Fix: Bluetooth Audio Stuttering in Windows 10 [Choppy Sound]

Posted on October 31, 2022October 4, 2023 by Matthew Adams

Many users connect Bluetooth peripherals with their desktops or laptops. However, some users have posted on support forums about audio stuttering issues when using Bluetooth audio devices with their PCs. For example, one user said this in a forum post:

As of recent, when connecting any pair of Bluetooth headphones or devices, I would get stuttering problems when using Bluetooth headphones. The audio would frequently cut in and out randomly, and it would frequently disconnect, even when it was fully charged.

This guide will list down multiple solutions to help you resolve the Windows 10 Bluetooth audio stutter issue. But, first, let us check out the solutions.

Why is my Bluetooth audio glitching?

If this happens, you may have issues with your adapter, and if Bluetooth won’t turn on, it’s somewhat likely that there’s a driver problem.

Pairing issues can also cause sound problems, and if there’s no sound after a Bluetooth connection, your device might not be appropriately connected to your PC.

A few users reported that they can’t connect Bluetooth headphones at all, and this is most likely a driver issue, so updating or reinstalling your drivers should help.

How do I fix Bluetooth audio stutter in Windows 10?

1. Update Bluetooth and audio drivers

Right-click the Start icon then select Device Manager.
Click the View button then select Show hidden devices.
Here, expand the Bluetooth section, right-click the driver, and select Update driver.
Select Search automatically for drivers.
Next, expand the Sound, video, and game controllers section, right-click the audio driver, which might be Realtek, then select Update driver. Like before, select the Search automatically for drivers option.
Reboot your computer in order to apply the changes made and fix the Bluetooth headphones stuttering in Windows 10.

You can manually update your PC’s audio and Bluetooth drivers, but using driver updater software is quicker. A driver updater utility will scan your PC and immediately list devices with outdated drivers.

Then you can download and install new drivers with the driver updater utility’s options.

2. Reinstall the Wi-Fi driver

Right-click on the Start menu. Select Device Manager from this list.
Expand Network adapters to expand that category.
Right-click your PC’s wireless network adapter and select the Uninstall device option.
Select the Delete the driver software for this device option on the Uninstall Device dialog box window.
Click the Uninstall button.
Select the Network Adapters category, and click the Action menu.
Select the menu Scan for hardware changes option to reinstall the driver.

Once you reinstall the driver, check if Bluetooth audio stuttering still appears on Windows 10.

3. Run the Bluetooth troubleshooter

1. Open the Start menu.
2. Type troubleshoot in the search box and click on the first result to open Troubleshoot settings.
3. Click on Additional troubleshooters.
4. Select Bluetooth and click on Run the troubleshooter.
5. Follow the troubleshooter’s instructions.

Whenever you have any Bluetooth related issues on your Windows 10 device, you can run your built-in troubleshooter.

The Bluetooth troubleshooter can be accessed on your device via Settings in just a few steps. After you configure the troubleshooter to run, you need only wait for it to finish to ensure your problem is fixed.

4. Select the Disable all enhancements option

Right-click the speaker (sound) icon on your system tray to open its context menu. Select Sounds.
Right-click on your default audio device under the Playback tab, and click the Properties button.
Switch to the Enhancements tab.
Click the Disable all audio enhancements checkbox.
Press the Apply and OK buttons to save the new settings.

After disabling audio enhancements, the Bluetooth audio stuttering on Windows 10 should be gone.

5. Select a different audio format setting

Right-click the speaker (sound) icon on your system tray to open its context menu.
Select Sounds.
Right-click the default sound device on the Playback tab and select Properties.
Click the Advanced tab.
Then select the 16-bit 48000 Hz (DVD Quality) option on the Default Format drop-down menu.
Select the Apply option.
Click the OK button to close the window.

6. Reset Bluetooth headphones

If you need to fix Airpods stuttering in Windows 10, try resetting the headphones. Then, press and hold the headphone power button for several seconds.

When you see a blue light flash, release the power button. After that, you’ll need to pair your Bluetooth headphones again.

7. Disable Remote Control and Hands-free telephony

Open the Run dialogue by pressing Win + R keys. Type control panel and press Enter.
Click OK to open the Control Panel. Select Devices and Printers.
Right-click your Bluetooth device and select Properties then click the Services tab.
Deselect the Remote Control and Hands-free telephony checkboxes to disable them.
Click Apply and OK to save the new options.

8. Disable Bluetooth Collaboration

Right-click the Start menu button and select Device Manager.
Double-click the Network adapters section of Device Manager.
Click on your network adapter then select the Advanced tab.
Next, select Bluetooth Collaboration on the Property list.
Select Disable on the Value drop-down menu.
Click OK to confirm the new setting.

A few users reported that this method fixed Bluetooth audio stuttering on Windows 10, so try it out.

9. Connect your Bluetooth audio device with a USB extension cable

If you have a USB extension cable handy, try connecting your Bluetooth device to your PC with a USB extension cable. Some users have said doing so can fix Bluetooth audio stuttering.

10. Reduce signal interference

Bluetooth audio stuttering can arise because of Wi-Fi interference from other devices. First, try moving your Bluetooth device closer to your PC.

Doing so will reduce potential obstructions generating the stuttering issue and ensure your device is within range.

Remove other Wi-Fi devices from the room your Bluetooth audio device is in. For example, things like tablets and phones might be interfering with your Bluetooth signal.

So, try moving all other Wi-Fi devices away from the speakers or headphones.

11. Adjust the Roaming aggressiveness settings

Open Control Panel then click Network and Sharing Center.
Select Wi-Fi in the Connections section.
Click the Properties button then press the Configure button.
Select the Advanced tab.
Click on the Roaming Aggressiveness option.
Select the Lowest option on the Value drop-down menu.

There are various potential fixes for Bluetooth audio stuttering in Windows 10. Many users have confirmed they’ve fixed audio stuttering with the resolutions above. So, those resolutions are worth a shot.

How can I fix Bluetooth audio stuttering on Windows 11?

Here are a few solutions you can apply to resolve the Bluetooth headphones’ sound-muffled problem in Windows 11. Note that they also work for the airpods choppy audio issue in Windows 11.

Check if your Bluetooth driver is updated or not.
Turn on and off the Airplane mode.
Disconnect other Bluetooth devices.
Repair your Bluetooth device.
Run the Bluetooth troubleshooter on your PC.
Restart the Bluetooth service on your Windows 11 PC.
Reinstall the Bluetooth driver.

Why is my Bluetooth speaker crackling?

The wire of the Bluetooth speaker might be damaged, or there could be some issue with your wireless connection.

This could also arise due to a faulty connection, but nonetheless, you need to check your volume and impedance levels.

That is it from us in this guide. Let us know in the comments below which one of the above solutions helped you resolve the Windows 10 audio stutter issue.

Fix: League of Legends Could Not Connect to The HTTP Server

Posted on October 31, 2022October 4, 2023 by Henderson Jayden Harper

League of Legends could not connect to the HTTP server is one of the errors users encounter when playing the game. It indicates an irregularity when relating to the League of Legends servers. Also, users report League of Legends ping spike on Windows.

Why is League of Legends not connecting to the server?

Many factors may be responsible for the League of Legends not connecting to the server. However, the most common cause of the problem is DNS server issues. The DNS server is responsible for establishing a connection with a server on the internet.

Furthermore, a couple of factors can also cause the League of Legends not to connect to the server issues:

Interference with other apps on your PC – The League of Legends game app may encounter issues due to the activities of other apps running on the PC. They can block its connection and prevent it from connecting to the server.
Network congestion issues – Many things may go wrong with your game if the network connection is congested. Games like the League of Legends require a fast and stable network to work smoothly.
Outdated League of Legends app – When the game app is obsolete, it can make it function abnormally. Likewise, bugs affecting the outdated app may cause issues with connecting to the servers.

The cause of the issue may vary. Nonetheless, it is fortunate that regardless of the reasons, the fixes below will help you get through the process.

What can I do if League of Legends fails to connect to the HTTP server?

Before troubleshooting the League of Legends when it fails to connect servers, observe the following preliminary checks:

Connect to a stable and fast network.
Close and relaunch the app.
Restart your League of Legends app and check if the issue persists.

In case the preliminary checks are not helpful, proceed with the solutions below

1. Run League of Legends as Admin

Press the Windows + S keys and type league of legends in the search space.
Select Run as administrator from the drop-down, then click on the OK button.

Running the game as an administrator will fix permissions issues affecting its performance.

2. Flush DNS records on your PC

Press the Windows + R keys to prompt the Run dialog window, type cmd in the search box, and press ENTER to open the Command Prompt window.
Type the following command and click on ENTER: ipconfig/flushdns
Restart your PC and check if the issue has been resolved.

Flushing the DNS record on Windows can help fix issues with the DNS server that may cause the game not to connect to the HTTP server.

Peradventure, if you encounter an error saying your DNS server might be unavailable on Windows 10/11, read this article.

3. Allow League of Legends through Windows Defender Firewall

Press the Windows + R keys, and type firewall.cpl, and click OK.
Click the Allow an app or feature through the Windows Firewall option, then click Change settings below it.
Click Allow another app, then Browse.
Go to the League of Legends installation directory: C:\Riot Games\League of Legends
Select the LeagueClient.exe file and click Open, then click the Add button at the bottom of the screen.
Check the boxes for Private and Public columns next to League of Legends, and click OK.

4. Change your DNS server address

Press Windows + R key and type ncpa.cpl.
Right-click your network adapter and select Properties from the drop-down.
Select Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) and click Properties.
Tick the box for the Use the following DNS server addresses option; type 1.1.1.1 in the Preferred DNS server, and the Alternate DNS server, type in 1.0.0.1.
Click OK to save settings.
Restart your PC for the changes to sync correctly.

Changing your DNS server address can help fix issues and allow you to connect League of Legends to the HTTP server.

Alternatively, you can read how to fix critical errors in League of Legends on your PC if you experience other problems.

Likewise, you may be interested in how to fix League of Legends startup issues on your computer and get the app working again.

Kindly leave your questions and suggestions in the comments section below.

Sims 4 Won’t Load Household: 5 Quick Ways to Fix It

Posted on October 31, 2022June 19, 2025 by Loredana Harsana

Launching the Sims app on your PC may not encounter problems until you attempt to load your household. Some of our readers complain that Sims 4 won’t load the household and its items when they want to. Also, they encounter issues with the mods not working on Sims 4.

Why is my household not loading on Sims 4?

Households not loading on Sims 4 is caused by corrupted game saves. The saved data collected by the app could impede the game. Other likely causes are:

Outdated Sims 4 client on Windows – Running an outdated client on your PC can impede the game, such as the household not responding issue.
Issues with your graphics card – Sims 4 may not load the household if your graphics cards are not updated. Check your computer’s graphics card by following the options outlined in our guide.
Outdated Windows – This can make your PC incompatible with the game. Hence, it affects in-game functionalities that could cause the household not to load on Sims 4.

These are other causes of the problem, which can be fixed by troubleshooting some components on your PC.

What can I do if Sims 4 won’t load the household?

Before proceeding with any advanced troubleshooting, go through the following checks:

Connect to a stable network connection to activate your game.
Restart your PC to see if the issue persists.
Ensure to update your Windows to avoid incompatibility issues for the game.

If you can’t fix the issue after the checks, proceed with the steps below.

1. Remove the corrupted game files

Press the Windows + E to open File Explorer, and copy the Saves folder to the desktop from this path: C:\Documents\ElectronicArts\TheSims4\Saves
Launch a new game, and if it works, exit the game.
Locate the game named slot00000002.save located in the folder you moved to the desktop and take it back into the new Saves folder.
If the game loads, repeat the third step for all the game files, except for slot00000001.save, till you identify the corrupt one.
If after moving a file, the game stop loading the household, delete the file.
Also, check if there are any files tagged slot0000000X.save.ver0 – slot0000000X.save.ver0 where X is the number of your problematic save.
Move the slot0000000X.save file back to the folder on your desktop.
Move the ver0 file to the active folder.
Change the name of the slot0000000X.save.ver0 to slot0000000X.save.

Since corrupted game files are often responsible for the error, identifying and removing them should solve the Sims 4 if it won’t load the household.

2. Repair the game

Left-click the Start button, search, and open the Origin software.
Click My Games in Origin and right-click The Sims 4 to select a Repair Game option.

Some players have confirmed that repairing the game can fix the household not loading issue. You can also apply this fix for the Sims 4 error code 3.

3. Remove the mods

Press the Windows + E to open the File Explorer and go to the Sims 4 installation directory: C:\Documents\Electronic Arts\The Sims 4\Mods
Then copy the mods folder available there, paste it on the desktop, and launch the game.
Launch the game. If it works, copy one of the mod files from the desktop folder and paste it into the new mod folder.
If the game works fine after this, paste the mods files one by one from the desktop folder into the new mod in the game installation folder to identify the faulty mod file.
Delete any problematic mod preventing the game from working fine.

By removing the corrupted mod files, you should gain access to the household on the Sims 4.

4. Update the game

Click the Start button, search for Origin and launch it on your PC and navigate to the My Game Library tab.
Right-click on the Sims 4 icon, then click on the Check for Update option from the drop-down.

Follow the above steps to ensure you’re playing the most updated Sims 4 version. If the Sims 4 fails to update, check out the various fixes to solve the problem.

5. Update your graphics drivers

Press the Windows + R keys to open the Run window, type devmgmt.msc into the search space, and click OK.
Click on the Display adapters from the search results, select the display driver to update, then right-click on it, and click the Update driver option.
Then select Search automatically for drivers and restart your PC after the update process is complete.

Updating graphics drivers will help it process graphics performance on your game smoothly. Check our guide on how to update drivers on Windows 11 and other methods to use.

How do I clear my Sims cache?

Press Windows + E to open File Explorer, paste the following path in the address bar, and hit Enter:Documents/Electronic Arts/The Sims 4/
Delete the localthumbcache file here.
Next, open the Cache folder, and delete all the files except, FileCache.cfg.

Does wiping cache delete data?

No, a cache comprises temporary files and does not represent any critical data in an application or game. So, even when you wipe the cache, your data is not deleted. Though you may have to re-login or see some other minor changes, the data per se remains safe.

Besides, it’s recommended that you regularly clear the cache for improved performance and to get rid of trivial.

Also, you can read this guide if you want to learn how to install Sims 4 mods on Windows and Mac.

Other information you may want to use includes how to fix Sims 4 not starting, change the game language, or reduce lag in Sims 4.

Do not hesitate to use the comments section if you have any suggestions.

How to Find Missing Drivers on Windows PC [Auto Detect & Install]

Posted on October 31, 2022September 7, 2025 by Milan Stanojevic

Driver detector and updater software are meant to take the hassle of having to use Device Manager constantly so as to update your drivers in Windows 10/11.

The swift, yet clever nature of software that automatically detects drivers also frees you from having to visit your device or hardware manufacturer’s website every other time to find the right driver as and when you need it.

In short, they make it easy to keep your computer or device drivers updated. Let’s see how these tools can simplify your digital life.

How can a driver detector help you?

Here are the general benefits of using a driver detector:

Driver detectors are compatible with Windows 7, 8 and 8.1, 10, 11
Offers a download and booster option
Finds missing drivers
Offers an offline & online detector
Offers support for all major CPU/GPU/laptop manufacturers (Driver detector Dell/HP/Intel/AMD/NVidia)
Automatic detection and installation
Detects hardware and installs drivers (They are also called hardware driver detectors for this reason).
Offers a motherboard driver detector

How do I find and install missing drivers for free?

Some of the tools listed below offer a free version that will find and install your missing drivers.

How to install missing drivers via Windows Update?

1. Press the Windows + I keys, then go to Update & Security.
2. Select the View all optional updates option.
3. Click on the Driver updates section.
4. Select the available drivers, then click on Download and install.
5. Wait for the installation process to complete.

The traditional method of installing missing drivers on your PC involves using the built-in Windows Update feature.

Under Optional updates, you can manually select which driver updates you want to install.

This is how you can update or install drivers via Windows Update. Alternatively, you can try to use Device Manager, as it is another manual way to do this.

How do I automatically detect drivers?

We’ve listed some of the top software that automatically detects drivers so you can pick the one that matches your needs. Yes, it can be that simple!

What are the best tools to auto detect your Windows drivers?

Here’s what we found to be the best:

Driver Fusion – user-friendly choice
TweakBit Driver Updater – eliminates compatibility issues
DriverMax – offers scheduled scans
Device Doctor – best for offline scans
DriverIdentifier – best for minimalistic usage
Free Driver Scout – offers one-click maintenance

Driver Fusion – User friendly choice

If you are looking for a user-friendly software tool that automatically detects drivers, you can’t go wrong with Driver Fusion.

You need to know from the very start the fact that it has a collection of over ten million drivers at the moment.

Even more, you get access to all driver versions that it can find for your drivers, so it’s easier than ever to choose a different version to install.

On top of all these, it enables you to clean driver entries that were at any time installed for a device, so that no errors could ever occur while using it.

Driver Fusion key features that you’re about to enjoy:

Automatic update of drivers for all your devices
Using your own driver backups is also possible
Easy identification of the type, name, and manufacturer of your devices
Detailed reports for all installed drivers
All major device manufacturers and drivers are supported

Driver Fusion

Driver Fusion is an ideal solution when looking for a tool that can automatically detect drivers. Ready to try it out?

Download Visit website

TweakBit Driver Updater – Eliminates compatibility issues

TweakBit Driver Updater helps you solve and prevent issues related to drivers on your computer. It is officially approved by Norton and Microsoft so you can use it without any risks.

This software automatically scans your computer to detect any corrupt, missing, or outdated drivers and looks for the latest versions in its online database with more than 300,000 official versions of drivers.

Based on your device or computer type and model, TweakBit Driver Updater picks out the perfect drivers that match it.

Plus, you can click a button to have it automatically apply any or all suggested driver updates, though you can do it manually.

The manual process is tedious and carries with it risks such as getting the wrong driver version or downloading unofficial versions that may bring along spyware or viruses into your system.

This is why TweakBit Driver Updater is the number one complete solution and recommended software that automatically detects drivers so you don’t have to make complex decisions.

Features include a free scanner, and better stability as it eliminates compatibility issues and driver-related system errors.

It also boosts improved functionality as you get the latest manufacturer driver updates, faster performance, saving time, and absolute safety.

It also has drivers for different Windows devices including laptops, tablets, printers, scanners, hard drives, Bluetooth, and video and audio cards, among others.

⇒ Get TweakBit’s Driver Updater

DriverMax – Offers scheduled scans

The DriverMax driver detector and updater software works for Windows operating systems and all Windows Server editions to update, backup, and restore outdated, missing, or faulty drivers for more than 2.3 million devices.

DriverMax has an easily automated update for drivers with automated installs, scheduled scans, and full device driver backups.

It also delivers increased computer productivity as it reduces system freezes and malfunctions, making for a great performance of your computer as you get the best and latest updates.

It also analyzes your existing drivers with the latest versions for more than 2.3 million devices, with an intelligent and unique online self-learning technology.

That ensures that only the most appropriate and recent versions of drivers are installed.

You also get maximum security as DriverMax tests each new driver before installing it on your computer, with backups for the current drivers and system restore points that allow for quick installation rollback.

⇒ Get DriverMax

Device Doctor – Best for offline scans

Device Doctor is a free Windows app that scans your computer hardware and checks for any new driver updates available for your computer or device. It also locates drivers for unidentified devices in the Windows Device Manager.

Once you click Begin Scan, Device Doctor queries its manufacturer driver database and immediately fetches the correct driver files for your computer or device.

It updates drivers for over 13 million individual devices and computers, with more added every week.

Other features include consistent updates, future proof with Windows versions and 64-bit support, offline scans, and it provides device names for unknown devices before updating drivers.

To use Device Doctor, you’ll need Windows 10/8/8.1/7/Vista/XP and 10 MB of available hard drive space.

⇒ Get Device Doctor

DriverIdentifier – Best for minimalistic usage

DriverIdentifier is designed as a software tool that automatically detects drivers so you can get the right driver each time you need an update on your computer.

Its features include an incredible database with the most updated drivers, and no need for an Internet connection as it’s enough to download the app to a USB flash drive and use it offline.

You’re also about to enjoy simplified driver downloads, driver updates, ease of use with a simple and foolproof interface, and support for all modern operating systems on both 32-bit and 64-bit versions.

⇒ Get DriverIdentifier

Free Driver Scout – Offers one-click maintenance

Free Driver Scout is a simple, all-in-one software that automatically detects drivers that offer free driver updates, with a database for more than 1 million different devices.

Free Driver Scout helps get your computer up and running while eliminating whatever slows down the system.

It is created to update all drivers installed on your computer, and remove outdated, broken, and defective drivers from your computer while offering the latest driver versions as free downloads.

It is 100 percent compatible with Windows versions and features one-click maintenance for quick and easy updates of drivers, driver scans, download manager, backup and recovery.

Other features include secure driver updates, no sluggish gaming as drivers are updated, plus you can determine the storage location for your backups and updates.

You can also auto-download, install, and update your drivers with the tool’s Driver Booster 5 for better performance and updated drivers.

⇒ Get Free Driver Scout

How do I know if I have missing drivers in Windows 11?

Believe us, you will know when you have missing drivers. Errors or PC slowdowns will immediately ensue.

One such error is the drivers not found error while installing Windows 11 issue which occurs exactly when users failed to install and update their drivers.

How do I find old drivers on my computer?

Open Device Manager by pressing Windows + I then go through the list of device drivers in order to find them.

By double-clicking the drivers, you will access their properties which includes information about their version and when they were updated/installed.

Where are Windows 10 drivers stored?

When Windows 10 drivers are stored in the following locations:

C:\Windows\System32\Drivers folder

C:\Windows\System32\DriverStore folder

Did any of these software tools that automatically detect drivers catch your attention?

Let us know your favorite pick, or if you’ve used any of these, share your experience in the comments section below.

How to Fix a Lagging Mouse on Windows: 8 Tested Ways

Posted on October 31, 2022May 21, 2025 by Ivan Jenic

When your mouse lags, the cursor moves slowly or jumps around, making it hard to click, drag, or control tasks like browsing, editing, or gaming smoothly.

Mouse lag is usually caused by low battery, signal issues, dirty sensors, outdated drivers, or high system load.

Follow the steps below to fix this issue withing minutes.

How to fix mouse lag

1. Update the mouse driver

1. Right-click the Start button and select Device Manager from the list.
2. Select Mice and other pointing devices and double-click your mouse.
3. Open the Driver menu, then click Update driver.
4. In the next window, select the Search automatically for drivers option.
5. If there are any new drivers, the system will install them, and you will need to restart your PC for the changes to take effect.
6. If you get the message that you already have the best drivers for your device, you can click the Search for updated drivers on Windows Update.
7. You will be redirected to the Windows Update section. Select View optional updates.
8. Click on Driver updates to expand the section and look for any mouse driver.
9. If you find one, check its box from the left and hit the Download and install button.

If your mouse is lagging, installing the correct mouse driver is likely to solve the problem.

In most cases, Windows 10 will automatically install the default mouse driver, and while that driver usually works, sometimes specific issues can occur.

You can install drivers via Device Manager, with the help of Windows Update. This consists of a manual update.

If you’re using a branded mouse, check the manufacturer’s website and download the latest drivers for your mouse model.

If you want to avoid going through all these steps and ensure that the correct drivers are installed, you could try using powerful driver updater software.

This tool will help any user who needs to update or find missing drivers on a Windows OS computer.

⇒ Get Outbyte Driver Updater

2. Enable hardware-accelerated GPU scheduling

Click the Start menu and select the Settings icon.
Select System.
Select Display from the left pane, and click on Graphic Settings from the left.
Toggle on the switch for Hardware-accelerated GPU scheduling.

3. Edit USB selective suspend settings

Right-click on the battery icon and select Power Options.
On the left pane, select Change when the computer sleeps.
Click on Change advanced power settings.
Click USB settings, expand the USB selective suspend setting, and change both options to Deactivated.

This solution will be helpful if you use a Bluetooth mouse.

4. Enable / Disable the Scroll Inactive Windows option

Click the Start button and select Settings.
Select the Devices option.
Next, click on Mouse from the left pane.
Now locate the Scroll Inactive Windows option and disable/enable it.
Try disabling and enabling this option a few times and check if the issue is resolved.

The tricky part of this solution is that some users may have difficulty accessing the Setting app. But this can be resolved in a few clicks.

5. Change the PalmCheck threshold in Windows

Press the Win + X keys and choose Settings from the list.
Choose the Devices option from the list.
Next, click on Touchpad from the left pane and select Settings under Synaptics Touchpad.
Now get the PalmCheck slider to the left.

6. Set the touchpad sensitivity

Click on the Start button and select the Settings app.
Now select Devices from the list.
Select Touchpad from the left pane.
Click on the Touchpad sensitivity menu and change it to High sensitivity or Most sensitive.
If you’re not using the touchpad, you can disable it from the same window by toggling off the Touchpad option from the top.

7. Disable the NVIDIA High Definition Audio device

Click on Start and select Settings.
Now choose the Apps option.
Look for the GeForce Experience app, click on it and select Uninstall.
Right-click the Start button and select Device Manager.
Locate NVIDIA High Definition Audio under Sound, video and game controllers; right-click it and choose Disable.

NOTE

Disabling devices to make a peripheral work properly is not recommended, but some users have resorted to this step after no other solution was possible.

Try this step only if there is no other solution to your mouse lagging issue.

To ensure that no lasting damage is possible, ensure that you have quick access to the Device Manager to activate the devices quickly.

8. Change the USB Hub power management options

Right-click the Windows Start button and select Device Manager from the list.
Double-click the USB Hub device to open its properties.
Go to the Power Management tab and uncheck Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power. Click OK to save the changes.

Remember to check your USB port. If it doesn’t work as expected, you can fix your USB ports in a few clicks.

What causes a mouse to lag?

Connection problems

Mouse lag often happens when the connection is weak. This can happen with wireless or wired mice if the Bluetooth signal is far away, the cable is tangled, the USB port is faulty, or other devices interfere.

Low battery

If your mouse is wireless, low batteries can cause lag. Even if there’s no warning light, try changing the batteries.

Outdated drivers

Sometimes your mouse needs updated drivers to work smoothly. If you don’t update them, your mouse might lag or not perform well.

Wrapping up

If you have erratic mouse movements, it’s possible that the mouse is damaged or you’re having problems with your USB port. Connecting the device to a different port or PC is recommended in such a case.

For other related issues, check out guides on mouse not moving to a second screen, cursor disappearing, mouse jumps, and mouse keeps clicking.

Updating the mouse software can help, especially if you have mouse lag in CS:GO or other games or disable Palmcheck altogether.

This issue is reported in other games, and Call of Duty: Cold War also has mouse problems. Hopefully, the solutions from this guide will help you fix that.

Before you leave, don’t miss our guide on the mouse cursor stuck in the corner to see how to fix it.

If you have any questions or, on the contrary, some valuable solutions, drop them in the comments section below.

Administrator Access Denied on Windows 10: 5 Methods to Use

Posted on October 31, 2022September 13, 2024 by Milan Stanojevic

The Access denied message when using an administrator account in Windows 10 can prevent you from removing or accessing specific directories on your PC.

Most users find the problem strange since the error shouldn’t appear when signed in with an administrator account. But you can always fix it, and we will help you do that.

Why is my folder access denied as admin on Windows 10?

Here are some of the reasons why you see the Access denied message on an administrator account in Windows 10:

Third-party antivirus creating conflicts – Often, a third-party antivirus or similar security software may prevent you from accessing specific files on the PC.
Corrupt system files – Corrupt system files cause various issues with Windows and may even affect its core functioning.
Lack of permissions – Administrators, too, often need to reconfigure the permissions to access, modify, or delete specific files.

Some of the cases you may encounter the error are:

Regedit Access denied to administrator in Windows 10 – Several users have reported receiving the Access denied message on an administrator account in Windows 10 when trying to access the Registry Editor.
Icacls Access is denied in Windows 10 – Many reported the error with the command line utility when changing the file system permissions.
Wuauserv Access denied in Windows 10 – Users can also receive errors when running or reconfiguring the Windows Update service.

How can I fix the Access denied as an administrator error?

Before we head to the relatively complex solutions, here are a few quick tips and tricks to get things running:

First, ensure you are logged in as an administrator, not with a standard account.
Restart the computer. Sometimes, it’s a one-off thing and can be rectified by a simple reboot.
Disable third-party antivirus and similar security software since these could be responsible for the Access denied error on an administrator account in Windows 10. If need be, remove the antivirus using a reliable software uninstaller tool.

1. Disable User Account Control

Type User Account Control in the Search bar, and click on the Change User Account Control settings search result.
Move the slider down and click the OK button.

2. Change settings

Press Windows + R to open Run, type control in the text field, and hit Enter.
Click on System and Security.
Scroll down to the bottom and click on Windows Tools.
Click on Local Security Policy.
Expand Local Policies, choose Security Options, and then double-click on User Account Control: Run all administrators in Admin Approval mode.
Select Disable here, and click OK to save the changes.

Once done, restart the computer for the changes to effect and check if the Access denied error for an administrator account in Windows 10 is fixed. This can help solve this and other issues like the run as administrator option being greyed out. If not, head to the next solution.

3. Remove an account from the permissions

Right-click on the problematic file/folder and select Properties.
Navigate to the Security tab and click on Advanced.
If the entry at the top lists Denied under Access, select it and then click on Remove.
In case you get an error, click on the Disable inheritance button.
Select Convert inherited permissions into explicit permissions on this object, and then remove the account.
Once done, click on OK to save the changes.

Now, verify if the Access denied error as an administrator in Windows 10 is resolved. If not, head to the next one.

4. Change the ownership of the directory

Locate the file/folder you can’t access, right-click it and choose Properties from the menu.
Navigate to the Security tab and click Advanced.
Now click the Change option next to the owner’s name.
Type your user name, click Check Names, and if everything is in order, click OK.
Check the Replace owner on subcontainers and objects and Replace all child object permission entries with inheritable permission entries from this object, and then click OK.
Now, make sure that Everyone is available in Group or user names list. If not, click the Edit button.
Click the Add button.
Enter Everyone, click the Check Names button, and then click OK.

You might have to change the directory ownership to fix the Access denied error on an administrator error in Windows 10.

5. Perform an in-place upgrade

Head to Microsoft’s official website, download the Media Creation Tool, and once done, run it.
Please wait for it to get things ready.
Click Accept to agree to the license terms.
Choose the Upgrade this PC now option.
Now, wait for the download and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the process.

Once the in-place upgrade process is finished, check if the issue is still there. If the problem persists after the in-place upgrade, you might have to reset Windows 10 to the default and check if that solves your problem.

After fixing the error, do not forget to find out how to make your Windows 10 PC faster.

If you have any other queries or want to share a solution not listed here, drop a comment below.

Fix: Bluetooth Volume Control is Not Working in Windows 11

Posted on October 31, 2022September 18, 2025 by Henderson Jayden Harper

Windows 11’s Bluetooth volume control not working is one of the rampant complaints from users. It indicates that the Bluetooth device connected to the device can’t use its volume control on the PC. Users also report no sound after Bluetooth connection in Windows 11.

Why is Windows 11 Bluetooth volume control not working?

Bluetooth volume control not working on Windows occur by some factors. The most common cause of the issue is an outdated Bluetooth driver on the computer. It can affect how the Bluetooth devices connected to your PC work.

Also, you can experience difficulty with Windows 11 Bluetooth volume control not working due to other factors such as:

Startup errors – It is common for Windows PCs to encounter issues when they fail to boot up. So, it can affect several components on the system, including Bluetooth, causing its volume control not to work.
Outdated sound drivers – Sound drivers are responsible for sound features on Windows PC. If they are outdated, they tend to lose control and impede the performance of sound features. So, outdated drivers caused Bluetooth not to work on Windows 11 or not function as it should.
Issues with Bluetooth pairing – Windows 11 Bluetooth volume control not working can erupt from connection issues during the pairing.

Let’s review how to fix the issue and get the Bluetooth volume control to work again.

What can I do if the Bluetooth volume control is not working on Windows 11?

Before trying any advanced troubleshooting on your PC or the Bluetooth device, we recommend you apply the following:

Unpair the Bluetooth device from your PC and pair it back after seconds.
Disconnect other Bluetooth devices from your computer.
Turn off background apps running on your PC.
Restart your PC to check if the issue is resolved.

If you’re not able to fix the issue by trying these preliminary checks, proceed with the solutions below:

1. Run the Bluetooth Troubleshooter

Press the Start button, type troubleshoot in the search bar, and press Enter.
Click on Troubleshoot Settings from the search result, then click on the Other Troubleshooters option.
Navigate to Bluetooth and click the Run button. (Wait for the error to be diagnosed and fixed)
Close the troubleshooter after the process is complete.

Wait for the troubleshooting process to complete, then restart your PC. Then, pair the Bluetooth device to your PC and check if the volume control works.

Running the troubleshooter will scan and repair any issues with Windows that can cause Windows Bluetooth not to turn on or the volume control not to work.

2. Restart the Bluetooth Support Service

Press Windows + R key to prompt the Run dialog box, type services.msc in the text space, and press Enter to open the Services window.
Right-click on Bluetooth Support Service and click on Restart from the drop-down.
Then right-click on the Bluetooth service and select Properties from the drop-down.
Choose Automatic from the Startup type options, then click OK to save the changes you’ve made.
Restart your PC to allow the changes to sync and check if the problem persists.

Restarting the Bluetooth Support Service will allow it to refresh and fix any errors plaguing its Bluetooth features.

However, we have a detailed guide on how to fix Bluetooth support service error 1079 on Windows 10/11.

3. Update the Bluetooth driver

Press Windows + X key to launch the Quick Link Menu and click on Device Manager.
Double-click on Bluetooth, right-click on the Bluetooth adapter, and select Update driver from the drop-down.
Click on the Search automatically for drivers option, restart your PC, and check if the issue persists.

The Bluetooth driver update will download patches and updates to fix bugs and improve your PC’s Bluetooth functionality. Read more on how to update drivers in Windows 11.

You can also go for an automatic solution if you don’t necessarily want to do this manually. Outbyte Driver Updater is a great software that can help you update not only your Bluetooth driver but all your outdated or missing drivers with just one click.

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4. Delete and re-pair the Bluetooth device

Press Windows + I key to open Settings.
Click Bluetooth & devices, toggle on the Bluetooth switch, and click Devices.
Click the three dots to open the menu and select the Remove option from the menu.
Navigate to Add device and select your Bluetooth device from the list.
Click the Connect button to pair, then click on Done.

Deleting and pairing the Bluetooth device will remove it from your PC, allowing you to establish a connection.

Take a look at this guide for what to do if you can’t remove Bluetooth devices on Windows 11. You can also check our guide on how to make your Bluetooth devices auto-connect.

For more questions and suggestions, kindly drop them in the comments section below.

EASY FIX: PFN_LIST_CORRUPT BSoD in Windows 10 [9 Ways]

Posted on October 31, 2022October 22, 2025 by Milan Stanojevic

If your computer encounters a hardware failure or a major software problem, it will give you the infamous Blue Screen of Death error and restart itself.

These errors can sometimes appear on Windows 10 and are somewhat severe. Therefore, fixing them as soon as possible is crucial, either manually, or using a dedicated BSoD fixer.

What does PFN List Corrupt error mean?

The PFN List Corrupt error typically indicates a problem with the Page Frame Number (PFN) list in a computer’s memory management. This list keeps track of the pages in physical memory, and when it becomes corrupted, it can lead to system crashes or blue screen errors in Windows. Addressing this error often involves troubleshooting memory or driver-related issues.

Other instances of PFN_List_Corrupt BSoD are often encountered during games like Valorant, and it is commonly attributed to outdated drivers, so updating them is recommended. This error bears similarities to the Memory Management error, leading many to believe that faulty RAM might be the cause.

Another related problem is the Critical structure corruption BSOD experienced by gamers, but fortunately, solutions are available for these issues. Overclocking your PC can also trigger the error, so reverting to default settings is advised.

How can I fix PFN LIST CORRUPT BSoD error on Windows 10?

Before we move on to more advanced troubleshooting solutions, make sure to do the following:

Remove your antivirus software and opt for a better antivirus that won’t negatively interfere with your OS.
Uninstall the Philips Incenter Offline software as it is one of the most common causes of this BSoD.

1. Check your memory

1. Press Windows then type Windows memory diagnostic and click to open the first result.
2. Choose either the Restart now and check for problems option, or Check for problems the next time I start my computer. We advise to choose the first in order to start the process right away.
3. The Memory Diagnostics Tool will automatically start running tests on your PC’s memory. The system will also display the progress bar and the status notification during the process.

Once finished, your computer will reboot and return to the Windows desktop.
4. The system might not always display the results found, thus, right-click the Start icon and select Event Viewer.
5. Click Windows Logs on the left side then select Filter if you have the option on the right side.
6. Input MemoryDiagnostic and select Find Next to see the results from the Memory Diagnostic Tool.

Through the use of the Windows Event Viewer, one is able to view a log of application and system messages. These messages may include failures, information messages, and warnings.

It is a useful tool for diagnosing and repairing a variety of problems that may arise with Microsoft Windows.

Therefore, if you encounter the stop code PFN LIST CORRUPT, you should check your memory info via Event Viewer before trying out other solutions.

Memory issues are a common cause of the PFN LIST CORRUPT BSoD, thus we recommend that you check your RAM’s health with additional third-party software as well.

2. Uninstall the problematic driver

Press Windows Key + X to open the Power User Menu and select Device Manager from the list.
Once the Device Manager starts, expand the Universal Serial Bus controllers section, right-click the Etron driver, and select Uninstall device.
If available, check the Delete driver software for this device option and click OK.
Restart your computer.

Bear in mind that almost any driver can cause this error, you might need to do a bit of research before you find a driver that is causing you this problem.

3. Update Windows 10

Type Settings in the Search bar and select the top result.
Select Update & Security from the Settings list.
Click on Check for updates to find new updates that you need to install.

Windows 10 isn’t a perfect operating system, and there are a few bugs and issues, so to fix any hardware or software issue, it’s crucial to run Windows Update regularly.

By downloading the latest updates, you’ll fix most of the hardware and software issues, which are both major causes of the blue screen PFN LIST CORRUPT error.

In addition to bug fixes, updates bring improved stability, security, and new features, so be sure to download them frequently.

4. Update drivers

Type Device Manager in the Windows Search bar.
Select the drivers you want to update from the list, right-click on them and click Update driver.
Click on Search automatically for drivers to install the driver.
Wait for the available drivers to be installed.

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

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

Thus if you can’t follow these steps or it doesn’t work in your case, third-party software can instantly help you find your faulty drivers and fix them efficiently. Outbyte Driver Updater can easily perform this job.

This approved tool will find outdated and bad drivers and let you choose which ones you need to be updated.

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5. Run the BSOD Troubleshooter

Open the Settings app by pressing Windows + I, and go to the Update & Security section.
Select Troubleshoot from the menu on the left, then select BSOD from the right pane and click Run the troubleshooter.
Follow the instructions on the screen to complete the troubleshooting.

This is a part of Windows 10’s built-in troubleshooting tool that can be found in the settings. Hopefully, this tool can also resolve the stop code PFN LIST CORRUPT error.

6. Run the SFC scan

Tap Windows then enter cmd and select Run as administrator.
Enter the following line and press Enter: sfc/scannow
Wait until the process is done (it may take a while) then close the Command Prompt and restart your computer.

7. Run DISM

Right-click Start and open Command Prompt (Admin).
Paste the following command and press Enter: DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
Wait until the scan is finished. Restart your computer and try updating again.

And the third troubleshooting tool we’re going to use is DISM. Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM) re-deploys the system image, resolving potential issues on the way.

8. Check the hard drive

Enter the Advanced Startup (Restart your computer while holding the Shift key).
Choose Troubleshoot, then Advanced Options.
Select Command Prompt from the list of options.
When Command Prompt appears, enter the following lines and press Enter after each line to run it:bootrec.exe /rebuildbcd bootrec.exe /fixmbr bootrec.exe /fixboot
Some users are also suggesting that you need to run additional chkdsk commands as well. To perform this, you must know the drive letter for all your hard drive partitions. Enter the following command and enter the letter corresponding to your hard drive partition: chkdsk /r c: chkdsk /r d:
Restart your computer and check if the issue is resolved.

9. Disable Microsoft OneDrive

9.1. Use the Local Computer Policy panel

Press Windows + S and enter group policy. Select the Edit group policy.
When Local Group Policy Editor opens, navigate to Local Computer Policy, then access Computer Configuration.
Choose Administrative Templates then click Windows Components and OneDrive.
In the right pane, locate Prevent the usage of OneDrive for file storage and double-click it.
Select Enabled and click Apply and OK to disable OneDrive.

9.2. Use the Registry Editor

Press Windows Key + R and type regedit. Press Enter or click OK to start Registry Editor.
Once Registry Editor starts, you need to navigate to the following key in the left pane:HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Windows
Expand the Windows key and search for OneDrive. If the key doesn’t exist, go to the next step to create it.
Right-click the Windows key and choose New then Key. Enter OneDrive as the name of the key.
Select the OneDrive key. In the right pane, right-click and choose New then DWORD (32-bit) Value. Enter the code below as the name of the new DWORD: DisableFileSyncNGSC
Double click the DisableFileSyncNGSC and change its Value data to 1. Click OK to save changes.

9.3. Use Safe Mode

Restart your computer a few times while it boots. This should start Automatic Repair process.
Choose Troubleshoot, then Advanced options.
Go to Startup Settings, and click the Restart button.
Once your computer restarts again, you’ll see a list of options. Press F4 or 4 to select Safe Mode. Once the Safe Mode starts, disable OneDrive.

OneDrive was a part of the Windows Essentials suite for many years, but with the rising popularity of cloud storage, it became a default application on Windows 10.

OneDrive is a great tool that allows you to collaborate and share files with others, but unfortunately, several users reported that OneDrive can also cause PFN LIST CORRUPT error.

Why does PFN List Corrupt appear after GPU upgrade?

This error usually implies that you have upgraded to faulty hardware. And this is in fact the major cause of the issue on your computer.

Upgrading to a different GPU would fix the error. Alternatively, downgrading the device will also be a handy step in rectifying this error.

You should note that while this error may occur post-GPU update, users have also experienced the PFN list corrupt error when installing Windows 10. In this case, you will have to reset your OS.

In case nothing helps, you can always get help from a dedicated BSoD fixer.

We’d like to hear more from you on this matter so drop us a comment in the section below.

Fix: Microsoft Office Cannot Open [Word, Excel, PowerPoint]

Posted on October 31, 2022December 16, 2025 by Milan Stanojevic

Microsoft Office cannot open? You’re not alone. Windows 10 users have reported an issue regarding Microsoft Office versions 2010 and 2013, where products like Word, Excel, or PowerPoint will not open and return no error or prompt.

Here’s how to fix it:

How do I fix Microsoft Office not opening?

1. Use Task Manager

Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc or right-click on the Taskbar, select Task Manager.
Take a look either through the opened apps or under the Details tab, where you will find it as WINWORD.EXE.
If you see the process there, this means that Windows 10 thinks the program is open and will not do anything about it. In this case, try to create a new document, right-click it, and select Edit.

In some cases, this method has proven useful and might help you in a tight spot.

2. Go to the source

If your Microsoft Office shortcuts don’t do anything when you try to launch them, then there might be an issue of communication between the shortcut itself and the actual executable it should open.

Depending on what Office version you’ve installed, you should find them in one of these locations:

C:Program FilesMicrosoft OfficeOffice14
C:Program Files (x86)Microsoft OfficeOffice14

Try launching the tool you need from here, if it works, then your shortcut was to blame. Create a new shortcut for the Office components you use and replace the faulty ones.

3. Use Safe Mode

Starting an Office product in Safe Mode is pretty simple, as it was in previous Windows versions.

Just open the Run utility (Windows key + R) and type in the name of the product you want to follow by /safe.

For example, if you wish to open Microsoft Excel in Safe Mode, type in excel /safe.

4. Use a Microsoft Office alternative

In case you need to sidestep this Office issue, it might be useful for you to consider another document management suite.

WPS Office Suite is a legitimate alternative to Microsoft Office due to the effective management of documents across multiple devices. You can thus edit and manage your files on Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, or iOS.

There are enough Office apps on the market capable of providing extra value. Hence, this alternative provides Writer, Spreadsheet, or Presentation document tools.

Plus, it supports 47 file formats and it’s available in many languages out there.

⇒ Get WPS Office

5. Repair or Reinstall

1. Press the Windows key and type apps in the search box, then click the Apps & features result.
2. Here, type office inside the search bar, then click the Microsoft Office result.
3. Click on Advanced options.
4. Scroll down, then click the Repair button. By using this option, your app’s data won’t be deleted, but the app’s files will be checked for any damage or corruption.
5. Alternatively, you can use the Reset button in case repairing the app didn’t work. In this case, your app data will be lost as well.

The built-in Reset option for Microsoft Office will uninstall and reinstall the application, thus fixing the Microsoft Office not opening issue.

You can choose to fully reset the app or merely repair it, thus preserving your app data for later use. Choose the appropriate option according to your needs.

6. Install Windows updates

Microsoft regularly releases updates for Microsoft Office (and other in-house features and programs) through Windows Update.

So, if your current version of Office is disrupted in some way, there’s a chance a new update will fix it. And it doesn’t necessarily need to be an Office update.

Maybe some other features installed on your computer are interfering with Office, preventing you from accessing it. In both cases, installing fresh updates can resolve the problem.

To install the latest updates on your computer, simply go to Settings > Update & Security, and check for updates.

If you’re having issues opening the Setting app, take a look at this article to solve the issue.

7. Uninstall Windows updates

Go to Settings. Now, go to Updates & Security, followed by Windows Update.
Go to Update history > Uninstall updates.
Now, find the latest Office update installed on your computer (you can sort updates by date), right-click it, and go to Uninstall.
Restart your computer.

Now, let’s do the total opposite of the previous solution. If the problem started to manifest after you’ve updated your Office suite, then you can easily uninstall the latest updates and see if this fixes your problem.

8. Disable Add-Ins

Open the troublesome app.
Go to File > Options.
Click Add-Ins, and then disable all add-ins.
Restart the program, and run it without any add-ins enabled.

Sometimes, damaged add-ins may block your Word/Excel/PowerPoint from opening any document.

Since you can’t know for sure which add-in causes the problem, we recommend uninstalling all of them and then installing them one by one again.

That way, you’ll be able to find out which one causes problems. The task is time-consuming, but you don’t have too many choices.

9. Make sure Office is activated

If your copy of Microsoft Office Suite is not genuine, you won’t be able to open any Office app. Technically, you’ll be able to open any program normally, but you can’t do anything with it.

You can’t create new documents, or open and edit existing documents. It’s just an empty shell. So, make sure your Office is properly activated, and try to run in once again.

10. Remove Word Registry Keys

Go to Search, type regedit, and open Registry Editor.
Navigate to one of the following paths:
- Word 2002: HKEY_CURRENT_USERSoftwareMicrosoftOffice10.0WordData
- Microsoft Word 2003: HKEY_CURRENT_USERSoftwareMicrosoftOffice11.0WordData
- Word 2007: HKEY_CURRENT_USERSoftwareMicrosoftOffice12.0WordData
- Word 2010: HKEY_CURRENT_USERSoftwareMicrosoftOffice14.0WordData
- Microsoft Word 2013: HKEY_CURRENT_USERSoftwareMicrosoftOffice15.0Word
- Word 2016: HKEY_CURRENT_USERSoftwareMicrosoftOffice16.0Word
Now, just click on the Data key, and delete it.
Restart your computer.

If you specifically have problems with opening Word, we’ll try to delete some registry keys. Hopefully, the program will work after that.

11. Remove old printer drivers

And finally, some users have also reported that having old printer drivers installed on your Windows 10 PC prevents Microsoft Office from working.

Alternatively, you can use dedicated uninstaller software to automatically remove old printer drivers from your PC.

After you finish removing your old drivers, check to see if the problem persists.

Wrapping up

That’s about it. We certainly hope at least one of these solutions helped you resolve the problem with Microsoft Office.

Keep in mind that this problem mainly occurs with Microsoft Word. However, we’ve detailed solutions that apply to all Office programs, nevertheless:

If you want to try the new Office 2024, you can download the preview version of the software; read this guide to learn the detailed steps.

If you have any comments, questions, or suggestions, just let us know in the comments down below.

Steam Keeps Changing The Language: 5 Ways to Quickly Fix It

Posted on October 31, 2022November 27, 2023 by Henderson Jayden Harper

Many readers report that Steam keeps changing language even when they set a preferred default language.

Because Steam supports multiple languages, knowing how to change the language on Steam allows you to select your choice.

Why does Steam change language every time?

The common cause of the constant language change is opening multiple Steam community pages and refreshing them in the Steam browser. Some of our readers say it’s what caused the issue.

However, other factors may cause Steam to keep changing language frequently. Some are:

Outdated app – If your Steam app is outdated, it will lack the needed updates and patches for optimal performance. It isn’t uncommon for the Steam app to be stuck when downloading an update.
Your account has been hacked or infiltrated – Steam accounts can change the language settings based on the region the account is logged in. Hence, frequently changing Steam language can mean your account has been hacked.
Pirated games on Steam – Many users complain that they encounter problems with Steam changing their language after installing a pirated game. They can come in different languages and affect the language of other certified games on Steam.

However, the issues of Steam frequently changing your language can’t be pinned on a specific cause as it is random but annoying. Nonetheless, there are some fixes we’ve put together to help you with it.

How do I fix Steam if it keeps changing the language?

Before you try any troubleshooting steps, go through the steps listed here:

Make sure you connect to a stable network connection.
Log out of your Steam account and log in to see if the language changes.
Close and relaunch the Steam client.

If you are unable to fix the issue, use the following solutions to fix it.

1. Update the Steam client

Left-click the Start button, search for Steam, and launch the app.
Click the Steam Menu and select the Check for Steam client update option.
Click on Update. If there are updates available for your app, Steam will automatically install the updates.

Updating the Steam client will fix bugs-related issues that can cause it to malfunction. If your Steam upload is stuck, read our guide to fix it.

2. Change your Steam account password

Click the Start button, search for Steam, and open it.
Click the Steam menu button and select Settings.
Go to Account and click the Change Password button on the right pane of the screen.
Enter your current password and click Next.
Check your mail for the Steam Support email, copy the 5-character code from the email, then input it in the confirmation box alongside your desired new password.
Click Next to complete the process, then FINISH on the next page.
Restart the Steam client.

Changing your Steam account’s password will deactivate your account from other devices, preventing others from changing your language. Read how to fix Steam if you can’t run it on Windows.

Besides, resetting the password also helps fix Steam Error Code E87.

3. Disable the Steam cloud sync feature

Click Start, search for Steam, and launch the app.
Click Steam at the top of the screen and select Settings.
Then go to the Cloud tab and toggle Off the switch next to Enable Steam Cloud Sync for applications that support it.
Restart the Steam client.

Disabling the Steam Cloud Sync option will prevent changes from other devices from affecting yours. It can fix the frequent language changes.

You can hop on this guide for quick fixes if you encounter other Steam Cloud errors. Also, you can read how to delete Steam Cloud saves from your PC.

4. Change the Steam client’s language

Press the Windows key, search for Steam, and launch the Steam client from the search results.
Click Steam at the top of the screen, then select Settings.
Go to the Interface tab, click the drop-down arrow on the language menu, then select your desired language from the drop-down.
Restart the Steam client.

Since this issue keeps reoccurring, it might be worth changing your language again. We also have an in-depth guide on how to change the Steam client’s language.

5. Uninstall pirated Steam-based game

Press the Windows key, search for Steam, and launch the Steam client from the search results.
Select Library and go to Games.
Right-click the game to uninstall and click Uninstall.
Restart the Steam client.

Pirated games are developed in different countries, so they select the language they are built on by default and can impact Steam. However, uninstalling the game can fix the language change in Steam.

We have a detailed article to guide you on how to fix errors when connecting with the Steam servers on your PC.

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

Ntoskrnl.exe BSoD: What is & How to fix it?

Posted on October 31, 2022December 16, 2025 by Radu Tyrsina

The ntoskrnl.exe BSoD is usually related to memory, or caused by a faulty driver. Before starting the solutions below, disconnect all unnecessary peripherals such as external drives, printers etc. Also, if you installed new RAM modules, reverse the procedure and return to the original setup to see if that’s what causing the problem.

How do I fix ntoskrnl.exe BSoD missing or corrupt?

1. Fix bad memory issues

Go to Start and type Memory. Double-click on Windows Memory Diagnostic.
Select the first option to restart your computer and check your memory.

A common cause of ntoskrnl.exe BSoD errors is related to bad memory. Use Windows 10‘s built-in memory diagnostic tool to identify potential memory issues affecting your system.

2. Update your Realtek audio driver

1. Right-click the Start icon then select Device Manager.
2. Expand the Sound, video and game controllers section.
3. Right-click the Realtek driver and select Update driver.
4. Select the Search automatically for drivers option in order to update the driver.
5. Reboot your PC.

If you have been experiencing a similar ntoskrnl.exe BSoD DRIVER_POWER_STATE_FAILURE in Windows 10, you need to download the latest Realtek drivers.

It is possible that the Realtek HiDefinition Audio driver, labeled as Creative Audio Driver, is out of date and causing you issues.

Save yourself some time and do it automatically with a third-party program. Never think about updating your drivers again thanks to this awesome software. Just download it, click a few things, and the rest of the process is automated. Say goodbye to BSoD errors related to driver issues.

⇒ Get Outbyte Driver Updater

3. Update your computer

Press Windows + I then when the Settings app opens, click on Update & security.
Now click the Check for updates button. The ntoskrnl.exe BSoD PAGE_FAULT_IN_NONPAGED_AREA error will be fixed.

Note: If your Windows search box is missing, get it back in a couple of easy steps from this useful guide.

4. Use a third-party BSoD fixer

Fix any BSoD errors, including the ntoskrnl.exe BSoD IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL in Windows 10, automatically with the help of a nifty third-party program. The software will restore your damaged, corrupted, or missing system files.

You won’t have to worry about fatal errors and crashes anymore. The process is, once again, automated. You only need to click a few times and the program will start scanning and repairing your computer.

5. Disable the overclocking settings

If you installed overclocking software on your computer, this may explain why you’re getting the ntoskrnl.exe BSOD errors.

These game-boosting tools put a strain on your hardware, forcing them to run beyond the recommended frequency.

As a result, this may cause various issues, including Blue Screen of Death crashes. The quickest solution to fix them is to disable the overclocking software.

6. Turn off BlueStacks/ another Android emulator

Open Notepad.
Enter the following lines: C:Program Files (x86)BlueStacksHD-Quit.exe net stop BstHdUpdaterSvc net stop BstHdLogRotatorSvc net stop BstHdAndroidSvc
Click on File and then on Save as.
Set Save as type to All Files. Enter script.bat as the file name and click on Save.
Locate the script.bat file and double-click it to run it.

Note: Some Windows 10 users reported that the ntoskrnl.exe BSOD errors occur mainly when they enabled BlueStacks and other Android emulators.

So, if you installed emulators on your computer, disable or completely uninstall them.

7. Clean your registry

Go to Start, then type CMD and open the top result as an admin.
Type in the following command and press Enter: sfc/scannow
Wait for the scanning process to complete, then, restart your computer.

You can also use Microsoft’s System File Checker to check for system file corruption. The utility verifies the integrity of all protected system files and repairs files with problems when possible.

Note: Corrupted or missing registry keys may also cause BSOD errors. Don’t forget to first back up your registry in case anything goes wrong.

The simplest way to repair your registry is to use a dedicated tool for Windows.

8. Check your disk for errors

Press Windows then type cmd and select the Run as administrator option.
Type the following command, replace the C letter with your drive’s letter, and press Enter: chkdsk C: /f
To repair physical issues, type the following command: chkdsk /r D:

On Windows 10, you can run a disk check using Command Prompt. As a quick reminder, if you do not use the /f parameter, chkdsk displays a message that the file needs to be fixed, but it does not fix any errors.

9. Remove faulty sticks of RAM

Some Windows 10 users reported that the system_thread_exception_not_handled ntoskrnl.exe errors that they encountered were caused by a faulty stick of RAM.

So, if you recently changed the RAM configuration of your computer, check your RAM sticks to make sure that they’re properly inserted and are working as they should be.

What is ntoskrnl.exe BSoD?

This is a system file, and if the file is damaged or it has crashed, you’ll encounter a BSoD error. Do keep in mind that Ntoskrnl.exe can also cause high CPU usage so it might be a good idea to check your hardware as well.

It has been reported that this file can also lead to Driver power state failure, so we encourage you to check your drivers and update them to avoid this issue.

In some instances, this file can also cause Critical_process_died csrss.exe BSoD, but luckily there are multiple solutions that you can use to fix this problem.

We hope the solutions listed in this article helped you fix Windows 10 BSOD errors caused by ntoskrnl.exe. If you come across other solutions to fix this issue, let us know in the comments below.

Also, leave there any other suggestions or questions you may have and we’ll be sure to check them out.

Windows 10 Randomly Shuts Down: 9 Ways to Permanently Stop It

Posted on October 31, 2022September 12, 2024 by Ivan Jenic

All of us have experienced one or two Windows 10 random shutdowns from time to time. Sometimes the culprit is hardware, sometimes software.

Either way, it’s an isolated event. However, what happens if your computer keeps shutting down? On a daily or even hourly basis?

Why is my Windows 10 computer shutting down randomly?

If Windows restarts randomly or shuts down, it’s possible that you have an issue with the power supply, so make sure that everything is properly connected.

In some instances, the computer shuts down while gaming, and the issue can be overheating, overclocking, or even incompatible drivers.

A few users reported that the Shutdown box appears randomly on Windows 11, and this is usually due to system glitches.

Here are a few other instances you may encounter the error:

Windows 10 immediately shuts down after login
Computer suddenly turns off and won’t turn back on
Computer randomly shuts off no error message

No matter the cause of the problem, this guide will help you fix the problem once and for all.

How do I fix random shutdowns in Windows 10?

1. Update your drivers

Click Start and type device manager then click the top result.
Expand Display adapters. Right-click on your GPU driver and select Update driver.
Select Search automatically for drivers then reboot your PC once the process is done.

Note: If you are using dual-GPU with Intel (integrated) and AMD/nVidia (dedicated) graphic cards, make sure to update drivers for both.

The majority of generic drivers that you received through the Windows Update can be used, but that’s not the case with GPU drivers. You’ll need the latest drivers provided by the official manufacturer.

Update your drivers automatically

If you’re tired of manually searching up drivers for all of your components, you’ll be happy to know that there is a third-party app that can do that for you.

This awesome software will not only scan your computer for compatible drivers, but it will also automatically install them for you as well, saving you a lot of time and effort.

2. Turn off the Sleep mode

Press Windows + I to open the Settings app then choose System.
Go to Power & sleep.
Set both Screen and Sleep to Never.

Sleep mode is great in scenarios when your PC/Laptop is idle for a long period of time.

It preserves energy while enabling you to continue with the use in a few seconds. Until it became a problem in Windows 10. Namely, some users, instead of standard sleep, experienced complete shutdowns.

To be precise, it seems that Safe Mode equals Hibernation in some cases. Because of that, your next step would be to disable sleep mode. We’ll continue from there.

You can also try and set it on 5 hours timeout. That way some other possible interference should be prevented. If the shutdowns repeat, move on to the next steps.

3. Turn off Fast Startup

Right-click Start and run Power Options.
In Power Options click Choose what the power buttons do.
Click Change settings that are currently unavailable.
Uncheck the Turn on fast startup (recommended) within the Shutdown settings.
Click OK to confirm and you are done.

With the newly added Fast Startup, Microsoft tried to speed things up while maintaining stability. But, since it affects the way your PC is shutting down, it may summon a lot of errors.

Luckily, you can disable it, check the PC behavior, and move on to the next steps if the workaround failed.

4. Tweak the advanced power settings

1. Press the Windows key, then type choose a power plan and select the top result.
2. Choose your default power plan and click on Change plan settings.
3. Click on Change advanced power settings.
4. Navigate to Processor power management, then System Cooling policy, and set it to Passive.
5. Now, navigate to Hard Disk, then Turn off hard disk after and reduce the value until it shows Never.
6. Save changes and exit.

It seems that a lot of issues are related to power settings in Windows 10. Random shutdowns may be on the list. We have a few tweaks for advanced power settings that are worth trying.

Have in mind that you’ll need administrative permissions in order to perform them.

5. Use this dedicated tool we recommend

Fix computer random shutdowns with Windows Shutdown Assistant

The Windows Shutdown Assistant is a dedicated tool that will stop your computer from randomly shutting down. With an easy-to-use interface and automated tasks.

It enables you to shut down the computer at a desired set time automatically.

Additionally, you can set it to shut down the computer in other situations such as system idle, excessive CPU usage, or low battery. The software also allows you to log off, restart, and lock the computer automatically.

This tool supports all Windows Operating Systems and comes with the following features:

Turn off the computer automatically in various situations
Schedule to Run a Program or Open a File
Multiple Functions to Manage Windows Tasks
Secure Computer Files and Data
A Visual Break Reminder
Create a reminder and set it to auto-display on the desktop at a set time.

Feel free to download the trial version now and give it a shot. Besides fixing the random shutdowns, it’s also a great tool to organize your tasks effortlessly.

⇒ Download the Windows Shutdown Assistant

6. Check the CPU temperature

In some cases, your CPU or GPU may overheat and that will lead to random shutdown on Windows 10. Namely, your motherboard is programmed to shut down everything in order to prevent serious damage to your CPU.

This especially goes for laptops that are most of the time lacking an adequate cooling system for intensive gaming.

You can check system temperatures with 3rd-party tools or just casually touch the backside of the laptop.

If the temperatures are alarmingly high, you’ll need to take some action.

Clean fan bay on laptops or CPU cooler on a desktop.
Change the thermal paste.
Use a cooling pad of some kind to reduce heating.
Change overclock settings to default.

In case your notebook/PC is in warranty, we advise you to take it to your supplier and let the professionals do the cleanup.

7. Update BIOS

Even though BIOS updating is not advisable, especially for beginners, sometimes it’s required. If misused, Bios updates can cause a lot of problems and most of them are fatal to your PC.

Some motherboards offer special update tool featured in BIOS settings. If you have a new motherboard, you’ll have an easy time updating.

However, those of you with the older configurations have a much harder task.

Make sure you gather all the information before performing the process. Moreover, if your motherboard is up to date, don’t upgrade it.

8. Check HDD state

Right-click on Start and run Command Prompt (Admin).
In the command line type, the following command and press Enter to confirm: wmic diskdrive get status
You’ll know your hard disk is healthy when prompted with OK for every partition.

Another thing worth checking is your HDD. If your HDD is corrupted or it has damaged sectors, you’ll probably encounter a large variety of problems.

Most of the time the system won’t boot, but it may as well be related to sudden shutdowns. For that purpose, you can use 3rd-party tools and scan the disk (like HDDScan), or use the built-in tool and do it internally.

For starters, the built-in tool will serve you right, and here is how to use it. On the other hand, if you are seeing Unknown, Caution, or Bad, your hard disk has some issues.

Of course, you can always scan your HDD with one of the best dedicated tools.

9. Perform a clean reinstall

At the end of the day, the clean reinstallation of Windows is the most viable solution. Of course, if the hardware isn’t the instigator of the uncalled Windows 10 random shutdown.

You can use Media Creation Tool to easily obtain installation setup for either ISO DVD or bootable USB.

Have in mind to back up your data from the system partition before the process commences. Moreover, take good care of your license key.

The process is not as hard as it was on some of the previous systems so you’ll be able to finish in two hours.

That should wrap it up. We hope you’ll find these workarounds appropriate for the Windows 10 random shutdown issue.

Finally, all you can do is try since Microsoft is the one that should address this issue with more enthusiasm. In case you have any suggestions, alternative solutions, or questions, don’t forget to tell us in the comments.

How to Find IP Address on Windows 11 [6 Different Ways]

Posted on October 31, 2022November 17, 2025 by Kazim Ali Alvi

Every device connected to the Internet or a local network has a unique IP (Internet Protocol) address assigned to it. And, there are times when you may need need to find this IP address in Windows 11.

There are two standards for IP addresses, IPv4 (Internet Protocol Version 4) and IPv6 (Internet Protocol Version 6). The former has been there for quite some time while the latter is new and advanced. Also, IPv6 can accommodate a lot more addresses.

Now, that you know the two standards, let’s find out how an IP address works, and the various ways you can it in Windows 11.

How does an IP address work?

An IP address looks something like this, 192.181.1.1, a combination of four sets of numbers. Each of these sets can range between 0 to 255. These sets are actually read as binary numbers by the computer.

Amongst the various types, there are four that require thorough understanding, it’s Static and Dynamic IP addresses and Internal and External IP addresses.

A Static IP address, as the name suggests, is one that does not change and is set manually. On the other hand, a Dynamic IP address is automatically assigned to each device on the network and can change over time.

The internal IP address refers to the one for a particular device on the network and is unique for each. It is assigned by the modem or router and is generally dynamic. The external IP address is common for all the devices on the network and is what people on other networks see.

Now that you have a basic understanding of the concept, let’s walk you through all the ways to find an IP address in Windows 11.

Quick tip:

A well-established and trusted VPN provider is Private Internet Access (PIA). It offers advanced network settings and has an outstanding app interface with strong speed scores. In case you want to hide your IP address, PIA helps by rerouting your internet traffic through one of its servers.

Furthermore, PIA provides an unbreakable security against IP trackers with a strict no-logs policy where it doesn’t record traffic or store any browsing data from its users at all. It also blocks ads and malicious websites for a safer and faster online experience. You can control your online privacy and fully encrypt your connection with a static IP address where only you can have your way in.

⇒ Get Private Internet Access (PIA)

How can I check the IP address in Windows 11?

1. Use Settings

Press Windows + I to launch the Settings app, and select Network & internet from the tabs listed in the navigation pane on the left.
Click on the Properties option on the right to view these for the currently connected network.
Now, scroll down to the bottom and locate the IP address.

This is probably one of the simplest methods and several users find it the most suitable to find the IP address in Windows 11.

2. Use Control Panel

Press Windows + S to launch the Search menu, enter Control Panel in the text field at the top, and click on the relevant search result that appears.
Next, click on Network and Internet from the options listed here.
Click on Network and Sharing Center.
Now, click on the network you are connected to get its status.
Click on the Details button.
You will find the IP address listed here.

3. In Task Manager

Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to launch the Task Manager and navigate to the Performance tab from the top.
Next, click on the Wi-Fi entry from the options on the left.
The IP address will now be listed on the right.

This method is probably the quickest of all to find the IP address in Windows 11.

4. Via the System Information app

Press Windows + S to launch the Search menu, enter System Information in the text field at the top, and click on the relevant search result.
Double-click on Components in the navigation pane on the left to expand and view the categories under it.
Now, double-click on Network and then select Adapter under it.
You should now find the IP address under the active network adapter on the right.

5. Use an online tool to find the IP address

Another method to check the IP address is by using a reliable online tool on a secure browser in Windows 11. A simple Google search should list various such tools, and you can use any of these. In most cases, Google itself should list the IP address at the top.

Do remember that this method will list the external IP address which may be different from the ones you found in the previous methods, which was the internal IP address or that of the individual device.

You can also use other tools like What is my IP or IPConfig.in to find your IP address in Windows 11. Also, several third-party apps might help you find the IP address as well.

6. Via Command Prompt

1. Press Windows + X or right-click on the Start icon to launch the Power User menu. Depending on your default command tool, you will see Command Prompt, Powershell or Windows Terminal here.
2. Click on the result to open it. In our example, we have Windows Terminal on our PC. It is a tool that merges command line shells.
3. If you are already in Command Prompt, skip this step and jump to step 4.

If you use Windows Terminal, click on the downward-facing arrow and select Command Prompt from the menu. Alternatively, you can hit Ctrl + Shift + 2 to launch cmd in a new tab.
4. Now, paste the following command and hit Enter: ipconfig
5. You will now find the IP address listed under the network adapter currently being used.

Several advanced users prefer Command Prompt over the conventional methods to find the IP address in Windows 11. Also, the same command would work in PowerShell as well, or any other command-line tool.

By now, you realize that finding the IP address is not intricate as it sounds. From the six methods listed here, choose the one that you are the most comfortable with and that takes minimum time.

Also, learn how to set a static IP and add a secondary IP address in Windows 11 from our guides.

You can learn how to switch to the newer protocol by following this guide for enabling IPv6 on Windows 11.

If you have any further queries, drop them in the comments section below.

5 Best PDF Compression Software [Windows 10 & Mac]

Posted on October 31, 2022October 6, 2025 by Vladimir Popescu

PDFs can be extremely efficient when you need to present a large document that contains images and graphs, and because of this, there’s no surprise that this format is so popular.

But if the file is too big to be included in the email or other software, PDF compression software comes to the rescue.

How can PDF compression software help me?

In some situations the PDF file you’re working with is way too big, thus not allowing your PC to process all the information in a timely manner.

In other cases, you can’t share the PDF file you just finished with your co-workers because of the same size issue.

It is very important that the compression is done without damaging any of the content or reducing the quality of the images.

Read on to find out what the best PDF compression software is, for both Windows 10 and Mac users.

What is the best software to compress PDF?

WinZip – Best compression

WinZip is a powerful software that enables you to compress PDFs with just a few clicks of your mouse, and without losing the quality of any of the data.

Beyond this, the speed at which this software compresses even the largest PDFs is absolutely astonishing, leaving the competition in the dust.

One of the most unusual but very useful features is the fact that you can use WinZip to add links to files via email, IM, and social media, which in this day and age can give you a clear advantage.

On top of amazing compression speeds, and unequaled compressions quality, WinZip also offers you a wide range of other useful features:

Can merge and split archives as easily as saying zip
Great compatibility with all well-known operating systems
Offers great portability and an easy-to-navigate interface
Can convert files to PDF
Add watermarks
128/256-bit encryption
Fully compatible with DropBox, GoogleDrive, SkyDrive, etc.

WinZip

Compress PDFs of any size quickly and efficiently with this powerful and easy to use software.

Free trial Visit website

Adobe Acrobat – Best native compression

Being the actual inventor of the PDF format, Adobe Acrobat enables you to compress PDF files almost as easily as WinZip.

This powerful tool not only allows you to compress PDF files no matter of their size, but also offers viewing, editing, managing, creating, and converting of PDF files.

To top everything off, Adobe Acrobat DC is easily controlled by using its user-friendly interface, giving you quick access to the plethora of features.

Even the way you use the software can be customized by being able to easily set the way your toolbars are shown, and what elements they include.

The conversion process is done efficiently, and the results suffer no loss of quality whatsoever.

Here are some other useful features:

Touch-enabled functionality
Can be adapted to any sort of document or user-preference
User-friendly interface
Fully compatible with most OSs

Adobe Acrobat Reader

Compress PDF files fast with this extraordinary software. Try it out today!

Free trial Visit website

ShortPixel Online PDF Compressor – Best online tool

If you want to archive some PDF files quickly, ShortPixel’s Online PDF Compressor is the best online tool for that.

Not only will it get the job done in record time, but you may work with batches of up to 50 files at a time, which is impressive for an online app!

Just drag and drop your files into the designated area on the website and set up the compression rate. Lossy will provide the best compression, but you will lose some image quality inside the PDF.

The Glossy settings seems like the best choice because you will have the best of both worlds: good compression and decent image quality. However, if you want to keep the graphics inside the PDF at their best quality, pick the Lossless setup.

Although the tool is free, you may only work with files that don’t exceed 10 Mb. You can remove this limitation by creating an account in a few seconds.

⇒ Get ShortPixel Online PDF Compressor

PDFOptim – Great compression

PDFOptim is a good compression software that offers decent results, even though the output settings are not as complex as in the case of other software options presented in this guide.

This software works by offering you a choice from a large number of pre-defined presets, which can simplify things at the cost of more exact customization.

One of the best features of this software is that it allows you to perform a side-by-side comparison between the file pre and post-compression.

Some other useful features:

Fast processing of files
Professional-level results at no cost to image/text quality
Simple interface that’s easy to understand and use
Useful pre-sets that prove easy to use even for beginners
Supports batch-processing of PDF files

⇒ Get PDFOptim

WorkinTool – Best dedicated PDF compression

WorkinTool is actually a swiss knife for file conversion and compression and it has a dedicated PDF compression feature.

This software offers three levels of compression: Smaller Size, Normal Compression, and Clearer Output.

Of course, the first one is the most effective and it can shrink a several MB file in a few hundred KB.

However, that setting might affect the quality of the images inside the PDF so we would recommend using the second option, Normal Compression.

The third setting can be used if you need to keep your images to a good quality but it’s a tradeoff for the amount of shrinkage.

Other than that, it’s really easy to use it. Just click on the PDF Compression option, drag-and-drop your file, select the compression setting and hit the Compress button.

The same simple process can be applied to images, videos, Word or Powerpoint files.

WorkinTool works on all versions of Windows, and also on macOS. It can be downloaded and used for free so you can at least try it.

Take a look at its best features:

Three compression settings available
Simple and easy usage
Up to 85% compression ratio for the smallest size compression
Image, video, PDF, Word and Powerpoint file compression
Free to download and use

⇒ Get WorkinTool

We hope that the software options presented in this guide have been useful in your search for a good PDF compression software.

You may also be interested in our selection of the best PDF to Word compression tools.

If you have any other software suggestions in mind or would like to share your experience with us, don’t hesitate to make use of the comment section below.

How to Fix Bluetooth Not Working in Windows 10 (Step-by-Step Guide)

Posted on October 31, 2022December 16, 2025 by Ivan Jenic

If you’re dealing with Bluetooth not working in Windows 10,we ll help you fix it fast. Many users report issues like missing toggle buttons, failed connections, or devices not pairing. This guide covers the most effective solutions to restore Bluetooth functionality quickly.

What can I do if Bluetooth stops working in Windows 10?

What can I do if Bluetooth stops working in Windows 10?

1. Check if Bluetooth Is Enabled

Before anything else, confirm Bluetooth is turned on.

Steps:

Press Windows + I to open Settings.
Go to Devices > Bluetooth & other devices.
Make sure the Bluetooth switch is toggled On

If the option is missing, your driver may be corrupted or your device doesn’t support Bluetooth.

2. Restart Bluetooth Support Services

Sometimes Bluetooth services crash or fail to start properly.

Steps:

Press Windows + R, type services.msc, press Enter.
Locate Bluetooth Support Service.
Right-click it > Restart.
Set Startup type to Automatic.

This method helps with Bluetooth connection problems and missing settings.

3. Run the Bluetooth Troubleshooter

Windows includes a built-in tool for fixing Bluetooth problems in Windows 10.

Steps:

Open Settings > Update & Security > Troubleshoot.
Select Additional troubleshooters.
Click Bluetooth > Run the troubleshooter.

It detects and resolves common issues automatically, including pairing failures.

4. Reinstall the Bluetooth Driver on This Computer

Corrupted or outdated drivers are a top reason why Bluetooth won’t work.

Steps to reinstall Bluetooth driver for Windows 10:

Press Windows + X > choose Device Manager.
Expand Bluetooth, right-click your adapter > Uninstall device.
Confirm and restart your PC.
Windows will reinstall the driver automatically.

If Windows doesn’t reinstall it or you still have issues, consider using a reliable tool like Fortect Driver Updater. It scans your system and helps you reinstall or update your Bluetooth driver with a single click, perfect for avoiding manual errors.

5. Update Bluetooth Drivers

Outdated drivers can break Bluetooth pairing and connection.

Steps:

In Device Manager, right-click the Bluetooth adapter.
Choose Update driver > Search automatically for drivers.

If no updates are found, visit the OEM support site to get the latest version.

6. Re-Pair Your Bluetooth Device

This step is key when learning how to fix Bluetooth headphones pairing.

Steps:

Go to Settings > Devices > Bluetooth.
Select your device > Remove device.
Reboot your PC.
Pair the device again by clicking Add Bluetooth or other device.

This resolves corrupted pairings or failed connections.

7. Use the Airplane Mode Toggle Trick

Toggling airplane mode can refresh your wireless settings.

Steps:

Go to Settings > Network & Internet > Airplane Mode.
Turn it on, wait 10 seconds, then off again.

This is a quick fix for Bluetooth connection issues without deeper troubleshooting.

8. Use Windows 10 Optional Features Repair

Some Windows components may be missing or damaged.

Steps:

Open Settings > Apps > Optional features.
Look for Wireless Display or Bluetooth-related entries.
Remove and reinstall if needed.
You can also use sfc /scannow in CMD to scan for corrupt system files.

Why is my Bluetooth not in Device Manager?

If you can’t find your Bluetooth device in the Device Manager, it might be because of an outdated or faulty driver. You can fix this quickly by updating or reinstalling your driver, as shown in this guide.

Another known cause of the issue is an outdated PC. Updating your operating system should help restore normalcy here.

That’s about it. We hope at least one of these solutions helped you resolve the Bluetooth problem in Windows 10.

If you updated to the latest version of the OS, we prepared a separate guide on how to fix your Bluetooth in Windows 11.

While troubleshooting this problem, you might also be interested in our guide on what to do if your Bluetooth headphones are not working in Windows 11.

If you have any questions or suggestions, just let us know in the comments below.

The Specified Procedure Could Not be Found: 4 Ways to Fix It

Posted on October 31, 2022October 9, 2025 by Matthew Adams

The specified procedure could not be found error on Windows 10 and Windows 11 is an issue that often arises when users try to launch certain applications during startup. When that issue occurs, this error message pops up:

RunDLL: There was a problem starting [file reference]. The specified procedure could not be found.

Why the specified procedure could not be found?

The specified procedure error is a RunDLL issue that pertains to DLL (Dynamic Link Library) files. That means the Rundll32.exe can’t access the specified file within the error message. Consequently, software that needs the referenced DLL file can’t start.

Thus, the specified procedure could not be found issue is in some respects similar to the more common missing DLL errors that blight Windows. It can arise because of corrupted or missing system or third-party software DLL files much the same.

How do you fix The specified procedure cannot be found?

1. Run the SFC command-line utility

1. Press the Windows key, then input the keyword cmd within the search text box and select Run as administrator for the Command Prompt’s search result.
2. Before initiating an SFC scan, input this command and press Enter: DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-image /Restorehealth
3. Then type in the SFC command and press Enter: sfc /scannow
4. Wait until the SFC scan has reached the 100 percent mark and displayed an outcome message within the Command Prompt.
5. Reboot your computer.

If you’re experiencing the specified procedure could not be found error, you should check your system for any corruption.

To do that, you need to perform the SFC (System File Checker) scan in Command Prompt.

2. Run a malware (antivirus) scan

Double-click Windows Security on your system tray.
Select Virus & threat protection on the Home tab.
Click Scan options to open more scanning settings.
Then select the Full scan radio button shown directly below.
Click Scan now to start.

You can also scan for malware with third-party utilities like Malwarebytes and not only delete digital threats but also prevent them from affecting your computer. This will help fix the ippipyramidgetsize_l The specified procedure could not be found error.

3. Roll Windows back to a previous time

Right-click the Start menu’s taskbar button and select Run.
Open System Restore by entering this command in Run and clicking OK: rstrui
If there’s an option to Choose a different restore point, select that radio button. Then click Next to continue.
Choose a restore point that might restore Windows to a time that predates the specified procedure error on your desktop or laptop. Or select the oldest restore point available if you’re not sure.
Then click the Next and Finish button to restore Windows to your chosen date.

This method will remove software installed after your selected restore point. Click Scan for affected programs in System Restore to check what software you’ll need to reinstall.

4. Reinstall the software the specified procedure error occurs for

Launch Run via the Win + X menu (or press a Windows + R hotkey for it).
Then input this Programs and Features command and click OK: appwiz.cpl
Select the software the specified procedure error occurs for, and click its Uninstall option.
When you’ve uninstalled the software, click Power and Restart on your Start menu.
Then reinstall the latest version of the software you just uninstalled.

To ensure there aren’t any leftovers from uninstalled software, it’s better to utilize a third-party uninstaller app, such as IObit Uninstaller. This tool includes options for erasing residual files and registry entries left behind after uninstalling programs.

If you come across The specified procedure could not be found with Windows Photos, you’ll need to reinstall the app with PowerShell. You can enter this PowerShell command to reinstall a specific built-in app:

Add-AppxPackage -register “C:\Program Files\WindowsApps\<PackageFullName>” –DisableDevelopmentMode

Will resetting Windows 10 fix the specified procedure issue?

Yes, resetting Windows might work because that will at least restore missing DLL system files. However, resetting Windows will also remove all third-party apps on your PC that weren’t pre-installed with it. So, that potential fix is a recommended last resort only.

Our guide on how to reset Windows 10 to its factory settings post provides full instructions for resetting that platform.

Will any third-party system repair software resolve this error?

Some might, but you’ve got to select the better system repair software available. Moreover, you can use these tools as a registry cleaner, as this issue can arise because of corrupted Windows registry entries.

Our best registry cleaner tools article provides further details about the best registry utilities. You can also check out the software in our best DLL fixer repair software guide.

Is the specified module could not be found error the same as the procedure one?

The specified module could not be found error is a very similar issue that we have addressed separately. The only difference is that its message references a module instead of a procedure. In programming terms, a procedure is a specific task whereas a module is a small program section.

However, the specified module is a RunDLL error much the same. It arises when users try to start certain software and includes a DLL file reference. Some of the same resolutions for the specified procedure issue might also fix the module error.

If you need more fixes, consider contacting the Microsoft support service for Windows. You can do so via the Contact Microsoft Support webpage.

You’re most welcome to discuss this error in the comments section below. There you can add any questions and even share alternative fixes (if you’ve discovered any) for the specified procedure error.

HDMI Port is not Working on PC: 7 Ways to Fix it

Posted on October 31, 2022October 6, 2025 by Ivan Jenic

You must have encountered a problem that has led to your HDMI port not working on Windows 10. This is a problem other users have experienced.

This port is handy for connectivity, especially with modern equipment, so we will show you how to fix this problem.

Why is my HDMI port not working on my PC?

There are multiple reasons why the HDMI port isn’t working on Windows, and in most cases, this is just a glitch with your graphics card, so you might want to check your drivers.

This issue can affect any PC, and many reported that HDMI isn’t working on laptops. If drivers aren’t the issue, a solid workaround would be to use a specialized adapter.

However, that’s not always the best solution since sometimes the USB to HDMI adapter won’t work, so it’s essential to find the core cause of this issue.

Here are some quick examples of how these issues can manifest:

HDMI won’t work on a laptop – In most cases, the TV fails to recognize your laptop.
The HDMI audio won’t play – Oftentimes, the video is available, but the audio won’t play.
HDMI image is too big for the screen – Fortunately, installing the latest graphics driver updates should fix this problem within minutes.
HDMI video is choppy – This usually happens when a second monitor is connected via HDMI.

The most common problem with HDMI is that audio or video is missing, and in most cases, that’s caused by driver incompatibility, but there are a few things you can do to fix this problem.

How do I test my HDMI port?

Check for damage along the length of the chord.
Check for particles in the head of the chord and the port on the device. You can spray some compressed air to remove these particles.
Insert one end of the chord in the source device and the other in the display device.
Boot the display device and ensure it is set to HDMI mode.
Boot your source device and ensure it is set to export images.
If the image and sound quality are fine, nothing is wrong with your HDMI chord.

If there’s no sound, video is missing, or your HDMI port is not working on your PC, follow the below steps to refresh your audio and video drivers.

How can I fix the HDMI port if it’s not working on PC?

Before you go into any of the solutions provided, make sure you do the following:

Enable your HDMI port on Windows 10
Restart your computer
Make sure to select the correct HDMI port on the display device
Check the hardware and make sure the HDMI cable is not slipping out

Set your HDMI device as the Default Device
Update your drivers
Rollback to the older driver
Uninstall the graphics driver
Remove recently installed software
Run System Restore
Replace your cable

1. Set your HDMI device as the Default Device

Right-click on the volume icon on the taskbar and select Playback devices.
In the newly open Playback tab, select Digital Output Device or HDMI if they exist on the list of devices, then click Set default.

First, the HDMI port will not work on your monitor if your HDMI device is not set as the default device.

2. Update your drivers

2.1 Update drivers manually

1. Click the search bar on your taskbar, type Device Manager, and select the Device Manager app.
2. Expand any section with outdated devices (Start with the Display adapters).
3. Right-click on the device and select Update driver.
4. Click Search automatically for drivers.
5. Install the drivers found by the wizard.

Sometimes, all you need to do to fix the HDMI port not working issue is to install the latest drivers. Just visit your graphics card or motherboard manufacturer’s website and download the latest drivers.

You can also update your video and audio drivers using the Device Manager, as shown above.

2.2 Update your drivers with an advanced tool

One common factor that can cause your HDMI port not to function correctly is out-of-date drivers. Therefore, updating your device is crucial, and we recommend you do this by using professional software.

Fortect Driver Updater is an excellent tool for the maintenance of your drivers. After a quick scan of your system, this software will allow you to replace or update any broken driver with fresh genuine ones, all within minutes.

⇒ Get Fortect Driver Updater

3. Rollback to the older driver

Click the search bar, type Device Manager, and select the Device Manager app.
Expand any section with devices to be rolled back.
Right-click it and choose Properties.
Navigate to the Driver tab and click on Roll Back Driver if it is not greyed out.
Restart your computer.

Sometimes, it’s better to use the default driver to avoid compatibility issues. You’ll need to uninstall the current driver, and the default one will install itself.

However, using the Roll Back feature is also an effective method of getting back an old driver. Check if this resolves the issue of the HDMI port not working on Windows 10.

4. Uninstall the graphics driver

Click the search bar, type Device Manager, and select the Device Manager app.
Expand the Display adapter menu, right-click on your graphics driver, and select Uninstall device.
Click on Uninstall.

Check if this resolves the issue of the HDMI port not working on Windows 10.

5. Remove recently installed software

Go to Start and type Control Panel and open up the app.
Click on Uninstall a program.
Select the program recently added, and click Uninstall (Repeat this step for recently added programs).

If you recently installed new software on your computer, try uninstalling it. Then, check if this resolves the issue of the HDMI port not working on Windows 10.

This solution may work if the HDMI port is not showing in your Device Manager. Sometimes, newly installed software may trigger compatibility issues and various connection problems.

6. Run System Restore

Press Windows Key + S and enter system restore, then choose Create a restore point from the menu.
The System Properties window will now appear. Now click the System Restore button.
When the System Restore window opens, click Next.
If available, check Show more restore points. Select the desired restore point from the menu and click Next.
Now follow the instructions on the screen to complete the restoration process.

The System Restore option allows you to restore the previous well-performing system configuration without losing files, except for a few customizable features and settings.

7. Replace your cable

Also, there might be situations when your problem is hardware-related. In this case, we recommend you look at some highly-rated products you could buy.

This way, you can ensure the HDMI output works great on your Windows 10 devices.

That would be all; we hope these solutions helped you solve any problem you may encounter regarding your HDMI port not working on your Windows 10 device.

As always, if you come across other solutions to fix HDMI issues on your PC, you can help the Windows community by listing the troubleshooting steps in the comments below. And if you’re wondering what to do when the PC is connected to a TV with HDMI, but no picture appears, make sure digital vibrancy is not set to 0%.

Also, if you have any comments, questions, or suggestions, contact us in the same comment section. Don’t forget to tell us which solution worked for you.

Nvidia Control Panel is not Opening: How to Manually Force it

Posted on October 31, 2022July 21, 2025 by Milan Stanojevic

Many users reported that they can’t open the NVIDIA Control Panel on their PC. This can be a problem, especially if you want to fine-tune your graphics card settings.

The app is used to customize your graphics card settings and much more, depending on your graphics card.

We’re going to show you a lot of solutions to fix the NVIDIA Control Panel not opening issue, but let’s see why this problem occurs in the first place.

How do I fix Nvidia Control Panel not opening?

Why can’t I open the NVIDIA Control Panel?

The NVIDIA Control Panel app only works on PCs with NVIDIA graphics cards so if you changed your hardware configuration, you won’t be able to run it any longer.

*The app didn’t detect an NVIDIA graphics card in your system*

You will get an error like the one above. However, that can also happen if your graphics card is malfunctioning or disconnected.

Or, if you made recent modifications, the NVIDIA driver might not be compatible with your Windows version.

Switching on the software side, the main reason why the NVIDIA Control Panel app isn’t working involves malfunctioning drivers, Windows updates, and services not working properly.

Of course, there are other reasons like the antivirus blocking the app and the Fast Boot option interference, but these are less frequent.

As with any problem in Windows, this one has its share of representations. Here are some similar problems that our readers reported:

NVIDIA Control Panel has stopped working on Windows 10 – Perhaps the problem is your antivirus. Read more about NVIDIA Control Panel stopped working issues and correct them now.
NVIDIA Control Panel not working on Windows 7 64 bit – This can appear on older versions of Windows, but you should be able to fix that problem with one of our solutions.
Can’t find NVIDIA Control Panel – If you can’t find the app, simply go to its installation directory, create a shortcut on your desktop, and the problem should be resolved.
NVIDIA Control Panel missing – Many users reported that the app is missing on their PC, but that’s not the case. Simply open Control Panel and you should be able to access it.
NVIDIA Control Panel not showing – This happens when it wasn’t installed with the drivers, or it simply stopped working.
NVIDIA Control Panel won’t launch – Users reported unsuccessfully trying to open NVIDIA Control Panel from the Windows Control Panel, and it’s probably caused by the malfunctioning driver.

Why does NVIDIA Control Panel closes after opening?

If you have issues opening this app, it’s possible that Nvidia driver keeps crashing in the background. To fix the issue, you might have to reinstall the driver.

A few users reported that Nvidia Control panel shows only 3D settings, and this can appear if the software is damaged, so reinstalling it might be the best option.

It’s not unusual for Nvidia Control Panel to not be opening, but luckily, we have a couple of solutions that will help you fix this problem.

How do I fix Nvidia Control Panel not opening?

1. Update your drivers

Right-click Start and select Device Manager.
Right-click on NVIDIA driver, and choose to Update driver.
If a driver update is available, the wizard will automatically install it, if not, your driver is already up to date.
Restart your PC.

If you can’t open NVIDIA Control Panel on your PC, the problem might be your drivers. They could be out of date, and that causes various errors to appear.

To fix the issue, it’s advised that you update your NVIDIA drivers. Visit the manufacturer’s website and download the latest drivers for your graphics card. Install them on your PC, and the problem should be resolved.

2. Update Windows

Press the Windows key + I to open the Settings app.
Go to the Update & Security section.
In the right pane, click the Check for updates button.

If any updates are available, they will be downloaded automatically in the background and installed as soon as you restart your PC.

Once your system and drivers are up to date, the problem should be resolved completely.

3. End NVIDIA Display Container process

Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
Locate the NVIDIADisplay Container process, right-click it, and choose End Task from the menu.

NOTE

After doing that, the process will restart itself, and you should be able to open NVIDIA Control Panel. Bear in mind that this is just a workaround, so it’s rather likely that you’ll have to repeat it once you restart your PC.

4. Disable the antivirus temporarily

Click the Start button, type security and click on Windows Security from the results.
Select Virus & threat protection.
Now, if you don’t have a third-party antivirus installed, you can deactivate the protection of Windows Defender. If you do, you can select Open app and disable your antivirus from its menu.
For instance, for Avast, you can deactivate the defense from the Protection menu and then selecting Core Shields.

According to our readers, a common problem with applications can be your antivirus. Sometimes, you can’t open NVIDIA Control Panel because your antivirus interferes with it.

To fix the problem, it’s advised to check your antivirus settings and make sure that your antivirus isn’t blocking this app.

If that’s not the issue, try disabling certain antivirus features and check if that helps. In addition, you can also try disabling your antivirus altogether and check if that changes things.

The worst cases scenario is where you need to remove your antivirus completely. Some of our readers reported that AVG antivirus caused this issue to appear, but after removing it the problem was resolved.

Even if you don’t use AVG, you can try removing your antivirus and check if that solves the issue. In this case, you should consider switching to a different antivirus solution.

There are many great antivirus tools on the market, but if you want maximum protection and one that won’t interfere with your system, you should consider using an antivirus that is most compatible with the OS.

5. Make sure that the necessary services are running

Press the Windows key + R and enter services.msc. Now press Enter or click OK.
When the Services window opens, locate NVIDIADisplay Container LS right-click it to open its properties.
Now set the Startup type to Automatic and click the Start button to start the service. Click Apply and OK to save the changes.
Locate NVIDIA Network Service Container, set its Startup type to Automatic, and make sure that the service is running.

6. Start the application directly from the installation directory

1. Press the Windows key + E to open File Explorer.
2. Go to the following folder: C:\Program Files\NVIDIA Corporation\Control Panel Client
3. Locate the nvcplui.exe file.
4. Double-click on it to launch it. After doing that, the NVIDIA Control Panel should start without any problems.
5. If you want, you can create a shortcut of this application on your desktop and use it to quickly start it from there.

You may also force NVIDIA Control Panel to start automatically with your system. To do that, you just need to create a shortcut of the NVIDIA Control Panel and put it in the following directory: C:\Program\Data\Microsoft/Windows\Start Menu\Programs\StartUp

If you cannot open Nvidia Control Panel with the traditional methods, then you should start the app directly from its application directory.

For quicker access, you can create a desktop shortcut for the application, or add it to your Startup programs so that it opens as soon as you boot your PC.

7. Disable the Fast Boot option in Windows 10

Press the Windows key + S and type power settings, then choose Power & sleep settings from the menu.
Look for the Related settings section and click on Additional power settings.
Power Options window will now open. From the menu on the left, select Choose what the power buttons do.
Click on Change settings that are currently unavailable.
Uncheck Turn on fast startup (recommended) option and click Save changes.

After doing that, the Fast Boot option should be disabled completely. Bear in mind that your system will start a bit slower than before, but the problem with NVIDIA Control Panel should be resolved.

8. Reinstall the driver from NVIDIA GeForce Experience

Open NVIDIA GeForce Experience.
Now head over to the Drivers section.
Select Re-install the driver option, select the components and click on Install.
Follow the instructions on the screen to complete the reinstall process. Once the driver is reinstalled, check if the problem is still there.

9. Make sure that NVIDIA Control Panel isn’t hidden

Press the Windows key + S and enter nvidia control, then choose NVIDIA Control Panel from the list of results.
Go to Desktop and select Add Desktop Context Menu and you can also select the Show Notification Tray Icon option if you want to receive notifications from the app.

After doing that, you should see NVIDIA Control Panel in your Taskbar and in your context menu.

Sometimes, you can’t open the NVIDIA Control Panel simply because it’s hidden. Specific software or Windows update can hide it.

10. NVIDIA Control Panel not opening in Windows 11

Believe it or not, this issue also has appeared on Windows 11. All the solutions we described for Windows 10 above can also be applied to the new OS.

However, we will still show you the solution to the most common problem our readers encounter, caused by the NVIDIA Control Panel service not working.

Press the Windows key + R to start the Run app, type services.msc and hit Enter.
Locate the NVIDIA Display Container LS.
If the service is not running at all, right-click the service and select Start from the menu.
Check if you can start NVIDIA Control Panel. If the issue persists, right-click the service again and select Restart this time.

If you still have problems opening the NVIDIA Control Panel, just go ahead and apply the solutions presented for Windows 10 above.

How to reinstall NVIDIA Control Panel?

Click the Start button and select Settings.
Select Apps.
Scroll down until you locate NVIDIA Control Panel, click on it and select Uninstall.
Head over to the Microsoft store and download NVIDIA Control Panel, then install the app.

Not being able to open NVIDIA Control Panel can be a big problem, especially if you want to fine-tune your graphics card.

If this issue occurred after you installed a new Windows update, just roll it back to restore things back to normal.

For more information, we also have an excellent guide on how to install graphics card drivers that might help you further.

The problem with the Nvidia Control Panel is often followed by You are not currently using a display attached to an Nvidia GPU message, but we covered that issue in a separate guide.

However, we hope you solved this issue by using one of our solutions, and now it works flawlessly.

Don’t hesitate to access the comments section below for more questions or suggestions. We’re eager to hear from you.

Misconfigured Windows Servers contributed to DDoS attacks

Posted on October 31, 2022 by David Allen

What can two businesses on two different continents have in common? Incorrectly configured Microsoft servers that have been spewing gigabytes per second of junk packets causing distributed denial of service attacks (DDOS) on unsuspecting services and businesses. These attacks can certainly disrupt a business or in some cases take it down without proper protection, which oftentimes isn’t affordable for a small business.

According to a recently published report by Black Lotus Labs, more than 12,000 servers running Microsoft Domain Controllers with Active Directory were often used to magnify DDOS attacks. For years it’s been a constant battle of attacker and defender, often times all the attacker had to do was gain control of an ever-growing list of connected devices in a botnet and use them to attack. One of the more common methods of attacks is called reflection. Reflection is when instead of flooding one device with data packets attackers send the attack to third-party servers. Using third parties with misconfigured servers and spoofing the packets gives the appearance that the attack is coming from the target. These third-party servers unknowingly end up reflecting the attack at the target often ten times larger than it started.

A growing source of attacks over the last year has been the Connectionless Lightweight Directory Access Protocol (CLDAP) which is a version of the standard Lightweight Directory Access Protocol (LDAP). CLDAP uses User Datagram Protocol packets to authenticate users and discover services when signing into Active Directory. Chad Davis, a researcher at Black Lotus had this to say in a recent email.

“When these domain controllers are not exposed to the open Internet (which is true for the vast majority of the deployments), this UDP service is harmless. But on the open Internet, all UDP services are vulnerable to reflection.”

Attackers have been using the protocol since 2007 to magnify attacks. When researchers first discovered the misconfiguration in CLDAP servers the number was in the tens of thousands. Once the issue was brought to the administrator’s attention the number dropped significantly, though it has risen sharply again since 2020 including a rise of nearly 60 percent in the past year according to Black Lotus Labs.

Black Lotus offered the following advice for organizations running CLDAP.

Network administrators: Consider not exposing CLDAP service (389/UDP) to the open Internet.

If exposure of the CLDAP service to the open Internet is absolutely necessary, take pains to secure and defend the system:

On versions of MS Server supporting LDAP ping on the TCP LDAP service, turn off the UDP service and access LDAP ping via TCP.

If MS Server version doesn’t support LDAP ping on TCP, rate limit the traffic generated by the 389/UDP service to prevent use in DDoS.

If MS Server version doesn’t support LDAP ping on TCP, firewall access to the port so that only your legitimate clients can reach the service.

Network defenders: Implement some measures to prevent spoofed IP traffic, such as Reverse Path Forwarding (RPF), either loose or, if feasible, strict. For more guidance, the MANRS initiative offers in-depth discussion of anti-spoofing guidelines and real-world applications.

Black Lotus has notified and assisted administrators they found vulnerable in an IP space provided by Lumen. Microsoft hasn’t commented on the findings.

Via Arstechnica

5 Microsoft Cloud command line tips and tricks to find any Azure portal or blade

Posted on October 31, 2022May 29, 2024 by davew

In this article

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Are you tired of trying to find a Microsoft portal or blade in Azure? There is a open-source app available that Azure admins or devs might find useful. Microsoft’s Merill Fernando, Azure Active Directory Product Manager created [cmd.ms] to make it easier to get to Microsoft portals and blades without trying to memorize all of them.

Are you tired of clicking around in Microsoft portals to get to a blade?

Introducing https://t.co/jZV3o3tYP1 your Microsoft cloud command line for the browser!

Use the power of your keyboard and your memory to get to your favourite Microsoft portal or blade in seconds. pic.twitter.com/iCT2OCLra2

— Merill Fernando (@merill) October 26, 2022

The Microsoft Cloud command line, otherwise known as [cmd.ms], makes it easier to find your favorite blade in Azure, Microsoft 365, Azure AD, Intune, and more. It’s really easy to try out and you don’t need to download or install anything to get started.

Microsoft Cloud command line

The Microsoft Cloud command line aims to make it easier to find the right Microsoft product portal to get to individual blades within Microsoft 365 Admin, Azure, SharePoint, or wherever else you need to look for within Microsoft’s entire corporation.

You aren’t restricted to any one browser or operating system either, you can use Microsoft Cloud command line on almost any platform. Here’s what you need to do.

Open a new tab in your preferred web browser.
Type “cmd.ms” in the web address bar and use any of the commands or alias from the list available on the Microsoft Cloud command line homepage.

[Cmd.ms] is a short link tool that allows users to use the power of their keyboard to go to Microsoft portal or blade without endlessly clicking. [Aka.ms] is very similar to [cmd.ms] and shares the some of the same short links and commands.

#1 Address bar autocomplete extensions

For those that like autocomplete from the address bar, you can get the browser extension for Edge, Chrome and FireFox. Once you install the extension, you can find Microsoft portals and blades even faster:

Open a new tab.
Type c and press SPACE or TAB.
Type in the cmd.ms shortcut you want to find (ex. Az).

Get the browser extension to get autocomplete support for all the commands for your browser from the links below.

#2 Add a new command to [cmd.ms]

Interested in adding a new command? Head over to GitHub to request a new command. The preferred option is to create a pull request which updates the commands.csv.

Here is a list of tips to keep in mind when you are creating a new command in cmd.ms:

Verify that your new command/alias does not already exist.
If the app has a legacy or alternate name, include it in the Keyword column so it is searchable.
Only include links to Microsoft portals.

If you feel a command name is too long, be sure to include an alias to the CLI name so it is easily discoverable. If there is a new app, you can suggest a new two letter prefix for the app.

#3 Use cmd.ms/{command} instead

[Cmd.ms] also supports the cmd.ms/{command} format if you prefer to use it over the {command}.cmd.ms format. It is noted that {command}.cmd.ms is “better in the long run due to autocomplete filling in the cmd.ms suffix as soon as you type {command} in the browser tab.”

#4 MSPortals.io

If you like [cmd.ms], you’ll love MSPortals.io. Available on GitHub, MSPortals.io lists of all the Admin Microsoft Portal URLs in one place. MSPortals.io is a project set up and owned by Adam Fowler and is not affiliated with Microsoft in any way.

#5 Centro 365

Centro 365 is a browser extension created by Sean O’Sullivan that makes it easier for Admins to manage devices and apps in Azure and Microsoft 365. You can download Centro 365 on Edge, Chrome, FireFox, and Opera and the browser extension is free to try.

Did you know about or use [cmd.ms]? Let us know in the comments!

Failed to Play Test Tone: How to Fix the Error

Posted on October 31, 2022October 9, 2024 by Ivan Jenic

The Windows OS, though getting refined over the years, still throws a few errors every now and then. One of these is Failed to play test tone error when troubleshooting issues with an audio device.

The error can be faced with a range of devices and could point to a wide array of underlying causes triggering the message, which makes it difficult to troubleshoot things.

But don’t worry! We have covered every aspect of the Failed to play test tone error and the most effective solutions for it in the following sections.

Why does it say Failed to play test tone?

There could be several reasons behind the error, and here are the common ones:

Outdated, incompatible, or corrupt audio drivers
Misconfigured sound settings
Critical services not running
Corrupt system files
A bug in the current version of the OS

In addition to this error, users reported the following problems as well:

USB audio Failed to play test tone – If you’re getting this error, it might be because you’re using a USB sound card or USB headphones; according to users, the problem occurs more often with USB audio devices.
Failed to play test tone Lenovo – Audio problems like this can occur on almost any PC, including Lenovo.
Laptop no sound, failed to play test tone – This issue affects both desktop and laptop PCs alike; in fact, the issue is more common on certain laptops than on desktop PCs.
Failed to play test tone Acer Nitro 5 – Many using the Acer Nitro 5 laptop reported the problem, and our solutions cover it as well.
Failed to play sound, sound disabled – In some cases, you won’t be able to play any sounds on your PC. According to users, the sound gets disabled on their PC due to this problem.

Let’s now head to the solutions.

How do I fix error Failed to play test tone?

Before you head to the solutions that require reconfiguring the settings or making other advanced changes, here are a few things you can try:

If you’re using a 5.1 speaker system, go to your speaker settings and change them from Quadraphonic to 5.1.
If you have the Xbox 360 controller connected to the PC, remove it. Many reported that the controller conflicted with the audio and triggered the error.
If you are using a docking station or a USB hub to connect the audio device, remove it and directly connect the audio device to the PC.

In case these don’t work, head to the solutions listed below:

1. Update the drivers

1.1 Update drivers manually

Type Device Manager in the Search bar, and click on the relevant search result.
Locate the problematic device, right-click on it, and select Update driver.
Now, select Search automatically drivers.

If Windows doesn’t find the updates, go to the manufacturer’s official site and manually download the latest driver version. However, the manual method isn’t always effective and may introduce instability if the incorrect drivers are installed.

1.2 Use professional software

Windows 10 usually installs all the necessary drivers, and it does a good job of finding and recognizing your devices. But, sometimes, it does not, and you have to manually install or update them.

The easiest solution is to have a tool that automatically installs all the drivers you need.

2. Install the High Definition Audio Device driver

1. Press Windows + R to open Run.
2. In the text box, type devmgmt.msc, and hit Enter.
3. Go to the Sound, video and game controllers section.
4. Right-click on the problematic device and select Update driver.
5. Choose the Browse my computer for driver software option.
6. Now choose Let me pick from a list of device drivers on my computer.
7. From the list of drivers, choose High Definition Audio Device, and click Next.
8. Click Yes on the warning box.

If updating the driver didn’t work, you can install the High Definition Audio Device driver to fix things in case of the Failed to play test tone error.

This can be done via Device Manager, and you need to browse your PC for the driver you want to install.

3. Restart the Windows Audio service

Press Windows + R to open Run, enter services.msc in the text field, and click OK.
Now, locate the Windows Audio service, right-click on it, and select Restart.
If the service is not presently running, choose Start from the context menu.

If your speaker failed to play the test tone in Windows 11, starting the Windows Audio service should help.

4. Disable all audio enhancements

Type Change system sounds in the Search bar, and then click on the relevant search result.
Navigate to the Playback tab, right-click on the problematic device, and select Properties.
Navigate to the Enhancements tab, check the Disable all enhancements option, and then click on OK to save the changes.

Sometimes, the Failed to play test tone error can appear if you’re using certain audio enhancements, and disabling all of them should work.

5. Remove recently installed updates

Press Windows + I to open the Settings app and select Updates & Security.
Click on View update history.
Now, click on Uninstall updates.
Double-click the update that you want to remove.
Click Yes in the confirmation prompt.

Many users received the Failed to play test tone after Windows 10 update due to bugs in the recently installed version.

If the problem is fixed after uninstalling it, disable automatic updates in Windows, and wait for a newer version to release before you re-enable it.

6. Change the security permissions in the registry

NOTE

We recommend caution while modifying the Registry since a minor lapse could damage the OS. You may restore the Registry to a stable state in case things don’t go as planned.

Press Windows + R, type regedit in the text field, and click OK.
Click Yes in the UAC prompt.
In the left pane, navigate to: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\MMDevices\Audio
Right-click the Audio key and choose Permissions from the menu.
Repeat the same steps on a working PC. Now compare the list of entries in Group or user names sections on a working PC and on your PC.
Check permissions for each entry on the list. If certain entries or permissions are missing from your PC, you’ll need to readjust them.
After all entries and permissions are the same on both PCs, click Advanced.
Check the Principal section on both PCs. If the owner section is different on the affected PC, be sure to change it accordingly.

If you’re getting this error frequently, you might be able to fix it by changing the security permissions. You’ll need to find another Windows 10 PC and compare the security permissions between the two.

7. Reset Windows

If nothing so far has worked, we suggest you factory reset Windows 10. Also, if possible, make sure to delete everything, including the files stored on the PC.

Once done, the computer will be as good as new and the Failed to play test tone error fixed.

In case this, too, doesn’t work, the problem likely lies with the hardware, and you will have to get it checked by a professional, or if it’s still under warranty, take it to the dedicated repair center.

Also, if the speaker Failed to play test tone in Windows 11, the same set of solutions would apply

Besides, check the best sound enhancement software for Windows 10.

If you have any suggestions, comments, or questions, just write them down in the comments below.

Kmode Exception Not Handled: How to Fix This BSOD Boot Loop

Posted on October 31, 2022December 16, 2025 by Milan Stanojevic

Kmode Exception Not Handled is a Blue Screen of Death error encountered on all recent iterations of the OS, including Windows 10.

Unlike other BSODs, this one may crash the PC on the login screen, making it challenging to troubleshoot things. Many users reported the error in Safe Mode, and some had KMODE EXCEPTION NOT HANDLED on startup.

Fret not! We have tested things and come up with a comprehensive list of solutions.

What causes KMODE_EXCEPTION_NOT_HANDLED?

Some of the reasons you may encounter the error are:

Hardware issues – If you can’t boot Windows and receive the error instead, it’s likely the hardware to blame. Also, the situation may lead to Kmode Exception Not Handled while installing Windows 10.
Outdated or corrupt driver – When encountering the error, it usually lists the problematic driver in brackets. Identify it and reinstall or update the driver.
A bug in the installed version of the OS – In many cases, users encountered the error after installing a particular version of the OS and managed to fix things simply by reverting to the previous version, which points to a bug.
Partial installation of Windows Updates – There’s also the possibility that an update was not installed properly, leading to the Kmode Exception Not Handled BSOD error.

The solutions we found may also work for other errors listed below:

Kmode Exception Not Handled ntfs.sys/netio.sys/ ndis.sys/ syntp.sys/ wdf01000.sys/ etd.sys/ tcpip.sys/ tppwr32v.sys/ usbport.sys/ igdkmd64.sys/ intelppm.sys/ iastora.sys – The system identifies the file’s name that caused the error. You can use that information to find the problematic device or application.
Kmode Exception Not Handled due to overclocking – This signals the voltage increase to the CPU behind the underlying cause.
Kmode Exception Not Handled due to RAM – Usually, it is a faulty RAM module that periodically gives the errors. Try reseating it or run a few tests on the installed RAM.
KMODE_EXCEPTION_NOT_HANDLED on USB – This message indicates a wrong driver or a faulty USB device.
KMODE EXCEPTION NOT HANDLED during install – Once again, this error can be caused by corrupted drivers or an incompatible one. In this case, install the driver compatible with the iteration/version you are trying to install.
Kmode Exception Not Handled loop – It indicates the computer’s incompatibility or old graphics card drivers.
Kmode Exception Not Handled in Windows 10 on Dell – Dell users with Windows 10 are more often affected by this error.

How do I fix the Kmode exception not handled?

Before we head to the other slightly more time-consuming solutions, here are a few quick tricks that worked for many:

If this is the first time you have encountered the error, force restart the computer. Users often encountered the error just once, and it didn’t reappear.
Ensure all the connections are proper, including the ones to the RAM and storage drive. For example, one user fixed things simply by reconnecting the SSD, so check that the storage drive is connected correctly.
Remove the RAM modules and re-insert them firmly into the slots.
Disable any third-party antivirus installed on the computer. In case that works, you know what’s causing the error. Here we would recommend switching to more reliable antivirus software.

1. Update the problematic drivers

NOTE

The first two steps are necessary only if you can’t usually access Windows. Otherwise, you can start from the third step.

While your computer boots, keep pressing F8 or Shift + F8.
If the shortcut works, you should see a list of options available. Choose Safe Mode with Networking and wait until Windows boots into Safe Mode.
Click on the Start button, type device manager, and choose the app from the results.
Find any unknown devices, right-click on them, and select Update driver.
Choose Search automatically for drivers.
If that doesn’t work, try the Browse my computer for drivers option instead, find the right driver, and install it.
After you’ve installed all the missing drivers, exit Safe Mode and check if the issue is resolved.

Missing or corrupt drivers can sometimes cause a KMODE_EXCEPTION_NOT_HANDLED error in Windows 10. To fix this problem, updating the problematic one or installing the missing drivers is recommended.

This error is often related to your network adapter or the graphics driver, so start by updating those first. You can also visit your manufacturer’s website for the latest driver version.

If updating your drivers doesn’t work, or you do not have the necessary computer skills to update/fix the drivers manually, we strongly recommend you use a third-party repair tool.

The automatic driver updater Outbyte Driver Updater will quickly repair driver issues by scanning your PC for older, lost, or damaged drivers, then updating to the most recent compatible version.

Outbyte Driver Updater

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2. Reinstall the corrupt driver

NOTE

If you can’t boot the PC normally, switch to Safe Mode by pressing the F8 or Shift + F8 key right after turning on the computer, choose Safe Mode, and then try the steps here. The same would apply throughout the guide.

Press Windows + R to open Run, type devmgmt.msc in the text field, and hit Enter.
Look for drivers with a warning sign (these show up automatically), right-click on them, and select Uninstall device.
If available, check the Delete the driver software for this device option, then click on Uninstall.
Once done, restart the computer, and Windows will automatically install a fresh copy of the driver as long as the concerned device is connected correctly.

Some users reported corrupt drivers as the underlying cause behind the Kmode Exception Not Handled error in Windows 10. So, make to check for these as well.

This method works when an updated version of the driver is not available. Otherwise, we recommend installing that instead of a fresh copy of the same performance.

3. Perform a System Restore

1. Press Windows + R to open Run.
2. In the Run dialog box, type rstrui.exe, and then click OK.
3. Choose the Create a different restore point option, and click Next.
4. Select a restore point from the list and then click on Next.
5. Now, review the restore details, and click Finish.
6. After the restore is complete and the system restarts, look for the latest version of Windows 10 and install it.

A trick that can help users fix the Kmode Exception Not Handled error when the previous update wasn’t properly installed is to perform a system restore.

4. Rename the problematic file

Press Windows + E to start File Explorer, and navigate to the folder where the problematic file is installed.
Locate the file that triggers the error, and rename it. For instance, for Bitdefender, locate bdselfpr.sys and rename it to bdselfpr.s__.

As previously mentioned, a specific software can cause the Kmode Exception Not Handled BSOD error on Windows 10.

Other programs that led to the error include:

Esportal (EspoDriver.sys)
Riot Games (vgk.sys)

Some users also fixed things by uninstalling these apps or related ones. For instance, if you have any games published by Riot Games, remove them or change the file’s name.

Remember that changing the name of these files isn’t always the best solution because it can lead to even more system instability.

Another way to quickly and efficiently solve the Kmode Exception Not Handled BSOD error is to use a repair tool.

5. Update the BIOS

NOTE

Bear in mind that BIOS update is an advanced procedure, and if not performed correctly, it can cause permanent damage to your PC.

Go to your motherboard manufacturer’s website, download the latest BIOS version for your device, and load the files on a USB memory stick.
Press Windows to open the Start Menu and click the Power button.
Hold the Shift key and choose the Restart option.
You should see several options available. Choose Troubleshoot.
Now select Advanced options and select UEFI Firmware Settings.
Click the Restart button, and your computer should now boot to BIOS.
Look for the update feature of your BIOS and load the new version from your USB stick.

In some cases, the Kmode Exception Not Handled error can be caused due to an outdated version of BIOS. We recommend checking the computer manual to find the exact process to update the BIOS.

Also, read all about how to update your BIOS; it may come in handy if you’re looking for more information on the process.

6. Uninstall recent Windows updates

Press Windows + I to open Settings, and click on Update & Security.
Click on View update history.
Now, click on Uninstall updates.
Select the update installed last, and click on Uninstall.
Finally, click Yes in the confirmation prompt.

7. Test the RAM for issues

Press Windows key + R, and type mdsched.exe, then press Enter or click OK.
In the Windows Memory Diagnostic window, choose one of the two options and follow the instructions.
The tool will now detect and fix issues with the RAM.

In case the built-in utility doesn’t work, you can try MemTest86+, an open-source memory repair tool that runs extensive tests to find out the minutest of the issues with the RAM and eliminate them.

If issues are detected and can’t be repaired by the tool, we recommend you replace the RAM module. Or, if you have multiple sticks installed, remove the problematic one. This should, in all likelihood, fix the Kmode Exception Not Handled error.

These were the best fixes for Kmode Exception Not Handled BSOD error and have helped most users get things up and running.

Alternatively, you could prepare beforehand for such events and install a dedicated tool to repair BSoD errors and never have to worry about them again.

If you have any other suggestions or solutions that worked for you, leave us a note in the comments section below.

8 Ways to Fix Windows 10 if It Won’t Install on Your PC

Posted on October 31, 2022April 7, 2025 by Milan Stanojevic

If you’re having trouble trying to install Windows, you’ll be relieved to know there are working solutions to get you out of the rut. When Windows 10 installation has failed, first you’ll have to determine the cause.

To understand why you cannot perform a Windows 10 install, here is a list of the commonly experienced errors that hinder the installation:

Driver errors such as incompatibility with Windows 10 upgrade
A file needed by Windows Update is missing or is damaged
Interrupted upgrade process due to restarting your PC or you’re signed out
Your PC couldn’t connect to Windows Update servers
Not enough free space in the System Reserved partition
Your PC doesn’t have the required updates installed
Incompatible apps installed block the installation
Your PC doesn’t meet the minimum requirements to install Windows 10
Your PC doesn’t have enough space to install Windows 10

Why won’t windows 10 install?

This warning can indicate that your computer is missing certain essential updates that have not been installed.

Before attempting the upgrade, you should first double-check that your computer has all of the necessary updates loaded.

Lack of storage space, third-party VPN or antivirus software, or other incompatible applications are other typical contributing factors.

Why can’t I install Windows 10 on any partition?

Users have reported that if the SSD disk on your computer isn’t clean, installation issues with Windows 10 might arise.

It is recommended that before attempting to reinstall Windows 10, you first delete any partitions and files stored on your solid-state drive (SSD).

For more information and solutions to this particular case, check out our guide on how to fix Windows 10 cannot be installed to this disk.

Why can’t I install Windows 10 from USB?

If this happens, it’s possible that a media driver is missing on your PC. This isn’t the only problem, and many reported that Windows cannot be installed to this disk message.

If this happens, check your hard drive and its settings in BIOS and make sure that everything is in order. Hard drives aren’t the only problem, and few users reported that they can’t install Windows 10 to SSD.

Keep in mind that this issue affects all versions, and many reported that they can’t install Windows 11 due to these problems. However, there are a couple of solutions that can help you with this issue.

Each of these errors has a solution, so you need not worry about upgrading or getting to finally install Windows 10.

How do I fix Windows 10 not installing?

1. Fix Driver errors

Sometimes you can’t install Windows 10 because of driver errors such as incompatibility with Windows 10 upgrade.

This solution helps fix the driver errors so you can try the installation again.

How to fix driver errors before performing a Windows 10 install

Ensure your computer has enough space, at least 16 GB, to upgrade a 32-bit operating system, or 20 GB for a 64-bit OS
Run Windows Update to download and install available updates including software, hardware and third-party drivers.
Check for third-party drivers and download any updates available. You can find these on the manufacturer’s website.
Unplug excess hardware such as external storage device and drives, docks, and any other hardware not necessary for basic functioning of your computer.
Check Device Manager for drive errors by doing the following:

Right click Start
Select Device Manager
Look for devices with a yellow exclamation mark next to it
Right click the device
Click Update Driver Software or Uninstall to fix the error

Remove third-party security software, and use Windows Defender to protect your computer
Repair hard-drive errors by doing the following:

Click Start
Type CMD in the search field box
Click Command Prompt app from the search results
Type chkdsk/f C: in the window that pops up
Press Enter. Repairs will start automatically on your hard drive.
Restart your computer once complete. The can’t install Windows 10 update error will be solved.

It is known that Windows 10 has drivers compatibility and this problem is not resolved yet. So, the reason why you can’t install Windows 10 might be your driver.

You need to update all your drivers, but doing it manually could be very annoying, so we recommend you to download a dedicated third-party tool to do it automatically.

2. Keep your PC on and try installing again

When you can’t install Windows 10, it could also either be due to an interrupted upgrade process from accidentally restarting your PC, or you could also be signed out.

To fix this, try performing the installation again but make sure your PC is plugged in and stays on through the process.

3. Turn off VPN software and increase the size of System Reserved partition

Performing a Windows 10 installation can also fail when the computer can’t connect to Windows Update servers.

Not having enough free space in the System Reserved partition also causes difficulty installing Windows 10.

If you’re using a VPN connection to connect to a work network, disconnect from the network then turn off the VPN software.

To fix the limited space issue, you can use a third-party software to increase the size of the System Reserved partition.

Try installing Windows 10 again.

4. Check for pending updates

For a healthy computer, you need to keep updating Windows with the latest system updates, and drivers. This also helps resolve any issues or difficulties you may be experiencing.

If you cannot install Windows 10 on your PC, you should check to ensure all your computer’s important updates are installed.

Use this solution when your PC doesn’t have the required updates installed.

Here’s how to check and install Windows Update (manually):

1. Go to Start.
2. In the search field, type Windows Updates.
3. Click on Windows Updates Settings from the search results.
4. Press on Check for updates.
5. Install the latest Windows Updates.

5. Uninstall incompatible apps

This solution works when incompatible apps installed block the installation.

Check to ensure you’ve uninstalled incompatible apps before trying to install Windows 10 again.

In order to find incompatible apps, check Device Manager by using these steps:

Right click Start
Select Device Manager
Look for devices with a yellow exclamation mark next to it

Once you identify any incompatible apps, uninstall them by doing the following:

Right click Start
Select Control Panel
Select Program
Click Programs and Features
Click Uninstall a program
Select the app you want to uninstall
Click Uninstall

Check if you’re able to install Windows 10 after uninstalling the incompatible apps.

ALSO READ: How to remove software leftovers

6. Check if your computer meets the minimum requirements

Use this solution when your PC doesn’t meet the minimum requirements to install Windows 10.

Go to this link to get more information about the minimum requirements for installing Windows 10.

7. Free up space on your hard drive

This solution works when your PC doesn’t have enough space to install Windows 10.

Free up some space on the drive then try to install Windows 10 again.

Follow these steps to check the available disk space:

Click Start
Select Settings
Go to System
Click The used disk space for each drive will be displayed. What you need is enough space on your hard drive. This also works when you can’t install Windows 10 on SSD.

8. Run DISM tool

If you still cannot install the OS, run the DISM tool, or Deployment Image Servicing and Management tool.

The DISM tool helps fix Windows corruption errors when Windows Updates and service packs fail to install due to corruption errors, like if you have a damaged system file.

Here’s how to run the DISM command on your PC to check if it helps you when you can’t install Windows 10:

Click Start
In the search field box, type CMD
Click Command Prompt in the search results list
Type Dism /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth
Type Dism /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

Once the repair is complete, reboot your computer and try to the installation again.

Also, don’t miss our guide on Windows cannot install required files for more troubleshooting tips during the setup.

We love feedback. Let us know in the comments section whether any of these steps did the trick for you.

Windows 11 Installation Has Failed [Upgrade Error Fix]

Posted on October 31, 2022December 1, 2025 by Milan Stanojevic

Windows 11 is here and many users are eager to test it. However, it seems that some of them are experiencing various issues while trying to install the OS.

The procedure should be straightforward, and all that you need is Windows 11 installation media and a PC that meets the hardware requirements.

However, various issues can sometimes occur, and in this guide, we’re going to show you how to solve them instead of thinking that it’s time to uninstall Windows 11.

But first, let’s see what to expect in order to determine what you’re up against. Just take a closer look below.

What are the most common Windows 11 installation problems?

Windows 11 can face multiple issues while installing, which leads to a plethora of different issues. Some of the most common ones are the following:

The installation has failed with no error code – Before trying the upgrade, make sure that your antivirus software is disabled or, better yet, uninstalled.
Windows 11 installation has failed ISO – Disconnect any external hard disks, USB drives, or SD cards that are currently attached to the computer.
Windows 11 installation has failed 0xc1900101 – Users with insufficient disk space on their devices are more likely to encounter the error 0xc1900101 in Windows 11.
Setup installation has failed – Check to see if your device has sufficient storage space.
Windows 11 installation has failed safe_os phase – The Safe OS installation error can be solved by adjusting your RAM capacity or by upgrading the BIOS.
Setup has failed to validate the product key – Eliminate any clutter from the Temporary Files.
Windows 11 keeps failing to install – This warning can indicate that your computer is missing certain essential updates that have not been installed.

But don’t sweat it! We will cover all of them in this article. Simply make sure to follow our steps one by one in order to find the right solution for you.

How do I fix Windows 11 installation failed?

1. Enable TPM in BIOS

1. Access BIOS/UEFI on your PC. This procedure is different for each manufacturer but usually implies pressing an F (function) key on your keyboard before booting the OS.
2. Now go to the Security section.
3. Locate the TPM option and enable it.
4. Finally, just save all recently made changes. Usually, you can press the F10 key to save and exit.
5. Check whether the Windows 11 installation problems are fixed.

Since Windows 11 requires TPM 2.0 to be enabled, many reported that TPM 2.0 errors are preventing them from installing Windows 11.

Therefore, in order to fix them, you should disable TPM support via BIOS/UEFI settings on your PC.

Keep in mind that this process is different for each motherboard model and version of BIOS, so you should check your motherboard manual for detailed instructions.

NOTE

BIOS is a software tool installed in a ROM chip on your motherboard. If you need extra help, take a look at this dedicated guide on how to access BIOS.

2. Enable the Secure Boot option

Click the Start button and select Settings then choose Update and Security.
Click the Recovery option from the left pane, then select the Restart now button.
When you see the boot options, select Troubleshoot.
Click on Advanced options.
Choose the UEFI Firmware settings option.
After your PC gets into BIOS, click on Security, then select the Secure Boot option.
Next, toggle the Secure Boot option to On to enable it, then accept the changes when you’re prompted.
Save the changes and exit BIOS by pressing the F10 key on your keyboard.
Wait for the PC to reboot, then try to install Windows 11.

If you have any problems performing this step, don’t hesitate to learn how to enable Secure Boot from BIOS.

3. Bypass TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot

Press the Windows key + R to start Run, type regedit, and press Enter or click OK.
Navigate to the following registry path: Computer\HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\Setup
Right-click on an empty space on the right, select New, and select Key, then name it LabConfig.
Click on the new LabConfig key, right-click the blank space to create two DWORD (32-bit) Value options to, and name them BypassTPMCheck and BypassSecureBootCheck.
Double-click the new items one by one, select the Decimal base, and set 1 in the Value data field, then click OK.
Close the Registry Editor, then restart your PC. Try to install Windows 11 again.

If you need more details, also learn how to bypass TPM 2.0 check when installing Windows 11. However, after enabling these settings in BIOS, the installation errors should be gone.

Keep in mind that some motherboards don’t have the TPM chip, so you might have to purchase a TPM chip for your PC to fix that.

4. Remove the GPU driver

Click the Start button, type device manager, and select the app from the results.
Extend the Display adapters section, right-click the graphics driver, and select Uninstall device.
The system will install a new driver after that.

Some of our readers reported that they managed to install Windows 11 after uninstalling their graphics driver, alternatively you can try updating your drivers with Outbyte Driver Updater which scans your PC for missing or outdated drivers and updates them automatically.

These are some of the most common installation problems that users have encountered, but hopefully, you should be able to fix them with the above tips.

What are the minimum hardware requirements for Windows 11?

Windows 11 comes with a different set of install requirements, and even if you were able to run Windows 10, you might not be able to run Windows 11.

To make sure that you don’t encounter any issues, we encourage you to check the official Windows 11 requirements before upgrading.

Can’t install Windows 11 even though I meet requirements?

The hardware requirements aren’t that different, and the biggest change is the need for a TPM 2.0 chip, which some older PCs don’t have. If your PC meets the requirements but you still can’t install Windows 11, that’s probably because the upgrade isn’t ready yet for your specific device.

Microsoft has lowered the requirements over time, so be sure to check the PC Health Check app constantly.

If your computer meets the Windows 11 install requirements, you’ll ensure that the upgrade process is smooth and without any issues, and you’ll avoid the dreaded This PC can’t run Windows 11 message.

Moreover, if you’re new to this, let us remind you how easy is to download Windows 11 in the first place. When available, you may simply install the update or use the Windows 11 Media Creation tool instead.

Some users see an “Install driver to show hardware” message during Windows 11 setup, so you can follow this step by step guide to fix the Install driver to show hardware error in Windows 11 and continue the installation.

Have you tried this OS already and did you encounter any installation issues? Do not hesitate to share your experience with us and other readers in the comments section below.

Microsoft Issues workaround for Outlook sign in issues

Posted on October 31, 2022 by David Allen

If you’ve had trouble signing into your Outlook.com account Microsoft has a workaround available while they work on a permanent fix. The bug can occur in one of two ways. Microsoft explained how the issue occurs below.

You are prompted to sign into Outlook for your Outlook.com account and receive the error dialog below.

Or, you already have your Outlook.com account added in the Outlook Profile, but “Need Password” is displayed on the Status Bar. When you attempt to sign in with your Outlook.com account you receive the error dialog below.

“You can’t sign in here with a personal account. Use your work or school account instead.”

To work around the issue Microsoft suggests turning off Support Diagnostics which turns off the ability to submit support tickets from inside the app using the Help Menu and Contact Support. The bug impacts the way the app authenticates for support. You can follow these instructions for editing the registry to disable support diagnostics in Outlook.

Below is how the registry key should appear in the Registry Editor once it’s been edited.

Via Neowin.net
Image Via Microsoft

Black Screen While Gaming: 7 Tested Fixes [Step-by-Step]

Posted on October 31, 2022August 11, 2025 by Andrew Wafer

If the screen goes black while gaming, the issue often stems from graphics card driver errors. The good news is that you can quickly fix it if you follow the steps below. Whether you’re on NVIDIA, AMD, or Intel graphics, we’ve got you covered.

For easier troubleshooting, you can try following the video tutorial below:

1. Apply the latest updates

On your computer, press the Win + I hotkeys to open Settings.
From there, click on Update & Security.
Under Windows Update, click Check for Updates.
Apply the available updates and restart your computer.
Try to play your games now and verify if the black screen problem persists or not.

If you get a black screen while playing games, it might be because of a pending update. The update itself can cause issues, or specific outdated software might be the reason for this behavior.

2. Update the graphics drivers

Right-click on the Windows start icon and select Device Manager from the list.
Now, find your graphic drivers under the Display adapters section, right-click on your drivers, and select Update driver.
Restart your system in the end.

The black screen might be caused by an outdated graphic driver or by a corrupted graphic driver file. If that’s the case, then you can fix this problem by updating your drivers using efficient driver update tools.

Problems with graphics card drivers can also cause games to crash on Windows 10. A full driver scan may be required to ensure all issues are resolved.

3. Uninstall the graphics driver

Right-click the Start button and select Device Manager.
Access your graphic drivers, right-click on each entry, and this time select Uninstall.
Next, click the Start button, type control panel, and click on Control Panel within the results.
Click on Uninstall a program, under Programs.
Find any associated entry with your graphic card and uninstall these programs.
When done, restart your Windows 10 system.
Now, access your manufacturer’s official web page, download the latest version of the graphic drivers that are compatible with your Windows 10 device, and follow on-screen prompts to complete the installation process.

Sometimes, using Device Manager to update your graphic drivers leaves the corrupted files unresolved. To resolve this particular problem, manually reinstall the drivers on your PC.

Additionally, you can use Display Driver Uninstaller to completely clear your graphics driver, and then you can do a clean install.

Keep in mind that if you try to install the drivers manually, you risk damaging your system by downloading and installing the wrong version; so you should consider specialized driver support.

4. Check the Advanced Power Options

Click the Windows Start icon, type control panel, and click on Control Panel within the results.
In the Search field enter Power Options and access the entry with the same name.
From your current Power Plan click on Change plan settings.
Next, click on Change advanced power settings.
From the next window extend PCI Express.
Also, make sure that State Power Management is turned off.

Your power plan options might prohibit your GPU from working properly due to battery/power saving options. Verify that your graphics card is properly powered by checking the settings.

If you get stuck on the step above, we have a great guide on how to fix the Windows Power Plan Settings.

For additional problems, verify your CPU / GPU temperature, and even consider increasing the fan speed.

5. Run a BSOD troubleshooter

Another way of fixing crashes of any type, including Blue Screens, Black Screens, and Green Screens, is using third-party software specialized in system restoration.

You only need to install the program, which will constantly run scans of your computer and automatically repair any damaged file or corrupted data.

6. Enable game mode

Press Win + I to open the Settings app.
Click on Gaming.
Select Game Mode.
Toggle the switch to On to enable Game Mode.

7. Perform a clean boot

Press Win + R to open the Run dialog box.
Type msconfig and press Enter to open the System Configuration utility.
In the “System Configuration” window, go to the “Services” tab.
Check the box that says “Hide all Microsoft services“.
Click “Disable all” to disable the remaining services.
Go to the “Startup” tab.
Click “Open Task Manager”.
In the Task Manager, disable all startup items by right-clicking each one and selecting “Disable”.
Click “OK” and then restart your computer.

Extra tips for fixing black screen while gaming for different GPU manufacturers

NVIDIA Graphics Concerns:

Black screens with NVIDIA graphics are often tied to driver or overclocking issues. Solutions include:

Updating drivers
Rolling back to a previous driver version if the issue arose post-update.
Ensuring games like League of Legends, Minecraft, and Overwatch, including GOG games, are updated to their latest versions.

AMD Graphics Concerns:

Black screen issues aren’t exclusive to NVIDIA. AMD graphics users face similar challenges:

Black screen occurrences are frequently due to AMD graphic driver crashes, especially with outdated or incompatible versions.
Some users have identified AMD Catalyst as a potential cause. It’s essential to investigate this aspect to pinpoint the root cause.

Intel Graphics Concerns:

Driver Issues: Update drivers to prevent black screens. Intel’s support.
Game-Specific Issues: Ensure game files and settings are correct.
Resource Monitoring: Check CPU, GPU, and RAM usage during gameplay.
Temperature Concerns: Monitor component temperatures; ensure effective cooling to prevent colors changing while gaming.
App Readiness Service: Disabling might resolve the black screen.

The steps listed above should help you fix the black screen while playing games on Windows 10 and even Windows 11.

Of course, in the end, don’t forget to share your experience with us, and tell us how you eventually managed to address this issue to help others, too.

If you have any other questions, leave them in the comments section below, and we’ll be sure to take a look.

Windows 11 Bluetooth Keeps Turning Off? Stop it in 7 Steps

Posted on October 31, 2022September 12, 2025 by Sagar Naresh

Several user reports highlight that the Windows 11 Bluetooth keeps turning off the issue, where theY cannot use their Bluetooth devices on their PCs.

If you are one of such users looking for ways to resolve the problem, then you are in the right place. Because this guide will give you 7 ways in which you will be able to fix Bluetooth keeps turning off in Windows 11 problem.

Why does Bluetooth keep turning off on my Windows 11 PC?

Here are a few reasons why the Bluetooth on your Windows 11 PC keeps turning off randomly:

The Bluetooth service is facing issues – Your PC makes use of different services to offer corresponding features to the user. If the Bluetooth service itself is facing some issues then you will come across such errors.
Your Bluetooth device is not in the range – If your Bluetooth device is out of the range of your PC, then for obvious reasons, it will get disconnected.
The battery of your wireless device is drained off – Wireless devices depend on their batteries for functioning and if it doesn’t have enough power then it will get disconnected from your PC.
There is some interference – If there are too many electronic products in between your wireless device and your PC, then it could also cause frequent disconnection problems.
Bluetooth drivers aren’t updated – Outdated drivers can cause multiple issues with their corresponding service.

How can I resolve Bluetooth keeps turning off in Windows 11 problem?

Before applying advanced troubleshooting solutions, let us first go through a list of quick fixes that might help you resolve the problem:

Restarting your PC loads all the files from scratch, which could possibly be the reason why the Bluetooth service was misbehaving on your PC.
Remove any interference between your wireless device and your PC and check if this resolves the issue or not.
Install the latest Windows update on your PC to fix any bugs or glitches.
Toggle on and off the Bluetooth on your PC.

Let us now check the advanced solutions to fix Bluetooth that keeps turning off in Windows 11.

1. Restart the Bluetooth service

Press the Windows + R keys to open the Run dialogue.
Type services.msc and hit Enter.
Find the Bluetooth support service, right-click and select Restart.
Right-click on Bluetooth support service again and select Properties.
Under the General tab, select Automatic as the Startup type, then click OK.
Click on Apply and OK.

If the Bluetooth service is not working or a third-party program is conflicting with it, then it could very well cause multiple issues with the service.

2. Run the Bluetooth troubleshooter

Press the Windows + I keys to open the Settings menu.
Select Troubleshoot from the left.
Click on Other troubleshooters.
Hit the Run button for Bluetooth.
Wait for the troubleshooter to complete the process and do the needful if asked.

If you are facing any issues related to Bluetooth, then you can make use of the Bluetooth troubleshooter. It will look for any problem with the service and prompt you to take necessary actions to fix the problem.

Several problems including Bluetooth keep turning off in Windows 11 can be fixed by running the Bluetooth troubleshooter.

3. Update the Bluetooth driver

Right-click on the Start menu and select Device Manager.
Expand the Bluetooth section.
Right-click on your device and select Update driver.
Select Search automatically for drivers option.
Your system will start looking for new drivers and if found, will prompt you to install them.

There are chances that the current version of the Bluetooth driver has some bugs because of which it is having issues connecting to your PC.

You can try updating the device driver using the above method but will take some extra time. To make it easier, we would recommend you use an efficient tool called Outbyte Driver Updater.

Using Outbyte Driver Updater you can easily update all the drivers on your PC with just a few clicks. It is fast and saves a lot of time.

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4. Disable Bluetooth Power Management

Right-click on the Start menu and select Device Manager.
Expand the Bluetooth section.
Right-click on your device and select Properties.
Switch to the Power Management tab.
Uncheck the Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power option.
Click Apply.

5. Run SFC Scan and DISM

Open the Start menu by pressing the Windows button.
Search for Command Prompt and open it as an administrator.
Type the below command and press Enter. sfc /scannow
Let the process complete.
Type the below commands and press Enter after each one. DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
Restart the PC.

If there is a Bluetooth-related system file corrupt or missing, then your PC will trigger multiple issues like the one at hand. Try running the SFC Scan and DISM commands and check if this fixes the issue or not.

6. Unpair and repair the Bluetooth device

Press Windows + I buttons to open Settings.
Click on Bluetooth & devices from the left.
Click on the 3-dot icon and select Remove device.
Select Add device.
Click on Bluetooth and follow the on-screen prompts to pair your Bluetooth device back again and check if this fixes the issue or not.

Sometimes repairing your Bluetooth device back again with your PC can fix some glitches or issues.

7. Reset your PC

Press Windows + I buttons to open Settings.
Select Recovery from the right side.
Hit the Reset button for Reset this PC option.
Select Keep my files option.
Choose how you would like to reinstall Windows.
Hit Next.
Click on Reset.

As a last resort, if nothing works, then probably it is safe to say that your Windows PC is having some issues, which you can get rid of by resetting it.

That is it from us in this guide. Well, this isn’t the only issue that Windows 11 users face while using Bluetooth devices.

If you are having issues related to Bluetooth headphones that are constantly disconnecting, then you can refer to our guide which gives a bunch of solutions to fix the problem.

Also, we have a guide that gives you a list of solutions that will help you resolve the Bluetooth audio stuttering issue in Windows 11.

If you are getting no sound after a Bluetooth connection, then you can refer to our guide which will definitely help you resolve the problem.

Let us know in the comments below which one of the above solutions helped you resolve the problem.

Windows 11 Can’t Remove Bluetooth Device: 5 Ways to Fix it

Posted on October 31, 2022November 8, 2024 by Sagar Naresh

Many readers have reported that they can’t remove the Bluetooth device from their Windows 11 PC. This issue is often caused by a temporary glitch that can be restored by simply restarting your PC. However, it can also be caused by a recent Windows update bug. Here’s how to fix this problem and remove your Bluetooth device!

How can I remove a Bluetooth device from my PC?

1. Run the Bluetooth troubleshooter

Press the Win + I keys to open the Settings menu.
Select Troubleshoot from the left.
Click on Other troubleshooters.
Hit the Run button for Bluetooth.
Wait for the troubleshooter to complete the process and do the needful if asked.

First things first, you should make use of the built-in troubleshooting tool that Windows 11 offers to fix any problem related to Bluetooth.

2. Turn on the Device Association Service

Open the Run command by pressing Win + R buttons.
Type services.msc and hit Enter.
Locate Device Association Service from the left side.
Double-click to open its Properties.
Make sure to select Startup type as Automatic.
If the service is stopped, hit the Start button.
Restart your PC and check if you can remove the Bluetooth device or not.

The Device Association Service is responsible for pairing between your PC and the wired or wireless devices.

Because of some reasons, the service might have stopped working, and enabling it could allow you to fix the can’t remove a Bluetooth device in Windows 11 issue.

3. Use Control Panel

Press the Windows button to open the Start Menu.
Search for the Control Panel and open it.
Change the View by option to Large or Small icons.
Right-click on Devices and Printers and select Open in a new window option from the context menu.
Right-click on the device your wish to remove and select the Remove device option.

4. Use Device Manager

Right-click on the Start menu and select Device Manager.
Click on View on the top menu bar and select Show hidden devices.
Expand the Bluetooth section, right-click on the Bluetooth device that you wish to remove, and select Uninstall device.
Hit Uninstall again when prompted.

5. Use the Registry Editor

Press the Win + R keys to open the Run dialogue.
Type regedit and hit Enter.
Navigate to the below-mentioned path. HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE > SYSTEM > CurrentControlSet > Services > BTHPORT > Parameters > Devices
Select any of the keys under the Devices section on the left side.
Double-click on the Name key on the right side to check the name of the corresponding key.
When you find the correct key, right-click on it and select Delete.

Why can’t I remove a Bluetooth device in Windows 11?

Here are a bunch of reasons you cannot remove a Bluetooth device from your Windows 11 PC:

The Bluetooth service is experiencing some issues – Chances are that a Windows update has triggered some issues with the Bluetooth service.
Some important system file is missing – If a Bluetooth service-related file goes missing or corrupt, then also you will come across this issue.
A third-party program is blocking the removal – If you have a third-party app that makes use of Bluetooth, then chances are that the app itself is blocking the removal of the device from your PC.
The Bluetooth drivers are outdated – A buggy driver can also cause all sorts of problems, which could very well be the reason for this issue.

While the above solutions are sufficient and would definitely help you fix the can’t remove Bluetooth device on Windows 11 issue, there are a few more tips that you can apply.

Apparently, you can try installing the latest update available for the Bluetooth driver. We have a guide that lists different ways to update drivers on your Windows 11 PC.

You can try running the SFC scan and DISM commands. Running these commands will replace the corrupt or missing system files and might also help bring back the Bluetooth service to its original working condition.

There are some users that have suggested removing Bluetooth devices after turning on the Airplane Mode.

If nothing works, then as a last resort, we would suggest you reset your PC. We have a guide that lists all the steps that you need to follow to carefully reset your PC.

That is it from us in this guide. We hope that the above solutions helped you remove the Bluetooth device from your PC. Let us know in the comments below which solutions did the job for you.

Windows 10 Freezes Randomly: 4 Easy Solutions to Use

Posted on October 31, 2022October 4, 2023 by Radu Tyrsina

You have found this guide because your Windows 10 devices freezes randomly; here is all you need to know.

For some users, these freezes are random; for others, it happens almost always. The multiple freezes make it a hard computer problem to troubleshoot. However, we have documented the best solutions.

Why does my computer keep freezing on Windows 10?

There are a few known reasons for this problem, and here are the top culprits:

Missing or corrupt files – This is a cause of many computer problems, and it often affects system registry files.
Hardware issues – For many users, these hardware issues may make your laptop freeze completely after starting.
A damaged installation – In some cases, this may be your OS; in other cases, it may be other third-party apps on the computer, and the problem may present itself as Windows freezing at login.

There are also a few known variations of this problem, and at the top, we have the following:

Windows 10 hangs – According to users, their Windows 10 PC frequently hangs. This occurs randomly and it can drastically impact your performance.
Windows 10 freezes after an update – In some cases, freezing can occur after installing an update. Certain updates can be buggy and cause this error to occur.
Windows 10 keeps freezing on startup – This is another common problem that can occur on Windows 10. According to users, the freezing starts as soon as their Windows starts.
Windows 10 freezes when idle, shutting down, playing video, restarting, updating, going to sleep, when connected to the internet – Users reported that freezing can occur on their PC on various occasions. According to users, freezing can occur when shutting down your PC or while your PC is idle.
Windows 10 freezes SSD randomly – In several instances, users reported this problem using an SSD. However, you can fix the problem with your SSD by changing your power settings.
Windows 10 freezes, then black screen, blue screen – Sometimes, this problem can cause a black or blue screen to occur. This is usually caused by a hardware problem or a bad driver.
Windows 10 stuttering – This is another variation of this problem, and many users reported that Windows starts stuttering at random intervals.

How can I fix random freezes on Windows 10?

Update your drivers
Install the missing updates
Change your power settings
Perform a Startup Repair

1. Update your drivers

Press Windows Key + X to open the Power User Menu. Select Device Manager from the list.
Expand any driver that has a yellow badge. to do this, expand the category, double-click the driver, go to the Driver tab, and click the Update Driver.
Click Search automatically for drivers.

2. Install the missing updates

Enter Windows Update in the Search bar and select Check for updates from the menu.
Now click on Check for updates button.
Windows will now check for available updates. If any updates are available, Windows 10 will download them automatically in the background.

3. Change your power settings

Press Windows Key + S and control panel, and select Control Panel from the list.
Change the View by option to Large icons.
Choose Power Options from the list.
When the Power Options window opens, locate your currently selected plan and click on Change plan settings.
Now click on Change advanced power settings.
Navigate to PCI Express, then Link State Power Management, and set all options to Off. Now click on Apply and OK to save changes.

4. Perform a Startup Repair

Open the Start Menu, click the Power icon, and hold the Shift key while clicking on Restart.
When your PC restarts, you’ll be presented with a list of options. Select Troubleshoot.
Click Advanced options, then select Startup Repair.
The repair process will now start. Remember that repair can take about 15 minutes or more, so don’t interrupt it.

Once the repair process is completed, the issue should be completely resolved.

These fixes mentioned above should be efficient if your Windows 10 device freezes randomly while playing games, for just a few seconds or if Windows 10 freezes randomly but the mouse still works.

Freezing can be a big problem on any PC, but we hope you solve this issue using one of our solutions.

Start Menu Disappeared in Windows 10: Try These 9 Fixes

Posted on October 31, 2022May 15, 2024 by Ivan Jenic

Has the Start menu disappeared from your Windows 10 devices, let us show you all possible fixes in this guide.

While this may be an annoying situation, the solutions are often straightforward. Hence, with a few clicks, you should have your devices fully operational again.

Why is my Start Menu missing on Windows 10?

From user experiences, we can conclude that there may be a few things that will trigger this Windows problem. On top of the list are the following:

Stopped processes – The Start Menu disappears mainly because of a process that has not started when your Windows 10 is powered up.
Damaged files – Corrupted or damaged registry files also will trigger many computer errors, including a missing Start menu.
Damaged user profile – If Start Menu isn’t working, it’s possible that your installation or user profile is damaged. Not that this may also be the case in Windows 11 devices.

Users have also reported some similar issues, including:

Windows 10: Start Menu and Cortana not working – According to users, sometimes both Cortana and Start Menu aren’t working on their PC. To fix this, you just need to run a single command from PowerShell.
Windows 10: Start button doesn’t work – If the Start button isn’t working on your PC, the problem might be caused by a corrupted user account. However, you can fix that simply by creating a new user account.
Start Menu lost in Windows 10 – Several users reported that Start Menu is lost on their PC. This can be a problem, but you might be able to fix it by scanning corrupted system files.
Windows 10: Start Menu disappeared after update – Sometimes an update can cause your Start Menu to disappear. However, you can easily fix that by finding and removing the problematic update.
Start Menu in Windows 10 won’t open, not showing up, unresponsive – Users reported various issues with Start Menu on their PC, but if you have any problems with Start Menu, be sure to try some of our solutions.

How can I fix Start Menu if it’s disappeared in Windows 10?

Update the graphics card driver
Try restarting all Windows 10 apps
Install the latest updates
Log out and log back into your account
Restart File Explorer
Perform SFC and DISM scans
Create a new account
Remove the problematic update
Use third-party software

1. Update the graphics card driver

Press Windows Key + X to open the Power User Menu. Select Device Manager from the list.
Expand Display adapters, double-click your graphics card, go to the Driver tab and click the Update Driver.
Click Search automatically for drivers.

We strongly recommend you use a dedicated driver updating tool to keep your system safe from permanent damage while installing the wrong driver versions.

The tool detects all of your outdated, broken, or missing drivers then downloads them from the Internet straight from the device developers and installs them on your PC.

2. Try Restarting all Windows 10 apps

Right-click on the Start Menu button and open Command Prompt (Admin).
Enter the script below and click Enter.
Powershell
Paste the following script and hit Enter:
Get-AppXPackage -AllUsers | Foreach {Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register “$($_.InstallLocation)AppXManifest.xml”}
Wait for the PowerShell to execute the command (ignore a few red error codes).

3. Install the latest updates

Press Windows Key + I to open the Settings app.
Now navigate to Update & security section.
Click the Check for updates button.

Restart the system and check if the disappeared Start menu on Windows 10 is now visible.

4. Log out and log back into your account

Press Ctrl + Alt + Del.
Now choose Sign Out from the menu.
Wait for a few seconds and then sign back into your account.

5. Restart File Explorer

Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
Locate Windows Explorer on the list. Right-click it and choose Restart from the menu.
Wait for a few moments for File Explorer to restart.

6. Perform SFC and DISM scans

6.1 SFC scan

Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
Click on File, then Run new task.
When Create new task window opens, enter cmd, and check Create this task with administrative privileges. Click on OK to start Command Prompt.
When Command Prompt starts, input the script below and hit Enter.
sfc /scannow
The SFC scan will now start. This scan can take up to 15 minutes, so don’t interrupt it.

Once the SFC scan is finished, check if the problem persists. If the problem persists or you could not run an SFC scan, you need to run a DISM scan instead.

6.2 DISM scan

Right-click on the Start Menu button and open Command Prompt (Admin).
Input the command below and hit Enter.
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
DISM scan will now start. It’s worth mentioning that this scan can take up to 20 minutes or more, so don’t interrupt it.

7. Create a new account

Open the Settings app and navigate to the Accounts section.
From the menu on the left select Family & other people, and in the left pane, choose Add someone else to this PC.
Select I don’t have this person’s sign-in information.
Now, choose Add a user without a Microsoft account.
Enter the desired user name and click Next.

After doing that, switch to the new account and check if the disappeared Start menu on Windows 10 is now visible.

8. Remove the problematic update

Press Windows Key + I to open the Settings app.
Now navigate to Update & security section.
Now click on View installed update history in the left pane.
A list of recent updates will appear. Click on Uninstall updates.
You should now see the list of installed updates. Double-click the update to remove it.

Once the problematic update is removed, restart your PC and check if the problem persists. If you can’t find the problematic update, you can also use System Restore to restore your PC to an earlier state.

9. Use a third-party software

If none of the fixes work, we recommend you try installing Start Menu from IObit.

The tool is designed to be a designated replacement for Windows 10’s default start menu, and it can be a wonderful solution if, for any reason, the default Start Menu becomes broken and unresponsive.

As you can see, we don’t have an ultimate solution that fixes the problem for all users because the cause of the problem is different.

If you have another solution that helped you or someone you know to fix the missing Start Menu, please write it down in the comments, I’m sure you’re going to help a lot of people.

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That’s it, several simple methods on how to fix your Start menu if it disappeared from your Windows 10 operating system.

If you have other questions related to this subject, you can write us below in the comments section of the page, and we will help you further as soon as possible.

0x8000ffff on Windows 11: How to Fix This Update Error

Posted on October 31, 2022August 28, 2025 by Kazim Ali Alvi

Windows 11 is still in the early stages, and users are likely to encounter errors more frequently. While most of the errors are trivial and can be fixed by a simple reboot, some just make things a lot more difficult. One example is the 0x8000ffff error code in Windows 11.

This doesn’t allow you to use Windows Update, and in turn, you are left with an outdated version of the OS which puts your system at risk. So, let’s find out how you can fix 0x8000ffff in Windows 11.

NOTE

If you are encountering the error only with Microsoft Store, open Run and execute the wsreset.exe command.

What does error code 0x8000ffff mean?

The 0x8000ffff error in Windows 11 usually points to an issue preventing the update process from going through. And it’s usually easily fixable.

Here are some of the reasons why you may be seeing the error:

Corrupt system files – If the system has corrupt system files, you will likely face a range of issues, including some while updating Windows.
Critical services not running – Many users found that Windows Update and other critical services were not running.
Malware or virus infection – The presence of malware or virus on the computer can also affect the update process and also lead to issues launching the Microsoft Store.
Conflicting apps or third-party antiviruses – Several users reported that a third-party antivirus caused the issue, and our solutions will help fix the Windows Update error code 0x8000ffff.

How can I fix the 0x8000ffff error code in Windows 11?

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

If this is the first time you are encountering the update error, we recommend you try again in some time. In a few cases, the error appeared due to issues with the Microsoft servers.
Disable all third-party antiviruses and security software installed on the PC.

If none works, the solutions listed next certainly would.

1. Run the Windows Update troubleshooter

Press Windows + I to launch the Settings app, and click on Troubleshoot on the right in the System tab.
Next, click on Other troubleshooters.
Locate the Windows Update troubleshooter and click on the Run button next to it.
Wait for the troubleshooter to diagnose the problem and follow the listed instructions to resolve it.

Your primary approach when eliminating errors should be to run a relevant troubleshooter if there’s one for the problem. The troubleshooter automatically diagnoses the problem and, in most cases, makes the necessary changes to the system to fix it.

Once the troubleshooter is done running, check if the 0x8000ffff error code in Windows 11 is fixed. If the issue still persists, we recommend specialized repair software, it will scan your PC for damaged and missing system files and automatically repair or replace them.

2. Uninstall BitDefender and Malwarebytes

If you have either BitDefender or MalwareBytes installed on the PC, uninstall them. While disabling works for other third-party antiviruses, these two, in particular, are known to affect the update process, even when disabled.

You can either use a reliable software uninstaller to remove these or go with the dedicated uninstaller tool released by the MalwareBytes and BitDefender. Once done, verify if the Windows Update error 0x8000ffff is still encountered.

3. Disable .NET Framework

Press Windows + S to open the Search menu, enter Turn Windows features on or off in the text field, and click on the relevant search result.
Uncheck all the .NET Framework entries here, and click on OK.
Once done, restart the computer for the changes to come into effect.
Now, press Windows + I to open Settings, select Windows Update from the navigation pane, and click on Check for updates.

It should now install all the pending updates without throwing the 0x8000ffff error in Windows 11. Also, many users reported that it was a combination of disabling/uninstalling the antivirus and the .NET Framework that fixed things. So try that as well.

This method will fix things for the following two updates:

KB5015814 error 0x8000ffff
KB5016629 Windows 11 update 0x8000ffff

Also, once done, re-enable the .NET Framework from Windows Features. This time, simply select the entries you unchecked earlier and click OK.

4. Disable Windows Security

Press Windows + S to launch the Search menu. Enter Windows Security in the text field at the top, and click on the relevant search result that appears.
Click on Virus & threat protection from the options that appear here.
Next, click on Manage settings under Virus & threat protection settings.
Disable the toggle for Real-time protection.
Click Yes on the UAC (User Account Control) prompt that pops up.

If disabling/uninstalling the third-party antivirus didn’t do the trick, it could be the built-in Windows security that kicked in and is now triggering the 0x8000ffff install error in Windows 11. So make sure to disable it as well.

5. Perform an in-place upgrade

Head to Microsoft’s official website, choose the edition for the ISO and click on the Download now button.
Choose the installer language from the dropdown menu, and click Confirm.
Now, click on the 64-bit Download button.
Once the ISO file is downloaded, double-click to open it.
Click Open in the prompt that appears.
Run the setup.exe file here.
Click Yes in the UAC prompt.
Click Next in the Windows 11 Setup window.
Now, click on Accept to agree to the license terms.
Finally, verify that the Keep personal files and apps option is selected, and click on Install.
The in-place upgrade would now start, and your computer would restart several times during the process.

Most users fixed the 0x8000ffff update error in Windows 11 with an in-place upgrade. Though the method is slightly time-consuming, it most certainly, will eliminate the underlying cause and get things up and running.

These are all the ways you can fix the 0x8000ffff error code in Windows 11. In case you are encountering it in the previous iteration as well, learn how to eliminate 0x8000ffff in Windows 10.

Several users have also reported coming across Windows 11 installation assistant error code 0x8000ffff, which, too, can be resolved with the methods listed above.

Whether you are on Windows 10 or Windows 11, the error 0x8000ffff catastrophic failure may suddenly appear. Check out this complete error 0x8000ffff catastrophic failure guide to troubleshoot and apply working solutions.

Also, find out how to make your Windows 11 PC faster than ever.

Tell us which fix worked for you in the comments section below.

4 Quick Ways to Fix AMD Error Code 43 on Windows 10

Posted on October 31, 2022October 7, 2025 by Milan Stanojevic

Graphics card issues are among the common problems on Windows 10, with the AMD error code 43 being the latest reported by users. There are various causes of this problem but it is not the most difficult issue to fix.

This guide will show you the surefire ways to fix the AMD error code 43 easily on your PC.

What does code 43 mean?

Error code 43 shows that Windows cannot establish communication with a drive or the needed driver has crashed. When it comes to AMD, this error can sometimes be accompanied by an error message that reads: Windows has stopped this device because it has reported problems. (code 43).

Below are some of the causes of this issue:

Faulty drivers – The AMD graphics device driver error code 43 can be caused by outdated or faulty driver installation. You can fix this by rolling back or updating your drivers.
Hardware problems – External devices or some of your PC hardware can also lead to the AMD error code 43 issue as reported on the forums of different sites like Promox, VFIO, and Unraid. To solve this, you need to run the Hardware and Devices troubleshooter.

How do I fix AMD Error code 43 on Windows 10?

1. Update your drivers

Press the Windows key + X and select Device Manager.
Double-click Display adapters section to expand, right-click the AMD driver, and select Update driver.
Choose Search automatically for drivers and install any available update.
If Windows says there is no update and the issue persists, choose the Browse my computer for drivers option.
Now, choose Let me pick from a list available drivers on my computer.
Finally, choose the default driver and click Next.

The AMD error code 43 appears graphic card drivers are outdated. Aside from using the default Windows driver updater, you can download and install the latest drivers from your PC manufacturer’s website.

However, it must be noted that the manual way is not the most reliable method to update your drivers since it will not always find the latest available versions, especially recent releases.

One simple way to update the drivers automatically without the need to manually find your GPU model and the compatible driver on their site is to use a third-party app, such as Fortect Driver Updater.

⇒ Get Fortect Driver Updater

2. Roll back drivers

Open the Device Manager, expand the Display adapters option, and double-click your driver.
Choose the Driver tab at the top.
Click the Roll Back Driver button.

If you started noticing the AMD error code 43 after installing a new driver, you might need to roll back your driver to the previous version. This should fix the issue and wait till another updated version of the driver is available before updating it.

3. Uninstall and reinstall your drivers

Disconnect your PC from the internet and open the Device Manager.
Expand the Display adapters, right-click your driver, and select the Uninstall device option.
Check the box for Delete the driver software for this device and click Uninstall.
Restart your computer and your graphics controller should now be listed as Microsoft Basic Display Adapter.
Finally, go to the AMD official website to download and install the latest version of your driver.

If updating and rolling back your driver does not fix the AMD code 43 issue, you need to uninstall your drivers. You can uninstall and reinstall the integrated and dedicated drivers on your PC if you have the two of them.

Lastly, it is important to turn off your internet before you start this solution. This is to prevent the automatic installation of the driver after you remove it.

4. Run the Hardware and Devices troubleshooter

Press the Windows key + S, type cmd, and click Run as administrator under Command Prompt.
Type the command below and hit the command below: msdt.exe -id DeviceDiagnostic
Now, wait for the command to finish running.

If you’re getting AMD error code 43, it might be down to hardware issues. In this case, running the Hardware and Devices Troubleshooter should solve the problem.

AMD Error Code 43 can be down to various factors and in most cases, updating your driver should do.

If you want to know how to fix the most common AMD driver installation problem, check our detailed guide on the topic to do it quickly.

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

Windows 7 Repair Tool to Download in 2026 [Updated Guide]

Posted on October 31, 2022October 26, 2025 by Radu Tyrsina

Regardless of how tech-savvy or careful you are on Windows 7 or the operating systems, there will be a time you will need a repair tool to fix some issues on your PC.

This is because the OS is not perfect and issues are bound to show up at times. In this guide, we handpicked some of the best repair software you can always use to restore normalcy on your PC.

Does Windows 7 have a repair tool?

Windows 7 has a series of built-in repair tools just like its successors and some of its predecessors. There is the Startup repair tool that fixes all sorts of startup issues.

Also, you can run the SFC scan to fix broken or corrupt system files, among other repair tools on this operating system.

What is the best software to fix Windows 7 errors?

Tweaking Windows Repair – Lightweight Windows 7 repair tool

The last tool on our list of Windows 7 repair tools is an effective one you can use without a CD.

This is because of the dated UI, but make no mistake, this tool is perfectly capable of doing its job just right, even on the more modern Windows 10.

Tweaking Windows Repair allows you to perform all of the most basic repair and optimization tasks that you could expect from such a tool, from the registry and RAM repair to DLL fixing and replacing,

This, coupled with the fact that the tool itself is extremely lightweight, makes it a great addition to anyone’s digital library, especially those of you that have older PCs still running Windows 7.

Check out the best features that are included in this tool:

Windows Repair tool is able to reset Registry permissions and file permissions as well
With this tool, you will be able to register System Files and repair WMI, Windows Firewall, Internet Explorer, MDAC & MS Jet, Hosts File, and more
You can also remove policies set by infections
Windows Repair allows you to remove temp files and repair proxy settings as well
You will be able to unhide the non-system files and repair Windows Updates
You can also repair CD/DVD missing or not working

⇒ Get Tweaking Windows Repair

Microsoft Fix It Center – Easy-to-use tool

Microsoft Fix It Center is another excellent Windows 7 repair tool that scans your PC for all kinds of issues.

It will also download the latest updates and solutions from Microsoft.

One of the best things about this tool is that it covers all the aspects of your system from performance to crashes, hardware devices, and audio.

This tool is perfect for non-technical users because it’s really effortless to use. This app will look over your Windows 7 system and a vast range of potential issues that might pop up.

Take a look at the most important features that you will be able to enjoy if you do decide to use this tool:

The tool’s installation requires a fast and easy process, and after you install the tool, you’ll see that it comes with an effortless to use interface
The interface comes with a list of issues that you will be able to scroll through
After you click on the Run button, a scan of your whole system will begin
When the tool finds a problem, it will suggest a fix for it
You will get the chance to apply fixes automatically, and you can also choose them manually
You will be able to sign in via a Windows Live account, and this will allow for more online solutions and remote management of more computer
Microsoft Fix It Center also prevents various issues before they get worse

⇒ Get Microsoft Fix It Center

Iolo System Mechanic Ultimate Defense – Portable tool

Iolo System Mechanic Ultimate Defense is a useful tool that was designed to help users fix the issues that are encountered in 10, 8, 8.1, 7 (XP/Vista up to v16.0.0.10) when using the Windows Media Player and more.

This great application will attempt to solve the problems that are caused by the registration of particular DLL files that are used by the media player.

This tool is able to handle problems that are caused by more than 40 software components and recreate the registry keys that are required for playing media files.

Such issues might be caused by system crashes or by all kinds of cyberattacks that result in corrupting the registration of essential components.

If you receive error messages that have to do with DLL components, you will be able to use this tool.

This will turn out to be a useful tool especially if you want a quick fix, and you’re not very interested in finding out the exact nature of the problem. It is ideal when you don’t want to waste time online looking for system components’ issues.

Lastly, it is a Windows 7 repair tool that can be used on a USB flash drive.

Check out the essential features and advantages that it comes with:

This is a portable program that can be used without needing any installation
You can use this tool on any computer that runs into troubles and has a Windows system installed
Its interface is effortless to understand and use, and you don’t even need any troubleshooting experience
All you will have to do is click one button to re-register all the DLL components

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

The Easy Way to Perform Windows 10 Repair Upgrade

Posted on October 31, 2022February 24, 2025 by Tashreef Shareef

A lot of things can go wrong with your Windows 10 computer. Apart from the usual blue screen of death crashes, other errors can cause problems in your system.

Thankfully, Microsoft has provided several ways to restore your PC and part of them is the repair upgrade. In this guide, we will show you to perform the Windows 10 repair upgrade when something goes wrong.

What is a Windows 10 repair upgrade?

Windows 10 repair upgrade is the process of installation of Windows 10 on the existing one on your PC. This can be done with the use of an ISO file and bootable media like a USB or DVD.

The advantage of this repair is that it fixes issues on your PC, including a faulty operating system. It does this without affecting your personal files.

How do I perform Windows 10 repair upgrade?

Visit the Windows 10 download website to download the media creation tool.
Double-click the tool to run it and click the Accept button on the license page.
Choose Create installation media for another PC on the What do you want to do page and click Next.
Select your language, system version, and architecture and click Next.
Choose the ISO file option click the Next button.
Choose where to save the ISO file, wait creation to complete and run the program.
Accept the terms on the license page.
Select Keep personal files and apps on the Choose what to keep page and click the Next button.
If all things are set and ready, click the Install button.
Finally, sign and set up your PC accordingly.

This is how you can install Windows 10 using the repair upgrade without losing programs, apps, and files.

If you need to perform the Windows 10 repair upgrade from a USB flash drive to install Windows 10, you can select the flash drive option in step 5.

Also, if you can’t access your PC, you might need to perform a clean installation instead.

That is about it for using this option to repair your PC. With these steps, you have everything to rescue your PC when you are facing issues without losing your files.

If the Windows 10 media creation tool is not working, check our detailed guide to fix it quickly.

Feel free to let us know if you face any problems performing this upgrade in the comments below.

7 Ways to Fix Windows Hello if It’s Greyed Out

Posted on October 30, 2022September 10, 2025 by Loredana Harsana

Encountering a greyed out Windows Hello will limit how you can use the biometric sign-in mechanism. Most of our readers reported that they encountered this after a Windows update.

Similarly, this issue will cause Windows Hello not to work. Hence, we will examine the likely causes and solutions for this problem.

Why did Windows Hello grey out?

While there are multiple reasons for this problem, the most prominent cause is an issue with the Windows update. Other likely reasons that could cause Windows Hello greyed out issue are:

Outdated or corrupt imaging and biometric drivers – If the drivers for the devices you need are outdated, the Windows Hello will appear greyed out.
Malfunctioning biometric devices – Windows Hello will not work when the biometric devices malfunction. Take a look at this guide to fix the fingerprint sensor if it’s not working.
Trusted Platform Module is not set up – Windows Hello can only be accessible when the PIN login is enabled. Check how to enable TPM without BIOS in Windows 11.
Corrupt System files – It isn’t uncommon for system files to be corrupted. Whenever this happens, it distorts the PC’s performance and renders some functions inaccessible.
Outdated Windows – The system can easily be vulnerable when it is outdated, leading to bugs affecting components of the PC. Look at this guide to fix Windows update errors on Windows 11.

Irrespective of the causes, let’s proceed to solve the Windows Hello greyed out problem with these solutions.

How do I fix Windows Hello when it’s greyed out?

Before anything, ensure you carry out these preliminary checks:

Ensure that the biometrics devices are functioning well.
Disable fast startup on your computer to avoid Windows Hello’s crash.
Restart your computer to see if the issue still persists. Should you encounter an issue restarting your PC, check this guide for fixes.

If the problem persists after these checks, proceed to apply the fixes below.

1. Update the Biometrics driver

Right-click the Start button and select Device Manager.
Locate and expand Biometrics or Imaging devices, right-click on the device you want to update, and click Update driver.
Choose Search automatically for drivers and wait for the completion. Then Restart your PC to take effect.

Since Windows Hello greyed-out problems can occur if the Biometric drivers are corrupt or outdated, updating them will help fix it. If this does not work for you, check out other ways to fix outdated drivers error in Windows 11.

If your Windows doesn’t find the required driver, we recommend you use Outbyte Driver Updater, a tool that automatically scans your computer for outdated drivers and updates them with their latest version.

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2. Uninstall and reinstall the Biometric driver

Right-click the Start button and select Device Manager.
Locate and expand Biometrics or Imaging devices, right-click on the device you want to remove, and click Uninstall device.
Now, check the Attempt to remove the driver for this device checkbox, and click Uninstall.
Finally, reboot your PC for Windows to search for and reinstall the best driver for the device.

Similar to the first solution, this will also attempt to fix the problem caused by corrupt or outdated drivers.

3. Set up the TPM

Press the Windows + R keys to launch the Run window, input tpm.msc, and click OK to open the TPM management console.
Click the Action tab and select Prepare the TPM… from the options.
Click the Restart button and follow the onscreen prompts. Then check if Windows Hello is fixed.

By default, the TPM should be set up. However, Windows updates or personal mistakes can disable the TPM. Hence the reason Windows Hello greyed out. Also, you can check how to enable TPM 2.0 in different versions of BIOS if the steps do not work for you.

4. Reinstall Windows Hello

Press the Windows + I keys to launch the Settings app.
Select Apps and choose Optional features from the right pane.
Search to see if Windows Hello is installed or not. If not, click View features at the top.
Now search for Windows Hello and install it.
Reboot your PC and check if the problem is fixed.

Most of our readers using Windows 11 claim they had to install the optional pack because Windows Hello isn’t preinstalled. Further, we have a guide on installing Windows Hello face driver on Windows 11; you can check it out.

5. Run the System file checker

Left-click the Start button, input the command prompt and select Run as administrator.
Input the following commands and click Enter: sfc/scannow
Wait for the process to be successful, close the window and restart your PC.

The SFC scan will identify the error’s potential causes and troubleshoot it automatically. If the SFC scan fails to work, check out the various solutions in this guide.

6. Perform a hardware and devices troubleshooter

Right-click the Start button, input the command prompt, and select Run as administrator.
Input the following command and press Enter: msdt.exe -id DeviceDiagnostic
Wait for the device to load the Hardware and Device troubleshooter and click on Next.
The device will auto-detect the issues and prompt steps to troubleshoot them.
If it doesn’t identify any issue, close the troubleshooter.

Troubleshooting the hardware and devices will identify all potential errors on the computer and provide steps to fix them. If the Hardware and Devices troubleshooter is missing on your device, try these fixes to restore it.

7. Update Windows

Press the Windows + I keys to launch the Settings app.
Select Windows Update and click Check for Updates.

Windows will automatically look for the latest updates and download and install them to your PC. Then you are required to restart for the changes to effect.

These are the best fixes to apply when you encounter Windows Hello greyed out problem.

However, if facial recognition isn’t working on your Windows 11, kindly check the fixes in this article.

Also, our guide on what to do if you can’t remove your PIN in Windows 11 could come in handy if you are ever faced with such a problem.

If you have further queries, drop them in the comments section. Also, we would appreciate your suggestions if you have one fix that has worked for you other than the outlined ones.

Discord Yellow Border: What Is It & How to Get Rid of It?

Posted on October 30, 2022May 28, 2024 by Loredana Harsana

Many of our readers complain that the latest update on Discord isn’t working smoothly on their devices. It prompted a series of issues, and the Discord yellow border is one of them. Also, some of you may experience Discord frequently freezing during use.

What is the Discord yellow border?

The Discord yellow border appears on the edges of the screen mostly when you are streaming or using the screen-sharing feature. Many of our readers report that the error started not long after the recent Discord update.

Furthermore, the yellow border around the screen on Windows 10/11 can distract you when using Discord. Also, it can appear in different instances, like a yellow border around Chrome when streaming.

What causes the yellow border on my Discord app?

The yellow border on the Discord app can occur for a few reasons, and they are:

Discord update issues -The most common story behind the problem is a bug in the Discord update after they moved to a new graphic capture system.
Windows incompatibility – Older Windows versions are still incompatible due to the latest updates and changes in the graphic capture interface. Hence, the reason for the yellow border when screen sharing on Discord.

Nonetheless, the yellow border around the screen on Windows 11 affects lots of Discord users. However, you don’t have to panic because the issue can be fixed by troubleshooting some settings.

How do I fix Discord’s yellow border?

Before proceeding with any advanced troubleshooting, we recommend you go through the following preliminary checks:

Close other third-party streaming applications that you use for Discord on your PC.
Close and relaunch Discord on your device.
Temporarily disable third-party antivirus software on your computer, and verify whether the Discord screen share yellow border still appears.
Restart your PC to resolve startup bugs that can affect app performance. You can check this guide should you encounter an issue with restarting your PC.

The checks above should fix the Discord yellow border issue. However, if the problem persists, please proceed with the tweaks below.

1. Update the Discord app

Locate the Update Ready! button at the top right corner and click on it (whenever there’s an update, the button will appear).
Alternatively, you can launch the Discord app on your Windows PC and press the Ctrl + R keys to update Discord.
For Mac users, press the Command + R keys while running the Discord app to update.

In addition, the Discord update that prompts the yellow border to appear on the screen will be resolved since they have rolled out a new update. However, we recommend checking what to do if the Discord app won’t update.

2. Switch to a full-screen mode

For Windows users, press the Ctrl + Shift + F keys on your Keyboard to initiate the Discord Full-Screen Mode.
For Mac users, press Command + Shift + F on your Keyboard to initiate the Discord Full-Screen Mode.

The yellow border often pops up during screen sharing, although not always. Switching to the full-screen mode will stretch the borders, and the yellow outline will disappear.

Some of our users claim their audio doesn’t work while screen sharing on Discord. If you experience this also, hop on our guide to fix it.

3. Update Windows OS

Left-click the Start button on the taskbar and select Settings.
Expand the Windows Update and click Check for updates. If new updates are available, Windows will download and auto-install them for you.

Updating Windows will fix bugs affecting your PC. Also, it will make your PC compatible with the current version of the Discord app.

Also, for those wondering why my name is yellow on Discord, it concerns the assigned role. Members can be assigned different colors based on their role in Discord, which is probably why yours appears in yellow.

Moreover, the yellow border issue on Discord is common on older versions like Windows 10 but if you spot a yellow border on Windows 11, we know just the trick for it.

So, updating can help fix the problem. You can look at what to do here if Windows Update is not working.

For further reading, you may check out the causes and possible fixes if you encounter a bad network request on Discord.

Likewise, we have a detailed guide to help you learn how to enable and disable push-to-talk in Discord.

Should you have further queries and suggestions, you can drop them in the comments section below.