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.

Outbyte Driver Updater

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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.

Fix: BSoD while Launching Minecraft on Windows 11

Blue Screen of Death or BSoD errors are some of the most crucial errors you would come across on your Windows 11 PC. If you want to know more about BSoD, then you can check out our dedicated guide.

Many of our readers reported that Windows 11 throws a BSoD when Minecraft is launched. If you are also experiencing the same issue, then this guide is here to help you.

What can cause the BSoD error in Minecraft on Windows 11?

Here are a few common reasons because of why you could come across the Blue Screen of Death error when launching Minecraft on your PC.

  • You are using a different Minecraft launcher – Several user reports confirm that using a different launcher other than the original one causes this issue.
  • The Minecraft launcher isn’t up to date – You need to make sure that you are running the latest available version of the Minecraft launcher.
  • The correct Java file isn’t selected – You need to make sure that the correct version of the Java installed on your PC is selected in the Minecraft launcher.
  • Your antivirus is causing issues – Often antivirus software can cause issues running a program, as it may appear as a threat to the PC.
  • Problems with your BIOS – If you haven’t updated your BIOS then this could also result in BSoD errors.

Now that we know the reasons behind this BSoD, let’s start fixing it with our solutions below.

How can I fix the Minecraft BSoD error on Windows 11?

Before you attempt any advanced troubleshooting, here are a few things that you can try:

  • The error could be because of a temporary glitch which can be easily fixed by restarting your PC.
  • New updates can fix the bugs present because of the previous update. Check and install if a new Windows update is available.
  • It is essential that you update all the drivers on your PC.
  • Check if Minecraft is running fine when you launch it as an administrator. If yes, then there is some issue with file or folder access of the app.

If you have crossed these preliminary measures from your list, you may start performing the solutions below.

1. Select the correct Java version

  1. Open the Minecraft launcher.
  2. From the left side, select Minecraft Java Edition.
  3. Select the Installations tab from the right side.
  4. Click on the 3-dot menu for the Latest release option.
  5. Select Edit.
  6. Expand MORE OPTIONS.
  7. Under Java Executable, click on Browse.
  8. Locate your Java EXE file on your Windows 11 PC. It is usually inside the C:\Program Files\Java\jdk-XX.0.X\bin\ folder.
  9. Hit the Save button.
  10. Switch to the Play tab and run the game.

Following the above steps has helped several users rectify the issue of the Minecraft BSoD Windows 11 error.

2. Disable or remove the antivirus

  1. Open the Start menu by pressing the Windows key.
  2. Search for Control Panel and open it.control-panel-search fallout new vegas runtime error
  3. Select the Programs and Features option.Programs and features control panel
  4. Click on your antivirus software and hit the Uninstall button at the top.
  5. Follow the on-screen steps to remove the antivirus from your PC.

Our solution shows you how to remove the antivirus completely. However, you should first open its menu and disable its protection temporarily first.

If disabling or removing the antivirus unlocks Minecraft, don’t remember to enable it again after you finish playing.

In the long run, we recommend using a better third-party antivirus on Windows 11 that doesn’t interfere with your programs.

3. Repair/Reset the Minecraft launcher

  1. Open the Start menu by pressing the Windows button.
  2. Search for Minecraft launcher.
  3. Right-click on it and select App Settings.
  4. Click on Repair and Reset.

For several of our readers, simply repairing and resetting the Minecraft launcher solved the BSoD error with it. You can also try and check if this fixes the issue for you.

4. Update the Minecraft launcher

  1. Launch Minecraft launcher.
  2. Click on the drop-down menu next to the Play button.
  3. Choose Latest Release.
  4. The update should start.

Usually, the Minecraft Launcher updates itself if a new update is available when you launch it. However, you can force the update to install by following the above method.

You can also follow our guide on how to update the Minecraft launcher in Windows 11 where you will find more information.

5. Update BIOS

You need to keep the BIOS updated if you want to ensure your PC’s performance is optimal and you don’t run into multiple issues with it.

However, updating BIOS is a tricky task and should not be done, if you haven’t created a data backup. So, the first thing before you should do a BIOS update is to back up all of your data.

Now, you can follow our guide that helps you with all the necessary steps that you need to follow to update BIOS on your Windows 11 PC.

Well, the Windows 11 Minecraft BSoD error isn’t the only issue users have reported facing. You could also come across the Minecraft launcher not working in Windows 11 issue but this dedicated guide will help you fix it.

If Minecraft isn’t using GPU on your PC, then you can check out our guide that gives you 3 tips to fix the problem at hand.

That is it from us in this guide. Let us know in the comments below, which one of the solutions helped you resolve the Minecraft BSoD problem in Windows 11.

LUA Error in WoW: What is & How to Stop it [3 Quick Ways]

LUA scripts in WoW are used to customize the World of Warcraft user interface. Even if you’re innocently running WoW without mods, you’re still bound to encounter a Lua error or two.

In this guide, we’ll dissect what this error is is and what you can do to fix it if you encounter it.

What does LUA Error stand for?

LUA error in WoW script appears if the code in the addon encounters issues. There are several causes for LUA errors, and with the following being the most common ones:

  • Bugs in the code – The most common cause for LUA errors is the addon code. Sometimes issues with the code can occur resulting in an error message.
  • Corrupted files – Corrupted files such as Config.wtf can cause errors with your add-ons.
  • Graphics settings – Certain graphics settings can sometimes cause problems with add-ons resulting in an error message.

How do I fix Lua error in WoW?

1. Adjust your graphics settings

  1. Launch the game and open the game menu. Click on System.
     
  2. Now set Graphics Quality to a different value. You might even put it on the lowest value.
  3. Click on Apply and OK to save changes.

Resettings graphics settings to default can also help with this problem.

2. Delete the Config.wtf file

  1. Go to WoW’s installation directory. By default, it should be: C:\World of Warcraft\
  2. Next, navigate to WTF directory.
  3. Locate the Config.wtf file, right-click it, and choose Delete.
  4. Once you delete the file, start the game again.

This should help you fix LUA error function permanently on your PC.

3. Reset Wow’s User Interface

  1. If you’re running World of Warcraft, close it completely.
  2. Uninstall any addon manager you may be running.
  3. Navigate to the World of Warcraft folder on your computer.
  4. Once you’re in the World of Warcraft folder, click on the game version of WoW that’s giving you Lua errors (_retail_, classic_era, or _classic_).
  5. Rename the following folders:
    • Cache: Cache_Old
    • Interface: Interface_Old
    • WTF: WTF_Old
  6. Launch WoW.
  7. Once the game starts, reset all your settings to the default.
  8. Lastly, in the console run the following command: /console cvar_default

By doing this, you can disable Lua errors WoW Shadowlands or WoW Classic.

With the simple solutions in this guide, you can understand, manage, troubleshoot, and fix WoW Lua errors. As for other errors, we also tackled Device Driver Is Not Compatible in WoW in a different article.

Did we miss anything? Which solution solved your issue? Don’t hesitate to let us know down in the comments section.

[wl_navigator]

How to Record Screen with Audio in Windows 10 [Quickest Way]

Windows 10 is a great operating system, bringing many new features and implementations. If you ever wondered how to record the screen with audio in Windows 10, in today’s article we’re going to show you how to do it.

In order to capture your screen in Windows 10, you must use software that Microsoft incorporated into the operating system.

This software will come in handy for all folks that would like to do it. We are talking about the Xbox One screen recorder also known as XboxOne DVR, which is part of the Xbox Game Bar.

Obviously, people need to record their screens for a variety of reasons, not only gaming, since it is great for presentations, online school, and work.

This tool allows you to record your screen on Windows 10 on any occasion (if your GPU meets the recommended requirements). And all within the system, without any 3rd-party software.

Does Windows 10 have video recording software?

Yes. Windows 10 has the Xbox Game Bar pre-installed on all devices that support it.

It was created specifically to record gaming sessions, but you can use it to record anything you do on your PC. It’s a good tool to make instructional videos or even presentations.

Does Windows 10 screen recorder record sound?

Yes. The built-in Windows Game Bar recording software lets you record audio as well. It offers users the possibility to record system audio as well as microphone audio.

Both can be recorded at the same time, for highly interactive videos, but you can also pick just one, or not record audio at all.

Tip icon Tip
The Game Bar is great for quick captures, but if you want more advanced options such as custom dimensions, drawing tools, mouse emphasis, or closed captions, you’ll be better off with a third-party tool like Loom.

How can I easily record the screen with audio in Windows 10?

    Record the screen in Windows 10 using Xbox Game Bar:

    In order to capture your screen in Windows 10, you must use software that Microsoft incorporated into the operating system.

  1. 1. Press Windows Key + G at the same time.

  2. 2.  Select Yes, this is a game.

    Game-Bar-questio
  3. 3. In the Settings, you can set up recording features to your liking.

    • Background recording
    • Timer
    • Clip length
    • Customizable shortcuts
    • Audio, as desired
  4. 4.  Click on the webcam icon to bring up the Capture menu.

  5. 5.  Once you’ve set up everything, just click on the circle and the recording should start.

    recording button
  6. 6.  To stop recording, just bring back command panel (Windows Key + G) and click the Stop button.

  7. 7. Alternatively, you can press the Windows Key + Alt + R keyboard shortcut to start/stop recording.

  8. 8. All of your recordings will be stored in the following path: C:/Usersuser/name/Videos/Captures

This is how you can record your screen in Windows 10 with audio without having to install any third-party software.

It’s important to mention that you can use this tool to record your screen on laptops as well, as long as your laptop meets the hardware requirements.

Recommended system requirements

Note that you need to make sure you have the appropriate GPU. That’s the main reason why the below procedure is primarily intended for gamers.

These are the requirements you have to meet in order to record the game/screen footage:

  • The PC Video card must support the following encoders:
    • Intel Quick Sync H.264
    • NVidia NVENC
    • AMD VCE
  • AMD: AMD Radeon HD 7700 series, HD 7700M series, HD 8500 series, HD 8500M series, R9 series, and R7 series or later
  • NVIDIA: GeForce 600 series or later, GeForce 800M series or later, Quadro Kxxx series or later
  • Intel: Intel HD graphics 4200 or later, Intel Iris Graphics 5100 or later

If yours isn’t capable enough, perhaps it’s time to get a new one. Our list of best gaming laptops will provide the highest-performing products on the market at the moment.

Note icon NOTE
If your device does not support the Xbox Game Bar and you really need to show your screen to someone, you should know that most of the games have recording or screen-capturing features as well.

Screen recording affects performance

You’ve seen how simple it really is to record your gameplay on the screen, yet we have to mention that doing this will most likely affect your PC’s performance.

Depending on your computer’s capabilities and power, your in-game FPS will either slightly drop or drastically take a hit.

If your device can barely run a game with optimal FPS, trying to record gameplay on top of that will probably be too much to handle.

There are plenty of tools that can record your screen nowadays. Some are lightweight, some focus on performance, and some record higher resolutions, and 60 FPS.

Just check them out in our detailed list of the best screen recording software on the market and choose something that is useful to you.

Taking screenshots

To take screenshots, simply press the PrtSc key on your keyboard while you’re gaming, and the game will immediately create a screenshot into a designated directory.

Moreover, there are other ways to take screenshots on Windows 10. Here’s a list of different ways to take screenshots for you to check out.

If you’re not satisfied with the Xbox Game Bar or your hardware simply does not support it, you might want to try using specialized software.

How to record your screen at high FPS

Alright, since we talked about the methods of recording your screen, we have to tell you about the main differences between a video that has 30 FPS and one that has 60.

Firstly, we should briefly define what FPS is. The official term is Frames Per Second, and it’s pretty self-explanatory. It’s the number of frames registered in the course of an entire second.

Obviously, a higher number of frames will result in a more detailed movement. The image will flow better and smoother, more naturally.

Usually, a higher amount of FPS requires beefier specs, but it is entirely worth it. Clearly, a video that plays at 60 FPS will be more enjoyable to watch than one that only plays at 30.

However, when capturing your screen at 30 FPS, the video will occupy less space, so you basically trade image quality for more space.

Here is how you can record your screen at 30/60 FPS:

  1. Press the Windows Key + S and type in Settings.
  2. Select Gaming.
  3. Then, click on Game DVR.
  4. Scroll to Video Frame Rate and select either 30/60 FPS.

As you can see, recording in 60 FPS is quite easy. All you need to do is toggle the appropriate settings in the Windows settings. Additionally, you can change the quality of the video in the same place.

With this being said, make sure you follow our steps, and if you encounter any issues, feel free to tell us in the comments section below.

How Do I Use Aiseesoft Screen Recorder with Audio? [Easy Way]

Whether you want to produce great tutorials for your readers or fans, record your gameplay to show them your skills, or just show someone a trick, you will need a good screen recorder.

Screen recorder software can be pretty difficult to use and sometimes you will get lost through their settings.

That’s why we’re going to show you an easy way of recording your desktop using a great tool called Aiseesoft Screen Recorder.

⏺️How can Aiseesoft Screen Recorder help you to record the screen?

aiseesoft screen recorder interface

The purpose of Aiseesoft Screen Recorder is pretty obvious from its name but it does a lot more than record your screen or desktop.

➡️ It captures any activity on your PC, including a video call, a webcam, and your gameplay and it does all that at the exceptional video quality.

For instance, it is very useful for recording a lecture or a presentation, taking snapshots, or even recording your voice.

➡️Moreover, you can highlight the cursor movement during the screen capturing so that viewers can see it a lot better.

➡️The tool comes with a dedicated game recorder that captures the sound from the game and your mic simultaneously.

➡️Plus, it supports GPU acceleration to record the game without lag and webcam overlay for adding great commentary during the most exciting scenes.

So, the possibilities are only limited by your creativity and, as you will see next, it’s also extremely easy to use.

How to use Aiseesoft Screen Recorder to record my screen with audio?

  1. Go to the dedicated Aiseesoft website and hit the Free Download button.
  2. You will receive the installer file and after you run it, click on Install.
  3. After a few seconds, you will be prompted that the installation was successful so click the Start Now button.
  4. Now, you will be able to choose if you want to run the Free Trial version, to purchase or to register your product if you already bought the licence from the website.
  5. Next, you even get to choose between two skin options. We chose Elegance, of course, then hit OK.
  6. Now, from the main screen, select Video Recorder.
  7. In the next window, from the first tile you can select the Full screen or a Custom selection and right below you have the option to set the resolution of the caption selection. There’s even an option to choose the screen if you’re working with multiple displays.
  8. Next, you can turn on the webcam and change its settings, turn ON or OFF the system sound and set the volume level or turn on the microphone.
  9. The only thing left to do is to press the big red Record button.
  10. A countdown will indicate the recording start and when you click the Stop button, your recorded clip will show up on the built-in editor. If you buy the full version, you can also cut the desired selection and then hit the Save button.
  11. Now type the name of the video, set the destination on your drive and click Next.
  12. If you’re running the free version, you will be prompted with the message that you can only save 3-minute clips but if you have the full version, you won’t have that limitation. Click the Save anyway option.
  13. After that, you will see a screen with a list with all your recordings and on the right, you will find 5 more tools that you can click on to download and use their free trial versions.

As you can see from one of our screenshots above, with the Free Trial version you will be limited to 3-minute intervals for saving after each recording.

Also, you won’t be able to edit your video and you will not benefit from the noise cancellation and microphone enhancement features.

However, you are free to make as many screens captures as you want without any watermark and the upgrades and technical support are free.

What are the other Aiseesoft Screen Recorder settings?

If you click the Settings button from the main screen, you will discover a comprehensive menu with a lot of options to play with.

Hit the cogwheel icon to access the Settings menu

By default, the first window will be the video recording Preferences. In the Recording panel above there are a lot of options like the ones to hide the interface when taking a screenshot, show the recording boundary, and more.

Below, you will be able to set up the Directory Settings, the location where you want to store all the files you’re saving.

The video recording preferences window in Aiseesoft Screen Recorder

It’s also important to go through the Output menu because there you will be able to change the file formats for all the photos, videos, and audio you record.

For the photos, you can choose between PNG, JPG, BMP, GIF, and TIFF, for videos you have MP4, WMV, MOV, F4V, TS, Avi, and GIF, and the sound can be recorded as MP3, WMA, M4A, and AAC.

Access the Output menu to set up the audio, video and photo file formats

So, this is how you can record your desktop and webcam quickly by using the free version of Aiseesoft Screen Recorder.

Aiseesoft Screen Recorder also has other important functions, such as Game Recorder, Phone Recorder, real-time editing feature (available in trial version), etc.

We hope we convinced you that it’s extremely easy to capture anything on your screen. At least that’s how we felt like using this app.

Did you get to use Aiseesoft Screen Recorder? Let us know all about your experience in the comments section below.

Your Device Ran Into a Problem And Needs to Restart [Fix]

Was there a time when you were working or playing a video game on your new Windows 10 or Windows 11 operating system, and you got the Your device ran into a problem and needs to restart error message?

Sometimes, it goes even deeper, causing a restart boot loop, and some of our readers also reported the BSoD message, then faced a black screen.

Don’t be alarmed because! By the end of this article, you will have understood the reasons why Windows is acting like this and the steps you need to take in order to fix this issue.

What does it mean your PC ran into a problem and needs to restart?

This is usually caused by BSOD errors such as Internal Power Error, so the best course of action would be to wait it out.

If you notice a message saying Driver power state failure, be sure to check your drivers and update them to the latest version if necessary.

In some instances, you might even encounter a Critical process that died, and this indicates that specific software is causing the crash, so you’ll need to find it and remove it.

If you or a specific program deleted registry files from your System32 folder in the Windows partition, then you will most likely be notified that your device ran into a problem and needs to restart.

Furthermore, if RAM is running at a higher percentage than the operating system accepts, then you will also get this error message.

The high percentage of RAM usage can be caused by a specific application that you may have installed recently.

Also, you may run into this message associated with a lot of system errors like the BAD_SYSTEM_CONFIG_INFO or other BSoD.

How do I fix Windows ran into a problem and need to restart?

1. Select the Startup Repair option

    This is a fix if you can’t boot into the Windows login screen or if the system goes into a frustrating boot loop.

    Sometimes, you can get an OS incompatibility error when you’re trying to run Startup Repair. Don’t worry, we got you covered!

  1. 1. Insert your OS recovery disc, switch on the PC and then press any key to boot from the DVD or USB stick. If you don’t have media prepared, you can easily create a bootable Windows UEFI drive.

  2. 2. Press Next, then select the Repair your computer option.

    fix-your-pc-ran-into-a-problem
  3. 3. Press the Troubleshoot button.

    fix-your-pc-ran-into-a-problem
  4. 4. Now, click on Advanced options.

    fix-your-pc-ran-into-a-problem
  5. 5. Select the Startup Repair option.

    fix-your-pc-ran-into-a-problem
  6. 6. Next, select the target operating system to fix and Windows will initiate the repair, then restart.

2. Boot Into Safe Mode

  1. Use the bootable media (just like in Solution 1) or restart the PC three times to activate Startup Repair.
  2. You computer will reboot, then show the Advanced options screen, and select Troubleshoot.troubleshoot boot button
  3. Click on Advanced options.advanced boot options button
  4. Select Startup Settings.startup settings configure
  5. Click on the Restart button.restart button
  6. Press the F4 key to get into Safe Mode.

Once you enter Safe Mode, check if the problem is still there. It’s possible that you might be able to fix the issue from Safe Mode, so be sure to try this method.

If you can access the system, you can also do that from the Settings menu. However, problems are likely to occur in the startup phase.

If that is also your case, here are some useful methods to help you start Windows 11 in Safe Mode while booting.

3. Run the System File Checker (SFC) and DISM

3.1. Run an SFC scan

  1. Click the Start button, type cmd, and select Run as administrator to run Command Prompt with full privileges.command prompt search
  2. When Command Prompt opens, type the following command and press Enter to run it: sfc /scannowperform sfc scannow
  3. The scanning process will take about 15 minutes, so it will require your patience.

Once the scan is finished, check if the issue is still there. If the problem is still there, or if you couldn’t run an SFC scan, it’s advised that you perform a DISM scan instead.

3.2. Run a DISM scan

  1. In the same Command Prompt window, type the following command and press Enter: DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealthdism command line
  2. Just like the System File Checker, the DISM scan will take a little bit of time, depending on the size of your disk and the PC capabilities so don’t interfere until it’s finished.

In some cases, file corruption can cause this and many other issues to occur, and in order to fix this problem, it’s advised that you perform both SFC and DISM scans.

Once the scan is finished, check if the problem is still there. If you weren’t able to run or complete the SFC scan, you might want to run it now.

If you run into trouble, don’t worry. Here’s how to quickly fix DISM when it fails on Windows 10 or 11.

4. Perform a System Restore

  1. Press the Windows Start button, type system restore, and select Create a restore point from the list of results.create a restore point windows 10
  2. System Properties window will now open. Click the System Restore button.system restore button windows 10
  3. Click the Next button.
    Your PC ran into a problem and needs to restart Windows 7
  4. If it’s available, check Show more restore points option. Now you just need to choose the desired restore point and click Next.
    Your device ran into a problem and needs to restart every time
  5. Follow the steps to complete the restoration process.

If you’re not familiar, the System Restore tool allows you to restore your PC to an earlier state and fix various problems. Once you restore your system, check if the problem is still there.

We have a complete guide on how to create a System Restore point in Windows 10. Make sure you check it out to get all the information you might need in one go.

5. Update the drivers and Windows

  1. Click on the Start button from Windows, type device manager, and select Device Manager from results.device manager search windows 10
  2. Try to locate any devices marked with an exclamation symbol in the list, right-click on them, and select Update driver.windows 10 update driver
  3. Next, select the first option, Search automatically for drivers.search automatically for drivers windows 10
  4. The system will look for any updates and will install it. If it doesn’t, click on Search for updated drivers on Windows Update.search for updated drivers windows 10
  5. You will reach the Windows Update menu so click on the Check for updates button to see if there are new additions you should install.windows 10 check for updates
  6. If the system is up to date, hit View all optional updates.view all optional updates windows 10
  7. Select the Driver updates section, check the boxes for any new drivers and click the Download and install button.windows 10 driver updates
  8. You should perform the first three steps for all the drivers, even if they don’t have the exclamation mark, just to be sure that all the drivers are up to date.

Modify the Memory Dump setting to fix Your device ran into a problem

The Your device ran into a problem and needs to restart BSOD error can be solved by changing the Memory Dump setting.

You need to configure your computer to perform an automatic restart and write a complete Memory Dump whenever it encounters system failure.

  1. Press the Start button and type advanced system.
    view advanced settings windows 10
  2. Select View advanced system settings from the list of results.
    startup and recovery settings windows
  3. Click on the Advanced tab on the upper side of the Properties window, then select Settings from the Startup and recovery section.
    system failure startup and recovery windows 10
  4. Under the System failure section, uncheck the Automatically restart box.
  5. Click the Write debugging information drop-down menu and select the Complete memory dump option.
  6. Save changes.
  7. Reboot your Windows device.
  8. Check to see if you still have the error Your PC ran into a problem and needs to restart.

In some cases, Your device ran into a problem and needs to restart message can appear if your drivers are outdated.

This can be a problem, and in order to fix it, you need to find and update the problematic drivers. You can also visit the manufacturer’s website and download the latest drivers for your device.

However, another handy option that we recommend is updating and fixing drivers with a dedicated driver updater software for Windows.

If you keep getting Your PC ran into a problem and needs to restart message, the issue might be the missing updates.

Microsoft is frequently releasing updates, and they are usually installed automatically. However, sometimes you might miss an update or two.

How do you fix your device ran into a problem and needs to restart Windows 11?

If you’ve upgraded your system to Windows 11, you probably discovered that apart from the changed design and some new and interesting features, the new OS is not much different from Windows 10.

The majority of system apps and menus look the same or are at least in the same place you’re used to from the old OS.

In fact, all the solutions we presented above can be applied to Windows 11 without any problems, however, the Settings menu looks a bit different.

check for updates windows 11
The Check for updates button is easily accessible in Windows 11

For instance, to view the optional updates, you will have to access the Advanced options from the Windows Update settings menu.

In case you still have this issue, and the machine is still in warranty, we would suggest you take the device to the store where you bought it because it is most likely a hardware malfunction.

Should the warranty period pass, you can either replace the faulty component yourself or ask for the help of a repair shop.

Now you have different ways to fix the Your device ran into a problem and needs to restart error in Windows 10 & 11.

If you have any other questions, don’t hesitate to leave them in the comments section below and we will get back to you as soon as possible.

Fix the Publisher Not Responding Issue on Windows in 5 Steps

Microsoft Publisher is an application used for desktop publishing and comes in handy to a lot of users. However, several of them reported that Publisher is not responding, which stalls their progress.

The problem is not uncommon, and you will find online forums filled with similar concerns and complaints. And there are several methods that seem to solve the problem in this case. So, let’s go through them all and fix things when Microsoft Publisher is not responding.

Why is my Publisher File not opening?

Here are some of the reasons the Publisher cannot open the file:

  • The file is too big – In some cases, users reported that the file is too big, and, as a result, they can’t open Publisher file. Here, you will need to reduce the size of the images added to the document.
  • Issues with the format – An issue with the format of items (usually images) added to the document can cause problems opening it and even lead to Publisher not responding.
  • Running an outdated version of Publisher – An outdated version is likely to throw errors more often than an updated version of Microsoft Office and even lead to file corruption.

How to fix Microsoft Publisher not responding?

Before we walk you through the slightly complex solutions, try the following quick tricks:

  • Restart the computer. In many cases, this did the trick, while in others, it provided temporary relief and allowed the task at hand to be completed.
  • Make sure the computer has enough free resources. For this, you will need to clear RAM, unload the CPU a bit, and even check for high disk usage.
  • If Publisher is not responding when printing, chances are that the issue lies with the driver. We recommend updating the printer driver or installing an older version of it.

In case none of the worked, head to the solutions listed next.

1. Disable Page Navigation

  1. Launch Publisher, and open the document that’s throwing the error.
  2. Now, navigate to the View menu, and uncheck the option for Page navigation.disable page navigation to fix publisher not responding

This is one of the simplest workarounds, if not an actual fix, and should provide some relief. Even if Publisher is still not responding, it wouldn’t be as frequent, and the period it doesn’t respond would be considerably lower.

2. Use a third-party alternative to Microsoft Publisher

If you’re having issues with Publisher in Windows, then you might as well go for a software tool that can do the exact same thing, maybe even more and better.

For example, Adobe InDesign is just as good of a desktop publisher as Microsoft Publisher since it, too, can be used to create posters, flyers, brochures, magazines, newspapers, presentations, books, and ebooks.

However, the main advantage is that Adobe InDesign can also utilize its innate compatibility with other helpful Adobe titles, such as Photoshop or Illustrator, through which it can access a wide variety of resources.

The UI is easy to understand, and the template library for creating your products is much larger than Publisher.

That being said, if you still can’t get Microsoft Publisher to work even after following all of the steps mentioned in this article, then going for Adobe InDesign is the right choice.

Plus, using InDesign may be a better alternative due to its rich-feature functionality and layout designs that will surprise everyone.

Adobe InDesign

Create your document and publish it with Adobe!
Free trial Visit website

3. Launch Microsoft Publisher in Safe Mode

  1. Press Windows + R to open Run, type mspub /safe in the text field, and hit Enter.safe mode to fix publisher not responding
  2. Microsoft Publisher will now launch in Safe Mode.publisher

Opening Microsoft Publisher in Safe Mode will allow you to identify if there are add-ins that may be causing issues and, as a result, Publisher is not responding. If that’s the case, disable them all and check if the problem is resolved.

4. Repair Microsoft Office

  1. Press Windows + R to open Run, type appwiz.cpl in the text field, and click OK.appwiz.cpl
  2. Locate Microsoft Office, select it, and click on Change.repair office to fix publisher not responding
  3. Click Yes in the UAC prompt.
  4. Now, select Online Repair, and click on the Repair button.online repair to fix publisher not responding
  5. Again, click on Repair to confirm the change.repair

Wait for the process to complete, and once done, check whether Publisher is still not working. In most cases, an Online Repair should fix things when Publisher is not responding.

5. Reinstall another version of Microsoft Office

If none of the previous methods worked, we have another method that might. Though it would take time, it’s one of the best bets, given the circumstances.

All you have to do is install a different version of Microsoft Office. For instance, if you are running a 32-bit version, switch to 64-bit and vice versa. Both would work if Publisher is not responding.

That’s it! The solutions here don’t just target the problem causing Publisher to stop responding but fix a range of other issues as well, including when a Publisher file won’t open.

Also, do not forget to check the best alternatives to Microsoft Office. Some of these don’t consume as many resources and run more efficiently.

Tell us which fix worked for you in the comments section below. Also, drop any queries you may have, and we will respond at the earliest.

Logitech G Hub for Windows 11: Download & Install

Logitech G Hub is a free application that might assist you if you’re using Logitech gaming peripherals, such as a mouse, keyboard, and headset, and you want better control over the gears. Thus, this post will show you how to download Logitech G Hub on Windows 11.

For those of you who have been using Logitech devices for a long time, you may be familiar with their gaming software that assists customers in configuring the settings of their products.

But nonetheless, let’s see the Logitech G Hub’s functionality and proceed with the installation process. Follow along!

What does Logitech G Hub do?

With the G HUB, Logitech G introduces a new software platform that allows you to fine-tune control of your hardware while also customizing lighting, integrating your hardware with third-party apps, and more, all with an easy-to-use interface that is designed for future products.

It is a centralized location for optimizing and configuring all of your Logitech G gear, including mice, keyboards, headsets, speakers, and webcams. Also, it automatically detects and recognizes your gear, granting you access to all of its customization possibilities.

Logitech G Hub (Source: LogitechG)

Color breaks and animations may be created, and macros and key bindings can be assigned, all through a straightforward and easy interface.

Furthermore, within your games, you can save numerous character profiles and switch between them on the fly. As a result, you will always have access to the abilities you require. Profiles from your fellow players, gaming professionals, and popular streams will be up for download.

You may also create your own macros to launch media and switch scenes by programming buttons with in-app actions or use your gaming equipment to command OBS Studio, resulting in a faster and more seamless broadcast.

With Logitech G LIGHTSYNC for keyboards, mice, headsets, and speakers, you can choose from a wide range of animation effects, download lighting profiles from the community, and even design your own complex effects from scratch. Sounds appealing, doesn’t it?

How can I download Logitech G Hub on Windows 11?

Use their official website

    You can download the gaming gear from Logitech G Hub using the official website of the manufacturer. In the guide below, you’ll learn how to do it quickly.

    1. Head to Logitech G’s website where you will be redirected to the Downloads page.
    logitech-page logitech g hub windows 11 download
  1. 2. Now, simply click on the Download for Windows 10 button. Yes, it will also work on Windows 11.

    download-logitech logitech g hub windows 11 download
  2. 3. Once the file is downloaded, double-click on it to open it and then tap on the Install button as we have shown below. That’s it!

    install-logitech logitech g hub windows 11 download

How does Logitech Flow work?

A new practical feature called Flow has been developed by Logitech Company, one of the industry’s leaders in computer peripherals, over the course of the last few years.

It is a feature built into their mice and keyboards that allow you to quickly move between multiple computers by moving your mouse cursor to the screen’s border.

To put it another way, it allows your mouse and keyboard to flow between your computers. You may even copy and paste your data between machines if this feature is enabled on them.

Flow allows you to operate many computers with a single mouse. A Logitech keyboard with flow functionality will allow your keyboard to move in sync with your mouse, giving you complete control over your computers.

Logitech Flow (Source: Logitech)

It makes moving data across other platforms, such as text, photographs, or any other type of file, extremely simple and straightforward. You can easily copy information from one system and paste it into the other.

So, you may simply move your files without the need to rely on cloud-based storage services or send yourself emails with attachments while using Flow.

Another possibility is to use the feature to create a centralized workspace for several computers that can be located wherever you choose. Even the process of setting it up is really straightforward.

You can use the auto-discovery feature to locate and configure your computer in a matter of seconds after turning it on. After that, all the information is transported across a secure connection protected by SSL and AES-256-bit encryption.

If you are experiencing issues with your PC’s peripherals, check out what to do if the mouse and keyboard are not working in Windows 11. For more Logitech issues, we have an in-depth guide on what to do if Logitech keyboard lighting is not working.

Alternatively, users reported their Blue Yeti mic is not recognized in Logitech G Hub, to which we have responded with a comprehensive guide on fixing it.

Lastly, take a look at how to fix the Logilda.dll error/not found on Windows 10/11 if you face the same common problem amongst users.

Was this guide helpful for you? Don’t hesitate to tell us in the comments section below if you will start using Logitech Flow. Thanks for reading!

How to Fix Dota 2 FPS Drop in Windows 10 and 11

To fix Dota 2 FPS drops, you have to address the root causes. In most cases, those include running resource-hoggin background apps, outdated display drivers, or game file integrity issues.

Improper settings could also be at fault. In the following steps, we’ll show you a few different ways to address frame-per-rate issues in Dota 2. 

First, try running the game in full screen mode and play it with the Vulkan API. Also, check your game latency to see if you have a speedy connection with the server.

How do I fix Dota 2 low FPS?

1. Close other apps

  1. Press the Windows key + X and select Task Manager.
    task manager dota 2 fps drop
  2. Right-click any app using too many resources or anyone you are not using and select End Task.
    end task
  3. Finally, restart the game.

2. Verify game files

  1. Launch Steam, click the Library tab at the top, and right-click Dota 2.
    library
  2. Choose the Properties… option.
    properties dota 2 fps drop
  3. Click Local files in the left pane and select Verify integrity of game files…
    verify dota 2 fps drop
  4. Now, wait for the process to complete and open the game.

Verifying the game files in Steam will replace any corrupt or missing files in your installation folder. This can effectively fix Dota 2 FPS drops as well as other errors such as Steam not recognizing installed games.

3. Check your drivers for updates

3.1. Update the driver manually

  1. Right-click the Start button and select Device Manager from the list.
    device manager
  2. Right-click on the device from the list and select Update driver.
  3. Select Search automatically for updated driver software.
  4. If Windows doesn’t find the updates, you need to go to the manufacturer’s official site and download the new files.

3.2. Use a third party driver updater

An excellent solution for the Dota 2 FPS problem is a professional driver updating tool that can scan your PC for out-of-date drivers and provide you with a detailed report on every issue found.

4. Use the high-performance power plan

  1. Press the Windows key, type power plan, and click Choose a power plan.
    choose dota 2 fps drop
  2. Click Create a power plan in the left pane.
    create plan
  3. Choose the High-performance option and click the Next button.
    high performance
  4. Finally, click the Create button.
    create dota 2 fps drop

The Dota 2 FPS drop might be because you are not using the correct power plan. While the High-performance plan will drain your battery quickly, it should provide enough power to run the rather demanding Dota 2 without a drop in quality.

5. Disable Steam Overlay

  1. Open Steam, choose the Library tab at the top and right-click on the Dota 2 option.
    library
  2. Now, choose the Properties… option.
    properties dota 2 fps drop
  3. Click the GENERAL tab in the left pane and uncheck the box for Enable Steam Overlay while in-game.
    steam overlay

6. Adjust graphics settings

  1. Open Dota 2.
  2. Go to Settings and select the Video tab.
  3. Adjust the graphics settings:
    • Set Texture Quality and Shadow Quality to High.
    • Set Anti-Aliasing to Off (if you prefer performance over quality).
    • Disable any unnecessary Effects and Ambient Occlusion.
  4. Save your preferences.

7. Set Dota 2 to High Priority

  1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
  2. Go to the Details tab.details tab task manager
  3. Right-click on dota2.exe and select Set priority.
  4. Choose High and click Change priority.set priority high dota 2

With that said, we can conclude this article, and we hope you can now enjoy the game at full speed.

We also recommend reading our complete guide on fixing frequent Dota 2 issues and applying some solutions.

If you have any questions or suggestions on improving FPS in Dota 2, feel free to tell us in the comments section below.

How to Roll Back AMD Drivers: 4 Tested Methods

Windows and driver updates are usually good, but can often mess things up, and users wonder how to roll back AMD drivers. We need to mention that if the Roll Back Driver option in the Device Manager is greyed out, that means the driver was not updated yet and there is no previous version to go back to.

How do I rollback AMD drivers on Windows?

1. Use the Roll Back Driver option

  1. Type Device Manager in the Search bar, and click on the relevant search result.device manager for how to roll back amd drivers
  2. Expand Display adapters, right-click on the AMD Radeon driver, then select Properties.properties
  3. Navigate to the Driver tab, and then click on Roll Back Driver.roll back driver
  4. Now, choose a reason for rolling back and click Yes to start the process.choose reasons

If you were wondering how to install older AMD drivers, this is the easiest option. To ensure that your system is running the latest chipset drivers before rolling back, you can visit this guide on checking your AMD chipset driver version.

2. Manually install the older version of the driver

  1. Go to the AMD drivers & support page, find the last working version of the AMD driver, and download it.official website for how to roll back amd drivers
  2. Locate the driver you downloaded (.exe file), right-click on it, and select Run as administrator.run as administrator
  3. Click Yes in the UAC prompt.
  4. Now, follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation.instructions on how to roll back amd drivers
  5. Once done, restart the computer for the changes to come into effect.

If you were wondering how to revert AMD drivers, there’s also the option to get them on the manufacturer’s website. The best part about this method is that you can get any version, including AMD’s previous drivers, for 5700 XT.

3. Navigate to your device manufacturer’s website

  1. Open any web browser and go to your device manufacturer’s support website.
  2. You can typically find previous driver versions listed under Other Versions or Previous Versions. Also, you could manually search for them.drivers

You can review broader troubleshooting scenarios in this AMD Radeon graphics problem guide that helps diagnose deeper driver issues.

4. Use a reliable third-party uninstaller

If you were wondering how to roll back AMD Adrenalin or other drivers, several reliable and secure third-party uninstaller tools come to your aid. We also recommend CCleaner as a free tool that serves the purpose.

It will permanently remove software leftovers. Thus, you can reinstall the older driver without worrying about residual data and files. It will also remove any associated folders, icons, and registry files, unlike the Windows uninstaller that leaves traces.

As you can see, there are some easy options you can try to roll back your AMD drivers. Also, if the previous version doesn’t offer relief, you can constantly update your graphics driver to the latest version.

If you have additional questions, don’t hesitate to comment in the section below.

Blurry and Pixelated Icons in Windows 10: 5 Solutions to Use

A clean and uncluttered desktop is usually the ideal way to go, but how would you react when the desktop icons look blurry even after putting in all effort?

This is a common problem faced by users on almost all iterations of the OS, but Windows 10 seems more likely to be affected. So, let’s find out how to fix blurry icons in Windows 10.

Why do my icons look blurry?

Here are some of the reasons the desktop icons look appear blurry:

  • Scaling issues – This is usually the most common problem that leads to blurry icons in Windows. Though, some apps may not respond to scaling changes.
  • Running an outdated graphics driver – If you run a corrupt or outdated driver, it will affect the display clarity.
  • Icon has a low resolution – Often, a few icons designed for older iterations of the OS have a low resolution and appear blurry in the ones released later.
  • A bug in the OS – In case you started encountering the problem after updating Windows, chances are that the issue lies with the installed version.

How do I fix blurry desktop icons?

Before we head to the slightly more complex solutions, let’s first try a few quick ones:

  • Restart the computer.
  • Check for Windows Update and install the latest available version.
  • If the problem is faced on an external monitor, reconnect it and check if it’s fixed.

If nothing worked, let’s head to the other solutions.

1. Change the View settings

  1. Right-click on the desktop, hover the cursor over View, and select Small icons.change view
  2. Now, check if the problem is fixed.

In many cases, it was a problem with the app icon’s resolution, which started to blur when it increased beyond a specific limit. So it would be best if you had them set to a Small icon for the best results.

2. Update the graphics driver

  1. Press Windows + R to open the Run, type devmgmt.msc in the text field, and click OK.device manager
  2. Expand the Display adapters category, right-click on the graphics adapter, and select Update driver.update driver to fix desktop icons blurry
  3. Now, select Search automatically for drivers.search automatically for drivers
  4. Wait for Windows to install the best available driver automatically.

That’s it! The graphics driver should be updated now, and desktop icons shouldn’t be blurry in Windows 10.

In case Windows can’t find a newer version, navigate to the manufacturer’s official website and look it up:

Update drivers automatically

If you don’t want to download the drivers manually, you can always download them automatically using a third-party tool.

The significant advantage of using such a tool is that it finds compatible versions and works on your system.

Thus, it keeps you away from damaging your PC by downloading and installing the wrong driver versions.

Outbyte Driver Updater is a simple tool that can automatically update all your drivers with just a single click, so if you don’t want to search and download the drivers manually, be sure to try this tool.

Its interface is straightforward to use, and once the scan is completed, the tool will compare your current drivers with the ones found in its built-in database.

Afterward, Outbyte Driver Updater will fix and update any missing or broken drivers.

Outbyte Driver Updater

A well-founded tool that can effortlessly help you find the correct driver versions for your device.
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3. Modify scaling

  1. Press Windows + I to open Settings, and choose System.system
  2. In the Display tab, choose 100% from the Change the size of text, apps, and other items dropdown menu.change scaling to fix desktop icons blurry

Scaling is probably the reason behind pixelated desktop icons if it wasn’t for the drivers. Some users reported that scaling was set to a higher level on their PC, resulting in blurry desktop icons, and putting it to 100% did the trick.

4. Adjust Visual Effects for the best appearance

  1. Type View advanced system settings in the Search bar and click on the relevant search result.view advanced system settings
  2. Click on the Settings button under Performance.settings
  3. Select the Adjust for best appearance option, and click OK to save the changes.adjust for best appearance to fix desktop icons blurry

This is another viable solution suggested by one of the users who had blurry text with high resolution in Windows 10.

You can optimize your PC to perform better without the UI visual effects. However, remember that this might affect your system performance, mainly if you use a low-spec PC.

5. Create a new user profile

  1. Press Windows + R to open Run, type netplwiz, and hit Enter.netplwiz
  2. Click on Add.add
  3. Now, enter an email address associated with Microsoft (other than the one for your current account), and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the process.Microsoft Account to fix desktop icons blurry
  4. Alternatively, you can create a local account by clicking on Sign in without a Microsoft account (not recommended).sign in without a Microsoft account
  5. Now, click on Local account.local account to fix desktop icons blurry
  6. Enter the details for the new account, and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the process.fill details

If nothing else has worked, it’s likely a corrupt user profile to blame for blurry desktop icons. And the simplest solution, in this case, is to create a new one, either Microsoft Account or a Local Account.

Once done, use a reliable backup tool to transfer data between the two profiles.

By now, the blurry desktop icons would be visible, and the root cause of the problem would be eliminated. Also, the solutions listed here would work for blurry taskbar icons in Windows 10.

Besides, find out the best display settings for enhanced Windows graphics.

Drop in the comments section if you have any queries or know of another solution.

DPC Watchdog Violation in Windows 11: 7 Tested Solutions + Video

In Windows 11, the Watchdog_Violation error is a Black Screen of Death, the same as a blue screen issue often followed by a 0x00000133 stop code. That’s precisely what users claimed when encountering the DPC_Watchdog_Violation error on Windows 10.

This error occurs when the DPC (Deferred Procedure Call) runs longer than it should. Then the Watchdog bug checker has to wait too long for a DPC response, which triggers the above-mentioned BSoD error.

This issue often arises on PCs with SSD storage and it appears on Windows 10 and 11. It can also be related to corrupted system files, incompatible external hardware, and software conflicts. Another widely cited cause is an incompatible SATA AHCI driver file. For more details, check out what can cause a Blue Screen of Death.

How do I fix the DPC watchdog violation in Windows 11?

1. Unplug external hardware devices

First, try plugging any non-essential external hardware from your PC, such as printers, game controllers, and external USB storage devices. You can keep your mouse and keyboard plugged in, but unplug anything else.

Does the error continue to occur when you’ve disconnected external hardware? If not, one of the previously connected peripheral devices is probably incompatible with your PC.

Try re-connecting one device at a time to discover which one is incompatible. Updating an external device’s driver might fix its compatibility with the computer.

2. Run a System File Checker scan

    Using a SFC scan will diagnose your operating system and detect corrupted files, thus removing them from your Windows 11 PC. This is how to perform this task

  1. 1. Bring up the Windows  search box using the handy Windows key + S hotkey.

  2. 2. Type cmd in the search box to find and open Command Prompt.

  3. 3. Right-click the Command Prompt search result to select a Run as administrator context menu option.

    Run CMD as Administrator
  4. 4. Input the following command in the Prompt’s window and press Enter: DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-image /Restorehealth

  5. 5. Now, scan the system files in your PC. To run a file scan, enter the folllowing command and press Return: sfc /scannow

    dpc-watchdog-violation-windows-11
  6. 6. Wait until the SFC scan has reached the 100 percent mark and displayed an outcome within the Prompt’s window.

3. Run a CHKDSK disk scan

  1. Open the Command Prompt as outlined in the first three steps of the first resolution.
  2. Type in this command and press Enter: chkdsk c: /f /r /x
    Chkdsk scan dpc watchdog violation windows 11
  3. Press Y and Enter to confirm.
  4. Thereafter, select the Power and Restart options on Windows 11’s Start menu.

4. Replace the SATA AHCI device’s driver file

  1. First, right-click the Start menu taskbar icon and select Device Manager’s shortcut.
    Device Manager dpc watchdog violation windows 11
  2. Double-click IDE ATA/ATAPI controllers to extend that category.
  3. Then double-click Standard SATA AHCI Controller, and click the window’s Driver tab.
  4. Press the Driver Details button.
    Driver Details button dpc watchdog violation windows 11
  5. If the Driver File Details window shows the device has an iaStorA.sys file, you’ll need to change than to a Storahci.Sys one. Click OK to close the window.
    Driver File Details window dpc watchdog violation windows 11
  6. Press the Update Driver button on the Driver tab.
  7. Click the Browse my computer for drivers option.
    Browse my computer for drivers option dpc watchdog violation windows 11
  8. Select the Let me pick from a list of available drivers option.
    Let me pick from a list of available drivers option dpc watchdog violation windows 11
  9. Then select the Standard SATA AHCI Controller within the selection box, and click the Next button.
  10. Thereafter, restart your desktop or laptop.

5. Update the firmware for your PC’s SSD

If your PC has a solid-state drive, try updating its firmware. To do so, open the manufacturer’s website for your solid-state drive. Then download the latest firmware for your drive from the driver & firmware download section of that website.

To find model details for your SSD drive, simply open the Disk Drive category within Device Manager. Your PC’s SSD drive will be listed there with its full model number. Enter the model name for your SSD in the search box on its manufacturer’s website to find it there.

Alternatively, you can use third-party driver updater software like Fortect Driver Updater to update an SDD’s driver with the latest version from a huge database.

6. Choose an appropriate restore point

  1. Right-click Start to select the Run accessory shortcut.
  2. Type this text in Run’s Open box: rstrui
  3. Click OK to bring up System Restore.
  4. Select the Choose a different restore point option, and click Next to continue.
    Choose a different restore point option dpc watchdog violation windows 11
  5. If there’s a Show more restore points checkbox available, select that option.
  6. Choose a restore point that will restore Windows 11 to a date that predates the DPC_Watchdog_Violation error on your computer. Or simply select the oldest restore point date available.
    System Restore window dpc watchdog violation windows 11
  7. Select Next and Finish to roll back Windows 11 to the chosen restoration point.

Rolling back Windows 11 will uninstall software installed after the chosen date. The software this system restoration removes might have been causing the DPC_Watchdog_Violation error.

You can check what software gets removed by clicking System Restore’s Scan for affected programs button. If you haven’t enabled System Restore, try manually uninstalling some recently installed software via Programs and Features.

7. Reset Windows 11

Note icon NOTE
Resetting Windows 11 will restore your PC to its default settings and remove all third-party software that didn’t come pre-installed with it. As you’ll need to reinstall software afterward, a system reset is recommended as a last-resort resolution.
  1. First, click Start to open the menu.
  2. Select the pinned Settings shortcut.
    The Settings app dpc watchdog violation windows 11
  3. Click the Recovery navigation option.
    Recovery navigation option dpc watchdog violation windows 11
  4. Press the Reset PC button to open its utility.
  5. Next, select the Keep my Files option (if you prefer to retain your user files).
    Keep my files button dpc watchdog violation windows 11
  6. Choose either the Cloud download or Local reinstall option.
  7. Press the Next button, and click Reset to confirm.

How can I troubleshoot BSOD errors in Safe Mode?

If you can’t log in to Windows 11 because of the DPC_Watchdog_Violation error, try applying the above resolutions in Safe Mode. That’s a special Windows-troubleshooting mode for which only a minimal set of essential drivers and system services are enabled.

First, you’ll need to enter WindowsRE (recovery environment) by hard-booting your PC three consecutive times during the system startup.

Press and hold the Power button for five to 10 seconds at the Windows logo to hard reboot. Then you can activate Safe Mode in WindowsRE as follows:

  1. First, select troubleshoot with your keyboard and press Enter.
    Troubleshoot option dpc watchdog violation windows 11
  2. Choose Advanced options to bring up that menu.
  3. Then select Start-up Repair on the Advanced options menu.
    Start-up Repair option dpc watchdog violation windows 11
  4. Press the Reset button to reboot.
  5. Select the Restart option.
  6. Thereafter, press the F5 key to select Safe Mode with Networking.

The DPC_Watchdog_Violation error is one of the more commonly reported BSOD errors for Windows. However, many users have been able to fix that issue by applying the potential resolutions above.

Yet, we can’t promise those solutions will be enough to eliminate this error for all users. Those needing further resolutions can check out Microsoft’s blue screen troubleshooter. That troubleshooting webpage includes more potential fixes for the DPC_Watchdog_Violation error.

Even more, see this guide on how to fix laptop crashes when turning on Wi-Fi. This is related to the same error and the solutions detailed here may be applied by Windows 11 users as well.

We also have a guide on CPI_FIRMWARE_WATCHDOG_TIMEOUT, so don’t miss it for more information.

You can also discuss the DPC_Watchdog_Violation error in more detail within the comments section below. If you’ve discovered another way to solve the issue, which isn’t cited above, feel free to share your resolution below.

Lenovo Touch Screen Not Working: 3 Ways to Fix it

If your Lenovo touch screen is not working, you probably own a ThinkPad, or Yoga model ranging from 530 to 720. The problem is caused by driver issues, problems with peripherals, or hardware issues.

Before you start any of these fixes, ensure you disconnect any peripherals; they may trigger issues with the touch screen. Also, restart the device and ensure you have the latest Windows updates installed.

How do I fix my unresponsive touch screen on Lenovo?

1. Disable and re-enable HID-compliant touch screen

  1. Right-click the Start button and select Device Manager.
  2. Go to Human Interface Devices section and expand it.
  3. Find the HID-compliant touch screen, right click on it and choose Disable.
  4. Now, right click HID-compliant touch screen again and choose Enable.

This solution worked for many users and it’s pretty easy to perform it to get this out of the way.

2. Run an SFC scan

  1. Go to Start, type command, right-click on Command Prompt, and select Run as administrator.
  2. Type the script below and hit Enter.
    sfc /scannow
  3. Wait for the scanning process to complete, and then restart your computer. On reboot, all corrupted files will be replaced.

3. Update drivers

  1. Navigate to Lenovo’s driver download page.
  2. Locate your model on the list or search for it.
  3. Download the latest drivers for it.

A few users reported that Intel drivers caused this issue, and downloading the 3147_Chipset_Driver_MHWYW_WN32_604.10135.1001.55518_A00.EXE driver from Intel’s website fixed the problem.

Others reported that using an older Intel Processor I/O Controller Driver worked for them. In some instances, updating the Wacom driver on Yoga 710 can also help.

If you are looking for an easier and faster solution, you can employ specialized driver updater software in these circumstances. Due to its complete error-freeness and user-friendliness, we suggest Fortect Driver Updater as an automated tool.

4. Modify the registry

  1. Press the Windows key + R and enter regedit.
    Regedit - error code 0xd000034
  2. Once it opens, navigate to: HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Wisp\Touch
  3. In the right pane, double-click the TouchGate value.
  4. If it’s not available, right-click the right pane, and choose New. Then select DWORD (32-bit) Value. Name it TouchGate and open it.
  5. Set its Value data to 1 and save changes.

If the issue is still present, you may be having an issue with the touchscreen panel, so it might be best to contact Lenovo.

Before you go, don’t miss our guide on what to do if the Lenovo Flex 5 touchscreen is not working or if the Windows 11 touch screen not working.

Many also reported that the touchscreen is not working in Windows 11 Tablet Mode, but we have a guide that addresses this issue.

If you have more questions, please ask them in the comments below.

The USB WiFi Adapter Keeps Disconnecting: 5 Easy Methods

Taking the best out of the home network often requires WiFi access. Nonetheless, many users who turned to an external USB WiFi adapter have reported that it keeps disconnecting.

The problem is more tricky than it sounds. There are several temporary resolutions, but only a few work in the long run. And it’s the latter that we will walk you through today to fix the problem, once and for all.

Why does my USB WiFi adapter keep disconnecting?

Here are some of the reasons your WiFi dongle keeps disconnecting:

  • Hardware issues – In most cases, it was a hardware fault in the adapter itself that led to it persistently disconnecting.
  • Running outdated or incompatible drivers – Many users reported that outdated drivers caused the problem. Also, if you recently upgraded to a newer iteration, it might be that the installed drivers are incompatible.
  • Bug in the OS – Some reported that the USB WiFi adapter disconnects when downloading after installing an update. And it’s usually a bug in the latest version that led to this situation.
  • Misconfigured network properties – It’s a common reason, and simply reverting the changes recently made should fix things.

Also, some of the standard devices that usually cause the problem are:

  • Realtek WiFi adapter keeps disconnecting – External USB wireless adapters manufactured by Realtek have been found to exhibit the issue often.
  • TP-Link WiFi adapter keeps disconnecting – Many models of TP-Link adapters are known to disconnect and automatically reconnect.
  • Qualcomm WiFi adapter keeps disconnecting – Another adapter with which users faced the problem.

How can I fix my USB WiFi adapter?

Before we head to some slightly complex solutions, here are a few quick ones for you to try:

  • Restart the computer.
  • Connect the WiFi adapter to another port, and make sure other devices work fine when connected to the same port. Also, if you use a USB hub for the connection, directly plug in the WiFi adapter.
  • Connect the WiFi adapter to another PC to ascertain if the problem lies with it or the previous computer. If it’s the former, you will have to get it repaired or replaced, while in the latter, our solutions would get things up and running.
  • Check for overheating. When the WiFi adapter overheats, it automatically resets and disconnects from the network.

If none of these worked, try the following solutions:

1. Update drivers

  1. Press Windows + R to open Run, type devmgmt.msc in the text field, and click OK.device manager
  2. Expand Network adapters, right-click on the problematic one, and select Update driver.update driver to fix usb wifi adapter keeps disconnecting
  3. Now, select Search automatically for drivers and wait while Windows installs the best available version.search automatically for drivers

As per our WR experts, updating the USB drivers can fix various USB-related problems like USB devices keep disconnecting and reconnecting; read this guide to know more.

Alternatively, you could use third-party driver updater software. The benefit of using such tools is that they save you a lot of time and ensure an error-free experience.

We recommend you try Fortect Driver Updater, which is very easy to use and lightweight. Once you install it, you can set it up immediately and fix your drivers in just a few clicks.

⇒ Get Fortect Driver Updater

2. Reset the IP settings

  1. Type Command Prompt in the Search bar, and click on Run as administrator.command prompt to fix usb wifi adapter keeps disconnecting
  2. Click Yes in the UAC prompt.
  3. Now, paste the following commands individually and hit Enter each: ipconfig /release ipconfig /flushdns ipconfig /renewcommands
  4. Once done, restart the computer, and the WiFi adapters should now work fine.

3. Check Power settings

Besides the standard fuss concerning drivers and network settings, another possible reason why the USB WiFi adapter keeps disconnecting is Power settings.

Various Power options are involved, some related to a USB hub and others in the advanced adapter settings.

Nonetheless, there are all unified in one system’s goal: to preserve power consumption by disabling certain features of the USB WiFi Adapter. So, to resolve this, you’ll need to ensure all related options are disabled.

4. Install the driver in compatibility mode

  1. Head to the manufacturer’s website and download the driver you find, regardless of if it’s for another iteration.
  2. Now, right-click on the setup and select Properties.properties
  3. Head to the Compatibility tab, tick the checkbox for Run this program in compatibility mode for, select an older iteration from the menu, and click on OK to save the changes.run in compatibility mode to fix usb wifi adapter keeps disconnecting
  4. Once done, run the setup and follow the on-screen instructions to install the driver.

In some cases, users couldn’t find a driver that worked on their iteration of the OS. Here, you can download it and install the driver in Compatibility Mode with the previous iteration.

5. Reinstall the OS

If nothing has worked, you are only left with the option to reinstall Windows. Here, the first step is to create a bootable USB drive and then use it to reinstall the OS.

While you could also factory reset Windows, that has often been found to be ineffective against several issues, and only a complete reinstall did the trick.

That’s it! By now, you would have the Internet working fine if the USB WiFi adapter keeps disconnecting.

Also, once you have managed to fix things, do not forget to find ways to increase Internet speed.

If you know of any other solutions, drop them in the comments below.

Fix Unexpected Kernel Mode Trap Error with These Easy Tips

The UNEXPECTED_KERNEL_MODE_TRAP Blue Screen of Death can occur on any Windows iteration, but why does that happen in the first place?

A trap basically alters your OS mode by driving it to a kernel-based routine. Thus, instead of matching control with the executed process, the OS sets a higher priority on the execution of that process compared to user code.

What is Unexpected Kernel Mode Trap and what causes it?

As expected, bad drivers are the most common reason behind the UNEXPECTED_KERNEL_MODE_TRAP error, but there can be other factors that trigger the kernel’s failure such as:

  • Faulty RAM modules
  • Malware or virus infections
  • Malfunctioning peripherals or hardware incompatibility
  • Unsupported, outdated, or incompatible software plugins, or SSD firmware
  • Poorly coded programs
  • Corrupted system files or other data files that are damaged or broken

In other words, any files that fail the kernel’s integrity or compatibility checks can trigger the Unexpected Kernel Mode Trap on any iteration of Windows, including Windows 11.

In some cases, this error can be caused if your component connectors are covered in dust, so you’ll need to remove them and clean them properly before connecting them again.

How do you fix Unexpected Kernel Mode Trap error?

Before moving on to more complex solutions make sure to do the following:

  • Remove your antivirus software by using a dedicated uninstaller software.
  • Check your computer cables and RAM to make sure they are connected properly and not damaged.

1. Use a repair tool

When the UNEXPECTED_KERNEL_MODE_TRAP error occurs on devices, including Dell laptops, the best solution is to use a specialized repair tool. They are able to scan for and automatically download the exact file your system needs to be repaired.

2. Run the BSoD troubleshooter

  1. Open the Settings app, and go to the Update & Security section.update-security nmi hardware failure windows 10
  2. Select Troubleshoot from the menu on the left followed by Additional troubleshooters on the right.troubleshoot-aditional can't remove bluetooth device windows 10
  3. Select BSOD from the right pane, and click on Run the troubleshooter. Troubleshooting BSoD
  4. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the troubleshooting steps.

Windows’s own troubleshooting tool can be used for dealing with various system problems, including BSOD issues. So, it might help with the Unexpected Kernel Mode Trap in Windows 10/11 issue, as well.

3. Remove the problematic driver

  1. Go to the Start Menu, and click the Restart button while holding Shift on your keyboard.
  2. In Advanced Startup select Troubleshoot.troubleshoot restart to repair drive errors
  3. Go to Advanced Options, and choose Startup Settings.startup-sett mouse loading icon won't go away
  4. Click on the Restart button.restart-startup-screen mouse loading icon won't go away
  5. You should see an option to enter Safe Mode once the PC reboots. It is usually the F4 key.
  6. When you enter Safe Mode, go to Device Manager.
  7. Locate the problematic driver, right click and choose Uninstall.
    uninstall device driver manager

This issue can be caused by all sorts of drivers, but some users claim to uninstall your Bluetooth, Wireless, & Intel RST(Intel Rapid Storage Technology).

We have to warn you that this issue can be caused by another driver, it doesn’t have to be related to Bluetooth or Wireless drivers, but they are often the main causes of this issue.

Searching for drivers on your own can be time-consuming. So, we advise you to use a tool that will do this for you automatically.

Using an automatic driver updater will certainly save you from the hassle of searching for drivers manually, and it will always keep your system up to date with the latest drivers.

A professional tool will help you update drivers automatically and prevent PC damage caused by installing the wrong driver versions.

⇒ Get Outbyte Driver Updater

4. Run the SFC scan

  1. Press Windows then type cmd and click the Run as administrator option from the right panel.cmd-run-admin 0x80070002 windows update
  2. Paste the following command and press Enter: sfc /scannowscannow 0x80070002 windows update
  3. Restart your PC once it’s done.

The SFC scan is another troubleshooter we’re going to try here. This is a command-line tool that scans your system for potentially broken files and repairs them (if possible).

Repairing corrupt system files can resolve BSOD issues like the UNEXPECTED_KERNEL_MODE_TRAP error. So, running the SFC scan is definitely worth trying.

5. Run the DISM scan

5.1 Standard way

  1. Tap Windows then type cmd into the search bar and select Run as administrator.cmd-run-admin 0x80070002 windows update
  2. Paste the following command and press Enter: DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealthDISM-RESTORE faulting application path
  3. Wait until the scan is finished then restart your computer and try updating again.

5.2 With the Windows installation media

  1. Insert your Windows 10 installation media, or Windows 11 one.
  2. Tap Windows then input cmd into the search bar and select Run as administrator.cmd-run-admin 0x80070002 windows update
  3. In the command line, type the following commands and press Enter after each: Dism /Online /Cleanup-image /ScanHealth Dism /Online /Cleanup-image /RestoreHealth
  4. Now, type the following command and press Enter: DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth /source:WIM:X:SourcesInstall.wim:1 /LimitAccessDISM-RESTORE faulting application path
  5. Make sure to change an X value with the letter of the mounted drive with Windows installation.
  6. After the procedure is finished, restart your PC.

Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM) is a tool that re-deploys the system image all over again. This can resolve various issues, including BSOD errors.

6. Install the latest updates

  1. Press Windows + I to open the Settings app, and navigate to the Update & security section.update-security nmi hardware failure windows 10
  2. Now click on Check for updates button. check-updates searchui windows 10

Windows will now check for available updates. If updates are available, Windows will download them in the background and install them.

If you’re getting a UNEXPECTED_KERNEL_MODE_TRAP error on your PC, you might be able to fix it by installing the latest updates, so be sure to try that.

    7. Fix Unexpected Kernel Mode Trap using CHKDSK

    The Unexpected Kernel Mode Trap error can be caused by corrupted files or hard drive failure. Therefore, running a CHKDSK scan to check your drives for errors should solve your problem.

  1. 1. Press the Windows Key + X and choose Command Prompt (Admin), or PowerShell (Admin). They are both command line tools and serve the same function.

    unexpected kernel mode trap chkdsk command
  2. 2. Type the following command, and then press Enter: chkdsk /r c:

    unexpected kernel mode trap windows 10 fix chkdsk
  3. 3. You’ll be asked to schedule disk checking the next time you restart your PC.

  4. 4. Enter Y and press Enter.

  5. 5. Restart your PC and your computer will automatically perform chkdsk scan.

  6. 6. After the scan is complete, check if the Unexpected Kernel Mode Trap error is gone.

Some users reported that the UNEXPECTED_KERNEL_MODE_TRAP error occurred while playing League of Legends.

According to them, you might be able to fix it on your PC simply by running a CHKDSK scan. This error can occur due to corrupted files on your hard drive, but you should be able to fix it by following the above steps.

Keep in mind that you might have to scan other drives on your PC besides C in order to fix this problem, so be sure to perform the task when needed.

8. Remove your graphics card driver

According to users, your graphics card driver can be the cause of this error. Several users reported this issue with the latest Nvidia drivers, and according to them, the solution is to revert to the older drivers.

To do that, simply remove the Nvidia driver from Device Manager. If you want to remove all files associated with your graphics card, check out our tutorial on how to use Display Driver Uninstaller.

After removing the driver, Windows will install the default driver once you restart your PC. Now check if the issue reappears with the default driver.

Keep in mind that Windows can sometimes update your driver automatically in the background causing the error to reappear.

However, you can easily prevent Windows from automatically updating certain drivers.

9. Reset Windows

  1. Press the Windows key + I then go to Update & Security from down the window.update-securty-w10 opera keeps crashing
  2. Click the Recovery option from the left pane, then, under Reset this PC, click Get started.recovery-get-started windows 10 update assistant failed
  3. Choose the Keep my files option and continue with the procedure.

After finishing the reset, you’ll have a fresh installation of Windows and your problem should be resolved.|

10. Uninstall Recently Installed Software

New software installations can sometimes conflict with existing system configurations, leading to unexpected errors. If you’ve recently installed or updated any software, it might be the root cause of the “UNEXPECTED KERNEL MODE TRAP” error.

To address this, navigate to the ‘Programs and Features’ section in the Control Panel. Review the list of recently installed software and uninstall any suspicious or non-essential programs. After uninstallation, restart your computer. If the error was due to a software conflict, this action should resolve the issue. Always ensure that any software you install is from a reputable source and is compatible with your version of Windows.


11. Disable Memory Caching

Memory caching is a feature that stores frequently used data in a cache to speed up processing times. However, in some instances, it can lead to system errors. To disable memory caching, you’ll need to access your computer’s BIOS or UEFI settings during startup.

Once inside, navigate to the advanced settings and look for the memory caching option. Disable it and save your changes. Remember, altering BIOS settings can impact system performance, so proceed with caution and only change settings you’re familiar with.


12. Check for Overheating

Overheating can severely impact the performance and stability of your computer. Prolonged exposure to high temperatures can damage internal components and lead to system errors.

Ensure your computer is in a well-ventilated area, free from dust and debris. Consider investing in cooling solutions, such as additional fans or a cooling pad for laptops. Monitoring software, like HWMonitor or SpeedFan, can help you keep an eye on system temperatures and ensure they remain within safe limits.


13. Check for Hardware Compatibility

Every piece of hardware in your computer, from the motherboard to the graphics card, needs to be compatible with each other and the operating system. Incompatibilities can lead to system crashes and errors. If you’ve recently added new hardware, consult the manufacturer’s specifications to ensure it’s compatible with your system and version of Windows. If in doubt, consider seeking expert advice or returning the hardware for a compatible alternative.


14. Remove New Hardware and Restart

Introducing new hardware components can sometimes conflict with existing ones, leading to system errors. If you’ve recently added a new piece of hardware, remove it and restart your computer. If the error disappears, the new hardware might be the culprit. Ensure it’s properly seated, has the correct drivers installed, and is compatible with your system.


15. Check if the Error is Caused by New RAM Memory

RAM (Random Access Memory) plays a crucial role in system performance. Faulty or incompatible RAM can lead to a host of errors, including the “UNEXPECTED KERNEL MODE TRAP.” If you’ve recently upgraded or changed your RAM, ensure it’s compatible with your motherboard and processor. Tools like MemTest86 can help diagnose RAM issues by running comprehensive tests.


16. Check for RAM Issues Using Windows Memory Diagnostic Tool

Windows offers a built-in tool to check for memory issues. The Windows Memory Diagnostic Tool scans your RAM for errors, which can be the cause of various system problems. To run this tool, type “Windows Memory Diagnostic” in the Start menu and follow the on-screen instructions. It’s advisable to close all running applications before starting the test. The tool might require a system restart to complete its analysis.


17. Check for Hard Drive Corruption

Hard drives, over time, can develop bad sectors or become corrupted. This can lead to data loss and system errors. The CHKDSK (Check Disk) utility in Windows can scan and repair issues on your hard drive. To run CHKDSK, open a command prompt with administrative rights and type chkdsk /f. The tool will scan and fix any detected issues. For a thorough scan, you might need to restart your computer.


18. Disable Memory Caching from BIOS

Similar to the memory caching feature in the operating system, some BIOS settings also allow for memory caching. This can sometimes conflict with Windows operations. To disable it, access your BIOS settings during system startup, navigate to the relevant section, and disable memory caching. Always be cautious when altering BIOS settings, as incorrect configurations can impact system stability.


19. Run CHKDSK

CHKDSK is a versatile tool in Windows that can identify and fix a variety of hard drive issues. It checks the integrity of file systems and can repair logical file system errors. To utilize CHKDSK, open a command prompt with administrative privileges. Enter the command chkdsk /f /r to find and repair issues. Depending on the size of your drive, the scan can take some time, but it’s a thorough method to ensure your hard drive’s health.

If the problem still appears, you might have to reset your PC and choose to delete your files as well. This process will delete all files from your system drive, so be sure to back them up.

We hope we cleared the situation for you with this article, and you managed to solve your problem with the UNEXPECTED_KERNEL_MODE_TRAP error.

If you have any comments or questions, just reach out to the comment section below.

Your Organization Manages Updates on This PC: 6 Ways to Fix

The Your organization must have just greeted you manages updates on this PC message despite using a personal computer. We will explore and prefer solutions to this error.

Users encountering this issue could not check their Windows computers’ eligibility through the PC Health Check software. They were left with no other option but to check the minimum requirements for Windows 11 manually.

What does Your organization manages updates on this PC mean?

If the PC Health Check app on your machine displays this message on the screen, it could be triggered by a few factors and could mean different things, including:

  • Restricted admin rights – It simply means that you do not have the administrator rights of the PC or you are not logged in using the administrator account.
  • You do not use a personal MS account – Using a Microsoft Family account, and a parent or caretaker is set as the primary system administrator would also trigger the message.
  • Local accounts – On the flip side, using a local account on a Windows computer can also be the culprit behind this message since having a Microsoft account is a requirement for Windows 11.

Moreover, this issue can also present itself on Windows machines with linked business or educational accounts.

Though there are many possibilities of why this issue is presenting itself, you don’t need to be alarmed. Below are some quick and easy fixes that will definitely resolve the problem.

How can I fix the error: Your organization manages updates on this PC?

1. Use an administrator account

  1. Click on the Start Menu and choose the Settings option.

    Windows settings
  2. Next, click on the Accounts tab present on the left panel of the Settings window. Then, click on the Your info tile present to the left of the window.

    Windows account
  3. After that, your account role will be mentioned right underneath your account name. It should be saying Administrator; if it is not, you need to contact your system administrator to get your account upgraded to an administrator or get credentials for the administrator account.

    Windows administrator

As mentioned earlier, this issue mostly means you are not running an administrator account. Thus, the first and foremost thing you should ensure is that you have an administrator account on the system or credentials for one.

Changing to an administrator account will most likely resolve the issue. If you are already logged in with an admin account, move on to the next solutions in the list.

2. Disconnect work or school account

  1. To disconnect work or school accounts, click the Start Menu icon on the taskbar and then choose the Settings option.

    Windows settings
  2. Next, click on the Accounts tab present on the left panel of the screen and then head to the Access work or school tile situated on the left side of the window.

    Windows 11 account
  3. After that, click on the Disconnect button present on the school or work account tile.
  4. Once you have disconnected the work or school account, restart your machine from the Start Menu and run the PC Health Check app. The issue of your organization managing updates on this PC should be solved.

3. Edit Windows Registry

  1. First, press Windows + R on your keyboard to use the Run command utility. Then, type regedit in the provided space and click the OK button. This will open a Registry Editor window on your screen.


  2. Next, navigate to the following key using the left panel on the Registry Editor window. You can also copy+paste the following text in the address bar:

    Computer\HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\PushNotifications

    navigate in registry editor
  3. Then, double-click on the NoToastApplicationNotification file. This will open an overlay pane on your screen.

    double click on the dword file
  4. Now, enter 0 in the Value data: field and click on the OK button to confirm and close.

    edit registry value
  5. Finally, restart the computer using the Start Menu and check if the issue with your organization manages updates on this PC has been resolved.

    Restart Windows 11

4. Change Group Policy Editor Settings

Note icon NOTE
Group Policy Editor is only available on Windows Pro versions. Since this solution requires a Group Policy Editor, it only applies to a certain pool of Windows users.
  1. Press Windows + R on your keyboard to use the Run command utility. Then, type gpedit.msc and click on the OK button or hit Enter on your keyboard.

    your organization manages updates on this pc
  2. Next, navigate to the following directory on Group Policy Editor. Now, from the right side of the window, locate and double-click on the Manage end user experience directory.

    Computer Configuration/Admisistrative Templates/ Windows Components/ Windows Update

    Manage end user experience
  3. Then, double-click Configure Automatic Updates.

    Configure automatic updates
  4. After that, select the Not Configured option by clicking on the radio button preceding it. Next, click Apply to confirm and click the OK button to close the window.

    Configure automatic updates
  5. Now restart your Windows machine and run the PC Health Check app to see if the issue with your organization manages updates on this PC has been resolved.

    Restart windows 11

    Since this solution requires a Group Policy Editor, it only applies to a certain pool of Windows users. Though for non-pro users, there are plenty of other reliable solutions.

5. Change Diagnostic data settings

  1. First, click on the Start Menu button from your computer’s taskbar and choose the Settings option from the flyout.
    run settings app
  2. Next, click on the Privacy & security tab from the window’s left sidebar. Then, click on the Diagnostic & feedback tile present to the right of your screen.

    windows settings
  3. After that, locate the Send optional diagnostic data section and then toggle the switch to the On position.

    send optional data
  4. Restart your PC and run the PC Health Check app. Your issue with your organization manages updates on this PC should be resolved by now.

    Restart windows 11

If the issue presents itself due to insufficient data being sent to Microsoft, changing Diagnostic data will resolve the problem.

6. Enable telemetry

  1. To do so, press the Windows+R shortcut on your keyboard to bring up Run command utility. Then, type services.msc in the space provided and click on the OK button.


  2. Next, locate the Connected user experience and Telemetry option from the services window and double-click on it to open. This will open a separate window on the screen.

    click on telemetry
  3. Now, click on the drop-down menu situated adjacent to the Startup type field and select the Automatic option.

    telemetry startup config
  4. Then, click on the Apply button to save the changes and click on the OK button to close the window.

    save telemetry settings
  5. Now, reboot the Windows machine from the Start Menu and run the PC Health Check app.

There has also been a pool of users complaining about the non-accessibility of settings and the above-mentioned issue. If that’s also the case with you, check out issues with settings that your organization manages.

And that is it, Your organization manages updates on this PC, so it should no longer be an issue for you.

One of the similar errors caused by a corrupted security app or bad Windows Update is Your Virus and Threat Protection is Managed by Your Organization; read this to learn more about this problem.

If you still have questions or suggestions, do not hesitate to let us know using the comments section below, and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible.