FIX: Kaspersky Antivirus won’t update on Windows PCs

The Kaspersky Antivirus software is among the most highly rated antivirus utilities for Windows. However, an outdated Kaspersky Antivirus package isn’t much good.

Kaspersky Antivirus doesn’t always update for some users and displays a Databases extremely out of date message to highlight that. This is how you can fix a KAV utility that isn’t updating.

Besides these unquestionable advantages, do note that you can pick from installing the latest updates manually or automatically, with no errors to worry about on the process.

What can I do if the Kaspersky update failed?

1. Check your Kaspersky subscription’s expiry date

Note the Kaspersky software only gets updated for its subscription period. Thus, it might just be the case that you need to update your Kaspersky subscription.

As such, check your Kaspersky Antivirus subscription’s expiry date.

2. Check the software’s update settings

  1. Open the Kaspersky Antivirus window.
  2. Click the gear button on the KAV window.
  3. Click Additional > Update to open the update settings.
  4. Select the Download and install new versions automatically option if it isn’t selected.
  5. In addition, click Configure user account settings on Update settings.
  6. Select Current user if you configured Kaspersky to run updates for another user, and press the Save button.

Most users probably assume that Kaspersky will update automatically. However, note that there is a Download and install new versions automatically option in Kaspersky Antivirus.

If that option hasn’t been selected, there aren’t any automatic updates. You can check that option is selected as described above.

3. Adjust the Date and Time settings in Windows

  1. Press the Cortana button on the taskbar to open its search bar.
  2. Enter date and time in the search box so that you can select Change the date and time.Error Kaspersky Antivirus won’t update
  3. You can adjust the date and time by switching the Set the time automatically option off.
  4. Then press the Change button to open the window shown below.
  5. Check a totally reliable clock for the time, and adjust the date and time settings on that window accordingly. Then press the Change button.
  6. Note that there might be something up with your laptop’s or desktop’s CMOS battery. If so, it’s probably better to sync your system’s time with the Microsoft time server.

Kaspersky update issues are often due to the Windows date and time settings. Kaspersky Antivirus might not update even if you’re system clock is slightly off the actual time by a few hours.

As such, check your Windows 10 time and date settings as described above.

4. Deselect Battery Saving for Kaspersky Antivirus

  1. First, click Settings to open the Settings window.
  2. Select Performance on the left of the window.
  3. Then deselect the Disable scheduled scan tasks while running on battery power option to turn off Battery Saving.

Note that Kaspersky Antivirus has a Battery Saving option that turns off updates for laptops that aren’t plugged in.

So, if you’re using a laptop, Battery Saving might be why Kaspersky isn’t updating. Use the above steps to turn off Battery Saving for KAV.

5. Uninstall other antivirus software tools

  1. Open the Run accessory by pressing the Windows key + R keyboard shortcut.
  2. Input appwiz.cpl in the open text box and press Enter to open the Programs and Features Control Panel applet.Fix Kaspersky Antivirus won’t update error
  3. Select an antivirus utility that isn’t Kaspersky software and click Uninstall.
  4. Then click Yes to provide further confirmation.

It’s not a good idea to have more than one antivirus utility installed. If you do have another antivirus package running, that software might conflict with Kaspersky Antivirus and block the updates.

You can remove alternative antivirus software from Windows as described above.

6. Select the Do not use Proxy Server option

  1. Click the gear button at the bottom left of the software’s window to open Settings.
  2. Click Additional on the Settings window.
  3. Then select Network to open networking options.
  4. Click Proxy server settings to open a window that includes proxy server options.
  5. Then select the Do not use proxy server option.
  6. If you are utilizing a proxy connection, double-check the proxy server settings for Kaspersky on the Proxy Server window.

Kaspersky not updating might also be due to proxy server settings. If you’re not utilizing a proxy connection, check that the Do not use proxy server option is selected.

7. Try out reliable alternatives

There is another perspective you should consider when you encounter errors from updating the Kaspersky antivirus. Use alternative software that will offer you protection from viruses, extra theft protection and password management.

Sometimes the best choice would be to replace the product with a more reliable one: on this purpose we come up with a few alternatives you may want to consider. Check this list out and tell us which one fits better your needs

Those are a few tips that will probably get Kaspersky Antivirus updated. Some of those resolutions might also fix other Kaspersky Lab software that isn’t updating.

Let us know which one worked for you in the comments area below.

Windows 7 Recording Software: Best We Tested in 2026

If you’re still a Windows 7 user and you really want to save your favorite online show for watching it later, then screen recorders are able to do exactly this and more.

Screen recording software also allows you to record a webcam chat with your friends and capture live-streaming videos.

There are various screen-capturing tools for videos and images on the market and in order to be able to pick the ideal one, it’s recommended to carefully check out their features and compatibility with your current operating system.

A high-quality and easy-to-use screen recording tool will be all you need to get things done, so get ready and check our list including the best screen recorder for Windows 7 available on the market.

Does Windows 7 have recording software?

No. Windows 7 doesn’t have a pre-installed, built-in screen recorder.

The built-in tool was introduced just, later on, allowing Windows 10 users to record their screens with the Game Bar app, which is also available in Windows 11.

While that’s not the case for Windows 7, it does not mean you cannot record your screen at all, you just need to install third-party software to do so.

What do you need to start recording your screen?

? Screen recording tool: software to capture and ideally edit your content with – find below plenty of useful options with customization tools for creating all kinds of content

?️ Microphone: if you want to create highly interactive content for guides, tutorials, reviews, and reactions, a great microphone is mandatory for all of those

? Webcam: just like microphones, webcams aren’t mandatory, but they help you interact more directly with your audience – as a creator, you want to put yourself out there

One last thing to take into account is the amount of storage space you have available. Make sure you have an HDD or SSD with as much storage as you can possibly afford since recordings take up a lot of space.

SSDs are capable of more than double the loading speeds compared to an HDD. Windows will boot significantly faster, and software or games will load almost instantly.

SoftwareOperating SystemFree WatermarkAudio
Loom Screen RecorderWindows 8.1, 10, 11,
Android, macOS, and iOS
Free trialNoYes
Icecream Screen RecorderWindows 10, 11, 8.1, 8, 7, 2003, 2000, Vista, Android, and macOSFree trialYes (Free version)Yes
Movavi Screen RecorderWindows 10, 8, 7, Vista, and XP, macOSFree trialYes (Free version)Yes
Apowersoft Screen Recorder Pro Windows 7, 10, 11, Mac, AndroidNoNoYes
Bandicam Screen RecorderWindows 7, 8, 10, 11, Vista, XPFree trialYes (free version)Yes
Action!Windows 7, 8, 8.1, 10, 11, and VistaFree trialNoYes
PassFab Screen RecorderWindows 7, 8, 10, 11, macOSFree trialNoYes

What are the best Windows 7 screen recording tools?

Loom Screen Recorder – free screen recorder with tons of editing options

Loom for Windows 7 PC is a free and premium screen and video recording software and browser extension that may be used to rapidly and efficiently express ideas.

You may use this program to enhance productivity more efficiently and inspire coworkers or classmates to solve tasks more easily.

Loom gives you the option of capturing the entire desktop or just the current tab. It also allows you to share anything with anybody by just sharing the video URL and allowing people to respond to certain moments with emojis and comments.

Loom allows you to record the material on your computer screen as well as footage of yourself narrating or lecturing alongside the topic.

You can modify the Loom’s recording quality from full HD to the lowest resolution possible, display mouse click on the recording, display a countdown while you record the video, flip the camera, show the control menu, and record audio in mono in the settings.

Loom Screen Recorder is a wonderful replacement for those tedious, endless emails and awkward meetings that never finish.

If you are a teacher or student, you can even acquire the professional version for free with the additional features. The interface is quite simple and can be grasped with little effort, and since it’s a lightweight tool, it’s surely one of the best and safe to use on your Windows 7 PC.

Let’s quickly look at its key features:

  • Screen and webcam recording
  • Content embedding
  • Browser Extension
  • Easy customizable
  • From 720p up to HD and 4K resolution

Loom Screen Recorder

Because of its small size, this lightweight screen and webcam recorder with feature-rich capabilities is ideal for Windows 7 PCs.
Free trial Visit website

Icecream Screen Recorder – free intuitive screen recording and editing tool

Icecream Screen Recorder is a highly professional, streamlined screen recording software. This tool is the embodiment of versatility providing all the functionalities offered by other similar programs in a simplified and easy-to-use manner.

It’s a sort of all-in-one app designed to fit even the most capricious user and it seamlessly blends with the Windows architecture including older versions such as Windows 7 or Windows Vista.

Icecream Screen Recorder offers you the ability to crop a portion of a page or simply record the entire window. This is just one of the many customization options you’ll find in the software.

It can also record online videos and capture them in various video formats made to be uploaded on YouTube, Vimeo, or Dailymotion.

The recording process is really accessible, requiring only the simple press of a button to start and stop. It cannot get any easier than that.

During the process, add annotations like arrows or circles to highlight certain things on tutorials or presentations.

Icecream Screen Recorder will also take screenshots of anything on the screen, and it will save them either straight into the HDD or to the destination folder of your choice.

These screenshots can be stored in a variety of file formats that work with different image editing software.

Webcam and microphones may be recorded too. Freely choose whether you want to record your webcam and screen, or just the mic.

Let’s quickly look at its key features:

  • Great screen recorder
  • Capture audio, video, and the screen
  • Annotate videos
  • Record webinnars
  • Add your own watermark
  • Share your work on popular platforms

Icecream Screen Recorder

Screen recording on Windows 7? You bet! Pair your Win 7 PC with Icecream Screen Recorder and enjoy seamless recordings!
Check price Visit website

Movavi Screen Recorder – support for multiple formats, including HD

This is one of the best screen recording software tools out there and it’s totally free, user-friendly, and quick.

Movavi software is currently being used worldwide for recording and editing audio and video streams, capturing screen and desktop activity in HD format, creating video guides, and more multimedia tasks.

You will also be able to edit and convert your videos with a few tools that are available in the program. This software is a fast and reliable choice to record screens in Windows 7.

All you have to do is install the screen recorder and it will run automatically after installation. Then you have to set the capture parameters, and you will be able to record desktop videos in Windows 7.

Note that you can set up the screen parameters and capture only certain parts of the desktop. This is really useful when making tutorials or presentations because it lets you focus on the subject of the matter.

Besides the recording features, Movavi Screen Recorder also has simple editing tools to do some basic finishing touches to the content.

After you’re done editing, save the file in any convenient format! The software supports all of them, so it is compatible with most social media and content platforms such as YouTube, Vimeo, etc.

Another great thing that will help with presentations is being able to draw while recording. Point out different things with arrows or doodle an explanation for your colleagues and coworkers!

Movavi Video Editor lets you be more organized. Choose a date, a time, and schedule a recording, or set the time limit of the session.

Let’s quickly look at its key features:

  • Draw on videos
  • Create screencasts
  • Schedule your recordings
  • Display the keystrokes and mouse pointer
  • Record audio and the webcam

Movavi Screen Recorder

Capture your Windows 7 screen easily in just one click and benefit from some other awesome features with Movavi!
Check price Visit website

Apowersoft Screen Recorder Pro – great free soft for tutorial video making

Apowersoft Screen Recorder Pro is a great screen recorder that is perfect for making tutorials and training videos. It supports both internal and external audio sources and various formats.

To take a screencast, all you have to do is click the red Start button on the top left-hand corner and the screen recording suite will countdown from 3 to 0.

You can also record yourself while you’re playing your favorite games by simply clicking the webcam icon and the software will instantly switch to picture-in-picture mode.

Overall, Apowersoft is the ideal program for creating professional screen recordings and screencasts on your Windows 7 PC.

The software records from multiple sources, including your own internal and external devices such as a musical instrument, a webcam, or a microphone.

There is also a built-in video editor that allows you to do some basic editing to the footage after it’s been recorded in order to cut out or fix any problems.

When it comes to compatibility, the tool supports various video formats, including AVI, MKV, SWF, FLV, 3GP, and many others.

Different recording modes such as Full Screen, Custom Area, Around Mouse, and Select Window offer users plenty of different ways to create content.

Let’s quickly look at its key features:

  • Different recording modes
  • Record webam, audi, and video
  • Plenty of video formats
  • Real time screencast editor
  • Task and session scheduler

Apowersoft Screen Recorder Pro

Record the Windows 7 screen and share your best moments with the entire world!
Check price Visit website

Bandicam Screen Recorder – tons of customization and a free version

With Bandicam Screen Recorder you have the ability to capture what is happening on your computer screen such as images or videos. You can also record gaming on your desktop in HQ video.

Your videos will be watermarked on the free version of the program, but the watermark will be removed if you pay to register.

Bandicam allows you to change the number of frames per second. You can also choose the video and the audio codecs.

As a gamer, you can record sessions, showing off your skills in high resolution, up to 4K, and sharing these videos directly to YouTube in 720p or 1080p.

The software lets you immortalize your favorite moments. Easily capture screenshots and save them in multiple popular formats, such as JPG, BMP, or PNG.

Resize specific areas manually, or choose from the predefined formats, then capture only that selected area, along with audio or webcam if you wish.

To record images or videos, all you have to do is set up the software and customize options such as codecs, frame rate, and quality.

Additionally, it works flawlessly with other applications that utilize the DirectX and OpenGL graphic engines.

Let’s quickly look at its key features:

  • Chroma key
  • Capture webcam, microphones, and other devices
  • Real-time screen drawing
  • Scheduled recordings
  • Mouse effects

Bandicam

Capture any movement on your Windows 7 screen and render it as a high-quality video with this lightweight screen recorder!
Free trial Visit website

Action! – free tool that supports really high frame rates

Action! is a professional high-definition screen and game recorder. It will provide you the opportunity to record your live video experience at a fantastic quality. The software is ideal for gamers.

Entirely a one-of-a-kind software with really high frame rates and a user-friendly integration, Action! boasts an intuitive screen recorder that lets you perform various functions within a centralized platform.

It is excellent for users who are wary of getting involved with more complex platforms. The program includes fullscreen or regional recording to highlight important parts of your gameplay or presentation.

You also have the ability to capture screenshots and save web player videos. Another essential feature is real-time recording, which is used to stream games on different platforms such as Twitch, YouTube, etc.

Additionally, it comes with a built-in video manager that displays essential functions, including deleting, browsing, sharing, and uploading.

Record music for future playback, or to use in other videos. The easy-to-understand layout will highlight the number of recordings and the total file size of the group.

You can also set up hotkeys to use all of the software’s features on the go while presenting, live streaming, or recording a certain video.

Let’s quickly look at its key features:

  • Free 30-day trial
  • Compatible with multiple file formats
  • Captures screenshots
  • Displays an FPS counter in games
  • Custom hotkeys

⇒ Get Action!

PassFab Screen Recorder – an all-in-one soft with tons of editing options

Those of you who utilize Windows 7 will be pleased to know about PassFab Screen Recorder, an all-in-one screen-capturing tool that is perfect for creating all kinds of content.

No matter if you want to create a commentary of a sports game, want to record yourself debating a subject, or simply wish to create a tutorial. This great app makes the whole process a breeze.

Because it’s compatible with all microphones and webcams, there’s no need to worry about hardware problems.

PassFab Screen Recorder also lets you choose between recording your webcam, microphone, or computer screen.

Actually, you can do all of those simultaneously! The picture-in-picture option even allows users to record separate windows at once. Record reactions and showcase the source video!

Adjust the size of the windows, and their placement, and switch between the webcam and the other content at will. There’s nothing you can’t do.

Show your level of creativity through your videos, because the software doesn’t just capture the screen, it is a way to express oneself.

The tool is compatible with most Windows versions and builds, including Windows 7 32-bit and 64-bit.

If you are planning to teach, there are options to capture the mouse or the keystrokes, for the viewers to get a better idea of what’s going on in the recording.

Tip icon Tip
You can also get 30% off by entering the code GAME-30-OFF during the purchase!

Let’s see some of the software’s core features:

  • Screen recording without limits
  • Simultaneously record the webcam and the screen
  • Record various content
  • Compatible with all hardware
  • Customizable picture-in-picture

⇒ PassFab Screen Recorder

Tips for recording professional videos

➡ Don’t record redundant content on your screen

If you want to create professional videos, you need to filter out all the unnecessary programs from the screen and avoid recording that during the sessions. Nobody wants to see some silly notifications or random pop-ups.

➡ A script always helps

You don’t have to read a three-page long essay, but creating a small script of the things you’re going to say, and the way in which you’re going to say them, really helps.

Also, try not to ramble about things that aren’t important to the subject of your video. Stay on target and you will keep people interested.

Since you can record certain parts of the screen, leaving a notepad open with a small script where the viewers cannot see is the way to go.

➡ Watch out for the length of the video

Sometimes, content can be too lengthy, and it becomes boring, or it can be too short, missing out on important information and leaving the viewer unsatisfied. Make sure you find a good balance between those two.

For example, on YouTube, the ideal video length is 10 minutes, and on average, the ones who are between 7 and 15 minutes long do well on the platform.

Other social media platforms such as Facebook work better with short-form content. Clips generally do well if they are around 90 seconds long.

➡ Audio and video quality matter

Never use the built-in microphone and camera from your laptop, since they are mediocre at best. Buy professional equipment if you are planning to create professional content.

The best microphones you can buy come from Blue Yeti. Here’s a detailed list if you want to check all of them out.

As for the webcam, one that records at least 1080p is a must. If you want to go all out, find one that can capture 4K videos and 60 FPS.

➡ No background noise

Background noise can be really annoying, so make sure you download some noise-canceling software to filter out disturbing sounds.

Not everyone has access to a soundproofed room, so most of the time there will be some background noise while recording audio.

The sounds usually come from computer or laptop fans and other devices. Some microphones have noise-canceling features but most of the time that’s not enough to completely remove background noise.

All the programs that we have presented above come with high-quality features and capabilities for streaming videos, recording videos, and they are all compatible with Windows 7.

You can add them to any version of the OS, be it Starter, Home Premium, Professional, Enterprise, or Ultimate.

These apps will provide high-quality footage, live video and audio streams, easy captures, and lightning-fast processing as well.

Make sure you test them out, look at their different features, and choose the one that fits your needs the most. Tell us about your choice in the comments section as well.

How to Fix Blue Tint on Screen on Windows

If your screen suddenly turns bluish, you’re not alone. Many Windows 11 users experience this strange color shift where the monitor has a blue tint. This issue often results from display calibration problems, driver glitches, or active features like Night Light or HDR.

Below are the most effective ways to fix blue tint in Windows 11, ordered from simplest to most advanced.

How to fix the blue tint issue on the monitor?

1. Update the display driver

  1. Press the Windows key + X and select Device Manager.
    device manager my computer screen is blue tint how do i fix it
  2. Click the arrow next to the Display adapters option to expand it and double-click the driver.
    display adapters
  3. Now, click the Driver tab at the top.
  4. Click the Update Driver button.
    update driver
  5. Finally, select the Search automatically for drivers and install any available update.
    search auto

If your hardware is not the cause of the blue tint of the computer screen on your ASUS laptop or other products, it is likely a driver issue. Updating your driver should restore normalcy in this case.

If you started noticing the problem after updating your driver, you could click the Roll Back Driver button in the driver tab.

Alternatively, you can use professional software in Fortect Driver Updater to update your drivers automatically. As soon as you install this program, it will scan your device for any outdated drivers and provide an accurate report of what elements some new files.

You have a database of over 18 million files to download new patches from and schedule your updates so you can keep your PC running like new.

2. Uninstall the display driver

  1. Turn off your internet connection, launch Device Manager, and expand the Display adapters option.
  2. Right-click the driver there and select Uninstall device.
    uninstall device
  3. Check the box for Delete the driver software for this device and click the Uninstall button.
    uninstall my computer screen is blue tint how do i fix it
  4. Now, restart your PC, and the default driver will be installed.

At times, updating or rolling back your display adapter might not fix the blue tint issue on your Samsung monitor or laptop, or any other product. In this case, the problem might be broken or faulty drivers.

Uninstalling your driver should solve this problem.

3. Enable and tweak Night Light

  1. Press the Windows key + I and select the System option.
    system
  2. If the Night light is on, toggle it back to disable it.
    night light off my computer screen is blue tint how do i fix it
  3. Alternatively, click the Night light settings option if the Night light is on.
    night light
  4. Use the Strength slider to reduce the blue light presence until it meets your preference.
    strength my computer screen is blue tint how do i fix it

The recently-introduced feature called Night Light can have a part in all of this. This nifty feature allows you to reduce the blue-light presence on the screen, making the display easier on the eyes.

It can also prove as a viable workaround for the problem at hand. You can enable this feature, and it’ll automatically reduce the blue tint.

However, the screen might look too reddish for one’s taste so you can tweak it to your liking.

4. Check Display Cable and Port Connection

A loose or damaged HDMI/DisplayPort cable is a common reason your monitor has a blue tint.

  • Unplug and firmly reconnect the cable on both PC and monitor sides.
  • Try a different port on your GPU or another HDMI/DisplayPort input on your monitor.
  • Swap in another cable if available, especially if you’re using a second monitor and only one screen is affected.

5. Turn Off HDR Display Mode

Incorrect HDR settings can make your screen appear too cool or even fully blue.

  • Open Settings > System > Display
  • If HDR is supported, toggle off Use HDR
  • Reboot your PC and check if the color looks normal

Re-enabling HDR after the reboot may work if it was a temporary glitch.

6. Recalibrate Display Colors

Windows allows you to manually fix color imbalances through its calibration tool.

  • Press Windows + R, type dccw, and hit Enter
  • Proceed through the wizard until you reach the Color Balance section
  • Adjust the Red, Green, and Blue sliders until the screen no longer looks overly blue

This is one of the most direct ways to fix blue screen color issues manually.

7. Reset Color Profile in Color Management

If you’re using an ICC color profile or a custom color configuration, it may be the cause.

  • Search for Color Management and open it
  • Under Device, choose your display
  • Check Use my settings for this device
  • Remove the current profile, then add back the system default or leave it empty

Restart your PC afterward to make sure the change takes effect.

8. Turn Off Windows Color Filters

Color filters are part of Windows’ accessibility features and can shift screen colors if accidentally enabled.

  • Go to Settings > Accessibility > Color filters
  • Make sure the toggle is switched Off
  • Use the shortcut Windows + Ctrl + C to disable any active filters instantly

This fix is especially useful if you’re wondering why your screen is blue all of a sudden.

9. Use Your Monitor’s Built-In Reset

Some monitors apply color presets that override system settings.

  • Press your monitor’s physical Menu or Settings button
  • Look for Color Temperature or Color Mode
  • Choose sRGB or 6500K if available
  • Avoid settings like Cool, which may exaggerate blue tones
  • Factory reset the display settings if necessary

This is effective when the blue tint persists even after OS-level adjustments.

10. Power-Cycle the Monitor

A quick reset can clear signal bugs that cause color issues.

  • Turn off the monitor
  • Unplug the power cable and video cable for 30 seconds
  • Plug everything back in and turn it on

This is a fast way to clear minor sync or detection problems.

Why is my monitor a blue tint?

The blue tint on the computer screen can be caused by hardware or software issues. Below are some of the causes as reported by users:

  • Hardware issues: One of the first things to check when your computer shows a blue tint is that the problem is down to your monitor or connecting wires. You can confirm this by clicking an external monitor on your PC.
  • Driver problems: Outdated or faulty display drivers can also cause this blue hue to show on your PC. Again, rolling back or updating your driver should fix the issue here.

We have reached the end of this detailed guide. So if you want to know how to get rid of blue tint on a monitor Windows 10, you have all the information you need in this guide.

If you are facing other display-related issues like a distorted screen on Windows 10, check our excellent guide to fix it.

If you’ve followed these steps and still notice unusual colors or lines on your screen, the issue may be part of a broader display problem. We’ve also covered fixes for related cases like red tint on Windows 10 screens, vertical red lines on the display, and even the rare but serious red screen errors, including those that happen while gaming (red screen while playing games). If green artifacts are your concern instead, check our fix for green lines on Windows 10 laptops.

Please let us know if you could fix this issue using any solutions in this guide.

Red Dot on Discord Icon: What means & How to Get Rid of It

Discord is a messaging app you can download or utilize within browsers. Whether you’re utilizing a browser or desktop version, you might notice a red dot in Discord, or that the Discord notification won’t go away.

If it’s also happening for you, make sure you completely verify today’s guide. Before discovering what you can do to solve this problem, let’s take a look at some useful related information.

What does a red dot on the Discord icon mean?

There are two types of red dots in Discord.

➡ One red dot appears when users have unread messages. That red dot includes a small white dot and highlights there are unread messages. The red dot usually appears when you have unread messages.

➡The second type of red dot with a black line on it pops up within the Discord desktop or web app. That red dot is one of the four status indicators you’ll see on your user name.

The app’s red dot with a line is a status indicator which means do not disturb.

Why do I have a Discord notification but no message?

It can be because someone has messaged you and then deleted the message. Thus, even if you try to mark the message as read, Discord won’t see the sent message, thus keeping the red not on, or even causing Discord to freeze.

However, there are ways to get rid of it. Follow along to find them out!

How to get rid of red dot on Discord?

1. Toggle the unread message badge setting off

  1. 1. Hit the Windows key, type Discord, then open the first result.

    discord windows 10 launch
  2. 2. Click on the User Settings button, in the left bottom of the Discord window.

    discord settings windows
  3. 3. Next, click Notifications on the left side of Discord.

    go to notifications
  4. 4. Then, turn off the Enable Unread Message Badge option.

    click on enable unread message notifications discord
  5. 5. Thereafter, restart the app.

  6. The first thing you need to do is turn off the Enable Unread Message Badge option from Discord’s built-in Settings. This is a quick and easy solution if the Discord red dot won’t go away, so be sure to try it.

2. Mute channels

  1. Hit the Windows key, type Discord, then click on the first option.
  2. Click your server button on the left side of Discord.
  3. Select Notifications Settings (marked as a bell), from the top of your Discord window.
  4. Hover the mouse on the Mute Channel option.
  5. Then select the Until I turn it back on option.

Muting a channel will disable unread message notifications for that channel. You’ll still receive red dot unread message notifications for channels that aren’t muted.

3. Select the Mark as read option

  1. Use the following keyboard shortcut, then type Discord, and open it: Windows + S.
  2. Open Discord, then right-click on the desired server.
  3. Choose to Mark as Read.

You can mark messages as read for all channels within a server to eliminate red dot unread message notifications. We recommend doing that for all your Discord servers.

After this, the red dot on the Discord icon will go away. Keep in mind that this is just temporary, and the red dot will appear after you get new messages.

4. Change your status to remove red dot with line

  1. Hit the Windows key, type Discord, then open the first result.
  2. Click on your Avatar User button.
  3. In the opened menu, select the Online option to replace a red dot with a line in Discord.

So, it’s pretty straightforward to get rid of the red dots in Discord.

You can remove unread message red dot notifications with three alternative methods, but there’s only one way to get rid of an online status red dot.

In case you didn’t manage to solve this annoying issue, you might want to submit a request on the official Discord support page.

Choose whichever method you prefer for removing unread message red dots in Discord.

Now that you have tackled the issue and want to work in peace with distraction on Discord, you might consider changing the status to invisible; read this guide to learn more.

Windows 10 Keeps Reinstalling the Same Update: 6 Ways to Fix

Update reminders could be annoying sometimes, but how annoying is it when you constantly get the reminder about the same update, even if you’ve installed that update before? This is the case when Windows update keeps reinstalling.

So if your computer is receiving the same update repeatedly, we maybe have a solution.

Why is my Windows 10 constantly updating?

If Windows keeps installing the same update, it could be triggered by different factors. Here are the most common:

  • Badly installed updates – This error mostly happens when the OS cannot install the update correctly. Sometimes, these updates need deletion.
  • Problematic updates – While updates are welcome additions, there are a few cases of bad updates, which can cause bugs on your computer.
  • Windows unable to detect updates – Even after an update is installed, in some rare cases, the OS may be unable to detect it, leading to fresh installation attempts.

Speaking of Windows Update issues, users also reported the following problems:

  • Windows 10 keeps installing updates – According to users, Windows 10 keeps installing the same updates on their PC. You must stop the Windows Update service and delete the SoftwareDistribution directory to fix this problem.
  • Same Windows update keeps trying to install – This is another problem that Windows users can encounter. If you’re having this issue on your PC, you should be able to fix it using one of our solutions.
  • Windows 10 keeps downloading the same updates – This is also a common problem with Windows 10. If Windows 10 keeps downloading the same update, you can fix the problem by removing the problematic update or by using System Restore.

Now let us explore the best solutions.

What can I do when Windows Update keeps installing the same update?

1. Delete the SoftwareDistribution directory

  1. Press Windows Key + X and select Command Prompt (Admin) from the menu.
    Same Windows update keeps trying to install
  2. Type the following scripts, pressing Enter after each one:
    net stop wuauserv
    rename c:windowsSoftwareDistribution softwaredistribution.old
    net start wuauserv
    exit
  3. Press Windows Key + R and enter C:\Windows, press Enter, or click OK.
    Same Windows update keeps trying to install
  4. This will open the Windows folder, search for SoftwareDistribution and delete it.
    Windows 10 keeps downloading the same updates
  5. Finally, restart your computer.

Now all backups and downloads of Windows Update are deleted, and your problematic update, and you shouldn’t face this issue anymore.

2. Remove the problematic update

  1. Open the Settings by using the Windows Key + I shortcut.
  2. When the Settings app opens, click the Update & Security section.
    Same Windows update keeps trying to install
  3. Now click View installed update history.
    Windows 10 keeps installing updates
  4. Select Uninstall updates.
    Windows 10 keeps downloading the same updates
  5. Lastly, double-click an update to remove it.
    Same Windows update keeps trying to install

After uninstalling recent updates, check if the issue persists. If this solution solves the problem, you’ll need to prevent Windows from downloading the problematic update again.

Windows 10 automatically installs the missing updates; however, you can also prevent Windows 10 from installing updates automatically.

After doing that, your problem should be resolved entirely.

3. Reinstall .NET Framework

Usually, uninstalling and then reinstalling or repairing the.NET Framework should resolve many problems, but specific systems may encounter errors or failure for various reasons.

When installing, removing, or cleaning the traces of the.NET Framework, a cleanup program named CCleaner is available to complete all necessary tasks.

This process requires you to remove all fires related to .NET Framework 4 and download it again as a Windows update.

The tool will clean up the system by removing files, folders, registry keys and values, and Windows Installer product registration information for the.NET Framework.

After removing .NET Framework 4, you can download it automatically as a Windows update, and the problem should be resolved.

⇒ Get CCleaner

4. Perform a system restore

  1. Press Windows Key + S and enter system restore, then select Create a restore point from the results list.
    Windows 10 keeps installing updates
  2. The System Properties window will now appear. Select System Restore.
    Windows 10 keeps downloading the same updates
  3. When the System Restore window opens, click Next.
    Same Windows update keeps trying to install
  4. If available, tick the show more restore points checkbox. Select the desired restore point and click Next.
    Windows 10 keeps installing updates
  5. Finally, follow the instructions on the screen to complete the restoration process.

Note that a clean registry will save you the need for a system restore in many cases.

5. Run Windows Update Troubleshooter

  1. Go to Start, and click on Settings.
  2. Head over to Update & Security.
    Same Windows update keeps trying to install
  3. Click Troubleshoot, find Windows Update and click Run the troubleshooter.
  4. Lastly, follow further on-screen instructions, restart your computer, and check if the Windows update keeps reinstalling.

6. Run the SFC and DISM scans

6.1 Running the SFC scan

  1. Go to Start, type command, right-click on Command Prompt, and select Run as administrator.
  2. A new cmd window appears. Type the line below and hit Enter:
    sfc /scannow
  3. Finally, wait until the scan and repair process is finished.

6.2 Running DISM

  1. Go to Start, type command, right-click on Command Prompt, and select Run as administrator.
  2. A new cmd window appears. Type the line below and hit Enter:
    DISM.exe/Online /Cleanup-image /Restorehealth
  3. Also, if the DISM can’t obtain files online, try using your USB or DVD installation. Insert media, type the command below, and hit Enter (be sure to replace /C:/RepairSourceWindows with the path of your DVD or USB).
    DISM.exe/Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth /Source:C:RepairSourceWindows /LimitAccess

That is all you should do if the Windows update keeps reinstalling on your devices.

Lastly, please reach the comments section below if you have any additional comments or questions or if this solution somehow didn’t work.

How to Fix USB-C Port Not Working On Windows 11 (2026 Guide)

USB-C not working on Windows 11 is a common issue caused by software, hardware, or settings problems affecting charging and data transfer.

This guide covers USB-C port troubleshooting on Windows 11 to fix USB Type-C port not working or not charging issues and restore proper device connection. For broader USB solutions, see our Windows 11 USB device recognition guide.

What should I do if USB C device is not recognized on Windows 11?

1. Restart your Windows 11 PC

Frequently, simply rebooting your Windows 11 PC clears RAM, stops interfering background apps, and fixes minor issues, helping the system detect a USB-C device, so it’s the easiest first step before trying more advanced solutions if the problem continues after several restarts.

2. Reinstall your USB driver

Using Device Manager to update or reinstall drivers is the easiest way to do it.

  1. Right-click on the Start menu and select the Device Manager option.
    Device Manager
  2. Expand the Universal Serial Bus devices option.
  3. Right-click on your device, and select Uninstall.
    Uninstall USB device
  4. Restart the computer. When the computer is restarted, the driver will automatically be reinstalled.
  5. Check if the issue persists.

You can also utilize third-party driver updating programs to make driver upgrades and maintenance easier. Our top pick in thi category is Fortect Driver Updater – it’s lightweight and straightforward.

One of the first things you need to do to fix the USB-C port not working issue is reinstall your USB drivers.

3. Clean your USB port

It would help to clean the USB port with a paintbrush or a microfiber cloth and then retry the connection. 

The USB port on a computer may get blocked with particles or dust over time. When this happens, your gadgets may stop communicating, and your Windows 11 will not be able to recognize USB C.

4. Enable trusted devices

  1. Connect to your Windows 11 PC with a USB C cable.
  2. Click on Trust when prompted on your phone.
    windows 11 not recognizing usb c

Some gadgets, such as the iPhone, offer an additional authentication layer to ensure that the user’s identity is verified.

Therefore, you must unlock your iPhone before connecting it to your Windows 11 PC for the first time. The user will be asked to trust the linked device by iOS. Your iPhone content will display on your PC after you’ve been authorized.

5. Edit the power management settings

  1. Right-click on the start menu and select the device manager option.
    windows 11 not recognizing usb c
  2. Expand the Universal Serial Bus devices option, right-click on your device, and select properties.
    windows 11 not recognizing usb c
  3. Navigate to the Power Management tab, uncheck Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power, and click ok.
    windows 11 not recognizing usb c

6. Disable the USB hang setting

  1. Click on the start menu, type power plan, and select the Edit power plan app.
    windows 11 not recognizing usb c
  2. Click on Change advanced power settings.
    windows 11 not recognizing usb c
  3. Expand USB settings, select disable under the USB selective suspend setting.
    windows 11 not recognizing usb c

7. Scan your PC for viruses

  1. Click the start menu, type Windows security, and select the Windows security app.
    windows 11 not recognizing usb c
  2. Click on Virus & Threat Protection on the left pane, and select the Quick Scan option on the right.
    windows 11 not recognizing usb c

While the app is scanning, you can minimize the windows and continue with whatever work you perform on your PC.

8. Check for Windows update

  1. Click on the start menu, type Windows Update, and select the Windows update settings option.
    windows 11 not recognizing usb c
  2. If there are any updates, click on download and install.
    windows 11 not recognizing usb c
  3. Restart your PC.

9. Replace your USB C Device

If the USB C port is verified to be functional, the problem may be with the device you’re connecting. If Windows isn’t detecting the device, you may consider replacing it with something different.

Our guide on the best USB C drives is a useful resource in finding the best kind or replacement.

A USB hard disk, for example, can only be recognized when the device has not failed. Therefore, before you contemplate replacing your device, ensure you have tested it on another computer if possible.

Unfortunately, determining why a USB device has stopped functioning is difficult. To explore, you should review the device’s user manual or, if feasible, explore the device’s manufacturer assistance options.

What is the USB Type C?

In simpler terms, USB C is a specific USB connector with its cable and circuitry. USB C is used to carry both power and data, just like any other USB cable.

The design of USB Type C differs significantly from that of its predecessor, USB A. The Type C is oval and perfectly symmetrical, so there’s no danger of accidentally inserting it into the incorrect port. The following are the primary characteristics that distinguish USB C from other standard cables:

  • Speed
  • Power capability
  • Supported data protocol

The transmission speed is determined by the device to which it is connected. For example, a USB Type C cable connected to a USB 3.1 port gives a transfer rate of 10 GB per second. The USB 3.2 connector will transport data at a rate of 20 GB per second, while the Thunderbolt 3 port will reach 40 GB per second.

When it comes to electricity, USB Type C can charge laptops, cellphones, portable devices, and power banks. Type C is identical to Type A in that it only produces 2.5 watts of electricity. However, if the device supports PD, or Electricity Delivery, the USB-C port may supply up to 100 watts of power.

USB-C on Windows 11: FAQ

Why isn’t my USB-C device recognized on Windows 11?

This usually happens because of outdated or corrupted drivers, loose connections, or hardware problems. Restarting your PC, reinstalling USB drivers via Device Manager, and checking the cable and port for dirt or damage often solve the problem. Also, ensure your device is unlocked or trusted if it requires authentication (like an iPhone).

What are the power settings affecting USB-C ports in Windows 11?

Windows can turn off USB devices to save power, which may cause ports to stop working temporarily. To fix this, open Device Manager, find your USB device under “Universal Serial Bus controllers,” right-click, select Properties, go to the Power Management tab, and uncheck “Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power.” Also, disable USB selective suspend via Power Options to keep ports active.

Does Windows 11 support all USB-C features?

Windows 11 supports USB-C standards, but the actual features (like power delivery, data speed, or video output) depend on your hardware. Your USB-C port and connected device must support these features. Windows 11 alone doesn’t guarantee them. Check your device specs to confirm what USB-C functions it supports.

Are there any known issues with USB-C ports after Windows 11 updates?

Some Windows 11 updates have caused USB-C port problems due to driver incompatibilities or power management bugs. If your USB-C port stops working after an update, try rolling back the driver, checking for further updates, or running Windows Troubleshooter. Keeping your system and drivers updated usually resolves these issues.

How can I check if my USB-C port supports DisplayPort or HDMI?

Not all USB-C ports support video output. To check, look up your PC or motherboard model specs on the manufacturer’s website for “DisplayPort Alternate Mode” or “video output over USB-C.” Alternatively, check your device manager or user manual. If it supports video, you can connect monitors using compatible USB-C to DisplayPort or HDMI adapters.

Summary

Like with many minor PC issues, when Windows 11 is not recognizing your USB C, you do not need a technician; you can simply follow the solutions above and have your PC working perfectly again.

Please note that these fixes are not in any particular order, but we highly recommend that you try every solution before buying or replacing your USB-C device.

Tell us what solutions have worked for you. We look forward to reading your comments.

Your Browser Storage For Mega is Full – What to Do

If you use the file hosting service and you don’t delete that data, your browser might start moving slower and you can even get errors such as Your in-browser storage for MEGA is full.

How do I fix my browser storage Mega is full?

1. Delete the Mega.nz cookies

1.1 On Chrome

  1. 1. Launch Chrome.

  2. 2. Click the three dots icon at the top right corner in Chrome, and open Settings.

    go to settings
  3. 3. Under Privacy and security, choose Site settings to open the content permissions.

    go to content settings
  4. 4. Then click on View permissions and date stored across sites.

    click on view permissions
  5. 5. Enter mega.nz in the search box.

    type mega nz in the search box
  6. 6. Click on mega.nz, then select the three points menu and select Clear data. The your in browser storage for mega is full in Incognito mode issue will be fixed.

  7. The first fix for the Out of HTML5 offline storage space error involves deleting the Mega.nz cookies from your browser.

    Depending on your preferred browser, the process will be slightly different, but the steps are mostly the same.

1.2 On Opera One

If you’re having Your in browser storage for mega is full in Opera One or Opera GX, you can fix it by doing the following:

  1. Open Opera One. Click the Opera One menu and then select Settings.
  2. Navigate to Privacy & security. Now select Cookies and other site data.
  3. Go to See all cookies and site data.
  4. Locate mega.nz on the list and click the Delete icon.

If you ever wondered how to clear in browser storage for Mega, then the methods above should be able to help you.

2. Delete cache using File Explorer

  1. Press the Windows key + E to start File Explorer. Enter the following line in the address bar and hit Enter: %LOCALAPPDATA%\Google\Chrome\User Data\Default\Cache
  2. Now, use the Ctrl + A key shortcut to select all the contents, right-click on a file and select Delete.

After doing this, the Your in browser storage for MEGA is full message in Chrome will be gone.

For Opera One users, do the following, repeat the same steps, but go to the following directory Opera One Software\Opera One Stable

Now you just need to delete all directories inside of the Opera One Stable folder.

3. Reset Google Chrome

  1. Click the three dots in the top right corner, and open Settings.
  2. Go to the bottom of the Settings window and select Advanced.
  3. Scroll down to the Reset and clean up option, under System.
  4. Click on Restore settings to their original defaults
  5. Finally, press the Reset settings button.

Resetting Google Chrome might fix the Insufficient disk space for MEGA running in Chrome, so be sure to try it.

For Opera One/Opera GX, do the following:

  1. Click the Menu button and then select Settings.
  2. Go to the Browser in the left pane. In the right pane go to Restore settings to their original defaults.
  3. Click Reset to confirm.

4. Download Mega files with a specialized tool

MegaDownloader how to fix available browser storage for mega

Alternatively, users might find that they can download large files with the MegaDownloader software. That’s a dedicated download manager for mega.nz with fewer file download shortcomings than Chrome.

Thus, the in-browser storage for MEGA is full error might not arise for users who utilize that software as it doesn’t store cookies.

Users can add that software to Windows by clicking Download on the MegaDownloader page.

5. Free some drive storage

  1. Press the Windows key + E to start File Explorer.
  2. Click on This PC, right-click on the drive you want to clean up, and choose Properties.
  3. Click on Disk Cleanup under the Properties window.
  4. Select the types of files you want to delete and click OK (you can delete temporary files, log files, files in your recycle bin, etc.).
  5. Click on Clean Up System Files and wait until the cleaner calculates everything. It will give you even more free space by cleaning some unnecessary system files.
  6. Check the Windows Update Cleanup and hit the OK button.
  7. Go to More Options and click on Clean up under System Restore and Shadow Copies (This command deletes all previous system restore points, except the most recent one.).

If you’re getting Your in-browser storage for Mega is full, your download will continue automatically after you free up some space message, then freeing up some space is the way to go.

We only presented one of the methods to free up some space but you can check out our full guide on how to clean up your drive.

7. Try another cloud storage

If the service is still giving you headaches and you are not able to fix the Mega is full issue, we recommend using another cloud storage solution.

There are many such services out there but we’ve tried pCloud and it proved to be great for personal storage.

One of its many advantages is that you can use it on almost any device and OS like Windows (11, 10, 8, 7, Vista, and XP).

It even has a dedicated mobile app, and a web extension for the most important browsers out there, including Google Chrome.

⇒ Get pCloud

8. Try another browser

You can’t even imagine how easy it is to switch to a different browser without losing any data. The Opera One browser has organizing capabilities to ease downloads and Mega Storage.

With the built-in ad blocker, various messengers integrated right in the sidebar, and workspaces to group tabs together you get to manage your browser space easier.

Opera One

How to increase browser storage?

Browser storage is closely related to the amount of storage space that you have on your PC. Unfortunately, you can’t control how much storage space is available to your browser.

The only way to increase the browser storage is by increasing the overall storage space by removing files and apps that you don’t use, or by getting a larger drive to store your files.

Those are some resolutions that might fix your Mega in browser storage error.

You might also want to check the best personal cloud storage services that come as a great alternative to Mega.

Don’t forget to tell us whether one of the solutions gets you through the problem. If you have any other suggestions or questions, feel free to leave them in the comments section below.

We’re Sorry, Can’t Open The Workbook in The Browser (Excel): Fixed

Thanks to web apps like Excel Online, accessing and editing your workbooks online shouldn’t be an issue. However, it is not all rosy, as users have been facing issues such as the Excel Online not working and can’t open files error.

The inability to open workbooks from Microsoft Excel or SharePoint is troubling users. As reported, they are usually met with the We’re sorry we can’t open the workbook in the browser error and can’t proceed.

This will provide some tips on how to solve this quickly and effectively.

Why won’t Excel open in the browser?

There are various reasons your workbook might not open in Excel on your browser. This can be because of an issue with the browser you are using.

Also, it might be because you have Sharepoint disabled. And to make a file accessible online on your browser, you need to have the feature enabled.

How can I fix the Sorry we can’t open your workbook in Excel online error?

1. Try with a different browser

Let’s start by migrating to Edge or IE. Yes, we know those might not be browsers of your choice, but they work the best with other web-based Microsoft applications.

Additionally, you can install specific IE-specific add-ons which might allow you unprecedented access to your workbook, be it SharePoint or Excel.

Alternatively, you can give Opera One a try. This Chromium-based browser checks all the boxes regarding reliability and safety.

So, how about a browser that’s privacy-oriented and feature-rich? It won’t cost you anything but some time to install and try.

Besides, the browser is customizable to fit various needs, thanks to the extensive add-on support and it comes with a built-in AI.

Opera One

Thanks to this fast, efficient, and highly customizable web browser, open, edit, and work on your SharePoint workbooks without any issues.
Free Download Visit website

2. Remove #Ref! errors

    Excel will display a notice known as a #REF error if a formula makes reference to a cell that does not now exist. This is typically the result of removing cells that a calculation is referring to.

    Fixing your #REF errors is likely to solve the We’re sorry we can’t open the workbook in the browser error.

  1. 1. Launch Excel and open the problematic workbook.

  2. 2. Press Ctrl + F then click the Replace tab.

  3. 3. Type #REF! inside the Find what field.

    replace-ref we're sorry we can't open the workbook in the browser
  4. 4. Leave the Replace field empty.

  5. 5. Finally, click Replace All. The function will delete all #REF Excel errors and thus fix the issue.

    replace-all we're sorry we can't open the workbook in the browser

3. Turn on Sharing

  1. Click on the Review tab.
  2. Choose the Share Workbook tool.
  3. Check the Allow Changes box and confirm changes.

Usually, some parts of the file are not supported for sharing, but you should still be able to show the central part of the file in the web-based application.

However, you need to enable sharing for the said file before we can access it online. This option is disabled by default, and you should allow it for an Excel sheet or SharePoint file to be accessible online.

With this, you should be able to fix the error that couldn’t open the workbook in Excel Online.

4. Edit a copy instead of the original file

Finally, you can try editing the file copy instead of the original file. That allowed some users to access the file online, even though it still might not work in the likes of Chrome or Firefox, so have that in mind. Again, you choose to edit the copy, which should help.

Once the error appears, click Edit a copy, and you can merge everything locally. Don’t forget to use a different name, or the original file will be replaced upon saving otherwise.

The solutions are also effective if you are experiencing the following errors:

  • This workbook contains too many objects (charts, shapes, pictures, etc.)
  • We’re sorry. We can’t open the workbook in the browser because it uses these unsupported features: workbook protection
  • We’re sorry. We can’t open the workbook in the browser because it uses these unsupported features: scenario manager
  • Sorry, We can’t open your workbook in Excel Online because it exceeds
  • We’re sorry. We couldn’t open your workbook in the browser because it uses these unsupported features: charts or objects with external references (links to other workbooks)
  • We’re sorry. We can’t open the workbook in the browser because it uses these unsupported features: XML maps

With that said, we can conclude this article. If you have any questions or alternative workarounds, feel free to tell us in the comments below.

5 Solutions for the PNP Detected Fatal Error on Windows 10

Blue Screen of Death errors can cause many problems on Windows 10; unfortunately, these errors can sometimes be hard to fix. The PNP detected fatal error is a good example.

Since these issues can be problematic, we’ll show you how to fix the Blue Screen of Death problem with the stop code PNP_DETECTED_FATAL_ERROR.

The PNP_DETECTED_FATAL_ERROR is a blue screen issue and can cause many points on your PC. This problem can be annoying since it suddenly forces your PC to restart.

What is a PnP error?

This is a BSOD error that different factors may trigger but is usually related to plug-and-play devices on your computer. Some of the significant characteristics for the error include:

  • Problematic Windows update – Windows updates are a huge factor; in some cases, the updates may be buggy, and at other times you may not have gotten the latest updates.
  • Outdated or faulty drivers – Since these devices are peripherals, they need drivers for proper interaction. Therefore, you may expect this error when your drivers are outdated or bad.
  • An antivirus system – Sometimes, there may be a compatibility issue with your antivirus software, or it may be outdated.

What is a PnP device?

A computer system can instantly identify any hardware device without setting up hardware like dip switches or jumpers. These easily attachable devices are called PnP (Plug and Play) devices. PnP devices include mice, display monitors, keyboards, memory cards, USB flash drives, and hard drives.

Speaking of this failure, users reported the following problems:

  • Problem with PNP devices Windows 10 – There are many problems with PNP devices that can occur, but if you encounter any of issues, be sure to try some of our solutions
  • PNP blue screen – PNP error will always show a blue screen and force your PC to crash; your drivers most likely cause this, so be sure to update them
  • BSOD PNP_DETECTED_FATAL_ERROR – This is a BSoD error, and like many other BSoD errors, it can be hard to solve; however, this issue is often caused by software and driver issues, so you might want to remove specific applications and check if that helps.
  • PNP_DETECTED_FATAL_ERROR Norton, ntoskrnl.exe – Many users reported that Norton antivirus caused this issue on their PC; if that’s the case, remove Norton from your PC and install a different antivirus instead
  • PNP_DETECTED_FATAL_ERROR after Windows update – Sometimes you can encounter this error message after a Windows update; if that’s the case, you need to find and remove the problematic update from your PC and check if that solves the problem

How do I fix the PNP_DETECTED_FATAL_ERROR?

Before trying these fixes, do the following:

  • Unplug and replug your peripherals
  • Reboot the device
  • Ensure that there are no problems with your hardware, like the RAM, for instance

In many cases, these are simple ways to undo common computer issues.

1. Use a repair tool

BSOD errors are hard to troubleshoot manually. Fortunately, there are dedicated tools that will find the cause and possible solutions to computer errors, including blue screens.

2. Update Windows 10

  1. Press the Windows Key + I to open the Settings app.
  2. When the Settings app opens, navigate to the Update & Security section.
  3. Now click the Check for updates button.

Windows will now scan for available updates and download them automatically in the background. Once the updates are downloaded, they’ll be installed as soon as you restart your PC.

3. Remove your antivirus

  1. On Windows search, type the control panel and select Uninstall a program.
    PNP detected fatal error
  2. Click on your antivirus from the app list and select the Uninstall button.
  3. Follow the wizard to complete the uninstallation.

If removing your antivirus solves the problem, you should consider switching to a different antivirus solution. We recommend you use any of these best antiviruses for Windows 10.

You should also follow the same steps to remove any problematic software. You may automate the process using any of the best uninstaller software.

4. Update your drivers

Windows 10 requires drivers to recognize your hardware. If a specific driver is out of date, you won’t be able to use that hardware, and you’ll get a BSOD error such as PNP DETECTED FATAL ERROR.

Updating drivers is pretty simple, and you can do it simply by visiting your hardware manufacturer’s website and downloading the latest drivers for your device.

Many users reported that the Intel DPTF Manager driver was causing the issue. If you have this driver, we advise you to roll back to the previous version and check if that solves the problem.

Downloading all drivers manually can be a long and tedious process. Therefore we strongly recommend you use a tool that allows you to update all your drivers automatically.

⇒ Get Outbyte Driver Updater

5. Perform Windows 10 reset

  1. Restart your computer a few times during the boot sequence to start Automatic Repair.
  2. Select Troubleshoot.
  3. Choose Reset this PC, and select Remove everything. If you’re asked to insert Windows 10 installation media, do that.
  4. Select only the drive where Windows is installed and click the Reset button.
  5. Follow the instructions and wait for the reset process to complete.

The PNP-detected fatal error could cause specific problems, but it can be easily fixed by updating your drivers or removing your antivirus software.

The solutions discussed should come in handy for problemS with PNP devices on Windows 10, the stop code PNP detected fatal errors, and PNP detected fatal errors on different manufacturers and platforms like Dell, Virtualbox, HP, and Intel devices.

We covered a similar issue in our Error Invalid Plugplay Device Path guide, so feel free to check it out for more solutions.

We hope that these recommendations from our list were helpful. For more suggestions, please access the comments section below.

Microsoft killed custom domains for M365 Personal accounts, here’s what to do

Microsoft announced plans to get rid of custom domains for M365 email addresses (i.e. [email protected]) in Outlook.com and added a new Microsoft 365 (M365) support webpage.

M365 Personal and Family accounts

Nothing changes if you already have a personalized domain email address on Outlook.com, but just as long as the email is set up in Outlook. Just a quick note, you won’t be able to complete the email setup on a mobile web browser, you’ll need to set it up on a PC.

“Starting November 30, 2023, Microsoft 365 Personal or Microsoft 365 Family subscribers will no longer be able to create a new personalized email address associated with their Outlook.com mailbox.

After November 30, 2023, Microsoft 365 Personal or Microsoft 365 Family subscribers who remove their personalized email address from their Outlook.com account will not be able to add it back. The feature will no longer be available to you.”

If you are a Microsoft 365 Personal or Family subscriber and want to create a custom Outlook.com email address after November 30, 2023, you will need to upgrade to a small business plan, like M365 Business Basics.

M365 Business Basic works out to about $432 a year for 6 accounts ($72 a year per account), which costs substantially more than the $99 a year offered by a M365 Family account. However, if you run a one-person office, it’s almost the same price for a M365 Personal ($69) as it is for M365 Business Basic ($72).

Set up a personalized email address

Until November 30, 2023, you can still add personalized email addresses to M365 Personal and Family accounts, but you have to act fast. Here’s what to do.

  1. Sign in to your premium feature settings in Outlook.com.
  2. Under Personalized email address, select Get Started. M365

Add a domain on Business Basic

Microsoft 365 Business Basic offers the best value compared to other plans because it provides businesses with professional email, cloud file storage, and access to the web and mobile versions of  your favorite Microsoft/Office apps.

When you purchase M365 Business Basic, you have the option of using a domain you already own or buying one when you sign up. Here’s what to do.

  1. Go to the Microsoft 365 admin center.
  2. Go to Settings > Domains page.
  3. Click Add domain.

If your domain registrar uses Domain Connect, Microsoft will automatically verify your domain and connect your Microsoft 365 account.

Still need help?

If you run into issues trying to set up your personalized email address, Microsoft is still working on adding descriptive error messages and is open to suggestions on how to fix this known issue. Here are a couple of things you can do.

1. Go to https://account.live.com/names/Manage. If you have more than 10 aliases on your Microsoft account, you will need to remove some before you can add a personalized email address.

2. Go to https://account.microsoft.com/security and click UPDATE INFO. If the alias that you are trying to add is already listed on this page, you will need to replace it with a different address before you can finish creating your personalized email address.

Microsoft notes that you might not be able to create a personalized email address for a child account, but they are working to fix this issue. Microsoft 365 subscribers can check out the new YouTube channel aimed at helping M365 for small business owners.

So what do you think about Microsoft’s decision to get rid of custom domains? Let us know in the comments!

Teams PWA hits general availability for Linux users

Today, Microsoft announced that Teams progressive web app (PWA) for Linux has reached broad availability. If you are using either Microsoft Edge or Chrome on Linux, then you will be able to access the new Teams PWA experience.

“Linux customers who rely on Microsoft Teams for collaboration and communication needs told us they want the full richness of Teams features available for their users in a secure way. This can now be achieved using the Teams PWA”. says Microsoft.

thumbnail image 1 of blog post titled Microsoft Teams progressive web app now available on Linux

With this in place, Linux users will be able to get the latest Microsoft Teams features quicker as it closes the gap between the Teams desktop client on Linux and Windows.

What’s more, Linux users will now get to access more features such as gallery view, reactions, the raise-a-hand feature in meetings, and custom backgrounds. On top of that, the PWA experience will also provide you with desktop-like app features like system notifications for chat and channel and a dock icon with respective controls.

While on the Edge browser, the PWA for Linux can be used with Conditional Access configuration and applied through Endpoint Manager which will in turn allow users to access the Teams web application securely.

 

Fix: Ethernet Keeps Disconnecting On Windows 7

Generally, Ethernet cable connections are widely known for being secure. However, many users complain about their Ethernet disconnecting on Windows 7.

This can be a very frustrating issue, as it can disrupt your internet connection. If you are using a Dell system, you can check our guide to Ethernet not working through the Dell dock.

What causes Ethernet to disconnect on Windows 7?

There can be many reasons for your Ethernet to disconnect randomly. It could be due to driver issues or hardware problems. Let’s take a look at each of these possibilities one by one.

  • Overload on the network – Multiple devices connected to the same network utilize a significant amount of bandwidth that affects Ethernet connection.
  • Faulty hardware – In case you have a faulty Ethernet card, it could be causing the issue. 
  • The cable may be the culprit – The loose or damaged cable between your computer and the router can cause an intermittent connection.
  • Network Adapter drivers – Outdated network adapter drivers might cause Ethernet disconnecting issues on Windows 7.
  • Configuration settings – Invalid configuration settings can also be the reason for your Ethernet to disconnect on Windows 7 because they can disrupt the connection.

Now that you are well aware of nuisances that result in the disconnection of the Ethernet on Windows 7 let’s move on to the possible solutions that can help you fix this issue once and for all.

How do I keep Ethernet from disconnecting on Windows 7?

Before moving on to the detailed solutions, we suggest you check the basics to resolve the problem. Try these workarounds:

  • Check your cable connection and make sure that it is not loose and properly plugged in. Also, check if the cable is damaged or not. If yes, then replace it.
  • Restart your router and system and see if the issue gets resolved. Here’s what to do if the router won’t connect to the internet.

If you have tried out all the above-mentioned preliminary checks, yet the issue persists, move on to the detailed solutions given below.

1. Run Troubleshooter on Network Adapter Settings

  1. Type Troubleshooting in the search bar and click on it to open up the application.
  2. Now, click on the View all option, present inside the left panel.
  3. Scroll down and click on Network Adapter.
  4. In the Network Adapter window, click on Advanced.
  5. Check the box next to Apply repairs automatically, then click on Next.
  6. Then, the troubleshooter will initiate. It might take a few minutes to run, and you will receive a comprehensive report in the end.

Running the troubleshooter on network adapter settings is likely to resolve the issue of the Ethernet getting disconnected at random intervals. In case you are still experiencing the said issue, try out further solutions given below.

2. Tune the Power management settings for the network adapter 

  1. Type device in the Search bar, and click on Device Manager to open it.
  2. Inside the Device Manager window, double-click on Network adapters to expand it.
  3. Then select your respective Ethernet option from the list. If you can’t locate your Ethernet adapter here, check our guide on how to fix the Ethernet adapter that is not showing in Device Manager.
  4.  A popup window will open up. Enter the Power Management tab within the popup window.
  5. Within the Power Management tab, uncheck the box present beside Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power.
  6. Lastly, click on OK to save the changes that you just made.

At times users have specific power-saving options enabled, which cause the Ethernet to get disconnected randomly. 

In this case, altering those power-saving settings for the Ethernet adapter will for sure resolve this issue. If you can’t seem to spot the Power management tab, you can check our guide to fix the Device Manager missing Power management tab.

3. Don’t use a Proxy server 

  1. Type Internet Options in the search bar, and open up the application.
  2. Enter the Connections tab present within the Internet Options window.
  3. Now click on the LAN settings option present at the bottom left corner.
  4. Deselect the box present beside Use a proxy server and click on OK to save the changes.

Often proxy servers interrupt your Ethernet connection by blocking your PC’s IP address from servers you usually connect to.

Hence, not making use of proxy servers is one great way to ensure a smooth Ethernet connection that won’t disconnect from time to time.

4. Turn off Windows Firewall

  1. Click on the Start button and then on the Control Panel to open up the application.
  2. Then, click on Windows Firewall.
  3. Inside the Windows Firewall tab, click on Turn Windows Firewall on or off, present in the left panel.
  4. Next up, make sure both radio buttons of Turn off Windows Firewall (not recommended) are marked, and then click on OK to save changes.

A firewall does a great job in terms of providing protection against malicious spyware however, at times, it might interrupt the Ethernet connection on your PC.

In this case, disabling the Windows Firewall is your best bet. Switching off the Windows Firewall will enable you to enjoy a seamless Ethernet connection on Windows 7.

5. Add administrative and local services via Command Prompt

  1. Click on the Start button, type Command Prompt and click on it to open up the application.
  2. Copy and paste the following command, then press Enter. net localgroup Administrators /add networkservice
  3. Then, again copy and paste the following command, then press Enter. net localgroup administrators /add localservice
  4. Lastly, type the following command and then press Enter. exit
  5. Once you have run the commands mentioned above, simply restart your computer to see if you have managed to fix the Ethernet connection.

Running the commands mentioned above on Command Prompt is likely to result in a smoother and more secure Ethernet connection on Windows 7.

We hope that this guide helped you in resolving your problem. If you have any further questions, please let us know in the comments section below.

How to Hide the Search Bar From Taskbar on Windows 11

Windows 11 removed the Search bar from Taskbar in order to optimize the user interface. However, it seems that we’re getting something similar in form of a Windows 11 desktop search bar.

You might not have noticed it for a while, but the Redmond-based tech company is still trying to push as many users as possible into defaulting to Edge when it comes to browsers.

Some users don’t prefer using the search feature, and in fact, they are looking for ways to disable search in Windows 11. While others, are looking for ways to fix the search indexing after it was turned off.

How does the Windows 11 Desktop search bar work?

The search bar works as an address bar, and it allows you to visit any page or search the web right from the Desktop.

Once you enter your search term, the Edge browser will automatically open and search for your query.

Thus, if you aren’t a fan of the idea of a new way to browse the web but do not appreciate Microsoft forcing you to use Edge, voice your concerns in the Feedback Hub.

How do I put the search bar on my desktop Windows 11?

Use ViveTool

    In order to enable your desktop search bar, first of all, you need to install the Windows 11 Build 25120 that we’ve highlighted above. That is a Dev build so you need to be an Insider.

    Next, you will need a tool called ViveTool and we’re going to show you how you can use it and get the Windows 11 desktop search box.

  1. 1. Download and install ViveTool from Github.

    install vive
  2. 2. After you unpack it, press the  Windows key, enter cmd in the search box, and open the top result as an administrator account.

    cmd-admin windows 10 apps close when minimized
  3. 3. Now, type or paste the following command and press Enter: addconfig vivetool 37969115 2

    add-config windows 11 search bar on desktop
  4. 4. Now, right-click on the desktop.

  5. 5. Click on Show search. After doing that, the search bar should appear on your desktop.

    show search button

How can I remove the search bar from desktop on Windows 11?

Well, obviously, if you want the search bar off your desktop, just uncheck the Show search from the right-click menu on your desktop.

After doing that, the search bar will disappear from the desktop. To enable it, check this option again.

If you have problems with the search bar on the new OS, we’ve got a great guide on how to fix the Windows 11 search bar not working problem.

What are your thoughts on the new desktop search bar added to the Dev Channel? Sare your opinions with us in the comments section below.

There Might Be a Problem With the Driver for the WiFi Adapter (Fix Guide)

If you’re seeing the message There might be a problem with the driver for the WiFi adapter in Windows 10, it means your network adapter isn’t functioning properly. This guide offers fast and effective ways to fix WiFi adapter driver issues and get your internet back online.

How do I fix There might be a problem with the driver for the WiFi adapter?

1. Use the built-in troubleshooters

There might be a problem with the driver for the WiFi adapter Dell
  1. Press Windows Key + I to open the Settings app.
  2. Navigate to the Update & Security section.
  3. Choose Troubleshoot. In the right pane, select Internet Connections and click Run the troubleshooter.
  4. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the process.

2. Update your drivers

  1. 1. Right-click the Start icon, then select Device Manager from the list.

    Device manager
  2. 2. Expand the Network adapters section.

  3. 3. Right-click the wireless driver and select Update driver.

    update-wifi There might be a problem with driver for wi-fi adapter
  4. 4. Click the Search automatically for drivers option.

  5. 5. Wait for the process to finish up and reboot your PC.

    automatically-search bluetooth not working windows 10
  6. A great fix for the There might be a problem with the driver for the WiFi adapter message is to update your drivers. The easiest way to do this is via Device Manager, as shown above.

If you want to prevent driver-related issues in the future, we advise you to use professional driver updater software.

A dedicated tool will automatically find outdated drivers and update them, so if you want your PC to run smoothly, be sure to try this application. It will also keep your system safe from permanent damage by manually downloading and installing the wrong driver versions.

⇒ Get Fortect Driver Updater

3. Change your network properties

  1. Click the network icon on your Taskbar and select your network.
    There might be a problem with the driver for the local area connection adapter
  2. Select Change adapter options.
    There might be a problem with the network adapter
  3. Right-click your network connection and choose Properties from the menu.
    There might be a problem with the driver for the WiFi adapter Lenovo
  4. List of properties will appear. Make sure that only the following properties are enabled:
    • Client for Microsoft Networks
    • File and Printer sharing for Microsoft Networks
    • QoS Packet Scheduler
    • Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4)
    • Internet Protocol Version 6 (TCP/IPv6)
    • Link-Layer Topology Discovery Responder
    • Link-Layer Topology Discovery Mapper I/O Driver
  5. After doing that, just click the Apply and OK to save changes.

4. Check your antivirus

  1. Open Network and Sharing Center and navigate to Change adapter settings.
  2. Right-click your network adapter and choose Properties.
  3. Locate AVG network filter on the list and disable this feature.

Users reported this problem with AVG antivirus and Kaspersky, and in order to fix the issue, it’s advised to disable AVG network filter feature. If that doesn’t help, you might have to remove your antivirus software.

5. Make sure that the necessary services are running

  1. Press Windows Key + R and type services.msc. Click OK or press Enter.
    There might be a problem with the driver for the WiFi adapter HP laptop
  2. Locate WLAN AutoConfig service and double-click it.
    There might be a problem with the driver for the local area connection adapter
  3. Head over to the Dependencies tab and check all the services on the list. Memorize or write down all the services.
    There might be a problem with the network adapter
  4. Now go back to the Services window and make sure that all these services are running.
  5. In addition, be sure to set their Startup type to Automatic. Keep in mind that you need to do this for all services from Step 3.
  6. Restart your PC.

6. Use netsh command

  1. Press Windows Key + X and choose Command Prompt (Admin).
    There might be a problem with the network adapter
  2. Run the following commands:
    • netsh winsock reset catalog
    • netsh int ip reset reset.log hit

7. Reinstall your network driver

  1. Press Windows Key + X and choose Device Manager from the list.
    There might be a problem with the driver for the WiFi adapter Dell
  2. Locate your network driver, right-click it and choose Uninstall device.
    There might be a problem with the driver for the WiFi adapter Windows 10
  3. Check Remove driver software for this device option.
  4. Click the Uninstall button to confirm.
    There might be a problem with the network adapter
  5. Click the Scan for hardware changes icon and Windows will automatically install the default driver.
    There might be a problem with the driver for the WiFi adapter HP laptop

8. Perform a System Restore

  1. Press Windows Key + S and type system restore.
  2. Select Create a restore point from the list.
    There might be a problem with the driver for the WiFi adapter Lenovo
  3. Click the System Restore button and Next.
    There might be a problem with the driver for the WiFi adapter Windows 10
  4. Look for Show more restore points option and enable it.
  5. Select the desired restore point and click Next.
    There might be a problem with the network adapter
  6. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the process.

There might be a problem with the driver for the Ethernet / Wi-Fi adapter message can be quite problematic, but we hope you solved the issue using one of our solutions.

For more information and potential troubleshooting methods, check out our guide on what to do if there is no WiFi adapter available or our article on what to do if the Wi-Fi adapter not working.

In case your wireless drivers are missing or your network adapter won’t start, we have a detailed article that shows you how to download a Wi-Fi driver on Windows 11, so don’t miss it.

Don’t hesitate to leave a comment in the section below and tell us which solution worked best for you.

FAQs

Why is my WiFi adapter not working on Windows 10?

It could be due to outdated drivers, recent updates, or a disabled adapter. Reinstalling the driver often resolves it.

What if my adapter doesn’t appear in Device Manager?

Click View > Show hidden devices. If still missing, your hardware may be disconnected or faulty.

Can I use mobile hotspot as a temporary fix?

Yes. Connect your PC via USB tethering or use an external USB WiFi dongle if the internal adapter is failing.

Best Browsers For Low-End PCs (+Test Results)

If you’re looking for the best browser for low-end PCs, you’re in the right place. You no longer have to worry about slow performance and heavy resource usage.

We found the lightest browsers that won’t hog your resources. Find below all details about speed, RAM usage, as well as features so you can have all the info you need to make the best choice.

What are the best browsers for old PCs?

Here’s a quick look at our top 5 contenders. If you want more details and additional suggestions, we got them in the rows below.

Opera One – Best browser for low-end PC

Opera One is perhaps the greatest browser to use on your old Windows PC running Windows 7 and later versions for fast page-loading speeds and advanced AI tools.

Useful features:

  • Adblocker that loads webpages up to 90% faster
  • Free VPN included
  • Keyboard shortcuts instead of pointing and mouse-clicking
  • Tracker blocker that prevents data collection
  • Intuitive and distraction-free browser experience

It is optimized to consume as few resources as possible. It blocks ads which reduces website loading speed by a lot.

Plus, with a VPN built into the browser, you can ensure that your IP will not be tracked across the web, and at the same time will allow you to act region-restricted content without issues.

Note icon NOTE
Keep in mind that Opera One officially ended support for older Windows OS including XP and Vista. You may have to download older versions that aren’t as secure as the latest development.

Instead, it’s still a great browser that supports Windows 7 and Windows 10 and you can install it on your old PC without any problems.

Opera One CTA

Opera

Enjoy fast browsing, built-in adblocking and more on your low end PC!

UR Browser – No trackers or ads

UR Browser is a highly versatile browser that’s perfect for old computers. In addition, it packs many modern features that will help you quickly and safely surf the Internet.

Main features:

  • Your data is not shared with Google
  • The browser relies on privacy-friendly search engine Qwant
  • Built-in ad blocker
  • You appear as a different user on the Internet
  • The built-in VPN fully encrypts your connection

This browser loads webpages faster than any other browser you used on your good old PC.

UR Browser doesn’t load any trackers or ads. As you all know, ads and cookies often slow down your browser. This issue is even more prevalent on old computers.

UR-Browser also blocks dangerous websites that may install malware on your PC. In addition, automatic HTTPS redirects and the built-in virus scanner will stop virtually any cyber threat that may target your PC.

UR Browser

UR Browser

The UR Browser is an ideal choice if you still use an old computer. Third parties won’t be able to profile you.

K-Meleon – Smart toolbars and hotkeys

K-meleon browser’s UI design is comparable to Firefox, and the software has extensive customization options for its toolbars, menus, and hotkeys. This makes it a great option to use on your outdated PC.

Main features:

  • Highly extensible
  • Very low RAM impact
  • No malware and adware

It runs on Windows 95, XP, Vista, and other platforms that predate Windows 7. The software has a recommended 256 RAM system requirement.

You can easily change the skin, buttons, toolbar, and even the menus from this software, not only making visual changes, but also an improvement in usability.

⇒ Get K-Meleon

Pale Moon – Top browser for Windows XP

Pale Moon is a browser forked from Firefox’s source code. This is a stripped-down version of Firefox that runs on Windows XP and Vista.

Useful features:

  • Independent from Mozilla and Google
  • Supports all web standards in existence
  • Open-source
  • Supports complete themes

This lightweight browser has its own add-on ecosystem, and even though the classic Firefox add-ons can work, there might be compatibility issues here and there.

The browser also shares many of Firefox’s customization options for tabs, page content, etc.

If you find that this is not a priority for you, then you won’t regret giving Pale Moon a try.

⇒ Get Pale Moon

Firefox – Resource-efficient

The latest Firefox versions are not supported on older versions of operating systems anymore. However, this is still the best browser for slightly outdated Windows 7 desktops or laptops.

Other useful features:

  • Strong privacy settings
  • Very good processing speeds
  • Cloud backup services
  • Included screen-capture tool
  • Great mobile features

Stability is key for this browser, while the customization features ensure that you can make this software feel like your own with just a few clicks of the mouse.

Mozilla claims that Google Chrome hogs 1.77x more RAM than Firefox, and if you used Chrome for more than a few days, your system has felt its effects. So where does that leave Firefox, one might ask.

When it comes to add-ons, Firefox offers thousands of options that include a variety of elements, from functionality-related enhancements to operational improvements.

⇒ Get Firefox

Midori – Bloatware-free pack

Midori (green in Japanese) is a lightweight browser that is not known very well across the web but offers a low impact on system resources and very good speeds as well.

Other useful features:

  • RSS support
  • Spell checker included
  • Remembers tabs open in the previous session
  • Font and display customization

Midori’s developers have designed this software to be a streamlined alternative to more bloated browsers. While this browser packs less than alternative browsers, it has only 37 megabytes.

⇒ Get Midori

Maxthon – Excellent browser for Windows Vista

Maxthon is a highly-rated browser that is growing in stature. Maxthon’s homepage boasts that the browser has a 670 million user base.

Main features:

  • Ability to import bookmarks with ease
  • Great customization options
  • AD Hunter stops ads from running
  • Mute button in the lower part of the screen

Maxthon’s system requirements amount to a 1 GHz CPU, 512 MB RAM, and 64 megabytes of hard drive space.

The browser is also compatible with Windows 2000, XP, and Vista as well as the latest platforms; so it will run smoothly on most desktops and laptops.

It includes a built-in ad blocker that you can remove ads with, which also reduces page tab RAM allocation.

⇒ Get Maxthon

Mypal Browser – Accommodates older hardware

If you’re looking for a different kind of browser, then Mypal Browser might be just what you need. The browser is designed to be compatible with older operating systems, and it still works on Windows XP.

Main features:

  • Mature fork of Firefox
  • Uses the Goanna rendering engine
  • Support for Pale Moon and legacy extensions
  • Perfect for older PCs and operating systems

There are two versions of this software, one based on Firefox Quantum, and while this is the more modern version, it’s unstable but it still works.

The other version is based on Pale Moon, but the development of that version has been abandoned, so while it works, it might be out of date.

Mypal Browser uses the Goanna rendering engine, thus ensuring maximum performance, even on older hardware.

The browser supports Pale Moon extensions, as well as legacy Firefox extensions that were released before Quantum. Customization is also a big part, and every part of the interface is customizable.

Overall, this is a great browser, especially if you’re on an older PC and you haven’t upgraded yet to a modern operating system.

⇒ Get Mypal Browser

Falkon – Works on old Linux machines as well

Falkon is a lightweight web browser and it’s available on multiple platforms. The software is using QtWebEngine for rendering.

Main features:

  • Available on multiple platforms
  • Uses QtWebEngine
  • Lightweight
  • Available in portable version

Regarding the features, you can find all the standard features, such as bookmarks, history, and tabs. If you want, you can show your bookmarks or browsing history in a sidebar, which is a nice touch.

Falkon can be installed system-wide or you can install the portable version and use it to run it from a flash drive.

It’s worth mentioning that the software uses DuckDuckGo as the default search engine, so your search queries will remain private and secure from third parties.

The browser has limited extension support, so you probably won’t find your favorite extensions available. Overall, it’s a great browser, but it has a couple of limitations.

⇒ Get Falkon

Lunascape Orion – Accelerated startup

Another lightweight browser that is worth checking out is Lunascape Orion. The software uses a special technology that delivers faster startup and JavaScript operations.

Main features:

  • Multiple Rendering Engines
  • Fast Startup and JavaScript
  • Add-on Compatibility
  • Floating Sidebar
  • Split-Screen Tab Views

Each engine is configurable, so you can access the similar settings that you have available on other browsers. In addition to rendering engines, the software supports various add-ons.

It allows you to use Firefox, Internet Explorer, and Lunescape add-ons. Thanks to the floating sidebar, you can run multiple Gecko add-ons simultaneously and display them separately from the browser.

⇒ Get Lunascape Orion

SeaMonkey – Handy data management features

If you’re looking for a multi-platform web browser, SeaMonkey is a perfect choice. The software works on all versions of Windows, starting from Windows 7.

Other useful features:

  • Lightweight themes
  • HTML editor
  • Web development tools
  • IRC chat

However, you’re not limited only to Windows, and you can use it on Mac OS X 10.9 or newer and Linux. In fact, it’s a great alternative to conventional explorers if you’re looking for a lightweight browser for Mac.

Regarding the requirements, this browser is quite lightweight, and it needs 1GB RAM and 800MHz CPU.

Extensions are also available, allowing you to customize your browser with additional features. Thanks to the Data Manager feature, all your data such as cookies, permissions, preferences, passwords, and autofill data will be located in a single place.

We have to mention feed detection which allows you to easily subscribe to certain websites. Lastly, there’s a built-in email client, so you won’t have to use any third-party tools.

Overall, this is a pretty versatile web browser with a wide array of features, so it’s worth checking out.

⇒ Get SeaMonkey

Slim Browser – Highly responsive browser

Slim Browser is designed to be fast and responsive while delivering an ad-free browsing experience. In addition to blocking the ads, the software also offers extensive tracking protection.

Useful features:

  • Instant photo framing and upload
  • One-click Facebook integration
  • Web page and text translation
  • Weather forecast

The browser supports customization via extensions, and it’s compatible with all Firefox extensions, so you can enhance it any way you want.

To make accessing your favorite sites faster, the software supports URL aliases, so you can open the desired website simply by typing a few letters.

You can also find other interesting features, such as a web page screenshot tool that allows you to take a screenshot of the whole page or just one of its segments.

⇒ Get Slim Browser

Which low-resource browsers are the fastest?

To answer this question, our team of testers has downloaded and installed all of the browsers we will cover in this article.

Each browser variant has been benchmarked using the Base Mark Web 3.0 test while using the same system, with the same configuration and number of running programs.

To understand the results, a higher score value implies better browsing speeds for the browsers presented below.

BrowserBenchmark Score
1. UR Browser1413.48
2. Opera One835.6
3. Falkon800.6
4. Slim Browser 675.43
5. SeaMonkey 658.35
6. MyPal609.81
7. Maxthon581.35
8. Firefox567.65
9. Pale Moon533.02
10. K-Meleon332.91 - Browser wasn't able to run WebGL 2.0 Test
11. Lunascape OrionNo benchmark tests chould be run
12. Midori No benchmark tests chould be run

At the top of our list, we have UR Browser with a benchmark score of 1413.48, making it the fastest browser for all PCs and an excellent option for low-specced PCs worldwide.

Following close behind, we have Opera One with a score of 835.6, making it the second-fastest browser for PCs with low system resources.

Another essential factor to consider is your PC optimization, which can also increase the usability of all apps, including the browser.

What browser uses the least RAM?

Opera One takes the cake and has proven to have the least impact on your resources. If you’re wondering which browser is best for 1GB RAM, you’ll be pleased to know that it only uses around 600MB.

The tests that we concluded were made using the same laptop while also playing the same youtube video at the same quality (720p).

Here are the results:

BrowserCPU UsageMemory Usage
Opera One0.7 - 1.0 %400- 620 MB
UR Browser0.8 - 2.0 %657 - 651 MB
Falkon2.3 - 3.1 %387 MB
Slim Browser1.9 - 2.8 %410 - 420 MB
SeaMonkey2.2 - 3.1 %336 - 353 MB
Maxthon2.2 - 3.1 %290 - 336 MB
Firefox1.4 - 2.3 %415 - 478 MB
K-Meleon1.4 - 2.5 %160 - 170 MB
Lunascape Orion2.2 %259 MB
Midori2.4 - 3 %355 MB
Pale Moon1.5 - 2.9 %539 MB
Mypal2.6 - 3.1 %569 MB

As you can see from the tests we performed, the browser that stands out with the most negligible impact on system resources is Opera One, using only 0.7 to 2.0% of the CPU and around 600MB.

This makes it the best browser for 1GB RAM PCs. It’s also the best browser for 2GB RAM PCs, for that matter.

In the same idea, this browser will also perform perfectly and offer you greater browsing speeds on a 4GB RAM system as well, making it the best browser for 4GB RAM laptops and PCs.

Close behind we have UR Browser that uses 0.8-2.0 % of the CPU’s power, and 650MB memory usage. This option could be fit to run on a 1GB RAM PC but loses in front of Opera One because of the security and stability differences.

The rest of the browsers, even if some are more lightweight than others, have shown varied results, so the decision might come down to the exact circumstances you find yourself in.

Taking the system usage data for each of these browsers and combining this information with the results of the benchmark tests, we can come to a set of very specific conclusions:

These are the best browsers for laptops or desktops with less than 4 GB RAM and CPU specifications with lower clock speeds.

Summary

As you can see, a few browser options can increase your PC’s usability, no matter how old. The best part is that some have great design and security features, so you won’t go missing in these departments.

The best bet on all fronts is the UR Browser, followed closely by K-Meleon and Pale Moon.

The rest of the options we presented are more resource-heavy and could cause problems on an old system, but the extra features could prove helpful if they work on your system.

These browsers are compatible with a broader range of Windows platforms than most software and won’t hog a considerable percentage of system resources, even on outdated desktops and laptops.

You can also explore modern lightweight options by checking this guide on alternative browsers for Windows 11 which highlights efficient tools that work smoothly even on modest hardware.

Microsoft news recap: performance boost for Xbox Cloud Gaming on Linux and Chrome OS, LinkedIn benefits added to Microsoft for Startups, and more

Microsoft news recap is a weekly feature highlighting the top Microsoft news stories of the past week. Sit back, grab some coffee, and enjoy the read!

Xbox Cloud Gaming gets performance boost on Linux and Chrome OS

Users of Xbox Cloud Gaming on Linux and Chrome OS have received a performance boost in the latest update. No details on the exact change that was made to lead to the improvements was released, however, players can expect improved resolutions and a smoother experience.

Performance and quality improvements on Linux and ChromeOS! from xcloud

Microsoft for Startups adds LinkedIn benefits

Members of the Founders Hub through Microsoft for Startups have received access to LinkedIn benefits as of November 1, including access to Recruiter Lite, Sales Navigator Core, LinkedIn Premium Business, and LinkedIn ads. The aim is to help startups find the right people to work for them and help promote the business.

Microsoft for Startups adds LinkedIn benefits - OnMSFT.com - November 2, 2022

Microsoft 365 Personal and Family accounts to store email attachments, more, in OneDrive

Data used across Microsoft 365 apps will now count against the storage allocation for Microsoft 365 Personal and Family accounts. This means that items such as Outlook.com email attachments or Teams messages, will count against the OneDrive storage limits for that account.

Microsoft 365 Personal and Family accounts to store email attachments, more, in OneDrive - OnMSFT.com - November 4, 2022

That’s it for this week. We will be back next week with more Microsoft news.

Process May be Interfering With the Operation of AoE2 DE [Fix]

Encountered an error, A running process may be interfering with the correct operation of AoE2 DE, while Playing Age Of Empires 2: Definitive Edition? You are not alone; it happens to the best of us. 

This guide will discuss how to fix this issue so you can play your favorite real-time strategy game without any hindrance. But first, let us know why this error occurs in the first place.

Why does a running process may be interfering with the correct operation of AoE2 DE error occur?

Users usually face this issue because of the antivirus software installed or security settings enabled on their computers. The problem could also be due to game overlays or active processes.

  • Security tool: Sometimes, your antivirus software or Windows Defender flags some associated files of the game as a threat and tries to stop them from running. 
  • Active processes: Some unnecessary processes may use up the RAM needed to run the game smoothly, hence the issue.
  • Game Overlays: Game overlays can be a great way to connect, read chat, and view events in your Activity Feed, but it is not always optimized for all the games. Therefore, it could make your game freeze or even crash.

What can I do if a running process may be interfering with the correct operation of AoE2 DE error?

Before jumping into serious troubleshooting, here are a few things you can do to resolve the problem:

  • Restart your computer.
  • Ensure your Windows is up to date.
  • Disable all unnecessary active processes before running the game.
  • Try to run steam/the game with admin rights, as the issue could have occurred because the game didn’t have enough permissions to run.
  • Disable game overlays if enabled.
  • Check the integrity of your game files with Steam.
  • Disable VPN if active.
  • Disable all the mods if installed.

You could move to the complex solutions mentioned below if none worked for you.

1. Disable Windows Defender

  1. Press Windows + I keys to open Settings.
  2. Navigate to Privacy & security> Windows Security.Privacy & Security Windows Security
  3. Click Virus & threat protection.Threat Protection
  4. Locate and click on Manage Settings.Virus & Threat Protection Manage Settings
  5. Toggle off the Real-time protection. Choose Yes to complete the action.Turn Off Real Time Protection

Note: It is recommended to turn on the real-time protection when you are done playing the game.

2. Add AoE2DE to your antivirus exception list

If you have an antivirus installed on your computer, you must add the whole game installation folder to the exclusion list. 

Steps to whitelist a folder can be different for every antivirus tool; we have mentioned adding a folder to the exclusion list for Avast for you.

  1. Launch Avast and go to Settings.Avast Settings
  2. Select General> Exceptions.AVAST Exceptions tab
  3. Go to File Paths> Browse.Add Files
  4. Locate the game installation (.exe) file and add it.
  5. Click OK and turn on real-time protection.

3. Disable the Antivirus

If adding an exception doesn’t work, try disabling the antivirus while you play the game. Here we have mentioned the steps to disable Avast for you:

  • Go to the system tray and click the Avast icon.
  • Click Avast shields control, you will get options to disable. Choose accordingly.Avast disable protection

Click OK to confirm the action. The antivirus will be disabled for the chosen time. Please make sure you enable antivirus on your computer once done playing the game

So, in this way, you can fix a running process may be interfering with the correct operation of AoE2 DE error. 

You can reach out to the Age of Empires support team if the issue persists. They will ask you to provide specific details, including your antivirus software’s name, DxDiag, mdmp file, and recent crash logs. If you are unsure how to find this information, you can check out this support article from the Age of Empires website.

If we have missed any solutions that helped you resolve the issue, please mention them in the comments below.

Hyper V is Not Booting from ISO: 3 Quick Ways to Fix It

The ISO files can be used to share enormous amounts of data online in a single file without any data loss. Users employ these files in software like Hyper-V.

But, like all programs, this virtualization product is not without errors! Recently, you may face frustrating issues like Hyper V not booting from ISO on your Windows 10 PC.

Thankfully, this guide has three amazing hacks to help restore your Hyper-V device to normal condition.

Why isn’t my Hyper V booting from an ISO file?

What can I do if Hyper V is not booting from ISO?

Before diving into the in-depth solutions, you can try making a copy of the ISO file and use that instead. This has worked out for many users.

1. Move the ISO file to the local physical drive

  1. Go to File Explorer and choose your ISO file.
  2. Then, click on the Mount button under the Disc Image Tools tab, as shown.In another way, you can choose the ISO file in File Explorer and click on the Mount button under the Disc Image Tools tab | Hyper V is not booting from ISO
  1. Move the necessary files, right-click on the drive and click on Eject to unmount the ISO file.Move all the files necessary and now, right-click on the drive and click on Eject to unmount the ISO file | Hyper V not booting from ISO

2. Disable Secure boot in the BIOS settings (UEFI boot issue)

  1. Open the BIOS settings on your PC by pressing the F1, F2, and F12 or tapping the ESC keys when your PC is booting.
  2. Then, navigate to Troubleshoot, followed by Advanced Options: UEFI Firmware Settings.Then, navigate to Troubleshoot followed by Advanced Options: UEFI Firmware Settings | Hyper V not booting from ISO
  1. Locate the Secure Boot setting in the BIOS setting and disable it. You can find this setting in the Security tab, the Boot tab, or the Authentication tab.Locate the Secure Boot setting in the BIOS setting and disable it | Hyper V not booting from ISO
  1. Now, save the changes and exit. Wait until the PC reboots.
  2. Check if the Hyper-V ISO not booting is resolved now.

3. Re-download the ISO copy

  1. You can download the ISO file on Windows 10 download page.
  2. Scroll down the screen and click Download Now under Create Windows 10 installation media. Scroll down the screen and click on Download Now under Create Windows 10 installation media | Hyper V not booting from ISO
  1. Now, MediaCreationTool21H2.exe downloads on your PC. When this tool downloads, Accept the terms-of-use screen.
  2. Click on Create installation media (USB flash drive, DVD, or ISO file) for another PC and proceed with Next.Click on Create installation media (USB flash drive, DVD, or ISO file) for another PC and proceed with Next. | Hyper V not booting from ISO
  1. Check the box Use the recommended options for this PC. Then, click on Next.Check the box Use the recommended options for this PC. Then, click on Next| Hyper V not booting from ISO
  1. Click on the ISO file option if you want to install Windows 10. This will save your file that can be used to upgrade your PC later.

Sometimes, you cannot install Hyper-V on your Windows 10 PC. In addition, problems like Hyper-V running out of memory may affect your PC’s normal processes.

We have covered only solutions in our guide to fixing these problems. I hope these help!

Let us know if any other hack not mentioned here worked for you in the comments section.

Third Monitor Not Detected on Windows 11? How to Activate it

Users can connect up to three monitors to their Windows PC to have multiple display setups that can serve several purposes.

However, many users complain about the third monitor not being detected on Windows 11. Also, users complain about the second monitor not working after the Nvidia update on Windows 11.

Why is the third monitor not detected?

One common factor responsible for it is compatibility. In other words, not all monitors are compatible and can work with any PC. So, users can find it hard to detect a monitor that isn’t compatible with their devices.

However, other factors, such as these. may cause the third monitor not to be detected on Windows 11:

  • Outdated Windows – This will prevent your PC from accessing updates and patches for fixing bugs. Hence, it can cause issues with you detecting the third monitor.
  • Outdated drivers – When these drivers are outdated, they malfunction and affect the system’s performance. They can prevent your PC from being able to detect or connect with a third monitor.
  • Issues with the graphics driver – You may experience difficulties connecting an external monitor if the graphics driver is not running.
  • Issues with your PC’s monitor settings – Your computer needs to be configured to detect and use the third monitor. If there is any problem with the settings on your PC, it may be impossible to get through with the process.

These causes may vary in different devices, but almost the same solutions can fix them.

What can I do if the third monitor is not detected on Windows 11?

Users should observe the following preliminary beck before trying any advanced troubleshooting:

  • Unplug USB devices plugged into your PC.
  • Power cycle the third monitor not detected on Windows.
  • Restart Windows in Safe Mode to refresh the PC.

Check if you’re able to fix the issue. If not, go on with the steps below.

1. Update Windows

  1. Left-click the Start button and select Windows Settings.
  2. Search for Windows Update Settings and press Enter.
  3. Then click Check for updates (If there are any updates available, Windows will search for and install them).

Windows updates will resolve bugs plaguing your PC, which can prevent Windows from detecting the third monitor. You can read more about fixing Windows if it’s not connecting to update services on your PC.

2. Temporarily disable Windows Defender Firewall

  1. Left-click the Start button, type Windows Security, and press Enter.
  2. Click the Virus & threat protection option from the search results, then click Manage settings.
  3. Toggle off the Real-time protection option to disable the Windows Defender Antivirus.

Read how to fix the Windows Defender Firewall if it can’t change settings on Windows 11.

3. Update your graphics card drivers

  1. Press the Windows + R keys to prompt the Run window, type devmgmt.msc, and click OK.
  2. Click on Display adapters, right-click the display driver you want to update, and click the Update driver option.
  3. Then select Search automatically for drivers.
  4. Restart your computer after the update process is complete.

You can check our guide on updating drivers on Windows 11 for other methods to use if your Device Manager has issues.

A great method you should give a try is using Outbyte Driver Updater, which is a specialized tool that runs an extensive scan of your device to find missing or outdated drivers and then updates them automatically.

Outbyte Driver Updater

Advanced driver update software that easily updates all your device drivers in need.
Free Trial Download now

4. Change your project mode

  1. Press Windows + P keys to open the Project window, then select PC screen only.
  2. Disconnect all the external monitors from your PC.
  3. Power off your computer and reconnect all the monitors while the PC is still off.
  4. Power on your PC and press the Windows + P keys.
  5. Click the Extend option and check if you can detect the third monitor.

The above process will refresh your PC and resolve connection errors from other monitors.

5. Enable set up of multiple displays for Nvidia graphic cards

  1. Right-click on your desktop and open the NVIDIA Control Panel.
  2. Click Set up multiple displays on the Display tab.
  3. Check all the boxes for the monitors you want to use and save the changes.
  4. Restart your PC.

Enabling the multiple display option in the Nvidia Control Panel will allow your device to detect the third monitor. Check how to fix the Nvidia Control Panel crashing or not working on your PC.

Nevertheless, users can learn how to change the primary monitor on Windows 10/11. Also, we have a detailed guide on how you can fix the third monitor frequently disconnecting on your PC.

If you have more questions or suggestions, kindly drop them in the comments section below. We’d like to hear from you.

Fix: QuickBooks Desktop Won’t Open on Windows 10

QuickBooks Desktop is an accountancy application for Windows, but many reported that QuickBooks won’t open in Windows 10.

This isn’t the only issue with this service, and many reported QuickBooks scanner driver error 281. However, in today’s guide, we’ll focus on what to do if this app won’t launch on your PC.

How come QuickBooks Desktop won’t open?

First, let’s consider some of the more likely reasons for QuickBooks Desktop not opening in Windows 10. These are some of the potential causes for QuickBooks Desktop launch issues:

  • Corrupted or faulty QuickBooks Desktop installation – QuickBooks Desktop has a corrupted installation.
  • A recent Windows 10 update – Uupdates are known to generate compatibility issues, and several users reported that QuickBooks won’t open after Windows 10 update.
  • Corrupted QBWUSER.INI data file – QBWUSER.INI is a registration file for QuickBooks Desktop that might be corrupted.
  • Conflicting apps – A background app could be interfering with QuickBooks Desktop.

What can I do if QuickBooks Desktop is not opening in Windows 10?

1. Terminate the QBW32.exe process before launching

  1. Right-click any empty part of Windows 10’s taskbar and select Task Manager.
  2. Click Processes inside Task Manager.
    Processes tab quickbooks won't open in windows 10
  3. Look for and select a QBW32.exe process for QuickBooks Desktop on the tab.
  4. Select the End task option for QBW32.exe.
    The End task button quickbooks won't open in windows 10
  5. Then try launching QuickBooks Desktop.

2. Rename the QBWUSER.ini file

  1. Open File Explorer.
  2. Select Explorer’s Hidden items checkbox on the View tab.
    Hidden items checkbox quickbooks won't open in windows 10
  3. Next, bring up the folder that contains the QBWUSER.ini file. You can find that file in this directory path: C:\Users\YOUR USER NAME\AppData\Local\Intuit\QuickBooks [year]
  4. Click the QBWUSER.ini file with your right mouse button to select Rename.
  5. Type QBWUSER.ini.old for the file’s title and press Enter.
  6. Rename QuickBook Desktop’s EntitlementDataStore.ecml file.

Renaming the file helps when QuickBooks opens, then closes immediately in Windows.

Note icon NOTE
If this solution works, you’ll need to manually re-open your company file in QuickBooks.

3. Run the QuickBooks Install Diagnostic Tool

  1. Open this QuickBooks Tool Hub download page.
  2. Input your QuickBooks account details there.
  3. Click the Locate Account & Download QB Tool Hub button.
    The Download QB Tool Hub option quickbooks won't open in windows 10
  4. Open the folder the QuickBooksToolsHub.exe file downloaded in.
  5. Double-click QuickBooksToolsHub.exe to open the install wizard.
  6. Install and open the QuickBooks Tools Hub software.
  7. Then select the Installation Issues tab in QuickBooks Tools Hub.
  8. Click the QuickBooks Install Diagnostic Tool button.
  9. Wait for the diagnostic tool to finish.
  10. Close the QuickBooks Diagnostic Tool window.
  11. Press the Alt + F4 key combination and select Restart on the drop-down menu.
    Restart option quickbooks won't open in windows 10

The Program Problems tab also includes troubleshooting options that can feasibly fix QuickBooks Desktop not opening. Select the Quick Fix my Program option on that tab to run a quick repair scan.

4. Select the Repair option for QuickBooks Desktop

  1. Click the Type here to search bar or button on Windows 10’s taskbar.
  2. Enter the keyword appwiz.cpl (for the Programs and Features applet) in the search box.
  3. Select the appwiz.cpl search result to view Windows 10’s uninstaller tool.
    An appwiz.cpl search quickbooks won't open in windows 10
  4. Next, select QuickBooks Desktop in the Programs and Features applet.
  5. Click QuickBooks Desktop’s Repair option.
    Repair option
  6. Select the Repair radio button in the QuickBook Installation window.
  7. Then click the Next option to repair.
  8. Restart Windows 10 afterward.

5. Run QuickBooks in Safe Mode

  1. Open the Start menu and then click the Power button.
  2. Hold Shift and select Restart.
  3. Select Troubleshoot.
    troubleshoot Driver Power State Failure
  4. Next, navigate to Advanced options.
    advanced options
  5. Click on Startup options and then click on Restart.
  6. Select Enable Safe Mode with Networking.
  7. Launch QuickBooks Desktop and check if the problem is still there.

If you can start QuickBooks in Safe Mode, there was probably a background process conflicting with that application. You can continue utilizing it in Safe Mode or try to identify the conflicting software.

For more information on how to use Safe Mode, check our guide for starting Windows in Safe Mode.

6. Reinstall QuickBooks Desktop

  1. Press Windows key + R and type appwiz.cpl. Click OK.
  2. Click QuickBooks Desktop in the programs list.
  3. Select QuickBooks Desktop’s Uninstall/Change option.
    Uninstall/Change button quickbooks won't open in windows 10
  4. Click Remove and Next to uninstall the software.
  5. Open the Downloads and Updates page for QuickBooks Desktop.
  6. Download QuickBooks Desktop Manager if you don’t already have it.
  7. Open the QuickBooks Desktop Manager, and reinstall the latest QuickBooks Desktop version from there.
Note icon NOTE
The QuickBooks Tools Hub includes a Clean Install Tool option you can select before reinstalling the software. That option will thoroughly eradicate leftover residual files from uninstalling QuickBooks.

We hope one of those resolutions kick-starts your QuickBooks Desktop application. If you still need other potential fixes, you can contact QuickBooks Desktop support.

If you’re having additional issues, visit our QuickBooks Internet connection errors guide for more solutions. We also have a new guide on what to do if Gmail is not working with QuickBooks, so don’t miss it.

Feel free to discuss potential resolutions for that issue in the comments section.

Error Retrieving Data Center in Halo Infinite: 5 Ways to Fix It

Halo Infinite is one of the most popular multiplayer FPS games. However, users often get into trouble while playing multiplayer matches. When this type of problem occurs, gamers may see the following message:

Error retrieving data center connection quality information. Please try again later

Why does the Halo Infinite game fail to retrieve data centers?

If you get this error while attempting to play a multiplayer game, it may happen due to the following reasons:

  • Background service issue: Some required background processes are necessary to run Halo Infinite properly on your PC.
  • Network issue: Network problems can trigger the problem between your game and the data center, so take action if you encounter Windows 11’s Can’t connect to this network error.
  • Network driver problem: Incompatible or outdated drivers can cause this problem as well.
  • Corrupted game files: Corrupted game files may cause Halo Infinite crashing issues or communication problems with the data center.

How do I fix the error retrieving the data center in Halo Infinite?

Before going through the main methods to solve the problem, we would like to suggest you apply these steps:

  • Check if an outage going on in Halo Infinite servers. For this, you can follow the Down Detector.
  • Verify the internet connection, so go to Network & Internet from the Windows Settings and click on Advanced network settings. Go to Network reset next, click on Reset now, and follow any on-screen steps. You may also check if there is something wrong with your internet connection.
  • Restart your PC to refresh the background services.

If servers are not down and you are still getting the problem, follow these methods to solve Halo Infinite error retrieving the data center.

1. Verify the game files

1.1 Verify on Steam

  1. Open the Steam desktop app.
  2. Right-click on Halo Infinite and go to its Properties.
  3. Go to Local Files.
  4. Click on Verify integrity of game files.clicking verify integrity of game files

It will verify and repair the game if necessary.

1.2 Verify on Xbox app

  1. Open the Xbox desktop app on Windows 11 or 10.
  2. Go to Halo Infinite.going halo infinite game xbox app
  3. Click on three vertical dots and go to Manage.going manage halo infinite xbox app
  4. Go to the Files tab.
  5. Click on Verify and Repair.verifying and repairing halo infinite xbox app
  6. Wait for a while to complete the process.

2. Check if Xbox services are active

  1. Open the Start Menu, type services, and hit Enter.
  2. Check and verify that the IP Helper, Xbox Live Auth Manager, Xbox Live Game Save, Xbox Live, Networking Service, and Gaming Services are running.
  3. If any of these is not running, right-click and click on Run.starting a service ip helper in services Windows
  4. Now, launch Halo Infinite and see if the problem still exists or not.

3. Update network driver

  1. Open the Start Menu, type device manager, and hit Enter.opening device manager windows 11
  2. Expand Network adapters.
  3. Right-click on the network driver you want to update and choose Update driver.updating network driver windows 11 device manager
  4. Follow the on-screen steps to finish the process.

After updating, restart your PC. For more details, check our guide on how to update drivers on Windows 11.

4. Change DNS

  1. Press Win + I to open the Windows Settings.
  2. Go to Network & internet.
  3. Click on the connection you are using, like Ethernet or WiFi.going ethernet win11 settings
  4. Next, click on Edit next to the DNS server assignment.clicking edit next to dns server assignment win11 settings
  5. Set it to Manual.
  6. Enable IPv4 or IPv6, depending on the DNS you are trying to use.
  7. Type your preferred DNS addresses and click on Save.saving dns settings win11 settings

If you don’t know any good DNS server addresses, use Google DNS. The addresses are 8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4.

After making the changes, make sure to flush the DNS on Windows.

5. Change the game installation drive

5.1 Change on Xbox app

  1. On the Xbox app, go to Halo Infinite.
  2. Go to Manage like before.
  3. Go to the Files tab.
  4. Click on Change Drive.clicking change drive halo infinite xbox app
  5. Choose the drive where you want to move the game and click on Move.moving xbox infinite to new drive xbox app
  6. Wait until the process is complete.

5.2 Change on Steam

  1. Go to Halo Infinite properties on Steam like before.
  2. Go to the Local Files tab.
  3. Click on the Move install folder.
  4. Choose a folder or drive and click on Move.moving halo infinite to different drive steam
  5. Wait a bit while it finishes the process.

For best, you also may try uninstalling the game completely and installing it again on a different drive. It may fix Halo Infinite error retrieving the data center.

We also recommend you use a VPN like Private Internet Access (PIA) or ExpressVPN. These two work great with most multiplayer games like Halo Infinite. If the normal internet connection fails to retrieve the data center on Halo Infinite, trying any of these VPNs is a good idea.

We also suggest you learn the ways to solve Halo Infinite packet loss issues. There, you will also find some suggestions which are also applicable to this problem.

This article has shown the methods to solve Halo Infinite error retrieving data center issue. If you know any other methods that may work, let us know in the comment box.

gameinputsvc.exe: What is it & How to Fix its Crashes

The gameinputsvc.exe is also known as the GameInput Host Service, being part of the system but not essential for your Windows OS.

However, it is important when it comes to the proper functioning of games on a PC. Hence, if gameinputsvc.exe is crashing, we have the solutions to fix it.

What causes gameinputsvc.exe to crash?

Gameinputsvc.exe usually crashes due to the following reasons:

  • Corrupted system files – Corrupted system files are those files that suddenly become inoperable; if gameinputsvc.exe has become corrupt, it is likely to crash.
  • Outdated software package – If the software package that stores gameinputsvc.exe is outdated, the API file will likely crash. 

Now that you are well aware of the reasons behind gameinputsvc.exe crashing, let’s move on to possible fixes that can help you get around this issue.

How do I fix gameinputsvc.exe crashing?

Before you move to detailed solutions for resolving gameinputsvc.exe is crashing, quickly take a look at these quick workarounds:

  • Restart your computer. Sometimes, the services can be hindered by other processes and this error will disappear out of nowhere. If your PC is not restarting, rest assured that we’ve got some quick solutions.
  • Check for possible Windows updates because it’s possible that a new patch can solve this issue. Also, here’s how to fix Windows Update errors in Windows 11.

In case trying out the above fixes doesn’t work in your favor. You can move ahead with the detailed solutions given below.

1. Switch the GameInput Service to Manual

  1. Press the Windows + R key combination, type services.msc, and press Enter.
  2. Double-click on the GameInput Service, then switch the Startup type to Manual.
  3. Now, hit the Apply and OK buttons and try to reopen the Xbox app.

Switching the GamingInput Service to manual has fixed this problem for many of our readers so make sure you try it.

If it doesn’t work, feel free to switch the service back to Automatic by following the steps above.

2. Run SFC and DISM scans

  1. Click on the Search icon from the taskbar, type cmd in the bar, and click on Run as administrator to open Command Prompt with full rights.
  2. Copy and paste the following command in the Command Prompt and hit Enter. sfc /scannow
  3. In case the prior command doesn’t work, copy and paste the following command and hit Enter. DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

You are likely to face the issue of gameinputsvc.exe file crashing if the system has become corrupted or if you have any issues on your disk. Running the scans above will clear that problem.

If the manual steps somehow don’t work for you, there are also automatic solutions you can go for, such as a reliable repair tool that replaces all corrupt files with new parts from its thorough vault.

3. Rename files in the WindowsApps

  1. Firstly, type the file and click on File Explorer to open it.
  1. Now click on View present at the top, then check the box present next to Hidden items.
  1. Next, enter the Local Disk (C:) and go to the following location in File Explorer. C:\Program Files\WindowsApps
  2. In the above location, search these two folders’ names as: Microsoft.GamingServices_4.66.2001.0_neutral_~_8wekyb3d8bbwe and Microsoft.GamingServices_4.66.2001.0_x64__8wekyb3d8bbwe
  1. Now simply rename these folders by clicking on the rename icon present in the toolbar. You can simply add any prefix, such as X, so that the folders appear to be named as XMicrosoft.GamingServices_4.66.2001.0_neutral_~_8wekyb3d8bbwe and XMicrosoft.GamingServices_4.66.2001.0_x64__8wekyb3d8bbwe

Your PC might have a distinct version of Microsoft Game Input however, Microsoft.Gaming.Services file is the one we need to replace.

Hence, regardless of the file version, simply locate the Microsoft Gaming input file and rename it. Renaming these files will prevent the gaminginputsvc.exe from crashing at random intervals.

4. Performa a clean boot 

  1. Type msconfig in the Search bar and click on System Configuration to open it.
  1. Enter the General tab and then select Selective startup.
  1. In the Selective startup, uncheck the box beside Load startup items and make sure to check the remaining 2 boxes beside Load system services and Use original boot configuration, respectively.
  1. Next up, enter the Services tab.
  1. Inside the Services tab, check the box beside Hide All Microsoft Services and then click on Disable all.
  1. Lastly, click on OK and restart your computer. This will run your PC into a Clean Boot.

Running a Clean boot will help you fix any issues with the gameinputsvc.exe.

Hopefully, the above guide helped you troubleshoot the abrupt crashing problem of gameinputsve.exe.

The GameInput Host Service is not a critical service but just in case, check our article on what services you can disable safely.

Do let us know your comments along with suggestions regarding future articles in the comments box below.

5 Quick Ways to Fix Norton Antivirus BSOD in Windows 10

The Norton antivirus is one of the most-used security software on Windows 10. However, users are complaining that they are getting the dreaded BSOD from this software.

Fortunately, it is an issue that can be fixed easily by changing a few things. And we are going to show you the quick and effective ways to solve the Norton Antivirus BSOD issue on Windows 10.

Why does Norton Antivirus BSOD appear?

There are various reasons for the Norton Antivirus causing BSOD issues in Windows 10. Below are some of the well-known causes:

  • Outdated PC: Some users reported that Norton Antivirus keeps crashing Windows 10 on some Windows builds. However, this has been rectified in some releases. Thus, to fix it, you need to update your PC. Here’s what to do in the event that Windows is unable to finish installing updates.
  • Memory issues: This issue can also be caused by faulty memory partitions. You can fix this by running the Memory Diagnostic tool or using a third-party tool in MemTest86.
  • Faulty installation: Sometimes, it might be that your installation of the Norton Antivirus is faulty or does not work with your PC version. In this case, you need to uninstall the software in Safe Mode.
  • Wrong Windows installation: If you started noticing the BHDrvx64 SYS BSOD with Norton Antivirus after upgrading to Windows 10, the problem might be with the upgrade process. To fix this, you need to clean install Windows 10.

How do I fix Norton Antivirus BSOD?

1. Update PC

  1. Press the Windows key + I to open the Settings app and select Update & Security.
    update and security norton antivirus bsod windows 10
  2. Click the Check for updates button.
    check for update
  3. Now, download and install the available updates.

The Norton Antivirus BSOD on Windows 10 can appear because of your PC version. Thus, updating your PC should restore normalcy in this case.

2. Run the Memory Diagnostic tool

  1. Press the Windows key + R, type mdsched.exe, and click OK.
    mdsched
  2. Select the Restart now and check for problems (recommended) option.
    restart now norton antivirus bsod windows 10
  3. Now, wait for the diagnosis to be complete and apply any recommendations.

Some users have reported that the Norton Antivirus BSOD on Windows 10 issue is down to faulty memory. Aside from using the Memory Diagnostic tool, you can download MemTest86 to check your RAM for issues.

If these tools discover any unfixable problem, you might need to change the affected memory.

3. Use a professional BSoD troubleshooter

With BSoD errors never having a clear cause unless you’re really good at reading memory dumps, it’s hard to tell what causes them or not.

It can actually be Norton, driver issues, or even hardware issues, but testing them out one by one can be frustrating and time-consuming.

That’s precisely why we recommend you try out a professional BSoD troubleshooter since they are created to run through all possible causes one by one, from drivers to DLLs, registries, and more.

4. Uninstall Norton in Safe Mode

  1. Press the Windows key and click the Power icon.
  2. Hold the Shift key and select the Restart option.
    power restart
  3. If the BSOD is preventing from doing this, press and hold the power button for about 10 seconds to shut down your PC. Press the power button again to turn it on.
  4. When the manufacturer icon shows up, repeat Step 3. Do this 3 times and your PC should bring up the Windows Recovery Environment.
  5. Now, select Choose an option > Troubleshoot > Advanced options.
    advanced options
  6. Choose Startup Settings from the options.
    startup norton antivirus bsod windows 10
  7. Click the Restart button.
    restart button
  8. When your PC restart, press F5 or 5 to Enable Safe Mode.
  9. Now, press the Windows key + I and select the Apps option.
    app norton antivirus bsod windows 10
  10. Finally, choose the Norton Antivirus and click the Uninstall button.
    uninstall

If uninstalling Norton Antivirus fixes the BSOD on Windows 10, you should continue using only Microsoft Defender.

Alternatively, you could always consider using an alternative tool in ESET NOD32. This lightweight antivirus software does everything to protect your PC online and offline without causing any issue.

Also, it detects and eliminates viruses before they can affect your PC. You only need to install it and it will take care of your privacy and security.

5. Clean install Windows 10

  1. Create a bootable installtion media and boot your PC from it.
  2. Choose, your language, time, and keyboard input and click the Next button.
    language next
  3. Click the Install now button.
    install  norton antivirus bsod windows 10
  4. Enter your activation key in the next window or choose I don’t have a product key followed by Do this later, if you upgraded from older operating systems.
    product
  5. Choose the current edition of Windows 10 you have license for and click Next.
    license
  6. Now, accept the terms and license and click Next.
    accept next norton antivirus bsod windows 10
  7. Choose the Custom: Install Windows only (Advanced).
    custom install
  8. Select your drive and click New. If you have multiple partitions listed, delete them all, leaving only one allocated partition.
    apply
  9. Choose the unallocated drive, the click New followed by Apply and OK.
    ok
  10. Your drive will now be divided into multiple partitions. Choose the Primary partition and click the Next button.
    primary norton antivirus bsod windows 10
  11. Now, wait for Windows to install and follow the onscreen instruction to complete the setup.

Finally, if all the solutions above do not fix the Norton Antivirus BSOD on Windows 10, you might need to clean install Windows. This has proved to work for users that upgraded from the older operating system.

With this, we can conclude this guide. You only need to follow the instructions therein carefully and everything should be back to normal.

If you need a general guide on how to fix Norton Antivirus errors on Windows 10, check the linked article for ways to fix issues with software easily.

In case you’re having issues with other files, we also have a guide on how to uninstall Windoc.exe, so you might want to visit it.

Which one of the solutions written above helped you? Let us know by leaving your feedback in the comments section below.

Xbox Controller USB Device Not Recognized: How to Fix

Some users are using their Xbox One controller on their PC, but sometimes they might encounter a USB device not recognized message. The Xbox Controller USB device might not be recognized due to driver issues or due to problems with the cable or USB port. This may also lead to the Xbox controller blinking when plugged in.

Before applying the solutions below, try changing the USB cable and the port you’re using on your PC.

How do I fix the Xbox Controller USB device not recognized error?

1. Update the USB drivers

  1. Press the Windows key + X and select Device Manager.
    device xbox controller usb device not recognized
  2. Click the arrow next to USB Serial Bus controllers to expand it and right-click each of the drivers there.
  3. Choose the Update driver option.
    update driver
  4. Now, select the Search automatically for drivers option and install any available update.
    search auto

According to users, if Xbox One controller is giving you USB device not recognized message, the problem is most likely your USB controller driver. Alternatively, you can visit your motherboard manufacturer and download the latest USB drivers for your motherboard.

However, if you need a surefire way to update all your drivers, you should use a dedicated tool in Outbyte Driver Updater. This tool is ultra-lightweight and does not only update your drivers, but also fixes the broken ones, and fills in the missing ones.

Simply download and install Outbyte Driver Updater, and upon the first launch, it will already start scanning your system for drivers. You then only need to select the ones you want to fix, and this tool will take care of the rest.

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2. Run Hardware and Devices troubleshooter

  1. Press the Windows key + R, type cmd, and choose Run as administrator under Command Prompt.
    cmd xbox controller usb device not recognized
  2. Type the command below and hit Enter: msdt.exe -id DeviceDiagnosticmsdt
  3. Finally, wait for the command to complete.

If you’re getting USB device not recognized or unknown message while using the Xbox One controller on your PC, the problem might be some minor glitches. Using the Hardware and Devices troubleshooter should fix these glitches.

3. Reinstall Xbox controller drivers

  1. Open the Device Manager and locate your Xbox One controller.
  2. Right-click the driver and choose Uninstall device from the menu.
    uninstall device
  3. Click the Uninstall button to confirm the action.
    uninstall button xbox controller usb device not recognized
  4. After removing the driver, click Scan for hardware changes icon.
    scan for hardware

A common cause for USB device not recognized message can be your drivers. If your PC can’t recognize Xbox One controller, perhaps you can fix this problem simply by reinstalling your drivers

Clicking the Hardware changes icon should reinstall the driver. Some users are also suggesting installing the Xbox One controller driver manually.

4. Update Plug and Play Software Device Enumerator driver

  1. Open the Device Manager, expand the System devices option and right-click Plug and Play Software Device Enumerator.
  2. Choose Update driver from the menu.
    update plug and play
  3. Select Browse my computer for driver software.
    browse
  4. Now, choose Let me pick from a list of devices on my computer.
    let me pick xbox controller usb device not recognized
  5. Select Plug and Play Software Enumerator and click Next.
    plug xbox controller usb device not recognized

According to users, if your Xbox One controller is giving you USB device not recognized message, the problem might be Plug and Play Software Device Enumerator driver.

To fix the issue, you need to use the default driver available for it on your PC. 

5.  Update your PC

  1. Press the Windows key + I to open the Settings app and select the Update & Security option.
    update and security
  2. Click the Check for updates button in the right pane.
    check xbox controller usb device not recognized
  3. Download and install any available updates and restart your PC.

An outdated PC can cause different problems. This can be the reason your Xbox controller USB device is not working.

To fix the problem, you need to update your PC. After installing the updates, you can try reconnecting your PC from a USB port at the back of your PC.

There you have it: Everything you need to solve this problem. You only need to follow the steps above and you should be back playing games with your controller.

If your Xbox controller is not recognized on Windows 11, check our excellent guide to do it easily.

Please, let us know the solution that helped you solve the problem in the comments below.

Cookie Cleaner Software for Windows 10 PC [2026 Guide]

Cookies are basically small text files written by a web browser that contain information about your interaction with the virtual world. When these files accumulate, however, they can cause problems on your PC.

In this article, we will explore the best apps that allow you to easily and thoroughly clear up any cookies from your browser.

Should I clear cookies?

While cookies and other browser data help to improve your overall experience, it is good to clean them once in a while. This is because clearing them frees up valuable space and keeps your PC clean.

Also, clearing cookies helps to solve some browser issues. Thus, you should try clearing them every other month. Here’s how to clear cache, cookies & history in the AOL Browser, and take a closer look at our list below as well.

Fortect – Various optimizing features

Fortect will bring you lots of help regarding this matter as it is an outstanding optimizing software with numerous advanced features.

First off, it has a feature that helps you proceed with a browser cleanup where you can remove all web browser tracking cookies, clearing any trace of your browsing activity in no time.

Thanks to its extensive scanning option, you are able to see your computer’s condition and its vulnerabilities, which can be fixed afterward.

Furthermore, with the Fortect app, you can delete all junk files and build-ups from your folders, disk, and hard drive to free up space and boost your PC’s performance.

Fortect also offers these key features:

  • Full diagnostic and scan report
  • Refresh the operating system
  • Advanced OS repair technology

Fortect

The perfect solution for cookies and junk file removal alongside advanced OS repair technology.
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ccleaner cookie cleaner

CCleaner is one of the most well-known apps for computer optimization. It includes powerful tools that make it an excellent cookie cleaner on popular browsers like Chrome and Firefox.

After you installed CCleaner, you can select the areas to clean and hit Analyze to see how much space can be freed up. After this, click the Run Cleaner button to remove everything that CCleaner found.

We recommend you always double-check the list found in CCleaner after analyzing your PC because you might want to keep some cookies like stored browser passwords.

One of the best features of CCleaner is the automatic clean-up of your browser cookies, trackers, internet history, download history, and cache. It can even delete individual session activity.

In addition to the cleaner function, CCleaner has two other major features:

  • Registry cleaner – Finds and fixes registry errors
  • Tool management – program uninstaller, startup program editor, browser plug-ins, etc.

CCleaner

Use the number-one cookie cleaner tool for your PC. It protects your privacy and makes the PC faster and more secure!
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SecureClean – Versatile tool

SecureClean - Cookie cleaner

SecureClean is a powerful app that lets you permanently erase temporary, cached, cookies, and deleted files regularly. You can do it once or create a schedule.

Because of the personal data collected constantly on your PC in cookie files, personal documents, browsing histories, passwords, etc. you need a reliable application to secure your PC.

SecureClean uses government-grade wiping technology to ensure your data is unrecoverable, even with the most sophisticated tools. This makes it the ideal cookie cleaner for your PC.

Beyond the need to protect your privacy, you also want to delete cookies and other stored information because, in time, they clutter the system and slow it down.

By using this program, you can also white list cookies you don’t want deleted (log-in info) so that it skips them when the cleaning process is started.

SecureClean can completely erase unused files and information, including:

  • Personally identifying information
  • Credit card information
  • Online banking information
  • Deleted email messages
  • Browsing history
  • Temporary internet files
  • Internet cookies

⇒ Get SecureClean

Cookienator is a great tool that allows you to remain anonymous from search engines like Google and other notorious web-usage trackers such as Doubleclick or Omniture.

With a simple user interface, Cookienator is designed to automatically skip the important cookies, and delete only those that pose a risk to your privacy.

Cookienator is one of the most lightweight options presented in this article. It is a single executable file that you install on your computer and once runs, it will show you how many cookies it would like to remove.

It will also not run in the background constantly, but only for a few seconds when you start up your PC.

This app is configured to clean up crumbs left on your computer by sites like Google, AOL, Yahoo, MSN, etc but this list can be easily edited by editing the filters.

Like all the other cookies exterminators it is recommended you close your browser/s before running Cookienator, so it can gain access to all the files stored.

⇒ Get Cookienator 2.5

Bleachbit – Portable tool

This program is a quick and convenient alternative to CCleaner. Bleachbit is open source and users are also allowed to make their own contributions and fix any bugs.

Bleachbit is simpler than CCleaner but this works to its advantage because of the small size of the program. There is also a portable version available for those of you looking to build a USB toolkit.

This makes it the ideal cookie cleaner you can download for free and without installing it on your PC.

Key features include:

  • Support for a massive range of programs
  • Quick and simple everyday maintenance tasks
  • Deep scan options – in-depth analysis of your system files
  • Shred option – deletes unwanted files securely by overwriting them several times
  • Free of charge
  • Command line interface for scripting and automation
  • Frequent software updates with new features

⇒ Get Bleachbit

This app is a manager of the cookies created by most Windows browsers: IE, Firefox, Google Chrome, Mozilla, etc.

Cookies Monster allows you to set a list of the cookies that you want to protect and then it will delete the remaining ones with just one mouse click.

It can also detect and delete the cookies from the sites included in your favorites or bookmarks. Great for those who don’t want to disable or block all the cookies.

⇒ Get Cookies Monster 3.47

The list presented in this article gives you a wide range of options to protect your privacy.

You can find software options that are lightweight and offer singular cookie deletion features or more complex programs that allow you to manage your online security at a professional level.

If you want to manually clear cookies and cache, we have a unique guide for that as well.

Do you need a list of the best PC optimization software? Check our carefully selected list of software to get the best to keep your PC running smoothly.

If you’ve got any suggestions or comments, feel free to use the comment section below.

Fix: Video Memory Management Internal Error in Windows 10

The video memory management internal error is one of the Blue Screen of Death issues on Windows 10. Users report facing this error when trying to run their favorite games.

Also, this issue can make your PC restart and lead to other problems. In this guide, we have curated the surefire fixes to fix the video memory management internal error effortlessly.

What causes video memory management internal?

While there are various errors that can lead to the video memory management internal issue, below are some of the common ones:

  • Faulty display driver: If you are getting the video memory management internal error when shutting down or running a game, it might be because of your display driver. To solve this, you need to roll back or update your driver.
  • Outdated PC: Some users have reported this problem on Windows 10 builds. Updating your PC to the latest version should help restore normal service here.
  • Corrupt system files: Another cause of this BSoD error is corrupt or broken system files. Repairing and restoring these files should solve this problem easily.

How can I fix the video memory management internal error?

Before delving into the fixes in this guide, below are some basic troubleshooting steps that can save you stress:

  • Update your BIOS from the manufacturer’s website.
  • Disable any feature you have overclocked.
  • Run your games in Windows Mode.

If the above preliminary checks do not solve the issue, you can explore the fixes below.

1. Rollback display driver

  1. Press the Windows key + X and select Device Manager.
    device manager
  2. Click the arrow next to the Display adapters and double-click the driver there.
    display adapters video memory management internal
  3. Select the Driver tab at the top and click the Roll Back Driver button.roll back
  4. If the button is not clickable, click the Update Driver button.
    update driver
  5. From here, select the Search automatically for drivers option and install any available updates.
    search auto

If you are getting the video memory management internal error when streaming on sites like Netflix, or while playing games, it might be due to problems with your drivers. Users with NVIDIA drivers report facing this issue.

Alternatively, you can download and install the drivers from the manufacturer’s website. This has proved effective for some users.

To make things easier, we recommend using a dedicated tool in Fortect Driver Updater. This software automatically scans and fixes outdated and broken drivers. This ensures you never face any driver-related issues on your PC.

⇒ Get Fortect Driver Updater

2. Update your PC

  1. Press the Windows key + I and select Update & Security.
    update and security video memory management internal
  2. Click the Check for updates button.
    check updates
  3. Now, download and install any available update.

The video memory management internal error can also be caused by an outdated OS. Users have reported that installing the Windows 10 Technical Preview build 10049 solved the problem. If you can’t find this build, you can just update your PC to the latest version.

One frequent update installation error is showing the message: We couldn’t install this update, but you can try again, yet rest assured that you can correct it in no time.

3. Run applications in compatibility mode

  1. Right-click the problematic application and choose Properties from the menu.
    properties
  2. Choose the Compatibility tab, check Run this program in compatibility mode for.
    compatibility
  3. Finally, Select Windows 10 and click Apply, followed by OK to save your settings.
    apply ok  video memory management internal

Sometimes, you can encounter the video memory management internal error on Adobe Premier Pro and other apps because you are not running them in compatibility mode. The steps above should help you solve this problem effectively.

4. Repair system files

  1. Press the Windows key + S, type cmd, and select Run as administrator under Command Prompt.
    cmd admin
  2. Type the command below and press Enter to run it: sfc/scannowsfc
  3. Wait for the command to complete, type the command below and hit Enter: DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealthdism

System files are important for the smooth running of your PC. If they are corrupt, it can lead to the video memory management internal BSoD error.

Alternatively, you can fix this issue using a specialized system file fixer. This error can also appear in the form of video_memory_management_internal, and to get rid of it for good you can use a repair tool.

5. Reset Windows 10

  1. Press the Windows key + I and choose the Update & Security option.
    update and security video memory management internal
  2. Select Recovery in the left pane and click Get Started under Reset this PC.
    recovery
  3. Choose whether to keep or remove your files and click the Next button.
    keep or remove video memory management internal
  4. Now, follow the onscreen instruction to complete the process.

If all the solutions above fail to solve this BSoD issue, you might need to reset your PC to default. Note that You might also need a bootable USB flash drive to complete Windows 10 reset, and you can easily create one by using Media Creation Tool. 

The video memory management internal error can be frustrating, as it disrupts your activities. Thankfully, it is an issue that can be solved following the fixes in this guide.

If you have upgraded your PC to the latest OS and still facing the video memory management internal error on Windows 11, check our detailed guide to fix it quickly.

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

How to Fix Windows.Storage Namespace Not Found Error

When trying to build a UWP app you may sometimes realize that the Windows.Storage namespace is not found.

On a closer look, this issue arises mostly due to an error on your end, and that’s what we will discuss in further sections. But, if the UWP apps lag & stutter on your Windows 11 PC, you can refer to our post for some effective solutions.

What is Windows.Storage namespace?

Windows.Storage namespace is a collection of Windows APIs that offers classes for managing files, folders, and application settings.

The Microsoft official web page also explains how to use the objects in Windows.Storage namespace.

Why is Windows.Storage namespace not found?

Sometimes, while using Visual Studio you may encounter an issue like Windows.Storage namespace not available or not found. This could be due to any of the following reasons:

  • If you are using the object browser incorrectly – The object browser is by default set to All Components which needs to be changed to what you have.
  • You have not included the reference to the proper package – You won’t get access to the Windows.Storage namespace, unless you add the references to the correct package.

Note that the System.Windows.Storage is not the same as Windows.Storage. If the error message reads System.Windows.Storage (part of .NET & the root namespace for WPF), it’s different from Windows.Storage (root namespace for WinRT, the primary API for UWP apps).

How can I fix Windows.Storage Namespace Not Found error?

1. Add the references to UWP DLLs and WINMD files manually

  1. When using Visual Studio, go to Solution Explorer, right-click on References, and select Add Reference from the context menu. add reference
  2. On the left side of the Reference Manager, click on Browse and navigate to the following path: C:Program Files (x86)Windows Kits10UnionMetadatawinmdbrowse to path
  3. Now, add it to your project as a reference. Also, make sure to change the filter to All Files.
  4. Again, right-click on References, and click on Add Reference from the context menu. add reference
  5. Next, on the left of the Reference Manager, go to Browse and find the directory, C:Program Files (x86)Reference AssembliesMicrosoftFramework.NETCorev4.5.browse to path
  6. Add System.Runtime.WindowsRuntime.dll to your project.add System.Runtime.WindowsRuntime.dll

So, if you are unable to access Windows.Storage namespace, it could be possible that you have not added the reference to the proper package.

Note icon NOTE
Here you can find the SDK.

In this situation, you may feel that Windows.Storage namespace is not found. You would need to download the package following the above steps.

You can now build your own WPF application location-aware by calling on the Geolocator class in Windows.Devices.Geolocation API.

At the same time, you can also use the asynchronous pattern in UWP. This is because the classes and methods you usually consider as UWP code is now incorporated with classes and methods from WPF.

But, if the Windows.storage.dll crashes on your Windows PC, we recommend a list of solutions that may help you fix the issue quickly.

2. Use the object browser correctly

  1. By default, the object browser is set to All Components, hence, firstly, select NET Portable Subset (Visual Studio 2013). all components
  2. Next, to add the Windows.Storage, select All Components, and look for Windows.winmd. search Windows.winmd
  3. Now, Highlight the desired Component, and click on Add to References in Selected Project under Solution Explorer.  reference added

This will add the reference to the Portable Library project, and you can now use your StorageFolder in Class1.cs.

Alternatively, if you do not want to install the Windows Store at this moment, but simply want to use some of those Windows APIs, you can get them from your app. How?

Nevertheless, you can achieve this by using a NuGet package, also called as UwpDesktop. To inspect the source code, you can visit GitHub.

If you have any other queries related to a missing Windows API, let us know in the comments section below.

5 Quick Ways to Fix Secondary Hard Drive Freezes the PC

Sometimes, Windows users may use an additional second hard drive on their PC to maximize the storage capacity, or even for regular backups.

However, the secondary hard drive may freeze your PC due to reasons such as malware threats, bad sectors on the HDD, messy HDD connections, and even a faulty hard drive itself. This seems to be a general problem, therefore, we’ve come up with the right solutions to fix it.

How do I fix the secondary hard drive if it freezes the PC?

1. Run the Hardware & Devices troubleshooter

  1. Click the Start icon, type cmd, and click Run as administrator under Command Prompt.
    cmd admin hard drive freezes computer
  2. Type the command below and hit Enter: msdt.exe -id DeviceDiagnosticmsdt hard drive freezes computer
  3. Now, wait for the command to complete.

If your hard drive freezes Windows Explorer or the whole system, it might be due to glitches on your PC. The first course of action here is to run the Hardware and Devices troubleshooter.

2. Boot in Safe Mode

  1. Press the Windows key + I and select Update & Security.
    update and security
  2. Choose Recovery in the left pane and click the Restart now button under Advanced startup.
    restart now
  3. Select Troubleshoot > Advanced options when your computer restarts.
    advanced options hard drive freezes computer
  4. Now, choose Startup Settings from the option.
    startup settings
  5. Click the Restart button.
    restart
  6. Finally, press the corresponding key Enable Safe Mode.
    enable safe mode

3. Run CHKDSK

  1. Launch Command Prompt as an admin.
  2. Type the command below and hit Enter: chkdsk /f /r Y:chkdsk hard drive freezes computer
  3. Wait for the command to finish running. Note that you should replace Y with the letter of your hard drive.

If your internal hard drive freezes your computer when connected just like a secondary hard drive, it might be down to a corrupt partition. Running the CHKDSK command will scan and fix the problems if possible.

However, here’s what to do if CHKDSK got stuck in Windows 10.

4. Change permissions

  1. Open File Explorer and right-click the problematic external hard drive.
  2. Choose the Properties option.
    properties hard drive freezes computer
  3. Select the Security tab at the top and click the Edit button in To change permissions, click the Edit section.
    security edit
  4. Click the Add… button.
    add
  5. Now, type everyone in the open space.
  6. Finally, check the box for Full control and click OK.

The hard drive freezes computer issue can also be down to lack of permission. The steps above should rectify this problem.

5. Update the HDD driver

  1. Press the Windows key + X and select Device Manager.
    device manager
  2. Double-click the Disk drives option to expand it and right-click the driver.
  3. Choose Update Driver.
    disk drives hard drive freezes computer
  4. Select Search automatically for drivers and install any available update.
    search automatically

Alternatively, you can go to the drive manufacturer’s website to download and install the driver.

To make things easier, you can use a dedicated driver updating tool to update the driver more easily by always finding compatible drivers without any errors.

Why does my hard drive keep freezing?

There are various reasons the external hard drive freezes Windows 10 computers. Below are some of the notable ones:

  • Faulty drive: If your Toshiba or Seagate external hard drive freezes your computer, it might be due to faulty partitions on the drive. To solution here is to fix this partition with some commands.
  • Lack of appropriate permission: At times, this issue might be due to a lack of the required permission to use the hard drive. The solution here is to take full control of the hard drive.
  • Outdated driver: The driver for the external hard drive that freezes your PC might be outdated leading to this issue. You will need to update the driver to get past the problem.

That’s just about it for the hard drive freezes computer issue. With the detailed steps in this guide, we believe you have everything to fix the issue easily.

If you’re dealing with related issues, check out these helpful guides on what to do when Windows 11 keeps freezing, your computer keeps rebooting or freezing, or Remote Desktop keeps freezing on Windows 11.

Are you facing other issues like second hard drive not detected on Windows 10? Check our detailed guide to know how to fix it effortlessly.

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

Pshed.dll Windows 10 BSOD Error: 5 Simple Ways to Fix It

Pshed.dll is a Dynamic Link Library system file that’s sometimes referenced in different Blue Screen of Death issues.

The dump files for those BSOD error messages specify that they’re caused by a Pshed.dll driver. There are various ways you can fix Pshed.dll BSOD errors and today we’ll show you the best methods to use.

What causes Pshed.dll BSOD?

There are a few reasons for the pshed.dll error on Windows 10. Below are the common ones:

  • Outdated drivers: The Pshed.dll WHEA Uncorrectable Error is one of the frustrating BSoD issues that can be caused by outdated drivers. Your only way around this is to update your drivers.
  • Corrupt system files: Faulty system files are one of the biggest causes of this Blue Screen of Death error. You need to repair and restore these files to get past this Pshed.dll NTOSKRNL.exe BSoD.
  • Faulty memory: When your PC memory is faulty, it can also lead to this issue. You can confirm this by running the Memory Diagnostic tool.

How can I fix Pshed.dll blue screen errors?

Before proceeding to the fixes in this guide:

If it does not work, you can explore the solutions below.

1. Repair system files

  1. Press the Windows key + S, type cmd, and select Run as administrator under Command Prompt.
    cmd pshed.dll
  2. Type the command below and press Enter: sfc /scannowsfc scan
  3. Wait for the command to finish, copy and paste the command below, and hit Enter: DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-image /Restorehealthdism

SFC and DISM scans are the two repair tools for fixing system files. They should be able to fix the Pshed.dll issue. Here’s what to do if sfc /scannow isn’t working.

Also, some third-party Windows 10 repair utilities can fix a wide range of BSOD errors. Those system repair packages include scanning options for hardware, security, and stability issues.

After scanning your system, rest assured that you can fix these problems with just a click of a button.

2. Update system drivers

  1. Press the Windows key + X and choose Device Manager.
    device manager
  2. Click the arrow next to the option to update driver for, right-click the driver there, and choose Update driver.
    update driver
  3. Now select Search automatically for drivers and follow the instructions on the screen.
    search auto
  4. Repeat these steps for all outdated drivers.

Pshed.dll BSOD errors, and others, can be caused by outdated drivers, so be sure to update them. Updating drivers manually is a tedious task, and this is why it’s better to use a dedicated tool.

⇒ Get Outbyte Driver Updater

3. Stop overclocking

  1. Press the Windows key + I to open the Settings app and click Update & Security.
    update and security
  2. Select Recovery in the left pane and click the Restart now button under Advanced startup.
    restart now pshed.dll
  3. When your PC restarts, choose Troubleshoot > Advanced options.
    advanced option
  4. Then, select UEFI Firmware Settings and the Restart option.
  5. When your PC restarts within UEFI or BIOS settings, you’ll need to locate and open the Overclocking section.
  6. Disable all overclocking settings from there.
Note icon NOTE
You should also uninstall any third-party overclocking software installed.

4. Run Windows Memory Diagnostic check

  1. Press the Windows key + R, type mdsched.exe, and click OK.
    mdsched
  2. Select Restart now and check for problems (recommended).
    restart pshed.dll
  3. Wait for the diagnosis to complete and follow any given recommendation.

If Windows Memory Diagnostic detected issues, you might need to replace your PC’s RAM module to resolve the Pshed.dll issue.

5. Perform system restore

  1. Press the Windows key + R, type rstrui.exe, and hit Enter.
    rstrui
  2. Tick the Choose a different restore point button and click Next.
    choose pshed-dll
  3. Choose a later restore point before you started getting the Pshed.dll error and click Next.
    restore point
  4. Finally, click the Finish button to confirm the action.
    finish

In a case where you can’t get past the Pshed.dll issue, you might need to restore your PC to a later time to make it work.

The above resolutions could feasibly fix the majority of Pshed.dll Windows 10 BSOD errors for most users. Nevertheless, those who still need more potential fixes should check out the best BSOD repair software.

Did you find a different solution for this problem? Do not hesitate to let us know in the comments section below.

SSD Management Software: 9 Best to Use in 2026

Solid state drives (SSD) are now more commonly used compared to their counterparts, HDDs, because of their capacity and affordability, plus ease of use.

If your SSD started out with blazing speeds, but now it simply just drags along, there are tools you can use to whip it back into shape, by optimizing it. You just need to find genuine tools and steer clear of snake-oil types that can damage your SSD.

Do you need software for SSD?

While it is not compulsory to install SSD management software to get the best out of it, some tools can help you optimize it in the long run. This is because your SSD can slow down later after extended use.

These tools can help you restore it to full strength and help you get the best value from it.

What are the best SSD software options?

Fortect – Multi-purpose tool

Fortect is a powerful software designed to improve your computer’s health and maintain it long-term by offering various helpful features.

First off, it can perform a comprehensive scan of your whole system to establish your PC condition and find the irregularities that interfere with its performance.

It can clean up your folders, disk, SDD, and more by removing all the unnecessary files that often clog your computer’s health.

It can also erase all web browser tracking cookies, leaving no trace of your browsing activity behind, thus improving your online safety.

Moreover, Fortect optimizes your device by repairing or replacing damaged and missing OS files, including DLLs and registry keys, with healthy components from its extensive repository.

Other key features include:

  • Damaged files removal
  • Optimize Windows Registry
  • Thorough diagnostic report

Fortect

Maintain your SDD clean and your computer in check with the Fortect software.
Free Trial Download now

MiniTool Partition Wizard – Data recovery feature

ssd management software

MiniTool Partition Wizard is a comprehensive partition management tool that supports SSD partitions and can measure SSD performance.

Recovery is one of the main features of this software. It can retrieve lost partitions and it recognizes and recovers lost/deleted files from damaged or inaccessible drives and folders.

The disk clone and system migration features are also useful for backing up and upgrading the hard drive.

In addition to those features, MiniTool Partition Wizard also comes with an integrated Disk Diagnostic Master which measures your disk read/write speed, analyzes the disk usage, and verifies file system integrity.

This software offers full control over your partitions, allowing users to resize, move, extend, split, and convert their partitions.

Plus, it can also hide or unhide server and non-server partitions, create new partitions, format them, and more.

MiniTool can also measure the transfer speed rate under various scenarios with the help of the Disk Benchmark feature.

Other key features of MiniTool Partition Wizard include:

  • Space Analyzer
  • Disk customization (name, size, sectors)
  • Bootable media builder

The software is compatible with Windows 10 and older versions of the OS. The features are available by license purchasing, 1 license works for one PC.

MiniTool Partition Wizard

Manage and diagnose your disks and partitions with this intuitive tool that saves you lots of time and hassle.
Free trial Visit Website

CCleaner – One-click software updater

CCleaner is an excellent solution for decluttering and managing your computer resources, including your SSDs.

It helps you keep your drivers free of unnecessary temporary files, thus letting you allocate more disk space to more critical applications or data.

It also picks after apps like Microsoft Office and includes a registry cleaner as well.

Along with that, CCleaner also incorporates an uninstaller that lets you visualize all your apps and easily decide which you want to remove, directly from the app’s UI.

However, it’s not recommended to shred files or wipe free disk space on SSDs since it could damage your disk.

The software has an intuitive UI. From the main Window, you can access multiple features, such as the Health Check, the Custom Clean, or the Registry clean.

The health check is a full PC assessment scan that will let you know whether you have any unnecessary files that take up disk space for no reason.

You will get a report on where they are located and get to decide whether you want CCleaner to remove them. These actions can be taken in bulk, or you can select individual files and apps.

Other key features include:

  • One-click software updater
  • Detects web trackers
  • Helps disable unnecessary background/startup apps

CCleaner has a freeware version as well as a premium version which includes additional utilities such as a driver updater and a file recovery tool.

CCleaner

Keep your computer resources organized and healthy with this all-in-one software.
Free trial Visit Website

SSD Boost Manager – Lightweight software

SSDs, as stated, are great because of their blazing-fast speeds, but most of these drives lack in terms of disk space, and those that do have space are pretty pricey.

SSD Boost Manager is an SSD management software that is free to use and helps you by copying programs to a different hard drive and linking the two.

This way, you can move programs you do not often use to a smaller hard drive, and preserve space for the apps used regularly.

With just one click, you can move files from your slow HDD to your fast SSD and your OS will still think the game is on your HDD, plus you don’t need to reinstall.

This SSD manager is a very light application. So, you will not have to worry about it taking up disk space or slowing down your PC.

It is easy to use and install. After you download the installer, you will be ready to manage your SSD in less than 5 minutes.

Other key features of SSD Boost Manager include:

  • HDD directory restore
  • Simple UI
  • Compatible with all Windows versions

However, it comes in French as the default language, but you can change to English.

⇒ Get SSD Boost Manager

SSD Life – Speed-checking feature

SSD Life is a light and simple SSD management software that displays how much data has been written or read throughout your drive’s lifetime.

You can also find information on the disk space, and an estimate of the drive’s health plus how much time is left for it to continue operating in the same conditions.

It may not change settings or tweak your system, but gives you insight into how your SSD works. Furthermore, it is good for when you purchase a used SSD, so you can use it to perform speed and health checks, in turn saving you money and stress.

SSD Life offers easy-to-follow reports on the state of your SSD. It is able to identify the exact version, give you information on the total file size, and also free/used space.

Along with that, SSD Life can approximate how long the SSD has been in use and whether it supports trim.

It can also let you know how much data the SSD writes and reads on a daily and weekly basis. It also offers the total number of data that has ever been written or read onto the SSD.

Other key features of SSD Life include:

  • Capable to detect and asses any type of SSD
  • Available in English, German, Russian, and Japanese
  • Available in a portable version

SSD life has a free version, as well as a professional version. The professional version is a one-time purchase and it offers a 15-day free trial.

⇒ Get SSD Life

OCZ SSD Utility – System modification feature

OCZ SSD Utility is an SSD management software solution that updates your system’s firmware and flashes only secondary drives.

It is complementary software to help you maintain, monitor, and tune your SSD.

The features of this SSD utility software include a dashboard for a real-time overview of the system status, capacity, interface, and health updates among other info.

It also gives maintenance updates, and checks your SSD life, plus the SSD Tuner lets you fine-tune your drive for long-term performance.

Other features include the OS tuner, which lets you tune how your OS interacts with your SSD and you can choose from either of three modes: reliability/performance/capacity or customize the settings by yourself.

It also has support if you need help to figure out settings or troubleshooting, DAS control, configure namespaces, and manage partitions.

Other key features of OCZ SSD Utility include:

  • Responsive support contact page
  • Namespace management support
  • OS tuner

The utility is compatible with Windows, macOS, and Linux computers.

⇒ Get OCZ SSD Utility

Samsung Magician – Versatile tool

Samsung Magician provides firmware updates, drive health analysis, optimization, and over-provisioning to extend your SSD’s life. This SSD management software is designed to work with all Samsung SSD products but is not compatible with other manufacturers’ SSDs.

The tool lets Samsung SSD users check real-time information about the performance, power usage, capacity, health, and security of their solid-state drives.

Samsung Magician has a modern and intuitive UI with multiple scan and diagnostic tools that can help users troubleshoot and solve SSD-related issues.

It offers support for portable SSDs as well as integrated SSDs.

It also lets you choose the performance and power options in order to get perfect optimization and get the best out of your drive.

It comes with several built-in modes such as Full Performance, Power Saving, and Standard. You can also create and save your own preferred modes.

Other key features of Samsung Magician include:

  • Customizable benchmark testing
  • Built-in chat support
  • Security features including password and fingerprint reset

Samsung Magician is free. If you have the Samsung 470, 750, 830, 840, 850, 860, 950, and 960 series, you can use this crucial SSD software.

⇒ Get Samsung Magician

Intel® Memory and Storage Tool – Frequently updated

Intel Memory and Storage Tool is one of the easiest SSD management software tools. It optimizes your drives and receives frequent updates. It has the ability to run garbage collection on the drive, which you can schedule or automate.

The tool also lets you access easy-to-understand drive information such as model, firmware version, estimated life, device information, drive health, and more.

Along with that, it displays system information such as CPU usage state, chipset information, controller name, and driver versions. It has a trim functionality that is used to optimize Intel SDDs performance.

This Intel SSD toolbox also has a scan function that can run quick diagnostic scans to test read and write functionality.

It can also adapt system settings for optimal performance and power efficiency.

Other key features of Intel Memory and Storage Tool include:

  • Proactive notifications
  • Compatible with all Windows operating systems starting with Windows 8
  • Supports irmwa

Keep in mind that if your system has password protection enabled, the Intel SSD may reject any requests from the host to update the firmware. The best solution is to simply turn off password protection and only then update the firmware.

⇒ Get Intel Memory and Storage Tool

CrystalDiskMark and CrystalDiskInfo – Dual-functionality

We grouped these two SSD management software tools into one entry because one can’t exist without the other.

They can analyze your SSD and tell you more about the drive, with insights as to the number of writes already absorbed, time left before it fails, and the firmware number, plus whether it needs a firmware update.

CrystalDiskInfo tells you about the drive’s life expectancy from its SMART sensors, while CrystalDiskMark benchmarks SSD drives to determine their speed. Using CDM can expedite your SSD’s failure as it writes a lot of information to HDDs.

CrystalDIskMark detects the name and version of your SSD and measures sequential and random performance (read/write/mix).

It has multiple measure modes, including peak, real-world, and demo. The software includes multiple language packs and customizable themes.

CrystalDisk info offers general information about your SSD such as temperature, health status, firmware number, interface, transfer mode, and more.

The tool lets you tweak different modes. You can use these to increase performance or to preserve the life of the SSD.

Other key features of CrystalDisk Info include:

  • Real-time notifications
  • Email alerts
  • Graph reports

These tools are available for free. Both are lightweight, so they will not take up too much disk space.

⇒ Get CrystalDiskMark

⇒ Get CrystalDiskInfo

With this, we round up our extensive review of the best SSD management software you can use. If you have slow SSD issues, find out how you can easily speed it up on Windows 10.

These are the best tools for SSD management, so be sure to give them a try. If you’re interested in SSD performance, we also have a guide on how often should you TRIM SSD, so be sure to check it out.

Did your favorite SSD management software make the list? Let us know what you use by leaving a comment in the section below.

Factory Reset Windows 10 from Boot: 3 Ways to do It

A factory reset can be performed via several processes occurring in different parts of the system. A common process is doing a Windows 10 factory reset from the boot.

Users can also reset their PCs from Settings, recovery, USB drive, etc. To avoid an error indicating that you can’t factory reset Windows 10/11. So, you should understand how to do it correctly.

Is it safe to reset BIOS to factory settings?

The BIOS in Windows is an essential startup program. It is a built-in core processor software responsible for booting up your PC. Resetting the BIOS (Basic Input/Output System) will restore the factory enable settings for BIOS, clearing any recent configurations.

However, resetting BIOS to factory settings is safe and does not pose any threats to Windows. All the changes you’ve made on your boot order and other features for booting your PC will be deleted.

So, resetting BIOS to factory settings will only impact the BIOS. It won’t reset the complete PC to factory settings.

Check how to access BIOS on Windows PC to know more about it before performing any process.

How do I factory reset Windows 10 from boot?

Before proceeding with any steps for factory resetting Windows 10 from a boot, go through the following preliminary steps to prepare your PC:

  • Ensure to plug your computer into a stable power source.
  • Disconnect any external devices or peripherals plugged into your PC.
  • Quit any Remote connections from your computer.
  • Plug your bootable drive into the PC if you need to boot from a drive.
  • If you don’t want to lose your files in the reset process, create a system image backup to avoid data loss.

After observing the checks above, proceed with the factory reset steps below:

1. Use a Recovery drive

  1. Press the Windows + S keys on the second PC, type recovery drive, and select Create a recovery drive.
  2. Check the Backup system files in the recovery drive option box, then click the Next button.
  3. Select a USB flash drive connected to your PC from the list and click Next.
  4. Follow the instructions on the screen to create the Recovery drive.
  5. Unplug the drive from the second PC and insert it into the HP desktop. Then, press the Power button to start the HP desktop, then wait for it to detect the USB drive.
  6. Select Use a device from the options.
  7. Follow the installation wizard for instructions on how to complete the installation process.

This solution is more suited to factory resetting an HP device from boot on Windows 10. Read our guide if you have issues creating a recovery drive.

2. Use the Windows recovery

  1. Press the power button and continuously press the F4, F10, F11, or F12 keys to open the System Recovery page.
  2. On the Choose an option page, select the Troubleshoot option.
  3. Click Reset this PC, then select either Keep my files or Remove everything.
  4. Go to https://aka.ms/myrecoverykey to find your recovery key, input it on the page and click Continue.
  5. Click Reset on the new prompt to begin the reset.

Wait for your laptop to factory reset from boot after this. If you can’t find the Recovery Environment on Windows 10/11, click this link for a guide on how to find it.

Also, Acer users can try this method to factory reset their PC from the boot should they get locked out.

3. Factory reset via the Installation disk

  1. Insert the installation disk into your PC, press the power button, and select boot from the Windows 10 installation disk.
  2. Click the Repair your computer option on the Install now screen.
  3. Click the Troubleshoot option, then select Reset this PC from the Troubleshooting menu.
  4. Select an option to keep your files or Remove everything in the settings options.
  5. Follow the on-screen prompts that appear to complete the factory reset process.

Nevertheless, you can check how to fix a Windows 10/11 stuck in factory reset and get it working again. This process can also be used to factory reset Asus from the boot.

These are the best ways to factory reset from the boot, depending on your device manufacturer. It is advisable to back up your files before attempting this, as you may lose all your files and data.

If you have further questions and suggestions, kindly drop them in the comments section below. We’d like to hear from you.

How to Download Windows 7 KB4474419 Update

If you want to continue receiving security patches on your Windows 7 machines, you need to install KB4474419, KB4490628, and KB4484071 before you hit the Update button.

The update has no prerequisites, it can be installed independently. Keep on reading to learn how:

How do I install Windows 7 KB4474419 and other updates?

Use Control Panel

  1. Open Control Panel.
  2. Select Windows Update.
  3. Now click the Check for updates button.
  4. Windows will look for available updates and download them automatically.

The easiest way to download KB4474419 is with Windows Update, so we encourage you to try it.

How do I manually install KB4474419?

  1. Visit Windows Update Catalog.
  2. Enter the KB number in the search field and click on Search.
  3. Locate the update that matches your system, in our case, it was Windows 7 and click on Download. If you’re using the 32-bit operating system, select the KB4474419 32-bit version instead.
  4. A new window will appear. Click the link to download the update.
  5. Once the file is downloaded, run it and follow the instructions on the screen to install the update.

As you can see, this is an easy way to download and install KB4474419 for 64-bit and 32-bit PCs without having to use Windows Update.

How to uninstall KB4474419?

  1. Open Control Panel.
  2. Navigate to Uninstall a program.
  3. Now select View installed updates.
  4. Double-click the KB4474419 and follow the instructions on the screen to remove it.

What can I do if I miss the deadline to download KB4474419?

If you have not downloaded the update before the stipulated time, you can go to the Windows Update Catalog to download it manually. Note that you might need to install the earlier versions of the updates before installing the latest one.

If you face some KB4474419 download issues for some reason, you might need to perform an in-place upgrade.

What should I know about KB4474419, KB4490628, and KB4484071?

The rollout is targeting the users of Windows Server 2008 R2 Service Pack 1 and Windows 7 Service Pack 1 and encourages them to install the three updates.

What does each of these updates do?

KB4474419

Those users who currently have Windows 7 Service Pack 1 (SP1) need to install the KB4474419 Windows security update to receive the SHA-2 code sign support. This pack is also useful for users who encounter OpenVPN TAP driver errors.

KB4490628

Secondly, you can resolve the hash algorithm issue by installing the KB4490628 servicing stack update. You will get SHA-2 signed Windows Updates on your system.

KB4484071

Finally, addresses the issues that are faced by the users with Windows Server Update Services 3.0 Service Pack 2 (WSUS).

Microsoft has made it clear that WSUS update tasks can’t be performed by the WSUS 3.0 SP2 generally known as WSUS 3.2 without installing the SHA-2 update. 

If you have any issues with KB4474419, then you can remove it easily by following the instructions above.

All of the Windows Server 2008 and Windows 7 machines have received all of these updates via Windows Update as a part of Patch Tuesday.

Don’t forget that Microsoft retired Windows 7 back in January 2020, and those who still want to continue receiving updates need to purchase an EOS package.

For more information on how to get this, check out our detailed article on how to get Windows 7 Extended Support.

Speaking of Windows 7, we also have a guide on how to upgrade the 32-bit version of Windows 7 to the 64-bit version and an article on how to install Windows 7/8.1 updates on Kaby Lake and Ryzen PCs.

Lastly, maybe it’s time for you to upgrade Windows 7 to Windows 10, and get access to new features and security improvements, so be sure to consider that as well.

Feel free to let us know if you encounter any issues downloading these updates in the comments below.

Xbox App Stuck on Preparing: Quick Fixes

If your Xbox app is stuck on preparing, you’re not alone. Many Windows users report seeing the app freeze at 0% or get stuck on downloading, installing, or preparing to download. This issue often comes down to corrupted cache, network problems, or a faulty installer. Here’s how you can fix it.

Fix Xbox App Preparing or Install Stuck

1. Restart the Xbox App and PC

Sometimes the simplest reset clears temporary issues. If your Xbox app won’t open properly on Windows 10, a quick restart might fix it.

  1. Close the Xbox app from Task Manager.
  2. Restart your PC.
  3. Open the Xbox app again and retry the download.

This often fixes minor glitches that cause the Xbox app installer to hang.

2. Clear the Microsoft Store and Xbox App Cache

A corrupted cache can leave the Xbox app stuck on preparing 0%. Similar cache errors often cause the app to close or crash unexpectedly, as reported in cases of the Xbox app randomly closing on Windows 10.

  1. Press Win + R and type wsreset.exe.
  2. Wait until the Command Prompt window closes automatically.
  3. Relaunch the Microsoft Store and Xbox app.

This resets cached data and forces a fresh sync with Microsoft servers.

3. Check Gaming Services (and the EA App)

Xbox app downloading issues can happen if the Gaming Services component is broken or if the EA App is malfunctioning, especially for EA Play titles. In some cases, a broken service can even trigger crashes in the Xbox app on Windows 11.

reset windows ms store powershell
  1. Open PowerShell as Administrator. If you’re unfamiliar with it, check this guide on how to use PowerShell in Windows 10.
  2. Run:
    get-appxpackage Microsoft.GamingServices | remove-AppxPackage -allusers start ms-windows-store://pdp/?productid=9MWPM2CQNLHN This reinstalls Gaming Services from the Microsoft Store.
  3. If you’re installing an EA Play game, update or reinstall the EA App. Problems like the EA error code EC 10000 often happen when the app is outdated.
  4. Open the EA App and sign in before retrying the download in the Xbox app.

Both components need to be working properly — if either is corrupted, the Xbox app may stay stuck on preparing or 0%.

4. Reset the Xbox App

reset xbox app

If the Xbox game is stuck installing, resetting the app may help. Many users reported that this fix resolves persistent Xbox app problems on Windows 10.

  1. Go to Settings > Apps > Installed apps.
  2. Find Xbox app and select Advanced options.
  3. Click Reset, then restart your PC.

This clears corrupted configuration files without removing the app entirely.

5. Verify Windows Update and Delivery Optimization

An outdated system can block downloads.

  1. Go to Settings > Windows Update and install any pending updates.install windows 11 updates manually
  2. Under Delivery Optimization, enable “Allow downloads from other PCs.”disable delivery optimization service

These settings improve download reliability and fix when the Xbox app download is stuck.

6. Check Disk Space and Permissions

If your drive is full or restricted, the app may never get past “preparing to download.”

  • Make sure you have at least 20 GB free.
  • Verify your account has full permissions for the install location.
  • Change the default install drive under Settings > Storage if needed.

7. Reinstall the Xbox App

As a last resort:

  1. Uninstall the Xbox app from Settings > Apps.
  2. Download the latest version from the Microsoft Store.
  3. Reinstall and test again.

A fresh installation often resolves cases where the Xbox app installer is stuck. Need a full console offline update walkthrough? See Update Xbox Offline.

FAQs

Why is my Xbox app stuck on preparing?

It usually happens due to corrupted cache, broken Gaming Services, or pending Windows updates.

How do I fix Xbox app stuck on preparing 0%?

Clear the cache with wsreset.exe, reset the app in Settings, or reinstall Gaming Services.

Is the Xbox app download stuck a common issue?

Yes, many users experience the Xbox app install stuck problem when network or system files misbehave.

Can I avoid Xbox games getting stuck installing?

Keep Windows updated, maintain free disk space, and regularly reset the cache to prevent errors.

4 Ways to Fix Windows Recovery Settings when It Crashes

We often come across issues with the computer where recovery seems like the only viable solution. And subsequently, we head to the Recovery settings, but several users reported that it crashes immediately in Windows.

The issue appears to be highly intricate in nature, and most of the solutions don’t work. But, we have gathered the best fixes shared by users that will help you fix things in no time.

Why do recovery settings crash in Windows 10?

Here are some of the reasons why the recovery setting closes immediately in Windows 10:

  • Bug in the installed version – If you started facing the issue after updating the OS, it’s likely a bug in the installed version. In these cases, Microsoft usually releases a patch in the subsequent updates.
  • Corrupt system files – If the system files are corrupt, it should be pretty evident because you wouldn’t be able to access certain parts of the PC. This issue can be fixed by running the DISM tool and SFC scan.
  • Outdated drivers – Several users reported outdated drivers to be the reason their recovery setting crashes in Windows 10.

What do I do if the recovery settings crash in Windows 10?

Before we head to the slightly tricky and time-consuming solutions, here are a few quick ones you can try:

  • Restart the computer.
  • Install the latest version of Windows.

If the two didn’t work, the following solutions surely would.

1. Uninstall recent Windows Update

  1. Press Windows + I to open Settings, and click on Update & Security.update & security to fix windows recovery settings crashes
  2. Click on View update history on the right.view update history
  3. Now, click on Uninstall updates.uninstall updates to fix windows recovery settings crashes
  4. Locate the last installed update, and click on Uninstall.uninstall
  5. Click Yes in the confirmation prompt.yes
  6. You may have to similarly update a few more recent updates to get things working.

In most cases, users find that a bug in the installed version of the OS crashes Windows recovery settings. Many reported the KB5015807 update to be the underlying cause, so you should first uninstall this.

Also, you will have to disable automatic updates to ensure that the buggy one is not reinstalled. From now on, the settings window shouldn’t disappear in Windows 10.

2. Update the graphics driver

  1. Type Device Manager in the Search bar, and click on the relevant search result.device manager
  2. Expand the Display adapters entry, right-click on the active graphics adapter, and select Update driver.update driver to fix windows recovery settings crashes
  3. Select Search automatically for drivers.search automatically

This is probably the easiest way to update the graphics driver in Windows. However, it wouldn’t always help fix things when the Windows recovery setting crashes, and you might have to manually install the latest driver.

However, the manual approach puts your PC at risk in case of any lapse during the process. Many experts recommend it’s best that you use reliable driver update software, which will automatically locate and install the best drivers as soon as they are available.

Outbyte Driver Updater is a great driver update program that can run a thorough scan of your PC to find outdated drivers, including your graphics driver, and then automatically updates them with the newest version.

Outbyte Driver Updater

Choose the Outbyte Driver Updater software to maintain your device drivers up to date and prevent performance matters.
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3. Run the DISM and SFC scan

  1. Press Windows + R to open Run, type cmd in the text field, and press Ctrl + Shift + Enter.cmd
  2. Click Yes in the UAC prompt.
  3. Now, paste these three commands individually and hit Enter after each:dism /online /cleanup-image /scanhealth dism /online /cleanup-image /restorehealthdism to fix windows recovery settings crashes
  4. Once done, execute the following command to run the SFC scan: sfc /scannowsfc scan

4. Reset Windows

If Windows recovery settings still won’t open and crash each time, your last option is to factory reset Windows 10.

This will most certainly fix the problem, but it would wipe the system clean, and any files or apps stored on it would be lost.

If you don’t prefer doing a reset, wait for a while and update the PC once a newer version is available and check if that fixes things. In case it doesn’t reset is the only choice.

By now, the Windows recovery settings crashes will be fixed, and you can easily access the Recovery Mode or perform other advanced troubleshooting.

Also, since you are here, find out how to boost the PC’s performance in no time. Besides, if you are running the latest iteration of the OS, find out what to do if Windows 11 settings keep crashing.

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

How to Factory Reset Windows 10 Without Using Settings

Having knowledge of how to factory reset Windows 10 without settings can be more effective and comprehensive. Moreover, you can perform a factory reset on your Windows 10 to return your PC to its first state. So, it is essential to have a knowledge of how to factory reset Windows 10 before going into it.

Is factory resetting your PC a good idea?

The first question that should come to your mind is, should I factory reset my PC? Factory resetting your PC allows you to remove apps, settings, and drivers and install them cleanly without any problems.

It puts Windows to its original state, and the files pre-installed in your PC at the time of purchase would be intact even when reset.

However, some notable advantages come from factory resetting your Laptop. Likewise, there are some disadvantages that it poses to you as a user and also to your laptop.

What are the benefits of factory resetting?

  • Factory resetting your PC will help it fix issues deep-rooted in the system, causing it not to function as it should.
  • It deletes all corrupted system files on your computer. Also, it restores the system settings configured when you purchased the system.
  • It is the most efficient way to remove trash and junk on your computer in a single sweep.
  • It frees up lots of system space by deleting junk and other unnecessary items and improves your system performance.
  • Also, it helps fix unresponsive system issues by prompting your PC to start as it was during its first purchase.

Nonetheless, factory resetting Windows 10 can be useful when it is mandatory or crucial, but users should know how to do so correctly.

How do I factory reset Windows 10 without settings?

Before proceeding with any steps for factory resetting your PC, follow the steps below to observe what you have to do before resetting your PC:

  • Create a system image backup on your computer to avoid the loss of crucial data.
  • Make sure you plug your PC into a stable power source.
  • Disconnect any remote connection on your PC.
  • Unplug USB devices and peripherals connected to your computer.

The above steps will help prepare your PC for the factory reset process and be sure it is successful. Then, you can proceed with the following steps to factory reset your Windows 10.

1. Factory reset via the Advanced Startup options

  1. Click the Start button and click the Power option, press the Shift key and click Restart from Power options.restart
  2. Select Troubleshoot from the options available on the new window.
  3. Click on the Reset your PC option.
  4. On the Reset page, choose either the Keep my files or Remove everything option to perform a complete reset.
  5. Click the Reset button to proceed with the reset, then wait for the process to complete.

Should you encounter a problem locating the Advanced Startup menu, follow this guide to add an Advanced Startup option on Windows 10.

Resetting the PC using the advanced startup screen is the easiest method to reset only the C drive on Windows 11; read this guide to learn more solutions.

2. Use the Fresh Start option

  1. Left-click on the Start button, search Windows Security, and launch it.windows security
  2. Select Device performance & health and click Additional info under Fresh Start.
  3. Click Get Started and select Yes to confirm.
  4. Choose Next on the Fresh Start dialog page.
  5. Click Next for the information on apps to be removed and the brief on the processes involved.
  6. Wait for the process to complete and your PC restarts.

The benefit of this reset option is that users can keep their main files. It doesn’t support full cleaning of all apps and programs on the PC.

3. Factory reset Windows 10 via a Recovery drive

  1. Press the Windows key to open the Search menu, type Create a recovery drive, and click on the relevant search result.create a recovery drive
  2. Check the box for Backup system files to the recovery drive and click Next.
  3. Select the USB flash drive connected to your PC from the list and click Next.usb flash drive
  4. Click Create, and your drive will be renamed as Recovery.create
  5. Hold the shift key and click Restart from the power options to open the Windows Recovery Environment.restart
  6. Select Use a device from the Choose an option menu.
  7. Select your drive, and Windows will use the drive as the main boot device.

Read our guide if you have issues creating a recovery drive. Alternatively, you can learn how to factory reset your PC simply.

Likewise, it is common for users to complain about having issues while resetting Windows. So, check our guide on how to fix a factory reset stuck on both Windows 10 and 11.

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