6 Best DVD to Digital Converters to Use in 2026

Posted on by Ivan Jenic

Are you interested in converting your DVD to digital files? Have you ever asked yourself: How can I convert my DVD collection to digital files? The answer is DVD to digital format converters.

You’re in luck then as this post is meant for you. If you want to convert old movies to digital format, you need to use a converter program.

This software can convert a DVD or BD (Blu-ray Disc) video/movie into a file; in addition, you get to back up the converted digital file for safekeeping.

However, there are several programs out there that can convert DVDs to digital videos. In this post, we have compiled the best DVD to digital conversion software.

Which is the best DVD to digital converter?

Adobe Premiere Pro – For professionals

premiere pro logo

Premiere Pro is the industry-leading video editing software boasting a plethora of creative tools, integration with other apps and services, and support for every camera, format, and platform.

Adobe Premiere Pro supports numerous audio and video formats including M2V (DVD-compliant MPEG-2) and VOB (container format in DVD media), making your workflow compatible with the latest broadcast formats.

In addition, Adobe’s software has always brought top-notch quality to its audience, never failing to deliver on its promises and always improving itself with its constant updates.

Creating a DVD with Adobe Premiere Pro is as easy as it gets. To export files from Premiere, simply go to Select File > Export > Media.

Then choose MPEG2-DVD among the list of output format options for single-layer or dual-layer DVDs. All in all, Adobe is a great software to convert home movie DVDs to digital.

Let’s quickly look at its key features:

  • Auto Reframe
  • Import any format
  • Seamless integration with other Adobe Creative Cloud services
  • Cross-platform functionality thanks to the integrated Adobe Rush
  • Lumetri Color Panel (color grading and automate color correction with just one click)
  • Essential Sound Panel and Auto Duck feature to execute perfect audio
  • Essential Graphics Panel (Motion Graphics templates to create cutting-edge graphics)
  • Responsive Design

Adobe Premiere Pro

Digitalize your entire DVD collection and enjoy it forever with the Premiere Pro.
Free trial Visit website

WinX DVD Ripper Platinum – Great performance

WinX DVD Ripper was developed by Digiarty Software. It is a totally free DVD ripping software available to remove UOP, DVD CSS, RCE, Sony ARccOS, and region code.

However, this free Windows software does not support DVDs encrypted by Disney X-project DRM adopted by Disney, Warner, and Paramount as its paid Platinum version does.

  1. 1. How can I convert DVD to digital with WinX?

    1. Download and install WinX DVD Ripper Platinum from the official website.

  2. 2. Launch the app.

  3. 3. Click on the DVD Disc button to select the DVD you want to convert.

    browse dvd

  4. 4. Choose the output format: MP4, AVI, H.264, MPEG, WMV, MOV, M2TS files, and more.

  5. 5. Click the Run button to start the conversion process.

    6. WinX DVD Ripper Platinum is one tool with great inputs and advanced features which will pay off instantly. You can convert a DVD to digital in a few steps with WinX DVD Ripper Platinum.

    Additionally, you can select a hardware accelerator to boost DVD converting speed. Lastly, know that the program can also convert DVD to streaming.

    WinX DVD Ripper Platinum takes full advantage of the power of your PC and can convert a DVD to MP4 (or any other formats) in less than five minutes, making it one of the best DVD-to-digital converters.

Winx DVD Ripper

Convert your digital formats into DVD and burn them easily thanks to Winx DVD Ripper’s awesome features.
Download Visit website

Gilisoft Movie DVD Converter – Easy to use

If you are looking for tools to convert your DVD collection to digital files, then Gilisoft Movie surely can take care of this for you. This program is also used by companies that convert DVDs to digital.

Firstly, use it to rip and convert DVDs, DVD folders, and DVD ISO image files to countless different video formats – AVI, MP4, WMV, DivX, MPEG, and not only.

To watch DVD movies on Android, you may simply convert to one of the Android-supported video formats. If you’re looking for a blu ray to digital converter, this is a great choice.

What’s more, Gilisoft Movie DVD Converter also lets you convert DVDs directly to some of the most popular devices, including iPhone, iPad, iPod, Apple TV, Nokia, or Motorola.

In case you need easy to use a DVD to digital file converter, be sure to consider this application.

Let’s quickly look at its key features:

  • User-friendly conversion features even for newbies
  • You may clone DVDs to ISO/ DVD folders
  • Burn ISO/DVD folders (VIDEO_TS) to all DVD discs with high speed
  • Enjoy extra editing tools: crop, adjust brightness, saturation, contrast, special effects, or watermark
  • Add subtitle track and language, as well as external subtitles to output videos
  • Includes lifetime free updates

Gilisoft Movie DVD Converter

Burn, clone, and convert all kinds of formats into ISO/DVD with high speed by using Gilisoft Movie DVD Converter.
Check price Get it now

DVDFab – Best Features

dvdfab logo

With its simple user interface, DVDFab is one of the easiest tools to use to transfer a DVD to digital format. The software supports both DVDs and Blu-Ray disks, allowing you to easily copy any movie.

This feature works with encrypted discs, and it supports 6 different copying methods, allowing you to copy full discs, merge DVDs, or split them with ease.

The software has its own video editor, allowing you to rotate videos, add overlays, text, and filters. You can also trim videos, extract audio or subtitles or even create GIFs.

It’s important to mention that the converter is fast and easy to use, and it supports a wide array of formats, so your videos will work on any device without issues.

If you need a free DVD to digital converter, then this might be the right application for you.

Key features:

  • Easy to use
  • Supports both DVDs and Blu-Ray discs
  • Cloud Decryption Service
  • Built-in video editor
  • Great performance

DVDFab

Fast and incredibly versatile, DVDFab is one of the best tools for converting DVDs.
Free Visit website

WonderFox DVD Video Converter – Best compatibility

wondwrfox dvd video converter logo

The Wondershare company has many years of experience in the video editing scene.

This program not only converts your videos into different formats – audio or video – but it also has a wide variety of customization and export tools not found in many of the competitors.

With Wonderfox, you can download any video in its native format and modify it to play on any screen or device you are using.

Downloading videos from YouTube is just as easy as copying the URL in the program. If you’re looking for DVD-to-digital converters, then be sure to consider this software.

The exporting feature is really seamless, you can transfer the files directly from your computer to the multimedia center at home, with a single click.

Although it has more complex features, it’s easy to learn and very quick to finish multiple videos. Its fast conversion time, high-quality output, and extra features make it the perfect choice for video converter software.

Overall, this is great software for DVD to digital transfer, so be sure to consider it.

Let’s quickly look at its key features:

  • Adding subtitles and details like buttons in your videos
  • Intuitive and multilingual user interface
  • Unique decryption technology
  • Enhance, rotate, crop videos, and apply effects
  • Cack up scratched DVD
  • Self-playing USB
  • Up to 50X faster conversion with no quality loss

WonderFox DVD Video Converter

WonderFox DVD Video Converter allows you to convert, burn, and customize your videos with a variety of awesome features and options.
Download Visit website

iSkysoft iMedia Converter – Simplest to use

iskysoft imedia converter deluxe

This is one of the most powerful and convenient converter tools which features high conversion speeds and amazing output quality.

It allows you to use converted files on your iPod, TV, iPhone, mobile phone, Android phone, and more portable devices.

iSkysoft iMedia Converter gives you the possibility to customize and edit videos before conversion. You can also upload the final videos to websites such as Facebook, YouTube, and Vimeo.

It gives you the possibility to download videos from more than a thousand popular websites, and it’s compatible with the latest operating systems.

Key features:

  • Ability to easily convert video and audio files
  • Burn DVDs and create backups
  • Download online videos
  • Simple video editor
  • Fast conversion speed

iMedia Converter

iMedia Converter is the ultimate tool to convert more than 150 file formats into DVD easily.
Check price Get it now

We strongly believe these tools will help you convert DVDs to Digital videos effortlessly. There are many options here for all kinds of people, with different tastes and needs.

In case you need to make adjustments to your videos, we recommend using one of these video editing software for beginners.

Choose the best DVD-to-digital converter that suits your needs and let us know what feature or features convinced you in the comments section below.

Unhandled Exception Error: 5 Quick Fixes

Posted on by Ivan Jenic

An exception is a known type of error. Normally, the Windows operating system is designed to deal with this type of issue. However, several users have reported receiving the Unhandled exception error in Windows.

The error can be encountered on a wide range of applications, including games, streaming apps, and other apps. Some users also saw the error message as soon as they turned on the computer, indicating that a startup program was most likely affected.

How do I fix the unhandled exception has occurred error?

  • Is Windows 10 Still Supported?
    • Security Updates
    • Feature Updates
    • Non-Security Updates
    • Annual Updates
    • Upgrade process for business customers
    • Manufacturer Warranty and Support

1. Run the Microsoft .NET Framework Repair Tool

  1. 1. Go to Microsoft’s official website, and click on Download to get the Microsoft .NET Framework Repair Tool.

    download repair tool to fix unhandled exception

  2. 2. Now, double-click on the downloaded file to run the tool.

    run

  3. 3. Click Yes in the UAC prompt.

  4. 4. Tick the I have read and accept the license terms checkbox and click Next.

    accept terms and run scan to fix unhandled exception

  5. 5. Look at the recommended changes to get an understanding and click Next.

    make changes to fix unhandled exception

  6. 6. Once the changes are made, click on Finish.

    finish

  7. 7. Restart the computer, and you shouldn’t encounter the Unhandled exception error with the concerned app anymore.

    8. The first fix you need to try when you encounter the unhandled exception has occurred in your application error is run the Microsoft .NET Framework Repair Tool.

    It is available for download on the official Microsoft website and should fix any errors in no time.

2. Re-enable NET Framework

  1. Type Turn Windows features on or off in the Search bar, and click on the relevant result.turn windows features on or off to fix unhandled exception
  2. Now, uncheck all the entries for .NET Framework, and click OK.turn off .NET framework
  3. Restart the computer for the changes to come into effect.
  4. Head back to the Turn Windows features on or off window, check all the .NET Framework entries, and click on OK.reinstall NET framework to fix unhandled exception
  5. Now, wait for Windows to search for the required files and install them.searching for required files

3. Run the SFC scan

  1. Type Command Prompt in the Search menu, and then click on Run as administrator.command prompt
  2. Click Yes in the UAC prompt.
  3. Now, paste the following command and hit Enter:sfc /scannowsfc scan to fix unhandled exception
  4. Wait for the scan to complete and let it run uninterrupted. It may take up to 30 minutes.

After running the SFC scan, restart the computer, and the Unhandled exception error should be fixed. This has resolved the issue for some users, and we recommend you try it.

4. Scan for malware

  1. Type Windows Security in the Search field, and click on the result by the same name.windows security to fix unhandled exception
  2. Select Virus & threat protection here.virus & threat protection
  3. Click on Scan options.scan options
  4. Now, choose Full scan and click on the Scan now button.full scan to fix unhandled exception
  5. Let the scan run, identify malware and virus on the computer, and remove any that are found.

Possible malware interference is a viable reason for the Unhandled exception error. Making sure that your PC is protected from the effects of the malware presence is of utmost importance. In this case, we recommend a full scan.

You can do so with the built-in protective software Windows Security, or with a third-party antimalware solution.

There are many great antivirus tools on the market, but if you’re looking for a security solution that won’t interfere with your system, you might want to consider using TotalAV.

This antivirus software is a next-generation security solution that is designed to be fast, lightweight, and keep your digital life safe.

This great tool blocks malicious activity, stops any spamming or data theft attempts, and warns you immediately.

⇒ Get TotalAV

5. Perform a clean boot

  1. Press Windows + R to open Run, type msconfig in the text field, and click OK.msconfig
  2. Head to the Services tab, check the Hide all Microsoft services box, and then click on Disable all.disable all services to fix unhandled exception
  3. Now, navigate to the Startup tab, and click on Open Task Manager.task manager
  4. Select all the applications that read Enabled under the Status column, and click Disable.disable startup apps to fix unhandled exception
  5. Once done, head back to System Configuration, and then click on OK.save changes
  6. Click Restart in the confirmation prompt.restart

Your PC will now boot in a Clean boot environment. This will ensure that Windows starts with only a minimal set of drivers and programs.

You could also:

  • Restart the computer.
  • Disable any third-party antivirus or firewall software installed on the computer.
  • Try running the affected application as an administrator.

Note that this error appears when the code of an application or program is not adequately equipped to handle exceptions. As previously mentioned, the unhandled exception is one of the most common Microsoft .NET Framework errors.

Some of the reasons you may see the error message are as follows:

  • Corrupt system files – Corrupt system files are one of the most common reasons behind the Unhandled exception error and running the DISM tool, and SFC scan should fix things.
  • Conflicting program – If the error arises due to conflicts triggered by third-party programs, simply uninstall that application.
  • Issues with the .NET Framework – Oftentimes, corruption or improper installation of the .NET Framework can lead to issues.
  • System infected by malware – In many cases, users found out that it was malware or a virus on the computer that triggered the error.

Where does the Unhandled exception error occur?

There are plenty of apps and environments where you can encounter the error. Let’s quickly review some of them:

  • Unhandled exception in Potplayer
  • Unhandled exception in Flutter
  • Toolkit got an Unhandled exception
  • Unhandled exception error in JavaScript (A Javascript error occurred in the main process uncaught exception)
  • Unhandled exception in NodeJS
  • Inputmapper base error Unhandled exception
  • Unhandled exception error in AutoCad
  • 3dxvirtuallcd Unhandled exception error
  • Unhandled exception error in GTA Vice City
  • Unhandled exception error in C++ (Visual Studio)
  • Krnl Unhandled exception
  • Unhandled exception error in HBO Max
  • Unhandled exception error in Outlook

If the unhandled exception error doesn’t appear now, it’s likely that one of the things you disabled earlier had to do with it.

We recommend first enabling the Startup apps disabled earlier one by one until the problematic one is found. In case that’s not to blame, start enabling the services next. Identifying the underlying cause may take time, but it will ensure that the problem is fixed forever.

This error is similar to the one that affects Pbid.exe and to learn more, head to our Resolve the Pbid.exe Application Error effectively article.

Once you are done fixing the error, do not forget to check out the ways to quickly boost the performance of your Windows 10 PC.

If you have any other recommendations or questions, reach out to us in the comments section below.

Windows Start Menu Scrolling Up: 5 Easy Fixes to Use

Posted on by Ivan Jenic

The Windows Start Menu scrolling up the issue can quickly mar your user experience. It removes the ease of searching and quick access to apps on the Start Menu.

The causes of the auto-scrolling vary, with some users claiming that even the Windows Search bar keeps scrolling. Thankfully, this issue can be easily fixed, as shown in the following sections of this guide.

Why does my Windows Start Menu scroll up and down by itself?

The Windows Start Menu auto-scrolling up and down is usually due to hardware issues. However, you can’t rule out the possibility of software causing this problem. Below are some of the reasons your Start Menu is scrolling by itself:

  • Faulty game controller: Most users reported that their Windows Start Menu moved on their own because they had their Xbox game controller plugged in. This can be because something is pressing down some keys or the controller is malfunctioning. The solution here is to remove the controller.
  • Problematic system files: Corrupt or faulty system files are among the prominent causes of this issue. Repairing and restoring these files using the built-in tools or dedicated software should regain normalcy.
  • Faulty mouse driver: Your mouse drivers serve as the connecting medium between the hardware and your PC. When these wrong drivers lead to all sorts of problems, including this issue, uninstalling and reinstalling these drivers should fix the issue.

How can I fix the Windows Start menu scrolling up?

1. Repair system files

  1. Press the Windows key + S, type cmd, and select Run as administrator under Command Prompt.
    cmd windows start menu scrolling up
  2. Type the commands below and press Enter after each: DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-image /Scanhealthdism scan DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-image /Restorehealthdism restorehealth
  3. Wait for the commands to finish running, type the command below, and hit Enter: sfc/scannowsfc scannow windows start menu scrolling up
  4. Restart your PC when this command completes running.

Broken system files can cause the Windows Start Menu to scroll up the issue. Running the SFC and DiSM scans should help fix and restore these files.

Alternatively, you can use a dedicated tool to repair your PC. These tools save you the stress of typing commands, which always carries the risk of errors.

What’s more, they are lightweight, fast, and pretty effective because they replace all malfunctioning files with healthy elements. It might just be everything you need to get your PC working well.

2. Create a new Admin account

  1. Press the Windows key + I and select Accounts.
    accounts
  2. Click on Family & other people and select Add someone else to this PC under Other people.
    family windows start menu scrolling up
  3. Click I don’t have this person’s sign-in information.
    i dont have
  4. Select Add a user without a Microsoft account.
    add a user
  5. Enter the Username, and password, fill in other required fields, and click Next.
    next windows start menu scrolling up
  6. Now, sign out of your current account, sign in to the new one, and check if the issue persists.

If the problem is solved, you need to change the account to administrator and move your files. Is Windows Settings scrolling down unexpectedly? We’ve got tried-and-true methods to help you regain control.

3. Uninstall and reinstall mouse drivers

  1. Press the Windows key + X and select Device Manager.
    device manager
  2. Double-click the Mice and other pointing devices option and right-click your mouse driver.
  3. Choose the Uninstall device option.
    uninstall device windows start menu scrolling up
  4. Now, click the Uninstall button.
    uninstall
  5. Finally, go to your mouse manufacturer’s website to download the latest version of the driver.

A faulty mouse driver is another well-known cause of the Windows Start Menu scrolling up issue. This is especially true for an external mouse. Uninstalling and reinstalling the driver should fix this problem here.

4. Re-register Cortana

  1. Press the Windows key, type powershell, and click Run as administrator under Windows Power Shell.
    powershell run admin windows start menu scrolling up
  2. Copy and paste the command below and hit Enter: Get-AppXPackage -Name Microsoft.Windows.Cortana | Foreach {Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register "$($_.InstallLocation)\AppXManifest.xml"}powershell commmand
  3. Now, wait for the command to complete.

Sometimes, it is not only the Windows Start Menu that keeps scrolling up. It also affects Windows Search. In this case, you need to re-register Cortana using PowerShell and restart your PC.

5. Restart Windows Explorer

  1. Press the Shift + Ctrl + Esc keys to launch the Task Manager.
  2. Right-click on Windows Explorer and click Restart.
    restart windows
  3. Now, check if the problem persists.

If your Windows menu keeps moving on its own, it might be due to problems with the Windows Explorer process. According to users, restarting the process should fix this issue

Even more, we recommend removing your Xbox controller or any other game controller. Another thing to try is to remove your wireless mouse’s USB receiver and connect it to another port. This might prompt your PC to reinstall the driver.

The Windows Start Menu scrolling up issue is a frustrating problem for users. Thankfully, it is one of the easiest to fix, as shown in this guide.

If you are facing related issues like the Start Menu disappearing on Windows 10, check our detailed guide to fix it effortlessly.

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

Error 0x80070422: 4 Confirmed Quick Fixes

Posted on by Ivan Jenic

Many encountered 0x80070422 Windows Update error, and if this happens, you won’t be able to download the latest updates.

However, there is a way to fix this problem and in this guide, we’ll show you how to do that.

Why does the Windows Update Error 0x80070422 appear?

Disabled Windows services or corrupt system files can cause this problem. Network issues can also lead to Windows Update problems.

How can I fix error 0x80070422?

1. Enable the Windows Update service

  1. 1. Press the Windows key + R, type services.msc, and hit Enter.

    services.msc

  2. 2. Locate and double-click the Windows Update service to open its properties.

    windows update 0x80070422

  3. 3. Click the dropdown next Startup Type and choose Automatic.

  4. 4. Now, check the Status to see if it is running. If it is not click the Start button.

  5. 5. Click OK to save your settings and restart your computer.

    automatic

  6. 6. You can also repeat Steps 2, 3, and 4 for the services below to make sure they are running:

    • Windows License Manager
    • Network List
    • Xbox Live Auth Manager
    • Xbox Live Networking

    7. The Windows Update service being set to disabled is the main reason for the 0x80070422 error. Restarting it should be enough to fix this issue.

    However, some users complained that other services being disabled also caused other variations of the error.

    So, ensure to enable them too and restart your PC.

    Lastly, you might get an access denied message while trying to enable the Windows Update. You only need to log in as an admin and you will be able to get past it.

2. Disable IPv6

  1. Press the Windows key, type control, and select Control Panel.
    control 0x80070422
  2. Click the View network status and tasks option under Network and Internet.
    view status
  3. From here, click the network you are connected to.
    wifi name
  4. Now, click the Properties button.
    properties button 0x80070422
  5. Find and uncheck the box next to Internet Protocol Version 6 (TCP/IPv6) to disable it.
  6. Finally, click the OK button to save changes.
    ipv6

3. Run the SFC and DISM tools

  1. Press the Windows key type cmd and click Run as administrator under Command Prompt.
    cmd as admin
  2. Type the command below and hit Enter. sfc/scannowsfc scannow
  3. Wait for the scan to finish. Now, copy and paste the command below and hit Enter: DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealthdism restore
  4. Wait for the scan to complete.

Broken or corrupt system files can cause many problems including the error code 0x80070422. Thankfully, Windows has built-in repair tools that can help you fix these files.

Alternatively, you can use professional software that focuses on repairing your Windows OS and frees up space on your disk in order to help it function at full capacity.

This type of program can detect common issues that obstruct your Windows registry’s true performance and applies advanced system tweaks to fix them in real-time.

4. Run Windows update troubleshooter

  1. Press the Windows key + I and select the Update & Security option.
    update and security 0x80070422
  2. Select Troubleshoot in the left pane and click Additional troubleshooters.
    troubleshoot
  3. Finally, select the Windows Update option and click the Run the troubleshooter button.
    run the troubleshooter

As you can see error 0x80070422 can cause a lot of issues since it prevents you from performing Windows updates. Thankfully, the fixes are not far-fetched, as shown in this guide.

If you are facing other issues like update error 0x800f0988, check our detailed guide to fix it quickly.

Keep in mind that other components can be affected by this issue, and many reported 0x80070422 error in Windows Firewall and 0x80070422 on Windows 11.

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

Volume Mixer Won’t Open in Windows 7: How to Fix It

Posted on by Claire Moraa

So you’re trying to open the Volume Mixer in Windows 7, but it won’t open? The Volume Mixer is a window that allows you to adjust the volume of individual apps separately. 

This can be useful if you have multiple speakers or headphones connected to your computer and want to change each volume individually. But what if you can’t open it? Read on to find out how to approach this issue.

Why isn’t my Volume Mixer opening?

There are several reasons why your Volume Mixer won’t open in Windows 7. Below are some:

  • Insufficient space – If you don’t have enough space on your computer’s hard drive, you may not be able to open the Volume Mixer. You may want to consider freeing up some hard drive space.
  • Corrupt programs – If you recently installed a program, especially one that uses the Volume Mixer, it can cause such issues.
  • No sound card installed – Make sure you have a sound card installed on your computer. If you don’t, you won’t be able to access the Volume Mixer or any other sound applications.
  • Incompatible drivers – The Volume Mixer won’t open if you have incompatible drivers that don’t play well with Windows 7.
  • Virus/malware – If a virus has found its way to your system, it may interfere with how some features work. The best way to protect yourself against viruses and malware is to use an antivirus program. 
  • Corrupt registry – In some cases, corrupt registry keys may cause issues with your Volume Mixer not opening. If this is the case, you’ll need to manually edit the registry or use a registry cleaner.
  • Incompatible version of Windows – The Volume Mixer is only compatible with some versions of Windows. If you are using a pirated copy of Windows, you may not be able to open the Volume Mixer.

How do I open the Volume Mixer in Windows 7?

The Volume Mixer is located in the system tray. You can open it by double-clicking on the speaker icon or by following the steps below:

  1. Click on the speaker icon at the bottom right, then click on Mixer.
  2. The Volume Mixer window will pop up.
  3. You can now adjust the volume for all audio devices or per program.
  4. Click and hold your mouse to move the slider to adjust the sound setting.

How can I fix my Volume Mixer if it won’t open in Windows 7?

Before attempting any technical solutions, try the following first:

  • First, check whether the Volume Mixer icon is in your system tray.
  • Ensure you are running a legitimate copy of Windows 7 or check your license if you’re getting This copy of Windows is not genuine message.
  • Restart your PC.

1. Run Disk Cleanup

  1. Hit the Windows key, type Disk cleanup, and click Open.
  2. Select the drive you want to clean from the drop-down menu and click OK.
  3. Check the folders you want to clean up and click OK.
  4. Wait for the Disk cleanup process to complete.

2. Reinstall sound drivers 

  1. Click on the Windows key to launch the Start menu, and select Control Panel from the options on the right.
  2. Select Hardware and Sound.
  3. Click on Device Manager.
  4. Expand Sound, video and game controllers, find your audio driver, right-click, and select Uninstall.
  5. Restart your PC, and the drivers will automatically be reinstalled.

If Windows doesn’t find any update for your driver, we recommend you also try Outbyte Driver Updater, a tool specialized in finding and installing driver updates automatically.

Outbyte Driver Updater uses a database of over 18 million driver files that are regularly updated so your computer can receive updates in real-time.

Outbyte Driver Updater

Have your GPU driver updated along with all other outdated drivers for no more spikes.
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3. Check for malware 

  1. Click on the Start icon, search for Microsoft Security Essentials, and click on the relevant search result.
  2. Now, select Full scan from the Scan options.
  3. Finally, click on Scan now and wait for the scan to complete.

4. Run the System File Checker command 

  1. Hit the Start icon, type cmd, and select Run as administrator.
  2. Type this command and press Enter: sfc /scannow

5. Uninstall recent programs

  1. Click on the Start icon or press the Windows key to launch the Start menu, and then select Control Panel from the options on the right.
  2. Locate Programs and click on Uninstall a program. 
  3. Now, select the program you want to remove and click Uninstall at the top.

And that’s how you fix issues if your Volume Mixer doesn’t open on your Windows 7 PC. In other instances, users also complained of a situation where the Volume Mixer is not showing all programs. If that is the case, check out our comprehensive guide for easy fixes.

Should the issue persist, you can consider trying Volume Mixer alternatives that offer more features than the built-in Windows Volume Mixer.

Do let us know of any additional solutions you may have tried and not mentioned above in the comment section below.

9 Ways to Fix Very Low Sound in Laptop Speakers (Even At 100% Volume)

Posted on by Matthew Adams

If your laptop’s sound is very low, even with the volume at 100%, you’re in the right place. We figured out why it happens, and we’ll show you tested fixes.

While different speaker hardware can be at play, if your sound is suddenly weaker than usual, it’s likely due to faulty settings or outdated drivers.

Follow the steps below to tweak your Windows audio and maximize laptop sound.

What can I do if my laptop volume is low?

1. Check all the Volume Controls

  1. Right-click the speaker icon on the system tray and select Open Volume Mixer.
  2. Raise the audio slider for third-party software open.
  3. Play the media file and check if it’s still low.
Windows 11 volume icon

2. Try using a third-party equalizer

In case this first solution does not work to fix the problem of your computer volume being too low, we recommend you adjust the volume by using third-party equalizer software.

We recommend Bomm 3D. It easily lets you change your volume and manipulate frequencies. It’s a good option if you want to add special effects, increase the clarity of your sound or adjust sound based on output device

Alternatively, we recommend that you take a look at the best audio volume booster software for Windows 10, and choose one to maximize your computer volume.

Boom 3D

A pro audio enhancement which boosts audio quality, experience and volume at another level.
Check price Visit website

3. Run the Playing Audio troubleshooter

  1. Press Win + I on the keyboard to open Windows Settings.going troubleshoot windows 11 settings
  2. Go to System and click on Troubleshoot.
  3. Go to Other troubleshooters.
  4. Click on Run next to the Playing Audio.running playing audio troubleshooter windows 11 settings
  5. Follow the on-screen steps and go ahead.
  6. Then the troubleshooter might detect and fix the audio issue. If the troubleshooter fixes something, you might also need to restart Windows for the changes to take effect.

4. Update the audio driver

4.1 Update the driver manually

  1. 1. Open the Start Menu, type Device Manager, and hit Enter.

    opening device manager windows 11

  2. 2. Double-click Sound, video, and game controllers to expand its pertinent devices.

  3. 3. Right-click on the sound device you are using and select Update driver.

    selecting update driver for sound device

  4. 4. Click Search automatically for updated driver software to automatically update the audio driver.

    automatically

  5. 5. Reboot your laptop or desktop if Windows updates the driver.

    6. It might be the case that your sound card’s driver needs updating. Updating an antiquated sound card driver can resolve numerous audio issues. Use the steps above to update an audio driver in Windows 10.

    This is a great fix to use if your laptop volume is low and you want to increase it.

4.2 Get the newest driver from the manufacturer’s website

  1. Even if Windows doesn’t update the driver, you might still find a more updated driver on the sound card manufacturer’s website.
  2. Right-click the sound card listed in Device Manager and select Properties to open the window below.
  1. See and remember the manufacturer’s name from the General tab.
  2. Go to the manufacturer’s website by searching on Google or Bing.
  3. Click a Download hyperlink on the site or enter your sound card in a driver search box to find a compatible audio driver.
  4. Select to download an updated audio driver that’s compatible with your 32 or 64-bit Windows platform.
  5. Add the updated audio driver to Windows by opening the folder you saved it to and launching its setup wizard.
  6. Restart Windows after updating the driver.

4.3 Update the driver automatically

A quicker and easier option is to use dedicated driver updater software such as Fortect Driver Updater.

Searching for the right driver version for each of your hardware components can become tedious. That’s why automated software can help you find and update your system with the correct drivers every time.

5. Check the Selected Playback Device

  1. Go to Windows Settings.
  2. Navigate to System and then Sound.going sound settings windows 11
  3. Go to the speaker you want to use primarily.going speaker settings windows 11
  4. Set it as the default speaker.setting default speaker windows 11

6. Hoover your speakers

Dust might be clogging your desktop’s speakers and reducing their audio level. As such, cleaning speakers is another potential resolution for laptop volume too low.

If you can, hoover your speakers with a hoover pipe to give them a more thorough cleaning. Hand vacuum cleaners are the best for cleaning speakers as they have lighter suction.

Gently wipe over the speaker cones with a cotton swab to finish. Do not apply too much pressure because the speaker membrane is very sensitive, and you may damage it.

7. Select the Loudness Equalization Setting

  1. Like method 4, go to the Sound settings.
  2. Go to your primary speaker.
  3. Click on Advanced under Enhance audio.going advanced enhance audio settings windows 11
  4. Select the Enhancements tab if not opened by default.
  5. Select the Loudness Equalization option.
    enabling loudness equalization windowws
  6. Click the Apply and OK buttons to close the window.

If the volume level is inconsistent in Windows, some software sound will be somewhat lower than what it could be. The Loudness Equalization setting can make a difference.

This option ensures a more consistent volume across all programs, which will increase the average audio level. This is one of the effective methods to fix the PC sound volume too low issue.

If your Windows 10 sound is increasing automatically, you may want to check out this detailed guide to quickly solve the issue.

8. Update Windows

  1. Open to Windows Settings like before.
  2. Go to Windows Update and click on Check for updates.check for updates windows 11 settings
  3. After updating, restart your PC.

The low volume could be due to sound card incompatibility with Windows 10/11, especially if you’ve recently upgraded to that platform. Updating Windows can resolve sound card compatibility issues.

9. Restart the Sound Controller

  1. Restarting the sound controller might help resolve volume that’s too low in Windows.
  2. You can restart the sound controller (or card) by pressing the Win key + X hotkey to open the Win + X menu.
  3. Select Device Manager.
  4. Double-click Sound, video, and game controllers to expand the list of audio devices.
  5. Right-click your active sound controller and select Disable device.disabling audio device windows
  6. Press the Yes button on the dialog box window to confirm the selected option.
  7. Wait a few minutes, right-click the disabled sound controller, and select Enable.
  8. Then restart the Windows OS.

So, there are numerous resolutions that might fix the Windows 10 low-volume problem. You can also try fixing the issue with some of these repair toolkits.

However, you might need replacement desktop speakers if none of the above fixes work. So, you should better verify if the speakers work with other devices.

Why Is Sound Output Low in Windows?

Low sound on a Windows laptop or PC is often caused by misconfigured audio settings, outdated drivers, or background enhancements. Even when the volume is set to 100%, these hidden factors can limit your speaker output:

  • Incorrect Playback Device: Windows may default to a different output, like a disconnected monitor or Bluetooth device, lowering sound output.
  • Outdated or Glitched Audio Drivers: Old or buggy drivers can prevent your hardware from performing at full capacity.
  • Audio Enhancements Interference: Features like Spatial Sound or Loudness Equalization may dampen audio quality instead of improving it.
  • Low App Volume Settings: Windows lets you adjust volume per app. If an individual app is set too low in the Volume Mixer, you might not hear anything clearly.

Wrapping Up

Fixing these common issues usually restores normal volume and improves overall sound clarity.

You may also find useful information about sound settings and tweaks in these guides on boosting your laptop volume beyond 100%, adjusting volume for individual apps in Windows 11, and using volume booster tools effectively.

Besides this topic, you also may want to learn how to fix no sound output devices found on Windows 11.

This article has shown how you can fix PC sound volume too low on Windows 10. If you have any other suggestions or questions, drop them in the comments section below, and we’ll be sure to check them out.

Convert HEVC to h264 [Best free & paid solutions]

Posted on by Milan Stanojevic

HEVC is a popular video codec, but not all devices can support it, and this is why many users choose to use the H264 codec instead. If you want something more advanced, you might be interested in software to encode H.265 instead.

If that’s the case, you’ll need to convert the HEVC to H264 format, and in this article, we’re going to show you the best tools for this task.

What are the best tools to convert HEVC to H264?

FlexClip – Best overall

If you’re looking for a different type of multimedia converter, then FlexClip might be what you need. Unlike other tools on our list, FlexClip is cloud-based, so you don’t need to install anything to use it.

FlexClip is a video editing web app, and you can use it to trim, merge, or rotate videos. The tool also lets you mute videos or add music to them. If needed, you can also add text or various video effects.

The editor offers an incredibly intuitive interface, so you can easily edit your videos, and with hundreds of video templates available, you can speed up the video creation process.

File conversion is also present, and you can easily convert HEVC videos to H264. Of course, other popular formats are also available.

Although FlexClip isn’t a file converter, it still offers solid features, and if you’re a fan of web apps, then you might want to try it out.

FlexClip features:

  • Cloud-based
  • Offers extensive video editing features
  • Simple to use interface
  • File conversion feature
  • HEVC to H264 conversion

⇒ Visit FlexClip

WinX HD Video Converter Deluxe – Supports wide array of devices

If you’re looking to convert HEVC to H.264, then the best tool for this task would be WinX HD Video Converter Deluxe. The application supports over 370 input and over 420 output formats.

In addition, there’s support for a wide array of devices, including PCs, surveillance cameras, camcorders, DSLR cameras, drones, action cams, etc.

WinX HD Video Converter Deluxe uses Level-3 Hardware Acceleration in order to process and encode files up to 47 times faster, without losing the video quality.

The application can also be used for basic video editing, so you can trim videos, crop them, combine videos, adjust the sound volume, and even correct or add subtitles.

Overall, WinX HD Video Converter Deluxe is a great tool, and if you need to convert HEVC to H264, then this will be the right tool for the task.

WinX HD Video Converter Deluxe features:

  • Over 370 input and 420 output formats
  • Supports a wide array of devices
  • Basic video editing features
  • Uses Level-3 Hardware Acceleration
  • Ability to download online videos
WinX HD Video Converter Deluxe

WinX HD Video Converter Deluxe

Convert HEVC to H264 or any other 420+ formats available with WinX HD Video Converter Deluxe.
Free trial Visit website

Any Video Converter Ultimate – Works with 200+ formats

Another great tool that can work with HEVC and H.264 files is Any Video Converter Ultimate. The software supports over 200 video formats, and it works with DVD, 4K UHD, H265, H264, and many others.

According to the developers, the software offers a 30x faster conversion speed than other traditional converters. Speaking of conversion, the software supports NVIDIA NVENC, AMD AMF, and Intel QSV hardware acceleration.

Any Video Converter Ultimate also supports video editing, so you can easily trim, merge, crop, and rotate your videos. You can also customize brightness, saturation, contrast, and other video options.

It’s important to mention that the software offers batch video conversion, which can be useful if you need to convert multiple files simultaneously.

Any Video Converter Ultimate offers great features, and with the wide array of supported formats, it’s a great tool for all your conversion needs.

Any Video Converter Ultimate features:

  • Support for over 200 video formats
  • Ability to convert DVDs and CDs to various formats
  • Ability to create DVDs
  • Screen recorder
  • Ability to download online videos
Any Video Converter Ultimate

Any Video Converter Ultimate

Any Video Converter Ultimate is a powerful file conversion software that can easily convert HEVC to H264 files.
Free trial Visit website

Movavi Video Converter – Incredibly fast

Movavi Video Converter is another great HEVC to H264 converter that you might want to try. The application supports over 180 different media formats, so you should be able to convert almost any multimedia file.

The software also offers presets for more than 200 devices, so you can easily optimize files for your phone, tablet, game console, etc.

In terms of speed, Movavi Video Converter uses the SuperSpeed technology that converts the media files faster than other similar applications. Of course, there’s support for hardware acceleration as well.

Speaking of hardware acceleration, NVIDIA NVENC, NVDEC, Intel HD Graphics, and AMD hardware acceleration is available.

The application can also extract audio from video files, and there’s also a built-in video editing feature available allowing you to easily edit your videos.

Movavi Video Converter is incredibly simple to use, so if you’re looking for a simple but powerful media converter, this might be the right tool for you.

Movavi Video Converter features:

  • Support for over 180 multimedia formats
  • Has over 200 presets for various devices
  • Offers basic video editing features
  • Supports NVIDIA NVENC, NVDEC, Intel HD Graphics, and AMD hardware acceleration
  • Optimized for multi-core processors

Movavi Video Converter

Movavi Video Converter is an advanced video converter software that can convert HEVC to H264 and many other formats.
Free Trial Visit Website

Video Converter Ultimate – Simple user interface

Converting HEVC to H264 doesn’t have to be hard, especially if you’re using Video Converter Ultimate software. Regarding the supported formats, the application can handle over 200 popular file types.

The application comes with a built-in video editor so you can easily cut, merge, crop, or rotate your videos. As for editing, you should know that there’s a wide array of effects and filters available.

When it comes to file conversion, the software offers great speed, and thanks to the GPU hardware acceleration and multi-core CPU support, it’s 6 times faster than other similar software.

The software can also compress your videos, edit the video metadata, and there’s also a GIF maker feature that might come in handy to some users.

Overall, Video Converter Ultimate offers solid features, and with its simple user interface, it’s great for first time users and pros alike.

Video Converter Ultimate features:

  • Simple to use interface
  • Support for over 200 popular multimedia formats
  • Built-in video editor
  • 6 times faster thanks to GPU hardware acceleration

⇒ Get Video Converter Ultimate

Converting HEVC to H264 is pretty straightforward, and you can do that with any of these great tools, so be sure to try them out.

[wl_navigator]

Can’t Connect to Microsoft Services Error: Use These 4 Fixes

Posted on by Ivan Jenic

If the error looks like we can’t connect to one of our services right now, you are not alone, especially if you are a Windows 10 user.

Windows users who get this error cannot carry out any downloads on Microsoft Store because they are never connected.

When an attempt is made to create a new user with their current Microsoft account, a green screen appears with a revolving disc accompanied by the respective error message.

However, the error message is a problem associated with the Microsoft account, primarily services such as Microsoft Store, Skype, OneDrive, Outlook, Xbox Live, Office 365, and Groove Music.

What causes the Looks like we can’t connect to one of our services right now error?

From user experience, we gather that a few factors might be responsible for this error. On top of this list are the following:

  • Bad or unstable internet – Before troubleshooting, ensure you have good internet. You may even try a wired internet connection.
  • Issues with your MS account – There may be minor issues with your account on Windows that need to be fixed before you can connect.
  • Date and time settings – If your computer’s date and time are incorrect, you cannot connect to most internet services.
  • Proxy connections – Depending on your browser, you will need to force a system proxy server; if not, MS servers may not work.

There are a few variations to this error, including the looks like we can’t connect to one of our services right now error on Teams, error 0xcaa80000, HTTP 404, and error 0xcaa70004.

Fortunately, we have compiled some solutions to solve this problem.

How do I fix Can’t connect to Microsoft services error?

Before trying any of these fixes, you should do the following:

  • Double-check that your internet connection runs well.
  • Give it a few minutes and try again.

1. Synchronize your Microsoft Account

  1. Sign up to create a Microsoft profile at Windows Live (If you already have a Microsoft account, proceed to the next step). cannot connect to Microsoft services at the moment
  2. Go to Windows Live Account
  3. Click on Sign in, enter your email address and password, and click on login.
  4. After inputting your login details, click Next and select the Send code option.
    looks like we can't connect to one of our services right now
  5. Enter the 6-digit code you will receive in your phone number or alternate email address and click Sign in.
  6. Press Windows + I, and click on Accounts.
    looks like we can't connect to one of our services right now
  7. Enter your working email address and password in the Add user menu and follow the prompts.

Ensure you have a working Microsoft Account to access all Microsoft services. This error may be due to an invalid account or because you do not have a Microsoft Account.

Also, after following these steps, you can download the Windows store or access other Windows services on your PC to test this fix.

If the error message looks like we can’t connect to one of our services right now persists, try the next solution.

2. Use Microsoft Account Sign-in Assistant

  1. Press the Windows + R, then in the Run box, type service.msc and click on OK.
  2. In the Services window, please scroll down to Microsoft Account Sign-in Assistant and double-click on it to open properties.
  3. Set the Startup type to manual.
  4. In the lower left region, click on Start if the Startup status is Stopped, then click Apply and OK.
    looks like we can't connect to one of our services right now

If the error message looks like we can’t connect to one of our services right now persists, try the next solution.

3. Disable the Proxy server on your web browsers

  1. If you are using a browser like Firefox, click on the Hamburger icon, select Settings, then scroll down to click Settings under the Network Settings menu.
    looks like we can't connect to one of our services right now
  2. Select Use system proxy settings, then click on OK.

Another reason for the cannot connect to Microsoft services at the moment error problem is that the proxy server is enabled. Therefore, Microsoft services may not be accessible if the LAN connection is anonymous, i.e., proxy.

4. Run Network troubleshooter

  1. In the Start menu, type network problems and select the Find and fix network problems app.
    looks like we can't connect to one of our services right now
  2. Click on Next to start troubleshooting.
  3. Follow the promptings to complete the troubleshooting and apply the recommendations given.

In conclusion, if you get the error message looks like we can’t connect to one of our services right now, you can try out any of the fixes enumerated above to solve it.

Feel free to message us in the comments section below if you have more questions.

Microsoft Train Simulator Install Guide: Easiest Ways

Posted on by Aleksandar Ognjanovic

Are you trying to install Microsoft Train Simulator? Here is all you need to know.

Even though we’re witnessing the peak of gaming advancements, some users still prefer old, once-favorite titles like Microsoft’s Train Simulator.

The game created by Microsoft back in 2001 still has a place in its niche, with a formidable player base.

However, it’s not all bread and butter for those who, in reminiscence of the good old days, try to run Train Simulator on Windows 10.

Those who tried had a lot of issues with starting the game. The ones that sprang over the first obstacle experienced an abundance of crashes and various errors. So let us show you how to scale through on Windows 10.

Will Train Simulator run on Windows 10?

The simple answer is yes. However, you will have to follow some steps to ensure it is correctly installed before you can play on the OS.

However, after installation, you may have a few errors with the game; these are all easily fixable. For instance, the Train Simulator may be stuck on the loading screen; in this instance, after installation, you may not be able to get past the loading screen. With a few tweaks, many users have fixed this problem.

You should note that while installing on Windows 10 is possible; some users may prefer playing Train Simulator and other train games on the web browser.

But for now, get your dusty CD box out and follow the steps below to install Microsoft Train Simulator on Windows 10.

How can I install Microsoft Train Simulator on Windows 10?

Before you go further into the solutions, you must ensure that you do the following:

  • Check system requirements – It requires Nvidia graphics cards. So, if you pack a dual-GPU configuration with ATI and an integrated Intel combo, force it to run with the integrated GPU. That should eliminate the GPU-related obstacles.
  • Uninstall any older game installation – If you have an earlier game installation, you should uninstall it before moving ahead with a fresh installation.
  1. Turn off or silence UAC
  2. Installation
  3. Updating
  4. Configuring
  5. Final tweaks
  6. Important Add-ons

2. Turn off or silence UAC

  1. Download the Tweak UAC for Windows app.
  2. Click the downloaded file, click Next and follow the installation wizard.
    Microsoft Train simulator install
  3. At the end of the installation, click on Turn UAC off now (Remember to undo this once you have installed Microsoft Train Stimulator).
    Microsoft Train simulator install
  4. Go to the next step to start the installation.

3. Installation

  1. Insert the first installation disk in the CD-ROM compartment and, once prompted, select Run Setup.exe.
  2. Click on Install.
  3. Decline Adobe Acrobat Reader 4 offer politely by clicking on No.
    Microsoft Train simulator install
  4. Select Customize installation options and then on the right arrow again.
    Microsoft Train simulator install
  5. Select the Complete-install option, then under Train simulator will be installed in the folder below, click Change, then click the right arrow.
  6. Under Drives, select a path different from your primary partition (Do not install the game on the system partition C:). Create the folder, name it whatever you like (MSTS suits it well, in our opinion), and under the Path option, type D:MSTS, then hit OK.
  7. Click the right arrow again.
  8. When prompted at 27%, insert the second disc and click OK.
  9. Once the installation ends, click on the Restart button.
  10. Don’t start the Train Simulator yet.

That should do it regarding installation. But, before we can start the game, there are still some additional steps you can’t skip for Train Simulator to work. So, continue to the updating phase.

4. Updating

  1. Download the update 1.4 by clicking on this link.
  2. Run the zipped installer and switch the default path with the path that leads to the Train Simulator installation folder (e.g., D:MSTS).
    Microsoft Train simulator install
  3. Click Unzip.

Updating is also essential; you’ll need to sort things out with updates before running the game. The official 1.4 update is what you’ll need.

Now, there’s a chance that your game is already up-to-date with version 1.4, and you can check that out quickly. Just navigate to the installation folder and locate the Transaction folder.

In there, you should see SD402 or Class50 inter alia. Hence, download and install the update if there are no such files.

In addition, you can download the additional patches here. They’re not as important, but we advise installing both (MSTS v1.4 Class 50 Content and MSTS v1.4 SD40-2 Content).

After that’s sorted out, still do not run the game. Let’s move to the configuring part of this epochal journey.

5. Configuring Train Simulator

  1.  Please navigate the installation folder, right-click on it, and open Properties.
  2. Under the General tab, uncheck the Read Only box, then click OK.
  3. Now, open the installation folder, right-click on the train.exe file, and open Properties.
  4. In the Compatibility tab, check the Run this program as an administrator and confirm changes.
  5. Open the installation folder and rename Uninstall.exe to MSTS_Uninstal.exe.
    Microsoft Train simulator install
  6. While there, copy the Global folder and paste it somewhere as a backup. Just in case something goes wrong after the next step.
  7. Open the Global folder and delete the startup.mpg video file.
  8. Insert Disk 1 again and open its content. Open the File Explorer or This PC, right-click Disk 1 and choose Open.
  9. Open the TechDocs folder and run the TechDocs.exe. Next, select the installation path and extract the files.microsoft train simulator windows 10: how to install and run

That’s it. Almost. We have a few more tweaks before you can finally start the game.

6. Final tweaks

6.1 Edit the Aspect Ratio

We must stress that a game like this will have a hard time with 16:9 widescreen monitors.

It’s designed for a 4:3 aspect ratio, so you’ll need to force the widescreen within the GPU settings.

This option is different on Nvidia and Intel graphics, but it’s enough to point you to the Image scaling option. Find that, and you’ll quickly set up the 16:9 aspect ratio.

6.2 Allocate RAM

  1. Right-click the Train Simulator shortcut and open Properties.
  2. Select the Shortcut tab, then in the Target section, change the default path to D:MSTSlauncher.exe -mem:xyz. Replace XYZ with half of the available RAM in megabytes. If you have, say, 8GB of RAM, the Target line should look something like this:
    D:MSTSlauncher.exe -mem: 4096
  3. Confirm changes.

Furthermore, since this game works differently than modern games, one helpful tip is to assert RAM manually so it can use freely. That can be done by following the steps above.

Moreover, if you experience any errors when the game starts, download and run this installer which should fix most of them. That should do it. Now you can, finally, after immense effort, start the game.

As a side note, you may get some add-ons that should help you substantially with the overall gameplay and improve pure enjoyment.

Here they are, with their respective roles and download links:

  • Xtracks – large pack of track pieces, switches, and crossovers.
  • Newroads – more of those with some bonus surroundings.
  • ScaleRail – improved realism with better-scaled rails.

And that’s finally the closure. After all of this, we hope you’ll seamlessly embark on the nostalgia train and enjoy one of the ”founding fathers” of the simulation genre.

Netflix releases Dragon Age: Absolution trailer, cast and release date revealed

Posted on by Robert Collins

Bioware’s Dragon Age RPG is the latest video game franchise getting a Netflix streaming series adaptation. The new animated series, which releases on December 9th, will be titled Dragon Age: Absolution. The official synopsis reads thus,

With great power at stake, a group of rebel mages and thieves goes head-to-head against a sinister force possessing a dangerous artifact.

Season 1 of Dragon Age: Absolution will consist of six 30-minute episodes. Also revealed was the voice cast, with Kimberly Brooks in the lead role of Miriam. Brooks is a veteran actress and voice actress whose video game credits include Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic, Halo 4, Bioshock Infinite, Psychonauts 2, Far Cry 5, and many others titles. Other cast members are Matthew Mercer (Falco in Cyberpunk 2077; Cole Cassidy in Overwatch 2) and Ashly Burch (Tiny Tina of Borderlands fame), among several other noteworthy names.

Dragon Age: Absolution is developed by Red Dog Culture House, a Korean studio also responsible for another Netflix animated series: 2021’s The Witcher: Nightmare of the Wolf, with Graham McTavish (Castlevania) and Theo James.

The next installment of the Dragon Age video game series, Dragon Age: Dreadwolf, is currently in development. You can check out a behind-the-scenes look at game’s early development stage below.

Featured image via Buzzwebzine. 

api-ms-win-core-path-l1-1-0.dll: How to Download & Fix it

Posted on by Kazim Ali Alvi

DLL files play a crucial role in Windows and often help more than one program run efficiently, and this very aspect (being shared by several programs) often leads to DLL errors. For example, many users reported that api-ms-win-core-path-l1-1-0.dll is missing.

The error arises when launching an application and reads, The program can’t start because api-ms-win-core-path-l1-1-0.dll is missing from your computer. Let’s find out how to fix things when the DLL file is missing.

What can I do if API-MS-Win-core-path-l1-1-0.dll is missing?

1. Use a repair tool

The simplest and quickest way to get things up and running when you get the api-ms-win-core-path-l1-1-0.dll error is to use a reliable DLL repair tool. These will identify any broken or missing DLLs and automatically replace them.

Also, never download a DLL from any website since these are often bundled with malware and can cause considerable harm, sometimes even leading to data loss.

2. Transfer the DLL file from another PC

If you don’t want to use a repair tool just yet, there is another solution that works flawlessly, but you will need another computer with api-ms-win-core-path-l1-1-0.dll stored on it.

You have to first navigate to the following address on the other computer:C:\Windows\System32\

Now, locate the DLL file (it could be in a subfolder here as well), copy it to a USB drive, and move it to the same folder on the computer throwing the error.

3. Disable Lync add-on in IE

Some users who had api-ms-win-core-path-l1-1-0.dll missing in Windows fixed things by disabling all the Lync add-ons in Internet Explorer. Unfortunately, the add-on, though beneficial, led to the error for users, and disabling it worked like a charm.

Since Microsoft discontinued support for Internet Explorer, we recommend you switch to a user-friendly browser to eliminate such errors and enjoy a better experience.

4. Reinstall the program

  1. Press Windows + R to open Run, type appwiz.cpl in the text field, and hit Enter.appwiz.cpl
  2. Locate the program that throws the error, select it, and then click Uninstall.uninstall app to fix api-ms-win-core-path-l1-1-0.dll missing
  3. Now, follow the on-screen instructions to complete the uninstall process.
  4. Once done, go to the program’s official website or launch the Microsoft Store and download it all over again.

A program usually comes bundled with the DLL files it needs; if only one throws the error, you could reinstall it. Also, this solution fixed things when API-Ms-Win-Crt-Runtime.dll was missing.

5. Upgrade the OS

If api-ms-win-core-path-l1-1-0.dll is missing in Windows 7 or a previous iteration, it is most likely that the application doesn’t support the iteration anymore. So here, it’s recommended that you upgrade to Windows 10.

You can download the Windows 10 installation media and finish the process. Besides, if your computer meets the requirements for Windows 11, directly upgrading to the latest iteration should also work.

What does API-MS-Win-core-path-l1-1-0 dll do?

The api-ms-win-core-path-l1-1-0.dll provides Windows applications with an API, and its presence is critical for their effective functioning. If the file is not available or corrupt, the application will likely fail to launch.

And as stated earlier, any program that needs the DLL file usually comes with it, so you shouldn’t have to download the file manually in most cases.

We also have a great guide on api-ms-win-core-localization-l1-2-0.dll error, so don’t miss it.

Also, before you leave, do not forget to find out how to fix missing DLLs in Windows 11, a vital piece of information that would come in handy in the long run. If you have a query or know another solution, drop it in the comments below.

3 Easy Ways to Fix Error Code 43 Graphics Card

Posted on by Matthew Adams

The error code 43 on GPU is usually displayed in the Device status box on the hardware Properties window. If this happens, sometimes Windows will restart your GPU in order to fix the issue.

If you’re experiencing this problem, today’s guide will show you how to fix it properly.

What does code 43 mean for GPU?

Error code 43 indicates that there’s an issue with your GPU. The most common causes for this problem are the following:

  • Hardware – If your GPU isn’t connected properly, you might get this error. A damaged graphics card can also cause this problem. If this happens, your PC won’t detect your GPU.
  • Drivers – Sometimes latest drivers don’t work well with your GPU. Reinstalling drivers with Display Driver Uninstaller can help fix the problem.

What errors does GPU code 43 cause?

Error code 43 is related to your graphics card and causes various problems. Speaking of problems, here are some common issues that users reported:

  • Gtx 970, Gtx 1060 code 43, gtx 1070 error code 43 – This error can affect Nvidia graphics cards, and if you encounter it, be sure to run the Hardware troubleshoot and see if that helps.
  • Windows has stopped this device because it has reported problems. (code 43) Intel hd graphics – This problem can also affect Intel’s graphics cards, and if you encounter it, be sure that you have the latest drivers installed.
  • Nvidia Quadro error code 43 – This problem can appear while using Nvidia Quadro series and in order to fix it, you need to make sure that there aren’t any overheating issues.
  • Error code 43 Windows 10 GPU, AMD, Nvidia – According to users, this error can affect any brand of graphics cards, and if you encounter this issue, be sure to try the solutions from this article.

So if you’re getting error code 43 for your video card, this is how to fix it.

How can I fix Error code 43 for a video card on Windows 10?

Before we start fixing this issue, you do a couple of checks before proceeding:

  • Check the connection – If your GPU isn’t properly connected, you might get this error message. If the PCI-E 6-pin cable isn’t firmly connected, that can cause this issue to appear. It’s also advised to clean your connectors and make sure that there’s no dust in your PCI-E slot.
  • Check for hardware damage – Inspect your GPU. If you notice anything strange on the card, it might be damaged. Also look for any visual glitches, such as vertical lines. These are a common indicator that your GPU is faulty.

1. Update the Device Driver

  1. Press the Windows key + X and select Device Manager from there.
    Windows has stopped this device because it has reported problems. (code 43) Intel hd graphics
  2. Click Display adapter and then you should right-click your graphics card to open further context menu options as below.
  3. Now select Update driver from there to open the window directly below.
  4. Select the Search automatically for updated driver software option on that window to see if any updates are required. Now Windows will update the video card drivers if required.
    gtx 1070 code 43

You can also go to the Manufacturer’s website and download the driver but some of our readers reported problems with the NVIDIA driver being not compatible with the Windows version so proceed with caution.

In addition to your GPU, check drivers for any adapters that you may have. JUA370 USB to VGA adapter has been reported as a culprit for this issue, but after updating the drivers, the problem was gone.

Nevertheless, you can use third-party software to update your drivers automatically. Not only will professional software protect your PC from possible damage, but it will also select the correct version of drivers for your device.

They are built with up-to-date technologies meant to avoid any kind of errors and are easier to use than the inbuilt Windows utilities.

2. Re-install the Device Driver

    In some cases, error code 43 can appear if your display drivers are corrupted, and the only way to fix that is to reinstall them.

    We highly recommend that you perform a clean installation of the latest graphics drivers provided by your computer’s manufacturer because they are tailored to work specifically with your computer model.

  1. 1. Press the Windows Key and type in Device Manager, then click on the result.

  2. 2. Locate your graphics card driver, right-click it and choose Uninstall device from the menu.

    Error code 43 Windows 10 AMD

  3. 3. When the confirmation dialog appears, check Remove driver software for this device and then click the Uninstall button.

    Gtx 1060 code 43

  4. 4. After removing the driver, restart your PC and Windows 10 will automatically install the default display driver.

  5. 5. After the default driver is installed, check if the issue is still there. If everything works, you can also download the latest driver from your graphics card manufacturer.

Once the driver is removed, check if the Graphics device driver error Code 43 NVIDIA message on Windows 10 is still there.

3. Check the GPU temperature

  1. Use any CPU temperature software to check the temperature of your PC.
  2. If there are any temperature issues, open your case and clean it.
  3. Consider installing additional cooling.
  4. Removing overclock settings can also reduce temperature.

If you want to keep your device temperature in check, but don’t want the hassle of doing it manually, you should consider dedicated utilities. 

There are many good CPU & GPU temperature software that provide professional-level solutions to optimize your device.

Utilities such as AIDA64 Extreme offer industry-leading technologies to measure the performance of your hardware, including your GPU temperature.

They can also assess your installed software and give handy solutions on how you can improve overall PC performance.

Check out our article on the best ATX cooling cases for your PC for more information.

So that’s how you can fix error code 43 for video cards in Windows. This isn’t the only problem, and many reported that their GPU usage is 0%, but we covered that issue in a separate guide.

If you’re aware of another way to solve the issue, please share it in the comments section below so that other users can try it as well.

Fix: The Remote Device or Resource Won’t Accept the Connection

Posted on by Andrew Wafer

While using the network troubleshooter users reported The remote device or resource won’t accept the connection message. This can be a problem and prevent you from fixing your initial issues, but you can fix that with this guide.

What does The remote device or resource won’t accept the connection error mean?

The error message indicates a problem with the network settings, which can be caused by incorrect proxy settings or third-party apps. Driver issues or bugs in your OS can also cause this.

How can I fix The remote device that won’t accept the connection error?

Before we head to the slightly longer solutions, try restarting your PC and router/modem. Disable third-party antivirus or firewall and check if the error appears on other devices on your network.

1. Turn off proxy settings

  1. Press the Windows + R, type inetcpl.cpl, and press Enter.internet properties windows 10
  2. Switch to the Connections tab, and click on LAN settings.
  3. Now, select the Automatically detect settings option, uncheck Use a proxy server for your LAN and click OK to save the changes.disable proxy to fix the remote device won't accept the connection

If you can’t disable the proxy, our proxy won’t turn off guide should be able to help you.

2. Reset the affected browser

Note icon NOTE
We have listed the steps to reset Google Chrome. Since the steps remain similar for most, you can easily reset the other browsers.
  1. Launch Chrome, paste the following path in the address bar, and hit Enter:chrome://settings/resetreset
  2. Next, click on Restore settings to their original defaults.restore settings to their original defaults to fix the remote device won't accept the connection
  3. Next, click on Reset settings in the confirmation prompt.reset settings

3. Reset IP

  1. Press Windows + R to open Run, type cmd, and hit Ctrl + Shift + Enter.cmd
  2. Click Yes in the UAC prompt.
  3. Now, paste the following command and hit Enter:ipconfig/releasecommand to fix the remote device won't accept the connection
  4. Once done, execute the following command:ipconfig/renew

4. Force update Group Policies

  1. Press Windows + S to open the Search menu, type Command Prompt, and click on Run as administrator.command prompt
  2. Click Yes in the User Account Control prompt.
  3. Paste the following command and hit Enter:GPUPDATE /FORCEupdate policies to fix the remote device won't accept the connection

5. Uninstall conflicting applications

  1. Press Windows + R to open Run, type appwiz.cpl in the text field, and click OK.appwiz.cpl
  2. Locate and select the program(s) installed around the same time the error first appeared, and click Uninstall.uninstall app to fix the remote device won't accept the connection
  3. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the process.

If the problem first appeared after downloading a program, usually a security software or one that modifies the Internet settings, uninstalling the app should work.

You can surely opt for CCleaner here, as it is a great maintenance tool that has an uninstall feature to help you easily uninstall any conflicting app.

⇒ Get CCleaner

6. Uninstall recent Windows updates

  1. Press Windows + I to open Settings, navigate to Windows Update, and click on Update history.update history
  2. Now, scroll down to the bottom and select Uninstall updates.uninstall updates to fix the remote device won't accept the connection
  3. Click on Uninstall next to the last major update.uninstall
  4. Again, click Uninstall in the confirmation prompt.confirm uninstall

If nothing else has worked yet, your best bet to fix The remote device or resource won’t accept the connection error is to uninstall the recent updates. And once done, the problem should be gone for good.

Before you leave, do not forget to check the best ways to increase the Internet speed in Windows. Also, in the comments section, please tell us which fix worked for you.

This isn’t the only connection problem, many reported The connection has timed out and Something went wrong, your device couldn’t connect errors.

We also encountered an issue where the website is online but not responding to connection attempts, but we have another guide addressing this.

Here is next week’s lineup of new Xbox releases

Posted on by Robert Collins

Another week, another slew of new Xbox releases will arrive between November 14th and 18th. This includes a couple of day-one Game Pass additions. Without further ado, let’s check out the new games headed to Xbox next week.

So which of these upcoming new releases have got you excited? Let us know in the comments. For many, the two new Game Pass games will be the highlight of the week. Though Goat Simulator 3 is another noteworthy release, and Heidelberg 1693 is an intriguing action-horror indie game.

2 Ways to Fix NET HELPMSG 2185 Error

Posted on by Henderson Jayden Harper

Error codes like NET HELPMSG 2185 can appear for many reasons. It is mainly related to Windows update issues and can occur in different instances. as well as corrupt system files.

The complete error message appears as More help is available by typing NET HELPMSG 2185. The service name is invalid.

Here’s how to make it go away:

How do I fix the NET HELPMSG 2185?

Before proceeding with any advanced troubleshooting for the error, go through the preliminary checks below:

If you’re unable to fix the error, proceed with the solutions provided below:

1. Run the Windows Update troubleshooter

  1. Press Windows + I key to open the Settings app.
  2. Click System and select Troubleshoot.
  3. Click Other troubleshooters.
  4. Select Windows Update and click Run to initiate the Windows Update troubleshooter.

Follow the on-screen prompts to complete the troubleshooting process.

The troubleshooter will help you detect and fix issues prompting the Windows update error on your PC.

You can check how to use the Windows Update troubleshooter in Windows 10/11 if you have issues with the steps above.

2. Run the BITS troubleshooter (Background Intelligent Transfer Service)

  1. Left-click the Start button, type Control Panel in the text box, and select the OK button.
  2. Click on Troubleshooting.
  3. Expand Hardware and Sound.
  4. Click on Background Intelligent Transfer Service to launch the troubleshooter.
  5. Click Advanced to select the Apply repairs automatically option, then press the Next button.
  6. Then close the troubleshooter after the process is complete or apply the fix.

Running the Background Intelligent Transfer Service troubleshooter will fix BITS issues affecting the Windows service and fix the errors.

3. Restart the Windows Update process

  1. Press Windows + R keys to prompt the Run dialog box, type cmd, and then press Ctrl + Shift + ENTER to launch an elevated Command Prompt.
  2. Input the following consecutively and press ENTER after each to stop Windows update services: net stop wuauserv net stop cryptSvc net stop bits net stop msiserver
  3. Input the command below to rename the SoftwareDistribution and press ENTER: C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.old
  4. Type the command below and press ENTER: ren C:\Windows\System32\catroot2 Catroot2.old
  5. Run the command below to enable the earlier disabled services: net start wuauserv net start cryptSvc net start bits net start msiserver
  6. Restart your computer and check if the issue persists.

Restarting the Windows Update service can fix problems and corrupt files affecting its processes.

Nevertheless, you can read more about how to fix Windows Update Service registration missing or corrupt on your PC. Likewise, the NET HELPMSG 2182 error can occur on Windows due to BITS Service activities.

We recommend you read how to delete the Software Distribution folder on your PC if renaming it doesn’t work.

Do not hesitate to use the comments section if you have further queries. Also, we entertain other questions and suggestions.

Netflix releases official trailer for Witcher prequel “Blood Origin”

Posted on by Robert Collins

A prequel to Netflix’ hit series based on CD Projekt Red’s beloved fantasy action-RPGs (as well as Andrzej Sapkowski’s books), The Witcher: Blood Origin is one of the most anticipated TV events of 2022. The miniseries will consist of four episodes and is slated for a Christmas Day release.

Ahead of next month’s launch, Netflix has released the official teaser trailer for The Witcher: Blood Origin. The show is set 1,200 years before the events of The Witcher, and stars Michelle Yeoh. The Malaysian actress is best known for such action films as Tomorrow Never Dies (of the James Bond series) and Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon: Sword of Destiny.

And judging by the trailer, Yeoh will need to showcase those action chops, as it looks like the show will feature combat aplenty. Rounding out the show’s cast are Sophia Brown (Giri/Haji), Lenny Henry (Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban), and legendary British actress Minnie Driver, among others.

Featured image via Digital Spy. 

NET HELPMSG 3534: What Does It Mean & How to Fix It

Posted on by Henderson Jayden Harper

Windows have several services users can enable and disable by running the net start and net stop commands on the command prompt. However, these can result in errors, prompting codes such as the NET HELPMSG 3534.

Likewise, when tweaking the BITS Service on Windows, you may encounter the NET HELPMSG 2182 error.

What does the NET HELPMSG 3534 mean?

Running commands in the Command Prompt on Windows computers allows you to toggle on and off services on your PC. However, issues may occur during the process, resulting in numerous error codes like the NET HELPMSG 3534.

Furthermore, the NET HELPMSG is a command that decodes Windows error messages by attaching a code. It can come with many codes, such as NET HELPMSG 2191, 2185, 3523, etc.

The NET HELPMSG 3534 error code occurs when starting the MySQL service on Windows.

However, the error asks users to type NET HELPMSG 3534 in the Command Prompt to decode it. Decoding the error message NET HELPMSG 3534 will show you The service did not report an error message. Instead, it can be due to several factors affecting the program or Windows.

How do I fix the NET HELPMSG 3534?

There are a couple of fixes users can try to fix the NET HELPMSG 3534 error on their PCs. However, we recommend you go through the preliminary checks below before proceeding:

If the error persists after observing the check above, proceed with the solutions below to fix it:

1. End task for the service prompting the error

  1. Right-click on the Start button and choose Task Manager from the menu or use the Task Manager shortcut by pressing CTRL + Shift + Esc keys simultaneously.
  2. Click on the Processes tab, right-click the service prompting the error, and select the End task option from the drop-down.

Ending tasks for the service showing the NET HELPMSG 3534 error can fix issues with its process. In addition, it will help it close any background activities on it.

If you have difficulties using the taskbar, check how to fix an unresponsive taskbar on Windows 10/11.

2. Use the Program files directory

  1. Press Windows + R keys to open the Run dialog box, type in services.msc, and press ENTER to open the Services window.
  2. Right-click the MySQL service and select Properties from the drop-down.
  3. Click on the General tab and then click on the path displayed under the path to executable.
  4. Press and hold the arrow key pointing right, and stop moving the cursor when you find the my.ini in the path.
  5. Copy and paste the path into the File Explorer address bar, then press ENTER to show the my.ini file.
  6. Copy the my.ini file, navigate to the path below and paste it there: C:\Program Files\MySQL\MySQL Server 5.7
  7. Press Windows + R keys to prompt the Run dialog box, type cmd in the text box, then press Ctrl + Shift + ENTER to launch an elevated Command Prompt.
  8. Input the command below and press ENTER to start the MySQL services: net start mysql
Tip icon Tip
Change the MySQL Server 5.7 in the above path to the version of MySQL installed on your device.

The MySQL service should start without prompting any error. Copying the my.ini file from the ProgramData directory to the Program Files directory will fix any file issues causing the error.

3. Clear the MySQL data directory

  1. Click the File Explorer icon on the taskbar, then open your C drive.
  2. Navigate to the path below: C:\Program Files\MySQL\MySQL Server 5.7
  3. Open the Data folder, delete all the files, and then close the File Explorer.
  4. Press Windows + R keys to prompt the Run dialog box, type cmd in the text box, and then press Ctrl + Shift + ENTER to launch an elevated Command Prompt.
  5. Input the command below and press ENTER: mysqld --initialize
  6. Input the command below and press ENTER to start the MySQL services. net start mysql

The MySQL service should start without running into any errors. For example, deleting the data directory will fix corrupt files in the MySQL directory.

Alternatively, you can read how to repair a corrupted database in an SQL server for more guidance.

Conclusively, users may be interested in how to add the Run command to the Start menu on their Windows 10/11 PCs for easy access.

For further questions and suggestions, kindly leave them in the comments below.

Fix: USB Attached SCSI (UAS) Mass Storage Device not Showing

Posted on by Ivan Jenic

USB 3.0 hard drives are becoming more and more popular over the past few years. However, since the introduction of Windows 10, some users have had problems connecting their USB drives to the computer.

Affected users state that their USB 3.0 external drives are not detected in Windows 10.

So, we came up with a few solutions for this problem, and you can check them out below.

Why does my computer not detect my external hard disk when plugged in?

WD devices are great, but many reported that WD My Passport Ultra isn’t detected on their PC. If this happens, the problem is most likely an improperly formatted drive.

Your drivers can also be one reason why an external hard drive is not showing up, and to fix that, you might have to reinstall the USB and the external drive drivers.

In some rare cases, it’s possible that you have fatal errors on the external hard drive, but that can be fixed by following the solutions from this guide.

USB 3.0 drives offer high transfer speeds, but many users have reported issues with their USB 3.0 external drives. Speaking of issues, these are some of the common problems with external drives:

  • USB 3.0 flash drive not recognized in USB 3.0 port – Your USB 3.0 port can’t recognize flash drives, solved by updating your motherboard drivers.
  • External hard drive not showing up in Disk Management – Your cable causes this and can be solved by replacing it.
  • WD, Toshiba USB 3.0 external hard drive not recognized – Update the drivers and firmware for your drive.
  • USB 3.0 external drive not detected Seagate – Update your drivers and firmware and check if that solves the problem.
  • USB 3.0 external drive not detected laptop – Caused by outdated drivers, solved by updating them.
  • External hard disk not showing, working – Check if the hard disk is properly formatted. Set a different drive letter for it.
  • External drive not detected in BIOS – Usually caused by a faulty cable, but problems with the driver or the firmware can also cause this issue.
  • Problem ejecting USB attached SCSI – Update your USB driver inside Device Manager to fix this.
  • Ugreen storage device not recognized – Create a new partition on your drive as we have shown below.
  • USB 3.0 external hard drive not recognized in Windows 10 – Use the Disk Management tool in order to allow Windows 10 to recognize the external hard drive.
  • USB attached SCSI (UAS) mass storage device driver in Windows 11 – Try using a different cable before jumping into any complicated troubleshooting steps.

Without further ado, let’s see all the solutions in more detail!

How do I fix USB Mass Storage device not showing?

1. Update your USB 3.0 controller driver

If you can’t use your USB 3.0 external drive on your PC, the problem might be an outdated driver. That means you can fix the problem by downloading the latest driver for the USB 3.0 controller.

You can download the necessary driver right from your motherboard manufacturer’s website.

However, if you don’t know anything about your motherboard, here’s a list of the best software to get all the needed information.

It sounds easy, but it’s really not for many users. That’s why we recommend using specialized software to update your drivers automatically because it can find the newest driver versions from a huge database with one click.

⇒ Get IObit Driver Booster

2. Disable the USB selective suspend setting

  1. Go to Search, type power management, and open Power & sleep settings.
  2. Go to Additional power settings.
    additional power settings USB 3.0 external drive not detected Seagate
  3. Click on Change plan settings, next to your selected power plan.
    change plan settings USB 3.0 external drive not detected laptop
  4. Go to Change advanced power settings.
    change advanced power settings External hard disk not working
  5. Under USB settings, find USB selective suspend setting, and set it to Disabled. Click Apply and OK to save changes.USB selective suspend disabled External drive not detected in BIOS
  6. Restart your computer, and see if you’re able to connect your external USB drive again.

Note: Before changing your power settings, create a restore point in case something goes wrong.

3. Edit your registry

    A great method which can be used to resolve USB 3.0 not detected on Windows 10 PC would be to edit your Registry entries. However, you should respect the steps below to keep your system safe.

    1. Go to Device Manager.
    Open Device manager | change default camera windows 10

  2. 2. Under Universal Serial Bus Controllers, find USB Mass Storage Device. Right-click on it and select Properties.

    USB 3.0 flash drive not recognized in USB 3.0 port

  3. 3. Go to Details tab, and from Property, choose Device instance path. Right-click on the path, and choose Copy.

    USB 3.0 flash drive not recognized in USB 3.0 port

  4. 4. Open Registry Editor.

  5. 5. Go to the following path:ComputerHKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESYSTEMCurrentControlSetEnumUSBVIDDevice Parameters 

    • Note: VID_8564&PID_10005388DW3MEQ8HGRAX is just an example, so you need to use the value that you got in Step 4.
    External hard drive not showing up in Disk Management

  6. 6. In the right pane of the Device Parameters key, look for the DWORD named EnhancedPowerManagementEnabled which must be showing its Value data as 1. If this value isn’t available, you might have to create it manually.

    windows 11 touch screen won't calibrate

  7. 7. Double-click on it, and change its value to 0. Click OK.

  8. 8. Restart your computer and try to connect your drive again.

Note: If you can’t edit your Windows 10 registry, read this handy guide and find the quickest solutions to the issue.

4. Set the new partition on your removable drive

If you’re connecting your hard drive for the first time, there’s a chance that you don’t have any partitions created on it. Therefore, Windows 10 won’t recognize it as a hard drive.

Thus, your USB 3.0 external drive will not be detected in Windows 10.

But your disk will be recognized by the Windows Disk Management tool, so we will check if Disk Management recognizes the external hard drive, and our future actions will depend on the results.

Use the Disk Management tool

  1. Type diskmgmt.msc in Windows Search and click on Disk Management.
  2. See if your external drive is listed in the Disk Management window.
  3. If it’s partitioned, you only need to format it by right-clicking and selecting Format.

If you are sure that you have data on that drive, try to connect it to another computer and back up the data first. Formatting will erase all data from the drive!

Create a new partition on your drive

  1. Right-click on the Unallocated space, and go to New Simple Volume.
    new simple volume disk management External hard disk not showing
  2. Set the new volume’s size, and you’re good to go.
  3. Re-connect your USB 3.0 hard disk drive with your computer, which should be accessible.

Note: If even Disk Management can’t recognize the hard drive, your problem might be a little complicated.

First, try some basic solutions, like checking if the driver is up to date or trying to plug it into another USB port in case of a bad USB port.

If the Disk Management tool seems too complicated to use, there are third-party solutions that you can use to format your drive.

We recommend Paragon Hard Disk Manager, a simple application that can help you manage your disk partitions, backup data, and recover lost files.

This professional tool features integrated backup functions that allow you to save your data before working on a hard drive. That’s a very handy feature for unpredictable and unpleasant situations.

The software also comes with many other functions for partitioning, but it also optimizes your PC to use its resources efficiently.

5. Disconnect your drive and go to BIOS

If a USB 3.0 external drive isn’t detected in Windows 10, you might want to try this simple workaround. According to users, you just have to disconnect your drive, enter BIOS, and reconnect your drive.

After doing that, you can exit BIOS and start Windows 10 normally.

This sounds like an unusual solution, but a few users reported it worked for them, so you might want to try it out.

If you don’t know how to access the BIOS, here’s an expert guide on how to do that.

6. Try using a different cable

If your PC can’t detect a USB 3.0 external drive, the problem might be related to your cable. According to users, they fixed this issue simply by replacing their cable.

If you’re having this problem, your cable might be broken, so be sure to replace it and check if that solves the issue.

7. Update your drive’s firmware

Many users reported that their external drive is recognized only when using a USB 2.0 port. If you have this problem, you might want to try updating your device’s firmware.

To update your firmware, you need to connect your external drive to a USB 2.0 port, download the latest firmware from the drive’s manufacturer, and install it.

Once the firmware is installed, you should be able to use your external drive with a USB 3.0 port.

Remember that firmware update is an advanced and potentially dangerous procedure, and if you don’t do it properly, you might cause irreversible damage to your drive.

8. Update the USB Attached SCSI (UAS) Mass Storage Device driver manually

  1. Press the Windows Key + X and choose Device Manager from the list.
    device manager win + x menu USB 3.0 external drive not detected laptop
  2. Go to View and check Show hidden devices.
    device manager show hidden devices External hard disk not showing
  3. Now locate USB Attached SCSI (UAS) Mass Storage Device, right-click it, and choose to Update Driver.
    update driver device manager External drive not detected in BIOS
  4. Choose to Browse my computer for driver software.
    browse my computer for driver software USB 3.0 flash drive not recognized in USB 3.0 port
  5. Click Let me pick from a list of available drivers on my computer.
    let me pick from a list of available drivers on my computer External hard drive not showing up in Disk Management
  6. Select Show All Devices and click Next.
    show all devices WD USB 3.0 external hard drive not recognized
  7. Select Mass Storage Device and click Next to install the driver.
    mass storage device USB 3.0 external drive not detected Seagate

9. Change the drive letter

  1. Open Disk Management.
  2. Locate your external drive, right-click it and choose Change Drive Letter and Paths from the menu.
    disk management change drive letter External drive not detected in BIOS
  3. Click the Change button.
    change button USB 3.0 flash drive not recognized in USB 3.0 port
  4. Select the desired letter from the dropdown menu and click on OK to save changes.
    assign the following drive letter External hard drive not showing up in Disk Management

10. Reinstall your drivers

  1. Connect your device to a USB 2.0 port.
  2. Open Device Manager.
  3. Locate the device in Device Manager, right-click it, and choose Uninstall device from the menu.
    uninstall device device manager Toshiba USB 3.0 external hard drive not recognized
  4. Click the Uninstall button to confirm.
    uninstall driver confirm USB 3.0 external drive not detected Seagate
  5. Disconnect your drive and restart your PC.
  6. Connect the drive to a USB 3.0 port. Windows will now recognize the device and install the appropriate driver for it.

That’s about it; we hope at least one of these solutions helped you to solve the problem with the USB 3.0 external hard drive not being detected in Windows 10.

For more solutions, check out our guide on what to do if your external hard drive is not showing up in Windows 10/11.

In case you see Restart Required – Your PC Needs to be restarted to finish setting up this device: Xvdd SCSI Miniport pop-up, read this guide for help!

If you have any other questions or suggestions, please leave them in the comments section below, and we’ll surely check them out.

Best television shows based on video games: Arcane: League of Legends

Posted on by Robert Collins

First announced in 2019 during the League of Legends 10-year anniversary celebration, Arcane has garnered much praise since its November 2021 debut on Netflix. It is based on the 2009 online battle arena game League of Legends from Riot Games, and produced by French animation studio Fortiche. Arcane’s story focuses on sisters Vi (Hailee Steinfeld) and Jinx (Ella Purnell)—”Champions” from series lore fighting “on rival sides of a war between magic technologies and clashing convictions.” The first season consists of nine episodes. A second season is in the works for a release sometime after 2022.  

Via Film Affinity.

Arcane: League of Legends has received accolades for its story and worldbuilding as well as for its characters, voice acting, and soundtrack. Upon release it garnered a 100% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Rafael Motamayor of IGN said of the show’s first season, “(it is a) classic in the making, and the nail in the coffin of the so-called video game curse.” He also went on to call it a “once-in-a-generation masterpiece,” awarding it 10 out of 10 stars. The show very recently got a glowing review from none other than The Witcher star Henry Cavill. 

Arcane set the record as the highest-rated Netflix series to date within a week of its release. It is the first video game television adaptation to win both Annie Awards and Primetime Emmy Awards. 

One of the best things about the show is that it appeals to those who have never played League of Legends as well as to veterans of the game. No prior knowledge of the LoL universe is necessary to watch the show. So if you have a Netflix subscription and love great video game adaptations—or just gorgeous animation and well-executed narrative in general—then you can mark this as a must-watch. Check out another riveting trailer below. 

Featured image via Rotten Tomatoes. 

Does Overwatch 2 Work on Windows 7? (+Tips on How to Run It)

Posted on by Henderson Jayden Harper

Overwatch 2 has no support for the Windows 7 OS because the minimum OS requirement for the game is Windows 11. Hence, our readers are unsure whether they can play Overwatch 2 on Windows 7 since it doesn’t meet the criteria.

So, this guide will provide possible tweaks to aid some of our readers in accessing Overwatch 2 without issues.

Can you play Overwatch on Windows 7?

Considering Overwatch 2 recommended and the minimum system requirements, many will conclude that it’s not playable on Windows 7. However, you can play Overwatch 2 on Windows 7 without having to worry about running into problems.

Furthermore, Overwatch 2 developers state that the game supports only Windows 10 Operating System upwards because they only tested it for those versions.

Nevertheless, other lower versions of Windows can still run the game. However, users can experience issues playing Overwatch 2 on Windows 7.

Nonetheless, Windows 7 is regarded as the best OS for gaming because it is strong enough to play games that are not built for it.

So, regardless of the recommended and minimum system requirements of Overwatch 2, you can play it on Windows 7.

What can I do to run Overwatch 2 on Windows 7?

You can use a couple of options to run and play Overwatch 2 on their Windows 7 OS. However, we recommend you check the following preliminary steps before proceeding:

The above steps will prepare your Windows 7 PC for running Overwatch 2. Follow the steps below to run the game on Windows 7:

1. Install Windows 7 update KB4534310

  1. Left-click on the Start button, right-click on Computer from the menu, then select Properties from the drop-down.
  2. Go to the System type and check if it indicates 32-bit or 64-bit Operating System version. (Checking the System type will determine the update package to download)
  3. Launch your browser and go to the Official Microsoft Update Catalog page to download the update package.
  4. Select the first download link for the 32-bit OS version and the fifth download link for the 64-bit OS version.
  5. Double-click on the downloaded file to install the update.

Installing the KB4534310 update on Windows 7 will enhance its OS to run Overwatch 2 smoothly. If you encounter any Windows 7 update error code, check how to fix it in the guide.

2. Update Overwatch 1 to Overwatch 2

  1. Left-click on Start, search for Battle.net and launch the desktop client on your PC
  2. Click on the Overwatch icon from the list of games.
  3. Select the cogwheel icon next to the Play button to prompt the Settings menu.
  4. Click the Check for Updates button to automatically download the update.
  5. Wait for the process to be completed and install the game update.

Updating from Overwatch 1 to Overwatch 2 is an excellent way to run Overwatch 2 on Windows 11 without downloading the new game. In addition, you can read about how to fix Overwatch if its update is stuck at 0 b/s on your PC.

3. Update your PC’s BIOS

  1. Go to the HP driver and software download website and select your device from the list.
  2. Input your serial number or the computer model.
  3. Click the plus + button at the front of All drivers, then click the + button against BIOS to see available updates.
  4. Click on Download.
  5. Double-click the downloaded file to install the .exe file, then follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation.
  6. Restart your PC and click the Apply Update Now option during the startup to run the installed BIOS update.

Updating your BIOS improves the compatibility rate of your Operating System with new hardware versions and games like Overwatch 2.

Depending on your manufacturer, the download process will differ for each device.

The updating process varies on different devices. Hence, we recommend you read how to check and update BIOS on various laptops to help.

Nevertheless, you can check how to fix Overwatch if it loses connection to the game server and gets it working again.

If this guide has been helpful to you, kindly drop your comments below. In addition, should you have further questions or suggestions, do not hesitate to use the comments section.

Couldn’t Download Virus Detected: 3 Ways to Bypass it

Posted on by Andrew Wafer

If a Couldn’t download virus detected message appears while downloading files, you won’t be able to complete the download, even if the file is 100% safe. Luckily, this can help you fix that.

How do I fix Couldn’t download virus detected error?

Before we try anything else, try using a different web browser and check for any issues with the download.

1. Restore quarantined files

  1. 1. Open Windows Security on your computer.

    windows security open windows search

  2. 2. From the main window click on Protection history.

    protection history windows defender

  3. 3. Locate the application that has been blocked on the list and expand it.

    select quarantined threat windows defender

  4. 4. Expand the Actions menu and click on Allow.

    allow quarantined threat windows defender
Note icon NOTE
Do this only for files that you 100% trust to be safe.

If you’re using a different antivirus, we have a great guide on what to do if the antivirus is blocking exe files.

2. Disable Windows Defender

  1. Press the Windows key + I keyboard hotkeys to open the Settings app.
  2. Choose Update & Security.update and security settings app
  3. Click on Windows Security from the left pane, then click on Open Windows Security.windows security open windows security button
  4. Now click on Virus & threat protection.virus and threat protection selected
  5. Under the Virus & threat protection settings click on Manage settings.virus and threat protection settings manage settings
  6. Toggle the Real-time protection button to Off.windows defender real-time protection off

Try to download the file again. If you’re not getting download failed virus detected message anymore, enable the antivirus as soon as the download is finished.

3. Turn off Chrome Safe Browsing

  1. Click the Menu icon in the top right and choose Settings.
    settings chrome menu
  2. Now select Privacy and Security. Select Security in the right pane.
    privacy and security chrome settings
  3. Select No protection (not recommended).
    no protection chrome settings

If the download completes, enable this feature again.

How do I disable a Virus scan when downloading?

To do this, you need to disable Safe Browsing in Chrome. Our Solution 3 goes into detail on how to do that.

In case the issue is still there, we have a great guide on how to keep a dangerous file in Chrome, so it should provide you with more useful information.

If you use Opera, we covered Download failed, virus detected error in Opera, in another guide, so don’t miss it.

With that said, we can conclude this article. Don’t forget to share your thoughts in the comments section below.

How to Fix League of Legends Black Screen After Champion Select

Posted on by Tashreef Shareef

The League of Legends black screen after champion select usually means the client isn’t loading into the match. You’ll pick your champ, the timer hits zero, and then, nothing. Just a black screen. It’s often caused by broken game files, outdated drivers, or the client failing to connect properly. Here’s how to fix it fast and get back into the game.

    How do I fix League of Legends not opening after champion select?

    Table of contents

    1. Reset the Network Adapter

      If you run intro trouble while playing League of Legends and receive black screen after champion select, you may reset the Network Adapter as demonstrated in the steps below.

    1. 1. Press Windows + R to open the Run Dialog box.

    2. 2. Type cmd and press OK to open the Command Prompt.

      league of legends black screen after champion select

    3. 3. In the command prompt, enter the following command and hit Enter to execute.
      netsh winsock reset

      Reset Winsock

    4. 4. Close the Command Prompt.

    5. 5. Now launch League of Legends with Champion Select and check for any improvements.

    2. Turn off the Windows Firewall

    1. Type Firewall in the Cortana/search bar and click on Firewall and Network Protection option.
    2. Click on Public network (active).
      league of legends black screen after champion select
    3. Now turn off the Microsoft Defender Firewall by clicking on the toggle switch.
      league of legends black screen after champion select
    4. If the User Account Control prompts for a confirmation, click on Yes.
    5. Close the Settings window and launch League of Legends.

    Select Champion Select and check if the game launched without any issues. If the problem persists, try to turn off any other firewall enabled on your system.

    3. Update graphics card drivers

    1. Open Device Manager.
    2. Locate Display adapters and click the downward arrow to expand it.
    3. Select your graphics card, right-click on it and select Update driver.choose update driver for NVIDIA graphics card device manager
    4. Select Search automatically for drivers. Wait for the process to complete.

    Alternatively, you can go to your manufacturer’s website and download and install the drivers manually. Just pay close attention.

    You have to pick the exact driver version for your device, otherwise you might do more harm than good.

    4. Disable IPv6

    1. Click on the Start menu, type Network Connection, and select the View Network Connection app.
      league of legends black screen after champion select
    2. Right-click on your network and select Properties.
    3. Please scroll down to Internet Protocol Version 6 (TCP /IPv6), and uncheck it, then click the OK button.

    5. Change DNS Server

    1. Click on the Start menu, type Network Connection, and select the View Network Connection app.
      league of legends black screen after champion select
    2. Right-click on your network and select Properties.
    3. Double-click on Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) in the Properties window.
    4. Select Use the following DNS server addresses option, then enter the two values below for Preferred DNS Server and Alternate DNS Server, respectively.
      8.8.8.8
      8.8.4.4
    5. Click OK to save the changes.

    6. Lower graphics settings

    1. Start the game and go to the main menu.league of legends main menu
    2. Launch a game and hit the Esc key. This will open the Options menu.
    3. Click on the Video tab. video setting league of legends
    4. In the Graphics section, move the slider towards the left. Medium High/Medium should display satisfactory graphics without hindering performance. lol graphics settings slider
    5. You can also set Character, Environment, Shadows, and Effects to Medium.
    6. Hit Okay and relaunch the game.

    It is not clear why this triggers the black screen on the game. And for most users, this occurrence is random. However, resetting the network adaptors and updating the graphics card drivers have efficiently solved this error.

    That concludes our article today. First, however, you must note that none of these solutions are given in any particular order, so you should try what seems the most appropriate. For more potential solutions, check out what to do if LOL is not launching.

    We hope these solutions fixed your League of Legends black screen after champion select problem. Feel free to give us any feedback regarding the subject in the comment section below.

    Surface Pen not Working: Troubleshoot & Fix in 8 Easy Steps

    Posted on by Milan Stanojevic

    Microsoft Surface is a great device, but many users reported the Surface Pen is not writing while the buttons on the pen work without any problems. This is a strange issue, and we’ll show you how to fix it in today’s article.

    Why is my Surface Pen not working?

    Numerous causes, such as drained batteries, driver changes, compatibility issues, etc, can impede Surface Pen’s functionality.

    If a depleted battery causes it, replace the AAAA battery with a new one. The problem should then be resolved.

    Various issues with Surface Pen can occur, and speaking of issues, here are some common problems reported by users:

    • Surface Pro 3, 4, 7 Pen not working – Sometimes your Surface Pro pen won’t work at all. Your battery usually causes this, so make sure that it isn’t empty.
    • Surface pen not working but connected – This problem can occur due to certain Bluetooth glitches. To fix the problem, simply unpair and pair your pen again.
    • Surface pen not working in Photoshop, in Word, or OneNote – Sometimes your pen might not write on the screen or in other applications such as Word and OneNote. To fix the problem, you need to disable Intel devices in Device Manager and enable them again.
    • Surface Pen is paired but not writing – This is a relatively common problem with Surface Pen, and you should be able to fix it using one of our solutions.
    • Surface pen not working after update, battery change – Battery changes can cause several system changes and driver bugs which you have to adress as we have shown below.
    • Surface pen not working but eraser is – Resetting your pen, as we have shown below, will make sure all its components work properly.
    • Surface pen not showing up in Bluetooth – Updating your Bluetooth and pen drivers is one way to address this issue.
    • Surface pen not working in Windows 10, 11 – Luckily the solutions below work in both OSs.
    • Surface pen not writing but buttons work – Reboot the pen in order to start from a blank slate and see if the pen will work as well.
    • Surface pen tip/button not working – Check the pen’s battery then make sure it is paired correctly to your device.

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

    How do I get my Surface Pen to work?

    1. Update your drivers

    Sometimes, issues with the Surface Pen can occur if there’s a problem with your drivers. If one of your drivers is out of date, specific components might not work correctly, and that will cause this and many other problems to appear.

    To ensure that everything is working properly, we strongly suggest keeping all your drivers up to date. You can download the latest drivers manually using Device Manager.

    2. Unpair your pen with the Surface and connect it again

    1. Open the Settings app. The fastest way to do that is to press the Windows Key + I.
    2. When the Settings app opens, head over to the Devices section.
      Surface Pro 4 Pen not working
    3. In the left pane, select Bluetooth. Locate your pen in the left pane and click the Remove button. Now click on Yes to confirm.
    Note icon NOTE
    Note: Once the pairing process is completed, your Surface Pen will start writing again. Bear in mind that this is just a workaround, so you might have to repeat this solution if the problem reappears.

    3. Check your battery

    If your Surface Pen is not writing, but other buttons work, the issue might be your battery.

    In case you don’t know, Surface Pen uses two batteries, one of the pen and one for the buttons, so if the pen isn’t working, it’s rather likely that your battery is empty.

    To fix this problem, simply replace the battery or charge your Surface pen and check if that solves the problem for you. Many users reported that the battery was the problem, but after replacing it, the issue was permanently resolved.

    4. Restart your Surface device

    Perform a force restart
    1. Press and hold the Power button on your Surface for 30 seconds. Make sure that the device is completely turned off.
    2. Now press and hold the Volume Up and the Power button together for about 15 seconds. Your screen should flash the Surface logo. This is perfectly normal.
    3. Release the buttons and wait for about 10 seconds. Press and release the power button to turn the Surface back on.

    For more advanced restart or boot options, you can also learn how to get to BIOS on Microsoft Surface and adjust system settings directly from UEFI.

    5. Run the troubleshooter

    1. Open the Settings app. When the Settings app opens, head over to the Update & Security section.
      Surface Pen not writing on screen
    2. Select Troubleshoot from the left pane. Choose Hardware and Devices from the list and click the Run the troubleshooter button.
      Surface Pro 3 Pen not working
    3. Follow the instructions on the screen to complete the troubleshooting.

    Note: If the issue persists, you might want to try running the Bluetooth troubleshooter as well. Keep in mind that troubleshooters are designed to fix some common problems and glitches so they might not be able to fix your problem.

    6. Disable and re-enable Intel(R) HD Graphics 520

      If you need to resolve your Surface Pen issues quickly, you can use the following method to disable and enable your graphics driver again.

      1. Press Win + X menu and choose Device Manager from the list. You can do that simply by right-clicking the Start button.
      Surface Pen is paired but not writing

    2. 2. Locate the Intel(R) HD Graphics 520 on the list, right-click it and choose Disable device from the menu.

      Surface Pen not writing in Word

    3. 3. Click Yes when the confirmation dialog will appear.

      Surface Pen not writing in Word

    4. 4. Wait for a few seconds after disabling the device, right-click it again, and choose Enable from the menu.

    Note: Remember that you might have to repeat this solution whenever the issue appears.

    Some users recommend disabling and enabling the Intel(R) Precise Touch Device and also disabling and enabling their Surface Pen, so you might want to try that as well.

    7. Reboot the pen

    Surface pen bugs


    If the Surface Pen is not writing but the buttons work, you might be able to fix the issue simply by rebooting the pen. This is incredibly simple to do, and you just need to press and hold the pen button for about 10 seconds.

    After doing that, the pen will reboot and the problem should be resolved.

    8. Install the latest updates

    1. Open the Settings app and go to the Update & Security section.
    2. In the right pane, click the Check for updates button.
      Surface Pro 4 Pen connected but not writing

    Windows will now check for available updates and download them in the background. Once the updates are downloaded, restart your PC to install the updates. After installing the latest updates, check if the problem is still there.

    If Surface Pen is not working on your PC, that can be a big problem, but we hope that you managed to fix this issue by using one of our solutions. A few of the solutions here also work when XP Pen is detected as a keyboard.

    Other brands can also experience issues, and recently we wrote about XP-PEN calibration not working, so be sure not to miss it.

    If you have any questions or suggestions, please leave us a line in the Comments section below.

    Windows Journal Cannot Open: How to Fix This Unexpected Error

    Posted on by Kazim Ali Alvi

    Microsoft Journal is one of the essential Windows apps that recently received a significant upgrade and now delivers a more user-friendly and feature-loaded experience. But, many report that Windows Journal cannot open specific files on their PC.

    The error message, in this case, reads, There was a problem trying to open the journal followed by the file name. It lists two possible causes, file corruption and change of location, and we will be looking at that and other possible solutions.

    What can I do if Windows Journal cannot open?

    Note icon NOTE
    Before you proceed, verify if the problem lies with just one file or all of them. In case it’s the former, start from Solution 1, while for the latter, directly head to Solution 3.

    1. Check if the file exists in the location

    1. Press Windows + E to open File Explorer, paste the following path in the address bar while replacing the username with the current one, and hit Enter:C:\Users\Username\OneDrive\Documents\Journalsnavigate
    2. Check if the file you are having trouble opening is saved here.verify file location to fix windows journal cannot open
    3. If not, find it and move the file back here.

    Your primary approach when Windows Journal cannot open is to verify that the file is stored in the default location. If this doesn’t help, head to the following method.

    2. Move the file to another location

    1. Navigate to the Journals folder by navigating the following path:C:\Users\Username\OneDrive\Documents\Journals
    2. Select the file throwing the error, and press Ctrl + X.cut file
    3. Now, go to any folder, preferably on another partition (create a partition if required), and press Ctrl + V to paste the file.
    4. Open the file from here, and click on No Thanks in the prompt in Windows Journal.no thanks

    Several users fixed the problem by moving the problematic file to another folder when Windows Journal could not open it. So, make sure to give it a try.

    3. Reinstall Windows Journal

    1. Press Windows + I to open Settings, select Apps from the navigation pane, and click on Installed apps on the right.installed apps
    2. Locate Journal here, click on the ellipsis next to it, and select Uninstall.uninstall to fix windows journal cannot open
    3. Again, click on Uninstall in the prompt, and wait for the process to complete.uninstall
    4. Now, go to the Microsoft Store, click on Get in Store app, and download Journal.download to fix windows journal cannot open
    5. Once done, launch Microsoft Journal, and open the file that earlier threw the error.

    If nothing so far has worked, it’s likely a problem with the Windows Journal app itself when it cannot open files, and reinstalling it should do the trick. You can also download Windows Journal from the official website.

    4. Go with a similar app

    When all else fails to work, the last option is to use an alternative to Journal. There are several useful journal-keeping apps that work pretty similarly to the one offered by Microsoft.

    Also, several users went for diary apps in Windows since these are slightly more straightforward. But the eJournal app, after receiving updates, has become the user’s first choice.

    If Windows Journal cannot open files, you know how to fix things quickly. And in case you were looking for academic writing software, we have just the ones. Besides, do not forget to share which solution worked for you in the comments section.

    3 Ways to Change Files and Folders Icon on Windows 10 & 11

    Posted on by Henderson Jayden Harper

    Windows has default icons for files and folders displayed in File Explorer and other programs. These icons serve their purposes but can become tiresome to look at. Hence, understanding how to change file icons on Windows will help you customize the file’s appearance to a desirable one.

    Also, you can make Windows 10 icons look like Windows 8 icons for more aesthetics.

    Can you customize folder icons on Windows 10?

    One of the best things about Windows is that it is highly customizable and allows users to create their desired display features. Hence, you can customize and change folder icons to something else, making them more appealing.

    Furthermore, customizing your files by adding file tags and changing folder icons helps you locate your files faster and makes your computer more personal.

    Likewise, you can customize the icons of specific files and folders for distinctiveness, providing an easy way to arrange your icons on your PC.

    Nonetheless, you can customize other icons on your computer to suit your preferences. For instance, users can change the recycle bin icon on Windows 10/11 to another icon to make it look more appealing.

    How do I change the file and folder icons on Windows?

    1. Change folder icons to a new Windows icon

    1. Click the File Explorer icon on the taskbar or press the Windows + E keys simultaneously to launch the app.
    2. Navigate to the folder to customize, right-click on it, and select Properties from the drop-down.
    3. Click the Customize tab and the Change Icon button on the Folder icons window.
    4. Select an icon from the list and click OK to save the changes.

    There are times when you encounter issues with the File Explorer. Try out the solutions in this guide to fix File Explorer crashes on Windows 11.

    2. Change a desktop icon

    1. Right-click on any space on the desktop and click on Personalize from the drop-down.
    2. Click on the Themes option from the right side of the screen.
    3. Scroll down to the Related settings tab and click on Desktop icon settings to open its window.
    4. Click on the Desktop icon you want to change and click on the Change Icon button.
    5. Scroll to the right to view all icons on the list provided by Windows, or click the Browse button to select an icon from Files.
    6. Click on your desired icon from the list, then click on the OK button to confirm the process.
    7. Click on Apply to save the changes, then click on the OK button to exit the Desktop icon Settings window.

    The desktop icon should change. Changing a Desktop icon like Recycle Bin, Control Panel, Network, and User’s Files, allows users to personalize their Desktop.

    Also, you can further customize your desktop icons bringing back old desktop icons on Windows 11.

    3. Change the icon of a file’s shortcut

    1. Right-click on the shortcut you want to personalize and click on Properties from the drop-down.
    2. Click on the Shortcut tab under Pictures Properties and the Change Icon button.
    3. Scroll to the right to view all icons on the list provided by Windows, or click the Browse button to select an icon from Files.
    4. Click on your desired icon from the list, then click on the OK button to confirm the selection.
    5. Click on Apply to save the changes, then click on the OK button to exit the Shortcut properties window.

    These steps allow you to change the shortcut icon for your apps, folders, etc., to suit your preferences.

    If there is any issue with the steps above, you may refer to our article on how to change icons on Windows 11.

    Read how to download Windows 10 icon packs if you have problems getting newer packs.

    In conclusion, we have a detailed guide on how to fix Windows 10 icons not working on your PC. Likewise, read how to extract multiple zip files on your PC.

    How to Download All Windows 7 Updates: Offline Install

    Posted on by Henderson Jayden Harper

    You can download Windows 7 updates only through offline install options. However, the chances are that you can encounter Windows 7 update error codes during the process.

    If you have Windows 7 Service Pack 1 installed on your PC, you need to download and install each update. Thus, Microsoft has considered how time-consuming and expensive it can be to install each update independently.

    In short, Windows 7 updates are still available for download for users running the Windows 7 Service Pack 1 on their PCs.

    How do I download all Windows 7 updates offline?

    1. Install Windows 7 Service Pack 1

    1. Launch a browser on your PC and go to the Windows 7 Service Pack 1 download page on the Microsoft official website.
    2. Click the Download link that matches your version of Windows 7.
    3. Double-click the .exe file you downloaded and followed the instructions to install SP 1. Windows may restart a couple of times.

    Before downloading and installing all the Windows 7 updates, you must have Windows 7 Service Pack 1 installed on your PC. It’ll allow you to access the Windows 7 SP1 Convenience Rollup and download all updates.

    2. Check if you’re using a 32-bit or 64-bit version of Windows 7

    1. Left-click on the Start button, right-click on Computer from the menu, and select Properties from the drop-down.
    2. Go to the System type field and check if it indicates 32-bit or 64-bit Operating System.

    Checking the System type will help determine which Convenience Rollup to download.

    3. Download and install the April 2015 Servicing Stack Update

    1. Go to the April 2015 Servicing Stack Update download page and scroll down to Method 2: Microsoft Download Center.
    2. Click the first Download the package now link if you use a 32-bit version of Windows 7.
    3. Select the second Download the package now link if you use a 64-bit version of Windows 7.
    4. Click Download on the prompt.
    5. Double-click on the downloaded file and follow the onscreen prompts to install.

    Microsoft requires users to install the April 2015 Servicing Stack Update before downloading the Convenience Rollup.

    4. Download and install the Convenience Rollup

    1. Click the link for your System type to download the appropriate update: 64-bit version Download or 32-bit version Download.
    2. Go to the downloaded file, double-click on it to run it, and follow the installation wizard to install the Convenience Rollup.

    Please note that the update may take a while, so wait patiently. This option is the last approach to downloading all Windows 7 updates with the offline install.

    Conclusively, you can check how to upgrade from Windows 7 to Windows 10 on your PC without having any problems.

    Likewise, we have a detailed guide on how to keep your Windows 7 updated and download Service Pack 2.

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

    How to Download And Use Leaf Browser For Unblocking All Sites

    Posted on by Henderson Jayden Harper

    Accessing blocked sites can be hectic sometimes if you don’t have the right tool or browser to unblock them. Thus, users sort out unblocked browsers for open blocked websites and games for help. However, the Leaf browser is one of the best-unblocked browsers for unblocking sites with restricted access.

    What is a Leaf browser clone, and why do I need it?

    Clones are experimental browsers designed to run on another browser as an extension or plugin. They are not independently available as a sole browser. However, the Leaf browser clone is an unblocked browser that you can add to your Chrome extension to access blocked sites.

    Furthermore, many features make the Leaf browser a choice to consider. Some are:

    • Secure internet access – Leaf browser clone is a secure browser that allows users to surf the internet unnoticed. Also, users can access sites through secure networks that prevent any risk of data loss online while preventing online tracking when you browse.
    • Online anonymity and privacy – Users can browse through the internet with the Leaf browser while hiding their IP addresses and masking their online presence. It gives you access to websites with geographical restrictions.
    • Unblock restricted websites– Surfing the internet with Leaf browser helps break through site restrictions preventing you from accessing content on the site. So, it is a browser to open blocked websites inaccessible with a standard browser.
    • Fast internet access – Leaf browser offers a quick and efficient internet experience. It allows users to surf the internet swiftly while unblocking blocked sites.
    • Multiple tabs – Users can access numerous sites concurrently on the Leaf browser clone without experiencing any problems or lag.

    There are many other features that users get to enjoy from adding the Leaf browser clone to their Chrome browser.

    How do I download and use the Leaf browser for sites unblocking?

    Users can download and add the Leaf browser to Chrome as an extension to unblock websites. First, however, we recommend you follow the preliminary steps below to prepare your device for the process:

    • Connect to a stable and fast network connection.
    • Turn off background apps running on your PC.
    • Make sure your Operating System and your Chrome browser are updated.
    • Temporarily disable antivirus software on your PC.

    After going through the steps listed above, proceed with the instructions below to download the Leaf browser.

    1. Download as an extension

    1. Double-click on the Chrome browser icon.
    2. Go to the Chrome Webstore, type Leaf browser into the search space, and select the first search result.
    3. Click the Add to Chrome button.
    4. Click the Add extension button on the new prompt to confirm the action, then exit the Chrome web store page.
    5. Click the Extension center button in the top-right corner of the screen, select Manage Extensions, then click on the Leaf browser from installed extensions.
    6. Input the URL and search.

    Clicking the Leaf browser extension will automatically enable and allow you to unblock blocked sites.

    Also, you can stop the browser by clicking on the Leaf browser extension icon in the Extension Center.

    2. Download the app

    1. Go to the Playstore, search for the Leaf browser, and click Install.
    2. Select Open after the installation is complete.
    3. Input the URL and search.

    Alternatively, we have a detailed guide on accessing blocked websites on your Mac’s Safari browser.

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

    Opera for Chromebook: How to Download & Install It

    Posted on by Megan Moore

    Opera is the first alternative browser fully optimized for Chromebooks. It offers users another choice other than Google Chrome.

    The browser introduced its unique features previously unavailable for Chromebooks, such as the free VPN, ad blocker, and themes.

    Opera for Chromebook is very similar to the standard Opera browser with some tweaks to make it refined for Chrome OS. The Chromebook version of the browser is closer to the Opera browser offered for Android devices.

    Keep reading for a closer look at Opera’s best features and discover why it’s the perfect alternative browser for Chromebooks.

    If you don’t prefer Opera, maybe consider one of these portable browsers for Chromebook.

    Can you get Opera on a Chromebook?

    Even though Chromebook runs mostly web apps from Google, you can also install Opera on it. As you may know, many Chromebooks can run Android apps.

    As a result, you can install Android apps on Chromebook, including Opera. The process is more straightforward than you think, and in today’s guide, we’ll show you how to do it.

    Our readers also asked about Opera for Acer Chromebook. The installation process is the same for any Chromebook, whether it is manufactured by Acer or any other brand.

    Opera

    Surf the web safely with this flexible browser and have enhanced navigation on your Chromebook device.
    Free Visit website

    How to install Opera on Chromebook?

    Use Google Play

    1. Go to Opera’s homepage.
    2. Under Browsers, select Opera for Chromebook. Under browsers, select Opera for Chromebook.
    3. Click Get it on Google Play. Get Opera on Google Play.
    4. Install Opera Browser. Install Opera on Google Play.

    You are now ready to explore all the great features Opera for Chromebook offers. If you’re interested in downloading Opera for Windows 11, we have a guide on that as well.

    Should I use Opera over Chrome?

    Opera has a wider range of features which makes it a better browser than Chrome. Here are the main ones:

    ➡ Productivity

    Opera for Chromebook has all the unique features of Opera that users know and love, such as the integrated messaging system. Users have access to WhatsApp, Telegram, and Facebook Messenger run from the sidebar.

    Opera Flow on Chromebook.

    With Flow, users can switch between devices with the ability to instantly share files, videos, links, and more across all platforms. This feature is perfect for users on the go who often switch between their smartphone and PC when browsing.

    Reading mode is incorporated into Opera for Chromebook, allowing users to zoom in easily and present a reader-friendly experience. Users can also adjust the background color to make it easier to read at night or in the dark.

    ➡ Interface

    Chromebooks are known for their user-friendly and sleek interfaces, and Opera is the perfect browser to go along with it. The browser allows room for customization without going overboard. For example, users can adjust between light and dark mode and choose from various colors to personalize their theme.

    Opera on Chromebook has a handy sidebar feature so users can easily access features. This allows users can add or remove features to the sidebar for a fully personalized web browser.

    opera Browser for Chromebook interface.

    ➡ Speed and security

    Like the mobile app for Android, Opera for Chromebook has a data-saving mode that compresses data to speed up web surfing. This feature is perfect for those using Chromebooks who don’t want their browser to consume PC resources.

    The adblocker prevents ads and cookies from weighing down web pages and speeds up browsing. Moreover, this feature also helps block annoying cookie dialogs from popping up on most websites.

    Opera VPN is free and protects user data on public networks. Users can browse with peace of mind using the unlimited VPN.

    Private mode allows users to surf the web and leave no trace on their devices. In addition, history and data are not stored when browsing in private mode.

    Opera Chrome OS VPN.

    This browser is the perfect alternative browser for Chrome OS because it’s lightweight and easy to use. If you’re someone looking for a browser option that’s not Google Chrome for your Chromebook, then Opera is the perfect fit.

    Opera Browser

    Try Opera’s fully optimized browser for Chromebook.
    Free Visit Website

    How do I make Opera my default browser on my Chromebook?

    1. Open Opera. 
    2. Click the Menu button in the top-left corner (the Opera icon) and select Settings. 
    3. Scroll down to Default browser, and click Make default.

    How do I download Opera for my Chromebook for school?

    This, unfortunately, isn’t possible by default, depending on your school policy. Your administrator manages which applications can be installed on school devices; only he can manage apps.

    To install Opera, you need to contact the administrator and wait for him to approve Opera.

    As you can see, installing Opera on Chromebook is pretty simple, as long as you have the necessary privileges.

    If you haven’t tried Chromebooks yet, check our affordable Chromebook models article for more information.

    We hope you enjoyed this look at Opera Browser for Chromebook. Let us know in the comments below what you think of Opera.

    How to Enable or Disable Aero in Windows 11

    Posted on by Henderson Jayden Harper

    Windows is a highly customizable Operating System with many appearance features that give your PC a unique appearance. The Aero theme is one of the features users can use. Hence, we’ll take you through how to enable Aero on Windows 11. Also, users can download Windows themes from here.

    What is the Windows Aero theme?

    Windows Aero (Authentic, Energetic, Reflective, and Open) is a GUI (Graphic User Interface) introduced for Windows Vista and found in Windows 7. It helps users enhance graphical effects on their PCs.

    However, the Windows Aero theme is a component of Windows Aero that uses numerous Windows animations and transparency effects on your PC. It creates transparent decoration effects and also changes your desktop’s background color, transparency, brightness, and screensaver.

    Why is Windows Aero not working?

    A couple of factors can cause Windows Aero not to work on your PC. Some are:

    • Your version of Windows doesn’t support the Aero feature – Windows Aero won’t work on your computer if the version running in it doesn’t. So, users need to confirm if their Windows can work with the Aero feature.
    • Desktop Windows Manager is disabled – The DWM is a component that helps create a graphical user interface (GUI) on Windows and enables the operating system to use visual effects. So, Windows Aero can stop working due to Desktop Windows Manager issues on your PC.
    • Transparency is disabled – Windows Aero may not work if the transparency effects are disabled on your PC. Transparency is an essential feature needed to use Aero because it uses it for transparency effects. Thus, Windows Aero won’t work if it can access the transparency effects option.
    • Issues with Windows Aero cache – Users can experience problems using Windows Aero if its cache file is corrupt. It’ll affect its performance and may prevent it from working.

    How do I enable or disable Aero in Windows 11?

    1. Enable/Disable Aero lite

    1. Press the Windows + E to open FIle Explorer and navigate the following path: C:\Windows\Resources\Themes
    2. Copy and paste the Aero theme file to a new location.
    3. Right-click the file, select Rename and change the file from aero.theme to aerolite.theme.
    4. Right-click the file, click Open with, and select Notepad.
    5. Replace the following lines: ; Windows - IDS_THEME_DISPLAYNAME_AERO_LIGHT, DisplayName=@%SystemRoot%\System32\themeui.dll,-2060 with DisplayName=Aero Lite
    6. Replace this line: Path=%ResourceDir%\Themes\Aero\Aero.msstyles with Path=%ResourceDir%\Themes\Aero\Aerolite.msstyles
    7. Click File and Save.
    8. Double-click the Aerolite.theme file to enable the theme.

    To disable the Aero lite theme, follow these steps:

    1. First, press Windows + I to open Settings.
    2. Select Personalization and choose Themes.
    3. Locate the Aero lite theme, right-click and delete it.

    Check our article on what to do if themes keep changing on Windows 11.

    2. Enable/disable Aero Peek via System Properties

    1. Press the Windows + R keys to open the Run dialog, type sysdm.cpl, and hit Enter.
    2. On the System Properties dialog box, select the Advanced tab. Next, click the Settings button under the Performance section.
    3. Select the Visual Effects tab, and look for the option Enable Peek.
    4. Click Apply and then OK.
    5. Restart the PC.

    3. Disable/enable Aero Shake

    1. Press the Windows + I keys to open Settings.
    2. Select System and click Multitasking.
    3. Toggle on or off the Title bar Windows shake.

    The Aero shake is another feature that declutters the desktop by grabbing and shaking a window to minimize all other windows in the background.

    However, the causes may vary in numerous Windows computers and are not limited to a specific Windows version.

    Nevertheless, you may experience numerous problems with Windows themes and graphics customization. Hence, we recommend you read how to fix themes not syncing on Windows 11.

    Also, check how to install third-party themes on Windows 10/11 and how to fix the Windows can’t find files in the theme error on your computer.

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

    Top 4 Adblock Browsers for PC: Get the Best Browser Without Ads

    Posted on by Milan Stanojevic

    Having an adblocker these days is crucial to having a good experience online. The number of ads that some websites use can become annoying, affecting even the most patient users.

    Some adblockers are better than others, though, and some browsers are more efficient at using them.

    This article will explore some of the best AdBlock browsers for Windows with powerful and merciless adblockers.

    Is there a browser that blocks all ads?

    Without any extra extensions, your browser will probably block 99% of the ads. Opera One is one of the few browsers that have a built-in adblocker and that can still perform wonderfully.

    Here are all the browsers that can block ads:

    • Opera One – Best browser with a built-in ad blocker
    • UR Browser – 3 privacy levels and built-in ad blocker
    • Epic Browser – Great ad-blocking features
    • Avast Secure Browser – Stable browser with ad block but slow speed

    Does Windows 10/11 have a built-in ad blocker?

    If you were wondering about built-in ad blockers, you should know that neither Windows 10 nor Windows 11 have one. But you can circumvent that issue by installing a browser with a VPN already ready to be used.

    Alternatively, you could invest in a wonderful stand-alone VPN service that will protect your device no matter your OS.

    Below you can see some of the best browsers that can help you to avoid annoying ads.

    What browser has built-in AdBlock?

    Opera One – Best browser with a built-in ad blocker

    Opera One has a dedicated built-in ad blocker that detects and blocks ad scripts when you request a webpage. As a result, web pages load faster, and users no longer need to install third-party addons.

    According to tests, content-rich pages load up to 90% faster when the adblocker is enabled. As you can see, these numbers are pretty impressive. This means that you can use Opera One even on an old PC.

    Opera One’s robust and reliable adblocker can also block malicious ads enhancing browser security.

    If you want to support your favorite websites, you can add them to your list of exceptions, and the browser will allow them to load ads.

    Another critical aspect of Opera One is that you can customize it almost endlessly, with themes, modes, sidebar display, and keyboard combo.

    To round this browser off even better, Turbo Mode will ensure that the best possible speeds are attained, depending on the task. Choosing an AdBlock browser for PC has never been easier.

    Moreover, Opera One is now rebranded with an interesting-chromatic interface and built-in AI assistant called Aria to help users with all kinds of information.

    Additional features:

    • Integrated adblocker to eliminate distractions, optimize web pages loading times and streamline your browsing experience
    • Integrated VPN tool to anonymize your browsing and unblock geo-restricted content
    • Integrated snapshot tool to capture your screen effortlessly
    • Customizable workflow and workspaces with instant messaging and social media apps like Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram to chat, explore and stay in touch with the latest news without leaving your browser’s windows

    Opera One

    Get 0 interruptions with Opera’s powerful built-in adblocker!
    Free Visit Website

    AVG Secure Browser – Integrated adblocker

    If this browser rings a bell, it is due to its adware security and malware protection. The UI is quite simple and also focuses on privacy ad security.

    AVG browser can give you seamless integration with the antivirus and you can pair the two tools together for maximum security.

    Among its many features is the built-in adblocker. This means you will enjoy distraction-free surfing on any websites out there.

    You can also use the browser Bank Mode if you’re shopping online or making transactions, thus securing the financial data with high-end defense.

    Even more, there is fingerprinting security that stops unsafe sites to collect personal information about you depending on your queries.

    In addition, the browser forces every supported website to use HTTPS encryption and has privacy cleaning tools to remove browsing data instantly.

    Additional features:

    • AVG VPN integration
    • Webcam safeguarding
    • Stealth mode for blocking cookies
    • 4x faster and no slow times

    AVG Secure Browser

    Forget about ads from now on, this browser blocks every annoying ad for smooth navigation.
    Free Visit website

    UR Browser – 3 privacy levels and built-in ad blocker

    UR Browser is one of the best browsers available on the market.

    This software option stands out from the crowd because of its incredibly versatile user interface, fast loading speeds, and access to a wide range of customization tools, including add-ons and extensions.

    You can find a great range of specific and powerful adblockers to use with UR Browser, and once you install them, the annoying pop-ups and ads will be gone completely.

    This software option is one of the best ad-free browsers for Windows 10 and 11.

    One of the most important factors when judging browsers on their usability level is the speed for loading webpages, how well they perform streaming, and how fast they can download files.

    Additional features:

    • Extremely fast at loading webpages no matter their complexity
    • Performs downloads up to 4 times faster than other browsers
    • Streams online video perfectly without any lag
    • Offers compelling encryption services

    UR Browser

    Enjoy fast, private, and ad-free browsing with a top-range browsing solution!
    Download Visit website

    Epic Browser – Great ad-blocking features

    This browser is as private as private can be. It makes a list for its top-notch ad blocking features, but in reality, it does much more.

    The Epic browser uses Chromium to power its incredible performance and rendering and blocks fingerprinting, trackers, ultrasound signaling, crypto mining, and more.

    With a focus on privacy and security, it is not surprising that it comes equipped with a VPN. You would be able to pick from browsers in 8 countries.

    You can access blocked sites like Pandora regardless of your location. Also, your privacy is guaranteed because the browser uses top-of-the-class encryption tech to encrypt your information.

    Additional features:

    • No DNS Cache
    • Installation-ID removed
    • No navigation error suggestions
    • Extension states deletion on close

    ⇒ Get Epic Browser

    Do any browsers have a built-in VPN & also an ad blocker?

    Yes, some great browser options include a VPN service and an ad blocker, and the most useful is at the top of our list in this guide: Opera One.

    Opera One not only provides you with these two elements but also integrates a quick access toolbar for social media and messenger while also ensuring that no pop-ups bother you.

    Another alternative is UR Browser, which, even though it can not be compared directly to the number of built-in features of Opera One, still provides some excellent capabilities and is worth a try.

    In this article, we found out why Opera One and UR Browser are the best options if you want a stable, fast, secure, and dependable browser.

    These two browsers give you the speed of Chrome and Firefox combined, with a lower system impact than in both options. For a cross-platform adblocker, try Total Adblock.

    Please let us know your opinion about these browsers with adblocking capabilities using the comment section below.

    A Web Page is Slowing Down Firefox: Fixed

    Posted on by Milan Stanojevic

    Firefox is a great browser, but many users reported getting the message: A web page is slowing down your browser.

    This message will slow down your browser or make it unresponsive, thus affecting the whole browsing experience, which makes it imperative to resolve or eliminate the underlying cause at the earliest.

    In today’s article, we’ll show you the best ways to solve the problem, so keep reading.

    Quick Tip:

    If you keep getting A web page is slowing down your browser message, maybe you should consider switching to Opera One. This web browser is light on your resources, and it can handle multiple tabs.

    Speaking of tabs, Opera One has the ability to organize your tabs in workspaces and tab islands. Also the browser comes with a native AI and a modular AI-ready design.

    Opera One

    Browse the web faster with no delays thanks to different settings you can apply.
    Free Download Visit website

    Why is the web slowing down?

    There are several reasons why a web page is slowing down your Firefox browser. In most cases, it is the corrupt or excessive cache files causing the issue. Or, the webpage might not be optimized well and lead to A web page is slowing down your browser.

    Oftentimes, the webpage might have certain large files or excessive ads, loading which will take time, and it would appear as if the browser is slowing down. Besides, the installed conflicting extensions might also be the culprit.

    What is slowing down my Firefox browser?

    The easiest way to tell what’s slowing down Firefox is to look through the Task Manager and identify the processes consuming the maximum resources.

    Some of these would be tabs, while others are the extensions installed on the browser. Once you have identified the resource-consuming processes, terminate them, and things should start working fine on Firefox and other browsers.

    How can I fix A web page is slowing down your browser error on Firefox?

    1. Make sure that tracking protection is enabled

    1. 1. Launch Firefox.

    2. 2. Click the Menu button.

    3. 3. Choose Settings from the list.

      settings

    4. 4. Go to Privacy & Security in the left pane.

      Privacy & Security to fix

    5. 5. In the right pane, select Strict.

      6. A few users reported that the problem was caused because tracking scripts were slowing down certain pages, but after switching to the Strict mode, the A web page is slowing down your browser problem was resolved.

    2. Change the hidden Firefox settings

    1. Paste the following path in Firefox’s address bar and hit Enter:about:config
    2. Click on Accept the Risk and Continue.accept the risk and continue
    3. Search for dom.ipc.processHangMonitor, click on the toggle next to it to set the configuration to False.false to fix web page slowing down browser

    Once done, check if the web page slowing down issue in your browser is fixed. If it persists, head to the final solution.

    3. Refresh Firefox

    1. Click the hamburger icon button, and select Help.Helps
    2. Next, click on Troubleshoot Mode.Troubleshoot mode
    3. Click on Refresh Firefox in the prompt.refresh firefox
    4. Again, click on Refresh Firefox to confirm.refresh firefox to fix web page slowing down browser

    Once done, the web page slowing down the problem in the browser would be fixed.

    Why is the Firefox browser so slow?

    Firefox is generally slow when you have an unstable Internet connection or the ISP is unable to deliver the promised speed. Though Firefox is much better, you are less likely to come across A web page is slowing down your browser problem here than in Chrome.

    Also, if the browser hasn’t been updated in a while and you are using an outdated version, performance issues are bound to come up after a while. Besides, having too many extensions or even a few problematic extensions could cause the browser to slow down.

    A web page is slowing down your browser message can appear for various reasons, but we hope that you solved that issue using one of our solutions.

    Also, find out how to fix things when Firefox is running slow in Windows.

    If you have any other queries or know of a method that’s not listed here, drop a comment below.

    What’s the Best Browsers for Extened Battery Life in Windows 11?

    Posted on by Vladimir Popescu

    We tested the most battery-friendly browsers and will share the results, explaining what affects battery usage.

    Before we dive in, remember that, while the numbers are important, it’s not just about the math. Consider the features each browser offers.

    Sometimes, a bit more battery use is worth the extra tools and extensions.

    Which browser uses the least battery? Test Results

    ▶ TLDR: our general conclusion is:

    • Opera One: Best all-around choice with great speed and performance without compromising on features.
    • Microsoft Edge: Ideal for situations where every minute counts, but with fewer features.

    Now, let’s check out the test.

    • Test Type: Battery consumption with multiple browser tabs
    • Device Used: ASUS TUF Gaming F17 laptop
    • Screen Brightness: 200 nits
    • Testing Process: Varied web workloads, repeated until battery depletion
    • Measurement: Minutes of operation (higher is better)
    BrowserTest score in minutes
    Microsoft Edge529
    Opera One521
    UR Browser496
    Brave Browser485
    Firefox471
    Chrome452

    As you can see from the table presented above, at the top of the list, we have Microsoft Edge with a score of 529, followed closely by Opera One, which scored 521.

    Since the difference between the first 2 is quite small (8 minutes) and even the gap between Edge and Chrome isn’t huge, we suggest you consider the following factors when you decide which one to use:

    • Edge is objectively faster, but has far fewer features than Opera One
    • UR Browser is not that far away from Opera One either. What might slow it down are its more rigorous (and adjustable) security and privacy features
    • Close behind we have Brave Browser, which focuses on speed and privacy with aggressive ad-blocking and Tor integration
    • Firefox is quite down the line but it’s still a great choice if you want privacy
    • Chrome was the least performant, losing 77 minutes to Edge, but it has a lot more features than Edge and much more room for integrating productivity and work tools

    Now, let’s discuss the features and benefits each of these browsers includes.

    1. Opera One – The most battery-efficient browser

    Opera One browser is known for its integrated ad-blocking feature and VPN. That adds to its speed and performance while still being secure and private.

    Whether it’s streaming games or video, the browser can keep you going for a really long time.

    It enforces security by protecting it from fraudulent sites, malware, and phishing attacks. The built-in ad blocker limits the ads which, in turn, leads to a really fast browsing experience.

    Opera One CTA

    Opera

    Enjoy built-in ad-blocking, VPN, and privacy features without draining your device’s resources.
    Check price Visit website

    2. UR Browser – Optimized for privacy and low impact on resources

    UR browser is among the safest and most secure browsers out there. Itcomes with a simple user interface that is easily customizable as well.

    You’ll get used to the UR browser easily given that it’s based on Chromium.

    It also comes with a media center to help organize all the stuff that you have downloaded. What’s more, UR Browser also comes with built-in games .

    UR Browser

    UR Browser

    Open as many tabs as you like in this browser. It won’t slow down your device, nor will it eat up much battery life.
    Download free Visit website

    3. Microsoft Edge – Fastest browser with a low amount of features

    Even though it is not the most energy-efficient browser, Edge is better than its predecessor.

    It is safe and secure too, having enough protection and privacy features onboard for you to carry on sensitive tasks.

    It can ward off phishing or malware attacks and has the least likelihood of being hacked.

    Edge is also constantly being upgraded to offer its users a smart experience. Developers too will find it easy to test their websites and online apps, besides allowing for a consistent experience across the board.

    ⇒ Get Microsoft Edge

    4. Brave Browser – Stable browser that doesn’t affect your CPU that much

    Brave is a free web browser with ad-blocking being its biggest USP, something that naturally translates to better browsing speeds.

    No wonder the company claims to have up to 8-times the speed advantage over contemporary browsers such as Chrome. That said, the browser is also known to provide an extended battery experience as well.

    Another key feature of Brave is the secured environment it provides for you to carry on with your browsing. Apart from ads, Brave also blocks the tens of trackers that are often present on even the most popular of sites.

    ⇒ Get Brave Browser

    5. Mozilla Firefox – Expanded customization with a large number of addons

    Firefox, developed by Mozilla Foundation and Mozilla Corp., is among the most popular browsers today.

    The browser also supports a host of plugins that further adds to the browser’s appeal.

    It also offers several themes that allow you to personalize your browsing experience, while the thousands of extensions it supports only adds to the browser’s appeal.

    ⇒ Get Mozilla Firefox

    What is the best browser for battery life on Windows 11?

    The best browser that can extend your Windows 11 device’s battery life is Microsoft Edge, which was capable of running our benchmark tests for 529 minutes. Close behind, we have Opera One with 521 minutes of operating time for the same test.

    Even though Edge scored better running times than its competitor, when considering all aspects of what the browsers offer, we suggest you use Opera One for better results. In addition, the built-in VPN and adblocker ensure your online security is respected at all times.

    What is the best browser for battery life on Mac?

    Our testers have concluded that the best browser to use on Mac regarding battery life is Opera One, followed close behind by Safari.

    Their recommendation is based on the amount of incredibly-useful features that it has, making the Mac experience more immersive and readily customized.

    If you don’t want to optimize your online experience, Safari is still an excellent native browser for Mac devices.

    What is the best browser for battery life on Android?

    To answer this question, we must first clarify what you will use your phone for, as this significantly influences the result.

    To understand what parameters need to be considered when figuring out how will you predominantly use your Android device, please read on:

    Browser typeSuggestionsFunctions and featuresUtility
    Normal– Opera One

    – Brave     		A more significant number of featuresPro: Usage versatility is considerably extended

    Con: Larger impact on system resources
    Lightweight – Opera MiniFewer functions and featuresPro: Faster processing speed and lower resource impact

    Con: Functionality is reduced but still great
    General browser categories

    Looking at the table above, try and figure out what needs you want to cover with your choice of browser.

    If you are interested in versatility, customization, and a variety of useful features, then going for a so-called normal browser is the best option.

    If you are only interested in speed and longer battery life, then going for a lightweight browser will ensure that will happen.

    For more detailed information regarding this topic, don’t hesitate to explore some of the best browsers with low-system resource consumption.

    Does Firefox use less battery than Chrome?

    To answer this question with confidence, our team of testers has taken both of these browsers through rigorous benchmark tests and will present the results to you.

    Their tests were performed in the same exact OS conditions, on a separate system, with a fresh installation of the respective browser being used.

    Each browser was tested with 10 identical tabs open, and here are the results:

    BrowsersCPURAM
    Chrome5 – 13 %1783MB
    Firefox3.1 – 4%847MB

    As you can see, Firefox uses 3.1 to 4% of the CPU, and 847MB of RAM, thus clearly taking the lead when it comes to resource consumption.

    Chrome uses 5 to 13% of the CPU in the test and a whopping 1783MB of RAM, making it too resource-intensive if your goal is to save battery.

    So, if you’ve been looking for the most power-efficient browser, give it a shot with one of these.

    What is the best browser for battery life on iOS?

    Regarding iOS devices, the best browser for battery life is Safari. This native browser ensures your device can browse the internet efficiently and doesn’t affect your battery levels.

    As an alternative to that, you could also try downloading Dolphin Browser. Even though some users have complained about stability issues, some are very happy with their choice.

    This makes for a list of browsers that are among the most energy-efficient. We hope that you’ve found the best one for your needs.

    If your device is discharging fast, here’s how to fix Windows 11 battery drain issues and get your device to run better.

    What’s your weapon of choice for browsing? Tell us in the comments section below.

    Oil Painting Software for PC: 3 Best Expert-Tested Apps

    Posted on by Loredana Harsana

    It can definitely take time to find the most suited and advantageous oil painting software that will allow you to create fantastic works of art.

    If you are looking for ways to take your art to the next level while maintaining the natural and classic touch of oil painting, we have some oil painting software recommendations for you that are worth giving a try.

    In this article, we’ve put together a list of the best oil painting apps that you can use on your Windows 10 or Mac PC, so make sure to keep on reading.

    What is the best oil painting software for PC?

    Adobe Fresco – Stylus and touch devices

    try out Adobe Fresco

    Adobe Fresco offers a larger collection of vectors and brushes that help you deliver a natural painting. Moreover, the drawing experience offered by this software is close to the classic way of drawing with oil.

    If you are a beginner or a professional, Adobe Fresco comes with such tools that will help you discover, or why not, rediscover the joy of painting.

    Thanks to the world’s largest selection of brushes available through Adobe Fresco you can work with watercolors and oil in order to create fantastic works of art.

    You can isolate parts of a layer and turn selections into masks, which will enhance your productivity visibly.

    Adobe Fresco

    Adobe Fresco

    Start your work on any oil painting project with this reliable tool and create amazing works of art!
    Free trialVisit website

    Clip Studio Paint – Illustration and comics

    clip studio paint logo

    With an approach that will help you create unique oil paintings, Clip Studio Paint will definitely stand out from the rest.

    Thanks to the highly customizable degree of the app, you will be able to create the exact brushes and other tools you feel are necessary and in the manner that will best fit your painting needs.

    This app is one of the number one choices for many professionals thanks to the incorporated workflow, which will enhance your productivity and its elegant and intuitive interface.

    Clip Studio Paint

    Create unique oil paintings with a tool that has the exact features you need. Ready to give it a try?
    Free trial Visit website

    Corel Painter – Natural Media awards

    enjoy Corel Painter

    The appearance and feel of the classic way of the painting are perfectly emulated by Corel Painter.

    All the available brushes and canvas textures are designed to help you achieve the most natural alike oil painting image.

    With a modern, easy-to-navigate interface, you will not spend a lot of time learning your way around the app and creating a productive workflow.

    Moreover, Corel Painter is based on a powerful learning system that enhances your work and it’s also compatible with other Photoshop apps that you use daily.

    Corel Painter

    Corel Painter

    Create amazing oil paintings with this powerful and complex software. Try it out right away!
    Free trialVisit website

    With this last one, we will conclude our list of recommendations for the best oil painting software.

    We hope that all the information you gathered from this article will help you make an informed decision about which oil painting software is the best.

    We would love to know your choice for an oil painting app. Therefore, don’t hesitate to share it by using the comments section below.

    Fix: Windows Cannot Boot Into The Next Phase of Installation

    Posted on by Henderson Jayden Harper

    Some of our readers have complained about errors they encounter when installing or upgrading an existing version of Windows. The error message saying Windows could not prepare the computer to boot into the next installation phase is one of these errors.

    You can also experience the Installation failing on the Safe_os Phase on Windows 11.

    Why can’t Windows boot into the next installation phase?

    The main culprit for this error is BIOS not supporting the version of Windows you’re installing. It indicates that your hardware is not compatible with the version of the OS it’s trying to install.

    Furthermore, other factors that may prompt Windows not to boot into the next phase of installation are:

    • Corrupt system files or software – When you have a corrupt system file or software on your PC, it can affect the installation of Windows or upgrade an existing version of Windows.
    • Issues with BIOS settings – Windows installation on your PC can run into errors due to some file corruption in the BIOS. It causes problems with your computer and the new OS you’re installing on it.
    • Many unnecessary devices plugged in – Sometimes, having many nonessential devices connected to your PC can affect the installation or upgrading process. Likewise, if the BIOS version isn’t strong enough, it’ll act up if it’s overworked by these devices, resulting in Windows not being able to boot to the next installation phase.

    However, these causes may vary on numerous PCs but can be resolved by troubleshooting some settings on your computer.

    What can I do if Windows cannot boot into the next phase of installation?

    Before proceeding with any advanced troubleshooting steps for fixing the error, go through the preliminary check below:

    If you’re unable to fix the issues, proceed with the solutions below:

    1. Update your BIOS

    1. Go to the HP driver and software download website and identify your product by selecting from the list.
    2. Click on the Serial number box, input your serial number or exact computer model, and select Submit.
    3. Select your OS and your OS version.
    4. Click the plus All drivers, then click BIOS to expand it, see available updates, and click on Download.
    5. Double-click the downloaded file to install the .exe file, then follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation.
    6. Restart your PC and select the Apply Update Now option to implement the installed BIOS update during the startup.

    Updating the BIOS improves its compatibility, making it compatible with new hardware versions. Also, it enhances its stability and prevents crashing.

    The updating process varies on different PCs, so we have a guide on how to check and update BIOS on various laptops.

    2. Delete partitions on your computer

    1. Left-click the Start button, search for Disk Management and launch the Create and format hard disk partition.
    2. Right-click the drive with the Partition you want to delete and click on the Delete Volume option from the drop-down.
    3. Click the Yes button to confirm that you want to delete the selected partition data.

    Deleting the partitions on your PC allows it to recreate and reformat. Likewise, it frees up memory space for installing a new OS. So, you can fix the Windows but cannot prepare the computer to boot into the next installation phase.

    Check what to do if you accidentally delete the recovery/boot partition on Windows 10/11.

    3. Create Installation Media properly

    1. Download and launch Windows 11 Media Creation Tool on this PC.
    2. Select Create installation media (USB flash drive, DVD, or ISO file) for another PC option and click Next.
    3. Select the language, architecture, and edition of Windows 10. It’s essential to choose the correct architecture, 64-bit or 32-bit, or you can select both.
    4. Select the USB flash drive option.
    5. Select the removable drive you want to use from the list.

    After the Windows 10 installation files have been downloaded, your computer will create a bootable USB that will be compatible with devices using UEFI or BIOS.

    Installing Windows via a bootable USB drive can fix the problem. If you encounter any issues creating the drive, read how to create a bootable USB drive for Windows 11

    Nevertheless, we have a detailed guide on how to fix issues with Windows installation on your PC.

    You can also read how to fix Windows 11 installation that has failed: error 0xc1900101 on your computer.

    This Stock is Not Supported on Robinhood

    Posted on by Milan Stanojevic

    Robinhood is a popular American financial services company. It operates as Robinhood Financial, trading commission-free stocks, ETFs, and options, and Robinhood Crypto, used to buy and sell cryptocurrency.

    The platform trades only US-listed stock; namely, they trade only what can be found in the American exchanges.

    According to Robinhood, they don’t support stocks that trade on foreign exchanges. That being said,  they do support certain American Depository Receipts (ADRs) and some stocks that trade on Canadian and Israeli exchanges.

    It is also worth noting that depending on your location, you may also be eligible to trade certain cryptocurrencies through Robinhood Crypto.

    Why do I get This stock is not supported on Robinhood message?

    On fri i bought 9 shares of vtl. Now today it doesnt show in my list of stocks i own. When i went to look at my buy sell list it shows there i bought it and i went to veiw it and it doesnt say its supported on robinhood.

    This is a common situation when trading stock – namely, users buy stock that becomes unavailable on the platform they are using.

    As mentioned before, Robinhood only trades US stock. However, if a certain stock is unavailable from the very beginning, the user should not see a Buy button.

    As it is, this particular user might have had the option to buy, but then the not supported message appeared after a few days.

    Also according to Robinhood, this might happen for a few reasons:

    • The exchange has paused trading.
    • The stock was delisted from the major exchanges and trades in the OTC market.
    • It’s a foreign security, which we don’t support.
    • The security is undergoing a corporate action (i.e. merger).

    What can I do if my stock is no longer supported?

    If a stock is delisted and no longer supported by Robinhood, users are able to sell it in the market, without being able to purchase additional shares.

    Also, since trading prices are no longer visible for that stock, users have to find references elsewhere.

    If you have problems with supported stocks on Robinhood, there’s no need to worry since it isn’t the only service of its kind on the market, with many more being available that can do the same thing as Robinhood, or more.

    For example, TradingView is also perfectly capable of free stock trading, it has a fast and easy account opening process, it is a great mobile trading platform that is also available as a web app.

    TradingView

    Stock trading can be done from the safety and comfort of your own home. Enjoy the benefits of TradingView!
    Free trial Visit website

    We hope our answer was helpful and that your portfolio was not affected to a high extent. Feel free to give us your feedback in the comments section below.

    Acronis Special Sale: UP TO 50%[Limited Time Offer]

    Posted on by Radu Tyrsina

    In a world where pretty much everything exists in a digital format, keeping all of your data safe is your biggest concern.

    It doesn’t matter if you want to keep it safe or want to have it available in multiple locations, keeping your data is of the utmost importance.

    That is why dedicated software programs such as ACRONIS Cyber Protect Home Office exist. This handy little tool will quickly restore your files or the entire system at any time.

    More so, if backing up data is something you need, then with this ACRONIS tool, you’ll be just two clicks to start a full disk image backup.

    Additionally, AI-based technology stops ransomware and cryptojacking, so you don’t have to worry about your information getting into the wrong hands.

    Read on to find out which Acronis Black Friday sale deals you can get this year.

    What are the best Acronis BlackFriday & CyberMonday deals in 2023?

    ACRONIS Cyber Protect Home Office Offer

    ACRONIS Cyber Protect Home Office is a product worthy of your attention. This is an innovative solution that natively integrates cybersecurity and data management to protect endpoints, systems, and data.

    Why it is innovative? Well, we are talking about full-image and file-level backup, along with automated URL filtering and patch management.

    As for the advanced AI-based behavioral detection engine, it makes a statement on its own when it comes to zero-day attack prevention.

    Acronis Cyber Protection Operation Centers use a unique technique to continually monitor the cybersecurity landscape and issue notifications on possible threats of any sort.

    You will receive real-time notifications on malware, vulnerabilities, natural disasters, and other worldwide events that may have an impact on data security, allowing you to avoid them.

    Using the data protection map, you can rest assured that vital data is safeguarded for compliance reporting. Get detailed information about stored data and utilize automated data classification to track the status of crucial files security. You will be notified whether or not your files have been backed up, allowing you to better secure your data.

    Acronis Cyber Protect Home Office

    From all current ACRONIS promotions, find the one that suits your needs right away!
    SAVE UP TO 50% OFF Visit website

    Acronis Cyber Protect Home Office for Business

    Eliminate the cost and complexity of administering several programs by combining dependable backup and powerful anti-malware in a single full-featured solution.

    It basically protects everything – photographs, data, apps, systems, and the devices they’re on – with an easy-to-use interface that can be accessed from anywhere.

    Furthermore, it stops any danger from disturbing your digital life, from disk failure to lost/stolen devices to the most recent cyberattacks — even never-before-seen ones.

    When you are on a tight budget, it’s time to take advantage of some great offers. Yes, you can purchase this data protection and file recovery tool for a great price tag. 

    These Acronis Cyber Protect Home Office deals are simply unbeatable.

    • ACRONIS Essentials – for flexible backups, active disk cloning, and ransomware protection
    • ACRONIS Advanced – for quick recovery, cloud backup and features, automatic replication of data in the cloud, Microsoft 365 backups
    • ACRONIS Premium – for blockchain certification of files, electronic signatures on files, ability to add up to 5TB of cloud storage

    Acronis Cyber Protect for Business

    Every organization needs comprehensive cyber security. Acronis’ vision and solutions are built upon balancing the Five Vectors of Cyber Protection, abbreviated SAPAS.
    Check price Visit website

    Overall, having a modern cyber security deal it’s the best decision to take nowadays, especially when dangers are just around the corner regarding online transactions and files transfer.

    Don’t hesitate to take advantage of 2023’s Acronis deals. Which one of these Acronis options meets your demands? Let us know your choice in the comments area below.