsoft was adamant about the new system requirements for Windows 11, so an upgrade from Windows 8.1 to 11 is pretty much out of the question.

Also, as the Redmond company stated, upgrading directly from Windows 8 to Windows 11, if it even works, will overwrite your hard drive, erasing its contents.

There’s something to think about when considering such a huge operating system leap. Creating a backup of your data is highly recommended.

Instead, an in-place upgrade, which will preserve your data, is possible when upgrading from Windows 8.1 to Windows 10.

You can then move further and upgrade from Windows 10 to the last operating system released by Microsoft, Windows 11.

However, there’s no need to upgrade to Windows 11 if you don’t feel like it right now, or don’t have the resources to upgrade your rig.

Keep in mind that Windows 10 will continue to receive support until October 14, 2025, so there really isn’t any rush.

If you need information on how to perform the upgrade to Windows 10, we have prepared an awesome article for you.

Have you decided to move on from good old Windows 8.1? Let us know in the comments section below if you need any assistance.

Get these Cyber Monday deals on Mafia: Definitive Edition

Posted on November 24, 2022October 4, 2023 by Vlad Turiceanu

Mafia is one of the most popular game series in recent times, and they received a little bit of extra attention a while back with the release of Mafia: Definitive Edition.

While the game was well-received, not too many players swarmed in to buy it since most were probably waiting for the first chance to get it at a discount price

Well, that time is now, since Mafia: Definitive Edition is up for sale. People are already looking for the best buy, so what are you waiting for?

How much does Mafia: Definitive Edition cost on sale?

Play as a would-be mafioso and stake your claim on 1930s LA in this fantastic game that is basically a remaster from the ground of the game with the same name from 2002.

However, you now get to see what the game looks like with real 2022 graphics, and the city of LA has never looked more beautiful.

A lot of games are on discount now that Christmas is here, with many websites offering up for grabs in either physical form or via a Mafia: definitive edition CD key.

Mafia: Definitive Edition

See what it’s like to work for the Mafia in the city of Lost Heaven during the 1930s and make a name for yourself in the criminal underworld.

Check price Visit website

? Bonus: You can also get the Mafia: Definitive Edition Steam game as a digital download code from Amazon.

This concludes our list of great Mafia: definitive Edition deals that you can get during the holidays.

Know of other places that have even better Mafia deals? Let us know by leaving your feedback in the comments section below, and we will update this article accordingly.

Best Dual Dash Cam Deals This Year

Posted on November 24, 2022October 4, 2023 by Radu Tyrsina

A dual-channel dash cam is one that comes with one front-facing camera and a second camera that faces and records simultaneously the rear of the vehicle.

It can be tempting to purchase a front and rear dash cam that can record video from every angle of your vehicle in the event of an accident. This is in contrast to a single dash cam, which will only display your footage from the front of the vehicle.

In the event that you’re debating whether or not a dual-channel dash cam is worthwhile, our suggestion is that if you drive a vehicle, a dual-channel system is highly recommended.

Designed to record the view in front of and behind your vehicle, a dual-channel dash cam records both views simultaneously.

Many traffic accidents occur at moderate speeds and involve rear-end collisions, which is a common occurrence.

Even when you believe you have a clear view of the road ahead of you, there are situations when you fail to notice what has actually transpired in an accident.

Permit us to begin by taking a look at some of the most tempting offers that are currently available on the market.

What is the best dash cam value for money?

All these items have special prices.

In most dual-channel systems, you can capture clear traffic behind you in 1080p Full HD, which is ideal for video surveillance.

Many of these back cameras are equipped with a Sony STARVIS image sensor, which provides crisp images in all lighting conditions, including low-light conditions and at night.

When installing your dash cam, make sure to place the rear camera at the upper center of the rear windshield. From left to right, this location provides the most expansive view possible from this place. Avoid placing the dash cam directly on the defrost grid wires if at all possible.

In addition to providing an additional layer of security, a rear dash camera may prove to be the most effective tool in resolving insurance disputes and claim disputes.

If however, you don’t want to get a dual dash cam, you can at least get one of the best dash cams that have GPS.

Do you have a dual dash cam in your shopping cart that you’d want to add to your order? Please share your thoughts in the comments box below.

Fix: Windows Cannot Be Installed to This Disk [MBR Error]

Posted on November 24, 2022October 4, 2023 by Claire Moraa

This error occurs when you try installing Windows on a disk with an incompatible partition style. Partition styles are used to define the layout of the hard disk partitions. There are two main types: MBR (Master Boot Record) and GPT (GUID Partition Table).

MBR is used in Windows XP and earlier versions of Windows, while GPT is used in Windows Vista or later versions. So if you’re installing Windows on a computer with a newer version of BIOS, then it should automatically use GPT instead of MBR when creating partitions.

Why am I getting the Windows cannot be installed to this disk error?

If you’re wondering why you’re getting the Windows cannot be installed to this disk error, below are some possible causes:

Bad hard drive – The error message Windows cannot be installed to this disk is usually caused by bad sectors on your hard drive. The hard drive can have bad sectors due to any number of reasons such as an electrical glitch, physical damage or even a software issue.
The selected disk already contains a version of Windows – You cannot install another version of Windows on the same disk without deleting the existing installation first.
Corrupt/damaged partition table – A corrupted or damaged partition table can cause problems with Windows installations. Also, your computer’s hardware may not support booting to GPT disks.
Incompatible partition style – The most likely reason is that your hard drive has an MBR partition table and the Windows version you want to install requires GPT or vice versa. On EFI systems, Windows can only be installed to GPT.
The disk doesn’t have enough free space – Check how much free space is available on the disk where you want to install Windows. When installing or upgrading, Windows 11 needs at least 4 GB among other system requirements.

How can I fix the Windows cannot be installed to this disk error?

1. Convert MBR to GPT

Hit the Windows key, type cmd in the search bar, and click Run as administrator.
Type the following command and hit Enter: diskpart
Next, type and press Enter: list disk
A list of hard drives on your PC will appear. Type select disk X replacing the X with the number beside the disk you want to work on.
Type clean and press Enter.
Next, write convert gpt and press Enter.

This method will erase all partitions in your hard drive, including all files. It is, therefore, essential to back up any critical files before embarking on this process. Also, it would be best if you were sure that the hard drive you have selected is the correct one to avoid any data loss.

If you have a PC made in the last decade, you’re almost certainly using the Master Boot Record (MBR) partition scheme. Unfortunately, while this legacy scheme has served users for many years, it’s well past its prime.

The main problem with MBR is that it can only support four primary partitions and up to 2 terabytes of hard drive space. These limits are easy to hit if you install other software that requires multiple partitions. Also, check our guide for more ways to convert MBR to GPT.

2. Change the boot configuration settings

Restart your PC and enter BIOS mode by pressing Delete + F10. The same keys may vary depending on your PC’s manufacturer.
Now, switch to the Boot tab. Then, under Boot Configuration, select Boot mode and change UEFI to Legacy Mode.
Save changes and exit BIOS mode.
Restart your PC.

If you want to convert MBR to GPT without data loss, we recommend a third-party application that will do the job for you. EaseUS Partition Master does the heavy lifting, especially if you’re not tech-savvy.

Should you encounter other similar issues, such as Windows cannot be installed on this disk, we have an array of solutions to help you navigate such errors.

Users elsewhere also complained of the Master Boot Record missing, so don’t hesitate to check our detailed guide on addressing such issues.

Let us know if you can fix this issue in the comment section below.

How to Fix Tv App-00116 Streaming Error [Roku, Comcast, Xfinity]

Posted on November 24, 2022October 4, 2025 by Claire Moraa

Comcast is one of the largest cable and internet providers and one of the top streaming services providers, including Xfinity Stream. Unfortunately, these services often experience issues.

TVAapp-00116 is a common error you can encounter while using your Xfinity TV app. The error code means something wrong with the connection between your device and the Xfinity TV app. As such, you can’t access any of the channels for viewing.

Why is Xfinity Stream not working?

If you see the error TVApp-00116 display on your Roku, it could be because of the following:

Unstable internet connection – If there are disruptions in your home such as other people using the internet or electrical interference, they can cause a slow Wi-Fi connection.
The channel is unavailable – If you are unable to access your favorite channels, it may be because the channel is not currently available on Xfinity.
Unsupported device – You may have installed the app on an unsupported device. Ensure your device is under the list of supported devices for Xfinity or try other streaming devices.
No valid subscription – If you’re having trouble accessing channels on Xfinity Stream, it’s likely because you don’t have a subscription to that channel.
Channel is blocked – If a channel is blocked, it’s likely because the channel is not part of your TV package or you’re experiencing location issues hence the geo-restrictions.
Outdated software – If you are wondering: Why is my Xfinity app not working on my Roku? It’s likely because you’re running an outdated version of the Xfinity app.
You’re using a beta version – If you’re using a beta version, it may have some bugs and you can’t access all the channels available in the full version yet.

How can I fix the TV App-00116 streaming error?

Before you move to any technical solutions, check off the following first:

Ensure your device meets the minimum system requirements for Xfinity.
Close any other apps that might be running in the background on your device, and try opening the Xfinity TV app again.
Unplug your router and modem, wait for 60 seconds, and then plug them back in.
Try to update your router firmware.
Restart your device and try again. It’s possible that the issue was just a temporary glitch, so restarting may resolve your problem.

1. Update your Xfinity app

Open the Google Play Store app on your TV or Roku device.
Click on the three ellipses at the top right corner.
Select My Apps.
Scroll to the Xfinity app and click Update if an update is available.
Try reaccessing the channel.

2. Clear Comcast cache

Press the Xfinity button on your remote.
Click on the gear icon and press OK to go to Settings.
Scroll to Privacy and press OK.
Locate Locally stored data and press OK.
Press OK to clear locally stored data.

When you clear all data, your apps are reset, and you will be signed out of all accounts. If you’re using Xfinity on a browser, clear your browser cache and cookies. Clearing your browser cache and cookies is different for each browser.

3. Use a VPN

If you aren’t already, try using a VPN. There’s no denying the immense benefits of using a VPN client while streaming. A VPN works by masking your IP address with an external server’s address so that any website or app that restricts access based on location cannot tell where you are.

A VPN can solve this issue if the TVApp-00116 error is because of a geo-restriction. This is because a VPN allows users to access any website or app they want, regardless of their physical location.

ExpressVPN is an excellent solution for this task. This software comes with servers in 105 countries and also very high connections speeds, that makes it a great choice for watching your favorite TV shows at high quality and also bypass any geo-restrictions you may encounter.

ExpressVPN

Don’t let errors and geo-restrictions stoop you from enjoying watching TV.

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4. Uninstall and reinstall Xfinity

Open the Google Play Store app on your TV or Roku device.
Click on the three ellipses at the top right corner.
Select My Apps.
Scroll to the Xfinity app and click Uninstall.
Now go back and click Install.

If you are getting an error on your Xfinity app, it is recommended that you uninstall and reinstall the app. This usually fixes all issues related to the app crashing or freezing up.

You will also have a fresh start with no data stored from the previous usage of the application that may have corrupted the app.

If all else fails and the TVApp-00116 error still appears on your screen, you should consider resetting your network. This should help solve any connection issues, primarily if the problem lies with your internet.

This isn’t the only issue with streaming services, many users also reported an F1 TV BM1300 error, but we covered that in a separate guide.

When using Xfinity, we recommend installing a secure antivirus that will help you block any threats. Should you encounter any other issues, such as the Xfinity VPN not working, we have adequately addressed various fixes.

Let us know if you can fix this issue in the comment section below.

How to Fix Realtek Error Code 0001 – 5 Tested Ways

Posted on November 24, 2022May 13, 2025 by Henderson Jayden Harper

If you’re seeing the Realtek Audio Driver Failure !! [Error Code: -0001], it means your system is unable to support the driver you’re trying to install. It can prevent you from getting your Realtek audio drivers working on Windows 10 or 11.

Don’t worry, this guide will show you 5 ways to fix Realtek Error Code 0001. Whether you need to manually install the driver, address outdated drivers, or troubleshoot issues with your Realtek Audio Manager, we’ve got solutions that will help you get your sound back on track.

Plus, if you’re dealing with existing driver conflicts, we’ll cover how to safely overwrite and update them.

How do I fix Install Realtek Audio Driver Failure Error Code 0001?

1. Update Windows

Click on the Start button and select Settings from the options.
Click on Windows Update, then select Check for updates (Windows will automatically search and download updates if any are available for your PC).

Updating your operating system will fix bugs that may cause the error code 0001. However, we recommend you read about what to do if the Windows update is not working on your device.

2. Add legacy hardware

Right-click the Start button, then select the Device Manager.
Expand the Audio inputs and Outputs to check if the Realtek audio device is missing (if the audio device is unavailable, continue with the steps below).
Click on Action at the top bar, select the Add legacy hardware option and click OK.
On the Add Hardware window, select the button to Install the hardware I manually selected from a list (Advanced), then click Next.
Click the Sound, video, and game controllers options and click Next.
Select Realtek from the Manufacturer tab on the left and select the latest version from the Model tab on the right.
Click Next to continue the process. (Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the hardware installation)

You can check our guide on how to fix the Realtek HD Audio Manager missing on your device.

3. Uninstall and reinstall the Realtek audio device

Right-click the Start button, then select the Device Manager.
Navigate to Sound, video, and game controllers in the Device Manager, then expand it.
Right-click on Realtek Audio and select Uninstall device from the drop-down.
Check the Delete the driver software box for this device option and click Uninstall.
Reinstall the driver software.

Restart your computer after the installation is complete, then try to install the driver again to check if the error persists.

4. Update the audio driver

Right-click the Start button and select the Device Manager.
Expand the Sound, Video and Audio controller, select the Realtek audio, and right-click on it.
Select Update driver from the options.
Then select Search automatically for drivers.

If there are any updates, the installation wizard will install them automatically. Restart your computer after the installation is complete, and Realtek Audio Driver can install Windows 11.

Users complain about having some sound issues on their computers after audio driver updates. However, we have a detailed guide on the no sound after the Realtek driver update on your PC.

Alternatively, we recommend you use Fortect Driver Updater to automatically download all the latest drivers on your device with a single click. This saves the manual effort of downloading individual drivers one at a time.

⇒ Get Fortect Driver Updater

5. Disable conflicting drivers on your system

Right-click the Start button and select the Device Manager.
Expand the System Devices option in the Device Manager.
Right-click on the Microsoft UAA Bus Driver for High Definition Audio driver, then select Disable from the drop-down.
Click on Start, type Control Panel in the search box, and press Enter.
Select the Control Panel from the search result and go to the Uninstall a Program tab.
Select Programs & Features, then find the Realtek HD audio driver entry and right-click on it.
Click Uninstall from the drop-down.
Go back to the Device Manager and uninstall the Microsoft UAA Bus Driver for High Definition Audio driver.

We recommend you reboot your computer to allow the changes to sync smoothly. Then, try installing the Realtek audio driver and check if the error code 0001 persists.

We hope you have been able to fix the install Realtek Audio Driver failure 0001 on your Windows 11 or Windows 10 PC.

You may be interested in downloading Realtek HD Audio Manager for Windows 11 to enjoy a better experience.

If you’re still facing issues, it’s worth checking out our guide on how to resolve the Realtek Audio Console doesn’t support for this machine error, which can often cause similar driver-related problems.

Additionally, if your Realtek HD Audio Manager isn’t opening properly, take a look at our detailed fix for Realtek HD Audio Manager won’t open.

Kindly leave your comments and suggestions in the comments section below. We’d like a response from you.

Get The Best Discount On Avid Pro Tools

Posted on November 24, 2022October 4, 2023 by Claudiu Andone

Avid Pro Tools is a powerful and popular music production software that will help you turn that song idea into a real hit for the charts.

With this tool, you will have all the options needed to compose, record, edit, mix, and share tracks easily, without any music engineering training.

In fact, Avid Pro Tools has 3 versions depending on your needs. As its name hints, the standard version called Pro Tools Artist is designed for artists – singers, songwriters, and musicians who need the most important audio recording features.

Pro Tools Studio is a more complete toolset, focusing on professional music production.

The Pro Tools Ultimate version is dedicated to audio and production pros that need unlimited resources and extended features.

Now, Avid has prepared a huge discount on all versions so you can save a lot of money in the process.

What are the best Avid Pro Tools deals?

? The standard Pro Tools Artist software comes with a 25% discount, taking the price down to 74.99 per year (instead of 99).

? The Pro Tools Studio version comes with a 33% discount, taking the price down to 199 per year (instead of 299).

? Finally, the Avid Pro Tools Ultimate has an entirely new and most-appealing price and you can grab it now for 599 per year.

However, the offers are available only if you pay for a full, one-year license on any of the programs. Click the link below to get this limited offer!

⇒ Get the best Pro Tools Cyber Monday deals

Avid Pro Tools features:

Users can work with up to 10 collaborators in the cloud on a single project
Keeps all version history and data of your project organized
Quickly stop plug-ins on a track to free up processing power
192 (with HDX) I/O channels in the Ultimate version
Up to 2,048 tracks in the Ultimate version
Over 120 plug-ins are available
Built-in sound libraries, and training content

Don’t wait any longer because the price reduction is pretty important and this is a limited offer. You won’t regret it!

Windows 11 Not Recognizing PS4 Controller [Driver Fix]

Posted on November 24, 2022October 24, 2025 by Cesar Cadenas

Though Windows 11 supports DS4, many report that the PS4 controller is not recognized by their PCs. This may be due to outdated drivers or faulty settings.

Let’s see how you can fix it.

How do I get my PS4 controller to work on my PC?

1. Update Bluetooth drivers

Your PS4 controller should suddenly work again after updating the Bluetooth drivers. You can either complete this task manually using Device Manager or automatically by utilizing a driver updater program that makes your work easier.

Here’s the steps of how to correctly update Bluetooth manually:

1.Click on the magnifying glass icon to bring up the search bar.
2. Search for the Device Manager.
3. Click on the entry that appears.
4. In the Device Manager, search for the Bluetooth entry if your computer can connect via Bluetooth.
5. Click it to bring down the drop-down menu.
6. Right-click the entry that appears and a small window will appear.
7. Select Update driver in that small window.
8. A window will appear.
9. Select Search automatically for drivers.
10. Your Windows 11 computer will automatically download and install the drivers.
11. If you have multiple entries, it’s recommended that you update the drivers for all of them.
12. Then open the Settings menu.
13. Select Bluetooth & devices on the left-hand side.
14. Ensure that Bluetooth is enabled by clicking the switch On.
15. Hold the Share and PS button on your PS4 controller until it starts blinking rapidly. This blinking means that it’s searching for a connection point.
16. Then select Add device.
17. Select Bluetooth.
18. Select Wireless Controller.
19. Your PS4 controller is now connected to your Windows 11 computer and there should be no issue.
20. Conversely, you can go to the Windows Update tab in the Settings menu and click on Check for updates to see if there are new drivers.

If you’re looking for a more time-efficient way to update your drivers, you can do so automatically with Outbyte Driver Updater. It’s an app that scans your PC for missing or out-of-date drivers and fixes them for you.

Outbyte Driver Updater

Let this tool automatically find and update your Bluetooth driver along with other outdated drivers.

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2. Install DS4 Windows

In a web browser, search for DS4 Windows.
Click on Download.
In this new window, click the Download button.
Open the file that was downloaded and click Extract all at the top of the File Explorer. You will need to extract the app.
Select a location where to extract the file to.
Click the Extract button.
Open the folder that you extracted and double-click the Application file to install the app.
Be aware that you may have to download .NET 5.0 Runtime. A small window will appear giving you the option.
Download the file according to your PC’s bit version. In this example, the guide will select Download x64.
Open the downloaded file and click Install to begin the installation process.
After opening the DS4 Windows app, select where you want to save the files.

3. Update DS4Windows

Issues with DS4 Windows may arise from compatibility problems.
Go back to the directory where DS4 Windows sits.
Double click DS4Updater.
DS4 Windows will begin to automatically download and install any updates.
After it’s done, a window will appear stating that it’s up to date.

4. Run as administrator

You can also try running DS4 Windows as an administrator.
Return to the DS4 Windows directory and right-click the app to bring up the context menu.
Select Properties.
Click the Compatibility tab.
Click the checkbox next to Run this program as an administrator.
Click on the Apply button and then OK to save the changes.
Now DS4 Windows should run just fine.

5. Re-enable Controller

Click on the magnifying glass icon to bring up the search bar.
Search for the Device Manager.
Locate and click on Human Interface Devices in the Device Manager.
Locate the HID-compliant game controller and right-click the entry.
Select Enable device in the small context menu. If it’s already enabled, click Disable device instead.
Restart your computer.
After your computer restarts, open DS4 Windows.
Go to the Settings tab.
Click on Hide DS4 Controller.
Reconnect your PS4 controller to DS4 Windows.
Click on the Controllers tab to see if your controller is there. If not, uncheck Hide DS4 Controller in the Settings and check it again.
What you can also do is uninstall the controller drivers as well.
Right-click the drivers to bring up the context menu.
But this time, select Uninstall device.
A window may appear warning you of what you’re about to do. Select Uninstall.
Restart your computer and connect your PS4 controller when it turns on again.
Your Windows 11 computer will automatically check for missing controller drivers and install them.

What else should I know about Windows 11 and gaming controllers?

Gamers in the past have also had issues with their PS5 controllers not functioning properly as Windows 11 won’t connect to their device. Fixing PS5 controller connectivity is similar to the PS4 and shares similar steps.

DS4 Windows itself has had its issues as well. Majority of the time all you have to do is update the app by downloading the latest version. In other cases, you have to check the controller status on the Device Manager.

For Xbox controller owners, you may be interested in learning about what to do if your gamepad suddenly switches to player 2 on a PC. Solutions involve running the troubleshooter and deleting a specific driver.

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

Install Error – 0x80070002 (Windows Update): Fixed

Posted on November 24, 2022March 22, 2024 by Milan Stanojevic

Ever got the Windows Update error 0x80070002 on your PC? This is an update error and it will prevent you from installing updates.

When this issue occurs, you’ll likely get a Windows couldn’t complete the requested changes message on your screen. Users have reported encountering this error on both Windows 10 and Windows 11.

Let’s quickly see why the install error – 0x80070002 occurs and how to fix it now!

How can I fix the install error – 0x80070002?

1. Stop the Windows Update service

NOTE

In order to do this, you need administrator privileges. If you already have this, log on and then do the following:

Press the Windows key then type services and open the first result.
Here, look for the Windows Update service, right-click it and choose Stop.

2. Delete temporary update files in the Software Distribution folder

Open File Explorer, followed by the C drive where Windows is installed.
Click on the Windows folder, then open the Software Distribution folder.
Click the DataStore folder to open it.
Delete everything in the DataStore folder by selecting the contents, right-clicking and choosing Delete. Once you’re done, the 0x80070002 the system cannot find the file specified error will be fixed.

3. Restart Windows Update service

Tap the Windows keyboard button then type services and access the top result.
Search the Windows Update service, right-click it and select Restart. That’s it!

4. Check the updates installed on the computer

Press Windows then type control and select Control Panel.
Click Programs followed by Programs and Features.
Lastly, select the View Installed Updates option and uninstall the latest one if you need so, by clicking it followed by the Uninstall button.

5. Use DISM or System Update Readiness Tool

If the download error 0x80070002 issue persists even after performing steps 1-4 above, use the DISM tool, or Deployment Image Servicing and Management tool.

You can also use the System Update Readiness tool to fix Windows Update corruption errors.

Most Windows Updates are set to automatic, especially in Windows 10. However, if you’re running an earlier version of Windows, want to learn more about upcoming upgrades, or are having a specific problem, you’ll need to know how to set it.

That is why we recommend putting your trust in specialized repair software for such changes.

Now, if the quick solutions listed above didn’t fix the problem, proceed with the following methods.

6. Run the App Troubleshooter

To fix the DISM error 0x80070002, press Windows then type control and select the top result.
Go to the top right corner and change View by option to Large icons.
Click Troubleshooting.
Click on View all option on the left panel.
Select Windows Store Apps then click on Next and follow the on-screen instructions to run the troubleshooter.

7. Perform a clean boot

Performing a clean boot for your computer reduces conflicts related to software that can bring up the root causes of the slow game loads issue.

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

How to perform a clean boot

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

Press Windows then type msconfig and select System Configuration.
Find the Services tab and select Hide all Microsoft services.
Click Disable all followed by Apply and OK then reboot your PC.

You will have a clean boot environment after all these steps are carefully followed, after which you can try and check if error 0x80070002 is still there.

8. Temporarily disable your antivirus security software

You can uninstall third-party software on your computers such as computer cleaners or antivirus.

For antivirus, temporarily disable it because you need it to prevent your computer from security threats. Immediately after you’re done fixing the 0x80070002 Windows 11 or Windows 10 error, re-enable your antivirus or opt for another one, that won’t interfere with your Windows processes.

9. Disable proxy connection

Press Windows then type Internet Options and access the top result.
Click Connections followed by LAN settings.
Then uncheck the Use a proxy server for your LAN box.
Click OK. That’s it!

10. Sign in with Local Account

Press Windows then type manage your accounts and select the top result.
Click Sign in with local account instead.
Follow the wizard instructions then log in again.

Hope this works to fix error 0x80070002 on your computer, as most users say this fixed the chop for them.

11. Run SFC (System File Checker) Scan

Press Windows then type cmd and select the Run as administrator option.
Here, type the following command and press Enter. Wait for the process to finish and that’s it! Your DLL files as well as system files will be fixed: sfc /scannow

Windows Sandbox error 0x80070002 has also been reported, and if it occurs, your only option is to repair the system files or reinstall the update that caused the issue.

What is causing 0x80070002 error?

The 0x80070002 Windows Update error is usually caused either by:

Corrupt apps
Issues with Windows updates – some files are missing despite the update having been downloaded and extracted properly. You may notice a red X sign next to the failed Windows Update.
This error message may appear on your screen if the system does not have sufficient free space to download the update.

This can be a major issue and cause Windows Update to stop working on Windows, but there are a couple of solutions that will surely help you fix the problem.

Why do I need to install Windows Updates?

Maintaining the most recent version of your operating system is of the utmost significance. Microsoft regularly releases new updates for Windows 11 and Windows 10 in order to address bugs, introduce new features, and further improve the operating system’s performance.

These updates may either help your computer work better and more smoothly, or they can patch up critical security gaps and lessen the danger of exploits being used against it.

Why is my Windows Update disabled?

There have been reports of antivirus software causing compatibility issues with a variety of different products. This occurs when the antivirus software on your computer sees an application as having a threat level that is not actually there.

Turning off the antivirus software is the first step you should do in order to determine whether or not this resolves the issue. In that case, we suggest that you think about uninstalling the antivirus program and giving a chance to another better antivirus software.

The Windows Update service has the potential to be another factor contributing to the issue. This might be due to the fact that the Update service does not start correctly or that the Windows Update folder contains a file that has been damaged.

If you restart the Windows Update components as described in the first solution of this article, but pick the Restart option rather than the Stop one, you should be able to remedy these difficulties very fast in most cases.

We hope the five quicksteps or the other six solutions worked for you to fix the error 0x80070002 on your computer. Let us know in the comments section.

How to Fix Internal Hard Drive Not Showing Up in Windows 11 [File Explorer, Disk Management]

Posted on November 24, 2022May 13, 2025 by Kazim Ali Alvi

Got an internal hard drive not showing up in Windows 11? Whether it’s missing from File Explorer or Disk Management, the problem could be unallocated space, driver issues, or a buggy update.

Here’s how to detect and fix the problem step by step.

What can I do if my hard drive is not showing up on Windows 11?

1. Uninstall recent Windows updates

Press Windows + I to launch the Settings app.
Select Windows Update from the tabs listed in the navigation pane on the left.
Click on Update History.
Next, click on Uninstall updates.
Select the recently installed Windows update from the list and click on Uninstall.
Click Yes on the confirmation box that appears.

If you encounter the hard drive not showing up in Windows 11 issue after upgrading to a newer version, the simplest solution is to uninstall that particular update.

It’s likely an issue with the update, and Microsoft should release a patch for it in the subsequent versions. Once a newer version is out, install it to keep your system up-to-date.

If the issue started right after a system update, it might be a compatibility glitch. Some users reported similar issues with their second hard drive not booting after an update. Rolling back the latest update can help restore normal functionality.

2. Reinstall the driver

Press Windows + S to launch the Search menu.
Enter Device Manager in the text field at the top and click on the relevant search result.
Locate and double-click on the Disk drives entry to view the drives connected to the system.
If the drive appears here, right-click on it and select Uninstall device from the context menu.
Next, click on Uninstall in the confirmation box that appears.
After uninstalling the hard drive, restart the computer, and Windows will automatically detect and list the hard drive.
Check if you can now access the drive via Windows Explorer.

In many cases, a corrupt hard drive driver is causing the device not to show up. Here, you can uninstall the device, restart the computer, and Windows will automatically install a fresh set of drivers.

This method works for both internal and external drives that Windows 11 won’t recognize, especially after upgrades or driver changes.

3. Update the driver

Launch the Device Manager, as discussed earlier.
Double-click on the Disk drives entry.
Right-click on the hard drive from the list and select Update driver from the context menu.
Select Search automatically for drivers from the Update Drivers window to let your system scan the computer and install the best available driver.

Alternatively, you can use a reliable third-party tool if the above method sounds too intricate. We recommend Fortect Driver Updater, a reliable tool that will scan the web for the latest driver updates and keep the installed ones up-to-date.

4. Run a quick SFC scan

Press Windows + S to launch the Search menu.
Type Windows Terminal in the text field at the top, right-click on the relevant search result and select Run as administrator from the context menu.
Click Yes on the UAC (User Account Control) prompt that appears.
Click on the down arrow at the top and select Command Prompt from the list of options.
Type the following command and hit Enter the run the SFC scan:sfc /scannow
Wait for the scan to complete, and then restart the computer.

After running the scan, check if the hard drive appears in Windows 11. File system issues and corrupt system files can also prevent drives from being recognized properly.

This fix works across versions — even users on Windows 8.1 reported external drives constantly disconnecting due to system errors.

5. Change Power Management settings (for external drives)

Launch the Device Manager as discussed earlier.
Click on the View menu at the top and select Show hidden devices from the list of options.
Scroll down to the bottom and double-click on the Universal Serial Bus controllers entry.
Double-click on the USB Root Hub device mentioned here to launch its properties.
Navigate to the Power Management tab, untick the checkbox for Allow the computer to turn off the device to save power, and click on OK to save the changes.
Similarly, change the power management settings for all the USB ports.

An external drive connected to the computer via the USB port could be the power management settings behind the issue. After making the earlier changes, the hard drive should appear in Windows 11.

External drives can sometimes vanish due to aggressive power-saving settings. If you’re troubleshooting a WD external hard drive that’s not showing up, disabling USB suspension may fix the problem.

6. Initialize the drive

Press Windows + S to launch the Search menu.
Enter Disk Management in the text field at the top, and click on the Create and format hard disk partitions search result that appears to launch the utility.
Check if the hard drive that is not showing up Windows 11 has a black bar at the top. If that’s the case, its space is unallocated, which is why it does not show up. Here, all you have to do is to allocate the space or create a new volume on the drive.
Right-click on the drive at the bottom of the window and select New simple volume from the context menu.
Click Next on the New Simple Volume Wizard window.
Next, choose the maximum size for the volume and click on Next. The entire disk space is mentioned above it.
Assign a drive letter from the dropdown menu and click Next.
Now, choose a File system for the drive from the dropdown menu, enter a name in the text field next to the Volume label, and click on Next.
Finally, verify the settings and click on Finish to create a new simple volume on the drive.

Creating a new volume on the disk should fix the hard drive missing in Windows 11 issue if that’s the underlying cause. If that doesn’t resolve the error, likely, the drive has not been assigned a drive letter. So head to the next fix for that.

If your drive shows up in Disk Management with unallocated space, it needs to be initialized and formatted.

Make sure the drive doesn’t have important data, especially if it’s external and you’re dealing with permission issues when accessing an external hard drive.

7. Assign a drive letter

Launch the Disk Management utility, as discussed earlier.
Right-click on the drive near the bottom and select Change drive letter and paths.
Next, click on Add in the Change Drive Letter and Paths for New Volume box.
Click on the dropdown menu and select the desired drive letter.
Now, click on OK to save the changes.

If a letter weren’t assigned to the hard drive, it would be missing from Windows Explorer. Although it’s not directly related to updates, the problem may be encountered after installing a newer version of Windows.

After changing the drive letter, the missing hard drive error in Windows 11 after the update should be fixed.

These are all the ways you can solve the hard drive not showing up issue in Windows 11. The fixes are pretty much the same for the previous OS as well.

Check out our dedicated guide to find out how to fix the hard drive missing on Windows 10 issue as well.

Also, check our comparison of Windows 10 and 11 to understand the differences and how the latter performs.

Let us know which fix worked to solve the Windows 11 not detecting hard drive issue in the comments section below and the type of drive you had problems with.

6 Best Xbox Deals to Be Aware of this Cyber Monday

Posted on November 24, 2022October 4, 2023 by Sonia Martin

When we say Xbox, all everyone can think of is amazing graphics, awesome design, a wide range of colorful controllers, and the best titles.

Die-hard fans of these gaming consoles and you were hunting for a bargain for some time now, you will surely appreciate what we have prepared for you.

Now that the holidays are gone, we have browsed the available offers, just to get an idea of how to manage our funds and prioritize what we need the most.

Of course, these deals aren’t just about Xbox consoles and accessories, and we’ve prepared many more such articles for you, all here at the touch of a button:

What are the best Xbox offers this year?

Xbox Series S

Massive upgrade over the Xbox One S
4 teraflops of graphical processing power
Compact so it can fit anywhere you want

Can freeze at times

Check price

If you’ve got a huge game library, then you also need some extra storage space to save all your games and game-related content.

This amazing console gives you up to 512GB of storage, and it comes with some great features. As one of the world’s most powerful gaming consoles, we are sure that you will be pleased with its performance.

We know that these next-gen consoles are in really high demand and we weren’t expecting any retailers to cut prices, but it’s happening.

You can save up at Walmart and other stores that still have this bad boy in stock, so make sure you don’t waste any time.

Yes, you’ve read correctly. There are retailers right now selling the Xbox Series S for only $249.

Xbox Series X

You can watch 8K movies and stream 4K content
A high dynamic range of colors in games and video
Powerfull specs that deliver up to 120 FPS during gameplay

The price tag

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Equipped with AMD’s Zen 2 and RDNA 2 architectures, DirectX ray tracing delivers true-to-life lighting, shadows, and accurate reflections to create dynamic, living worlds.

The Xbox Series X delivers sensationally smooth frame rates of up to 120FPS with the visual pop of HDR. Immerse yourself with sharper characters, brighter worlds, and impossible details with true-to-life 4K.

Did we mention that the Series X is only $499 right now? No, it’s not a joke at all, just some unbelievable price reductions prior to Christmas.

Xbox One Game Pass

In order to play the game, you will need to download it directly to your console and play it online or off.

Moreover, by doing so, if you like a game you can buy it and have a special price or discount when purchasing it.

You’ll be able to play the newest games as soon as they’ve been launched, including recent blockbusters, indie titles, and more.

⇒ Get the Pass now

Xbox Design controllers

For those of you who haven’t used it before and don’t really know what this is about, the Design Lab allows you to completely customize your next Xbox controller.

Featuring a plethora of color options, for each region and part of the controller itself, you can create an awesome and, more importantly, unique design.

So, if you were looking to gift yourself or someone else a controller that is truly unique, design one yourself right now.

⇒ Get it now

Xbox controllers

If you want to purchase a regular Xbox controller, you’re going to save more money than if you bought an Xbox Design Lab controller.

This is because regular controllers get a $20.00 discount on Christmas.

Go to the Xbox controllers page and select the model that you like.

⇒ Get it now

Xbox Live Gold

You can play with your friends and build an imaginative world together. Solve quests that require you to complete matches that require quick thinking and fast reflexes.

Xbox Live Gold will definitely take your game to the next level, regardless of being competitive or cooperative gameplay on your console.

⇒ Get it now

What Xbox gadget or accessory are you hunting during this discount season? Share your thoughts with us in the comments section below.

Can’t Install NET Framework 3.5 on Windows 10: 6 Fixes

Posted on November 24, 2022October 4, 2023 by Ivan Jenic

The .NET Framework 3.5 is an essential feature for running many Windows applications, but some users reported that they can’t install it on Windows 10.

This can be frustrating, as the feature provides the necessary functionality for apps to run normally. Thankfully, there are many ways to install the .Net Framework 3.5, and we will show them in this guide.

Why can’t I install NET Framework 3.5 on Windows 10?

There are several reasons you can’t install the .NET Framework 3.5 on Windows 10. Listed below are some of them:

Missing system files: If you are missing essential system files or these files are corrupt, you might not be able to install the Framework on your PC. Running the DISM scan should repair these files and allow you to complete the installation.
Outdated PC: Another reason you can’t install the .NET Framework is an outdated PC. In this case, you need to download and install the latest updates before installing the feature.
Wrong installation source: If you can’t install the .NET Framework 3.5 on Windows 10 using DISM, it might be because you specify the wrong source for the installation media. The solution here is to specify the correct source and rerun the command.

What can I do if .NET Framework 3.5 is missing on Windows 10?

1. Install .NET Framework 3.5 as a Windows feature

Press the Windows + R to open the Run command. Type appwiz.cpl and then press Enter.
In the Programs and Features window, click on the link Turn Windows features on or off.
Check if the .NET Framework 3.5 (includes .NET 2.0 and 3.0) option is available. If yes, then enable it and then click on OK.
Follow the on-screen instructions, complete the installation and restart the computer if the process requests that from you.

After that, the .NET Framework should start working again without any problems.

You can also get .NET Framework 3.5 from Microsoft.

2. Install .NET Framework 3.5 on-demand

Besides installing .NET Framework 3.5 through the Control Panel, you can also install it on demand.

If a particular app requires the .NET Framework 3.5, but this feature isn’t enabled on your computer, the installation wizard will display the prompt for installing .NET Framework 3.5 on demand.

To install .NET Framework 3.5, choose the Install this feature option in the prompt, and .NET Framework 3.5 will be automatically installed on your computer.

3. Use the DISM command to install .NET Framework 3.5

Press the Windows key, type cmd, and select Run as administrator under Command Prompt.
Create and insert an installation media.
Paste the following command (replace X in the command with the drive letter of the installation media) and hit Enter to execute it: DISM /Online /Enable-Feature /FeatureName:NetFx3 /All /LimitAccess /Source:X:sourcessxs

After running the command above, you should restart your PC, and you will find the Framework installed on your PC.

Note that the drive letter of the installation letter must be correct. Else, you will get the can’t .NET Framework 3.5 with either error 0x800f0906, 0x800f0922, or 0x800f081f. Also, for the command to run successfully, you must run Command Prompt as an admin.

4. Install the missing updates and try again

Press Windows + I to open the Settings app and navigate to the Update & Security section.
Next, click on Check for updates button.
Windows 10 will now check for available updates and download them in the background.

After downloading and installing the latest updates, you should try to install .NET Framework 3.5 again.

If .NET Framework 3.5 is missing in Windows 10 and you can’t install it, you might be able to fix the problem by downloading the latest Windows Updates.

Sometimes bugs can prevent specific components from installing, but you should be able to fix them by updating Windows 10.

5. Perform a DISM scan

Launch Command Prompt as an admin.
Now paste the following command and hit Enter: DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
DISM scan will now start. The scan can take more than 15 minutes, so be sure not to interrupt it.

Once you complete the DISM scan, try to install .NET Framework 3.5 again. Users reported that the DISM scan worked for them, but if you still can’t install .NET Framework, repeat the SFC scan and check if that solves the problem.

6. Change your Group Policy

Create an installation media for your PC version and insert the bootable media.
Press Windows + R, and enter gpedit.msc in the text field. Now press Enter or click OK.
When Group Policy Editor starts, navigate through Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > System in the left pane.
Double-click on Specify settings in the right pane for optional component installation and repair.
Next, select Enabled.
Check the box for Download repair content and optional features directly from Windows Update instead of Windows Server Update Services.
Type the command (replace X with the letter of the installation media) below into the Alternate source file path: X:\sources\sxs\
Now, click Apply, followed by OK to save the changes.
After making these changes, you need to start Command Prompt as administrator and run the following command to apply the changes: gpupdate /force
Now, download the Windows 10 Update Assistant and run it.
After the update, press the Windows key, type turn windows, and select Turn Windows features on or off.
Finally, enable the .NET Framework 3.5 and click the OK button.

If you have been facing the can’t install .NET Framework 3.5 with either error code 0x800f0906, 0x800f0922, or 0x800f081f on Windows 10, no matter the method you try, this fix has proven to fix all causes of the error.

Just follow the instructions carefully, and you will get it right.

There you have: Everything you need to fix the can’t install .NET Framework 3.5 on Windows 10. If you follow the instructions in this guide carefully, you should be able to get past the error and restore normalcy on your PC.

If you want to know how to fix the common .NET Framework errors on Windows 10, check our detailed guide to do it convincingly.

Please comment in the section below if something doesn’t work for you or if you have additional questions.

Gaming Headphones are Also on Sale During Cyber Monday

Posted on November 24, 2022October 4, 2023 by Alexandru Poloboc

Quality gaming is all about how much you can immerse yourself in the world where you are currently on an adventure. And what better way to completely be overwhelmed by your environment than hear every little noise?

This being said, if you were in the market for a new pair of gaming headphones, you might be able to reward yourself earlier than you thought.

? Logitech, HyperX, and Razer headphones are on sale!

What headphones should I buy for gaming?

When you talk gaming headphones, one of the brands that are an all-time favorite among the community is, of course, Razer.

Owning a pair of Kraken Tournament headphones shouldn’t be if an earlier, equally tempting opportunity arises, especially if you can save up.

Razer has early deals on some of its products so it’s definitely something you will want to keep an eye out for.

Razer Kraken Tournament Edition (Wired)

THX Spatial Audio breaks the boundaries of defined 5.1 and 7.1 channel surround to deliver seamless 360° positional audio for a more natural and lifelike experience.

Check Price

The solid, durable aluminum frame is built to withstand the blows of daily use. With that being said, it doesn’t mean you should throw them around just because one of your teammates threw the game.

The microphone it has is detachable, noise-canceling, and also TeamSpeak and Discord certified, so you can chat with your friends and your callouts will be heard loud and clear

HyperX Cloud II

Exceptionally comfortable memory foam ear cushions and padded leatherette headband help keep you focused on gaming

Check Price

There are so many companies that make these gadgets right now that all you need to do is imagine a pair of headphones and, if you Google it, you surely already find a pair just like that one.

However, some brands stand out when it comes to these devices. So, if you’re more of a Logitech fan, here’s an early deal that will most likely interest you.

The G733 Lightspeed wireless headset is light, looks really good, and offers a sound experience that will one hundred percent make every gaming moment memorable.

Logitech G733 Lightspeed

Total freedom with up to 20-meter wireless range and Lightspeed wireless audio transmission.

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The JBL Quantum 400 gaming headset incorporates a flip-up boom microphone with echo-canceling technology, allowing users to focus on their teammates’ voices rather than background noise.

Another great feature that differentiates these headphones from the others is the integrated Discord-certified game-chat balance.

If you fancy longer stretches of gameplay, know that the memory foam ear cushions on the JBL Quantum 400 headset are covered in soft PU leather, providing comfort for marathon sessions.

JBL Quantum 400

Features JBL Quantum Surround sound technology which is engineered for accuracy and delivers immersive gaming audio for a competitive edge.

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A fan of the HyperX brand? You don’t have to worry, because such headphones are also a part of this early discount wave.

This lightweight headset, with 90-degree rotating ear cups, provides a snug fit and high audio fidelity, which is really all you need in order to enjoy yourself.

HyperX Cloud Stinger

HyperX shape and signature memory foam provide maximum comfort during extended use, so you can concentrate on winning.

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Let’s talk Triforce Titanium 50mm High-End Sound Drivers. Yes, these headphones are outfitted with cutting-edge, 50mm drivers divided into 3 parts for individual tuning of highs, mids, and lows.

The detachable Razer Hyperclear Cardioid Mic is tuned to have a more focused voice pickup area, and get the most out of the mic with advanced voice tweaking options via Razer Synapse 3.

And the best part is that you get to save on this headset, so pretty much a win-win situation.

Razer BlackShark V2

Provides industry-leading audio realism for in-game immersion by providing accurate spatial audio information beyond standard 7.1 surround sound directional cues.

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This is an upgraded version of the crowd-favorite PC37X, the latest collaboration with Sennheiser is more comfortable, more detailed, and more stunning than the original.

Featuring new drivers, the PC38X delivers higher fidelity and better frequency response, if that’s what you were looking for in a pair of gaming headphones.

The headband has been updated with a new, breathable mesh-knit pad, keeping you cooler and better support for long sessions.

Drop + Sennheiser PC38X Gaming Headset

Works great with Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, Sony PS4 & PS5 controllers with 3.5mm jack, as well as PC, Mac, and mobile/tablets with 3.5mm connection.

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Constructed for enduring comfort through long gaming sessions with breathable microfiber mesh fabric and plush memory foam earpads, these headphones are the choice of many gamers out there.

Communication is important during gaming, so an omnidirectional microphone picks up your voice with exceptional clarity, with a flip-up mute function and a built-in LED mute indicator is really all you need.

Corsair Void RGB Elite

Hear everything from the lightest footstep to the most. Thundering explosion thanks to the premium, custom-tuned 50-millimeter high-density neodymium Audio drivers.

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This Xbox One-designed headset has ongoing compatibility with Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S, just in case you were wondering.

Turtle Beach’s renowned high-sensitivity mic picks up your voice loud and clear and can be removed when watching movies or listening to music.

Turtle Beach Recon 50 Xbox Gaming Headset

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Turtle Beach’s exclusive Superhuman Hearing sound setting lets you hear subtle, game-changing sounds so you can live up to 20% longer and win more.

Optimized to deliver immersive surround sound with Windows Sonic, Dolby Atmos, and DTS Headphone: X. However, Dolby Atmos and DTS X may require additional purchases, app downloads, and supported hardware.

But, all-in-all, this is an awesome choice if this season, your wishlist contained a brand-new gaming headset.

Turtle Beach Stealth 600 Gen 2

Refined earcup acoustics and expertly tuned 50mm speakers are powerfully driven to give you accurate, immersive audio.

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Widely recognized as the best mic in gaming, the Discord-certified ClearCast microphone delivers studio-quality voice clarity and background noise cancellation.

And guess what? These SteelSeries Arctis 5 headphones have it equipped. If that wasn’t reason enough, you can also save up some pennies on this early sale.

SteelSeries Arctis 5

Benefit from this cutting-edge audio technology with a certified gaming microphone that has studio-quality voice sound, combined with independent game and chat controls.

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This pair of industry-leading noise-canceling, with Dual Noise Sensor technology, is the perfect gift for yourself, or for someone who you know appreciates well-done things.

And the feeling of saving $101.99 on this purchase will also ignite the Christmas spirit in you early. And they have up to 30-hour battery life, with quick charging (10 min charge for 5 hours of playback)

Sony WH-1000XM4

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Hesh Evo is the unrivaled everyday headphone for people who want to keep it simple. Along with the outstanding sound, they’re engineered with just the right amount of added features to make your life a little easier.

It is a pair of wireless headphones, so you don’t have to worry about constantly messing up the cable.

Skullcandy Hesh Evo

Check Price

These are only some of the early deals that are already available, prior to the major Cyber Monday event. There are plenty of models to choose from, you just need to decide how much you want to spend on such a device.

But if you miss this window, don’t worry, because a lot of discounts will continue throughout November, so if you really want to add to your collection, this is the month to do so.

What other gadgets are you planning to get on this Cyber Monday? Share your thoughts with us in the comment section below.

6 Best CPU Usage Cleaner Software [Most Common Tools]

Posted on November 24, 2022October 23, 2025 by Radu Tyrsina

High CPU usage can indicate various problems. For example, if a program is eating up your whole processor, there is a high chance that the program is not behaving correctly.

If this continues, it will lead to crashes and other issues in the long run. Thus, you must clear up the apps or processes registering high CPU usage.

To make things easier, we have gathered the best CPU usage clean software that will help boost your PC performance in this guide.

How do I clean up my CPU usage?

There are different ways to clean up CPU usage spikes, depending on the factors causing the issue. Below are some of the most effective methods:

Restart PC: One of the easiest ways to clean up high CPU and even memory usage is to restart your PC. This will reset the processes and apps that might be misbehaving.
End process in Task Manager: The first point of reference where you notice unusual CPU or high disk usage is the Task Manager. You can also end the processes causing the issue from here by right-clicking them and selecting End task. This should restore normalcy quickly.
Uninstall unnecessary apps: Another quick way to clean up your CPU usage is to remove the apps causing the issue. You can do this quickly with one of the best uninstaller software.
Use CPU usage cleaner software: The most effective method is to use specialized software to normalize your CPU usage. These tools are excellent PC maintenance software built to tackle all causes of high CPU usage. So you won’t need an additional tool with them.

What’s the best CPU usage cleaner?

Fortect – Comprehensive System Repair and CPU Usage Optimizer

Fortect is a versatile PC optimization tool that is excellent at identifying and fixing issues leading to high CPU usage.

It performs a deep scan of your system to detect and repair problematic areas, such as corrupted files and missing system components, which can cause your CPU to overwork.

This tool not only cleans up your registry but also optimizes your entire system for better performance.

Fortect is user-friendly, making it accessible for both beginners and advanced users. It automatically backs up your system before applying fixes, so you can always revert to a previous state if necessary.

In addition to managing CPU usage, Fortect also addresses other performance-related issues by removing junk files, repairing damaged DLLs, and restoring stability to your system.

Some Key Features of Fortect:

Repairs damaged Windows files.
Optimizes system performance by reducing CPU load.
Automatically backs up system files before changes.
Easy-to-use interface with automated repair functions.

Fortect

Lower CPU usage of your computer with this powerful optimizer.

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Avg TuneUp Utility – Overall best CPU usage cleaner

This utility provided by AVG comes with full support for all significant sources of high-CPU usage. This is the reason it is considered an excellent CPU usage cleaner.

AVG TuneUp cleans all your drive of junk files. It precisely identifies installers, temporary system files, and cache files that provide no benefits.

Alongside the disk cleaner, this utility for Windows also has a browser cleaner. It is compatible with all browsers and only removes unwanted data.

Another common issue that can slow down PCs is unwanted software. AVG TuneUp Utilities has a powerful uninstaller feature to identify and remove programs you no longer use.

It also has a Sleep Mode feature that is especially useful for low-end computers. This is because it lets you keep all the necessary apps without compromise. However, it disables them when they are not in use.

This ensures that no unnecessary processes are running in the background.

Other key features include:

Removes cookies
Fixes registry issues
Available in multiple languages

This software is compatible with Windows operating systems starting from Windows 7. It has both a free trial version and a premium, full-featured version.

AVG TuneUp Utilities

Optimize your PC with great app& file management features, disk cleaners, and other optimization tools.

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EaseUS Partition Master Free – Excellent interface

ease us partition master main window banner

EaseUS Partition Master Free it’s a very easy to use tool that works great with Windows 10 Creators. Since sometimes the disk can cause high CPU usage, you could try this tool in order to optimize it.

This software will let you fix errors that might appear on disk after an update, also it provides you with the tools to help you maintain your system in the long term.

You can use EaseUS Partition Master even before updating your system, as it allows you to create copies of your disk or just of a partition and then convert it without loosing any data.

You can change format of the partitions between NTFS/FAT32 and MBR/GPT without formatting the disk. Also, you can merge or extend a partition without loosing any data.

The EaseUS Partition Master Free lets you fix file system errors and clean up junk files. Plus, it’s surface test can help you monitor partition health and fix bad sectors.

All these tools make EaseUS Partition Master a great tool to help you maintain your disk and so make sure that is not the cause for your high CPU issues.

Here’s a list of the critical features of this handy tool:

It is completely free
The software helps you create, resize, clone, move, merge, and format partitions
Trusted by over 10.000.000 users worldwide
It has been on the market for over ten years now
Allows you to change clutter size and 4k align your SSD

EaseUS has an upgraded pro version and an enterprise version with additional features such as OS migration support, intelligent partition adjustment, and managing dynamic volumes.

EaseUS Partition Master Free

Let EaseUS minimize your CPU usage by fixing file system errors and cleaning up junk files.

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Smart High CPU Usage Fixer Pro – Simple to use

This CPU usage cleaner normalizes your CPU usage in just three simple steps. The software will also speed up your PC. High CPU Usage Fixer is a complete computer error fixer and Windows registry cleaner.

It can fix various Windows registry issues effortlessly. You will also be able to use a few manual fixes for all of your system’s problems.

This is a significant piece of software that can clean your system and improve usability and performance with just a few clicks of your mouse.

High CPU Usage Fixer comes with a straightforward interface that will turn out easy to understand and use even for beginners.

This software can diagnose and fix various system errors with its error knowledge base.

It can manage startup items, browser objects, Internet browser clutter, and more. Smart CPU Usage Fixer also cleans registry files and has Internet security and privacy features.

This tool is designed to provide users’ computer systems with enhanced optimization, and this will result in better management of startup items, desktop, browser objects, system service, and the Internet

Check out the best features that are included in this tool:

With this tool, you can instantly fix computer errors
High CPU Usage Fixer will speed up your system and Internet as well
The system’s settings will be fine-tuned to maximum performance

All the sophisticated utilities included in this tool will ensure that your system is tuned up to run at its optimal state.

It’s also important to note that the app is an excellent Windows registry cleaner. Check out more functionalities and advantages of this software on their site.

⇒ Get Smart High CPU Usage Fixer Pro

Process Tamer – Process viewer feature

Process Tamer is a CPU usage cleaner software that runs on your system and watches the CPU usage of all the running processes on your computer.

The software has a built-in process usage viewer that lets you see what is using the CPU and what priority is running.

When this utility detects an operation that has exceeded a particular threshold of the CPU usage, it temporarily reduces the priority level of that operation until the CPU usage returns to normal levels.

After the usage level drops below a certain level, that foremost priority will be restored. As a result, your system will run smoothly and lag-free again.

This feature is handy in most instances, enabling your PC to run smoother. However, you can quickly turn it on and off if you don’t want to change process priorities for certain operations.

Therefore, the process can be told to force run a set priority every time or to be ignored by the software and continue running at its standard levels.

It’s important to note that the Ignore rule will be handy, especially when programs such as burning apps or media players might set their priorities high to avoid being interrupted.

Check out other essential features of this tool:

Simple UI with intuitive controls
Balloon tooltip notifications of any real-time adjustments
Very lightweight

Process Tamer comes with a few configuration options. This includes changing the trigger point for low and high CPU usage, smoothing the usage average over time, and controlling the behavior of background processes

⇒ Get Process Tamer

Process Lasso – Advanced CPU usage cleaner

process lasso high CPU usage cleaner software

This is another helpful CPU usage cleaner tool that can automatically adjust process priorities. It also can alter which processor cores are used.

This will be achieved via a technique that is called Process Balancing. This process will prevent processes from hogging your system’s resources and reducing your computer’s levels of responsiveness.

This is a more advanced tool with many functions and various effects. So, it would be best if you had a high level of patience to enjoy this excellent tool.

Process Lasso is a powerful and efficient utility, so you might check it out.

Check out some other great features of this handy tool:

One of the most powerful features is the sheer amount of options that are available for controlling processes
You will find a lot of configurations and context menu entries that might be more beneficial for advanced users rather than beginners
The main window shows some nice graphs, and loads meters, and the central area is a process viewer and manager
Power plan automation
Provides detailed log reports

Process Lasso has a free and a Pro version. The software is compatible with Windows operating systems, starting with Windows 7. You can also use it on Windows servers, versions 2012-2019.

⇒ Get Process Lasso

These are the best tools you can find online to fix high CPU usage-related issues. After looking at their features, pick the one that most fits your needs and give it a go.

If you need a list of the best PC repair and optimizer tools, check our excellent guide on the top options available.

Please tell us your results and experience with these tools in the comments below. Good luck!

Orange Screen of Death: 5 Solutions to Fix it Easily

Posted on November 24, 2022October 2, 2025 by Madalina Dinita

When Windows 10 encounters, severe functioning issues can sometimes display an Orange Screen of Death.

This error is far less standard than the famous Blue Screen of Death or the new Green Screen of Death errors, but it does occur. Also, it is not as dangerous as the dreaded BSOD, but it still means that there is a critical issue with your device.

This guide will show you practical solutions to quickly fix your PC’s Orange Screen of Death. Then, you only follow the instructions to the letter, and your PC will return to normal.

What causes the Orange Screen of Death?

Various factors could lead to the Orange Screen of Death. Below are some of the prevalent causes:

Faulty driver installation: If your PC is showing an orange screen with white lines or just the plain Orange Screen of Death, it might be because of an outdated or faulty driver. Updating your driver from the manufacturer’s website should restore normalcy here.
Issues with external devices: In some cases, you might have connected one too many external devices with your PC. One of these devices might be faulty or incompatible with your system, leading to this issue. The solution here is to disconnect all unnecessary devices.
Activities of third-party apps: Some users have found third-party apps like SoftOSD to cause this problem. You need to uninstall any app that gives you the orange screen with one of the best uninstaller software to restore normalcy.
PC overclocking: If you get the Orange Screen of Death while gaming, it might be because you have overclocked your PC. To solve this, you need to undo all overclocking settings and remove your overclocking software.

How can I fix the Orange Screen of Death?

There are some preliminary troubleshooting steps you need to try before proceeding to the fixes in this guide. Note that these steps have fixed this issue for some users, so you should go through them quickly.

Force shutdown your PC by pressing and holding the power button for some seconds
Disconnect all unnecessary external devices
Undo all overclocking settings and remove overclocking software

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

1. Remove the softOSD software

Press the Windows key + I to open the Settings app and select Apps.
Find softOSD on the list, select it and then click the Uninstall button.
If you’re prompted to remove sds64a.sys, skip that step.

Some users have reported that softOSD.exe can cause the Orange Screen of Death issue on Windows 10. Remove the softOSD software and restart your PC to solve the problem.

To be sure that all software components are removed, we will advise using a dedicated uninstaller tool in CCleaner. This excellent software digs through your PC to remove even the most stubborn leftovers of the program you want to uninstall.

This prevents further problems from occurring soon.

2. Update your drivers

2.1. Update driver manually

Right-click the Start button, and select Device Manager from the list.
Right-click your graphics card, and select Update driver.
Select Search automatically for updated driver software.
Finally, install any available updates.

If the Windows driver updater cannot find the drivers to fix the Orange Screen of Death issue, you need to go to your driver manufacturer’s website to download and install the latest driver.

It should be noted that other drivers aside from the display drivers can cause this. If you recently updated any driver or found any entry with a yellow exclamation mark in Device Manager, it might cause a problem. So, you need to update it too

2.2 Update the drivers automatically

Updating your drivers manually can be a hassle, and if you don’t install the correct driver, you’re back to square one.

It’s much simpler and easier to use a dedicated tool that can do that automatically. The software recommended below updates and repaired your drivers in just a few seconds.

Outbyte Driver Updater

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3. Remove multimedia devices

Press the Windows key + R, type control, and hit Enter.
Choose the Hardware and Sound option.
Click the Devices and Printers option.
Now, right-click any needless device there and select the Remove device option.
Finally, click the Yes button when prompted to confirm the action.

Some users have found that having too many multimedia devices, especially TVs, connected to your PC can lead to the Orange Screen of Death error. Unfortunately, removing these devices and restarting your PC is the only way to fix this.

4. Type in your Bitlocker password

If the Orange Screen of Death appears on bootup, type your Bitlocker password, and hit Enter.
Your computer will receive the input even if you don’t see a case to type your password.
After login, press the Windows key +S, type cmd, and select Run as administrator under Command Prompt.
Type in the following command: BCDEDIT /Set {default} bootmenupolicy legacy

The steps above are for users using BitLocker or other encryption services. After running the command above, it will turn BitLocker’s pre-boot screen into a character mode display, eliminating the Orange Screen of Death issue.

5. Update Intel Graphics Command Center

One of our readers detected that this OSoD issue might come from the fact that you’re using an old Intel Graphics Command Center version.

You can uninstall the app like any other; for that, you may use the procedure listed in Solution 2. After that, download the app from the Microsoft Store and reinstall it.

We hope that some solutions listed above helped you fix the OSoD errors you encountered.

Windows 10 orange screen errors are not the same as their more dangerous BSoD counterparts, but the solutions are often the same.

That’s why we recommend you check our list of the best software to fix BSoD issues on Windows 10.

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

The Witcher 3: The Wild Hunt Next-Gen Version is coming on December 14

Posted on November 24, 2022October 4, 2023 by Alexandru Poloboc

Witcher fans feel like they have been waiting forever for CD Projekt Red to finally release next-gen versions of their latest game, ever since this was announced back in 2020.

And, if the wait wasn’t long enough already, developers recently announced another delay, which will surely test the patience of even the most resilient gamer.

CD Projekt Red made it known that an upgraded and enhanced version of its hugely popular fantasy RPG didn’t even have a new release window, leaving many concerned.

We have decided to have our in-house development team conduct the remaining work on the next-gen version of The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt. We are currently evaluating the scope of work to be done and thus have to postpone Q2 release until further notice. 1/2
— The Witcher (@witchergame) April 13, 2022

The story has now changed and we can all rejoice in knowing that this version of the beloved triple-A title is right around the corner.

Witcher 3 The Wild Hunt announced for December 14, 2022

Many fans were eagerly waiting to relive all the adventures that Geralt of Rivia engaged in while playing The Witcher 3: The Wild Hunt.

Seeing cities such as Beauclair, Oxenfurt, or Novigrad in the new resolution, with all the new graphics tweaks, is surely a treat for all fans.

However, all the anticipation that lead us to this moment simply dissipated, as developers dropped the ball on this major project.

We have decided to have our in-house development team conduct the remaining work on the next-gen version of The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

By reading this statement, one would understand that CD Projekt Red entrusted the process to someone else while working on the next Witcher game, and it all went downhill from there.

The company responsible for the Witcher game franchise was taking matters into its own hands and trying to deliver as soon as it can.

Now, two years after the original announcement and multiple delays, the next-gen enhanced version of The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt is almost here.

CD Projekt RED has just shared details on the project’s features as well as gameplay footage for the first time.

CD Projekt Red is now touting ray-traced global illumination support across all current-gen platforms with this update.

Some of the other graphical additions include screen space reflections, dynamic resolution scaling, as well as texture and foliage upgrades.

For console players, quality and performance modes (60 FPS) are being introduced, while PlayStation 5 players will be happy to know that haptic feedback and adaptive triggers support is incoming.

The game will also feature Netflix show-inspired content that includes a new mission and its recognizable Nilfgaardian armor.

We can pause during cutscenes, we get HUD customization, a photo mode, a new camera, and even features from popular mods on PC.

Also, cloud-based cross-save support across all platforms is here too, allowing players to pick up the adventure where they left off from PC, Xbox Series X|S, or PlayStation 5.

Everyone who already owns the current versions of the game is getting the upgraded content for free, and CD Projekt will be releasing The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt – Complete Edition as well.

The complete edition will contain the base experience plus all post-launch content, from the free DLC to the story expansions – Hearts of Stone and Blood and Wine.

Only a digital release for the beloved title will be available at first, with a physical edition coming at a later, yet unknown date.

This last-generation version still available on PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and Nintendo Switch aren’t being completely left behind either.

CD Projekt Red said that it plans to bring gameplay improvements and the Netflix show-themed add-ons to these platforms later.

People were actually expecting companies like Activision Blizzard to postpone games after huge blunders, not CD Projekt Red.

But, after the Cyberpunk 2077 disaster, pretty much everything is possible. There’s not much to do except wait for the games to become available.

Please keep in mind that the studio is also working on remaking The Witcher (2007) using Unreal Engine 5, and also on the new Witcher game saga.

Eager to try out the new and improved next-gen versions of The Witcher 3: The Wild Hunt? Share your thoughts with us in the comments section below.

Your System Requires SMB2 or Higher: 2 Ways to Enable it

Posted on November 24, 2022October 4, 2025 by Madalina Dinita

Many Windows 10 users reported that the Your system requires SMB2 or higher error message occurs on their PCs when they try to transfer specific files.

In case you’re unfamiliar, SMB stands for Server Message Block, a protocol for sharing files, and it has two versions, the SMB1 and the SMB2; the latter is the more secure one.

SMB1 protocol is vulnerable, and your system will give you a warning message saying that it requires SMB2, but don’t panic, because there are some helpful solutions.

This error message can be annoying, but it can be fixed in minutes with our solutions, so let’s get started.

Why am I getting Your system requires SMB2 or higher message?

As we explained, this version 2 is a latter model of the file-sharing protocol. Therefore, if you are shown this message on your computer, it is because of the following reasons:

You are running on SMB1 – Most modern systems require at least SMB2. So, this could be a missing pointer on your computer.
Disabled SMD2 – Other than missing on your computer, it may also not be enabled, and in this case, you will need to allow it to access some shared files.

Users have been confronted with these messages, your system requires SMB2 or higher on Windows Server 2019 Impacket and Synology. Note that the solutions discussed will come in handy in all these cases.

How can I fix the Your system requires SMB2 or higher error?

1. Turn on the Windows feature

Start PowerShell as administrator by pressing the Windows Key+ X and selecting PowerShell (Admin).
Type the following line in Windows PowerShell, and press Enter:
Get-SmbServerConfiguration | Select EnableSMB2Protocol
If the result is True, your system can run the SMB2 protocol.
Type windows features in the Windows Search box, and select the Turn Windows features on or off option.
Once the Windows Features window opens, check the SMB1/CIFS File Sharing Support option, and hit OK.
Restart your PC, and check if the problem with SMB2 is resolved.

Many users have confirmed that you can run the SMBv1 protocol on Windows 10 by temporarily re-enabling the SMB service.

In some cases, legacy file sharing might still fail after enabling SMB1. Learn how to fix SMBv1 file sharing broken over NetBIOS for a complete resolution.

2. Use Powershell

Start PowerShell as administrator by pressing the Windows Key+ X and selecting PowerShell (Admin).
Enter the following command, and press Enter:
Set-SmbServerConfiguration –EnableSMB2Protocol $true
Press Y to confirm.

By performing this action, you will enable the SMBv2 protocol and get rid of the error message Your system requires SMB2 or higher once and for all.

These two simple solutions can help you fix the annoying Your system requires SMB2 or higher error. For more suggestions or other questions, please access the comments section below.

Windows Defender Blocked by Group Policy: 5 Solutions to use

Posted on November 24, 2022October 9, 2025 by Madalina Dinita

Millions of people use Microsoft’s built-in antivirus, Windows Defender, to protect their computers. But, unfortunately, sometimes it can’t do its job because of various errors.

One of the most common Windows Defender error messages is the following: Group Policy turns off this app.

We will discuss the causes of this problem and some of the most trusted solutions available.

Why does Group Policy block Windows Defender?

Windows Defender is a reliable built-in antimalware for the OS. If the Group Policy blocks it, there are a few common suspects, including:

Third-party antivirus – This message appears if you installed another antivirus program or an anti-hacking tool that isn’t fully compatible with Microsoft’s built-in antivirus.
Malware – If some malware infects the computer, it is possible you will get the message. Malware accessing your computer’s administrative tools may then deactivate Windows Defender through Group Policy.
Bad configurations – If there are faulty configurations on your Settings app, or the Group Policy, you may anticipate some problems, including Why does Group Policy block Windows Defender?

While there may be other triggers, these are the culprits in most cases.

Windows Defender is a solid antivirus, but sometimes issues can occur. Speaking of Windows Defender issues, here are some problems that users reported:

Group Policy blocks Windows Defender Windows 10 – This issue can occur on Windows 10 and prior versions. Even if you don’t use Windows 10, you should be able to apply most of our solutions to the older versions of Windows.
Turn Windows Defender on via Group Policy – If Group Policy turns your Windows Defender off, you can easily fix this problem. Simply change a couple of values in Group Policy, and Windows Defender should start working again.
Group Policy blocks Windows Defender – If your Group Policy blocks Windows Defender, you might be able to fix the problem simply by making a few changes in your registry.
Unable to start Windows Defender Group Policy – If Group Policy blocks Windows Defender, you can solve the issue simply by starting Windows Defender from the Settings app.

What can I do if This app is turned off by Group Policy?

1. Make sure that old third-party antivirus tools are removed

Windows Defender is designed to turn itself off once you install a third-party antivirus. If you had a third-party antivirus on your PC, it’s possible that the issue was caused by it.

Even if you remove your antivirus, sometimes there might be some leftover files or registry entries. These files can also interfere with Windows Defender and cause this issue to appear.

To fix the problem, removing those files from your PC is essential. The best way to do it is to download a dedicated uninstaller for your antivirus. These tools will remove any leftover files and registry entries and completely remove any application from your PC.

Also, consider switching to a different third-party antivirus. Unlike Windows Defender, third-party antivirus tools offer advanced features that many users will find useful, such as online banking protection and privacy insurance.

If you want extra security on your PC, you should consider the tool recommended below. One hundred ten million users trust it for a good reason – it offers excellent protection from malware.

TotalAV

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2. Delete antivirus keys from the Registry

Press Windows Key + R shortcut, type regedit, and hit Enter.
Go to the following path:
Computer\HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows Defender
Finally, delete the value in the DisableAntiSpyware key.

3. Disable settings in Group Policy

Press Windows + R, type gpedit.msc in the Search bar, and hit Enter.
Go to the following path:
Local Computer Policy\Administrative Templates\Windows Components\Micorsoft Defender Antivirus
Select Windows Defender, then in the right-hand panel, double-click Turn off Windows Defender Antivirus.
Lastly, in the new window, select Disable, then click Apply and OK to save the settings.

Want to use Group Policy on your Windows 10 Home edition? Find out how to get it by using this quick guide.

4. Turn on Windows Defender from the Settings app

Press Windows + I to open the Settings app.
When the Settings app opens, navigate to the Update & Security section.
Select Windows Security from the menu on the left, and in the right pane, click Open Windows Security.
Now select Virus & threat protection.
Navigate to Virus & threat protection settings and click on Manage settings.
Lastly, locate Real-time protection and enable it.

If you’re getting a message that Group Policy deactivates Windows Defender, you might be able to fix the problem simply by turning it on from the Settings app.

5. Check if the Microsoft Defender service is running

Press Windows Key + R and enter services.msc.
Now press Enter or click OK.
A list of services will now appear.
Scroll down and double-click the Microsoft Defender Antivirus Service to open its properties.
Finally, set the Startup type of the service to Automatic, click the Start button to start the service, then click Apply and OK to save changes.

If you’re getting a message saying that Group Policy deactivates Windows Defender, the problem might be the disabled Windows Defender service.

However, you can easily enable this service and fix the abovementioned problem. There you go. Use one of these methods, and the Group Policy will no longer disable Windows Defender.

We also have a useful guide on what to do if you can’t open the Windows Defender Scans folder, so you might want to visit it.

Lastly, if you have more suggestions or questions, feel free to drop them in the comments below.

Auto Login on Windows 11: How to Enable it [3 Ways]

Posted on November 24, 2022March 27, 2025 by Claudiu Andone

The auto-login feature on Windows 11 enables users to access a computer without the need to input any login credentials, passwords, or pins. It saves users time and allows them to access Windows quickly.

In this piece, we’ll show you a few different ways to do that:

1. Use the system’s Settings

Click the Start button and select Settings.
Select Accounts from the left pane and click on Sign-in options from the right.
Now look down, right under Additional settings, to turn off the Windows Hello sign-in for Microsoft accounts. If the option is greyed out, log out and log back into your account.
You will be prompted to enter the password, then hit the Yes button.
Press the Windows key + R to start Run, type netplwiz, and press Enter or click OK.
Now uncheck the box writing Users must enter a username and password to use this computer.
After you click Apply.
Next time you restart the PC, you will automatically log in without entering a password.

If you couldn’t follow these steps because there was no checkbox in netplwiz, we have a special guide that addresses that.

2. Use a dedicated tool

Download the AutoLogon tool.
You will get a zip archive with the files, so extract them in a known location and double-click the one suited for your system.
You will be prompted to enter your account password, so fill it in and select Yes.
In the next window, enter the password again and click Enable.
You will receive a message that AutoLogon was successfully configured, click OK.
After a restart, you will no longer need to use a password for your account to log in.

3. Use Windows Registry

Press the Windows key + R to start Run, type regedit, and press Enter or click OK.
Got to the following path in the Registry: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Winlogon
Click on Edit on the top menu, select New, choose DWORD (32-bit) Value and name it AutoAdminLogon.
Double-click the key to edit it and give it the value 1.
Now click again on Edit, select New, choose String Value and name it DefaultUserName.
Double-click the value and change the Value data with your user name.
Next, click on Edit, select New, then String Value and name it DefaultPassword.
Fill in your password, then click OK.

Of course, if you change your mind and want Windows 11 to ask for the password again, repeat the first two steps and delete the AutoAdminLogon, DefaultUserName, and DefaultPassword keys.

Summary

With the auto login feature enabled, you drastically reduce the security of your PC. This means that anyone who has physical or remote access to your PC can access it without restrictions. If you’re not sure which authentication method to use, check out our password vs PIN comparison to get you started.

It’s worth mentioning that this feature is available on older versions, and we wrote about enabling auto login on Windows 10 in our previous guides.

Do keep in mind that there might be issues with this feature, and many reported that auto login is not working in Windows 10 because the username or password is incorrect on autologon.

If you have any questions or suggestions, we have a comments section below that awaits your input.

Opera GX Not Responding: How to Permanently Fix it

Posted on November 24, 2022June 10, 2024 by Andrew Wafer

Many Windows 11 users reported that Opera GX is not responding and this can be a major problem and negatively impact your browsing experience, so let’s see how to fix it.

Why is Opera always not responding?

This can happen if your browser installation is bugged or if Opera is stuck while syncing data.

What can I do if Opera GX is not responding?

If the Opera browser is not responding, try waiting for it to finish setting up and syncing. This can sometimes take up to a few hours.

1. Update the browser

Open Opera GX and click the Menu button in the top left corner.
Choose Update & Recovery.
Wait while Opera GX checks for updates and downloads the latest version.

If you can’t launch the browser, just do the following:

Press Windows key + R and enter %localappdata%.
Next, navigate to Programs\Opera GX
Select navigate to the folder that matches the latest version and run the installer.exe file from it.

Alternatively, you can just download the latest setup file from Opera’s website and run it force the browser to upgrade.

2. Disable syncing

Open Opera GX and head to Settings.
Select Privacy & security and locate Synchronization.
Next, disable this feature or choose the sign out option.
If you’re importing files from another browser, go to Import bookmarks and settings.
Try disabling certain features such as bookmarks or browsing history.

These are some universal fixes if Opera GX is not responding, and they will also work on Windows 10 or even Windows 7.

For more related solutions, we recommend you look at our post on how to fix Opera crashes, freezes & restarts.

We also have a guide on what to do if Opera isn’t working on Windows 11, and a guide on how to fix Opera GX if it’s not opening, so don’t miss them.

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

Left Shift key not Working: 7 Methods to Make it Work Again

Posted on November 24, 2022October 3, 2025 by Ivan Jenic

A PC without a functioning keyboard or mouse is unusable for most users. Hence, it’s vital to fix issues related to those components as soon as possible.

Some reported certain problems with specific keyboard keys after the system upgrade; according to them, the left Shift key is not working. However, since this is essential for everyday typing, we have prepared some solutions for you.

Why is my left `Shift` key not working?

There are various reasons the left Shift key might not work with some letters on your keyboard. Below are some of the common ones:

Outdated driver: The left Shift key might be working on your laptop because your keyboard driver is outdated. The solution is to update your driver to the latest available version.
Sticky keys feature: The Sticky key feature enables only one key to work at a time. Hence, if the left Shift key is not working for symbols or capitalization, it might be because the feature is enabled. You need to turn off the Sticky keys to get your keyboard working normally again.
Impact of dirt on keyboard: Sometimes, your keyboard might be dusty and dirty. Also, debris might have found its way into it. This can cause the keyboard to misbehave, leading to this issue.
Activities of third-party apps: If you have an app related to keyboard use, it might mess with the device. In this case, you need to remove the app and its components using one of the best uninstaller software.

What are common problems with the `Shift` key?

Here are some problems that users reported:

Shift key not working Windows 10: This issue can appear on any version of Windows, and older versions aren’t an exception. Even if you’re not using Windows 10, you should be able to apply all solutions to older versions of Windows.
Keyboard Shift key not working properly: According to users, sometimes the key won’t work correctly on your keyboard. This can sometimes be caused by malware, so perform a full system scan.
Left Shift key not working: Sometimes, just one Shift key can be affected by this issue. If that’s the case, check if your Shift key is stuck. You might need to press it to unstuck it or clear the key socket to fix the problem.
HP laptop Shift key not working: If this problem occurs on your laptop, it’s possible that your keyboard isn’t correctly connected. You must remove your keyboard and connect the ribbon cable tightly to your motherboard to fix it.
Shift key won’t capitalize: This is another common problem on your PC. However, you should be able to fix this issue by using one of our solutions.

How can I fix the left `Shift` key if it’s not working?

Before applying the fixes listed in this section, we recommend performing the following prerequisite checks:

Remove dust and dirt from the keyboard and turn it upside down to eliminate debris
Try to use an external keyboard if it is a laptop
Ensure there is no key stuck on the keyboard. If there is any, press it firmly to unstick it
Connect the external keyboard to another PC

1. Make sure you have the latest drivers

Press the Windows key + X and select Device Manager from the list.
Find Keyboard in the driver’s list. Double-click on your device to open its properties.
Click Details and choose HardwareID from the drop-down list. Then, copy the first line and paste it into your web browser.
Find the official driver support and download the drivers.
Install and restart the PC.

Updating drivers manually can be tedious, especially if you don’t know where and how to find the necessary drivers. However, you can automate this process using specialized tools such as Outbyte Driver Updater.

2. Check for malware

Press Windows key + X and type defender. Select Windows Security.
Select Virus & threat protection and click on Quick scan.
Wait for the scan to finish.

Sometimes, the presence of malware can cause the left Shift key not working issue. Scanning for malware with the built-in security app should help fix this.

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3. Run the keyboard troubleshooter

Press the Windows key + I and select the Update & Security option.
Select Troubleshoot in the left pane and click the Additional troubleshooters option.
Now, select Keyboard and click Run the troubleshooter.

Sometimes, minor glitches might be why the left Shift key is not working. In this case, you must run the keyboard troubleshooter to diagnose and fix it.

4. Uninstall third-party software related to keyboard use

Press the Windows key + X and select Apps and features.
Now locate the keyboard software that you have installed.
Please select it and click on Uninstall.
Follow the instructions on the screen to remove it.

To ensure that the application you’re trying to remove is completely uninstalled, we suggest using uninstaller software in CCleaner since it will remove all files and registry entries associated with the software.

5. Try running the Safe mode

Press the Windows key + S and type recovery. Select Recovery options from the menu.
In the Advanced startup section, click on Restart now.
Now select Troubleshoot.
Navigate to Advanced options.
Now choose Startup settings and click on Restart.
Select Safe Mode with Networking by pressing F5 or 5.
Check if the problem is present in Safe Mode.

For more information, you should check our guide on the best ways to start Windows 11 in Safe Mode.

6. Disable the Sticky Keys feature

Press the Windows key + I to open the Settings app.
Navigate to the Ease of Access section.
Select Keyboard from the left pane. In the right pane, set the Sticky keys to Off.

7. Make sure that your Windows is up to date

Press the Windows key + I to open the Settings app.
When the Settings app opens, go to the Update & Security section.
Now click the Check for updates button.

These are our solutions for the left Shift key not working issue. We hope that at least one of these workarounds helped you to deal with this issue.

If you’re having more issues, check our Shift key not working on Windows 10 guide for more valuable solutions.

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

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