3 Easy Methods to Rebuild Boot Partition on Windows 10

Posted on November 14, 2022October 4, 2023 by Madalina Dinita

The Windows 10 boot partition is important in starting up your PC. However, you might mistakenly delete the boot partition while troubleshooting your PC.

Also, the partition can develop some issues and fail to startup your PC normally. this guide will show you the steps to follow to rebuild your boot partition easily on Windows 10.

What causes boot partition problems on Windows 10?

There are a few reasons that can lead to boot partition problems on Windows 10. Below are some of the common causes:

Deleted boot partition: If you accidentally deleted Windows 10 boot partition, you will need to rebuild it to be able to start your PC normally.
Damaged Main Boot Record: Sometimes, it might just be that your Media Boot Record (MBR) is damaged while troubleshooting your PC. In this case, you need to rebuild the boot partition on Windows 10 MBR.

How can I rebuild the boot partition on Windows 10?

1. Repair EFI Bootloader

Insert a bootable installation media and boot your PC from it.
Choose your language and other available info and click Next.
Select the Repair your computer option.
Choose Troubleshoot > Advanced options.
Now, select the Command Prompt option.
From here, type the following commands and hit Enter after each: Diskpart list disk
Note if there is an asterisk under the GPT column. This shows that you are using the EFI boot and not MBR. If there is no asterisk, you need to use Solution 2 instead.
Now, type the commands below and press Enter after each: sel disk 0list partitionlist volume
Note the volume with FAT32 and with a size or approximate size of 100MB.
Type the commands below and hit Enter after each to assign a letter to volume containing the EFI bootloader: Note that you need to replace the volume with asterisk with the volume in Step 8: select volume with asterik assign letter k
Now, type the command below and hit Enter to exit Diskpart: exit
Copy-paste the command below and press Enter to go to the directory of the hidden volume: Note that K is the drive letter we assigned in Step 9 and you should replace it accordingly. cd /d K:\efi\microsoft\boot\
Finally, type the following commands and press Enter after each: %WINDIR%\System32\Config\BCD-Template attrib BCD -s -h -r ren BCD BCD.bak bcdboot C:\Windows /l en-us /s k: /f ALL

The steps above are what you need to do to rebuild the boot partition on Windows 10 on a GPT disk. Also, these are the steps you need to fix issues with your UEFI boot with Command Prompt.

2. Rebuild the Main Boot Record Boot Configuration Data

Repeat Steps 1 to 4 in Solution 1 above.
Type the commands below and hit Enter after each: bootrec /fixmbr bootrec /fixboot bootrec /rebuildbcd
Finally, restart your computer and the deleted partition should now be restored.

That is what you need to do if you need to recover the boot partition on Windows 10 for MBR. When you want to restart your PC, remember to remove the bootable installation media.

3. Restore recovery partition using a third-party tool

An easier way to format your partition could be using dedicated software. In that matter, we recommend that you give AOMEI Partition Assistant Professional a try.

It’s a great tool, the interface is extremely intuitive, and all you need to do once you download it is to select the new partition and press the Format Partition option.

Moreover, you can rest assured that no data will be lost during the process due to its advanced data protection features.

AOMEI Partition Assistant Professional will run smoothly on your device without having to interrupt your work or reboot your device.

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There you have it, everything you need to rebuild your boot partition on Windows 10 without issues. You only need to follow the instructions in this guide carefully and you should be able to start your PC normally.

Do you need a list of the best Windows 10 boot repair tools that really fix your PC? Check our excellent guide for the best tools to use today.

Feel free to let us know if you encounter any problems trying to rebuild your partition in the comments below.

Repair All DirectX Errors Easily: Updated Steps That Work In 2026

Posted on November 14, 2022May 14, 2025 by Cesar Cadenas

Struggling with DirectX errors on Windows 11? Outdated drivers, corrupted files, or even bugs can cause issue with these APIS.

Today, we’ll show you how to end all errors so you can use DirectX to enhance video playback, gaming, and media production.

We’ll tell you all about what causes errors in the first place, but first, let’s fix them:

How do I fix DirectX errors on Windows 11?

1. Checking the DirectX version

Click on the magnifying glass icon on the bottom taskbar to bring up the Search bar.
Type dxdiag and click on the first entry you see to run the DirectX Diagnostic Tool.
Underneath the System tab, you will see which version of DirectX is installed on your computer.
As you can see in this example, this computer has DirectX 12. If you don’t have this version or DirectX 12 Ultimate installed, we recommend that you download the latest version from Microsoft.

2. Download the latest version of DirectX

You can rely on the next method that will most probably fix the DirectX error on Windows 11 by getting the latest version of the program.

1. On your preferred search engine, search for Download DirectX 12 and click the first entry you see. This will begin the download automatically.
2. You’re going to download the dxwebsetup.exe file. Click Open file.
3. A small window will appear asking if you want to make changes. Select Yes.
4. An installation wizard will appear to guide you. Select I accept the agreement.
5. Click Next in this next window. You’re also given the option to install the Bing bar. We recommend that you deselect this option to save your computer space.
6. At this point, DirectX 12 will begin downloading and installing.
7. As soon it’s done installing, click Finish.
8. Go back to the DirectX Diagnostic Tool and double the version for good measure.

3. Using Device Manager

Right-click on the Start button.
Select Device Manager and open the tool.
Identify which driver you want to update. For example, in this guide, we will select to update the drivers for the computer’s processors.
Click on the arrow to expand.
Please select the driver you want to update and right-click it. Then choose Update driver.
A wizard will appear to give you an option on how you want to update the drivers. We recommend that you select Search automatically for drivers.
If an update is found, Windows 11 will automatically download and install it. If there’s no update, you’ll get this screen.
After the driver has been successfully updated, select Close.

If that does not work, we recommend trying a specialized driver updater tool, which will scan your PC for missing or outdated drivers and prompt you to update them.

4. Checking for Windows Updates

Click on the Start button and select the Settings icon.
Click on Windows Update on the left.
Select Check for updates to have Windows 11 download and install any updates, including drivers.

5. Installing optional updates

Some driver updates may be considered optional by Windows 11. However, if you’re still experiencing DirectX issues, download the optional updates by clicking on Windows Update in the settings menu.
Select Advanced options.
Under Additional options, select Optional updates.
In the next window, click the Driver updates drop-down menu and select the optional update you want to install.
Then select the blue Download & install button.

NOTE

Upgrading to DirectX 12 will solve the Runtime issue plaguing Valorant players.

6. Disable third-party apps and startup services

Press the Ctrl + Alt + Del keys on your keyboard.
Click Task Manager to open the Task Manager window.
Click on the Startup tab.
Here, you will find a list of apps and services that run on startup; they can slow down your PC and conflict with other programs.
Right-click a service and then select Disable.
Check to see if DirectX works now. If it works, the app or service you disabled was the culprit.
If you want further control over a broader range over which startup services are activated, open the search bar and type in System Configuration.
Select the first entry you see.
Go to the Services tab, and you will see all of the background services currently running on your PC.
Tick off the Hide all Microsoft services checkbox to remove them.
Select Disable all to shut down all these processes. This is not permanent, as you can return and enable them back on.
Hit the Apply button.
Restart your PC and see if DirectX works. If it is, then one of these services caused the problem.
You should enable them one by one, so you can find the problematic app.

7. Run command prompt

In the search bar, type in command prompt.
Select Run as administrator.
Enter the command below and hit Enter.
sfc /scannow
System File Check will scan Windows 11 and verify each file. This will take some time.
Once the scan is complete, all of your system files will have been checked and repaired.

8. Perform a system restore

Press the Windows key + R to bring up the Run dialog.
In the dialog box, type rstruit, then hit Enter to open the System Restore wizard.
In the System Restore wizard, click Next.
The following window will show you the restore point currently available. Select the restore point and hit Next.
Hit Finish, and the computer will revert to the point when DirectX worked or before the problems started.

NOTE

Be aware that restoring the system should be a last resort. This process will erase everything created or added after that restore point.

What causes a DirectX error?

By and large, DirectX is updated automatically, so there are rarely any issues, but sometimes there’s that odd moment where you’ll encounter an error. Sometimes your drivers aren’t up to date, or there’s a glitch, or something got corrupted along the way.

There is a myriad of reasons why DirectX won’t work for you. Here are a few of the most common ones:

Antivirus or PC boosters – They may often prevent your game from starting correctly, resulting in the DirectX error.
Corrupted game files – Your game files can be damaged, or essential files might have been destroyed. You may either attempt to fix the game or uninstall it and install a new copy.
Unexpected bugs – This error may occasionally appear in games or on your computer due to a random bug. In such cases, restart your computer and attempt to launch the game once more.

Errors associated with DirectX come in different forms; a few include:

DirectX encountered an unrecoverable error in windows 11
DirectX error in Warzone
The DirectX internal system error in windows 11
DirectX runtime error in windows 11
DirectX not installing in Windows 11

How do I enable DirectX on Windows 11?

Open the search menu, type Windows features, and select the Turn Windows features off or on option.
Expand the Legacy Components option, then select DirectPlay, and click OK.
Now you should have DirectX enabled.

How to reinstall DirectX Windows 11?

To reinstall DirectX in Windows 11, you only have to follow the steps in Solution 2: Download the latest version of DirectX.

With the steps above you should be able to fix common DirectX errors such as dxerror.log and directx.log in Wwindows 11.

Remember, it’s essential to ensure your Windows 11 stays healthy, free of any corrupted files or malware slowing everything down. Because of this, it’s recommended that you download PC Health Check to test your system and ensure it stays healthy.

Also, you should update to Windows 11 DX12 for the next experience using the tech. For older games, check for DirectX 9 graphics card compatibility.

Need help getting started? Here’s how to download DirectX 12 on Windows 11 and enable it properly if it’s not already active. If you’re running into issues, you can always reinstall DirectX 12 for a fresh start.

Feel free to comment below if you have questions about other Windows 11 problems or bugs. And leave comments about the most relevant solutions.

4 Ways to Fix Minecraft Launcher no Internet Connection

Posted on November 14, 2022November 2, 2023 by Madalina Dinita

One of the most popular games worldwide, Minecraft, has been reported to throw errors from time to time. The error that affected many users is one that reads No Internet connection in Minecraft launcher, even though they can access everything else online.

The error message usually reads, Minecraft, something went wrong, try checking your internet connection in the launcher. In the following sections, we will explore the underlying causes and the solutions to the error.

Why does Minecraft Launcher no Internet connection error appear?

Here are a few reasons why you might be encountering the error:

Problems with the Internet connection – Usually, the Internet connection is slow, or you don’t have access to the Internet.
VPN, antivirus, or firewall blocking access – In some cases, it was the VPN or firewall that conflicted with the Internet and led to the error. Also, a third-party antivirus is just as likely to blame.
A bug in the installed version of Minecraft – There was a known bug in one of the versions of Minecraft that led to the No Internet connection error with the launcher.

How can I fix Minecraft Launcher no Internet connection error?

Before we head to the slightly complex solutions, here are a few quick ones you can try to get things up and running:

Wait for a while, an hour or two, and verify if Minecraft works perfectly on other devices. Sometimes, it could be issues with the server or a maintenance downtime affecting things.
Restart the computer. It’s the easiest way to fix issues with Minecraft or any other application, for that matter.
Turn off the modem/router for a minute, and then turn it back on.
Disable any third-party antivirus, firewall, or VPN installed on the computer.

If these two don’t work, the solutions below would definitely fix things when the Minecraft launcher can’t connect to Minecraft services.

1. Delete app data

Press Windows + E to open File Explorer, and navigate the following path while replacing Username with the one on your computer:C:\Users\Username\AppData\Roaming.minecraft\versions
Now, press Ctrl + A to select all the files here and hit Del.
Once done, restart the computer for the changes to apply and open the launcher.

This is by far the simplest method to fix things when you see the No Internet connection error in the Minecraft launcher.

2. Disable Windows Firewall

Press Windows + S to open the Search menu, enter Windows Defender Firewall in the text field, and click on the relevant search result.
Now, click on Turn Windows Defender Firewall on or off.
Select Turn off Windows Defender Firewall (not recommended) under both Private network settings and Public network settings, and then click on OK.

3. Reinstall Minecraft

Press Windows + R to open Run, type appwiz.cpl in the text field, and click OK.
Now, locate the Minecraft entry here, select it, and click on Uninstall.
Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the process.
Once done, download Minecraft from the official website.
Next, launch the setup and complete the installation process.

After you are done with the installation, check if the No Internet connection error in the Minecraft launcher disappears.

Reinstalling the game not just fixes issues with the game but also gets you on the latest version when Minecraft Bedrock is unable to connect to the server.

4. Reset network settings

Press Windows + R to open Run, type cmd, and press Ctrl + Shift + Enter.
Click Yes in the UAC prompt that appears.
Now, paste the following commands one at a time, and hit Enter after each:ipconfig /release ipconfig /flushdns ipconfig /renew netsh int ip reset netsh winsock reset
Once done, restart the computer for the changes to apply.

If nothing else worked to fix the No Internet connection issue in the Minecraft launcher, it’s likely misconfigured network settings to blame. Resetting it should do the trick.

And by now, the problem should be fixed. Also, find out how to update Minecraft and seamlessly fix a range of issues with it.

The Error occurred during initialization of VM also appears when initializing a Minecraft server so click the highlighted link to fix it.

If you have any queries or know of another solution, drop them in the comments section below.

Fix: System Thread Exception Not Handled BSOD on Windows 11

Posted on November 14, 2022December 6, 2024 by Loredana Harsana

System thread exception not handled in Windows 11 is a critical error wich will make your computer throw in a big sad face bluescreen whenever you start it.

Unfortunately, a simple restart of your PC won’t fix the error, but the better solutions aren’t that complicated. Typically, a wrong driver that has been installed on your machine is the cause of the system_thread_exception_not_handled error in Windows 11 and Windows 10.

How do I fix the System Thread Exception Not Handled in Windows 11?

1. Boot into Safe Mode

Using this practical solution with Safe Mode, you can get rid of BSOD issues like System thread exception not handled error on Windows 11.

1. Press the Win + I buttons to open the Settings menu.
2. From the left side, select System.
3. Click on Recovery.
4. Under Advanced startup, select Restart now.
5. Your PC will reboot, and multiple options will appear.
6. Select Troubleshoot.
7. Click on Advanced options.
8. Select Startup Settings.
9. Click on Restart.
10. After your PC reboots, press F5 to boot your PC into Safe Mode.

2. Use the Event Viewer to find the faulty file

While booted in safe mode, you will have acces to some windows programs that might help you fix your errors. Event Viewer is Windows native app that will allow you to look for files that have caused errors. Here is how it works:

Open the Windows Search console by presing the Windows + S key combination
Type Event Viewer and open the app
Expand the Windows Logs and select filter current log
Input the time frame during which the error occured
Check the log for items that might have caused the error

You can double-click each entry so you can view a detailed report of what happened and find the file which has caused the error.

3. Rename faulty system file

If during your Event Viewer check, you found out that the issue was caused by a system file, you can rename that file and so force Windows to download a fresh copy of it.

Press Windows + S key combination to open the search console
Type the name of the file you identified in the event viewer
Right-click on the file and click Open File Location
Right-click the file in it’s current folder and press rename
Input a new file name, it can be whatever you want

4. Reinstall the graphics card drivers

Right-click on the Start icon.
Select Device Manager.
Now expand the Display adapters section.
Right-click on your GPU and choose Uninstall device.
Restart your computer.
After restarting, your PC will automatically install the graphics driver.

We can’t stress enough how vital updating your drivers are, given these can trigger System Thread Exception Not Handled in Windows 11 on startup.

5. Repair your system files

Open the Start menu.
Type in cmd and choose Run as administrator.
Type or paste the following command inside the CMD window and press Enter: sfc /scannow

6. Use a Windows Restore Point

Open the Start menu.
Search for Create a restore point and open it.
Click on the System Restore button.
Click on Next.
Select the restore point to undo the latest changes to your computer.

What does SYSTEM_THREAD_EXCEPTION_NOT_HANDLED mean?

It is necessary to understand what is causing the System Thread Exception Not Handled problem because it will be easier for you to fix the problem the next time you face it.

Upon startup, Windows 11 will automatically detect and load all of the essential drivers installed on your machine. However, it is possible that a driver is incompatible with your Windows iteration or that a bug has been introduced into it.

As a result, a blue death screen (BSOD) will appear, stating the error SYSTEM_THREAD_EXCEPTION_NOT_HANDLED on the screen.

The message also sometimes lists the file triggering the System Thread Exception Not Handled error, say, ntfs.sys, nvlddmkm.sys, rtwlanu.sys, or ndis.sys.

Sometimes difficulties appear out of nowhere. For example, your computer is operating normally one day, and the next day it refuses to start.

What causes system thread exception not handled?

The drivers installed on your PC are outdated – Chances are that you haven’t updated your drivers in quite a while, which triggered this problem.
Overclocking can also cause this issue – You might have overclocked your PC for gaming or running graphics-intensive software, which also has been reported to be one of the reasons for this error.
You have installed an incompatible driver – If you install an incompatible driver and the error is because of backward incompatibility, i.e., you cannot install 64-bit software on a 32-bit PC.
Some critical files of the driver are corrupt or missing – Because of faulty installation or pro-longed usage, some essential files of the driver got corrupted.
Important system files are missing or corrupt – Some third-party software might have replaced or tweaked the critical system files, which got corrupted or replaced.

For more information on Windows system restore points, check out our article on creating a Windows 11 restore point.

Alternatively, if you’ve made a mistake you want to delete from your past, we’ve got you covered with a guide on undoing a system restore in Windows 11.

And lastly, since we are on the same subject, we suggest you read our post on how to fix System Thread Exception not Handled ntfs.sys in Windows 10 since it includes solutions applicable to Windows 11.

Can the Blue Screen of Death Be Fixed?

Are you getting the BSoD or Blue Screen of Death issue on your Windows 11 PC, and none of the solutions seems to resolve the problem for you? Then do not worry, as we have got you covered.

You can check out our dedicated guide that lists effective solutions to fix the Blue Screen of Death error on Windows 11.

We also have a guide on Handle Error On Critical Thread, so feel free to check it out.

Was this guide helpful for you and your friends? Then, do tell us in the comments section below whether you have more solutions in mind.

raiseactivationauthenticationlevel: How to Raise DCOM Level

Posted on November 14, 2022October 4, 2023 by Claire Moraa

DCOM authentication is an alternative to the default anonymous authentication. The latter uses a username and password to authenticate an application. The higher the level of authentication, the more access with how apps communicate with each other.

In addition to offering better security than anonymous authentication, DCOM authentication offers more flexibility. This is because it lets you specify which users can access your applications. A lot of people are increasingly embracing remote software so it is recommended to stay secure at all times.

What is DCOM authentication level?

The DCOM (Distributed Component Object Model) is a protocol for remote method invocation. It is a Microsoft technology that allows software to be called remotely.

The DCOM authentication level controls how much information DCOM provides about itself when it attempts to connect to another application and is based on COM.

COM is an object-oriented programming standard that was developed by Microsoft to allow applications written in one language (for example C++) to be used by applications written in other languages.

A COM object can be used by any application supporting the standard, provided that it implements the required interfaces. This approach makes it easier to reuse code and share data between applications and software components.

In general, DCOM is a technology that enables remote procedure calls (RPCs) between clients and servers. It provides a mechanism for applications to communicate across the network without having to expose their internal data structures and functions to other applications.

Why should I enable DCOM?

Some of the benefits of enabling DCOM include:

Communication between applications – It is possible for different computers or networks to communicate using DCOM.
Troubleshooting – Enabling DCOM can help you troubleshoot issues with applications such as Microsoft Exchange Server.
Manage and control – DCOM allows you to remotely administer software and hardware on your computer from another computer. It’s almost similar to remote desktop protocols. You can also use DCOM to access information about the capabilities of your computer and its performance.

While DCOM has immense benefits, unfortunately, it also has its downsides. These include:

Excessive control – When you enable DCOM, you allow other programs to control your computer. This means that they can send commands to execute programs on your computer, change the Registry settings, and access other files.
Security issues – DCOM can be used by hackers to gain access to your computer. The security risks are high as anyone with malicious intent can take control of your PC.
Loss of privacy – If one of the applications on your computer has been infected with a virus or malware, then it can easily steal passwords and sensitive information from other applications on your computer.
Slow performance – DCOM requires more system resources than normal applications do and this can interfere with their performance as well as yours.
Limited programs – You may be unable to install certain programs. Some software companies do not support DCOM because of security concerns.

How can I raise the DCOM authentication level?

Hit the Windows + R keys to open the Run command.
Type regedit and press Enter.
Navigate to the following location: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Ole\AppCompat
Right-click on an empty space and select New DWORD and create a Value Name as RaiseActivationAuthenticationLevel.
Type in 1 or 2 as the Value Data depending on the level of authentication you desire.
Restart your PC for the changes to take effect.

If you get a message such as The server-side authentication level policy does not allow the user %1\%2 SID (%3) from address %4 to activate DCOM server. It means that you need to raise your DCOM activation authentication level.

Also, you can only edit the registry if you have the KB5004442 Windows update.

How do I check if DCOM is enabled?

DCOM can be enabled by default on some systems, but it can also be disabled by default or manually. To check whether DCOM is enabled, follow the steps below.

Hit the Windows + R keys to open the Run command.
Type dcomcnfg in the dialog box then press Enter.
In the left pane, click on Component Services to expand then select Computers.
Right-click on My Computer and select Properties.
Navigate to the Default Properties tab, check the Enable Distributed COM on this computer and click OK.

By enabling DCOM you expose your system to security vulnerabilities. This can allow attackers to remotely execute code on your computer. If you are not using the protocol, it is best to disable it.

For more information on how to manage the DCOM changes, refer to Microsoft’s page. You may also run into a DCOM error 10016 so be sure to check out our guide on how to bypass this issue.

We’d love to know what authentication level you have applied if you have enabled DCOM and why. Share in the comment section below.

How to Manually Install Drivers on Windows 11 [3 Ways]

Posted on November 14, 2022July 15, 2024 by Vlad Turiceanu

We can strongly admit that without drivers, our PC and OS won’t run in normal conditions. Before anything else, you should know that you can both automatically and manually install drivers on Windows 11.

A device driver is able to simplify programming, acting as a translator and communicator between your device and the apps or OS that use it.

Drivers are important considering that if they are not working properly, you might notice malfunctioning or unresponsive hardware. Even more, they hide the intrinsics of your hardware devices, allowing you to use an extremely easy interface.

In the picture below you can view how drivers work on your PC. As you can see, drivers are software components related to your device, that allow your OS to start, use and control all the hardware and software pieces.

It seems like some users need to know how to manually install drivers on Windows 11, and we’re going to show you the easiest ways you can do it.

In order to discover the most proper option, make sure you try all the listed ones below.

How can I manually install drivers on Windows 11?

1. Use the Settings menu

An efficient and incredibly practical way to manually install drivers on Windows 11 is with the Settings menu, namely using the Windows Update tool from your computer.

1. Open Settings.
2. Go to Windows Update, then select Advanced options.
3. Select Optional updates.
4. Expand the Driver updates section, then checkmark the recommended drivers.
5. Click on the Download and Install button.
6. Wait for the process of installing drivers to finish.

2. Get drivers on Windows 11 from the manufacturer’s website

Open any web browser, then search for your driver manufacturer’s driver download center.
In most cases, you should search for the exact model of your product, but you can also look for the general driver.
So let’s say you access the Intel download center. In the search bar, you can type your needed specifications, as in the example below:
A list will appear, then you’ll have to select one of the available drivers (We recommend choosing the latest ones).
Click on the Download button.
Follow the on-screen instructions to install it.

3. Use Device Manager

Open Device Manager.
Expand the related-driver section, then right-click on the needed driver, and select Update driver.
Choose Browse my computer for drivers.
Click on the Browse button, then select a location for your driver.
Click on the Next button.

What are the most common driver problems?

To prevent any issue related to your drivers, we prepared a list of the most common driver problems. Also, make sure we’ll come up soon with full-fix articles regarding these problems in Windows 11.

BSOD errors, also known as the Blue Screen of Death errors
Computer screen freezing issues
Printer or scanner not responding properly
Mouse, touchpad or touchscreen driver related issues
Sound and audio driver issues
USB or keyboard driver problems

To prevent all of these troubles, we recommend constantly updating your drivers. It’s possible that you’ll feel overwhelmed if you have to update each driver manually whenever it’s needed.

When there are issues with hardware, peripherals, or software performance, having your drivers up and running is a must-do operation.

As for automatic scans of missing or outdated drivers, we can only encourage you to use a dedicated driver updating tool.

However, an automated solution not only downloads and installs drivers, but also manages them by troubleshooting, backing up, and restoring them.

You may rely on these tools to make such changes to ensure a proper installation and upgrade with the most latest and compatible Windows 11 drivers.

How often should I check for updated drivers?

In general terms, you don’t have to manually check for your updated drivers, and that’s because Windows will let you know if there’s a new one available for update.

However, like any other software component, it is possible that it won’t always notice you when if there’s such an available actualization. Thus, you may need to manually check for updated drivers.

If you wonder how often should you inspect for this kind of action, take a look at the information listed below:

Before anything else, consider checking for driver updates after every large Windows update.
You need to examine the driver updates every time you install a new app on your PC.
Considering the GPU drivers (graphic processing unit), you can update them every time a new game or video editing program comes up.
If you need to connect any peripherals to your device (such as USB cable, printers or scanners), you should check for the related drivers as soon as you associate them to your computer. Thus, you’ll make sure that they won’t harm your PC.

Having an optimized driver requires every three-month update. In addition, consider that you can also access the Microsoft Download Center, and search for the driver you need to install.

So these are the easiest methods that will help to manually install drivers on Windows 11. Of course, you can also do it in an automatic manner, which is a less time-consuming option.

If you have any other questions regarding this subject, do not hesitate to comment in the section below.

Windows 11 File Explorer Keeps Crashing [Fix]

Posted on November 14, 2022October 8, 2025 by Vladimir Popescu

Is File Explorer crashing randomly on Windows 11? You can go through this article to get the best solutions.

File Explorer is an important integrated part of the latest OS versions. In these terms, keeping it running in proper conditions is mandatory.

To find out how File Explorer is different from the previous OS version, check out some new features, comparisons & update tips.

Besides the great features that the new File Explorer brings, users have claimed to get into some worrying problems.

You might sometimes notice that in Windows 11, the desktop File Explorer keeps crashing without any certain explanation. There are some reasons why this happens, and we’re going to describe them.

Why does Windows File Explorer keep crashing?

➡ Improper system settings

One of the most common reasons why Windows 11 File Explorer crashes can be related to improper system settings. Thus, you should consider adjusting and optimizing its advanced options.

If this is why your File Explorer can not properly work, make sure you’re going to find some solutions later in this article.

➡ Incompatible third-party software

It is possible that third-party antivirus programs or other kinds of harmful apps can cause damage to Windows File Explorer by entering into conflict.

This reason might generate delays or lags when using File Explorer. To avoid such situations, you should definitely find out how to block third-party app install on Windows PCs.

➡ Large number of files in history

Having too many files in File Explorer can make it oversaturated by unnecessary storage. In these terms, history will negatively affect it, causing crashes or slow-down situations.

➡ Corrupted system files

Corrupted system files might get inoperable or unusable due to various reasons. Thus, they can also affect how your File Explorer acts.

This usually happens unexpectedly, leaving you unable to access File Explorer or to normally use it.

You should know that these reasons are not uncommon, so there are plenty of options to fix them. Fortunately, they are similar to what you know was applied to fix Windows 10 file corruption issues.

Moreover, there are multiple variations that can occur, which are all fixable with the solutions below:

Windows 11 file explorer crashes when I right-click
Windows 11 file explorer not opening from Taskbar
File Explorer crashing after update in Windows 11
Windows 11 Explorer crashes after sleep
Windows Explorer keeps restarting in Windows 11
File Explorer keeps crashing in Windows 11
Windows Explorer crashes when selecting file
Windows 11 file explorer crashing on startup

What is Windows Explorer?

Windows Explorer is one of the key components of this OS. Without it, you cannot do anything in a normal way. Unfortunately, there is no way to reinstall Windows Explorer. However, you can repair it using various methods like SFC or DISM commands, etc.

We have a separate guide on this. Read: How to repair corrupted Windows components

Probably, you want to reinstall Windows Explorer just because you have been encountering some problems with it. Don’t worry. There are various methods that you can try to solve your problem.

To find out some of the best solutions to consider if your Windows 11 File Explorer is acting weird, make sure you read this article completely.

How do I fix File Explorer crashing on Windows 11?

1. Adjust the File Explorer options

Open Control Panel.
In the top right corner search bar, type File Explorer options and open it.
Select the General tab.
Next to the Open File Explorer To: drop-down menu, select the This PC option.
Click on Apply, then on OK.

This is the first and the easiest method to try if your File Explorer keeps crashing. It might help, considering this issue can occur due to some improper settings.

2. Use Command Prompt

Click on the Start button, type Command Prompt, then right-click on it and select Run as administrator.
In the pop-up window, type the following command, then press Enter: sfc /scannow
Wait until the process is completed.
Restart your PC.

This command is also known as System File Checker and allows you to scan and restore corruptions in Windows system files. Thus, it can definitely help if Windows 11 File Explorer is in a crash loop.

A more advanced alternative for this issue is to use specialized software that finds and repairs corrupted Windows files.

3. Clear the Cache

1. Click on the Start button on your taskbar to open the search box.
2. Type Control Panel in the search box, then click on the first result.
3. In the top right corner search bar, type File Explorer options and press Enter to open it.
4. Navigate to the General tab.
5. In the Privacy section, click on Clear.
6. Select OK to confirm the selection.

It is possible that sometimes the File Explorer history cache gets corrupted or turns out too big. In these situations, files and folders are loading slowly or not loading at all.

With this option, you’ll be able to clear the history and also prevent unnecessary memory usage, which might be some explanations for your Windows 11 File Explorer crashing.

It is possible that sometimes the File Explorer history cache gets corrupted or turns out too big. In these situations, files, and folders are loading slowly or not loading at all.

With this option, you’ll be able to clear the history and also prevent unnecessary memory usage, which might be an explanation for your Windows 11 File Explorer crashing.

4. Check for Windows updates

Open Settings.
Go to Windows Update.
Select Check for updates.

With this method, your OS will automatically recommend and fix problems like corrupt settings that create other problems. If you are facing Windows 11 desktop File Explorer crash or fail issues after an update, you can skip this method.

5. Execute certain commands with Windows PowerShell

Right-click on the Start icon, then select Windows Terminal (admin).
In the PowerShell, type the following command, then execute it: Repair-WindowsImage -Online –RestoreHealth
Wait until the process is completed.
Restart your PC.

Running the repair command will fix things in no time when Windows 11 File Explorer closes automatically.

6. Restart Windows 11 File Explorer

Press Ctrl + Alt + Delete on your keyboard, then select Task Manager.
Click on the Processes tab, search for the File Explorer, then select it.
Click on the Restart button.

7. Update the GPU driver

We suggest you depend on a third-party tool to update the GPU driver. It is because, with the Windows Update, you will only get a generic video driver update that may not be up to date.

So, we advise you to use Outbyte Driver Updater. It can scan and update any drivers to the latest version within a single click. The process is also very fast. Else, it has so many advantages that you will get to know once you start using it.

⇒ Get Outbyte Driver Updater

How can I prevent my Windows 11 File Explorer from crashing?

We consider properly delivering some useful options to prevent your Windows 11 File Explorer from crashing. Check out the following tips:

Constantly update your OS
Regularly clear your File Explorer history
Fix the corrupt files and drives
Remove items from the Quick Acess menu
As an additional suggestion, you should disable third-party extensions and antivirus programs.

You won’t get again into File Explorer troubles by constantly applying the above aspects.

If your File Explorer is having problems in Windows 11, make sure at least one of the listed options will help you with a minimum of effort. Otherwise, we prepared more solutions in this article dedicated to Windows 10/11 File Explorer search not working.

Note that with its most requested feature, Windows 11 File Explorer allows you to add additional tabs, which can ensure a much-personalized view. Considering this, Microsoft Store is one of your main allies.

However, for those who are not so happy with the latest UI changes, feel free to read how to get the Windows 10 File Explorer ribbon on Windows 11.

Do not forget to share your thoughts and opinions regarding the presented subject by leaving a comment in the section below.

3 Easy Ways to Fix Windows 11 Error Reference by Pointer

Posted on November 14, 2022September 20, 2025 by Loredana Harsana

The adage that nothing is perfect certainly applies to software development, as flaws may and will derail the user experience. Thus, today’s topic is how to fix Windows 11 error reference by the pointer.

Unfortunately, if your PC crashes with a Blue Screen of Death, it indicates a significant PC fault, which is usually (but not always) caused by defects in some programs, or drivers.

The reference by pointer BSOD is one of the most unusual faults to emerge. Trying to figure out what caused it is difficult, but it frequently points to problems that are simple to repair.

What causes reference by Pointer BSOD?

A pointer-based reference BSOD error (also known as a reference by pointer or 0x00000018 error) typically indicates a problem with your system files or device drivers.

Windows internally refer to running elements (such as an open window) as objects with numbers indicating how many times the components are referred (or used) elsewhere to assist prioritize system resources.

scan device drivers windows 11 error reference by pointer

This value lowers until the item is eliminated, freeing up system memory for other services that are operating.

When a reference by pointer warning is displayed, Windows detects an erroneous reference count for a running object. Because this could be a significant security concern, Windows will stop and display a BSOD. Forcing your system to restart and erase all current memory.

In almost every case, though, this is due to a faulty piece of software. The most typical source is hardware drivers, however graphics cards and other components like network devices can also trigger it. It can also be caused by other difficulties, such as faulty system files or malfunctioning hardware.

How can I fix Windows 11 error reference by pointer?

1. Start in Safe Mode

A recommended solution to work out the Windows 11 error reference by pointer issue would be to start your PC in Safe Mode.

1. In order to fix the BSOD REFERENCE_BY_POINTER 18 issue, click the Windows/Start icon from your Taskbar. Then select the Power icon.
2. Hold the Shift key on your keyboard and click on the Restart now option.
3. You will be redirected to the menu below from where you can choose Troubleshoot and Advanced options.
4. Now, click on Startup Repair and tap on the Restart button if it shows up.
5. After your computer has been restarted, hit the number 4 key on your keyboard to navigate to the relevant option on the following screen.

As a result, the machine will enter the Safe Mode environment as a result of the above steps.

2. Update device drivers

Press the Windows key + I to launch the Settings interface and navigate to the left panel and select Windows Update. Now select Advanced options from the right side as we have shown below.
Next, tap on Optional updates under the Additional options section.
Select Driver Updates from the drop-down menu that appears, then select all of the driver updates that are displayed to you. Lastly click on the Download and install button to complete the process. It is not necessary for me to install any additional updates at this time.

Even though Windows is frequently in charge of driver updates, if you are having trouble, you can manually search for updates.

We strongly advocate using a specialist program such as Outbyte Driver Updater to do automatic scans for out-of-date drivers. And avoid getting errors such as Reference by pointer BSOD every 30 minutes.

3. Run an SFC scan

To open the Command Prompt interface you need to press Windows and S then type in cmd. Lastly, right-click on the top result and choose Run as administrator.
Now type or copy-paste the following command as we have shown below and let it run: sfc /scannow

If you get the Reference by pointer error in Windows 11 on a Dell computer, you should try to apply all the above solutions.

In case nothing works, users reported they were able to fix the Reference by pointer issue by downloading the Dell Support Assist program. Simply hit the Download SupportAssist button in order to install and run it.

Is the Blue Screen of Death fixable?

Blue Screen of Death is the message that shows on your computer when it has encountered a problem that cannot be repaired. Should this occur, the computer will shut down to protect itself from further damage.

Nonetheless, any BSOD error is fixable! You may explore the issue and pinpoint the root cause of the problem by using the specific code that corresponds to each mistake. If a specific file was the cause of the crash, the name of that file will be included in the error message as well.

We recommend that you refer to our dedicated article about BSOD errors in Windows 11 and how to fix them.

Errors of this kind are frequently brought on by issues with the hardware on your system. The RAM is almost often the source of the problem. But you need also to take into account a number of additional elements that are not related to the hardware.

For more information and potential solutions to the Windows 11 error reference by pointer, check out our post on how to fix reference by pointer BSOD error [Bugcheck 0x00000018].

Alternatively, you should take a look at our article on what to do if you get a BSOD error on Windows 11, and find out how to further troubleshoot the problem.

Let us know in the section below which solution worked for you. Thanks for reading!

3 Best Sound & Audio Calibration Software for Windows

Posted on November 14, 2022October 11, 2024 by Claudiu Andone

You’ve just bought the best speakers and connected them to your Windows PC? Now, you need a sound calibration tool to get the best quality sound.

These apps not only address sound distortions but they help you optimize the sound for your environment.

Why do I need sound calibration software?

Every room or environment influences the frequency response of the sounds you’re listening to.

In fact, after the sound exists in your speakers, it bounces between all objects and walls until it gets absorbed.

That is why, in a completely empty room, you will experience a hall effect and echoes, while in an overpacked environment, the sound will be heard almost muffled.

Moreover, when the sounds from two opposite speakers meet, they will create peaks or dips, if they are in phase or out of phase.

Long story short, the tools below will help you tweak your sound for a reference studio audio quality and achieve a balance between the left and right channels

What are the best sound calibration apps?

SoundID Reference – Best sound calibration solution

If you want to achieve perfect studio sound for your musical creations, Sonarworks’s SoundID Reference is the ultimate tool for sound calibration.

Apart from adapting the sound for any of your headphones or speakers, this software is able to adjust the sound coloration to adapt to all devices.

Here’s how it works: All the speakers have their own specific sound or sound coloration, as the specialists call it.

So, when you’re mixing a song, it will be influenced by those properties. SoundID Reference has a database of over 400 types of headphones and speakers and their sound coloration patterns.

After you choose your device from a list, the tool will eliminate all those frequency patterns to get the perfect studio reference sound.

That means every mix you make will translate the same for all the listening devices of the target audience.

For headphones, you will just need to select the pair from the available list, but things are a bit more complicated for speakers.

To calibrate the sound for them, you will need the SoundID Reference measurement mic, which is individually calibrated for this job.

The software also allows you to adjust the target curve in real time or perform simulations for certain types of headphones or speakers.

SoundID Reference has a free trial complete version that can be tested for 21 days so feel free to use it.

Let’s review some of its best features:

Sound calibration for over 400 types of headphones and speakers
Get accurate studio reference sound for your mixes
DAW plugin and Systemwide Calibration
Customize your target sound using a parametric equalizer
Check your mix in different listening environments

SoundID Reference

Calibrate your mixes for the perfect studio reference sound with a large database of devices.

Free trial Visit website

ARC System 3 – Great for speaker calibration

Unlike SoundID Reference, IK Multimedia’s ARC System 3 comes only as a DAW plugin and may be used for speakers and room calibration.

However, you also need a measurement microphone to perform the actual calibration. And with the latest iteration of the software, it now supports third-party devices for this job.

ARC System 3 applies the same system to null out the sound coloration of your speakers, but it doesn’t have a device database to choose from.

The tool measures the sound of your room within a guided step-by-step process and then generates a correction profile.

That is loaded into the ARC plug-in for your DAW and creates the needed reference studio sound.

Take a look at its key features below:

Measurement mic, room analysis software, and correction plug-in
Improves frequency balance and stereo imaging in any room
Work faster and create better mixes without expensive room treatment
Virtual monitoring emulates the sound of common listening devices

⇒ Get ARC System 3

TRACT System Calibration – Great sound plugin

Wave’s TRACT System Calibration is also a DAW plugin dedicated to Smaart, the standard audio analysis software from Rational Acoustics.

Just like the tools above, it is used to auto-correct EQ issues and time-align any sound system.

TRACT calculates a corrective FIR EQ curve and makes time alignment adjustments by using data from Smaart v8 or Di v2.

The plugin takes 8 measurement snapshots of your system and merges them up to use it as a reference for your EQ corrections.

Once the FIR EQ is calculated, you can change the reference curve, or add up to 8 bands of IIR EQ filters.

TRACT includes a minimal-phase FIR component, which works at very low latency and with low phase distortion, as well as a linear-phase FIR component.

The fun part is that you can use it in a live setting with a mixing console or within any major DAW.

Check out its best features:

Built-in 8-band FIR EQ
Uses data from Smaart v8 or Di v2
8 bands of IIR EQ filters
Can be used in live settings with any mixing console
Calculates delay for aligning audio systems

⇒ Get TRACT System Calibration

This concludes our list of the best sound calibration software and we hope that you found the right one for your needs. You can also try Dynamic Audio Normalizer for simple sound balancing.

In the same respect, you might be interested in our selection of the best speaker calibration software for Windows.

Have you used any of the tools highlighted above? If so, tell us about your experience in the comments section below.

No Physical Memory is Available at The Location Required [Fix]

Posted on November 14, 2022October 4, 2023 by Loredana Harsana

Booting errors are one of the frustrating things that occasionally plague Windows users. One such error is that no physical memory is available at the location required for the Windows boot manager.

We’ve also noticed a lot of complaints from our readers on this and similar issues like not enough physical memory in VMware. So, this guide will examine the likely causes and solutions.

Why do I encounter no physical memory available at the location required?

The following are some of the reasons why you’re experiencing no physical memory available at the location required:

Hard drive failure – If the hard drive has been recently damaged, your system won’t be able to boot up. Also, Windows may refuse to boot with the second hard drive if that’s what you are using.
Corrupted modules – If the memory modules on your computer are not fitted properly, the system might not boot up.
Damaged CMOS battery – CMOS batteries have about 4 – 5 years’ lifespans. If they’re way past their valid life cycle, it might be the reason you’re experiencing this error.
BIOS error – You might have accidentally triggered an error if you’ve recently changed the configuration settings of your BIOS. This may also cause Windows to skip BIOS.

Irrespective of the causes, any of the solutions below should fix it.

What can I do if there’s no physical memory at the location required?

Troubleshooting is the only way to resolve system errors. However, users should ensure that they’ve performed the following preliminary checks:

If you’ve experience handling disk drives, open up the system unit to check if the hard drives and memory modules are tightly fitted. Sometimes, hard disks can be slightly displaced when they experience forceful external contact.
You can also try narrowing down the problems by inserting your current hard disk into another working computer. This will help you determine if the fault is from the hard disk or your system.

Here are a couple of things you can do to help you resolve this error.

1. Adjust your Boot Sequence

Hit the power button to turn on the computer.
To enter the BIOS, hit the F2 or Del button. (Depending on the system’s manufacturer)
In your BIOS setup, click the Boot tab.
Reorder the Boot sequence to the following by clicking the + or - keys: Hard Drive > CD > Removable devices
Click on the Exit tab and select Exit Saving changes or Save changes.

Your computer will restart once you save your changes and exit the BIOS setup. Try the fixes here should your laptop ignore the boot order on Windows 11.

2. Replace your CMOS Battery

Disconnect your system’s power cable or remove the battery if it’s a laptop.
Press and hold the power button to discharge residue electricity.
Locate the CMOS battery (It looks like a quarter; you can find it on the motherboard.) Hold the motherboard firmly to ensure that you only remove the damaged CMOS battery.
Replace the battery with a new version of the current cell.

BIOS settings will be erased when you replace a CMOS battery. However, it will fix the no physical memory is available at the location required for the Windows boot manager.

3. Reinstall Windows

Go to Windows Insider’s download page, select the version you want to download, and click on Confirm.
Now click on 64-bit Download.
Press the Windows + E keys to open File Explorer. By default, the file should be in the Downloads folder.
Expand the Windows 11 ISO file to mount it and double-click on setup.exe.
Click Next on the welcome screen.
Once the updates are downloaded, click Accept.
Choose the Keep personal files and apps option and click Next to proceed.
Follow the instructions on the screen to complete the process.

Reinstalling Windows will wipe out your entire system files. We recommend you have a working backup before reinstalling Windows.

You should note that this error isn’t similar to the not enough memory in Windows 11. So, you can check our guide to get solutions for that. Further, you can look at what to do if your computer is low on memory.

Let us know in the comment section if you have any other suggestions or solutions.

Fix: No Permission to View or Edit this Object’s Settings

Posted on November 14, 2022November 25, 2025 by Radu Tyrsina

Some of our readers have recently reported that the error stating You do not have permission to view or edit this object’s permission settings is very frustrating as they cannot access some files or folders on their PC. This issue is mostly inevitable if you do not have administrative privileges.

Why do I encounter no permission to view or edit this object’s settings error?

There can be several reasons you don’t currently have permission to access certain object settings. Some of them are as follows:

Other programs are using your file/folder simultaneously – Whenever this happens, you are prevented from viewing or editing the permissions settings of an object.
Corrupt user account – The permission problem is likely to arise if the user account is corrupted due to a computer crash or the PC gets affected by viruses or malware.
A file or folder is encrypted – If a file or folder is encrypted, you cannot have access to it unless it is decrypted by the person who encrypted it or you get the certificate that was used to encrypt such file/folder.
A user account is no longer active – When a file is created or owned by a user account that is no longer active on your computer, it could result in this issue. However, it can quickly be resolved in Safe Mode.

You can check here to learn more causes of these permission issues.

What can I do if I have no permission to view or edit this object’s permission settings?

Before trying any of the advanced fixes, you should consider performing the following steps in case your problem is not far-fetched:

A straightforward workaround is to copy the folder to a different location. Having moved it to a new location, you can try to access it from there. This might not be the best fix, but it might be worth trying out.
Restart your PC to check if the issue persists. Do not hesitate to take immediate action if your computer fails to restart.

Having confirmed the above checks, and the error is yet to fix, you can try any of the fixes below.

1. Take ownership of the directory

Press the Windows + E keys to open File Explorer.
Locate the file that can’t be accessed, right-click on it and choose Properties from the drop-down menu.
Navigate to the Security tab and click on Administrator from Group and user names. Then click on the Advanced button.
Locate the Owner section at the top and click on Change.
In the Select user or group window, click on the Advanced button.
Then, click on the Find now button in the Advanced Settings window and select which group should have full file permission on your computer.
Next, click OK to close this window.
Then navigate toward the Permissions tab and check if your user account is there. If it’s not, click on the Add button.
Next, click on Select a principal.
Here, repeat Steps 5 and 6 to select the desired user or group.
Set Type to Allow and Applies to This folder, subfolders, and files, and check the Full control option. Now click the OK button to save the changes.

After following the above steps, you will have ownership over the selected file and also be able to edit without restrictions.

You can also explore other methods to change the ownership permission of files if your access is denied in this guide.

2. Remove an account from the permissions

Press the Windows + E keys to open File Explorer.
Right-click on the file/folder with the issue and select Properties.
Navigate to the Security tab and click on Advanced.
If the entry at the top lists Denied under Access, select it and then click on Remove.
If any error message pops up, click on the Disable inheritance button.
Next, select Convert inherited permissions into explicit permissions on this object, and then remove the account.
Lastly, click OK to save the changes.

Now check if removing an account from the permission has fixed the issue.

Alternatively, you can also check our detailed guide on how to fix administrator access denied on Windows 10 and 11.

Do not hesitate to use the comments section below if you have questions or comments.

Download the Latest Microsoft Lifecam Software and Drivers

Posted on November 14, 2022October 10, 2025 by Milan Stanojevic

In this article, let us discuss Microsoft LifeCam software and show you how to download and use it.

When you make Skype calls, it’s not uncommon for you to use the webcam to communicate with others.

Regarding webcams, Windows 10 users have reported some issues with Microsoft LifeCam, and today we’re going to fix those issues.

Is Microsoft LifeCam plug-and-play?

Yes, LifeCam Cinema HD is a (PnP) plug-and-play camera. And for most users, it is already prepared for use with Windows 10.

After you connect it, Windows will set everything up for you, including downloading the required drivers. This means it is ready to be used from the minute it is connected to a Windows 10 device.

Microsoft LifeCam cameras may now be used with Windows 10 or later without additional firmware, software, or drivers.

Note that there may be a rare instance where your PnP devices will not be detected, but these can easily be fixed.

How do I install LifeCam drivers?

1. Use a dedicated driver software

There are various third-party tools that you can use to install the latest drivers on your Windows 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. The Microsoft Lifecam software will always work perfectly if you keep an updated driver.

More precisely, you can use an automatic tool to find, download, and install the correct driver version on your Windows PC in just a couple of clicks, and we strongly recommend Fortect Driver Updater.

⇒ Get Fortect Driver Updater

2. Install Skype

Open the Microsoft Store app and search for Skype.
Once found, click on Install.
Wait for the installation to complete, and the necessary drivers to run a LifeCam device should have also been installed.

On Windows 10 and 11, you will not need to install drivers for the Microsoft Lifecam HD-3000 since the OS software already caters to this. However, in the rare case you may need drivers, we recommend using any of the suggestions in this guide.

Let us know what worked for you in the comments below.

How to Fix League of Legends Not Opening on Windows 11 or 10

Posted on November 14, 2022November 6, 2025 by Madalina Dinita

League of Legends not opening in Windows 11 or 10 is often caused by corrupted files, outdated drivers, or Riot Client issues. Follow these step-by-step solutions to get back in the game quickly.

Fix League of Legends Not Launching: Step-by-Step Guide

Fix League of Legends Not Launching: Step-by-Step Guide
FAQs
Conclusion

1. Run League as administrator

Right-click on LeagueClient.exe.
Select Run as administrator to give it the necessary permissions.

Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
End these processes:
- LeagueClient.exe
- RiotClientServices.exe
- LoLLauncher.exe
- LoLClient.exe

3. Launch the client from the install folder

Go to: C:\Riot Games\League of Legends\.
Double-click LeagueClient.exe.
If successful, create a new shortcut to replace any broken ones.

4. Repair game files via Riot Client

Open Riot Client.
Click your profile icon → Settings > League of Legends.
Click Repair and wait for the process to finish.

If issues persist, your system may have corrupted files. Check this guide on repairing system file corruption for more help.

5. Reinstall your graphics card drivers

Use Display Driver Uninstaller to remove existing GPU drivers.
Reinstall the latest version from NVIDIA, AMD, or Intel.

6. Check for Windows updates

Press Windows + I to open Settings.
Navigate to Windows Update and install all pending updates.

7. Disable antivirus or firewall temporarily

Turn off real-time protection from your antivirus settings.
Ensure Riot Client isn’t blocked by the firewall.

Not sure how to check that? Here’s a guide on how to tell if Windows Firewall is blocking a program.

8. Delete the LeagueClient settings file

Navigate to: C:\Riot Games\League of Legends\Config\.
Delete LeagueClientSettings.yaml.
Restart the client afterward.

9. Disable fullscreen optimizations

Right-click LeagueClient.exe and choose Properties.
Go to the Compatibility tab.
Check Disable fullscreen optimizations, then click Apply.

10. Enable compatibility mode

Stay in the Compatibility tab.
Check Run this program in compatibility mode for Windows 8.

11. Close conflicting background apps

Exit overlays and hardware apps like Discord, Razer Synapse, MSI Afterburner, and Steam.
Relaunch League after.

12. Reinstall Riot Client

Uninstall Riot Client from Control Panel.
Download and install the latest version from the League of Legends website.

13. Fully reinstall League of Legends

Uninstall the game.
Delete these folders manually:
- C:\Riot Games\
- %localappdata%\Riot Games\

Then reinstall the game clean. This also fixes related issues like League of Legends black screen.

If you need to fully uninstall League of Legends to fix launch issues or perform a clean reinstall, you can follow the steps in our Leage of Legends uninstall guide.

14. Use CCleaner or Revo Uninstaller

Run CCleaner or Revo Uninstaller to remove all leftover data and registry keys.
This ensures no corruption remains after reinstalling.

15. Perform a clean boot

Press Windows + R, type msconfig, and press Enter.
Under the Services tab, check Hide all Microsoft services, then click Disable all.
In Startup tab, open Task Manager and disable all startup items.
Restart your PC and try launching League again.

16. Recreate a clean shortcut

Go to: C:\Riot Games\League of Legends\.
Right-click LeagueClient.exe → Send to > Desktop (create shortcut).

17. Install missing DirectX and C++ files

Download and install the latest DirectX Runtime and Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributables.
These are required for the client to run properly.

For extra optimization, check out how to fix League FPS drops, boost in-game performance, or fix fullscreen issues.

FAQs

Why won’t League of Legends launch even after a reinstall?

Residual files or system dependencies like DirectX or C++ may still be missing. Use a cleanup tool before reinstalling.

Can antivirus or firewall block the Riot Client?

Yes, especially aggressive antivirus software. Temporarily disable it or whitelist Riot files.

Is Riot Client necessary to run League of Legends?

Yes, the Riot Client handles launching, login, and updates for all Riot games.

Where can I find LeagueClient.exe?

It’s typically located in C:\Riot Games\League of Legends\.

Conclusion

Most League launch failures boil down to system conflicts, missing dependencies, or corrupt files. A combination of driver cleanup, Riot Client reinstall, and system tweaks like clean boot should resolve the issue. If you follow these steps closely, you’ll be back on the Rift in no time.

FIX: Please wait until current program finished uninstalling

Posted on November 14, 2022October 4, 2023 by Ivan Jenic

Uninstalling programs is relatively simple in Windows 10, but some potential errors are possible, and things might get complicated.

One of these errors is also a never completed uninstallation, which doesn’t allow you to uninstall any program, by telling you Please wait until the current program is finished uninstalling or being changed.

This could be a really serious issue, because you’ll eventually need to uninstall a program, and this error won’t allow you to. So, I prepared a couple of solutions, and I hope they’ll be helpful.

Not being able to uninstall your applications can be a big problem, and in this article, we’re going to address the following issues:

Add remove programs stuck on please wait
- Several users reported that they are unable to remove applications from their PC.
- According to them, they are getting this message while using Add or remove programs app.
Please wait until the current program is finished uninstalling AVG
- Third-party applications can often interfere with your PC, and many users reported this problem while trying to uninstall AVG antivirus.
Please wait until the current program is finished uninstalling stuck
- In some cases, users might get stuck while trying to remove certain applications.
- This can be a big problem, but you should be able to fix it with one of our solutions.

How do I fix the Current program is finished uninstalling error?

Restart your computer
Use a third-party uninstaller
Perform a System Restore
Restart explorer.exe
Remove/disable your antivirus
Re-register Windows Installer
Stop Windows Installer service
Download Microsoft’s troubleshooter
Try to remove the application in Safe Mode

1. Use a third-party software

There are some third-party uninstallers that are more powerful than Windows’ own uninstaller. Unfortunately, removing software from the add or remove programs panel, often leaves behind unwanted files or registry entries.

Third-party uninstallers are created specifically for this type of issue. They have integrated scanners that will find and remove any leftover files from your computer. Just select the app you want to uninstall and wait for the process to finish.

Additionally, uninstaller software such as IObit Uninstaller is equipped with forced uninstall features, which can be used to remove stubborn software that won’t be removed from the Windows settings list.

Click the Programs icon on the left side of the IObit Uninstaller.
Select the program you want to remove and then click on the trash icon.

Enjoy more free space.

IObit Uninstaller displays a list of your installed apps immediately and allows you to eliminate any program from the All programs list. This is useful because it will remove any apps and their leftovers from your PC.

⇒ Get IObit Uninstaller

2. Restart your PC

If you didn’t restart your computer after you noticed the message about the incomplete previous uninstallation, you definitely should.

Sometimes Windows is unable to complete the uninstallation of the program normally, and as you probably know, you can’t uninstall two programs at the same time.

So if the uninstallation of one isn’t completed, you can’t run another process.

Restarting your computer will kill all processes, including the corrupt uninstallation, so you can try to uninstall the desired program once again when your computer boots.

But if you’re facing this issue even after you’ve restarted your computer, try one of the solutions below.

3. Perform a System Restore

If restarting and trying another uninstaller didn’t get the job done, you can try restoring your Windows 10 to the state before the problem existed.

To perform a System Restore in Windows 10, do the following:

Go to Control Panel > Recovery.
Go to Open System Restore.
Select the proper restore point, and follow further on-screen instructions.
Wait for the process to finish.
Try to uninstall the desired program to see if the problem has been resolved.

4. Restart explorer.exe

If you’re getting Please Wait Until Current Program is Finished Uninstalling or Being Changed error message, the problem might be the Windows Explorer process.

According to users, you might be able to fix the problem simply by restarting explorer.exe. To do that, follow these steps:

Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
When Task Manager opens, right-click Windows Explorer and choose Restart from the menu.

After doing that, the error message should disappear. Keep in mind that this is just a workaround, so you might have to repeat this solution if the problem reappears.

5. Remove / disable your antivirus

According to users, Please Wait Until Current Program Is Finished Uninstalling or Being Changed error message can appear sometimes due to your antivirus software.

Certain antivirus apps can interfere with your operating system and cause this error to appear.

To fix the issue, it’s advised to disable your antivirus software and check if that solves the problem.

If disabling the antivirus doesn’t solve the issue, you might have to uninstall it.

The best way to remove all files associated with your antivirus is to download the dedicated removal software for your antivirus.

After using this tool the application should be completely removed.

Now you just have to install the latest version of your antivirus software or switch to a completely new antivirus solution.

Users reported issues with AVG, but keep in mind that other antivirus tools can cause this problem to appear.

6. Re-register Windows Installer

According to users, this issue can appear due to problems with the Windows Installer service.

However, you can fix this problem simply by re-registering the Windows Installer service. This is rather simple, and you can do it by following these steps:

Open Command Prompt as administrator. To do that, just press Windows Key + X to open Win + X menu and choose Command Prompt (Admin) from the list. You can also use PowerShell (Admin) if you don’t have Command Prompt available.
When Command Prompt starts, enter the following commands:
- msiexec /unreg
- msiexec /regserver

After running these commands, check if the problem is resolved.

7. Stop Windows Installer service

Press Windows Key + R and enter services.msc. Now press Enter or click OK.
List of available services will now appear. Locate Windows Installer service, right-click it, and choose Stop from the menu. If Stop option isn’t available, it means that Windows Installer service isn’t currently running on your PC.

If you’re getting Please Wait Until Current Program is Finished Uninstalling or Being Changed error message, you might be able to fix the problem simply by disabling the Windows Installer service.

This service starts when you try to remove a certain application, and it can prevent you from uninstalling other apps.

Some users are recommending restarting Windows Explorer after disabling the Windows Installer service, so you might want to do that.

8. Download Microsoft’s troubleshooter

Sometimes Please Wait Until Current Program is Finished Uninstalling or Being Changed error message due to corrupted registry or other third-party apps.

However, you can easily fix the problem by downloading Microsoft’s Troubleshooter.

After downloading the application, run it and it will automatically fix any installation issues that you have. Now check if the error appears again.

9. Try to remove the application in Safe Mode

Several users reported that they fixed the Please Wait Until Current Program is Finished Uninstalling or Being Changed error message simply by removing their application from Safe Mode.

To access Safe Mode, do the following:

Open the Settings app by pressing Windows Key + I and navigate to Update & security section.
In the left pane, select Recovery, and in the right pane click on Restart now button.
Your PC will now restart and you’ll be presented with three options. Select Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Settings. Now click on the Restart button.
You’ll see a list of options. Select any version of Safe Mode by pressing the appropriate key on your keyboard.

After Safe Mode starts, try to uninstall the problematic application.

Tip

Drivers are one of the most cumbersome issues for any OS so head out to our Driver FIx Hub. Out Windows 10 Errors page is filled with other useful articles.

That’s about it, I hope these solutions helped you to uninstall your program normally. If you have any comments or questions, just reach out to the comment section below.

Windows 7 Keeps Installing the Same Update Over And Over

Posted on November 14, 2022March 21, 2024 by Vladimir Popescu

It can be frustrating if your Windows 7 keeps installing the same update over and over. However, this issue mainly occurs when the Windows system cannot establish specific updates correctly and continues to reinstall them.

Why do Windows updates keep repeating?

Different factors may be responsible if Windows keeps installing the same update over and over on your PC. Here are the most common reasons:

Partially installed updates – Whenever the OS cannot install an update wholly and correctly, this error is mostly inevitable. In instances such as this, you should delete the failed Windows updates.
Windows failed to detect updates – Although rare, sometimes, even after an update is installed successfully, the Operating System may be unable to detect it, which can lead to fresh installation attempts.
Disabled Windows services – Certain Windows services are vital to successfully installing updates. If these services are disabled, it can lead to this issue.

Having seen what could be the reason behind the issue, let’s explore the best solutions.

What can I do if Windows 7 keeps installing the same update?

Before engaging in any troubleshooting or settings tweaks, users should ensure they perform the following simple steps:

Make sure you have enough disk space on your computer.
Update your Windows to the latest available version.
Restart your PC. Here’s what to do if your computer fails to restart.
Check to know what update it is that keeps installing.

Having confirmed the above checks, and the error is yet to fix, you can try any of the fixes below.

1. Delete the Software Distribution directory

Press the Windows key + R to open the Run box, input cmd, and click OK.
In the Command Prompt window, type the following and press Enter after each one: net stop wuauserv rename c:windowsSoftwareDistribution softwaredistribution.old net start wuauserv
Press the Windows key + R and type C:Windows, then press Enter or click OK to open the Windows folder.
Right-click the SoftwareDistribution folder and select Delete.
After deleting the directory, restart your computer.

With this, all backups and your problematic Windows update are deleted, so you shouldn’t face this issue anymore.

2. Uninstall the problematic updates

Left-click the Start button and select Control Panel.
Select Uninstall a program under Programs after changing the View by to Category.
Next, click on View installed update
Select Microsoft Windows and click on Uninstall updates.
Then, double-click an update to remove it.

You can repeat the above steps to uninstall problematic updates. Also, you’ll need to prevent Windows from installing updates automatically again. This should help resolve the problem.

3. Perform a system restore

Press the Windows key + S, type system restore, and launch it.
Click on Next when the System Restore window opens.
Select the desired restore point and click Next.
Finally, follow the on-screen instructions and click Finish to complete the system restoration process.

Alternatively, you can use other third-party tools to scan your registry automatically to remove the problematic entries compared to the system restore process.

4. Run the Windows update troubleshooter

Press the Windows key + I and select the Updates & Security option.
In the left pane, choose Troubleshoot and click on Additional troubleshooters.
Next, select Windows Update and click Run the troubleshooter.
Finally, follow further on-screen instructions, restart your computer, and check if the Windows update keeps reinstalling.

The Windows Update troubleshooter automatically detects and fixes most incorrect settings on your computer.

5. Run the SFC and DISM scans

Go to Start at the bottom-left corner of the home page.
Type command, right-click on Command Prompt, and select Run as administrator.
Type the line below in the text field and hit Enter: sfc /scannow
Finally, wait until the scan and repair process is finished.
Type the line below in the text field and hit Enter: DISM.exe/Online /Cleanup-image /Restorehealth
Once done, restart your PC and check if the issue is fixed.

If the Windows update keeps reinstalling on your devices, running the SFC and DISM scans should help fix the issue.

However, note that whether the SFC scan is successful or not, you should still run the DISM. After the DISM scan completes, you can now run the SFC scan again.

6. Manually update with Microsoft Update Catalog

Press the Windows key + I to open the Settings shortcut, then click the Update & Security section.
Next, click on View installed update history.
Note down the updated version that is installing again and again. (It should be something like KB12345678)
Visit Windows Updates Catalog and search for your version code then press Enter or click the Search button.
Click the Add all button and a new pop-up window will appear.
Click the update download link and then install it.

In case you do not know how to access the Windows Updates Catalog, you can check our detailed guide on how to access Microsoft Update Catalog on any browser.

And that is all you should do if Windows 7 keeps installing the same update over and over on your devices.

Also, please use the comments section below if you have any questions, comments, and further suggestions, or if somehow none of these solutions work for you.

How to find out which Edge browser version you have on Windows 11 right now

Posted on November 14, 2022August 31, 2025 by davew

If you use a different Microsoft Edge browser version, there are ways to keep Edge up-to-date on Windows 10, Apple, and Android. But do you know which version you are running right now on Windows 11? You can check your Edge version by clicking on the Options icon (three dots) in the top-right corner of your browser. From there, select About Microsoft Edge to see the version information.

But did you know that there is an even faster way to check? Moreover, you don’t even need to use Edge settings! Follow this guide to learn what to do.

Find Edge browser version

Type (or copy and paste) edge://version into the Edge browser address bar and press Enter.
The Microsoft Edge version will appear at the top of the page.

Next to the Edge version number, you can use the Copy button to copy the version number information to your clipboard.

Other pertinent Edge browser version number information includes the executable path to Edge, the operating system you are running, active variations (tabs or pages open) in Edge you are running, and more. You can use a variation of this command to check the version information in other Chromium-based browsers, including Chrome and Brave too.

Get other browsers’ information

Instead of trying to search and find this information buried somewhere in settings, you can access the browser version information using the address bar. Replace edge with the name of your browser. In this case, use the command brave://version to find the version information.

This method also works with others, including Chrome, Vivaldi, and FireFox browsers. Do you use Microsoft Edge or do ou use a different browser? Let us know in the comments!

Keep your PC Clean and Fast with Wise Care 365 Pro Software

Posted on November 14, 2022October 4, 2023 by Claudiu Andone

We all know that after a while, our PCs start to get slower and even unresponsive but Wise Care 365 Pro can make a difference.

You can clean your PC manually but it takes a lot of time and effort. With this tool, everything is automatic.

What is Wise Care 365 Pro and how does it help you?

Created by WiseCleaner, Wise Care 365 Pro is a smart app that helps you clean up the disk from junk files and fix registry problems on your PC.

However, it also protects your privacy and makes your PC more secure in the process.

But ultimately, the software makes your PC faster and clears up all the errors you now go past and tolerate.

What are Wise Care 365 Pro’s best features?

1. Complete cleanup for useless junk files

The most important feature of Wise Care 365 Pro consists of the cleaning tools. It has no less than 5 dedicated options.

The Registry Cleaner takes care of all the possible issues in the Registry, including leftovers from uninstalled software, paths, shared DLLs, and a lot more.

The Common Cleaner looks at the files on your PC, the system, and the browsers and cleans them from junk files, tracking files, cache, etc.

If you want to clean even further, the Advanced Cleaner will find all the .dmp and .tmp files and gets rid of them thus freeing important space on your disks.

You can even optimize your OS by using the System Slimming feature that discards old Windows Installer files and baseline cache that is still using space unnecessarily.

Lastly, the Big Files Manager tool available in the Pro version scans your disk for big files on your PC.

This tool is really useful when you need some space while those 4K movies you’ve already seen are hogging huge chunks from your disk.

2. Real-time system protection

Wise Care 365 Pro has an interesting feature similar to the one included in some antiviruses. It monitors all your applications and identifies any of their attempts to silently change the Windows Registry.

After that, it simply blocks the process and warns you about this promptly.

For instance, it prevents apps from taking over your browser homepage or adding themselves to the Windows startup.

It also prevents such intrusions in the Windows context menu or changing the default browser.

3. Privacy protection

The Privacy Protector feature has no less than 5 components to it. The Privacy Eraser deletes all the history for all your viewing habits, whether it’s pictures, videos, files or visited pages on your browsers.

That way, you will leave no traces behind after using the PC. However, this feature is only available in the Pro version.

Disk Eraser will help you completely erase your disks if you want to sell your computer. The tool not only permanently deletes any files on your disk but it’s also able to apply rewrites and deletes so that the information can’t be retrieved.

The Password Generator tool allows you to create strong passwords and copy them to the clipboard for later usage.

And finally, Sites Notifications, also available in the Pro version mutes the notifications from the annoying websites that keep sending them.

4. PC tuning for speeding up your PC

Whether you want to play a new game and your configuration is barely on par, or you just want to speed up your PC, System Tuneup from Wise Care 365 Pro will do the job automatically.

This tool can improve startup and shutdown, improve system stability, and overall system speed at a glance.

However, it also tweaks the network settings and optimizes your disk settings for ultimate PC speed.

How do I get Wise Care 365 Pro and how much does it cost?

As we’ve mentioned above, Wise Care 365 has a free version but that only covers the PC Checkup, cleaning and speeding it up, and your computer hardware inventory.

That’s extremely helpful as it is but for the more advanced features, some of which we covered above, you will need to sign up for the Pro version.

WiseCleaner has right now a Wise Care Pro offer for only $29.96 that covers 3 PC for one year. And even if you commit, the developer has a 60-day money-back guarantee policy.

⇒ Get Wise Care 365 Pro

We hope that our article offered you a comprehensive on how to keep your PC clean and speed it up by using Wise Care 365.

Some of our readers asked: Is Wise Care 365 safe? We can answer that question with a hard yes.

That being said, you may also check our list of the best Registry cleaners for Windows 11.

Did you try Wise Care 365? Tell us about your experience in the comments section below.

DNS Server Not Responding in Windows 7: How to Fix it

Posted on November 14, 2022September 21, 2025 by Sagar Naresh

The DNS server ensures that you are able to connect to the internet and surf through it. Sadly, there have been multiple user reports regarding DNS server issues on Windows 10.

So much so that this issue has also troubled Windows 7 users in the past. Users have been complaining about the DNS server not responding in Windows 7 error. This guide will give you a bunch of solutions that will help you resolve the problem quickly.

What causes the DNS server not to respond in Windows 7?

Here are a few reasons that could trigger the DNS server not responding in Windows 7:

Misconfigured DNS settings: If the DNS settings are misconfigured then your browser will have a hard time connecting to the internet.
Outdated network driver: Outdated drivers often cause multiple issues and conflict with the smooth performance of the PC.
DNS Cache: The presence of unwanted DNS cache can also trigger multiple issues, such as the one at hand.
Problem with your internet connection: You should ensure that the internet that you are connected to is working and there are no issues with it.
Your browser is at fault: Often due to a bug or glitch the browser may misbehave and throw up errors like the DNS server not responding in Windows 7.

How can I fix the DNS server not responding in Windows 7 error?

Before jumping to the advanced solutions, let us first go through a bunch of preliminary solutions that could help you fix the problem:

Try restarting your PC. There might be a temporary glitch that is causing the problem.
Restart your modem or router. This will ensure that the router starts from scratch and connects to the server without any issues.
Install all the latest Windows updates as this could very well be because of a bug on the earlier version of Windows update.

1. Change the DNS server manually

Press Windows + R to open the Run dialogue.
Type ncpa.cpl and click the OK button.
Right-click your network and choose Properties.
Select Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) and click the Properties button.
Click on Use the following DNS server addresses option.
Set the Preferred DNS server to 8.8.8.8. and the Alternate DNS server to 8.8.4.4.
Alternatively, you can also use 208.67.222.222 as Preferred and 208.67.220.220 as the Alternate DNS server.
Click OK.

2. Clear DNS cache

Press the Windows button to open the Start menu.
Search for the command prompt and right-click on it to select Run it as an administrator.
Type the below command and press Enter. ipconfig /flushdns
Close the command prompt and check if this resolves the issue or not.

3. Update network drivers

Press the Windows key and open the Start menu.
Type Device Manager and open it.
Expand the Network adapters section.
Right-click on your network adapter and select Update driver.
Click on Search automatically for drivers.
Your system will check if there is a new update available and install it if it finds one.

Updated drivers not only bring new features on board but also get rid of the bugs and glitches present in the version that is currently installed on your PC.

While you can manually update the driver following the above steps, you can ease the process by using a dedicated driver updater tool. For this purpose, we recommend you use Outbyte Driver Updater.

Outbyte Driver Updater not only updates your drivers but can automatically scan for all of your drivers and update them for you. It can create driver backups, fix system-related issues, schedule scans, and much more.

Outbyte Driver Updater

This tool keeps all your drivers updated to maintain your system in top shape.

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4. Perform network reset

Press the Windows button to open the Start menu.
Search for the command prompt and right-click on it to select Run it as an administrator.
Type the below command and press Enter after each command. netsh int ip reset reset.txt netsh winsock reset netsh advfirewall reset

5. Run the Network Troubleshooter

Open the Start menu by pressing the Windows key.
Open Control Panel.
Under Network & internet heading, select View network status and tasks.
Click on Troubleshoot problems.
Select Internet Connections.
Click Advanced.
Check Apply repairs automatically.
Click Next.
Select Troubleshoot my connection to the Internet.
Your system will begin the diagnosis and will prompt you to perform steps to resolve the issue.

6. Use a different browser

Often the DNS server is not responding in Windows 7 error is associated with the browser itself. Because of some glitch or bug in the browser, it may throw up unnecessary errors.

In such a case, we would suggest you switch to a different browser and check if the problem exists there as well or not.

If you are confused about which browser to download, then we have a guide that gives a list of some of the best browsers that you can install on your Windows 7 PC.

Let us know in the comments below which one of the above solutions fixed the DNS server not responding issue.

5 Speedy Fixes to Try if Apex Legends is not Launching

Posted on November 14, 2022October 9, 2025 by Matthew Adams

Apex Legends has taken Windows gaming by storm. However, that game can still have some startup issues. For example, some players might need to fix Legends not launching a splash screen on a PC.

It’s also perhaps the most recent title that can compete with Fortnite and PUBG on a level playing field. Thus, we understand why you might be in a hurry to fix it.

Why won’t Apex open?

Ordinarily, this type of problem with a game is caused by corrupted or faulty installation files. But it could also be related to incorrect system setups, malfunctioning display drivers, or the fact that you are playing an out-of-date game version.

Another possibility is that your machine does not fulfill the minimal requirements for the game, which would explain why it is unable to launch. Or, as our users reported, Apex Legends won’t start after an update performed automatically by Windows or the game itself.

How do I fix launch error in Apex Legends?

1. Run the game as an administrator

In order to repair launching error on Apex Legends, you can simply run the game in the Administrator mode using the steps below.

1. Press the Windows key + S keyboard shortcut to open the search tool. Enter Apex Legends as the search keyword. Right-click it and select Open file location.
2. Next, right-click the Apex Legends EXE to select Properties.
3. Click the Compatibility tab then select the Run this program as administrator setting and select the Disable fullscreen optimizations option.
4. Click the Apply option then press the OK button to exit the window.

Running the game and game launcher with admin rights can help you prevent other issues like Apex Legends Anticheat error and Memory could not be read.

2. Update your graphics card driver

The easiest way to update your driver is to use dedicated driver updater software that lets you update your graphics card driver and any other with just one click.

Once you run it on your system, it will automatically start searching for any drivers that need updating on your PC. As soon as the analysis process is done, you can choose to update only the graphics card driver, but we recommend that you take the time to update all the drivers you can.

This will ensure your system runs smoothly and does not crash the Apex Legends game because of any other unforeseen issues.

⇒ Get Fortect Driver Updater

3. Turn off the Windows firewall

Click the Type here to search button on the left side of Windows 10’s taskbar.
Input firewall in the search box.
Click Windows Defender Firewall to open its Control Panel applet.
Next, click turn Windows Defender Firewall on or off to open the options in the shot directly below.
Select the Turn off Windows Defender Firewall radio buttons.
Click the OK button.

Note: If that resolution fixes the issue, WDF was probably blocking the game. You can turn the firewall off and back on after playing Apex. Alternatively, add Apex Legends to the firewall’s exception list.

4. Select the Repair option for Apex in Origin

Open the Origin client software.
Click My Game Library in Origin.
Right-click the Apex Legends game to open its context menu.
Then select the Repair option.

5. Repair Easy Anti-Cheat

Launch File Explorer by pressing the Windows key + E hotkey for it.
Open your Origin Games folder in File Explorer (which will usually be in the Program Files folder).
Open the Apex subfolder from the Origin Games folder.
Then, open the EasyAntiCheat subfolder from there.
Click EasyAntiCheat_Setup to open the Anti-Cheat Service Setup window.
Press the Repair Service button.
Thereafter, click the Finish button.

6. Reinstall Apex Legends and Origin

Press the Windows key + X hotkey, and select Run on the menu that opens.
Input appwiz.cpl in the Open box and click OK to open Programs and Features.
Select Apex Legends in the uninstaller window.
Click the Uninstall/Change button for Apex.
Select Yes on any confirmation prompts to remove the game.
In addition, uninstall the Origin game client.
Restart Windows after uninstalling the software.
Open the Origin download page in a browser.
Click Download to save the installer for Origin.
Reinstall Origin with its setup wizard.
Open the Apex Legends page in the Origin Store. Then you can download the game from there to reinstall it.

Moreover, here are some error variations that our readers reported and that you can fix with the solutions above:

Apex Legends won’t launch after easy anti-cheat – Run the game in administrator mode to fix this issue.
Apex not launching after update – If the OS update interferes with Apex, you can opt to uninstall it.
Apex Legends not launching in Origin – Reinstall Origin to solve this problem.
Apex Legends not launching in Windows 11, 10 – The solutions below are applicable for both OS iterations so make sure to follow them.
There was a problem processing game logic error: Change the data centers.

Those are some of the more likely fixes for Apex Legends not launching or when you encounter an error code: clog. Repairing Apex Legends and Easy Anti-Cheat, as outlined for resolutions three and five, are two of the more widely confirmed fixes.

For more information and potential fixes to this error, check out our guide on how to fix Apex Legends DirectX error permanently.

You can also find troubleshooting articles for Windows games in the Windows 10 section. Our Gaming hub includes a plethora of troubleshooting guides for Windows, Xbox, and PlayStation games.

Was this guide helpful for you? Don’t hesitate to tell us in the comments section below and whether you have more solutions in mind.

Windows 11 Calculator Not Working? 4 Ways to Fix it

Posted on November 14, 2022October 27, 2025 by Cesar Cadenas

The Calculator app on Windows 11 is one of the most basic and important pieces of software you can possibly have. As you can imagine, losing the ability to use the Calculator is pretty frustrating.

A faulty app either won’t open or immediately crashes, but there are fixes that you can apply since they worked on Windows 10 as well. You may certainly try the troubleshooter, but it won’t solve every problem. Sometimes, it requires a finer touch.

Why isn’t the Calculator app working?

Unfortunately, native Windows 11 apps are known to suddenly stop working. It’s much better compared to the launch version of the OS, but these issues still exist. There are a few reasons for this:

Your Windows Firewall is blocking the app. To know this for sure, you’ll have to check your Firewall settings or use the Command Prompt to see if anything’s blocked.
A faulty update from Microsoft is causing the Calculator app to behave erratically. It is possible to uninstall an update within the Settings menu, but it isn’t too difficult to do.
Conversely, corrupted system files within your Windows 11 computer are also likely culprits.
Changes or modifications to the registry files can use all Windows native apps, not just Calculator, to suddenly stop working.

How do I fix the Calculator app on Windows 11?

Before we go into the more complex solutions, we think it’s important to point out some of the easier ones you can quickly do. The majority of the time, these will fix the Calculator app:

Update Windows 11 Calculator by going to the Microsoft Store and downloading any new updates available.
Download any new Windows 11 updates found in the Settings menu.
You can create a local account on your computer although you will miss out on other services exclusive to the original.

1. Re-register the Calculator app

Search for Windows PowerShell and click Run as administrator when it appears.
If a User Account Control page appears asking you if you want to make changes, click Yes.
In PowerShell, enter the following command: Get-AppXPackage -AllUsers -Name Microsoft.WindowsCalculator | Foreach {Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register "$($_.InstallLocation)\AppXManifest.xml" -Verbose}
Hit Enter on your keyboard and wait for PowerShell to complete the command.
Close PowerShell and check if that resolved the Calculator problem.

2. Reinstall Calculator via PowerShell

Open PowerShell with administrative permissions again.
Enter the following command into PowerShell and hit Enter on your keyboard: get-appxpackage *windowscalculator* | remove-appxpackage.
Let PowerShell uninstall the Calculator app.
Now open Microsoft Store and search for Windows Calculator.
Click the Get button to install the Calculator app.

3. Reset the Calculator app

Open the Settings app and click the Apps tab on the left-hand side.
In the tab, select Installed apps.
Scroll down and locate the Calculator app in the list. Click the three dots to the right and select Advanced options.
Scroll down again until you see the Reset button. Click it.

Note that this will delete the Calculator’s data fixing any problems it may have.

4. Fix the calculator registry

Bring up the Search bar, look for the Registry Editor, and select the entry that appears.
A User Account Control may appear. Select Yes when it does.
In the Registry Editor’s address bar, enter the following: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\AppModel\StateChange\PackageList
Delete everything under the PackageList folder.
When done, close the Registry Editor and restart your computer.

A lot of the time, people upgrade from Windows 11 native apps to something that can do more and Calculator is no different. The Microsoft Store is home to tons of different versions of the Calculator app.

For a complete overview of the default app and its features, read our guide on how to use Calculator on Windows 11 to learn about standard, scientific, and converter modes.

One of them, which we highly recommend, is the Super Calculator which has the ability to generate factorials of large numbers and you can use radians for trigonometry.

If you need something more specific, we recommend checking out our guide on the best accounting software. These will help you create important financial reports for your small business.

Entries in that list include TurboTax to simplify tax returns and Wave to help you with invoicing and payment processing.

Feel free to comment below if you have any questions about any native apps. Also, leave comments about what reviews you’d like to see or information on other Windows 11 software.

How To Fix Critical Process Died in Windows 11

Posted on November 14, 2022October 8, 2025 by Milan Stanojevic

The critical_process_died Windows 11 issue is a BSoD error that can occur randomly or appear when trying to boot to Windows. These errors will make your PC crash and reboot suddenly, so you’ll lose any unsaved data.

Fixing it may take time because finding the culprit is not always easy. The usual causes are related to your drivers or your hardware in some instances, but there are also exceptions.

Rest assured that there are ways to fix this problem, and we’re going to show you a couple of methods you can use to solve the Critical Process Died stop code in Windows 11 right away.

How do I fix the Critical Process Died BSoD in Windows 11?

1. Use the SFC and DISM scans

Press Windows key + X and select Windows Terminal (Admin).
Now run the following command: sfc /scannow
Wait for the scan to finish, restart your PC, and check if the problem is still there.
If the issue still appears, start the Terminal again, and run the following commands:
Dism /Online /Cleanup-Image /CheckHealth Dism /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth Dism /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

You can also fix critical_process_died error on Windows 11 more effectively by using specialized BSoD fixers.

2. Reinstall/update your drivers

Press Windows key + X and choose Device Manager from the list.
Locate the driver that is causing you trouble and right-click it. Choose Uninstall device from the menu.
Now select Uninstall to confirm.
Once the driver is removed, restart your PC and check if the problem is resolved.

Keeping the drivers up to date can also help you prevent similar BSoD issues like Critical_structure_corruption on Windows 11.

To find out which driver is causing the issue, it’s advised to check the crash logs or to remove any drivers that might’ve been recently updated.

You can also try updating your drivers, and you can do that by downloading the drivers from the manufacturer’s website. Alternatively, feel free to use a dedicated tool such as Outbyte Driver Updater to automatically update all your drivers.

Outbyte Driver Updater is the easiest way to update all drivers. With a database of over 18 million driver files, it will find all outdated drivers on your computer and either update or repair them within a few clicks.

⇒ Get Outbyte Driver Updater

3. Access Safe Mode

NOTE

Accessing Safe Mode won’t fix the problem, but if you cannot boot to Windows 11 due to Critical Process Died then this might be a useful alternative.

In order to work out this kind of BSOD error on your Windows 11, you may need to use Safe Mode as displayed in the steps below.

1. Let your PC restart a couple of times during the boot. Alternatively, click the Power icon on the login screen, hold Shift, and select Restart.
2. Select Troubleshoot from the list of options.
3. Now, navigate to Advanced options.
4. Go to Startup settings.
5. Then, click the Restart button.
6. Press 5 on your keyboard to start Safe Mode with Networking.

Need more methods to access Safe Mode? In this case, check our guide for the best ways to start Windows 11 in Safe Mode.

4. Run the built-in troubleshooters

Open the Start Menu and select Settings.
Go to the Troubleshoot in the right pane.
Select Other troubleshooters.
Run a couple of troubleshooters and check if they managed to fix the problem.

If your Windows 11 Start menu is not working, it can be related to some random, temporary bugs. In this case, we have a guide dedicated to solving the Windows 11 Start menu issues right away.

5. Remove problematic updates

NOTE

You might have to repeat this procedure for multiple updates in order to fix the problem.

Press Windows key + R and enter appwiz.cpl. Click OK.
Go to View installed updates.
Double-click the update you want to remove.

6. Reset Windows 11

NOTE

This is a relatively simple process but if you choose to perform it, be sure to back up all your important files.

Press Windows Key + I to open Settings.
Navigate to the System section and select Recovery.
Now click the Reset PC button.
Select the desired option. In most cases, it’s better to use Remove everything, but if you choose it, be sure to back up your files beforehand.
Select the type of reinstall that you want. We used the Local reinstall.
Confirm your reinstall settings.
Click Reset to start the process.
Follow the instructions on the screen to finish it.

Resetting might be the only solution if you get stuck in Critical Process Died boot loop on Windows 11, so be sure to check our detailed article on how to reset Windows 11 for detailed instructions.

What causes the Critical process died error in Windows 11?

This Critical Process Died blue screen on Windows 11 appears when a critical component of the Windows operating system detects that data has been modified when it should not have been. Here are some of the causes behind it:

Malfunctioning hardware – BSoD errors can appear due to hardware issues. As for software issues, consider them as well as potential culprits. We are most likely referring to compatibility issues with certain applications or drivers.
Corrupt or missing system files – Missing system files can also cause this problem, which is the case with the Critical Process Died error on Windows.
Malware and BIOS issues – In some instances, malware and bad BIOS updates can cause BSoD errors on your PC.
Problematic drivers – Also, don’t forget to check and update your drivers if that’s the case. These tips also apply if you happen to encounter a Critical process died in Windows 10.

To learn more, be sure to check our in-depth guide on Blue Screen of Death causes.

What is the minidump file, and where can it be found?

Once a system crash occurs, your PC will memorize the events that caused it and write them down in a minidump, also known as DMP, file.

Minidump file works as a crash log, and it holds important information that might help you diagnose the problem and find the cause of the BSoD.

Regarding the location, you can find the minidump files in the following directory: C:\Windows\Minidump

You can also use the MEMORY.DMP file for diagnostics usually contains more information, much of which isn’t crucial.

How can I change my system crash settings?

Press Windows Key + R, type sysdm.cpl and press Enter.
Navigate to the Advanced tab and click on Settings in the Startup and Recovery section.
Now you can change the settings as needed. By default, the settings should look like on the screenshot below:
Optional: The only setting that you might want to disable is Automatically restart to see the name of the stop code better.

Fixing this error can be complicated, especially if the Critical Process Died appears on startup on Windows 11, but hopefully, you found our article informative and managed to fix the problem.

For more solutions, check out our guide on how to check the BSoD log file to see what went wrong and what you can do about it.

Did you find a solution on your own to one of the abovementioned situations? Share it with us in the comments section below.

Computer Shuts Down When Put to Sleep: 5 Ways to Fix it

Posted on November 14, 2022January 29, 2025 by Vladimir Popescu

Many users have reported that Windows 10 shuts down instead of going to sleep whenever they choose to enter Sleep Mode.

No matter how you try to set your computer into Sleep Mode (pressing the power button shortly, clicking the Start menu, or closing the laptop lid), the PC shuts down.

In today’s article, we will discuss the best troubleshooting methods you must apply to Windows 10 if it shuts down instead of going to sleep.

Why does my computer shut down when I put it to sleep? The issue is most likely caused by a power setting, a disabled BIOS setting, or a flaw in the driver for the Intel Management Engine Interface (IMEI).

There is a good chance that your device’s power button is programmed to turn off when you quickly touch it.

Users reported similar issues that you can fix using the methods below. Some of the most common ones are the following:

Windows shuts down instead of sleep – If the settings for the hard drive in the advanced power settings for the sleep mode are specified improperly, it would appear that your personal computer is more likely to turn off instead of entering the sleep mode.
PC turns off instead of sleep – A few customers successfully resolved the issue by extending the time before the hard disk was powered down when using the Sleep settings.
PC shuts down when put to sleep – It’s possible that a corrupted system file is the cause of this issue. I would recommend that you perform the System file checkup.
Laptop shuts down instead of sleep – It’s possible that the settings for your power plan are to blame if your computer shuts down unexpectedly after coming out of hibernation.
PC shuts down instead of sleep in Windows 11 – A scan utilizing the System File Checker (SFC) is carried out in order to determine whether or not this issue is being caused by any corrupted system files.
Computer shuts down in sleep mode (Windows 7) – Proceed in Windows 7 as we did below in Windows 10 as the steps shouldn’t be that different.
Computer shuts down when put to sleep (Mac) – Unchecking Power Before you put the computer to sleep automatically, make sure that Energy Saver is enabled and that any screen savers you have been turned off.

If you’ve been wondering Why does my computer shut down instead of sleep on Windows 10? let’s see what you can do to fix it, along with the similar solutions mentioned above. Follow along!

How do I stop my computer from shutting down instead of sleep?

1. Check the power settings of your computer

If you need to get rid of Windows 10 shutting down issues efficiently, be sure to check the power setting and modify what it’s required as described in the steps below.

1. Press the Windows + R keys to open the Run dialog box then type ms-settings:powersleep, and press Enter.
2. Inside the Power & Sleep window, select Additional power settings.
3. Within the Power Options menu, click on Choose what closing the lid does.
4. Change the values for each of these options: When I press the power button to Sleep, When I press the sleep button, and also When I close the lid.
5. Click on Save changes.

Therefore, check to see if changing these settings sorted the problem out. If not, try the next method.

Have you wondered whether you should shut down your PC or let it sleep at night? Check our guide to learn everything about that.

2. Update your IMEI

Press Windows + X, and choose Device Manager.
Inside the Device Manager window, click on the System Devices. Right-click on Intel Management Engine Interface, and select Properties.
Select the Driver tab, and choose Uninstall Device.
Restart your PC.
Download the latest version of IMEI driver.
Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the setup.

Predictably, if the laptop shuts down instead of sleep, you might be facing a case of outdated drivers.

Here’s a quick solution to bring those drivers up to date without all the manual work. This spares you from a lot of time spent searching and checking which version you could download and install.

Outbyte Driver Updater allows you to schedule driver scans from a large library of driver files that are accessible for download. If you want to know when you need to update or replace a certain driver, Outbyte Driver Updater will notify you.

⇒ Get Outbyte Driver Updater

3. Check the BIOS and make sure Power Saving mode is enabled

NOTE

Depending on your computer, the method to reach BIOS will differ, and the BIOS menu will differ.

Restart your PC, and press the appropriate key to enter BIOS.
Go to the Power Management Setup section.
Search for the Power Saving Mode option, and enable it.
Save and exit BIOS.
If the option was enabled, please follow the next method.

4. Run the Windows Power troubleshooter

Press the Windows + I buttons on your keyboard and choose the Update and Security section.
Choose Troubleshoot from the left menu, followed by Additional troubleshooters on the right side.
Find the Power troubleshooter then choose Run the troubleshooter, and follow the on-screen instructions.
Check to see if this fixes your problem.

Also, if you want to stop your PC from sleeping and locking, check out our guide for the best tools to prevent your PC from sleeping or locking, and find the proper one for your needs.

Is it better to put your PC in sleep or shutdown?

The heat generated by a machine set to sleep subjects all of its components to a higher temperature for a longer period.

Moreover, a computer turned off entirely is less vulnerable to damage from power spikes and drops that occur when the machine is being powered by its power adapter than a computer that is simply sleeping. So, you should shut down your PC from time to time.

For more potential solutions, check out our post on Windows 10/11 shuts down instead of hibernating/sleep.

You might also be interested in reading our guide on what to do if Windows 11 restarts after sleep.

We hope our methods helped you fix Windows 10 if it shuts down instead of sleeping. For more suggestions or other questions, please access the comments section below.

Fix: Xbox Controller Driver Error in Windows 11

Posted on November 14, 2022September 29, 2025 by Loredana Harsana

Experiencing problems and glitches while gaming is nothing new as it has become a regular occurrence for some users, as they reported having an Xbox wireless controller driver error in Windows 11.

A serious problem with the connection between the Xbox controller and the PC has been reported by a large number of customers.

The error notice appears to say that the USB device is not detected, in which case we will need to install the most recent driver update available.

If your Xbox controller isn’t working properly for any other reason, the methods listed below may still be able to resolve your problem. Make sure to carefully try them out, step by step.

Why is my Xbox controller not connecting to my PC Windows 11?

The two best troubleshooting techniques are to either update the driver in case you are using an older version, or to manually install the driver since they are the main cause of this issue. These two methods are bound to eliminate any problems.

If these two don’t work, you can always try disconnecting and then reconnecting the controller. Oftentimes, Windows 11 is unable to install the Xbox controller driver automatically which leads to the error. But simply reconnecting it would most likely fix it.

How do I fix the driver error for my Xbox controller?

1. Unplug and replug the controller

You can restart your Xbox console, do a full power cycle, or physically detach it from your computer to totally reboot it and resolve many common difficulties.

Try unplugging and replugging the controller into the PC several times. This straightforward strategy should always be the first method you try, as it consistently produces positive results.

2. Update the USB driver

It’s most likely to fix the Xbox controller driver issues by assuring all your drivers are up-to-date. Otherwise, you need to update your USB drivers as described in the example below.

1. Open Device Manager
Right-click on the Start icon then choose Device Manager.
2. Update the USB driver
Now, expand the Universal Serial Bus controllers folder, right-click on every USB option and tap on Update driver.
3. Restart your PC to complete de process
Wait for the processes to end, then restart your computer to apply the changes made. Now you can retry using the Xbox controller.

In case you need to update your USB driver automatically and save more time, with Outbyte Driver Updater the process will be done in minutes and you will enjoy the latest version of any driver.

3. Reinstall the Xbox controller driver

Right-click on the Start icon then choose Device Manager.
Now expand the Xbox One controller section, right-click it and tap on Uninstall device.
Once the operation is completed, restart your PC. While the computer is rebooting, Windows will automatically reinstall the driver.

4. Disable your antivirus

Click the expand arrow from your taskbar and right-click on your antivirus icon then choose Avast shields control followed by Disable for 10 minutes.
If you have other antivirus programs installed, you can disable the app temporarily by following the same steps as above, or similar steps.

NOTE

If the problem does not occur anymore, it is probable that your antivirus application was the root of the problem. You should consider picking another compatible antivirus solution for Windows 11 to protect your computer.

5. Update Windows

Press the Windows key + I to open the Settings app, then click on Windows Update in the left panel.
In the event that there are any new updates that need to be downloaded, the Install now option should be used; otherwise, the Check for updates button should be used to determine whether any new updates have been issued.

By updating your operating system, it may be able to fix the problem, which could be caused by an earlier version of Windows. The bug will very certainly be fixed in a later version of the software.

6. Change the USB cable

If you’re seeing a notice saying USB device not recognized while trying to use an Xbox controller, it’s possible that the problem is with your cable.

According to users, there are various different types of USB cables, with some cables being built solely for charging and others being designed to allow both charging and data transfer.

To determine if your Xbox controller isn’t working properly or if it isn’t being recognized, try swapping out the USB cord to see if that solves the problem.

Does Xbox controller work with Windows 11?

It’s possible to use an Xbox One controller to play games on your computer if you prefer a gamepad over a mouse and keyboard when gaming on your computer.

Furthermore, because the Xbox One controller is natively supported by Windows 11 (as well as Windows 10), the setup process is extremely simple.

The technique by which you connect your Xbox One controller to your PC, on the other hand, may differ slightly based on the type of gamepad you have and the method by which you choose to connect.

If you don’t mind a wired connection, utilizing a USB cable to connect any sort of Xbox One controller to a PC is by far the simplest method of getting started. Microsoft’s Xbox One S and Elite gamepads can be used using this manner as well.

All Xbox One controllers are equipped with a Micro USB port. Because of this, you can connect them directly to a PC by utilizing a Micro USB to USB Type-A adapter (sold separately). And, since Windows can automatically recognize connected Xbox One controllers, there’s nothing more to it.

For further information and potential solutions that are also applicable to Windows 11, check out our article on how to fix Xbox One controller not recognized error in Windows 10.

Alternatively, you may take a look at our guide on how to fix Windows 11 not detecting USB devices to discover a different set of solutions that you can use to resolve the Xbox issue.

Let us know in the comments below which solution worked best for you as well as which game you play the most from the Xbox Game Pass bundle. Thanks for reading!

Fix Halo Infinite Crashing on Startup & Mid-Game for Good

Posted on November 14, 2022October 22, 2025 by Sagar Naresh

If you’re among those who deal with Halo Infinite crashing on startup/loading screen, or mid game you’re in luck. In this piece, we’ll walk you through a few tips & tricks for making it stop.

We’ll also get into why this is happening so you know how to avoid it in the future. But first, let’s check out the fixes:

How to fix Halo Infinite Crash on startup

1. Update the Steam client

Launch the Steam Client.
Click on the Steam button located on the top menu bar.
Click on the Check for Steam Client Updates option.
Steam will automatically look for a new update and if available, will download it

2. Disable in-game overlay

This solution can be of great help due to its efficiency with Halo Infinite crashing on PC error, so you can simply do it as illustrated in the next steps.

1. Open the Steam client and go to Library.
2. Right-click on Halo Infinite and select Properties.
3. Uncheck the box beside Enable the Steam Overlay while in-game option.
4. Relaunch the Steam client and the game and check if this fixes the issue or not.

3. Reinstall the game

Launch the Steam Client on your PC.
Head to the LIBRARY.
Right-click on Halo Infinite.
Navigate to Manage > Uninstall.
Visit the Steam Store and reinstall the game.

4. Update Windows

Press the Win + I buttons to open Settings.
Select Windows Update from the left pane.
Click on Check for updates button.

5. Run SFC Scan

Search for Command Prompt in the Start menu.
Run it as an administrator.
Type in the below command and press Enter:sfc/scannow

You can use a trusted third-party repair software that will help resolve the issues caused by corrupt system files.

How do I fix Halo Infinite crash mid-game?

1. Restart your PC

Open the Start menu.
Click on the Power button.
Select Restart.

When you reboot your PC, it loads all the system files right from scratch. There are chances that some of the important system files, including game files, did not load during the previous session.

2. Close unwanted background apps

Press Ctrl + Alt + Del to open Task Manager.
Under the Processes tab, select the apps one by one and hit the End task button to stop the process to run in the background.

Playing any game, including Halo Infinite, requires you to provide the required resources to it to get an optimal gaming experience.

There might be some apps that are eating up unnecessary resources while running in the background.

Using the Task Manager, you can close all the unwanted tasks and see if this fixes the Halo Infinite crashing on PC issue.

3. Update drivers

Open the Start menu.
Search Device Manager.
Expand the Display adapters section.
Right-click on your GPU and select Update driver.
Select Search automatically for drivers.
Your system will look for new updates for GPU drivers and will prompt you to install if a new one is available.
Repeat the same steps for audio, DirectX, and other drivers.

You should keep the drivers for GPU, audio, etc. up to date on your PC to enjoy all the latest features as well as the optimal performance of supported apps. Moreover, it also resolves other issues, reduces the chances of other errors with games, and improves overall system performance.

Using the steps mentioned above, you can manually update the drivers one by one. But there is a much quicker way to do it.

We would suggest you use a reliable driver updating tool known as Fortect Driver Updater. It lets you perform a full system scan automatically on startup, locate any outdated, damaged, or missing drivers, and update them with a simple click.

Simply select the drivers you’re interested in updating, and Fortect Driver Updater will automatically take care of the rest.

⇒ Get Fortect Driver Updater

4. Update the game through the PC Xbox app

Click the Start button, type xbox, and click on the app from the results.
Select My Library from the left pane, then go to MANAGE INSTALLS from the right.
Now, make sure that the Automatic Updates are set to on, then click the UPDATE ALL button.

If Halo Infinite is crashing on the PC Xbox app, it’s a great chance that probably your game is not updated because somehow you disabled the automatic updates.

This solution helps you to turn them back on and update your game. Another solution would be to uninstall and reinstall the PC Xbox app.

5. Turn off fullscreen optimization

Open the Steam client.
Go to the LIBRARY.
Right-click on Halo Infinite and select Properties.
Click on LOCAL FILES.
Click on Browse.
Right-click on the Halo Infinite EXE file and select Properties.
Under the Compatibility tab check the box next to Disable fullscreen optimizations.
Click on Change high DPI settings.
Under the High DPI scaling override section, check the box next to Override high DPI scaling behavior.
Hit OK to save the changes.

Windows 11 or Windows 10 come with a built-in full-screen optimization setting. This enables you to get optimal performance on supported full-screen apps.

However, this feature can sometimes cause compatibility issues with the app and ultimately cause it to crash either during startup or during mid-game.

Several users have reported that disabling the fullscreen optimization feature on their Windows PC has helped them fix the Halo Infinite crashing on PC issue.

6. Verify the integrity of the game files

Open the Steam client.
From the main menu, click on the LIBRARY section.
Right-click on the faulty game and select Properties.
Select LOCAL FILES.
Click on Verify the integrity of game files.
The process will begin.
Once the process completes, try relaunching the game and see if this fixes the issue or not.

One of the most important reasons for different errors within the game is missing game files, one of which is the Halo Infinite crashing on PC problem.

In such a case, we would advise you to follow the above steps and verify the integrity of the game files. This will check for any missing or corrupted game files and fix them.

7. Update DirectX

Press the Win + R keys to open the Run dialog.
Type the below command and press Enter. dxdiag
Under the System tab, check the version of the DirectX.
If it is not the latest version of DirectX, then press Win + I to open Windows Settings.
From the right pane, select Windows Update.
Hit the Check for updates button and Windows will automatically update DirectX if a new update is available.

Using the above steps, you can also keep an eye out for a new Windows update. A new update not only brings some new features but also includes bug fixes, which might be the reason why you are experiencing the Halo Infinite crashing on PC issue.

Update DirectX and then update your Windows PC as well and check if this fixes the problem at hand or not.

8. Reinstall Visual C++ Runtime

Press the Win + I buttons to open Settings.
From the left pane, select Apps.
Select Apps & features.
Find Microsoft Visual C++ programs, and uninstall them one by one.
After uninstalling, head to the official Microsoft website.
Download the latest Microsoft Visual C++ Runtime, and install it on your PC.
Restart your PC and check if this fixes the Halo Infinite crashing on PC issue.

Many products require the Microsoft Visual C++ Runtime to run properly. There could be a chance that Halo Infinite isn’t working properly because of incompatible Visual C++ Runtime.

Following the above steps, you can remove all the unwanted ones and install the latest one, possibly fixing the issue.

9. Change the priority of the Halo Infinite

Launch the Halo Infinite game.
While the game is running, press the Win + D buttons to head back to your desktop home screen.
Press Ctrl + Alt + Del buttons to open the Task Manager.
Switch to the Details tab.
Locate Halo Infinite.
Right-click on it and select Set priority.
Choose the Above normal or High option.

Except for system processes, all other programs running on your PC have the priority setting set to normal. There are chances that the game isn’t getting access to optimal resources, which could cause crashing on your PC.

You must set a high priority for applications such as games or editing software. You can follow the above steps and set a high priority for Halo Infinite and check if this fixes the issue or not.

10. Disable CPU overclocking

Open the CPU overclocking software.
Under the Overclocking section, select Normal.
Close the tool and check if this fixes the issue or not.

Several players use the CPU overclocking feature to get the best gaming experience. However, multiple reports confirm that overclocking does not always help, and often causes game crashes. So, disable overclocking and check if this fixes the issue or not.

11. Disable a specific DLC

Open the Steam client.
Head to LIBRARY.
Right-click on Halo Infinite and select Properties.
From the left pane select DLC.
Uncheck the box next to Multiplayer High-Res Textures.
Restart the game and check if this fixes the issue or not.

Why does Halo Infinite keep crashing?

Several reasons could trigger Halo Infinite’s campaign crashing on PC problem. Although the game has been built to properly use the PC resources and provide an optimal gameplay experience, there are a few hiccups down the road including this game crashing issue.

After careful research, we have found the below-listed reasons to be the cause of Halo Infinite crashing on PC:

A third-party app is conflicting with the game.
Overclocking your graphics card could cause the game to cause issues.
Your PC does not meet the minimum requirements.
The drivers aren’t updated.
The game files are corrupt.
Your Windows PC isn’t up to date.
Windows system files are corrupt.
DLC is conflicting with the game.

Summary

Halo Infinite has received multiple DLCs since its release. But there are often some DLCs that don’t run properly with the game and often crash the game.

To fix the Halo Infinite freezing on PC issue, we would advise you to follow the steps above and disable the specific DLC.

For more potential solutions, check out what to do if Steam games keep crashing after launch.

Let us know in the comments section below which one of the above solutions helped you fix the problem of Halo Infinite crashing on your PC. The solutions outlined above can also help fix packet loss and high CPU usage in Halo Infinite.

Windows Defender Exclusions Not Working: 5 Ways to Fix It

Posted on November 13, 2022October 4, 2023 by Henderson Jayden Harper

Windows Defender is a built-in anti-malware security system of Microsoft Windows. One of its core features is that users can select apps or files to exclude from its process. However, users complain about Windows Defender exclusions not working. Also, some reports about Windows Defender not working on Windows 11.

Why is the Windows Defender exclusion not working?

Many factors can cause the Windows Defender exclusions not to work on your PC. These factors impede the exclusion placed on the item, causing it to follow Windows Defender’s processing.

However, installing third-party antivirus software on your computer is one of the causes of the problem. Other factors are:

Outdated Windows OS – When the Windows operating system running on your PC is not up-to-date, it can affect several programs. Also, if your Windows update stops working, it can cause bugs. So, the Windows Defender exclusions can be affected by this.
Infected program or file – Windows Defender exclusions not working for some programs or items may be because they are infected or corrupt. Corrupt system files can affect how Windows Defender interacts with the file.
The excluded item not intact – When the file or folder you exclude from Windows Defender is moved to another location, it can compromise the exclusion placed on it. Also, it results in Windows Defender is unable to locate the path.

The causes for the issue may vary on different Windows computers, depending on the instance. However, trying some general fixes can solve the problem.

What can I do if Windows Defender exclusion is not working?

Before trying any troubleshooting steps, go through the following preliminary checks:

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

If you’re unable to fix the Windows Defender exclusion not working, proceed with the solutions below:

1. Check Registry values

Press Windows + R key to open the Run dialog box, type Regedit and click the OK button.
Navigate to the following path: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows Defender\Exclusions
Find any REG_DWORD value with Value data 1, double-click on it, and change the Value data to 0.
Click the OK button and close the Windows Registry.
Restart your PC.

Checking the Registry values for Windows Defender will help correct any wrong settings or values assigned to its functions and can fix the issue.

Although very rare, Regedit can stop saving changes, and it will render this fix ineffective. So, check our guide to fix it.

2. Verify Group Policy setting

Press Windows + R key to open the Run dialog box, type gpedit.msc, and click the OK button.
Navigate to the following path: Computer Configuration\Administrative Templates\Windows Components\Microsoft Defender Antivirus\Exclusions
Double-click on any item that is enabled under Settings, double-click on it.
Select the Not Configured option and click the OK button.

Changing the Group Policy settings for Windows Defender exclusion to Not configured will render them obsolete. However, it can fix Windows Defender if Group Policy deactivates it.

3. Restart Microsoft Defender Antivirus Service

Press the Win + R key to prompt the Run dialog box, type services.msc in the text box, and click OK to open the Services management console.
Locate the following items:
- Windows Defender Advanced Threat Protection Service – Manual
- Network Inspection Service – Manual
- Windows Defender Antivirus Service – Manual
- Windows Defender Firewall Service – Automatic
Double-click on each of the items and click Start. Also, ensure the Startup type matches the specified in the item list above.

These steps will enable the related services to help Windows Defender function at its full potential.

If you have issues starting the service, check our guide to fixing the Windows Defender service not starting on Windows 10/11.

4. Make sure the item is intact

To fix Windows Defender exclusion not working for an item, you need to ensure the item is in the exact path Windows Defender excluded it.

It’ll make it visible to the exclusion. But instead, you can reset the exclusion option for the item.

5. Update Windows OS

Right-click the Start button on your taskbar and select the Windows Settings app.
Click on Windows update and choose the Check for updates option. (If there are any updates available, Windows will search for and install them)

Windows updates will resolve bugs plaguing your PC, which can prevent Windows Defender exclusion from working as it should.

Sometimes, Windows may not connect to update services. If you encounter this, quickly hop on our guide to troubleshoot it.

Nevertheless, you can check what to do if the Windows Defender is not turning on. Also, read what to do if Windows Defender is missing on Windows 11.

Leave further questions and suggestions in the comments section. We want feedback from you.

Blue Yeti: Is it A Better Mic? Here are the Pros and Cons

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

There are a lot of great microphones out there for gaming and audio recording for everyday use. Some cost much more than others, yet all offer the same performance. Blue Yeti is one of those products that has a huge fan base and following.

It’s the type of microphone that everyone raves about because of its great features. But some people have doubts about this particular microphone. So today, we will go over the pros and cons of Blue Yeti, so you can decide if it’s right for you.

Is the Blue Yeti worth it?

If you’re looking for a high-quality microphone or your built-in Windows microphone is not working, the Blue Yeti is one of the best you can buy. It has a powerful sound and offers excellent features at a reasonable price.

Some of its notable features include:

Multiple pattern selection – The Yeti has been designed with many different uses in mind and can be used for anything from gaming to podcasting and everything in between. It comes with four different modes: stereo, cardioid, bidirectional and omnidirectional — allowing you to choose how you want your sound to come through when recording or streaming.
USB connectivity – All you need is to plug it into your computer’s USB port and you’re ready to record. This makes it more convenient than traditional dynamic microphones that require separate power sources and cables. If for some reason your Blue Yeti is not recognized, it could be due to outdated drivers.
Unique design – The Blue Yeti is designed for portability, with a compact design that makes it easy to carry around or travel with.
Advanced vocal effects – This includes noise cancellation features so your voice comes out clear even if there’s background noise in your room.
Automatic gain control – This feature automatically adjusts volume levels so that loud sounds aren’t too loud or soft sounds aren’t too soothing when they’re recorded by your computer.

What is Blue Yeti best for?

Blue Yeti is one of those no-fuss, easy-to-use microphones that deliver the performance you need without breaking the bank. It has a sleek design and offers quality recordings for podcasting, voiceovers, and even music recording.

The Blue Yeti microphone may be among the more affordable ones, but its capability for great sound recording is arguably one of the best in the industry. It’s also compatible with Mac and Windows computers.

What are some of the pros and cons of Blue Yeti?

Blue Yeti is a USB microphone that offers many advantages over other microphones on the market. Here are some pros:

Pros

Versatility – The Blue Yeti isn’t just for musicians; it can be used by anyone who wants to record their voice or other sounds. Because it has multiple input options, you can use it for podcasts, interviews, voiceovers, or even Skype calls, if necessary, without any audio enhancers. This makes it very versatile and useful in many situations.
Quality sound – It has a quality sound response rate of 20HZ to 20kHZ, which means it can pick up the lowest bass notes and the highest treble notes without needing bass booster tools. The sound quality is crystal clear and it has a built-in headphone jack so you can hear what you’re recording.
Compatibility – The Blue Yeti microphone is compatible with both Windows and Mac devices. You don’t need any special software or drivers; just plug it in and start recording.
Headphone jack – The Blue Yeti also comes with a built-in headphone jack so that you can monitor what you are recording as you go along without having to use separate headphones or speakers.

Cons

Blue Yeti is not perfect and has some negative aspects to it as well, which you should know before buying one. Here are some of the cons of Blue Yeti:

It’s heavy – The device weighs around 3.4 lbs. This could make it inconvenient to carry around while traveling or doing field recordings.
No accessories – The Blue Yeti doesn’t come with any accessories. Unfortunately, you have to buy them separately if you want to use your USB microphone in any way other than recording directly into your computer or laptop.
It’s expensive – The Blue Yeti is one of the most expensive USB microphones. The price goes even higher for the Blue Yeti Nano or Blue Yeti X. You can easily find alternatives with similar features and performance to this model at a much lower price tag.

Is there a better mic than Blue Yeti?

There are a lot of choices when it comes to microphones. There are condenser mics, dynamic, ribbon, and even noise-canceling mics that can record high-quality audio.

While the Blue Yeti does provide a lot of value for its price, it may not be for everyone. Some could argue that the sound quality is lesser than other microphones in a similar price range.

The overall consensus from most Blue Yeti owners is that the sound quality is quite excellent, while others claim that it could be better, considering it costs over a hundred dollars. The main issue for the nay-sayers is that it’s a jack-of-all-trades mic but a master of none.

Nevertheless, despite its pros and cons, Blue Yeti is a solid mic that, for the most part, it delivers on Blue’s promise to provide studio-quality recording at home.

If you decide to go for it, we have accompanying software to use with Blue Yeti to produce even more excellent content.

Let us know what Blue Yeti mic you are using and your review of its performance in the comment section below.

Windows 7 Computer is Stuck Restarting: 5 Ways to Fix It

Posted on November 13, 2022October 3, 2025 by Henderson Jayden Harper

Many things can happen when restarting your computer, resulting in numerous issues. For instance, users can experience the computer getting stuck when restarting on Windows 7 or frequently restarting when not asked. However, these issues can make your system unusable, so fixing them is crucial.

Why is my computer stuck on restart?

Corrupt system files on your computer are common causes of Windows 7 getting stuck on the Windows logo. Other factors that can cause the Windows 7 computer to be stuck while restarting are:

Issues with Windows update services – The Windows 7 startup process may be interrupted due to problems with the Windows Update services in the computer. If there’s an update interrupted or abruptly canceled before restarting the computer, it’ll affect your computer’s performance.
Malfunctioning RAM or hardware – RAM is one of the essential components of the computer. Its processes can determine how the system functions. It is also often the reason you see, Your VAIO failed to start Windows.

The listed causes above are a few factors that may cause Windows 7 computers to be stuck when restarting. Nevertheless, we’ll discuss how you can generally fix the issue.

What can I do if my computer is stuck on restarting on Windows 7?

Fixing the computer stuck on restarting can be done by troubleshooting your PC. Thus, we recommend you observe the following preliminary check before proceeding:

Plug your Windows 7 computer into a stable power source.
Disconnect any external devices plugged into your computer.

If the computer is still stuck on restarting, try the solutions below:

1. Start Windows 7 in Safe Mode

Press the power button for about 10 seconds, then restart the PC.
Press the F8 key continuously until the Advanced Boot Options menu appears.
Use the direction keys to select the desired Safe Mode option, then press ENTER.

The Windows 7 computer will reboot into Safe Mode. Restarting Windows in Safe Mode will fix system activities, stopping it from restarting.

Readers can check other ways to restart Windows in Safe Mode if they can’t get around the steps above.

2. Perform Startup Repair

Press the power button and tap the F8 key repeatedly until you see the Advanced Boot Options page.
Select the Repair Your Computer option and press ENTER.
Choose a language and click the Next button.
Select Startup Repair under Choose a recovery tool menu.
Click the Finish button.

After the startup repair process is complete, restart the computer. Running the Startup Repair tool will scan Windows for errors impeding its startup and fix them automatically.

3. Perform a System Restore

Press the power button to power the computer, and tap the F8 key continuously as the system powers up.
Select the Repair Your Computer option and press ENTER, then wait for the System Recovery Options page to appear.
Choose a language and click the Next button.
Select System Restore under the choose a recovery tool menu.
Select a restore point, click on Next, and click the Finish button.

Your PC will restart and backdate to the selected restore point. The restore will backdate your system, removing any issues that might have accumulated on your computer since then.

If you have issues with the restore point not responding, read how to fix Restore Point if it’s not working on your PC.

4. Check & fix Hard drive errors

Repeat steps 1-3 in the solution above.
Select the Repair Your Computer option and press ENTER.
Choose a language and click the Next button.
Select Command Prompt.
Type the following command and press ENTER to scan your hard drive for errors: chkdsk /f
Type the following and press Enter to scan and try to repair bad sectors: chkdsk /r
Restart your computer.

The following commands will scan and fix any errors with your hard drive.

5. Replace the Hard Drive

If the previously mentioned solutions don’t work, the last solution we recommend is replacing the internal hard drive.

Replacing the internal hard drive will remove corrupt files deep-rooted in your computer. For additional steps to restore your PC to its default state, see this detailed guide on how to factory reset Windows 7.

Readers can check our article about computers stuck on restarting to know more about the varieties of the issue. Also, you can read about fixing Windows 11 reboot loop issues.

If you have further questions and suggestions, kindly drop them in the comments below.

Exe/bad Challenge Error in Modern Warfare 2 [Fix]

Posted on November 13, 2022October 4, 2023 by Henderson Jayden Harper

Many players have reported the exe/bad_challenge error when playing MW2 (Call Of Duty: Modern Warfare 2). The error makes the game unplayable and stops players from getting a good gaming experience.

However, players also complain about other issues like Call Of Duty: Modern Warfare not saving settings after tweaking it.

What causes the exe/bad_challenge error in Modern Warfare 2?

The exe/bad_challenge error in Call Of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 can occur for many reasons. It is a recurrent error for many players who play on consoles like PS4, PS5, & Xbox. The error sends players back to the menu and prevents them from playing multiplayer.

There are no clear causes of the exe/bad_challenge error in Call Of Duty: Modern Warfare 2. However, some potential factors that may add to the chances of you getting the error are:

Waiting in the Lobby after entering matchmaking – Many players report that they got the error and got sent back to the starting screen of the game whenever they are in the lobby after matchmaking. The bug will be prompted if you don’t engage in something else or move elsewhere.
Outdated game version – Playing an obsolete game version on your console can result in serious PlayStation 4 errors and leave your game vulnerable to bugs attack. It may cause the exe/bad_challenge error.
The cross-play option is enabled – Players may encounter the exe/bad_challenge error in Modern Warfare due to the Crossplay feature. However, it’s at a disadvantage as it’ll affect your chance of playing with players from other platforms.

Nevertheless, various players may encounter the exe/bad_challenge error in Modern Warfare 2 for different reasons. Hence, we’ll take you through some general fixes for the error.

How do I fix the exe/bad_challenge error in Modern Warfare 2?

There are a few solutions for the exe/bad _challenge error in Modern Warfare that you can try. However, we recommend you observe these preliminary checks before proceeding:

First, restart your console to refresh its process.
Connect to a stable and fast network connection.

If the error persists, try the following steps:

1. Don’t wait in the lobby

Players should leave the lobby after joining the game and go to the weapons section. It’ll give the bug no chance of disrupting your game or sending you back to the start.

Also, you don’t have to do anything wherever you go; wait until your game is ready.

2. Update the game to its latest version

2.1 Update Modern Warfare 2 on PlayStation 4 & 5

On the PlayStation homepage, select Modern Warfare 2.
Press the Start button(Options) on your PS4 controller.
Select the Check for Update option from the drop-down menu and wait for the update search.

On the next page, you will either find an available update to install on your console or receive a message saying you have the latest version.

2.2 Update Modern Warfare 2 on Xbox One & Xbox Series X/S

Find Modern Warfare 2 on your Xbox Home Screen, or click on My Games & Apps.
Press the Start button on your controller.
Select Manage Game and Add-ons from the drop-down menu.
Go to Updates and check if there are any updates available to install. Then, download and install updates available for you.

Updating your game can fix bugs and security issues, causing it to run into exe/bad_challenge errors in MW2.

Read how to fix Xbox One games and apps not working if you can’t access Modern Warfare 2 on your console.

3. Turn off Crossplay

3.1 Turn off Crossplay on Modern Warfare 2 on PS4 & PS5

Launch Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 on your console.
Go to Settings and select Account & Network.
Toggle off the switch for the Crossplay option.
Restart your console.

3.2 Turn off Crossplay on Modern Warfare 2 on Xbox

Start your Xbox, press the Xbox button on your controller, and go to console Settings.
On the Account, privacy & online safety tab, select Xbox privacy.
Click View details & customize, then select the Communication & multiplayer option.
Toggle You can join the cross-network play option to Block.
Restart your Xbox

Many players have confirmed that turning off the Crossplay option fixed the exe/bad_challenge error in MW2, so we recommend you try it.

For readers having trouble starting their console, check how to fix Xbox taking too long to start and get it working.

In conclusion, readers can check our article on how to fix Call Of Duty: Modern Warfare not saving settings on their devices. Also, we have a detailed guide you can use to fix Modern Warfare packet loss on your device.

If you have further questions or suggestions, kindly leave them in the comments below.

Virtualization Support is Disabled in the Firmware [Fix]

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

Hyper-V is a feature of Windows that allows you to create virtual machines on your computer. However, you may find that Hyper-V cannot be installed because virtualization support is disabled in the firmware.

When installing Hyper-V, it will automatically detect whether your system has the required hardware and software prerequisites. If your device doesn’t meet the said requirements, you will be prompted to install them before continuing with the installation process.

Why is virtualization support disabled in the firmware?

If you are wondering why you’re getting the hyper-v cannot be installed virtualization support is disabled in the firmware error, it could be due to one of the following reasons:

Outdated OS – You probably use an old version of Windows with Hyper-V disabled. You’ll have to upgrade to Windows 11 or an OS that supports the feature.
Hardware conflict – Hyper-V uses hardware-assisted virtualization. Therefore, if you try to install Hyper-V on a computer that might cause incompatibility issues with the software and hardware, you may get such an error message.
Disabled in BIOS – Hyper-V Virtualization Support may be disabled because of an issue with the computer’s BIOS.

What can I do if Hyper-V cannot be installed and virtualization support is disabled?

It’s always essential to perform basic checks before any advanced troubleshooting, such as:

Check that your system meets the Hyper-V minimum requirements.
Ensure you have enabled the Hyper-V feature.

1. Turn on Hardware Virtualization in BIOS

Turn on your PC and hold down the F10 key to boot into BIOS (The specific key will depend on your device’s manufacturer, which is HP).
Use the arrow keys, navigate to the Security tab, select System Security, and press Enter.
Select Virtualization Technology (VTx/VTd), then Enable it.
Press F10 to save your changes and exit the BIOS.

The steps above are specific to HP devices. You may find that Virtualization support is disabled in the firmware for Asus or Lenovo. The steps may differ a bit, but you can also borrow some similarities from this step.

2. Update your BIOS

Hit the Windows + R keys to open the Run command.
Type msinfo32 and hit Enter.
Locate the entry marked BIOS version/date and note it down.
Hit the Windows key, type cmd, and select Run as administrator.
Type wmic baseboard, get product, manufacturer, version, and serial number, and press Enter on the keyboard.
Note this information too.
Now, navigate to the download website (In this case, HP).
Choose a laptop or desktop, depending on the type of computer you’re using.
Enter your exact serial number or your exact computer model.
Select your OS and OS version, then click Submit.
Click on All drivers and then expand BIOS to see available updates.
Hit the Download icon.
Install the .exe file and follow the on-screen instructions.
Restart your PC.
During the startup, you can select Apply Update Now.

The BIOS (Basic Input/Output System) is a chip on your computer that loads when it boots up. It controls the booting process and is responsible for making sure all the hardware works together correctly.

Whereas many users reported that updating their BIOS fixed the hyper-v cannot be installed virtualization support is disabled in the firmware error, you need to exercise extra caution.

Don’t update if you’re not sure what you’re doing. BIOS updates can cause permanent damage to your computer if done incorrectly. Always read instructions carefully before updating your BIOS or asking for technical support.

How do I enable Hyper-V virtualization in Windows 10?

To enable Hyper-V virtualization in Windows 10, follow the steps below:

Hit the Windows key, type Control Panel and click Open.
Click on Programs.
Select Turn Windows features on or off.
Expand the Hyper-V Platform, then make sure both options are checkmarked and click OK. (If the second one is greyed-out, you’ll need to enable hardware virtualization in your BIOS).
Next, you’ll have to reboot your PC, so click on the Restart button.

If you have problems installing Hyper-V , we have an expert guide to help bypass this issue. Some users have also complained that they ran into an error where the Hyper-V is not compatible with VMware, be sure to also check out our comprehensive guide on the same.

We love your feedback, so continue the conversation in the comment below.

How to Fix DNS Client Event 1014 & What Does it Mean

Posted on November 13, 2022October 14, 2024 by Cesar Cadenas

The DNS Client event 1014 is an error message that appears when a configured DNS server (Domain Name System) fails to respond to your Windows computer. More specifically, the network connection timed out. When this occurs, the computer creates an event log detailing everything, but you’ll need a log viewer to read it.

Before going into the more complex solutions, try changing the power plan to a performance one, and perform a clean boot. Of course, also check your router and cables for any issues.

How do I fix the 1014 error on my Windows computer?

1. Disable TCP Offload

On your Windows computer, search for the Command Prompt and select Run as administrator.
In the window that appears, select Yes.
Type the following command: netsh int ip set global taskoffload=disabled. And hit the Enter key when you’re finished.
Command Prompt will simply say Ok to indicate Offload has been disabled.

2. Reset the Hosts file to default

On your Windows computer, open Notepad and enter the text you see in the image into the app.
Select File, then Save As.
Go to Desktop, name the file as “hosts” (make sure the quotes are included) and click Save.
Close Notepad and open File Explorer.
Go to C:\Windows\System32\drivers\etc.
Right-click the hosts file and rename it as hosts.old. The User Account Control may appear asking if you want to make changes. Click Yes.
Drag and drop the new hosts file from the desktop to the folder. Click Continue if you need to provide administrator permission.
Close File Explorer and you’re done.

3. Disable Cortana and Search

In the Search bar, bring up Windows Administrative Tools. Select the entry that appears.
Open the Registry Editor in the Administrative Tools folder.
In the top bar, type in HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\Windows Search.
Right-click AllowCortana and select Modify. Set the value data to 0 and click OK.
Do the same thing to DisableWebSearch.

If you get a log viewer and read a 1014 log, you may see “t-ring-fallback.msedge.net”. It looks like this relates to Microsoft Edge, but it doesn’t. It more closely relates to Search and Cortana.

After disabling those two, check if the 1014 error is gone.

4. Fix Wi-Fi connection issues

On Windows 10, open the Settings app, click Network & Internet, then Status on the left-hand side.
Select Network troubleshooter.
Select which network adapter you want to diagnose. Click Next.
Follow the on-screen instructions to solve the problem.
On Windows 11, open the Settings app, select System on the left-hand side, and click Troubleshoot.
Select Other troubleshooters. Click Run next to Internet Connections as well as any other problematic areas. Follow the direction on the screen to fix the 1014 problem.

What causes Event ID 1014 to appear on my Windows computer?

According to an old Microsoft TechNet post from 2011, there are four main reasons why this error appears. From those four, we’ll point out the more likely culprits and add some of our own.

The TCP/IP Offload has been enabled on a network adapter. This is a technology that offsets CPU processing to the adapter and frees up the CPU so it can do another task, but can cause problems.
Your router and PC are on different Wi-Fi channels. Admittedly, this problem is pretty rare since modern routers will change automatically but older models might not.
Your computer’s drivers are out of date and it’s important that you update them as soon as possible.
There’s some kind of problem with your router and we recommend performing a power cycle. We have a guide on a similar 1014 error with instructions on how to safely power cycle.
Your internet service provider (ISP) is dealing with an outage. If this is the case, there’s nothing you can do but wait until your ISP fixes the problem.

Are there other Event ID errors that I should know about?

There are two particular Event ID errors that are particularly notorious. The first is Event ID 7000 which occurs a service on your computer doesn’t have the right credentials to run.

This is the result of an error with the Service Control Manager and has different variations of it like 7023. Solutions include restarting the offending service and using the Group Policy Editor to make adjustments.

The other error is Event ID 1000 which causes software to suddenly close. Culprits for this error involve malware and old versions of Windows OS.

To fix Error 1000, we recommend updating your drivers, reinstalling the problematic app, or performing a clean boot.

Feel free to comment below if you have any questions about all of these Event ID errors. Also, leave comments about what reviews you’d like to see or information on other Windows software.

Windows 11 Face Recognition Not Working: How to Fix It

Posted on November 12, 2022September 17, 2025 by Alexandru Poloboc

Windows 11 face recognition not working can leave you unable to access your PC if you don’t have another sign-in method like fingerprints or passwords.

In most cases, it’s a bad driver that is causing it, so you might need to update or reinstall it. Policy settings can also causing, so adjustment might be necessary.

Here’s how you can fix this Windows 11 security feature:

How do I fix Windows Hello face recognition in Windows 11?

1. Reinstall the biometric driver

You can most probably run into face recognition issues on Windows 11 due to driver incompatibility. Hence, apply the following steps to resolve it quickly on your PC.

1. To fix the Windows 11 Hello Face not working issue, press the Windows key + X and select Device Manager.
2. Expand the Biometric devices section.
3. Right-click the device driver and choose Uninstall device.
4. Click on Uninstall to confirm.
5. Once the driver is removed, restart your PC to install it again.

It’s also advised to update all your drivers if you want to avoid problems such as this one. There are multiple methods that you can use, but for the best results, it’s advised to use specialized driver updater software.

2. Edit the Group Policy

Press Windows key + R and enter gpedit.msc. Press Enter.
Expand Computer Configuration and go to Administrative Templates.
Go to Windows Components and select Biometrics. Now double-click on Allow the use of biometrics.
Select Enabled and save changes.
Restart your PC and check if the Windows 11 Hello Face not working issue is gone.

3. Reset facial recognition settings

Press Windows key + I to open the Settings app.
Now go to Accounts and select Sign-in options.
Select Facial recognition and click on Remove.
Now click on Get Started to set it up again.

4. Rollback the camera driver

Press Windows key + X and select Device Manager.
Locate your camera on the list and double-click it.
Now go to Driver tab and click on Roll Back Driver.
Follow the instructions on the screen to complete the process and fix Windows 11 Hello Face not working.

5. Uninstall recent updates

Open the Settings app by pressing Windows key + I.
Go to Windows Update and select Update history.
Select Uninstall updates.
Now locate the latest update and click on Uninstall.
Follow the instructions on the screen to complete the process.

How do I activate the facial recognition feature on Windows 11

Press Windows key + I to open the Settings menu.
Select the Accounts tab.
Click on Sign-in options.
Select Facial recognition (Windows Hello).
Click the Set up button.

However, if your device is incompatible with this technology, the button will be grey and a message will be displayed just above it.

This is pretty much all you need to know about setting up the facial recognition feature on your Windows 11 device, and why it wouldn’t work.

In case you have additional problems, you might want to check our how to install Hello face driver guide for more information.

Was this article helpful to you? Let us know in the comments section below.

Fix DXGI Error Device Hung in Apex Legends [7 Expert Tips]

Posted on November 12, 2022September 11, 2025 by Priya Ahluwalia

Apex Legends have been hit by a mysterious bug and many gamers are complaining that Apex Legends crashes out at the logo screen.

If you’re having issues with the game and getting a 0x887a0006 DXGI error device hung Apex Legends error code, this guide should be helpful.

Game crashes are the most annoying thing that can happen to you, especially when you’re trying to reach a new level or constantly investing in new characters.

What does DXGI_ERROR_DEVICE_HUNG mean?

According to Microsoft, the DXGI ERROR DEVICE HUNG error is a problem with command transmission between the system hardware and games.

When it happens repeatedly, this error might be very problematic for certain Windows games. However, with the right solutions, you can get rid of it.

What causes DXGI hung?

Apex Legends error message 0x887a0006 could be caused by several different factors, some of which are listed below:

Admin Privileges: Administrative privileges are required to keep the game running smoothly. The game might crash or trigger errors if it does not have the required permission.
Outdated Drivers: Some games are not compatible with older graphics cards, which can cause the game to crash. To fix this, you just need to update your Windows 11 drivers.
Missing Files: If any of the game’s files are missing or corrupted, the game will not load correctly.
Registry missing key: Some users have reported this error because of a missing key in the Windows Registry that helps to load the game’s graphics. If the key is missing, the game may not load and can result in crashes.
GPU overclocking: Several people pointed out that this might have been due to GPU overclocking.

How do I fix the Apex error 0x887a0006?

1. Run Apex Legends with Administrative privileges

The game needs administrative privileges to function properly. If these permissions are not granted, you can perform it manually as in the example below.

1. Press the Windows key and type Apex Legends into the Search bar.
2. In the right pane, right-click the Apex Legends icon and choose Open file location.
3. Find the Origins.exe file in your game’s folder and right-click on it.
4. Select Properties to switch over to the Compatibility tab.
5. In the compatibility tab, check the Run this program as an Administrator option, then click Apply.

2. Revert to the stock frequency

If you overclock the graphics card by increasing its frequency to a number higher than it was set at by the manufacturer, several issues might arise.

The developers of the game may be limiting the card’s frequency because they know this can increase the card’s temperature and even result in instability.

Thus, it is recommended to avoid overclocking the graphics card and revert to factory settings with the help of the best overclocking software for Intel and AMD CPUs.

Applying these changes can help you get rid of the issue.

3. Run Windows Update Troubleshooter

Go to the Windows Search bar and type Troubleshoot Settings. Once done, hit Enter.
In the right pane, select the option, Other troubleshooters.
Navigate to Windows update and click on Run.

Updating your Windows can help fix multiples issue including the 0x887a0006 dxgi_error_device_hung Apex Legends error. In case the issue persists, move on to the next method.

4. Repair missing or corrupted files

To identify the problem with the game, open the Origin client, sign in to your account, and go to Game Library.
Once there, right-click on Apex Legends.
Next, click the Settings icon and select Repair Game.
Now, the client will begin verifying the game files. Once the verification process is complete, it will automatically repair any missing or corrupted files.
Go back to the Home screen and try running Apex Legends again.

Game files can sometimes go missing or become corrupted over time. When this happens, the game might crash. Therefore, applying this method might help in fixing the issue.

5. Update the Graphics card drivers

Press the Windows key on your keyboard and type Device Manager into the Search bar.
In the right pane, click on Open application.
Once in the Device Manager window, scroll down and expand Display Adapters from the menu.
From the pop-up that appears, select Update driver.
Next, choose the option Search automatically for drivers.
Windows will now scan your system for outdated drivers and, if found, it will automatically update them and ask you to restart your PC.

The game isn’t optimally designed to run effortlessly on old Graphics cards and this leads to random crashes. Therefore, updating the Graphics driver may help resolve the issue.

If you want to update and install your graphics card drivers more easily and fully automated, you have specialized software created for this task.

Using Outbyte Driver Updater, you will start by scanning the entire system and detecting outdated or missing drivers. Then, just select the device driver you need to update or choose all the outdated drivers at once.

⇒ Get Outbyte Driver Updater

6. Add a new key in the Registry Editor

Click the Windows key on your keyboard and type Notepad. Hit Enter.
Now, copy and paste the following into the text window of your Notepad. [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\GraphicsDrivers] "TdrDelay"=hex(b):08,00,00,00,00,00,00,00
Next, go to Files tab and click on Save as.
In the next window, choose Desktop and hover over to Save as type.
Select All Files as the file format and name it FIX.REG.
Press Save and close your Notepad.
Right-click the file you have just created.
When prompted to ask whether you want to allow this app to make changes to your device, press Yes to confirm and then click OK.
Launch Apex Legends again and see if it works this time.

The error can also be caused due to missing registry key. Thus, adding a new key can help fix the problem.

7. Rollback the Graphics driver

Press Windows + R key simultaneously and type devmgmt.msc into the Run dialog window. Once done, click OK.
In the Device Manager window, scroll down and click on Display Adapter.
From the pop-up that appears, choose the option Properties.
Navigate to the Driver tab and scroll down to select the option Roll back driver.
Finally, click OK to save the changes.

Sometimes the current Graphics driver isn’t compatible with your device and this can result in issues like random crashes.

Therefore, you might be able to get rid of the annoying error by simply rolling back the driver.

Is Apex Legends free to play?

Many players want to know if Apex Legends is free to play. The game was released in early November 2020 and has attracted millions of players worldwide, making it one of the best PC games of all time.

However, while Apex Legends is free to download, some in-game purchases can add up quickly. Some users have also complained that Apex Legends won’t launch on their PC.

Don’t worry though, we have you covered on all these issues, and you can find them in our common Apex Legends bugs guide.

Furthermore, you may also want to check our guide on the best VPNs for Apex Legends to reduce pin and lag

We hope the methods above have helped you get rid of the error. If you have any questions, do let us know in the comments section below.

7 Ways to Fix Unexpected Store Exception BSoD in Windows 11

Posted on November 12, 2022April 4, 2025 by Kazim Ali Alvi

The Unexpected Store Exception BSOD indicates that you might have hardware problems, corrupt system files, outdated drivers, or interfering apps.

Of the four issues mentioned above, problems with the hard drive or graphics adapter and conflicting applications are more likely to cause a BSOD error like the attempted switch from dpc.

Regardless of the cause, here’s how to fix it:

How do I fix unexpected exception in Windows 11?

1. Check system components

As mentioned above, one of the prime reasons behind the unexpected store exception error in Windows 11 is hardware issues. So check if the hard drive is correctly connected to the system and if there are no loose connections.

Also, ensure that the graphics adapter is firmly placed. Loose connections are also known to cause the BSOD error. Apart from these two, ensure all the other components are firmly connected and optimally placed to eliminate the error.

2. Update drivers

A driver is a critical piece of software that relays commands between the OS and the device. Running an outdated version may cause issues with the device’s functioning, leading to the unexpected store exception error in Windows 11. Thus, see the guide below to update your drivers correctly.

1. 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.
2. Double-click on the Display adapters entry to view the devices under it.
3. Next, right-click on the graphics adapter and select Update driver from the context menu.
4. Select Search automatically for drivers from the options in the Update Drivers window.
5. Windows will now search for the best available driver on the system and install it.

3. Use a specialized tool

You can try one of the best BSoD fixers specializing in Windows repair to examine and diagnose your damaged PC before repairing it using technology that reverses the harm done with a comprehensive database of replacement files.

4. Uninstall conflicting applications

Press Windows + I to launch Settings, and select Apps from the tabs listed in the navigation pane on the left.
Now, click on Apps & features on the right.
Locate the conflicting (discussed later) app, click on the ellipsis next to it and select Uninstall from the menu.
Click on Uninstall in the confirmation prompt that appears.

While uninstalling an app is simple, identifying the conflicting ones to be removed is the trick. To do that, recollect when you first encountered the error and list apps installed around the same period.

5. Run the SFC and Check Disk scan

Press Windows + S to launch the Search menu. Enter Windows Terminal in the text field at the top, right-click on the relevant search result, and select Run as administrator from the context menu.
Click Yes on the UAC (User Account Control) prompt.
Now, click on the downward arrow at the top, and select Command Prompt from the options. Alternatively, you can press Ctrl + Shift + 2 to launch the Command Prompt tab in Windows Terminal.
Type/paste the following command and hit Enter to run the SFC scan.
sfc /scannow
Once the SFC scan is run, paste the following command and hit Enter to run the Check Disk utility.
chkdsk /r
Press Y and then hit Enter.
Now restart the computer for the Check Disk utility to run and fix problems with the system.

6. Update Windows 11

Press Windows + I to launch the Settings app, and select the Windows Update tab from the navigation pane on the left.
Next, click on Check for updates to scan for any available newer versions of the OS.
If any updates are available, download and install them.

Users have noticed that an update is particularly effective in Dell PCs’ unexpected store exception error, or if you regularly have this error stuck at 0.

7. Turn off Fast startup

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

The fast startup enables the PC to quickly boot when you turn it on by saving specific files during the last shut down. This way, when you turn on the computer, the number of files to be loaded is lesser, thus reducing the boot time.

But it’s also known to cause several problems; hence, you should disable fast startup if you encounter the unexpected store exception error in Windows 11 on startup.

What are BSOD errors, and which ones will I likely encounter in Windows 11?

The BSOD (Blue Screen of Death) errors occur due to the abrupt termination of one or more critical processes, causing the system to crash. If you encounter the error, the OS will be reloaded, and all unsaved data will be lost, making fixing them more critical.

Every BSOD error has a Stop Code or Check Value assigned to distinguish it from the others and help you identify the underlying issue.

Many users have reported encountering the Critical Process Died error, so learning to fix it once and for all is a handy piece of information.

In other cases, you could encounter the Clock Watchdog Timeout error, another very annoying error that can be fixed if the right path is followed.

That’s all there’s to this Windows crash or unexpected store exception error in Windows 11, along with its most effective fixes.

If you encountered it on the previous OS version, learn how to fix the Unexpected_store_exception error in Windows 10.

Please tell us which fix worked for you and the experience of Windows 11 thus far in the comments section below.

0x800f0988 Install Error in Windows Update: How to Fix it

Posted on November 12, 2022May 28, 2024 by Matthew Adams

You’re here to fix the widely spread Windows Update error that usually comes with the message Updates Failed. There were problems installing some updates, but we’ll try again later, followed by install error 0x800f0988. This issue is similar to the Windows 10 error 0x800f0900, if you might need to check it out.

How do I fix error 0x800f0988?

1. Clean up the WinSxS folder

Press the Windows key + S and type cmd in the search box.
Right-click on Command Prompt to select Run as administrator.
Now type the command below and press Enter: dism /online /cleanup-image /startcomponentcleanup
Restart your computer after the command has cleared the WinSxS folder. The install error – 0x800f0988 will be fixed.

In Windows 10, you have several ways to perform the cleanup of the WinSxS folder. We’ve selected the easiest one and described the procedure above, so don’t hesitate to apply the given steps.

2. Run the Windows Update Troubleshooter

Type troubleshoot in the Windows search box.
Click Troubleshoot settings to open the Windows troubleshooter.
Select the Additional troubleshooters option.
Click on Windows Update.
Finally, click the Run the troubleshooter button.

If you encounter the 0x800f0988 Windows update error, the dedicated troubleshooter might come in handy for fixing it. This is the official Microsoft tool to help Windows users in resolving all problems related to updates, so it will hopefully do the trick for you too.

If the troubleshooter stops before completing the process, fix it with the help of this complete guide.

3. Reset the Windows Update Components

Open the Command Prompt as an administrator.
Type the commands below and press Enter after each: net stop wuauserv net stop cryptSvc net stop bits net stop msiserver
Now, enter the commands below and press Enter after each: ren C:WindowsSoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.old ren C:WindowsSystem32catroot2 Catroot2.old
Finally, run the commands below to restart the services: net start wuauserv net start cryptSvc net start bits net start msiserver

Resetting update components can also fix cumulative update errors. Thus, don’t postpone applying the given steps to get rid of install error 0x800f0988.

4. Reset Windows 11

This procedure will take your PC back to a state similar to when you first turned it on, removing or keeping programs and personal files, depending on which option you choose. That should fix update error 0x800f0988 instantly.

1. Click the Windows button and open Settings.
2. Click on System, then select Recovery.
3. Here, click the Reset PC button then choose to keep your files and proceed with the resetting process. The Windows 11 update error 0x800f0988 will be fixed.

Since Windows will handle everything automatically, it does not require much effort. So, it’s a procedure worth trying. Plus, users have confirmed they’ve fixed error 0x800f0988 by resetting their computers.

Why does Windows 11 update get stuck with error 0x800f0988?

Many issues can appear when installing updates, and many reported 0x800f0831 update errors on Windows 11.

This usually happens if your update files are corrupted, so removing and recreating them might help. As for Update error 0x800f0986, this one can be fixed by running the built-in troubleshooter.

Many users reported there were some problems installing updates message on their PCs, and this issue can be fixed by following the steps from this guide.

If the Microsoft Windows Update tool is not working on your PC, you will likely miss out on essential updates frequently. Some causes of the Update error are network failure, hardware issues, and insufficient disk space.

You can fix the issue by running the Windows troubleshooter to find and fix the possible causes of the problem. For more detailed ways to overcome this issue, check our guide on fixing Windows Update error on Windows 11.

How do I force Windows to update?

There are several ways to force Windows to search and install updates. You can use the settings app, PowerShell, and other built-in tools.

However, the easiest way is to run the command below in Command Prompt: control update

This command starts the Windows Update feature, and it will search for possible updates to install.

These are a few resolutions that might fix error 0x800f0988. If they all fail, you may also manually install cumulative updates by downloading them from the Microsoft Update Catalog.

Still, on update errors, you can go through our guide for detailed fixes if you face the update error 0x8007042B on Windows 10/11 or 0X8007013 install error.

The update error 0x800f0988 on Windows 11 can be caused by broken or missing system files. In this case, you only need to run the DISM scan as admin in the Windows Terminal.

We also have guides on how to fix error 0x80070422 in Windows Update, as well as a guide on install error – 0x800705b9, so be sure to visit them.

Another known cause of the issue is corrupt update data. This can be fixed by clearing the Windows Update component. We have shown the steps for these solutions in this guide.

Are things any better now? Don’t hesitate to share your experience with us in the comments below.

Dsound.dll: What Is It & How to Download It if It’s Missing

Posted on November 12, 2022March 21, 2024 by Hasibul Kabir

Are you encountering errors because the dsound.dll file is missing or has some problems? This article will let you know all about this DLL file.

If you are a gamer or a graphics software user, you may encounter dsound.dll missing or any related problems on Windows. Unfortunately, there may be many ways a DLL file may go missing. But the only way to eliminate such issues is to download a fresh copy of this file.

What is a dsound.dll file?

The dsound.dll file is related to the DirectX technology on Windows operating system. Therefore, it is available on all modern Microsoft operating systems like Windows 11, 10, etc. Usually, you will find such files in the following directory:

C:\Windows\System32

This DLL file is also known as the DirectSound file. Many Windows-based games and graphics programs utilize DirectX.

dsound.dll file missing not found screenshot windows 11

So, users only may notice that the dsound.dll file is missing or there is an error when they try to launch or use specific software or games.

How to download the dsound.dll file?

The purpose of downloading this file is to replace the problematic one or place it where this DLL file is missing. So, we recommend the following things before that:

Update Windows to the latest version.
Update the graphics driver to the newest version.

After doing the above, follow these methods to download the dsound.dll file.

1. Use a DLL fixer tool

There are several DLL fixer tools available. If you need to download dsound.dll or any similar missing files, such tools can benefit you.

2. Download and install the latest DirectX

Go to this official DirectX download page.
Download it.
Install it on your PC.

You may encounter some problems during the installation process. In this case, go through the methods to solve can’t install DirectX.

If necessary, you also may learn the best ways to download DirectX 12 on Windows 11. Though there are some differences between DirectX 11 and 12, both should have the dsound.dll file.

3. Get from another PC

Go to the System32 folder on another PC.
Find the dsound.dll file.
Copy it to your problematic PC in any medium you prefer.

You can use Pendrive or Google Drive, OneDrive, etc., to place it on your problematic computer.

4. Re-install the app/game that requires dsound.dll

4.1 Uninstall

Press Win + I on the keyboard to open Windows Settings.
Go to Apps and click on Installed apps.
Click on the three horizontal dots next to the complex software or game and choose Uninstall.

We suggest you use a tool like Revo Uninstaller to uninstall any software. The built-in uninstaller of Windows always leaves some leftovers of any software. But, such third-party tools can remove everything altogether.

4.2 Install again

Download the latest installer for the game or software from the official source.
Install it on your PC again.

Some games and software installer has all the required DLL files. If you get a dsound.dll missing message for specific software or game, re-install them will help to get the missing DLL file and solve your problem.

This article has shown you all the possible methods to download the missing dsound.dll files on a Windows PC. If you have any suggestions, please write them down in the comment box.

Dell Laptop Is Stuck on Restarting: How to Fix It

Posted on November 12, 2022May 22, 2025 by Henderson Jayden Harper

Stuck on that endless Dell “restarting” screen? Annoying, right? Whether your laptop froze mid-reboot or keeps looping, this kind of thing happens more often than you’d think.

The good news? It’s usually not a hardware issue, and most of the time, you can fix it yourself.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you get your Dell laptop back to normal, starting with the simplest fixes and working up from there.

How do I fix a Dell laptop if it’s stuck on restarting?

Before proceeding with any advanced troubleshooting, go through the following preliminary checks:

Ensure your Dell laptop is connected to a stable power source.
Unplug any external devices connected to your PC.

If you’re unable to fix the problem afterward, proceed with the solutions below:

1. Force shutdown manually using the keyboard shortcut

Press the Windows + X keys simultaneously, then press the Power button continuously for some seconds until the system shuts down.
Release the keys and wait for the system to shut down.
Press the power button to start the system.

You should be able to get past the start screen. The remaining solutions in this article will prevent your Dell laptop from getting stuck during a restart.

2. Update Windows operating system on your Dell laptop

Left-click the Start button and select the Windows Settings app from the menu.
Click on Windows Update and click Check for updates. (If there are any updates available, Windows will search for and install them)

Windows updates will resolve bugs causing the Dell laptop to be stuck on restart.

Sometimes, Windows may not connect to update services on your Dell laptop, so the steps above will not work. So, check our guide for the best fixes to troubleshoot the problem.

3. Verify that Secure Boot is enabled on the Dell laptop

Press the Windows key, type msinfo32 in the search space, and press ENTER to open the System Information page.
Find the BIOS Mode on the right side of the window, and check if it is set to UEFI.
Find the Secure Boot State on the right side of the window, and check if it is On.

If the Secure Boot State is not On, check this guide to enable Secure Boot on Windows 11 while in User mode.

Enabling the Secure Boot feature will prevent the malware software from starting while the system boots up.

Peradventure the Secure Boot fails to work, we recommend you check how to fix it and get it to work on your laptop.

Why is my Dell laptop stuck on restart?

Many factors may be responsible for the Dell laptop being stuck on restart. However, the main culprit for this issue is the corrupt system files. When there are corrupt system files on your Dell laptop, it’ll affect its performance and disrupt the functionality of its system.

Furthermore, a few other factors can cause your Dell laptop to get stuck during a restart. Some are:

Outdated Windows Operating System – Your Dell laptop can get stuck on restart if the Windows OS is not up-to-date. Also, your Windows update may not work in some cases. Hence, your system lacks the necessary updates and patches to fix the bugs affecting its performance.
Malware or virus attack – Virus infection on your Dell laptop can cause it to be stuck on restart. Furthermore, viruses and malware impede the ability of the PC to communicate with its components, prompting them to malfunction. Take a look at our recommended list of anti-malware software.
Outdated drivers on your Dell laptop – Many PC components require drivers to function. Hence, your PC may malfunction due to outdated driver errors affecting its performance. Hence, you can check out different ways of updating drivers in this guide.
External devices connected to Dell laptop – Restarting your PC may be affected by the device connected to it. They can affect its power input and also impede the booting process.

Nonetheless, readers can check our article on fixing Windows 11 if it’s stuck in a reboot loop and get it running. Other problems with your Dell laptop restarting? Check out our guides to fix a PC stuck on restart, deal with a computer that’s restarting unexpectedly, or when Windows 10 won’t restart.

If your PC restarts during gaming, this fix for PC restarts when playing games might help.

Also, we have a detailed guide on Windows 11 if it’s stuck on the Preparing Windows screen.

Should you have further queries, do not hesitate to leave them in the comments section.