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.
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.
Launch Avast and go to Settings.
Select General> Exceptions.
Go to File Paths> Browse.
Locate the game installation (.exe) file and add it.
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.
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.
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.
The problem might also occur when your PC’s ISO file is stored in another incompatible shared folder.
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
Go to File Explorer and choose your ISO file.
Then, click on the Mount button under the Disc Image Tools tab, as shown.
Move the necessary files, right-click on the drive and click on Eject to unmount the ISO file.
2. Disable Secure boot in the BIOS settings (UEFI boot issue)
Open the BIOS settings on your PC by pressing the F1, F2, and F12 or tapping the ESC keys when your PC is booting.
Then, navigate to Troubleshoot,followed by Advanced Options: UEFI Firmware Settings.
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.
Now, save the changes and exit. Wait until the PC reboots.
Check if the Hyper-V ISO not booting is resolved now.
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.
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 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.
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.
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
Right-click any empty part of Windows 10’s taskbar and select Task Manager.
Click Processes inside Task Manager.
Look for and select a QBW32.exe process for QuickBooks Desktop on the tab.
Select the End task option for QBW32.exe.
Then try launching QuickBooks Desktop.
2. Rename the QBWUSER.ini file
Open File Explorer.
Select Explorer’s Hidden items checkbox on the View tab.
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]
Click the QBWUSER.ini file with your right mouse button to select Rename.
Type QBWUSER.ini.old for the file’s title and press Enter.
Then select the Installation Issues tab in QuickBooks Tools Hub.
Click the QuickBooks Install DiagnosticTool button.
Wait for the diagnostic tool to finish.
Close the QuickBooks Diagnostic Tool window.
Press the Alt + F4 key combination and select Restart on the drop-down menu.
The Program Problems tab also includes troubleshooting options that can feasibly fix QuickBooks Desktop not opening. Select theQuick Fix my Program option on that tab to run a quick repair scan.
4. Select the Repair option for QuickBooks Desktop
Click the Type here to search bar or button on Windows 10’s taskbar.
Enter the keyword appwiz.cpl (for the Programs and Features applet) in the search box.
Select the appwiz.cpl search result to view Windows 10’s uninstaller tool.
Next, select QuickBooks Desktop in the Programs and Features applet.
Click QuickBooks Desktop’s Repair option.
Select the Repair radio button in the QuickBook Installation window.
Then click the Next option to repair.
Restart Windows 10 afterward.
5. Run QuickBooks in Safe Mode
Open the Start menu and then click the Power button.
Hold Shift and select Restart.
Select Troubleshoot.
Next, navigate to Advanced options.
Click on Startup options and then click on Restart.
Select Enable Safe Mode with Networking.
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.
Download QuickBooks Desktop Manager if you don’t already have it.
Open the QuickBooks Desktop Manager, and reinstall the latest QuickBooks Desktop version from there.
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.
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 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.
Choose the drive where you want to move the game and click on Move.
Wait until the process is complete.
5.2 Change on Steam
Go to Halo Infinite properties on Steam like before.
Go to the Local Files tab.
Click on the Move install folder.
Choose a folder or drive and click on Move.
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.
The gameinputsvc.exe is also known as the GameInput Host Service, being part of the system but not essential for your Windows OS.
However, itis 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
Press the Windows + R key combination, type services.msc, and press Enter.
Double-click on the GameInput Service, then switch the Startup type to Manual.
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
Click on the Search icon from the taskbar, type cmdin the bar, and click on Run as administrator to open Command Prompt with full rights.
Copy and paste the following command in the Command Prompt and hit Enter. sfc /scannow
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
Firstly, type the file and click on File Explorer to open it.
Now click on View present at the top, then check the box present next to Hidden items.
Next, enter the Local Disk (C:) and go to the following location in File Explorer. C:\Program Files\WindowsApps
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
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.
Type msconfig in the Search bar and click on System Configuration to open it.
Enter the General tab and then select Selective startup.
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.
Next up, enter the Services tab.
Inside the Services tab, check the box beside Hide All Microsoft Services and then click on Disable all.
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 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
Press the Windows key + I to open the Settings app and select Update & Security.
Click the Check for updates button.
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
Press the Windows key + R, type mdsched.exe, and click OK.
Select the Restart now and check for problems (recommended) option.
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
Press the Windows key and click the Power icon.
Hold the Shift key and select the Restart option.
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.
When the manufacturer icon shows up, repeat Step 3. Do this 3 times and your PC should bring up the Windows Recovery Environment.
Now, select Choose an option > Troubleshoot > Advanced options.
Choose Startup Settings from the options.
Click the Restart button.
When your PC restart, press F5 or 5 to Enable Safe Mode.
Now, press the Windows key + I and select the Apps option.
Finally, choose the Norton Antivirus and click the Uninstall button.
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.
Choose, your language, time, and keyboard input and click the Next button.
Click the Install now button.
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.
Choose the current edition of Windows 10 you have license for and click Next.
Now, accept the terms and license and click Next.
Choose the Custom: Install Windows only (Advanced).
Select your drive and click New. If you have multiple partitions listed, delete them all, leaving only one allocated partition.
Choose the unallocated drive, the click New followed by Apply and OK.
Your drive will now be divided into multiple partitions. Choose the Primary partition and click the Next button.
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.
There are multiple user types on Windows, each with different permissions. Out of all available groups, the administrator group has the most privileges. Sometimes, to make certain changes on your PC, you need to have the maximum rights.
If you want to change your current account settings and give it additional privileges, this is possible in Windows 11 and the process isn’t that much different when compared to the one of making yourself an administrator in Windows 10.
Why don’t I have admin rights on Windows 11?
If you don’t have admin rights on Windows 11, it might be because you are using a standard account instead of an administrator account.
Also, if you are using a PC owned by your company, the admin rights might be disabled by your organization.
Should I use an administrator or a standard account?
Administrators have full and unrestricted access to system files, and they can install applications. However, this isn’t without security concerns.
If your PC were to get infected by malware, it could spread with almost no restrictions and perform whatever it wants if it infects a user with maximum access rights.
By using a standard account, the malware won’t be able to run without extra permissions, so the chance of getting infected is smaller.
How can I change the administrator account in Windows 11?
1. Use the Settings app
Click the Start button in the Taskbar.
Select Settings.
Now go to the Accounts section and choose Family & other users.
Select the account that you want to change to administrator and click on Change account type.
Set the Account type to Administrator and click OK to save changes.
If the Settings app fails to work, you can fix the issue by using the command-line tool and running a few commands, as described in this guide on what to do if the Settings app crashes in Windows 11.
Start Windows Terminal by pressing Windows Key + X and choosing the Windows Terminal (Admin) from the list.
Click the down arrow and select Command Prompt.
When the Command Prompt window opens, run this command: net localgroup Administrators "WR_Test" /add
Optional: To remove an account from the Administrators group, run this command: net localgroup Administrators "WR_Test" /delete
These are some methods to change the administrator account on Windows 11 on a Lenovo laptop and other PCs. All our solutions are relatively simple, but we suggest using the Settings app since it’s the most straightforward.
However, if you’re an advanced user you can enable the hidden administrator account for high level operations. You can also add a user account to the administrator group quickly using the Terminal because it only takes a few seconds.
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
Press the Windows key + X and select Device Manager.
Click the arrow next to USB Serial Bus controllers to expand it and right-click each of the drivers there.
Choose the Update driver option.
Now, select the Search automatically for drivers option and install any available update.
According to users, if Xbox One controller is giving youUSB 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
Update all your drivers with ease so all your devices can be recognized instantly.
Press the Windows key + R, type cmd, and choose Run as administrator under Command Prompt.
Type the command below and hit Enter: msdt.exe -id DeviceDiagnostic
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
Open theDevice Managerand locate your Xbox One controller.
Right-click the driver and choose Uninstall device from the menu.
Click the Uninstall button to confirm the action.
After removing the driver, click Scan for hardware changes icon.
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
Open the Device Manager, expand the System devices option and right-click Plug and Play Software Device Enumerator.
Choose Update driver from the menu.
Select Browse my computer for driver software.
Now, choose Let me pick from a list of devices on my computer.
Select Plug and Play Software Enumerator and click Next.
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
Press the Windows key + I to open the Settings app and select the Update & Security option.
Click the Check for updates button in the right pane.
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.
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 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.
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!
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:
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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
Press the Windows key + X and select Device Manager.
Click the arrow next to the Display adapters and double-click the driver there.
Select the Driver tab at the top and click the Roll Back Driver button.
If the button is not clickable, click the Update Driver button.
From here, select the Search automatically for drivers option and install any available updates.
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.
Press the Windows key + I and select Update & Security.
Click the Check for updates button.
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.
Right-click the problematic application and choose Properties from the menu.
Choose the Compatibility tab, check Run this program in compatibility mode for.
Finally, Select Windows 10 and click Apply, followed by OK to save your settings.
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.
Press the Windows key + S, type cmd, and select Run as administrator under Command Prompt.
Type the command below and press Enter to run it: sfc/scannow
Wait for the command to complete, type the command below and hit Enter: DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
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
Press the Windows key + I and choose the Update & Security option.
Select Recovery in the left pane and click Get Started under Reset this PC.
Choose whether to keep or remove your files and click the Next button.
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.
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.
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
When using Visual Studio, go to Solution Explorer, right-click on References, and select Add Reference from the context menu.
On the left side of the Reference Manager, click on Browse and navigate to the following path: C:Program Files (x86)Windows Kits10UnionMetadatawinmd
Now, add it to your project as a reference. Also, make sure to change the filter to All Files.
Again, right-click on References, and click on Add Reference from the context menu.
Next, on the left of the Reference Manager, go to Browse and find the directory, C:Program Files (x86)Reference AssembliesMicrosoftFramework.NETCorev4.5.
Add System.Runtime.WindowsRuntime.dll to your project.
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.
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
By default, the object browser is set to All Components, hence, firstly, select NET Portable Subset(Visual Studio 2013).
Next, to add the Windows.Storage, select All Components, and look for Windows.winmd.
Now, Highlight the desired Component, and click on Add to References in Selected Project under Solution Explorer.
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?
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
Click the Start icon, type cmd, and click Run as administrator under Command Prompt.
Type the command below and hit Enter: msdt.exe -id DeviceDiagnostic
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
Press the Windows key + I and select Update & Security.
Choose Recovery in the left pane and click the Restart now button under Advanced startup.
Select Troubleshoot > Advanced options when your computer restarts.
Now, choose Startup Settings from the option.
Click the Restart button.
Finally, press the corresponding key Enable Safe Mode.
3. Run CHKDSK
Launch Command Prompt as an admin.
Type the command below and hit Enter: chkdsk /f /r Y:
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.
Open File Explorer and right-click the problematic external hard drive.
Choose the Properties option.
Select the Security tab at the top and click the Edit button in To change permissions, click the Edit section.
Click the Add… button.
Now, type everyone in the open space.
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
Press theWindows key + Xand selectDevice Manager.
Double-click the Disk drives option to expand it and right-click the driver.
ChooseUpdate Driver.
Select Search automatically for drivers and install any available update.
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.
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.
If it does not work, you can explore the solutions below.
1. Repair system files
Press the Windows key + S, type cmd, and select Run as administrator under Command Prompt.
Type the command below and press Enter: sfc /scannow
Wait for the command to finish, copy and paste the command below, and hit Enter: DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-image /Restorehealth
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
Press the Windows key + X and choose Device Manager.
Click the arrow next to the option to update driver for, right-click the driver there, and choose Update driver.
Now select Search automatically for drivers and follow the instructions on the screen.
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.
Press the Windows key + R, type rstrui.exe, and hit Enter.
Tick the Choose a different restore point button and click Next.
Choose a later restore point before you started getting the Pshed.dll error and click Next.
Finally, click the Finish button to confirm the action.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
After observing the checks above, proceed with the factory reset steps below:
1. Use a Recovery drive
Press the Windows + S keys on the second PC, type recovery drive, and select Create a recovery drive.
Check the Backup system files in the recovery drive option box, then click the Next button.
Select a USB flash drive connected to your PC from the list and click Next.
Follow the instructions on the screen to create the Recovery drive.
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.
Select Use a device from the options.
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
Press the power button and continuously press the F4, F10, F11, or F12 keys to open the System Recovery page.
On the Choose an option page, select the Troubleshoot option.
Click Reset this PC, then select either Keep my files or Remove everything.
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.
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.
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
Open Control Panel.
Select Windows Update.
Now click the Check for updates button.
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.
Enter the KB number in the search field and click on Search.
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.
A new window will appear. Click the link to download the update.
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?
Open Control Panel.
Navigate to Uninstall a program.
Now select View installed updates.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Press Win + R and type wsreset.exe.
Wait until the Command Prompt window closes automatically.
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.
Open PowerShell as Administrator. If you’re unfamiliar with it, check this guide on how to use PowerShell in Windows 10.
Run: get-appxpackage Microsoft.GamingServices | remove-AppxPackage -allusers start ms-windows-store://pdp/?productid=9MWPM2CQNLHN This reinstalls Gaming Services from the Microsoft Store.
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.
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%.
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.
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
Press Windows + I to open Settings, and click on Update & Security.
Click on View update history on the right.
Now, click on Uninstall updates.
Locate the last installed update, and click on Uninstall.
Click Yes in the confirmation prompt.
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
Type Device Manager in the Search bar, and click on the relevant search result.
Expand the Display adapters entry, right-click on the active graphics adapter, and select Update 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.
Press Windows + R to open Run, type cmd in the text field, and press Ctrl + Shift + Enter.
Click Yes in the UAC prompt.
Now, paste these three commands individually and hit Enter after each:dism /online /cleanup-image /scanhealthdism /online /cleanup-image /restorehealth
Once done, execute the following command to run the SFC scan: sfc /scannow
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.
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.
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
Click the Start button and click the Power option, press the Shift key and click Restart from Power options.
Select Troubleshoot from the options available on the new window.
Click on the Reset your PC option.
On the Reset page, choose either the Keep my files or Remove everything option to perform a complete reset.
Click the Reset button to proceed with the reset, then wait for the process to complete.
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.
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.
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.
Open the Start menu by pressing the Windows button.
Search for Minecraft launcher.
Right-click on it and select App Settings.
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.
Click on the drop-down menu next to the Play button.
Choose Latest Release.
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 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.
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
Launch the game and open the game menu. Click on System.
Now set Graphics Quality to a different value. You might even put it on the lowest value.
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
Go to WoW’s installation directory. By default, it should be: C:\World of Warcraft\
Next, navigate to WTF directory.
Locate the Config.wtf file, right-click it, and choose Delete.
Once you delete the file, start the game again.
This should help you fix LUA error function permanently on your PC.
If you’re running World of Warcraft, close it completely.
Uninstall any addon manager you may be running.
Navigate to the World of Warcraft folder on your computer.
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_).
Rename the following folders:
Cache: Cache_Old
Interface: Interface_Old
WTF: WTF_Old
Launch WoW.
Once the game starts, reset all your settings to the default.
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.
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
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. Press Windows Key + G at the same time.
2. Select Yes, this is a game.
3. In the Settings, you can set up recordingfeatures to your liking.
Backgroundrecording
Timer
Clip length
Customizable shortcuts
Audio, as desired
4. Click on the webcamicon to bring up the Capturemenu.
5. Once you’ve set up everything, just click on the circle and the recording should start.
6. To stop recording, just bring back command panel (Windows Key + G) and click the Stop button.
7. Alternatively, you can press the Windows Key + Alt + Rkeyboard shortcut to start/stop recording.
8. All of your recordingswill 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
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.
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.
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:
Press the Windows Key + S and type in Settings.
Select Gaming.
Then, click on Game DVR.
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.
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?
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?
You will receive the installer file and after you run it, click on Install.
After a few seconds, you will be prompted that the installation was successful so click the Start Now button.
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.
Next, you even get to choose between two skin options. We chose Elegance, of course, then hit OK.
Now, from the main screen, select Video Recorder.
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.
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.
The only thing left to do is to press the big red Record button.
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.
Now type the name of the video, set the destination on your drive and click Next.
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.
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.
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. 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. Press Next, then select the Repair your computer option.
3. Press the Troubleshoot button.
4. Now, click on Advanced options.
5. Select the Startup Repair option.
6. Next, select the target operating system to fix and Windows will initiate the repair, then restart.
2. Boot Into Safe Mode
Use the bootable media (just like in Solution 1) or restart the PC three times to activate Startup Repair.
You computer will reboot, then show the Advanced options screen, and select Troubleshoot.
Click on Advanced options.
Select Startup Settings.
Click on the Restart button.
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.
Click the Start button, type cmd, and select Run as administrator to run Command Prompt with full privileges.
When Command Prompt opens, type the following command and press Enter to run it: sfc /scannow
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
In the same Command Prompt window, type the following command and press Enter: DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
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.
Press the Windows Start button, type system restore, and select Create a restore point from the list of results.
System Properties window will now open. Click the System Restore button.
Click the Next button.
If it’s available, check Show more restore points option. Now you just need to choose the desired restore point and click Next.
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
Click on the Start button from Windows, type device manager, and select Device Manager from results.
Try to locate any devices marked with an exclamation symbol in the list, right-click on them, and select Update driver.
Next, select the first option, Search automatically for drivers.
The system will look for any updates and will install it. If it doesn’t, click on Search for updated drivers on Windows Update.
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.
If the system is up to date, hit View all optional updates.
Select the Driver updates section, check the boxes for any new drivers and click the Download and install button.
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.
Press the Start button and type advanced system.
Select View advanced system settings from the list of results.
Click on the Advanced tab on the upper side of the Properties window, then select Settings from the Startup and recovery section.
Under the System failure section, uncheck the Automatically restart box.
Click the Write debugging information drop-down menu and select the Complete memory dump option.
Save changes.
Reboot your Windows device.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
Launch Publisher, and open the document that’s throwing the error.
Now, navigate to the View menu, and uncheck the option for Page navigation.
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.
Press Windows + R to open Run, typemspub /safe in the text field, and hit Enter.
Microsoft Publisher will now launch in Safe Mode.
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.
Press Windows + R to open Run, type appwiz.cpl in the text field, and click OK.
Locate Microsoft Office, select it, and click on Change.
Click Yes in the UAC prompt.
Now, select Online Repair, and click on the Repair button.
Again, click on Repair to confirm the change.
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.
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.
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.
2. Now, simply click on the Download for Windows 10 button. Yes, it will also work on Windows 11.
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!
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.
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.
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
Press the Windows key + X and select Task Manager.
Right-click any app using too many resources or anyone you are not using and select End Task.
Finally, restart the game.
2. Verify game files
Launch Steam, click the Library tab at the top, and right-click Dota 2.
Choose the Properties… option.
Click Local files in the left pane and select Verify integrity of game files…
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
Right-click the Start button and select Device Manager from the list.
Right-click on the device from the list and select Update driver.
Select Search automatically for updated driver software.
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
Press the Windows key, type power plan, and click Choose a power plan.
Click Create a power plan in the left pane.
Choose the High-performance option and click the Next button.
Finally, click the Create button.
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.
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
Type Device Manager in the Search bar, and click on the relevant search result.
Expand Display adapters, right-click on the AMD Radeon driver, then select Properties.
Navigate to the Driver tab, and then click on Roll Back Driver.
Now, choose a reason for rolling back and click Yes to start the process.
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
Go to the AMD drivers & support page, find the last working version of the AMD driver, and download it.
Locate the driver you downloaded (.exe file), right-click on it, and select Run as administrator.
Click Yes in the UAC prompt.
Now, follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation.
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.
Open any web browser and go to your device manufacturer’s support website.
You can typically find previous driver versions listed under Other Versions or Previous Versions. Also, you could manually search for them.
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 afree 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.
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:
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
Right-click on the desktop, hover the cursor over View, and select Small icons.
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
Press Windows + R to open the Run, type devmgmt.msc in the text field, and click OK.
Expand the Display adapters category, right-click on the graphics adapter, and select Update driver.
Now, select Search automatically for drivers.
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:
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.
Press Windows + I to open Settings, and choose System.
In the Display tab, choose 100% from the Change the size of text, apps, and other items dropdown menu.
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.
Type View advanced system settings in the Search bar and click on the relevant search result.
Click on the Settings button under Performance.
Select the Adjust for best appearance option, and click OK to save the changes.
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
Press Windows + R to open Run, type netplwiz, and hit Enter.
Click on Add.
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.
Alternatively, you can create a local account by clicking on Sign in without a Microsoft account (not recommended).
Now, click on Local account.
Enter the details for the new account, and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the process.
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.
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. Bring up the Windows search box using the handy Windows key + S hotkey.
2. Type cmd in the search box to find and open Command Prompt.
3. Right-click the Command Prompt search result to select a Run as administrator context menu option.
4. Input the following command in the Prompt’s window and press Enter: DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-image /Restorehealth
5. Now, scan the system files in your PC. To run a file scan, enter the folllowing command and press Return: sfc /scannow
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
Open the Command Prompt as outlined in the first three steps of the first resolution.
Type in this command and press Enter:chkdsk c: /f /r /x
Press Y and Enter to confirm.
Thereafter, select the Power and Restart options on Windows 11’s Start menu.
4. Replace the SATA AHCI device’s driver file
First, right-click the Start menu taskbar icon and select Device Manager’s shortcut.
Double-click IDE ATA/ATAPI controllers to extend that category.
Then double-click Standard SATA AHCI Controller, and click the window’s Driver tab.
Press the Driver Details button.
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.
Press the Update Driver button on the Driver tab.
Click the Browse my computer for drivers option.
Select the Let me pick from a list of available drivers option.
Then select the Standard SATA AHCI Controller within the selection box, and click the Next button.
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
Right-click Start to select the Run accessory shortcut.
Type this text in Run’s Open box: rstrui
Click OK to bring up System Restore.
Select the Choose a different restore point option, and click Next to continue.
If there’s a Show more restore points checkbox available, select that option.
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.
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 clickingSystem 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
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.
First, click Start to open the menu.
Select the pinned Settings shortcut.
Click the Recovery navigation option.
Press the Reset PC button to open its utility.
Next, select the Keep my Files option (if you prefer to retain your user files).
Choose either the Cloud download or Local reinstall option.
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:
First, select troubleshoot with your keyboard and press Enter.
Choose Advanced options to bring up that menu.
Then select Start-up Repair on the Advanced options menu.
Press the Reset button to reboot.
Select the Restart option.
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.
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.
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
Right-click the Start button and select Device Manager.
Go to Human Interface Devices section and expand it.
Find the HID-compliant touch screen, right click on it and choose Disable.
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
Go to Start, type command, right-click on Command Prompt, and select Run as administrator.
Type the script below and hit Enter. sfc /scannow
Wait for the scanning process to complete, and then restart your computer. On reboot, all corrupted files will be replaced.
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.
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 Updateras an automated tool.
4. Modify the registry
Press the Windows key + R and enter regedit.
Once it opens, navigate to: HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Wisp\Touch
In the right pane, double-click the TouchGate value.
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.
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.
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
Press Windows + R to open Run, type devmgmt.msc in the text field, and click OK.
Expand Network adapters, right-click on the problematic one, and select Update driver.
Now, select Search automatically for drivers and wait while Windows installs the best available version.
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.
Type Command Prompt in the Search bar, and click on Run as administrator.
Click Yes in the UAC prompt.
Now, paste the following commands individually and hit Enter each: ipconfig /releaseipconfig /flushdnsipconfig /renew
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.
Head to the manufacturer’s website and download the driver you find, regardless of if it’s for another iteration.
Now, right-click on the setup and select Properties.
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.
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.
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:
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
Open the Settings app, and go to the Update & Security section.
Select Troubleshoot from the menu on the left followed by Additional troubleshooters on the right.
Select BSOD from the right pane, and click on Run the troubleshooter.
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
Go to the Start Menu, and click the Restart button while holding Shift on your keyboard.
In Advanced Startup select Troubleshoot.
Go to Advanced Options, and choose Startup Settings.
Click on the Restart button.
You should see an option to enter Safe Mode once the PC reboots. It is usually the F4 key.
When you enter Safe Mode, go to Device Manager.
Locate the problematic driver, right click and choose Uninstall.
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.
Press Windows then type cmd and click the Run as administrator option from the right panel.
Paste the following command and press Enter: sfc /scannow
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.
Tap Windows then input cmd into the search bar and select Run as administrator.
In the command line, type the following commands and press Enter after each: Dism /Online /Cleanup-image /ScanHealthDism /Online /Cleanup-image /RestoreHealth
Now, type the following command and press Enter: DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth/source:WIM:X:SourcesInstall.wim:1 /LimitAccess
Make sure to change an X value with the letter of the mounted drive with Windows installation.
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
Press Windows + I to open the Settings app, and navigate to the Update & security section.
Now click on Check for updates button.
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. Press the Windows Key + Xand choose Command Prompt (Admin),or PowerShell (Admin). They are both command line tools and serve the same function.
2. Type the following command, and then press Enter: chkdsk /r c:
3. You’ll be asked to schedule disk checking the next time you restart your PC.
4. EnterYand pressEnter.
5. Restart your PC and your computer will automatically perform chkdsk scan.
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.
Press the Windows key + I then go to Update & Security from down the window.
Click theRecovery option from the left pane, then, under Reset this PC, click Get started.
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.
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
Click on the Start Menu and choose the Settings option.
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.
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.
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
To disconnect work or school accounts, click the Start Menu icon on the taskbar and then choose the Settings option.
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.
After that, click on the Disconnect button present on the school or work account tile.
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.
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.
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:
Then, double-click on the NoToastApplicationNotification file. This will open an overlay pane on your screen.
Now, enter 0 in the Value data: field and click on the OK button to confirm and close.
Finally, restart the computer using the Start Menu and check if the issue with your organization manages updates on this PC has been resolved.
4. Change Group Policy Editor Settings
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.
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.
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
Then, double-click Configure Automatic Updates.
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.
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.
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
First, click on the Start Menu button from your computer’s taskbar and choose the Settings option from the flyout.
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.
After that, locate the Send optional diagnostic data section and then toggle the switch to the On position.
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.
If the issue presents itself due to insufficient data being sent to Microsoft, changing Diagnostic data will resolve the problem.
6. Enable telemetry
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.
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.
Now, click on the drop-down menu situated adjacent to the Startup type field and select the Automatic option.
Then, click on the Apply button to save the changes and click on the OK button to close the window.
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.
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.