You won’t need a phone to use Discord on Xbox Soon

Posted on October 20, 2022 by David Allen

Back in September Discord was made publicly available on Xbox. However, in order to connect to Discord using your Xbox a mobile phone has been required, but that requirement will soon be going away. Xbox Insiders in the Alpha and Skip Ahead Alpha rings can begin testing the feature today. You’ll be able to see all the voice channels for all the Discord servers you are in, and you no longer need to transfer the call using either the Discord or Xbox app.

Discord on Xbox is getting way better. You won't need to use your phone soon, so you can connect to calls in Discord servers directly from the Xbox dashboard ???? details here: https://t.co/VXaBj2zD1l pic.twitter.com/nerSy1zX80

— Tom Warren (@tomwarren) October 19, 2022

You still can’t participate in text chats on Discord directly from your Xbox, and there’s no sign when or if that feature will be added. You would only need a phone now for Disord calls if you wanted to call a friend directly and not through a server. You would still need the Discord app to transfer the call to your Xbox. As with most features in the Xbox testing rings, you can expect this to be publically available in a few weeks.

Via The Verge

VPN is Not Compatible with Windows 10: Here’s a Quick Fix

Posted on October 19, 2022October 12, 2025 by Milan Stanojevic

Generally speaking, you can face various VPN issues that generate incompatibility with your Windows 10 PC.

Most VPN users need this software because they remain anonymous while online staying safe from hacking or spying, and their information isn’t tracked or targeted by online marketers and other online stalkers.

So what happens when your PC blocked the VPN connection on Windows 10 operating system?

Some of the common and known problems with VPN connections include:

The connection is authorized but rejected
The connection is unauthorized but accepted
Inability to reach locations outside the VPN’s server
Cannot establish a tunnel

However, this article looks at some solutions you can try if your PC not connecting to VPN, whether you just installed, upgraded from an older version, or updated it on your computer.

Why is my VPN not working on Windows 10?

Essentially, your VPN stops working on your Windows PC because of network issues, bad settings configuration, or simply server connection malfunctions.

It can be as well due to incompatible VPN services that don’t have the right protocols for your Windows version. So, if you require more useful support and solutions, the guides below will help you resolve this error.

How can I fix VPN not compatible with Windows 10?

1. Correctly install and configure the VPN

A VPN connection depends both on your operating system and your Internet Service Provider.

If your VPN is not compatible with Windows 10, check first how you installed and configured the VPN, and then go to the VPN service’s website and install and configure it correctly.

Different ISPs usually have different internet service plans and limitations so it is important to contact and/or consult with your ISP for any persistent issues.

2. Try another compatible VPN

The best way to solve incompatibility issues is to ensure you possess efficient VPN software that is Windows 10 compatible from the beginning.

Our recommendation goes to ExpressVPN, a world-class VPN that runs perfectly with Windows devices and provides premium security and privacy-oriented features.

You have the strongest level of encryption to IP cloaking designed to anonymize your online presence, plus a strict no-logs policy meant to keep your data tracking-free.

Moreover, your traffic will be routed through secure VPN tunnels which create several layers of privacy around you.

You also benefit from a VPN test speed, servers in 94 countries, and secured access for multiple devices like PCs, mobiles, or Smart TVs and routers.

ExpressVPN

Use this VPN instead to ensure your high privacy and support for multiple devices.

Check price Visit website

3. Check if you have a VPN profile and try to connect again

Click Start and select Settings.
Click Network & Internet.
Select VPN.
Click Add a VPN connection.
Under Add a VPN connection, do the following:
Go to the VPN provider.
Click on it and select Windows (built-in).
In the Connection name, type any name of your choice for the VPN connection profile, which is what you’ll look for when trying to connect in the server name or address box.
Then type the address for the VPN server.
For VPN type, choose the type of connection you want to create. You can check which one your company or VPN service uses.
Under Type of sign-in info, choose the info to use like a username or password, one-time password, certificate, or smart card if it’s VPN for work.
Select Save.
If you need to edit the VPN connection information or specify additional settings, choose the VPN connection and then click Advanced options.

If you don’t already have a VPN profile, then you may think that your VPN is not compatible with Windows 10, but you need a profile in order to connect.

If it’s for work, check the VPN settings or VPN app on your company’s intranet or check with the dedicated support person within the company.

If it’s for personal use, go to the Microsoft Store and check if there’s an app for that service, then go to the VPN service’s website and see if the connection settings are listed therein.

Here’s how to create a VPN profile:

Once you have a VPN profile, you can launch the VPN by clicking the Network icon on the taskbar, selecting the VPN connection, and clicking Connect. You can type your username or password or other sign-in if prompted to.

4. Scan for hardware changes

Here’s how to do this:

Right-click Start.
Select Device Manager.
Go to Network Adapters.
Right-click again on Network Adapters.
Click on Network Adapters to expand the list.
Right-click on each entry under Network Adapters and Uninstall all adapters starting with WAN Miniport.
Right-click again on Network Adapters.
Select Scan for Hardware Changes.

The adapters will reinstall automatically without restarting your computer.

5. Check for any updates for your VPN or Windows Updates

Different VPNs have their updates and/or releases, for example, Cisco pushes its own solutions so you may have to wait for Cisco to release a compatible solution if your VPN is not compatible with Windows 10.

If your business supports L2TP/IPsec connections, check with your IT admin for assistance.

Note: Windows only runs apps from the Windows Store, so you need to contact your VPN service to see if they have an available app for VPN with Windows.

6. Ensure routing and remote access service are running

This is done by opening the Control Panel of the server, then clicking Administrative Tools, and then Services.

After confirming that both are running, try to ping the VPN server by the IP address from the VPN client. Initially, you should do this in order to verify that the TCP/IP connectivity is in existence.

Ping once, then if successful, ping again with the FQDN of the server, not its address.

If the ping fails yet the IP address ping was successful, then there’s a DNS problem as the VPN client cannot resolve the server’s name to the IP address.

7. Check the authentication process

Different methods of authentication exist for VPN connections, and both VPN clients and servers need to have at least one method that is common to each.

In order to check the authentication process, do the following:

Right-click the Start button.
Select Run.
Type MMC and press Enter or click OK.
An empty Microsoft Management Console session will open.
Select Add/Remove Snap-In command from the File menu.
Click Add to display the available snap-ins.
Select Routing and Remote Access.
Click Add.
Click Close and This will add the Routing and Remote Access snap-in to the MMC.
Right-click on the VPN server’s listing.
Select Properties.
Under the Security tab, click Authentication Methods – a dialog box will open with available methods of authentication.
Enable or disable the methods by selecting/deselecting the related checkboxes.

8. Check your connection to the VPN server

If you’re using a dial-up connection to the internet, your remote user may not have dial-up privileges, which may be why your VPN is not compatible with Windows 10.

In this case, check your dial-up privileges from the Dial-In tab under User properties in the Active Directory Users and Computers, or check from the domain Remote Access Policy.

If your domain runs in Windows 2000 Native Mode, then the VPN server must be a member, otherwise, the logins will not be authenticated.

Also check the IP addresses as web-based VPN connections use two different addresses for a VPN client, one from the ISP, and another from the VPN server.

Let us know if your VPN is still not compatible with Windows 10 after trying these solutions. If they worked for you, share with us your experience in the comments section below. Additionally, if you’re experiencing these issues specifically with VyprVPN, we’ve got you covered.

Windows File Explorer Crashes on Right-Click: 5 Ways to Fix

Posted on October 19, 2022July 11, 2024 by Ivan Jenic

When Windows Explorer crashes on right click you won’t be able to use your context menu at all. This can be quite limiting since you won’t be able to open certain file types quickly.

In some rare cases, you won’t be able to use the context menu at all and you’ll lose access to basic Windows functions. However, there are ways to fix this problem permanently.

Why does Explorer crash when I right-click on a file?

In most cases, third-party apps and their context menu extensions cause this issue. Sometimes a missing update or a system glitch can be responsible for this problem as well.

How do I fix a Windows Explorer that crashes on a right-click?

Before getting into the software troubleshooting, be sure to check for the latest updates since they can often fix these kinds of issues.

1. Disable third-party shell extensions

Visit ShellExView page and download the software.
Run the software, go to Options, and select Filter by extension type.
Select only the Context Menu and click on OK.
Look for entries that have a pink background. Select the desired entry, right-click it, and choose Disable selected items. You can also use the F7 shortcut.
Repeat the previous step for all entries that have a pink background.
Next, go to Options and select Restart Explorer.
Check if the right-click is working. If it does, it means that one of the disabled entries was causing the problem.
To pinpoint the cause, right-click the disabled pink entry, and choose Enable selected items.
After enabling an entry, restart File Explorer by following the instructions from Step 6.
Repeat the steps until you find the cause of the problem. Once you find it, disable it and the issue will be gone.

Users reported issues with the following apps: PicoPDFEditingSoftware.exe, NVIDIA CPL Context Menu Extension, Virtual Clone Drive, and Foxit phantom PDF.

2. Remove any recently installed applications

Press the Windows key + X and choose Apps and Features.
Next, locate any recently installed app, click three dots next to it, and then choose Uninstall.
Follow the instructions on the screen to remove it.

In most cases, the problems are caused by the same applications from the previous solution.

3. Use the command line to modify the registry

Press the Windows key + S and search for cmd. Select Run as administrator.
Next, run the following command: reg.exe add "HKCU\Software\Classes\CLSID\{86ca1aa0-34aa-4e8b-a509-50c905bae2a2}\InprocServer32" /f /ve
The command should disable the new context menu and fix the issue.

4. Use a third-party file manager

When File Explorer crashes by right-clicking, you’ll need to install one third-party software that can manage your files instead of the built-in tool.

This tool can view and manage all of your installed software and files. So not only will this app help you drastically, but it is also straightforward to use and doesn’t require any previous experience.

The interface is self-explanatory and simplistic, giving you a minimalist look while helping you find your files quickly. Finding relevant data has never been easier with this excellent app.

⇒ Get Glarysoft Quick Search

5. Perform in-place upgrade

Download Windows 11 ISO from Microsoft’s website.
Double-click the ISO file and run the setup.exe.
Accept the terms of service and follow the instructions on the screen.
Choose not to download optional updates if asked.
Follow the instructions on the screen until you see Choose what to keep screen. Select Keep personal files and apps.
Click Next and follow the instructions on the screen to complete the upgrade.

Why does Windows Explorer keep crashing?

There are several reasons, the most common being system corruption, your settings, or missing updates. We covered this issue in our File Explorer crashing in Windows 11 guide, so be sure to check it out.

All the solutions we listed above work if Windows Explorer crashes on right-click. In most cases, this issue is caused by third-party apps, so you might have to disable or remove them.

You might also be interested in our guide on what to do if File Explorer is slow on Windows or if File Explorer is freezing.

Do let us know which of our solutions helped you fix the problem with the File Explorer app in the comments section below.

This App Can’t Run on Your PC: 5 Tested Ways to Fix on Windows

Posted on October 19, 2022October 10, 2025 by Milan Stanojevic

Although Windows 11 is a unique operating system, it has a few flaws, most related to the older software. Several Windows 11 users reported that this app can’t run on your PC error message.

Before moving on to more advanced troubleshooting solutions, make sure to check if you’re logged in as administrator, try reinstalling the app and scan your PC for viruses.

How do you fix this app can’t run on your PC?

1. Check the System Type

Press Windows, then type system information and click the top result.
Here, check the System Type you have, then make sure to download software that uses the same architecture, 32-bit or 64-bit.

2. Create an administrator account

The next guide below will show you the potential solution to resolve this issue by changing the user settings and create an admin account.

1. Press Windows + I, then go to Accounts from the left menu, followed by Family & other users.
2. Click the Add account next to Add other user.
3. Choose I don’t have this person’s sign-in information.
4. Now, choose Add a user without a Microsoft account.
5. Enter the username and password for the new administrator account, then click Next.
6. You should see a new account in the Other users section. Click it, then select Change account type. Select Administrator under Account type and click OK.
7. Lastly, press Windows, right-click your account name, and select the newly created admin account to log into.

3. Use specialized software

Sometimes, if your registry is faulty or corrupted, this may cause different errors to appear. You may also encounter the error message: this app can’t run on your PC on Windows 11.

The registry issue is something that many Windows users have to deal with. It would help if you used a dedicated tool that will repair the registry of your operating system.

4. Run the SFC scan

Press the Windows key input cmd and open the top result as an administrator.
Paste or type the following command and press Enter to run it: sfc /scannow

The System File Checker will look for any system files that are damaged or corrupted and will immediately replace them if it finds any.

5. Use a reliable antivirus

There were instances when users encountered This app can’t run on your PC in Windows 11 because their operating system was infected with viruses.

We recommend powerful software that will offer unbeatable protection for your computer against viruses. After installing this program, it will detect, isolate, and neutralize any virus.

With its Dynamic Machine Learning feature, this software will monitor your entire device activity.

At the same time, this performant antivirus offers you real-time virus detection and blocks malicious software before affecting your computer.

⇒ Get TotalAV

Fix – This app can’t run on your PC for Windows 10 64 bit

One or more solutions already presented above are likely to work for both 32 and 64-bit versions of Windows.

If despite your best efforts, you keep seeing this app can’t run on your PC. To find a version for your PC, check with the software publisher on your Windows 64 bit OS, try running the app in compatibility mode.

The easiest way to determine if there are conflictual versions involved is to use the Microsoft Program Compatibility Troubleshooter which you can easily find by typing its name in the Windows search bar next to your Start menu.

Fix – This app can’t run on your PC for Windows 10 AMD

A number of users reported This app can’t run on your PC error message while trying to install AMD graphic card drivers.

Apparently, the problem was caused by a corrupted download. After switching to a different browser and redownloading the same file again, the issue was permanently resolved.

If you want the latest and greatest browser available right now, check out our best pick in this article.

Fix – This app can’t run on your PC for Broadcom 802.11

Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager, then navigate to the Startup tab.
Find Broadcom Network Adapter Wireless Network Tray Applet then choose Disable.

This app can’t run on your PC error message can be a problem since it can affect almost any application on your Windows 11 PC.

Why does my PC say this app can’t open?

You could come into this warning if the app you are attempting to execute needs specific rights to function correctly, but your user account does not have such permissions. It’s also possible that faulty or damaged registry entries prevent applications from executing on your computer.

There are various variations of this error message. However, here are the most common ones that we will address today:

This app can’t run on your PC when opening Google Chrome -You should enable compatibility mode from the app’s properties.
Command Prompt access is denied, this app can’t run on your PC – This error usually occurs if your user account is not properly configured.
This app can’t run on your PC, old game error – Most gamers are already familiar with this error message.
This app can’t run on your PC – Microsoft Store error, Windows 10, Office 2016 – As you must have already guessed by now, this error is prevalent for Microsoft Store apps, but it also affects the Microsoft Store app itself and the Office package.
Batch file, this app can’t run on your PC – A batch file is an unformatted text file that PC users create to store and run various commands.
This app can’t run on your PC, check with the software publisher (Windows 10/11) – Many users reported that they can’t open particular apps due to an error message asking them to contact the software publisher.
This app can’t run on your PC (Kaspersky, Bitdefender, Avast, ASDM) – Most likely, the download and install process got corrupted and the quickest way to fix this problem is to uninstall and then reinstall the respective tools. Also, you should take immediate action if Windows prevents the antivirus installation.
Windows 10 bypass fail, this app can’t run on your PC – The solutions below will also work in Windows 10.
This app can’t run on your PC (Steam, Valorant) – Steam games can be affected by this compatibility error.
This app can’t run on your PC when using Broadcom 802.11 network adapters – You will have to uninstall your Network adapters and reinstall them.

For more potential troubleshooting steps, check out our guide on what to do if Windows 11 apps are not opening.

If you have any more questions, don’t hesitate to drop them in the comments section below.

Reset This PC Button Not Working: 6 Ways to Force it

Posted on October 19, 2022March 20, 2024 by Milan Stanojevic

Resetting this PC in Windows 10 allows you to choose whether you’ll keep your files or remove them altogether. The reset option is perfect if you encounter severe problems since it will reinstall your operating system without performing the clean install.

However, some users are complaining that resetting their PC is not working. This can be a big problem and prevent you from resetting your Windows installation, but in this article, we’ll try to fix this problem.

Why can’t I factory reset my PC?

This is a pretty common problem, and it’s usually followed by There was a problem resetting your PC message. The message appears on multiple operating systems, including Windows 11, 10, 8, and 7.

Lastly, let’s look at the variations of this error message to figure out the causes behind it:

There was a problem resetting your PC. No changes were made – It is a generic message that occurs if the reset process isn’t successful.
Required files are not trusted – This message appears if the recovery image you’re using is corrupted or modified in some way.
If you’re performing a reset from USB, a bad flash drive or ISO file can cause all sorts of problems
Blue screen errors followed by There was a problem resetting your PC. No changes were made message is usually an indication of a hardware error – In case, you need to enter the administrator password to reset the PC

How do you force a factory reset on a PC?

1. Run SFC and DISM Scan

The practical example below briefly describes you how to run the SFC or DISM Scan using the Windows PowerShell tool.

1. Press Windows + X keys simultaneously and click on Windows PowerShell (Admin).
2. If prompted for permissions, click Yes.
3. Now run the following command: sfc/scannow
4. Now, type the command below and hit Enter: DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

If the reset of this PC feature is not responding, you may also use a dedicated registry cleaner software to clean your registry.

2. Use the Media Creation Tool

Visit Windows 10 download page.
Select the Download tool now option.
Run the application.
Under the License terms page, select Accept.
On What do you want to do page, choose Upgrade this PC now.
The tool will start downloading and installing Windows 10.
Follow the instructions on setting up Windows 10 on your computer.
When ready to install, Windows 10 summarizes your choices and what will remain through the upgrade. Select Change what to keep.
Set your preferences on Keep personal files and apps, Keep personal files only, or keep Nothing during the upgrade.
Save and close open applications and files that are running and select Install.

NOTE

The installation will take some time, and your computer will restart a few times, so make sure not to turn it off.

3. Use System Image Recovery

Open the Start Menu and click the Power button. Next, press and hold the Shift key and click the Restart button.
Select Troubleshoot, then click on Advanced Options.
Now select System image recovery.
Follow the instructions on the screen to complete the process.

4. Set your computer for Clean Boot

Go to the Search box, type msconfig, and select System Configuration.
Find the Services tab. Select Hide all Microsoft services box. Click Disable all.
Go to the Startup tab. Click Open Task Manager.
Right-click the first item and choose Disable. Repeat that for all items on the list.
Go back to the System Configuration window and click on Apply and OK.
Reboot your computer

Performing a clean boot for your computer reduces software-related conflicts that can bring up the root causes of the PC reset bluescreen error issue.

These conflicts can be caused by applications and services that typically start up and run in the background when you start Windows.

You will have a clean boot environment after all these steps are carefully followed, after which you can try the PC reset again.

5. Perform a Refresh/Reset from WinRE

Insert a USB or DVD of Windows 10 media.
Restart your computer.
Press F4 or the appropriate key to open the boot menu.
Select the drive you inserted your USB or DVD into.
Click Next.
Choose to Repair your computer.
A blue screen will come up with options.
Choose Troubleshoot, then select Advanced options.
Choose Automatic Repair from the Advanced boot option.

If you still experience the PC reset error, try booting from Windows 10 media, then perform Automatic repair from Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE).

Once the repair is complete, try performing the PC reset to see whether the issue persists.

However, if Automatic Repair won’t work, check out this troubleshooting guide to fix the problem.

6. Perform a clean install

NOTE

This will remove all personal files, apps, or drivers installed and any changes to your settings. Then, it restores the computer to a factory-like state.

Go to the Windows 10 download page.
Click the Download Now button and run the program.
Click Accept option on the license page.
Choose Create installation media for another PC on the What do you want to do page and click the Next button.
Choose your language, system version, and architecture from here and click Next.
Connect the drive and select the USB flash drive option. Note that it must be at least 8GB.
Now, with the drive still connected, restart your PC.
Your PC should automatically boot to the drive. If it does not, you need to press a key (Esc, F12, F2, or Delete, depending on your PC) immediately after it turns on to open the boot menu.
Choose your language and other preferred settings on the Install Windows page and click Next.
Finally, click Install Windows.

If the reset this PC option is not working, or you are wondering how to force reset Windows 10, you might need to insert an installation media to perform a clean install.

Also, this last solution is important if you can’t reset the PC without a recovery key.

If your PC doesn’t reset, you should check your installation media, ensure it’s properly configured, and try all other solutions from this guide.

What are other problems with resetting your PC?

Can’t reset pc from cloud – In this case, you may need to download the installation file, rather than do it from the cloud.
Reset PC not showing in Advanced options – If you encounter this problem, your only option would be to perform a clean install of the OS.
Can’t reset PC on battery power – This is not really a big deal, because all you have to do is plug in the power outlet.
No Reset PC option in Troubleshoot – This is a similar problem to the previous one, which means that your recovery file is damaged.
Can’t reset pc to factory settings – You may have to restore the PC to a different time before attempting the reset.
Reset this PC keep my files failed – Sometimes the reset process isn’t successful and even if you choose the option to keep your files, you might lose them. Therefore, always create a backup when using this feature.
Can’t reset pc because of space – It is a common problem on PCs with small storage. You must ensure the PC meets minimum storage requirements before resetting it.
There was a problem resetting your PC from USB – The error is encountered when you try to reset the Windows computer using a USB device with the installation media.
There was a problem resetting your PC in Windows 11 – It’s a variation of the error. This affects Windows 11 users.
Unable to reset PC – Follow the solutions below, which should work fine.
There was problem resetting your PC. No changes were made – You see this error code when the reset process starts but is unable to go through due to an issue.
There was a problem resetting your PC without password – You would need to try with the installation media in most cases.
Unable to download please try Reset this PC using the local reinstall option – Once again, if you have an installation DVD or USB, it should solve the problem.

These aren’t the only issues; several users reported that Windows gets stuck during the factory reset process

If you didn’t fix the problem, your only option might be a complete reinstall. To learn more, read our how to clean install Windows 10 guide for detailed instructions.

For Windows 11 users, we also have a select Reset this PC feature not working guide that addresses similar problems on that version.

Let us know whether any of the above solutions worked for you by dropping your comment below.

VAN 1067 Valorant Error Code: How to Fix it on Windows 11

Posted on October 19, 2022February 26, 2024 by Loredana Harsana

In this article, we shall explore the van 1067 error on Windows 11 since this error has prevented many from playing the game. However, we have a few solutions that can help.

What does error code VAN 1067 mean?

This error appears if you don’t meet the hardware requirements, most notably TPM 2.0.

How do I fix the error code Van 1067 on Windows 11?

1. Enable TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot

The following guide offers you the practical steps to enable your Trusted Platform Module (TPM) in order to fix your Van 1067 error on Windows 11 computers.

1. Click the Start button, click the Power icon, and press the Shift key + Restart to reboot your PC to Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE).
2. Navigate to Troubleshoot.
3. Select Advanced options.
4. Click on UEFI Firmware Settings.
5. Go to the Security tab, locate the Trusted Platform Module (TPM) and enable it.
6. Also, find Secure Boot and enable it. Based on different PCs, the UEFI settings are usually different.

2. Check for Windows updates

Press the Windows key and search Check for updates in the Search bar.
Hit Check for updates.
If you have any pending updates, proceed to install and restart your system.

3. Disable Discord

Head to the Settings menu in Discord.
Click on Windows Settings.
Turn off Open Discord.
Restart your computer.

4. Restart VGC Service

Press the Window + R keys to open the Run dialog, type the script below, and hit Enter.
services.msc
Find vgc.
Double-click on it, and choose Start.
Click on Startup type and select Automatic, save the changes by clicking Apply, and then OK.

5. Disable CSM

5.1 Disable CSM on Gigabyte

Enter the BIOS screen or Security menu by pressing the Del key while the computer is on boot.
Locate CSM Support under the BIOS tab, double-click on it, then select Disabled.
Save the changes, click on the Power tab, then go to Save & Exit Setup.
Reboot the system again and enter the BIOS screen.
Double-click on Secure Boot in the BIOS tab and select Enabled.
Once again, go to the Power tab and click Save & Exit Setup.
Click on Yes and reboot the system one final time.
Enter the BIOS screen again and go to the Peripherals tab.
Double-click on Intel Platform Trust Technology (PTT) and select Enabled.
Save these changes by going to the Power tab and clicking on Save & Exit Setup.

5.2 Disable CSM on MSI

Enter the BIOS screen by pressing the Del key.
Once on the menu, click the Boot tab at the top of the screen.
Locate Boot mode select and UEFI.
Save these changes by pressing the F10 key and exit BIOS.
Your computer will restart automatically.

5.3 Disable CSM on Biostar

Enter the BIOS screen by pressing the F12 key.
Go to the Boot tab.
Locate CSM Support and set it as Disabled.
Exit and reboot the system.

Tip

The above steps only apply to the VAN 1067 error Windows 11-gigabyte motherboard, VAN 1067 error Windows 11 MSI motherboard, and VAN 1067 error Windows 11 Biostar motherboards.

Should you find yourself stuck with this error on your screen, we hope one of the solutions we have discussed will be able to resolve the problem. We also have other fixes for Valorant Windows 11 errors, so check out our guides.

If you need more solutions, we also have a guide that will help you solve the VAN9003 problem in Valorant on Windows 11, so don’t miss it.

We also covered VAN 152 on Valorant as well as Valorant error 84, so be sure not to miss them.

This error can also appear on previous versions of Windows, and we have a great guide on VAN 1067 Valorant error on Windows 10 that you might want to check out.

We also have a guide on what to do if Valorant is not working, so don’t miss it.

Have you come across the VAN 1067 error in Valorant? What are some of the fixes that worked for you? Share your comments down below.

Laptop Keeps Refreshing the Desktop in Windows 10: How to Fix it

Posted on October 19, 2022October 23, 2025 by Milan Stanojevic

Many Windows users reported the laptop auto refresh problem. This can be caused by various factors, from third-party apps to driver problems. Usually, the desktop keeps refreshing on your laptop because of corrupted system files. If desktop icons are flashing on Windows 10, your display driver may be the culprit.

Before applying the solutions below, try removing any external storage and devices like printers and others and restart your laptop or PC. If your PC still uses IDT audio driver, remove it.

How do I stop Windows 10 laptop from refreshing the desktop?

1. Copy all icons to a folder

Sometimes, if your desktop screen refreshes every 5 seconds, it is due to problems with the icon cache. Many users have found a solution to solve this issue for good on their PC. You can simply copy them to a folder as shown in the guide below.

1. Press the Ctrl + Shift + N shortcut on the desktop to create a new folder.
2. Select and copy all icons on the desktop and paste them into the new folder.
3. Now, right-click on each icon on the desktop, except the folder, and select the Delete option.
4. Right-click on any space on the desktop and select Refresh.
5. Finally, copy the icons from the folder and paste them on the desktop.

2. Uninstall and reinstall Adobe Reader

Press the Windows key + I to open the Settings app and select the Apps option.
Click on the Adobe Reader app, select Uninstall and follow the instructions to complete the process.
Go to the official website to download the app, click the download file and follow the simple instructions to complete the installation.

Many users reported that the Windows desktop keeps refreshing issue was caused by the PDFShell64.dll file that is part of the Adobe Reader package. To fix this problem, you need to uninstall and reinstall the app.

Another workaround is to move all the PDF files on your desktop to a subfolder somewhere else.

3. Perform an SFC or DISM scan

Press the Windows key + X and choose Command Prompt (Admin) or PowerShell (Admin).
Type the command below and press Enter to run it. sfc /scannow
Wait for the scan to complete and check if the problem persists.
If the SFC scan does not solve the issue, launch Command Prompt as admin again, type the command below, and hit Enter to run it: DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

One of the prominent causes of the desktop keeps refreshing issue is corrupt system files. You can fix this by running the two built-in system file repair tools.

Alternatively, you can repair these files with dedicated repair software. These tools restore the corrupt system files and replace the broken ones. Also, it does not take much time and does not require you to enter any code.

You only need a few mouse clicks to restore your PC to top shape.

4. Run Chkdsk

Press the Windows key + S, type cmd, and click Run as administrator under Command Prompt.
Type the command below and hit Enter: Chkdsk/f
The command might ask you to type Y; make sure you do so and wait for the check to complete.

Another known reason your Windows 10 desktop refreshes after a few seconds is a corrupt memory partition. Running the command above has effectively fixed this issue for many users.

5. Perform a clean boot

Press the Windows key + R, type msconfig, and click the OK button.
Click the Services tab at the top, check the box for Hide all Microsoft services, and click the Disable button.
Click the Startup tab at the top and select Open Task Manager.
Right-click each of the services there and select Disable.
Return to the System configuration window and click the Apply button, following OK.
Finally, restart your PC.

The desktop keeps refreshing issue has been traced to third-party apps, especially those that sync frequently. Performing a clean boot allows you to start your PC without these apps and processes.

6. Restart your PC in Safe Mode

Press the Windows key to launch the Start Menu.
Press and hold the Shift key, click the Power option, and select Restart.
Once your PC restarts on the Choose Option page, select the Troubleshoot option.
Choose Advanced options.
Select the Startup Settings option.
Finally, click the Restart button.

The Safe Mode allows you to narrow down the cause of an issue, allowing your PC to work only with limited files and drivers. This has proved effective in solving the Windows 10 desktop keeps refreshing point.

7. Disable the Windows Error Reporting feature

Press the Windows key + R, enter services.msc, and click OK.
When the Services window opens, locate Windows Errors Reporting Service and double-click it.
Set the Startup type to Disabled and click on Apply and OK to save changes.

If Windows 10 desktop keeps refreshing, that might be due to the Windows Error Reporting feature. This is a core Windows feature, but few users claim that it can cause specific issues to appear.

After disabling the Windows Error Reporting feature, the problem should be resolved entirely.

8. Stop iCloud Photos and disable OneDrive

Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
Right-click iCloud Photos in the Processes tab and select End Task. Now, check if your desktop is still refreshing.
If the issue persists, right-click the Microsoft OneDrive icon in the Taskbar and select Settings.
Now, go to the Settings tab and uncheck Start OneDrive automatically when I sign in to Windows.
Click OK to save changes.

If Windows 10 keeps refreshing, it might be due to apps that need continuous sync, like OneDrive, iCloud Photos, and sometimes Skype. So, it is recommended to disable and even remove this app if the problem persists.

9. Rollback your graphics drivers

Press the Windows key + X and select Device Manager.
Click the arrow next to the Display adapters option to expand it and double-click the driver.
Click the Driver tab at the top and select the Roll Back Driver button.
If the option is blurred out, you have not updated your driver in recent times. Click the Update Driver option instead.
Select the Search automatically for drivers option and wait for the scan to complete.

If your Windows 10 desktop started refreshing after you updated your drivers, you would need to roll back to the previous version to solve the issue. Also, updating your driver should fix this issue if you have not updated your driver recently.

Preferably, you can update your graphics driver using a reliable tool in Outbyte Driver Updater. This tool saves you the stress of searching for drivers on your manufacturer’s website or with the built-in driver updater.

It does the job for you and installs the original drivers automatically. And with some users reporting that the audio and Bluetooth drivers can cause this issue, it will be stressful to update them all manually.

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10. Restart Windows Explorer

Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
When Task Manager opens, select Windows Explorer on the list and click the Restart button.

If Windows 10 desktop keeps refreshing, it might be due to problems with Windows Explorer. You can temporarily fix this problem by restarting Windows Explorer.

After performing the steps above, Task Manager will restart, and the problem will be temporarily solved. Unfortunately, the issue will reappear once you restart your PC.

On the other hand, by using this workaround, you’ll be able to temporarily fix the problem and use your PC to find a permanent solution.

Problems with Windows 10 and refreshing can seriously affect your PC, but we hope you managed to solve them by using one of our solutions.

Unfortunately, this isn’t the only UI issue, and sometimes even your Taskbar icons can start flashing or flickering. However, there’s a way to fix this problem, and today we’ll show you how.

If you have any other suggestions or questions, don’t hesitate to leave them in the comments section below, and we’ll be sure to check them out.

Signed In With A Temporary Profile: How to Fix This Windows Glitch

Posted on October 19, 2022May 29, 2025 by Madalina Dinita

Sometimes when you try to sign it into Windows, you get a message that says You’ve been signed in with a temporary profile. It means Windows can’t load your profile correctly. The most common causes are corrupt user profiles, disk errors, or a lack of permissions.

If this is happening to you, you’re in luck. Whether you want to repair the profile issue using regedit, accessing safe mode, or by creating a new user account, you can find step by step instructions below.

How to fix the temporary profile in Windows 10

1. Correct the Registry Entry

Press the Windows key from the account with the temporary profile, type cmd, and select Command Prompt.
Copy and paste the command below and hit Enter. whoami/user
Note the Security Identifier (SID) for the current account.
Press the Windows key + R, type regedit, and click OK. Note that you need to have administrative privileges to do this.
Navigate to the location below in the left pane: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\WindowsNT\CurrentVersion\ProfileList
After expanding the ProfileList key, check if the SID from Step 3 ends with .bak or without it or has the two variations.
If the SID key is without .bak do the following:
- Double-click ProfileImagePath in the right pane to edit it.
- Enter your correct user path in the Value data box and click the OK button. You can check this from File Explorer e.g., C:/USER/<username>.
- Now, check if the State DWORD of the SID is set to 0 (zero) in the right pane and close the registry editor.
Should the SID key has .bak at the back, do the following:
- Right-click the SID key, select the Rename option, and remove the .bak from the name.
- Double-click the ProfileImagePath in the right pane, change the Value data to your correct profile path, and click OK.
- Check that the State DWORD for the SID key is set to 0 in the right pane and close the Registry Editor.
If two SID keys are listed with one having .bak and the other without it, do the following:
- Right-click the SID key without .bak, select Delete and click the Yes button to confirm the action.
- Now, right-click the SID key with .bak, select Rename, and remove the .bak from the name.
- Double-click the ProfileImagePath option in the right pane, change the Value data to your correct profile path, and click OK.
- Check if the State DWORD is set to 0 and close the registry editor.
Finally, restart your computer and log in with the affected user profile. See if Windows keeps loading temporary profile.

2. Go to Safe Mode

Press the Windows key to show the Start Menu.
Press and hold the Shift key, and click the Power option followed by Restart.
When your PC restarts, choose Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Settings. Click the Restart button.
Once your PC restarts, select Safe Mode’s version by pressing the appropriate key on your keyboard and log in with your original account.
If this does not work, restart your PC in normal mode more than once, sign in with your original account, and see if the issue persists.
If you still can’t access your files, press the Windows key + R, type services.msc, and click OK.
Double-click the Windows Defender Advanced Threat Protection option to open its properties.
Set the Startup type to Disabled and click the OK button.
Now, go back to the Registry Editor and double-click the Microsoft Defender Antivirus service.
Click the dropdown before the Startup type, select Disable and click OK.
Finally, disable any third-party antivirus you have to and restart your PC again.

3. Create a new user account

Click the Start icon in the Taskbar and select the Settings option.
Choose Accounts in the left pane and select Family & other users in the right pane.
Now, click Add account before Add other user.
Choose I don’t have this person’s sign-in information.
From here, select Add a user without a Microsoft account.
Enter a username, password, and password hint, and click the Next button.
Go to Start > Settings > Accounts > Family & other users again.
Choose the account name of the new account (There should be a Local account under the name) and click the Change account type button.
Select the Administrator option under Account type and click OK.
Log into the new Microsoft account and launch File Explorer.
Click the C: drive, select USERS, and choose the old account.
Finally, copy the contents into your folder of the new account.

You can also try restarting your computer a few times and see if the problem is fixed.

This is another workaround allowing you to access your files and settings. Note that this will only work if your profile folder is still available on your PC.

For more information, check out our guide on how to fix a corrupted user profile in Windows 10.

Other sign-in related issues include Windows 11 sign-in options not working and the Windows 10 black screen after sign-in.

We hope one of these solutions works for you. If you’ve encountered a workaround we didn’t list in this article, tell us more about your experience in the comment section below.

Fix Green Screen of Death & Prevent Windows PC Crashes

Posted on October 19, 2022August 11, 2025 by Madalina Dinita

Windows’ infamous Blue Screen of Death has resulted from many crippled computers over the years, but the Redmond giant decided to change things a bit with the Green Screen of Death.

This error is similar to the Blue Screen of Death because it crashes your device. However, if you’re experiencing Green Screen of Death issues, do not worry because this post contains many solutions that will help you fix this problem.

What can cause green screen?

Unlike Critical Process Died BSOD, this type of screen error isn’t that common, and it’s usually caused by system damage or corrupted files. In that regard, it’s similar to Orange Screen of Death.

In addition, if you overclock your device, you might even encounter a Brown Screen of Death on your PC or similar errors. Therefore it’s advised to remove any overclock settings that you have.

Some of the causes of this error include:

Corrupt or broken system files – Corrupt files often affect PC settings and cause green screen crashes. Don’t hesitate to learn how to repair and restore corrupted system files.
Outdated drivers – Drivers may become corrupt in time, leading to such issues. Take a closer look at our guide on how to update Windows drivers.
Issues with connected peripherals – In this case, don’t hesitate to pay attention to the preliminary steps below.

How do I stop the Green Screen of Death?

Before making changes to your PC to fix this issue, there are a few checks you should perform:

Disconnect any peripherals connected to your PC and check if the green screen is still showing.
Restart your PC and see if the problem persists. If your computer fails to restart, then take a closer look at our quick solutions.

If you are still experiencing the problem, proceed to advanced troubleshooting.

1. Update your drivers

Press the Windows key + X and select Device Manager.
Double-click on the option to update drivers to expand it.
Check for drivers with either a yellow exclamation mark/ question mark/ down-arrow mark/ error notification and right-click it.
Choose Update driver.
Now, select the Search automatically for drivers option and wait for the scan to complete.

Alternatively, you can search your driver manufacturer’s website to download the latest version of the needed driver.

If the Green Screen of Death is preventing you from updating your driver, follow the steps below to boot into Safe Mode:

Restart your computer a few times during the boot to start Automatic Repair.
Choose Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Settings.
Now, click the Restart button.
After your PC restarts, press the numbers corresponding to Enable Safe Mode with Networking and Enable Safe Mode with Command Prompt.

After this, you can now try to update your drivers again. Also, you should perform the other fixes in this guide while in Safe Mode.

Lastly, if updating drivers manually seems a bit tedious, you might be able to fix this problem by using a third-party tool that automatically does it.

You won’t have to worry about downloading the wrong driver versions or not finding the drivers at all anymore. This tool will automatically scan your system and do it for you.

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2. Run SFC and DISM scans

The Green Screen of Death is likely to be caused by system files corruption. Therefore, running SFC and DISM scans through Command Prompt can fix the issue.

1. Press the Windows Key and type cmd in the search bar.
2. Command Prompt will appear in the results. Run it as an administrator.
3. Input the following command and press Enter after: sfc /scannow
4. Wait for the command to run. This can take a while.
5. Restart your PC and check if the Green Screen issue persists. If it does, go to step 6.
6. Open cmd as an admin once more.
7. Input the following commands one by one, and press Enter after each one:
- Dism /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth
- Dism /Online /Cleanup-Image /CheckHealth
- Dism /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

Alternatively, you can install a dedicated third-party tool to fix your computer’s Green Screen of Death issue.

Not only will the software scan your computer for problematic or missing files, but it will also restore or replace them by itself, keeping it healthy.

3. Remove third-party antivirus tools

Press the Windows key + I to open Settings and select the Apps option.
Click the antivirus to uninstall and select the Uninstall option.
Finally, follow the onscreen instructions to complete the process.

If you’re using a third-party antivirus tool, remove it and use Windows’ built-in antivirus instead.

In addition to uninstalling the antivirus software, use a dedicated removal tool in CCleaner to ensure all the files and folders associated with the program have been removed.

4. Reset your PC

Press the Windows key + I to open the Settings app and choose Update & Security.
Choose Recovery in the left pane and click on the Get Started button under Reset this PC.
Choose whether to keep your files or delete everything and click the Next button.
From here, follow the onscreen instructions to complete the reset.

5. Perform a clean install

Go to Windows 10 official download website, click the Download Now button, and click the downloaded file to run the program.
Click the Accept button on the license page.
Select the Create installation media for another PC option on the What do you want to do page and click Next.
Select your language, system version, and architecture, and click Next.
From here, connect your drive and select the USB flash drive option. The flash drive must be at least 8GB and is recommended to be clean.
Restart your PC with the drive still connected. This should boot your PC automatically to the drive.
If it does not, you need to press Esc, F12, F2, or Delete, depending on your PC, immediately after it opens the boot menu.
Select your language and other preferred settings on the Install Windows page and click Next.
Lastly, click Install Windows.

We hope the above solutions helped you fix the GSOD error you encountered on your PC because such errors will interfere with your daily activities and tasks.

Check out five best Blue Screen of Death fixers or alternatively take a look at our comprehensive guide on how to fix a Black Screen of Death for more solutions.

If you have subject-related questions or suggestions, we’ll be glad to hear from you. You can post them in the comments section below.

EXE File Not Opening in Windows 10/11? Try These Fixes

Posted on October 19, 2022July 25, 2025 by Milan Stanojevic

If an EXE file is not opening on your PC, you may encounter error messages, no response when double-clicking, or a prompt to choose another app. This issue can occur in both Windows 10 and 11 and typically points to system misconfigurations, broken file associations, or malware.

This guide will walk you through the exact steps to fix EXE file not opening in just a few simple steps.

How do I force an exe file to open?

Why Is the EXE File Not Opening in Windows?

Common reasons include:

The .exe file association in the registry is corrupted
Third-party apps or antivirus tools block execution
The EXE file is incomplete or not downloaded correctly
System file errors after a recent update

How do I force an exe file to open?

1. Edit the registry

1.1 Apply the change in normal mode

Not being able to open .exe files can be a big problem, but you should be able to fix it simply by changing your registry.

1. Press the Windows + R keys, type regedit, and click OK.
2. Go to HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT/.exe and double-click the (Default) key in the left pane.
3. Set the Value data to exefile and click OK.
4. Now, go to the path below in the left pane and double-click (Default) In the right pane: HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\exefile\shell\open\command
5. Set its Value data to “%1” %* and click OK.
6. After that, restart your computer and check if the problem is resolved.

If the registry values are changed from the default, that can prevent .exe files from opening.

If you can’t access the Registry settings, try doing the steps above from Safe Mode:

1.2 Apply the change in Safe Mode

Click the Start icon on the Taskbar.
Hold the Shift key on your keyboard and click the Power icon, followed by the Restart option.
Select Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Settings.
Hit the Restart button.
When your computer restarts, a list of options will appear, select any version of Safe Mode by pressing the appropriate key.

After you boot the system in Safe mode, perform step 1.1 above.

2. Scan for malware

Click the Start button, type virus, and click on Virus & threat protection from the results.
Select Scan options.
Choose your desired scan option and click the Scan now option.

As mentioned, the exe file not opening issue can be due to malware infections. A simple virus scan should help you locate and eliminate potential threats.

For more thorough protection, we recommend using a trusted third-party antivirus like TotalAV. It’s lightweight, fast, and designed to catch threats that Windows Defender might miss.

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3. Change the location of the Program Files folder to default

Press the Windows +R keys to launch the Run console, type regedit, and click OK.
Go to the following key in the left pane and Double-click on ProgramFilesDir in the right pane: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion
Change its Value data to C:\Program Files and click OK.
If you have ProgramFilesDir (x86) entry available, change its Value data to C:\Program Files (x86).
After you’re done, close Registry Editor and restart your PC.

Program Files is a default installation directory for all third-party applications, and by default, it’s located on your System drive along with the Windows installation.

To save space, some users change the location of this folder.

Unfortunately, this can sometimes cause problems and prevent .exe files from opening.

4. Turn off Windows Firewall

Press Windows key + S, enter windows defender, and select Windows Defender Firewall from the list of results.
In the menu on the left select Turn Windows Firewall on or off.
Select Turn off Windows Firewall (not recommended) for both Private network settings and Public network settings.
Click OK to save changes.

If you do this, make sure the exe file you want to open is from a reputable source and you know for a fact it won’t cause harm to your machine.

Though this works as a temporary solution and helps you locate the source of the problem, disabling security features is never a good idea.

Either switch to a better security software or check your settings and whitelist the apps it stops you from using.

5. Create a new user account

Press the Windows key + I to open the Settings app and select Accounts in the left pane.
Choose the Family & other users option.
Click the Add account button in the Other users section.
Select I don’t have this person’s sign-in information.
Now, click on Add a user without a Microsoft account.
Enter the username, password, and security questions, and click Next.
Finally, log in to the account and try to access the exe file from there.

If everything works without problems, you’ll have to copy all your files from your original account to the new one and continue using the new account.

6. Fix file association problem using Command Prompt

Click the Start button, type cmd, and click Run as administrator under Command Prompt.
Now, paste the following command and press Enter to run it: assoc .exe=exefile
After that, restart your PC and see if the problem is fixed.

7. Perform a SFC scan

Type CMD in the Start bar, double-click on Command Prompt, and select Run as Administrator.
In the Command Prompt window, type the following command and press Enter:
sfc /scannow
Wait for the process to complete and Restart your PC.

Running a SFC (System File Checker) scan can identify and fix corrupted files. This could fix exe files not opening.

That’s it! We hope our solutions helped you fix the exe file without opening the problem, and now you can run your .exe file without problems.

Not being able to open .exe files in Windows 11 can be a big problem and prevent you from running all applications normally, but as you can see, this problem can be easily solved.

Some of our readers reported that .exe files are self-deleting from Windows so read our guide if you want to fix this problem. And do find out why music.ui.exe crashes and the solutions for it!

For any issues with the setc.exe, we have a complete guide on how to fix setc.exe errors.

If you have any questions or suggestions, don’t hesitate to write them in the comments below.

Raid Controller Driver for Windows 11: Download & Install

Posted on October 19, 2022August 21, 2024 by Hasibul Kabir

If you want to download the RAID controller driver for Windows 11, you can do it easily. There are multiple ways to download this driver for your Windows PC.

And then, you can manage your RAID configuration with dedicated software.

Here’s how to do it:

How do I download the RAID controller driver for Windows 11?

1. Download manually

1.1 From Intel

Go to Intel Download Center.
Search for Raid Controller and download the appropriate item for your PC.

1.2 From AMD

Go to AMD Driver & Support page.
Select Chipsets and choose the correct socket.
Then, choose the motherboard chipset model and click on Submit.
Expand Windows 11.
Download the AMD RAID Driver.

1.3 From another manufacturer’s website

You also can consider downloading the RAID driver from your PC or motherboard manufacturer’s website. That will be easier to do in many situations.

After downloading, you can install the driver by double-clicking on the installer file.

2. Use third-party tools

Some tools can automatically find and install any missing drivers on Windows 11 computers. These specialized tools are very easy to use and fast, in just a few minutes they will scan your computer, identify the broken, outdated, or missing drivers, and download fresh versions for them

3. Use Device Manager

Open the Start Menu, type device manager, and click on Device Manager from the results.
Expand Other devices.
Right-click on Raid controller or similar driver name and choose Update driver.
Click on Search automatically for drivers.
Follow the on-screen steps to complete the process.

If you face problems with this process, you may need to learn how to solve Windows cannot download driver.

Why do I need a RAID controller driver?

The full form of RAID is the Redundant Array of Independent Disks. The primary purpose of this technology is the following:

For better performance: To use the disks together efficiently and effectively for better performance and reliability.
For better protection: It offers additional protection against data loss.

Wrapping up

Missing the RAID driver or an outdated version may cause various disk problems on Windows 11 for specific cases. Else, it may decrease your disk performance as well.

For enterprise or personal usage, downloading and installing the RAID controller driver is important to enhance performance, reliability, and flexibility.

For a RAID configuration, you will also need one of the best dual-bay hard drive enclosures and select a RAID level as per your hardware requirements and needs.

Please let us know in the comments box if you have any suggestions or opinions.

Fix Socket Open Error on Epic Games & Connect in 2 Steps

Posted on October 19, 2022October 4, 2023 by Madhuparna Roy

If you love to play online games on the Epic Games launcher, you may often experience the open socket error. This prevents you from logging in to the launcher.

While it mainly occurs with the Fortnite game, it can occasionally happen with other Epic games. For more such login errors and solutions, you can refer to our detailed guide on some quick fixes for your Epic Games login woes.

What is a socket open error Epic Games?

A socket helps to create a two-way communication bridge between two programs running on the network.

An FTP server responds to the socket when a client makes a connection request on the server’s machine and port.

If the server accepts the connection request, the client can then communicate with the server once the connection is successfully accepted on his end. However, a socket error can occur if there is no response from either the client’s end or the server.

What would cause a socket error?

Socket errors can be brought on by various factors, but let’s see what are the main triggers:

Unstable Internet connection – Issues with the network connection may easily cause a Socket Open Error.
Firewall block – The firewall is there to protect your system from any highjacking but sometimes it can block software from connecting to a server. For more information, check if the firewall is blocking a port or a program.
Antivirus block – Antivirus interferences are known to mess with some software by blocking their normal operations so disabling it temporarily may fix the problem.

Now that we know what the main reasons for this problem are, let’s start troubleshooting and fixing it.

How do you fix an open socket error?

1. Check the Epic Games server status

Before you try any other troubleshooting method for the Epic Games connection error, check the Epic Games server status, which can be offline for maintenance at regular intervals.
If the status next to the game you are having issues with says Operational, then the server might not be the cause. However, some users reported that even though the server was Operational, in reality, it was down.
If it is down, you should wait between 10 minutes and a few hours before rechecking the status.

2. Run Epic Games as an administrator

This method helps you skip UAC (User Access Control) to bypass the feature sets’ restrictions and eliminate the Sorry there was a socket open error in the Epic Games launcher.

1. Go to the desktop and right-click the Epic Games launcher shortcut to select Run.
2. Alternatively, you can press Windows, type Epic Games inside the search box, and select Run as administrator under the result on the right side.
3. Now check if you can log in and launch the Fornite game.

How do I allow Epic Games through the Firewall?

If the Epic Games servers are up and running, the Firewall could be blocking the launcher, and you cannot log in.

In this case, follow the below instructions to add it to the exceptions list and allow Epic Games through the Firewall:

Press Windows, type Firewall and network protection, and click the top result.
Next, click Allow an app through the Firewall.
In the Allowed applications window, click on Change settings.
Now, under Allowed apps and features, look for UnrealEngineLauncherProxy. If you can’t find it, click on Allow another app.
A new window with the name – Add an app will open. Click on Browse.
Select the Epic Games launcher and click on Add.
Check the Private and Public boxes next to the UnrealEngineLauncherProxy option, then press OK to save the changes made.

You can also uninstall and reinstall the Epic Games launcher to check if this helps fix the issue. However, if you can’t uninstall Epic Games Launcher, try the simple steps in our detailed guide.

If you found a workaround for the open socket error, let us know in the comments box below. Thanks for reading!

Programs Keep Crashing on Windows 10? Try These 4 Solutions

Posted on October 19, 2022August 16, 2024 by Ivan Jenic

There are lots of reasons why some or all apps keep crashing on Windows 10. Lack of resources and app conflicts are the top causes. Also, some antiviruses may block apps from opening. System file corruption and faulty Windows updates are other culprits for app crashing or malfunctioning.

What do I do if programs keep crashing on Windows 10?

1. Run the SFC scan

To fix APPCRASH in Windows 10, press Windows, then type cmd and select the Run as administrator option from the right side.
Next, type or paste the following command and press Enter to run it: sfc /scannow

The SFC scan will scan all of the protected system files and, if any are found to be corrupted, will replace them with a cached duplicate stored in a compressed folder. Thus, the Programs randomly crashing issue in Windows 10 will be fixed.

2. Uninstall the latest update

By removing the latest Windows update, you will also delete the bugs and errors that it caused. Then, wait for a few days until a new update appears and install it as we have shown below

1. Press Windows + I ,then when the Settings app opens, select Update & security.
2. Select View update history.
3. Select Uninstall updates.
4. Select the top Windows update from the new window, then click Uninstall to remove it from your computer. After that, the Applications keep closing error in Windows 10 will be solved.

3. Disable your antivirus

Click the arrow from your Taskbar to show the antivirus icon.
Right-click the antivirus icon from your Taskbar, then select Disable for 1 hour.

After the major update is installed, your system will timely update the pre-installed apps. And that’s where some users can get into trouble.

Your antivirus can occasionally block some update features, resulting in app instability and frequent crashes, such as the Windows 10 programs keep closing problems reported by users.

Moreover, you may want to replace your antivirus software with a better one that won’t cause any interference.

4. Check for Windows updates

Press Windows + I to open the Settings app, then click on Update & security.
Lastly, click the Check for updates button to find any new OS updates and install them.

By updating your OS, you will solve any compatibility issues between Windows 10 and the crashing apps that occurred after the update.

When are programs crashing?

Programs may crash in the following scenarios, as well as in others that we will cover in the list of solutions below:

Programs crashing on startup/on launch – It’s just a variation of our main issue in this article.
Apps keep crashing even after reinstall – The problem may be caused by an incompatibility with the system or not meeting the requirements to run.
Program crashes at specific time/programs keeps crashing at a certain date – After a Windows update, the program might not be compatible anymore or the app just needs an update.
Programs keep crashing at the same spot – Which points to a recurrent malfunction of the app and the best solution is to reinstall it or troubleshoot the action that is causing it.
Applications keep freezing/closing unexpectedly – We have a dedicated guide to fix the freezing problem.
Apps keep crashing after the update – This signals a but with the system or the app that is probably no longer supported.

Whatever the problem listed above, you will find the proper solution below.

Some users reported that they couldn’t update Windows 10 due to a bug. Therefore, we recommend you check out our dedicated guide to fix it. With that, we should wrap it up.

Also, tell us in the comments section if you have alternative solutions or questions. We’ll be glad to hear from you.

4 VPNs with Pennsylvania Servers – Pittsburgh, Philadelphia, Scranton & More

Posted on October 19, 2022April 10, 2025 by Vlad Constantinescu

Looking for the best VPNs with servers in Pennsylvania? Whether you want to watch local TV shows, keep up with Phillies matches, or securely access your work network, getting a Pennsylvania IP address is essential.

Below we’ll show you the top VPN services with servers in key PA cities, including Philadelphia, Scranton, and Pittsburgh.

What are the best VPN services with Pennsylvania servers?

The market is pretty scarce for VPNs with Pennsylvania servers, but there are a few solid options—some even free. Check them out:

1. Private Internet Access – Fastest server connection of all

Not only does PIA have servers in Pennsylvania, but it is your go-to VPN if you need any location in the US. Covering all 50 states, this fast client lets you access any website, app, or content without a hitch.

What we like about PIA is that it doesn’t compromise when it comes to privacy and security. It uses AES-256-bit encryption and a strict no-logs policy.

At the same time, your network has no bandwidth limitations, so you can change your location and navigate the web with your PA IP address for as long as you like.

Take a look at its key features:

Split tunneling
Open source software
Dedicated IP
Largest server network in the world
SOCKS5 proxy support
Unlimited simultaneous connection
Compatible with all major operating systems
WireGuard and OpenVPN protocol

Private Internet Access

Try out a complex VPN software with numerous servers in almost all US areas, including Pennsylvania.

Check price Visit Website

2. Windscribe – Reliable free option with servers in Philadelphia

If you’re looking to access content from Pennsylvania, Windscribe has you covered. It offers reliable connections in Philadelphia, making it easy to unblock local content. Just keep in mind that the free version has limited locations and data.

With servers in 70+ countries and 110 cities, you can connect to various regions, including the USA, giving you plenty of options for streaming and browsing.

One cool feature is R.O.B.E.R.T, which blocks ads and unwanted IP addresses on any device. Plus, the user-friendly interface makes it easy to use features like static IPs and split tunneling.

Check out some key features:

Reliable servers in many regions
Handy split tunneling options
OpenVPN and IKEv2 setup generators
Team account features
Easy-to-use free plans

Windscribe

Use this VPN to get your content from specific regions like Pennsylvania.

Check price Visit website

3. ProtonVPN – budget-friendly Philadelphia VPN

ProtonVPN offers 9 servers in Philadelphia, making it a solid choice for anyone looking for reliable access to local content. With its focus on security and privacy, it uses strong encryption methods like OpenVPN and IKEv2.

So, if you want to enjoy local news, you can easily tune into CBS Philadelphia without worrying about data breaches

This service gives you a Philadelphia IP and ensures that all your connections stay secure, which is a huge win when browsing or streaming in the region.

Key features:

9 servers in Philadelphia
Strong security with AES-256-bit encryption
OpenVPN and IKEv2 support
No-logs policy for privacy
Reliable connections for streaming local content
Access to local news and channels like CBS Philadelphia

ProtonVPN

Browse securely and stream local content? Try ProtonVPN’s Philadelphia servers today!

Check price Visit Website

4. HMA VPN – reliable Scranton, PA servers

Hidemyass VPN may not have the most servers in Pennsylvania, but it does offer one server in Scranton with 3 available IP addresses.

It’s great if you’re looking to access local news or catch up on Pennsylvania-based TV, especially if you’re outside of the state. With its simple setup, it can help you securely use state government services or access other Pennsylvania-specific resources, like Department of Revenue portals.

And although it’s a smaller player, it’s still considered one of the best Pennsylvania VPNs for anyone who needs flexibility and privacy while browsing locally.

Key features:

1 server in Scranton with 3 IP addresses
Access to Pennsylvania-based TV and local news
Simple setup for secure connections
Privacy-focused with strong encryption
Flexible for browsing and accessing local resources

Try HMA VPN

Tip

Alternatively, if you have access to devices located in Pennsylvania, you can use NordVPN’s Meshnet feature to get a Pennsylvania IP address for free. While Meshnet itself is free, you would need to set up a device in Pennsylvania to connect to it. This allows you to create a secure, private network between your devices, letting you access local content and services as if you were in the state.

Summary

To wrap it up, if you need VPNs with Pennsylvania servers, PIA, Windscribe, ProtonVPN and HMA are reliable options. You can also try creating your own network with NordVPN’s Meshnet.

All being said, don’t forget to check out the best VPNs for Windows 10 that can keep your privacy safe 24/7.

And you can also choose according to your laptop: there are some great VPNs for Acer laptops, other VPNs for Toshiba laptops, just as you can take a closer look at our guides including the best VPNs for Asus laptops or even for MacBook users.

Let us know which Pennsylvania VPN work for you and whether it was easy or difficult to connect and get a PA IP address.

Microsoft Office Error Code 0x426-0x0: How to Fix This

Posted on October 19, 2022October 24, 2024 by Matthew Adams

The Microsoft Office error code 0x426-0x0 arises whenever you try to open Word, Excel, or PowerPoint. It is due to a corrupted Office installation, disabled services, and conflicting antivirus software.

Here is how you can fix it:

How do I fix Microsoft error code 0x426-0x0?

1. Repair the Microsoft Office suite

First, open the Run accessory by pressing the Windows key + R.
Type the command below and hit Enter.
appwiz.cpl
Select your Microsoft Office suite software. Then, click the Change button to open a repair utility for MS Office.
Select the Online Repair radio button., and click the Repair button.

2. Enable the Click-to-Run service

Open the Run accessory by pressing the Windows key + R.
Type this command in Run and press Enter:
services.msc
Next, right-click the Microsoft Office Click-to-Run service and select Properties.
Click the Startup type drop-down menu on the properties window that opens, select the Automatic option, then click the Start option.
Select Apply to save the changed settings, then click OK to exit the properties window.

3. Turn off Windows Defender Firewall

Open the Windows search utility by pressing the Windows and S keys simultaneously.
Type Defender in the search utility, and click Windows Defender Firewall.
Click Turn Windows Defender Firewall on or off to open Customize Settings.
Select both the radio buttons for the Turn off Windows Defender Firewall options.
Press the OK button to exit the window.

4. Disable third-party antivirus utilities

Click on the hidden access arrow in the Taskbar.
Click on your antivirus icon, hover over Avast shields Control and select Disable for 10 minutes (This step varies for different antivirus software).
Try launching an MS Office application.

5. Reinstall Microsoft Office

Open the Run accessory by pressing the Windows key + R.
Type the command below and hit Enter.
appwiz.cpl
Select your MS Office suite software and click Uninstall to remove the suite.
Restart Windows after you’ve uninstalled MS Office.
Click File Explorer’s Taskbar icon, navigate to your Microsoft Office folder, and delete any leftover files.
C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office
Open the Run accessory by pressing the Windows key + R, Type the command below, and hit Enter. regedit
Navigate to the paths below, and for each of them, right-click and select delete. HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Office\ClickToRun
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\AppVISV
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Office
After that, reinstall the Microsoft Office suite.

Why am I getting error code 0x426-0x0 in Safe Mode?

Code 0x426-0x0 error message microsoft error code 0x426-0x0

The leading causes of this error include a variety of possible reasons, and here are some of the most common:

Disabled services – If any crucial services are disabled on your system either by a third-party program or your own decision, this may conflict with the normal operations of the Office Suite.
Office installation issues – Depending on your exact circumstances, these can include a BSOD error appearing when the installation process is running, or corruption of the installation file itself.
Conflicting software (antivirus) – Whitelisting any apps that you want to install and use is a good option. If you can’t do that with your antivirus choice, it is recommended that you change it to a better antivirus option.

There are many Office errors that you can experience, and many have reported error code 30068-39 in Office due to poor installation. In some cases, this issue can even prevent you from installing the software.

Speaking of installation errors, many have reported Another installation is in progress Office 365 error, which can happen if specific components aren’t properly closed.

In some instances, you might even get Microsoft Office encountered an error during setup, but this issue can be quickly resolved.

Conclusion

When one of the Office Suite’s products fails to launch, the error code 0x426-0x0 from Microsoft Office appears.

Although it frequently occurs with Word, this error can also happen with other Office programs. For example, when users attempt to run Outlook, Excel, Word, or PowerPoint, error 0x426-0x0 might pop up.

The solutions should work if you encounter various iterations of this error, including Office 2019 error code 0x426-0x0, Microsoft Excel error code 0x426-0x0, and MS Word error code 0x426-0x0.

You can click Contact support on the Contact Microsoft Support page if more potential resolutions are needed.

Feel free to let us know what solution worked in your case and if you have other recommendations.

Fix: This Request is Not Authorized to Perform This Operation

Posted on October 19, 2022October 4, 2023 by Loredana Harsana

Microsoft Azure churns out two common errors when trying to access content on storage accounts. One is: Experiencing high demand in this region.

The other is: This request is not authorized to perform this operation when accessing Azure Storage. This article looks at how you can fix this second error.

What causes this request is not authorized to perform this operation on Microsoft Azure storage?

There can be a lot of reasons users can’t read/write content on Azure storage containers and access blob objects on storage accounts. The common ones are:

Invalid access key: Using the wrong storage name and access keys will return the error.
Expired Azure storage container: You cannot access any resources on an expired Microsoft Azure container.
Incorrect role assignment: Without a contributor role, it’s impossible to read/write data on a storage account. Hence, the error.
Restricted access by the administrator: The admin might have used Azure AD to limit your access to the storage account access keys.
Disabled access key: Disabling storage account key access can prevent you from using even the correct access keys to authenticate your requests.

Now that we’ve identified the root of the problem, Let’s see how you can solve it.

How can I solve this request is not authorized to perform this operation on Microsoft Azure storage?

Before proceeding to the fixes in this guide, try these preliminary checks, as they could be the only solution you need:

Verify access key: The first step is to verify that the access keys and storage account name you are using are correct.
Check storage expiration: Make sure the Microsoft Azure storage container you are trying to access has not expired
Confirm authorization: Confirm from the admin your access to the storage account is not restricted.
Enable storage access key: Check to ensure you have Allow storage account key access enabled on the storage account.

If the error persists after using all these initial solutions, try the following advanced fixes.

1. Regenerate storage account access keys

Log in to your Azure portal and click Storage accounts.
Locate the storage account you want to access and click to open.
On the left pane, scroll down to Security + networking and select Access keys.
Click the Rotate icon next to key1 and select Yes to regenerate access key on the popup dialogue.
Click the Rotate icon next to key2 and select Yes to regenerate access key on the dialogue.
Next, update the connection strings in your code to access the new keys and try again to see if the problem is solved.

2. Change the default network access rule to allow access from all network

Select the storage account you want to access on your Azure dashboard.
Scroll down to Security + networking and select Networking under it.
Select Enable from all networks and click Save to apply changes.

3. Assign a storage contributor role

Open your Azure dashboard and select the storage account you are trying to access.
Click Access control (IAM) on the left pane and switch to the Role assignment tab.
Click Add at the top of the page and select Add role assignment.
Select the role you want to use, Storage Blob Data Contributor and click Next.
Choose User, group, or service principal and click Select members.
Choose the account you want to add and click Select.
Once the account is added, click Review + assign.
Click Review + assign again to assign the role.
Wait for the role assignment to complete and try to reaccess the storage.

Now, you should be able to solve this request is not authorized to perform this operation error on Microsoft Azure storage.

If you want extra control and flexibility over your Azure cloud storage resources, Microsoft Azure Storage Explorer is an intuitive application designed to give you just that. Check it out to see how it works.

Which of the above solutions works for you? Let us know in the comments area below.

Windows Terminal is the default command line tool for Windows 11 22H2

Posted on October 19, 2022October 4, 2023 by Alexandru Poloboc

It was almost a year ago when we learned that Microsoft is working on planning making Windows Terminal the default command line experience in Windows.

For most of the history of the latest operating system, the default had been Windows Console Host (conhost.exe) and Microsoft had explained that it’s a mammoth effort to migrate to a new tool.

Now, this initiative is finally complete and Windows Terminal is the default experience with the latest Windows 11 2022 optional update.

Microsoft makes important changes with Windows 11 22H2

You surely remember that Microsoft released version 22H2 for Windows 11 a couple of weeks ago. This update is also known as the 2022 update.

Since then, users have been reporting bugs left and right and the tech giant is now stuck fixing all of these post-release problems.

A recent update brought to this version has also enabled tabs for the File Explorer, taskbar overflow, Suggested Actions, and much more.

Now, however, we’re here to tell you that the latest optional preview update for Windows 11 started rolling out a few hours ago.

What Microsoft did not highlight in the changelogs, is the fact that the Windows Terminal change in its initial release notes.

Instead, the Redmond-based tech colossus has dedicated an entire blog post on the topic. That’s why we are also about to take a more in-depth look at the matter.

Here’s the behind-the-scenes footage of @DHowett open sourcing the Terminal repo at our #MSBuild booth! Check out the code here #OnGitHub: https://t.co/u0zfYXD3ys pic.twitter.com/RLd8YrIBzo
— Kayla Cinnamon ☕ (@cinnamon_msft) May 9, 2019

Now, if you open the Settings app and navigate to Privacy & security/For developers, you’ll notice that the dropdown next to Terminal says Let Windows decide.

And, as you’ve surely expected it by now, the latest update to Windows 11 basically has the OS opt for Windows Terminal.

Microsoft said that Windows Terminal packs a number of features loved by its users including multiple profiles, tabs and panes, command palette, and customization, among other things.

Yes, Windows Terminal comes with many actions that give you control of how you interact with the terminal itself.

In order to make these easier to find and use, we created a command palette, which can be accessed at the bottom of the new tab dropdown. It can also be opened with Ctrl+Shift+P.

Leep in mind that it is important to understand that the latest Windows 11 update is only available as an optional preview for now and will start rolling out generally with next month’s Patch Tuesday.

This command line will take effect after you install the latest update and have version 1.15 or higher of Windows Terminal installed.

We also get tons of customization options available in Windows Terminal, with the most popular ones being profile-specific, which include the executable that’s launched, starting directory, profile icon, custom background image, color scheme, font, and transparency.

Note that some popular application-specific options include restoring previous sessions on launch, theme (which applies to the tab row), acrylic tab row, and automatic URL detection on hover.

What is your opinion on this strategic move by Microsoft? Share your thoughts with us in the comments section below.

Quick Fix: Clock Watchdog Timeout BSoD in Windows 11 [2026 Guide]

Posted on October 19, 2022November 8, 2024 by Matthew Adams

The Clock Watchdog Timeout error is a BSOD issue that can occur on Windows 11 and other Microsoft desktop platforms, for example, Windows 10 users often experience the same issue.

When this issue arises it is very easy to identify as a blue screen will be displayed with the message clock_watchdog_timeout. Windows 11 users have sometimes reported that this error can sometimes be displayed frequently, even multiple times a day.

This usually happens in the middle of working, not immediately after booting his PC. However, as the Clock Watchdog Timeout error forces a system to restart, it can be a serious issue if it occurs with regularity.

Table of contents:

What is a Clock Watchdog Timeout error?
What causes Clock Watchdog Timeout?
How do I fix the Clock Watchdog Timeout error in Windows 11?
Run an SFC scan
Update Windows 11
Undo PC overclocking
Check for yellow driver error indicators in the Device Manager
Run the Windows Memory Diagnostic Utility
Restore Windows 11 to an earlier date
Update your PC’s BIOS

What is a Clock Watchdog Timeout error?

A Clock Watchdog Timeout error refers to the hardware in your system, specifically pointing out a problem with how your system and processor speak to one another.

The operating system informs the CPU when you instruct your computer to perform a task, pausing the processor to explain what is happening.

The Clock Watchdog Timeout blue screen error results from a nonresponsive or deadlocked CPU (central processor unit). Consequently, the processor stops processing interrupts.

What causes Clock Watchdog Timeout?

The clock watchdog timeout Windows 11 problem may be caused by a variety of factors, including:

Updated drivers – Driver upgrades can occasionally introduce bugs, leading to strange behavior from the device.
Outdated firmware – The device’s inefficient firmware prevents it from operating correctly. Additionally, if a device isn’t working properly, it won’t be able to finish the task before the deadline.
Overclocking of the CPU – Sometimes, users raise the CPU’s speed or overclocking using BIOS settings to get faster output; however, this error may occur if the system cannot reach the required clocking speed.
System file issues – The system files may have problems preventing the system from accessing them, which may cause the BSoD failures, fortunately, there are many tools that can be used to fix BSOD.
Virus or malware in the System – The system’s effectiveness can be impacted by malware or infected files since they can damage crucial files.

How do I fix the Clock Watchdog Timeout error in Windows 11?

Before you go into any complex fixes, we recommend that you unplug all superfluous USB peripherals connected to your PC, like storage or DVD drives.

If the Clock Watchdog Timeout error doesn’t arise after that, one of the previously connected devices might have been causing the issue.

1. Run an SFC scan

1. Open Windows 11’s search utility by pressing the Windows key.
2. Type cmd in the search box, then click the Command Prompt’s Run as administrator option.
3. Before running a system file scan, input this command and press Enter: DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-image /Restorehealth
4. Next, type the following system file command in the Prompt’s window and hit Enter: sfc /scannow
5. Wait until the scan is 100 percent complete and displays an outcome message.

The first fix we recommend for the Clock Watchdog Timeout error in Windows 11 is running the SFC scan. It can be done very easily with the help of the built-in command-line tool on your PC.

The SFC scan will check your PC for issues and fix them in no time.

Third-party software can also be very helpful here because it can perform this task for you.

2. Update Windows 11

To open Settings more quickly, press the Windows + I keyboard shortcut. Then click the Windows Update tab.
Press the Check for updates button on that tab.

3. Undo PC overclocking

Have you done any system overclocking with a dedicated tool? If yes, that might be why you need to fix the Clock Watchdog Timeout error.

So, undo any overclocking by restoring the settings in your overclock software to their default values.

4. Check for yellow driver error indicators in the Device Manager

Right-click Windows 11’s Start taskbar button. Select Device Manager on the menu.
Now look for any devices with yellow exclamation marks that indicate device errors.
Right-click a device with a yellow exclamation mark and select Update driver.
After that, select the option Search automatically for drivers.

Scanning your PC with reputable third-party driver updater software is also recommended. A third-party driver updater will list all your PC’s devices with antiquated drivers and update them automatically.

5. Run the Windows Memory Diagnostic Utility

First, click the magnifying glass icon on the taskbar, type the keyword Windows Memory Diagnostic within the search tool’s text box, and click Windows Memory Diagnostic to open its window.
Select Restart now and check for problems.
After that, Windows will restart. Wait for the Windows Memory Diagnostic tool to do its stuff.
When Windows restarts, a Windows Memory Diagnostic result should appear. If it doesn’t, however, right-click Start and select Event Viewer.
Select Windows Logs and System on the Event Viewer window.
Click the Find option on the right side of Event Viewer.
Type MemoryDiagnostic within the Find What box.
Click the Find Next button.
After that, you can view the MemoryDiagnostic result on the General tab at the bottom of Event Viewer.

If Windows Memory Diagnostic highlights a RAM issue, you might need to replace a memory module on your PC.

6. Restore Windows 11 to an earlier date

NOTE

Restoring Windows 11 to a restore point will remove software installed after the selected date. So, consider checking what software you’ll need to reinstall for a selected restore point by clicking Scan for affected programs in System Restore.

Firstly, press the Windows and R keys both at the same time. Next, type this text into the Open box and press Enter: rstrui
Choose a different restore point radio button if that option is available.
Click Next to proceed.
Select the Show more restore points checkbox if System Restore displays that option.
Choose a restore point that will roll Windows 11 back to a time that predates the Clock Watchdog Timeout error on your desktop or laptop. Alternatively, select the oldest restore point date you can.
Press the Next button to go to the final step.
Select the Finish option to roll Windows 11 back to the selected restore point.

7. Update your PC’s BIOS

A BIOS (Basic Input Output System) update might be needed to resolve the issue if you’re utilizing an older PC.

To update the BIOS, you’ll need to download its latest firmware. Then, with a few steps, you will easily update your BIOS.

As a last resort, you can try reinstalling the platform. You can reinstall the OS with a Windows 11 USB flash drive. Alternatively, you may reset the platform.

The support section of Microsoft’s website also includes an informative troubleshooter for blue screen errors. We also have a great guide on Win32k Power Watchdog Timeout that might provide you with more solutions.

Tell us about your experience and the solution that worked for you in the comments below.

System Cooling Policy on Windows 11: How to Set or Change

Posted on October 19, 2022August 12, 2024 by Loredana Harsana

Many users have been asking to know how to fix overheating issues in Windows 11 since it does not have the built-in tools for monitoring the CPU fan speed.

Regardless, this article will teach you how to set a system cooling policy in Windows 11 as a more accessible alternative to fixing overheating.

How do I set the best system cooling policy to optimize PC performance?

Users should ensure they perform the following preparatory checks before engaging in any troubleshooting tweaks.

Eliminate some of the multiple high-end applications running simultaneously that may overwork the CPU.
Ensure that your computer is properly ventilated.
Ensure that your Windows is updated. If Windows update fails to work, take a look at this guide for solutions.
You can further research some of the required settings to control your computer fan speed for Windows 11.

If nothing changes after these checks, proceed to making the tweaks below.

1. Adjust Active/Passive cooling policy settings

Press Windows + S to launch the Search menu, type Control Panel in the text field and select Open.
Click on System and Security from the options that appear.
Click on Power Options.
Select Change plan settings next to the current power plan.
Next, click on Change advanced power settings.
Expand System Cooling Policy under Processor power management.
Change the settings as follows: Plugged in as Active and On battery as Passive.

Since Windows 11 system cooling policy is missing, another effective way to fix your system’s overheating issue is by modifying the power plan settings.

2. Use the SpeedFan software to control your fan

Press Windows + S to launch the Search menu, type System Information, and launch the app.
Look for the System Manufacturer and System Model in the System Summary tab.
Go to the SpeedFan’s official page and download the program.
Once the download is complete, go to the folder where the downloaded file is stored and double-click on it to begin the installation.
Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation process.

You can, right away (after installation), begin to control your computer fan speed with the SpeedFan software.

What do I do if the System Cooling policy is missing?

Click the Start button, search cmd, and Run as administrator.
Input the following command and press Enter: REG ADD HKLM\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Power\PowerSettings\54533251-82be-4824-96c1-47b60b740d00\94D3A615-A899-4AC5-AE2B-E4D8F634367F /v Attributes /t REG_DWORD /d 2 /f
Wait till you receive The operation completed successfully, and check Power Options on Control panel.

The System cooling policy will be accessible in the Power Options section in Control Panel.

However, should you ever have a reason to remove the System cooling policy, although it is not advisable, follow these steps:

Click the Start button, search cmd, and Run as administrator.
Input the following command and press Enter: powercfg -attributes SUB_PROCESSOR 94D3A615-A899-4AC5-AE2B-E4D8F634367F +ATTRIB_HIDE
Then check the Power Options to see if system cooling policy has been removed.

Should you encounter an issue with missing power plans on your Windows, check this guide to fix it.

What does the system cooling policy do?

The system cooling policy allows you to specify the cooling policy you wish to use for your Windows computer, for which there are two options: Active and Passive.

Active cooling policy: The active cooling policy turns on and speeds up the system fan to reduce high system temperature without affecting the system’s performance. This then brings about an increase in the system’s power consumption.
Passive cooling policy: The passive cooling mode reduces the power consumption of the system components, hence reducing the overall system performance. This reduces system performance but saves power consumption.

Both options above offer an excellent way to set your system cooling policy, depending on your preference.

These are the best ways to achieve the best system cooling policy in Windows 11. Ensure to follow the steps strictly for optimal results.

Meanwhile, some users also complain about Windows 11 overheating shutdown; you can explore the troubleshooting tweaks provided in this article.

If you have further queries or questions, kindly leave them in the comments section. Also, if you have a suggestion on a solution that has worked for you, apart from the ones provided, you can also drop them.

Fix: Can’t Download Nvidia Geforce Drivers on Windows 10

Posted on October 19, 2022April 18, 2024 by Milan Stanojevic

You’re not alone if you can’t download Nvidia drivers on Windows 10 and install them. Many users reported Nvidia driver download greyed out, and we will explain how to fix it in this guide.

Why can I not download NVIDIA drivers?

Nvidia driver update failed message can cause many problems to your PC, including a BSOD error; therefore, fixing it as soon as possible is essential.

There are multiple reasons why the update process is unsuccessful, and one of them might be if the Nvidia graphics card is not detected correctly.

If you tried installing Nvidia drivers on your Windows 10, the GeForce driver wouldn’t download in some cases. You might have encountered an error message or similar issues like:

Nvidia Installer can’t continue – This issue doesn’t really give you any other information other than informing you that the installer has failed, but thankfully, we have some great solutions to tackle it
Your Nvidia Installer failed – The installer can fail due to a wide range of reasons, but it is most likely something to do with your internet connection or the manufacturer’s servers.
Nvidia Installer stuck – If your installer gets stuck, then it might be an issue with your RAM, or you could be running too many apps at the same time.

It’s also possible that your Nvidia driver isn’t compatible with your Windows version, so you’ll have to roll back your Nvidia drivers to fix that.

Below are some of the other variations of the can’t download Nvidia drivers issue as reported by users:

GeForce Game Ready driver installation can’t continue
Nvidia drivers won’t install on Windows 10
GeForce Driver download failed

What can I do if the GeForce driver won’t download?

Before trying any of these fixes, ensure there is no ongoing background Windows Update. If this is the case, wait for the update to end and check if the installation works before moving to any of these solutions.

1. Install the Nvidia driver manually (step-by-step guide)

Step 1: Identify Your Graphics Card

Right-click on the Windows Start button and select Device Manager.
Expand the “Display adapters” section. Note down the name of your NVIDIA graphics card.

Step 2: Make sure you identify the correct driver

Navigate to the official Nvidia support website.
Make sure to choose the appropriate product and system, while sticking to the latest version.
Once you have confirmed the details, click Search.
Then click Download.
Alternatively, you can try and download an older version, as that fixed the problem for some users.

Step 3: Uninstall Old NVIDIA Driver (Optional but Recommended)

Right-click on the Windows Start button and select Device Manager.
Expand the “Display adapters” section.
Right-click on your NVIDIA graphics card and select “Uninstall device.”
Check the box that says “Delete the driver software for this device” if available.
Click on “Uninstall.”

Step 4: Install the New Driver

Navigate to where you saved the downloaded driver file from Step 2.
Double-click on the driver file to run it.
The NVIDIA Installer will open. Click on “OK” to unzip the files.
After unzipping, the installer will automatically start. Click on “Next.”
Choose “Custom (Advanced)” and click “Next.”
Check all the boxes for components to install and click “Next.”
The installation will begin. Wait for it to complete.
Click on “Restart Now” if prompted.

Step 5: Verify Installation

Right-click on the Windows Start button and select Device Manager.
Expand the “Display adapters” section.
Your NVIDIA graphics card should be listed, indicating that the new driver has been installed.

If that didn’t help, we recommend trying a 3rd party driver updater software that can install the correct driver version for you in seconds. In this way, you will avoid the risk of getting the wrong driver installed.

2. Temporarily close your antivirus software and update GeForce Experience

Click on the hidden access arrow in the Taskbar.
Click on your antivirus icon, hover over Avast shields Control and select Disable for 10 minutes (This step varies for different antivirus software).
Redownload the installer, and try the next solution if the GeForce driver won’t download.

4. Update Windows, remove old drivers with DDU and try again

Navigate to Start and Settings.
Click on Update & Security, then select Check for updates to update Windows 10.
Download DDU (Display Driver Uninstaller) and install it.
Open Settings > Update & Security > Recovery > Advanced startup.
Choose Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Settings > Restart.
Boot into Safe mode and run the DDU utility.
Lastly, try the GeForce download and installation again.

If the GeForce driver doesn’t download, the issue might also come from the fact that the NVIDIA driver is incompatible with your Windows version, so you should explore that possibility.

Finally, if you have any questions or suggestions, don’t forget to mention them in the comments section below, and we will get back to you.

4 Easy Methods to Remove Duplicate Files in Windows 10

Posted on October 19, 2022October 13, 2025 by Matthew Adams

How do you remove duplicate files in Windows 10? Here is what you must know. Superfluous duplicate files can waste quite a bit of hard drive storage space.

So, it’s surprising that Windows 10 doesn’t include a built-in file scanner with which users can find and delete duplicated files.

There are plenty of third-party system maintenance and more specific duplicate file-cleaning utilities for Windows to scan for and erase duplicates with.

Can Windows find duplicate files?

Users of the OS can find duplicate files, but the OS does not offer a native duplicate file finder. This means you must rely solely on third-party tools or alternate methods to identify duplicate files on your PC.

While, in the end, you may be able to find duplicate files on the OS, you must note that the solutions may not be straightforward.

If you’re also looking for quick ways to delete email duplicates in Outlook, the highlighted guide will help you.

How can I delete duplicate files in Windows 10?

1. Use File Explorer

In the following guide, we showed you how to sort and delete duplicate files using the built-in File Explorer app. This can be a task that will take a lot of time and attention, but in the end, you will manage to get rid of the duplicates.

1. Click the Start button, type indexing options, and click on the app from the results.
2. Now, click on Modify and click the Show all locations button in the next window.
3. Make sure all the boxes are checked and click the OK button.
4. Press the Windows key + E to start File Explorer.
5. Now, go to your user profile from the following location: This PC\Local Disk C:\Users
6. You need to make a few adjustments to sort the files better:
- Click the View menu and select the Preview pane. This will help you see a preview of the file you’re selecting
- Then, in the Layout section, choose Details
- Lastly, look at the Current view tab, click on Group by and select Name, then check Ascending
7. Now that we’ve prepared our File Explorer window, we can look for duplicate files by typing the extensions of the files we’re looking for in the Search tab.
8. We have prepared a file extension table below to make your work easier.
9. Finally, look at the files’ names, the date they were modified, and the size, and when you find a duplicate, click on the file and hit Delete.

Images	.jpg,.jpeg, .png or .gif
Videos	.flv,.mov,.avi,.wmv,.mp4 or .3gp
Music	.mp3,.wav or.wma
Documents	.doc, .docx, .pdf, .txt
Presentations	.ppt or .pptx
Excel tables	.xls or .xlsx
Programs	.exe

You can also develop your technique and select other folders or settings to view the files, but this worked for us.

2. Erase duplicate files with CCleaner

Firstly, download CCleaner and install it.
Open CCleaner.
Click Tools on the left of the window.
Select Duplicate Finder to open the utility shown directly below.
Select the Name and Size Match by checkboxes.
Optionally, exclude system and hidden files from the search by selecting the ignore System files and Hidden files checkboxes. If you prefer not to place any file size constraints on the search, uncheck the File size under and File size over checkboxes.
To scan the full hard drive, select the C: drive option.
Press the Add button.
Click Browse to choose a more specific folder or hard drive partition.
Click the File Types radio button. Then you can enter more specific file types for the scan to search for, such as PNG, MP3, DOC, etc.
Finally, press the OK button.

2.1 Exclude folder and files

To leave folders out of the search, select the Exclude tab.
Click the Add button.
Click Browse to select a folder to exclude.
Select OK to confirm the selected folder.
You can select your C: drive and the File Types radio button to specify specific file formats to leave out of searches.
Click OK to exit the Exclude window.

2.2 Erase the duplicated files

Click Search to initiate the scan.
Now go through the list of detected duplicates—select checkboxes for duplicate files to delete.
To select all duplicates, right-click a listed file and click the Select All option.
Press the Delete Selected button to erase the duplicate files.

The easiest way to resolve this issue is by using CCleaner. This fantastic software can help you remove any duplicates and offers a wide range of other valuable options.

CCleaner’s Duplicate Finder is a perfectly sufficient utility for purging duplicated files. However, there are many other alternative duplicate file finder software.

CCleaner

Use this efficient tool to protect your privacy and make your computer faster and more secure.

Free Download Visit Website

3. Use PassFab Duplicate File Deleter

Go to the official PassFab Duplicate File Deleter page and click on the Free Trial button to download the software.
After you download the installer, run it, accept the terms and after it installs, hit the Finish button to run the app.
Click the Plus icon to add a folder.
Now, you can scan for duplicate files or images in particular. Choose the first option and click on Scan Duplicates.
After the scanning, you will see a complete report of the duplicate files detected.
Now, the easiest method of getting rid of the duplicates is to click on the Auto select button, choose whether you want to send them into the Recycle bin or Delete forever and click the Remove button.
However, you may review each file individually, check the versions you want to delete, and hit the Remove button at the end.

This is an efficient way to remove duplicate files in Windows 10.

You should know that with the Free Trial version, you can only remove 15 files. You must purchase a monthly, yearly, or lifetime software version for unlimited removal.

Of course, you may scan a whole drive or just the folders you may be interested in. Also, we remind you that there is the option of scanning only for photos, which will go a lot faster.

But anyway, the process is still speedy because PassFab Duplicate File Deleter uses the latest MD5 algorithm to ensure the result is fast and 100% accurate.

Also, you can quickly scan external drives, SD cards, USB flash disks, and more, and it will detect any format of duplicate files.

PassFab Duplicate File Deleter

Identify all duplicate files on all your drives and free the much-needed space on your PC!

Free trial Visit website

4. Via PowerShell

Right-click the Start button and select Windows PowerShell (Admin) from the list of options.
Type or paste the following command to set the location to your main drive: set-location –path C:\
Press Enter to execute the command.
Paste the following command and replace the search and results from folders with the actual ones: ls "(search folder)" -recurse | get-filehash | group -property hash | where { $_.count -gt 1 } | % { $_.group } | Out-File -FilePath "(location folder)"
Press Enter to execute the command.
The procedure will take some time, depending on the number of files you have in the search folder. You can check the resulted .txt file, check the location of the duplicate files and delete them manually.
If you want to delete the duplicates automatically, paste the following command and replace the search folder with the actual one: ls "(search folder)" -recurse | get-filehash | group -property hash | where { $_.count -gt 1 } | % { $_.group | select -skip 1 } | del

A great method to remove duplicate files on your PC is to use the built-in Powershell tool. It is a command-line shell that allows you to make modifications on your PC.

This method also works for Command Prompt if you don’t have Powershell set as default on your PC. Furthermore, if your PC uses Windows Terminal instead, you can enter it and choose to run Powershell/Command Prompt from within the tool.

So, now you know how to remove duplicate files in Windows 10 using your built-in File Explorer or some of the most clever tools available.

A duplicate finder software is often one of your best alternatives in finding and deleting Windows duplicate files. Users also come across duplicate drive letters in Windows, and this can be fixed with a registry edit.

If you know of any other convenient way of getting rid of duplicate files, let us know in the comments section below.

Fix DLLRegisterserver Was not Found Error with 4 Expert Tips

Posted on October 19, 2022March 20, 2024 by Matthew Adams

The DLLRegisterserver was not found error can arise on various Windows platforms, from ancient Windows XP or 7 up to Microsoft’s freshest OS, Windows 11, in 32 and 64-bit architectures.

This usually happens when users try to register DLL or OCX files with the regsvr32 command-line utility.

Those regsvr32 error messages are very similar, albeit with different codes. So, the fixes for those DLLRegisterserver failed errors are much the same. So, let’s see what you can expect.

Why do I get DllRegisterServer was not found message?

There are a couple of known triggers for this computer error. Among them include the following:

The module <file> was loaded but the call to DLLRegisterServer failed with error code 0x8002801c or 0x80070005 – This is usually an issue caused by corrupted DLL files.
Entry point DLLRegisterserver was not found – If your DLL files are not accessible to your system, this issue might appear.
DLLRegisterserver was not found on Windows Server 2016 – As the error mentions, this issue appears on the Windows Server 2016 edition, and can usually be caused by a system malfunction during the process.
Entry point DllRegisterServer was not found on Server 2012 – As in the case of the 2016 edition issues, the system encountered an error during the process.
The module isdone.dll/ntdll.dll/kernelbase.dll was loaded, but the entry-point DllRegisterServer was not found – To resolve this issue, simply follow the ISDone.dll Error on Windows 10/11 methods.
A clash between regsvr32 and your antivirus program – You can either whitelist the regsvr32 in your antivirus program, or try other security software.

Check out these resolutions listed below if you need to fix one of the above or similar DLLRegisterserver errors.

How do I fix DLLRegisterserver not found?

1. Open an elevated Command Prompt

Press the Windows key + S hotkey, and type Command Prompt in the text box to search for it.
Right-click Command Prompt and select a Run as administrator.
Lastly, register the OCX or DLL file within the elevated Command Prompt.

2. Copy the OCX into the SysWow64 folder

Open File Explorer.
Open this folder path below.
C:/Windows/System32
Type the OCX file for which the DLLRegisterserver error arises in the search box.
Right-click the OCX file found, and select Copy.
Open this folder path below.
C:/Windows/SysWow64
Finally, right-click a space within the SysWow64 folder, and select Paste.

3. Edit the registry

This effective method presented below can help you repair DLL files by editing some registry entries in your PC. Follow every step without other modifications if you’re not sure of the results.

1. Press the Windows key and R at the same time.
2. Type regedit in Run and click OK.
3. Open this registry key:
Computer\HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\TypeLib
4. Right-click TypeLib, and select Permissions.
5. Select your user account on the Security tab if it’s listed, then click the Full Control option for your account if it’s not selected.
6. If your user account isn’t listed, click the Add button. Then enter your user account title.
7. Make sure Full Control/Allow is selected for the newly added user account.
8. Finally, select the Apply option, then click OK to exit the window.

4. Disable third-party antivirus utilities

Click on the hidden access arrow in the Taskbar.
Click on your antivirus icon, hover over Avast shields Control and select Disable for 10 minutes (This step varies for different antivirus software).

Third-party antivirus utilities can also conflict with regsvr32. So, try disabling third-party antivirus software before running a regsvr32 registration command.

The above fixes can resolve the DLLRegisterserver 0x8002801c and 0x80070005 errors. Remember that you need admin rights to utilize the regsvr32 command-line utility for registering system files.

Which of the above solutions did you use? Lastly, let us know by using the comment section below.

How to Increase Clipboard Size on Windows 10 & 11

Posted on October 19, 2022October 16, 2024 by Claire Moraa

Did you know you can increase the clipboard size on Windows 10 and 11? It’s simple and we’ll show you how

There’s no fixed limit on the clipboard. It depends on your system’s memory and settings. When the clipboard is full, older items are deleted or you get a clipboard out-of-memory error.

Let’s see how you can increase its size to prevent this and store more.

How can I increase the size of the Windows Clipboard history?

Hit the Windows + R keys to open the Run command.
Type in sysdm.cpl and press Enter.
Navigate to the Advanced tab and under Performance, select Settings.
In the Performance Options window that opens, select the Advanced tab and under Virtual memory, click on Change.
Uncheck the Automatically manage paging file size for all drives option and select the drive you wish to undertake the process.
Click on Custom size and enter a value higher than the minimum size allowed then press OK.
Restart your PC.

If you are unlucky and this method does not work on your OS, don’t worry, we have excellent recommendations of Clipboard managers that do an equally great job or are even better than the built-in Windows version.

Clearing clipboard history can also come in handy. Should you encounter any other related issues such as Clipboard history not working, don’t hesitate to refer to our comprehensive guide on the same.

We’d love to hear your thoughts on how this method worked for you so share your experience in the comment section below.

5 Ways to Fix Monster Hunter Rise Server Communication Error

Posted on October 19, 2022September 20, 2025 by Milan Stanojevic

Monster Hunter Rise players report experiencing connection issues in the game. Upon launching the game, they’re greeted with error messages such as

Monster Hunter Rise: Server communication error/ A communication error has occured/ The Server is not reachable/ An error has occured

Not being able to access your favorite game is annoying, but easily fixable. As it’s the case with most gaming issues like packet loss, high ping, and low FPS, a few tweaks in your settings go a long way.

It’s important to make sure your entire setup is taken care of, from your Internet connection to the operating system and device you’re using.

What is causing the Monster Rise Server Communication Error?

There are a few reasons that could cause you to experience these errors when you attempt to launch Monster Hunter Rise. Some of these reasons include:

Bad or unstable connection
Outdated game versions
Device incompatibility

The first thing you can do to fix the errors in Monster Hunter Rise is to carry out these basic checks:

→ Check your internet connection: launch your browser or another game to make sure that the issue isn’t caused by a problem with your connection, and not with this game in particular

→ Reboot your PC: restarting your PC might get rid of bugs and connectivity issues that may accumulate when you’ve been using the PC for a longer time

How do I fix the monster hunter rise server communication error

If there aren’t underlying problems with your connection and restarting doesn’t do the trick, you can move on to more in-depth fixes:

Free up bandwidth
Update to the newest version of the game
Use a VPN
Check your antivirus
Set up port forwarding

We found the most common issues that cause this connection error in Moster Hunter Rise and complied with easy-to-follow instructions so anyone can fix them.

1. Free up bandwidth

Check and close network processes. Bandwidth simply is the measure of the rate at which your network transfers data over the internet.

You need to run a background check to be able to detect the apps hogging your bandwidth. Close any unnecessary processes that use it up:

Open Computer Settings
Navigate to Network & Internet.
Open Data usage.
Then click View usage per app.

You can see now which apps use up too much bandwidth. In this menu, you can add data limits for each app and you can also make sure you don’t allow them to run in the background while gaming.

If this is left unattended, it can bring about network congestion as a result of high bandwidth usage, as well as slow download or poor connectivity to servers.

2. Update to the newest version of the game

Older game versions are oftentimes buggy. Not being able to connect to the game can be caused by corrupt game files. To fix this, follow these simple steps to update to the newest version of the game.

Head to the Monster Hunter Rise website and go to the Update section.
Pick the version you want to install and your launcher/ device.
Download the files and run the installer.

Ensure you have the latest version to avoid getting constant connection error messages.

3. Use a gaming-optimized VPN

Using a VPN to access the gaming server can help. VPNs with unlimited bandwidth and good speed rates may be able to offer you a better connection than the one provided by your ISP’s servers.

For Monster Hunter Rise, ExpressVPN is a great option.

Visit the official ExpressVPN website and signup for a subscription.
Enter your email address and select your payment method.
Wait for the download to begin.
After the download is completed, click on the installation file and wait for it to install.
When the installation is complete, launch the app and connect to a server in whichever region you want.

Using a VPN can fix other issues in online games and is actually proven to help with packet loss in Monster Hunter World.

ExpressVPN has gaming-optimized servers, making it a great choice for unlocking geo-blocked games, fixing connectivity issues, and preventing DDoS attacks.

ExpressVPN

Connect to ExpressVPN to access gaming-optimized servers for a more stable and reliable connection!

Free trial VIsit website

4. Check your firewall

In order to fix this monster hunter rise communication error, you might need to check to see if there is a conflict between the firewall and the game.

Here’s how to check if this is the problem in a few simple steps:

Launch Control Panel.
Go to System and Security.
Select Windows Firewall.
Go to the Allow an app through the firewall section.
Click on the Change settings button.
Click on the Allow another app option and select Monser Hunter Rise’s exe file.

Scroll to find the Monster Hunter Rise, tick all the boxes with the name of the game then click OK.

5. Set up port forwarding

In your browser, go to your router’s Settings page.
Make sure you log in with the admin account.
Find the port forwarding section and enable it.
Enter your IP information and the game’s ports.
Save the settings.

Port forwarding can improve several aspects of your gaming. Many gamers use it to improve frame rates and get rid of connection issues (case in point), and they’re also preferred by gamers that host gaming servers.

What are the Monster Hunter Rise device specifications?

Windows 10 Operating System (64-bits)
CPU – Intel Core i5-4460, AMD FX-8300, or even better
Memory – 8 GB RAM
Video Card – AMD Radeon Rx 570 (4GB VRAM), NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060 (3GB VRAM), or better video card versions.

Monster Hunter Rise is a popular online game that’s gathered a strong fanbase. Not being able to access the game because of server errors can be a pain, but we hope these fixes helped you.

You can now customize Xbox Elite 2 controllers in the Xbox Design Lab

Posted on October 19, 2022October 4, 2023 by Alexandru Poloboc

Seven years have passed since we covered the first Xbox Design Lab event. Last year, we were talking about the first edition of Xbox Series X/S controllers becoming customizable in the Xbox Design Lab.

Now that the Xbox Elite 2 controllers are available for fans everywhere, it was only right that Microsoft and Xbox would come up with Design Lab color schemes.

Just like the standard Xbox wireless controller, the Elite 2 controllers on the Xbox Design Lab will allow you to fully customize nearly all of the parts on the controller, such as the triggers, d-pad, and thumbstick.

Fully customize your Elite 2 controller with Xbox Design Lab

Microsoft temporarily paused the program ahead of the Xbox Series X/S release before relaunching it in June 2021, discontinuing custom Xbox One controllers in favor of the Xbox Series X/S controller.

Now, the company mentioned that players can finally choose between a cross-shaped or faceted D-Pad in the Xbox Design Lab, a feature you previously could not do.

You can further personalize your controller with laser engraving and add your name, Gamertag, or whatever custom 16-character message.

Xbox designed the Elite Series 2 controllers to be fully customizable with interchangeable components, so you can play with a specific setup.

And, you can get a custom-designed carrying case to match your style and keep the controller and components secure and organized.

The possibilities are endless, as you can combine Sterling Silver, Pewter Silver, Gunmetal Silver, Abyss Black, Retro Pink, Deep Pink, Oxide Red, Zest Orange, and Gold.

But wait, there’s more! You also have Electric Volt, Velocity Green, Glacier Blue, Dragonfly Blue, Mineral Blue, Photon Blue, Midnight Blue, Regal Purple, Nocturnal Green, Warm Gold, and lots more.

You will also have the recently released color options such as Dragonfly Blue, Military Green, and Nocturnal Green.

The controller’s thumbsticks also have adjustable tension and you can remap the buttons and change the color of the Xbox button light in the Xbox Accessories app.

Microsoft said that the controller has up to 40 hours of battery life on a single charge and it should easily pair with an Xbox console or Windows PC, as well as smartphones and tablets.

That being said, keep in mind that an Elite Wireless Controller Series 2 that you customize in Design Lab will cost you about $150.

If you also want to buy personalized accessory packs, a bundle of the controller and all Elite components will run you a total of $210.

What is your favorite color scheme for the Elite Wireless Controller Series 2? Share your opinions with us in the comments section below.

The Xbox October Update goes live today with a number of improvements

Posted on October 19, 2022 by Robert Collins

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The Xbox update for October goes live today. These monthly updates continue to evolve the Xbox experience and make it better with enhancements and new features. Here is a look at what the October update brings with it.

Change your TV volume

For Xbox Series X|S consoles connected to TVs via HDMI, TV volume can now be changed inside the audio and music section of the Xbox guide. Press the Xbox button, navigate to Audio & Music, and find the buttons to change TV volume or mute it. You may never have to reach for your remote in the middle of a game or movie again!

Mute startup audio

This oft-requested feature will be a crowd-pleaser for sure. You can now customize your settings to mute all sounds when starting up your Xbox. Navigate to Profile & System > Settings > General > Volume & audio output > Additional options where you can select Mute startup sounds. You can now adjust the power chime here as well.

Select your home Xbox

Making a specific Xbox console your ‘home Xbox’ gives friends and family access to the console when you’re not signed in. It also lets you play your digital games offline.

Power mode options screen changes

Name changes have been made to the power mode options. “Standby” has been renamed “Sleep.” And “Energy Saver” is now “Shutdown (energy saving).” To access these options open the guide and navigate to Profile & system > Settings > General > Power options.

You may have noticed that we recently reported that a new power options screen is currently in beta testing, that will allow you to see how much energy is used in each power mode. Look for this in a future update coming soon.

Xbox passkeys now Xbox PINs

This is merely a name change. Passkeys (now PINs) will work the same way as before.

Xbox controller firmware update

This update features bug fixes for most Xbox controllers.

Edit and trim your game clips in the mobile Xbox app

In the mobile Xbox beta app on Android and iOS, you can now make edits to your game captures. Go to Library > Captures to get started. You can also now share your captures via the Xbox Game Bar to Medal.tv. To access the game bar in Windows press the Windows logo key + G. Or press the Xbox button on an Xbox controller. From there: Captures > See all my captures, then select a clip and then select Share to Medal.tv.

All images via Xbox Wire.

KB5019509 for Windows 11: Download & Features

Posted on October 19, 2022January 16, 2024 by Alexandru Poloboc

Not long ago, Microsoft released Windows 11’s first major update, which is version 22H2. This update turned out to be full of bugs and upgrades to this version were even blocked at some point.

However, the tech giant keeps putting in the work to improve the OS, and they’ve already tackled many of the issues, including the TLS/SLS network problem.

Now, KB5019509 comes with some of the features that early adopters have been waiting on for quite some time now.

Taskbar overflow, Suggested Actions & more with KB5019509

The moment has finally arrived, and Microsoft has released the long-awaited Windows 11 tabbed File Explorer, Suggested Actions, Taskbar Overflow features, and Task Manager quick-access features.

Yes, all these new functionalities are in a single new preview cumulative update. However, you will have to be patient since this is a gradual rollout.

The company explained that they will start to roll out the new features to those who installed today’s preview update but that it may take some time before it’s enabled on all Windows 11 PCs.

Starting with KB5019509, on the new File Explorer homepage, you can pin important files for quick and easy access.

And, using the power of Microsoft OneDrive, you can view your colleagues’ actions on your shared files. Microsoft will also provide personalized suggestions based on your Microsoft 365 account.

The Suggested Actions feature is only available for customers in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, at least for the time being.

It allows you to select text in Notepad or other applications and have Windows automatically prompt you to perform an associated action.

When you copy phone numbers or future dates, for example, it provides suggestions, such as making a call with Teams or Skype or adding an event in the Calendar app.

Besides the Suggested Actions and File Explorer tabs features, further improvements include:

The taskbar overflow menu allows the taskbar to offer an entry point to a menu that shows you all your overflowed apps in one space
You can now discover and share to more devices, including desktops, using nearby sharing
You can uninstall, repair, and modify all apps from Windows Settings instead of the Control Panel
It improves the performance of federated authentication

Please keep in mind that Microsoft has also brought back the ability to launch the Task Manager by right-clicking anywhere on the Windows 11 Task Bar.

As you remember, this feature was removed with the initial release of Windows 11. This caused many users to right-click on the taskbar for no reason constantly.

That being said, these features are still rolling out and will not be available to all Windows 11 users immediately, so patience is of the essence.

Thus, if you do not have these features yet, just hang around as Microsoft rolls them out over the next few days.

For Windows 11 users who choose not to install today’s optional update, these features will be included as part of the mandatory November Patch Tuesday cumulative updates.

What can I do if I can’t install KB5019509?

Press Win+ I to access Settings.
Select the System category and click on Troubleshoot.
Press the Other troubleshooters button.
Press the Run button next to Windows Update.

Don’t forget to report any other issues you might come across, in order for Microsoft to address and improve the overall OS experience for us all.

If you’re still on Windows 10, be sure to read about the importance of KB5034122 for Windows 10 – don’t delay, install now.

This is everything you can expect if you are a Windows 11 user. Leave a comment below if you found any issues since installing this cumulative update.

Fix: Item Not Collected Error on Windows Clipboard

Posted on October 19, 2022October 4, 2023 by Claire Moraa

If you are trying to use the Windows Clipboard and getting the Item not collected error message, then this troubleshooter is for you. There are times when you copy or cut a bunch of items to your Windows Clipboard, only to realize that they weren’t copied or cut correctly.

Usually, it’s because of an unsupported format but let’s take a closer look at what causes this error and subsequent solutions to resolve it.

Why is my Clipboard not pasting?

Wondering why your item is not collected on Windows Clipboard? Below are some possible reasons:

You have too many background processes – The more apps you have open at once, the more memory they use up. This can cause problems if one of them uses up too much memory and needs to be closed by the system because there isn’t enough space left for it to continue running smoothly. You need the help of a task killer to manage the background processes.
Clipboard is full – The Clipboard may have reached its limit, so if there’s already something on there, nothing else will paste until you clear out some space. If you have multiple items on your Clipboard, try clearing the history of unnecessary items before pasting again.
Unsupported format – If the Clipboard contains an unsupported format, it won’t paste anything at all. To fix this issue, open the file in an application that can save it again in a compatible format (such as Word or Notepad). Then copy the new version back into your Clipboard.
Your device is low on memory or storage space – The Clipboard app uses RAM to store your copied items. If your device is low on memory, it may not be able to hold data such as copied text and images that you want to paste into another app or text field. To fix this issue, clear up some space.
Item is too large – If an item is too large, you may get a message that says Item not collected larger than Clipboard capacity. This could be a file that’s too big or a web page that contains lots of images.

Read on to find out how to resolve this issue.

How can I fix the Item Not Collected Error on Windows Clipboard?

Since the error could be something simple, it is important to perform basic checks before jumping to the more advanced solutions. These include:

Try copying from another program and see if you get the same message.
Restart your PC.

Now let’s dive into the more advanced troubleshooting below.

1. Restart File Explorer

Hit the Windows key, type Task Manager in the search bar, and click Open.
Navigate to the Processes tab, find Windows Explorer, right-click and select Restart.

2. Clear the Clipboard history

Hit the Windows key and click on Settings.
Select System on the left pane then click on Clipboard on the right pane.
Hit the Clear button next to Clear clipboard data.

3. Check your system for viruses

Press the Windows key, search Windows Security and click Open.
Select Virus & threat protection.
Next, press Quick scan under Current threats.
Wait for the process to finish and restart your system.

4. Update your OS

Hit the Windows key and select Settings.
Click on Windows update, then select Check for updates.
Download and install if any are available.

5. Convert the item to another format

If your Windows Clipboard is rejecting your copied items because they don’t have a valid format, you’re likely to see a message that says clipboard item not collected: format not supported.

In such a case, you will have to find an alternative tool to convert them into another format before trying to paste them again. Ditto is a great choice as it is an extension of the standard Windows Clipboard. It supports multiple formats and allows you to copy any type of file.

If all these seem like an uphill task, perhaps you should consider a clipboard manager. The built-in Clipboard in Windows works well for most users, but some people might find it not enough for them.

If you are looking for a way to manage your Clipboard better and reduce the time spent copying and pasting items, this is a good option. A clipboard manager tool allows you to copy text or images from one app and paste them into another application without having to do any manual work.

Most come with a handful of features, support multiple formats, and have more customizable functions. Don’t forget that you can also sync Clipboard between Windows and Android.

Let us know if you have been able to solve this issue in the comments section below.

5 Ways to Fix FPS Drops & Lag in Farming Simulator 22

Posted on October 19, 2022September 9, 2025 by Claire Moraa

When we play video games many things can go wrong. Out of all of these things, low FPS and lag is the one that we gamers hate the most. In Farming Simulator 22, you need to have a good FPS to have a smooth experience.

The performance of your game will depend heavily on your specs. However, even those with fairly old devices can still enjoy these games with FPS booster software. If you don’t have enough space, then in this guide, we show you how to fix FPS drops and lag.

Why is Farming Simulator 22 so laggy?

Farming Simulator 22 is a great game but the stuttering is one of the most annoying problems. There are several reasons why this happens and today we will be talking about them:

Bad internet connection – Your internet connection may be slow or unstable. With such conditions, it will be impossible to play this game without any issues.
Computer specifications – If your computer doesn’t have enough RAM or processing power, then it won’t be able to handle such an intense game as Farming Simulator 22 without having any issues at all. This brings us to the question of just how much RAM you need to run Farming Simulator 22. Well, at least 8GB RAM among other system requirements.
Graphics settings are too high for your computer – If you have a very old computer, then the graphics settings may be set too high and this will cause the game to lag. Lowering your resolution may help with performance.
Outdated graphics card – If your computer has an old or outdated graphics card, it can’t keep up with all the action happening on screen and this will cause lag. The best way to get a good frame rate in Farming Simulator 22 is to get a new and powerful GPU.
Server issues – If there are too many people playing at once then it can cause server issues for all players. They will experience lag when trying to connect or play online. While this isn’t something that you can control, you can avoid playing at peak hours.

What can I do to fix FPS drops and lag in Farming Simulator 22?

First, check off the following:

Before starting the game, check your system specifications and make sure that it meets all the minimum requirements for running Farming Simulator 22.
Close down any unnecessary programs on your computer that may be hogging the bandwidth.
Check your internet connection strength.
Avoid multi-monitor setups during gameplay.

Next, the more advanced troubleshooting.

1. Check for game updates

The first thing you should do when you encounter a problem with your Farming Simulator 22 game is check for game updates.

This can help ensure that the latest patches are installed and all known bugs have been fixed by developers to make sure you don’t face any more problems in the future.

2. Lower your graphic settings

Farming Simulator 22 is a very demanding game, so it requires a great deal of power from your computer in order to run smoothly. There are no universal Farming Simulator 22 best graphics settings but you can tweak them for balance.

If your PC does not have enough power, then it will not be able to run this game at an acceptable frame rate. So, to fix this problem, you should lower your graphic settings until you find the perfect balance between performance and graphics quality.

3. Update your graphics card

Press the Windows key, type Device Manager in the search box, and click Open.
Navigate to Display adapters, right-click on your graphics card, and select Update driver.
Select Search automatically for drivers.

Updating your drivers manually can take you some time, so you can always use a dedicated tool. An excellent option here is Outbyte Driver Updater because it scans your whole device for out-of-date drivers and finds in a second the latest updates from its database.

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4. Use an SSD drive instead of HDD

HDDs are slower than SDDs because they have spinning disks that read and write data at a much slower rate than an SSD. The best SDDs, on the other hand, load faster and are more stable.

This means that if you have a lot of mods installed on your game or are running multiple programs at once, your FPS will drop as the HDD struggles to keep up with all the requests for data from the game itself.

5. Update your OS

If you have an old version of Windows then it’s time for an upgrade. Newer versions of Windows have better support for graphics cards and they make it easier for them to run smoothly without any problems.

Windows Update section and checking if there are any updates

Updating software is always a good idea because it ensures that you have all the latest fixes and patches for any bugs that may be present in your system. This in turn can help with performance issues as well as stability problems.

The last thing you can do if your game still isn’t running smoothly is downloading an FPS monitor and see if there are any spikes in frame rate during gameplay. If there are spikes then something isn’t right with your system configuration and you will need to troubleshoot further.

You can also check FPS using the Xbox Game Bar on Windows PCs. Another issue gamers seem to be pondering about is the capped FPS. Is Farming Simulator 22 60 FPS? Yes, Farming Simulator 22 has a cap of 60 FPS.

However, most users on community platforms have been wondering: How do you unlock FPS in Farming Simulator 22?

There is a workaround but you have to be careful because if your system cannot support a higher frame rate or if your graphics card does not have enough memory, you will experience more lags or stutters during gameplay.

Let us know whether you have been able to solve the FPS drops in the comments section below.

New GameDVR features coming to Xbox mobile app

Posted on October 19, 2022 by Robert Collins

The Xbox app on mobile will be getting some feature enhancements for the GameDVR system. Specifically, users will be able to edit, trim, and share edited clips. Note that this update is currently for the Xbox Beta app; it can be expected to see a full public release sometime in the near future. The beta is available to users with Android and Apple devices.

The Xbox mobile app is getting the ability to edit, trim, and quickly share Xbox clips. Another sign that Xbox DVR is improving ???? pic.twitter.com/2qndYbx12Y

— Tom Warren (@tomwarren) October 18, 2022

Xbox GameDVR is Microsoft’s application for recording game footage on the Xbox app and Xbox consoles. Once the new editing features a ironed-out on mobile, it would be reasonable to assume they will then come to Xbox consoles and the Windows version of the Xbox app.

Featured image via PureXbox.

Here’s the feature Microsoft is currently testing in Bing

Posted on October 19, 2022 by Radu Tyrsina

Microsoft is currently testing out a new feature in Bing dubbed more on this topic from. The feature is placed below the search results and comes with a button that you can use to pause/play the list of news sites logos running across. Users can click on either one of the logos displayed to check out more news updates from a specific publication.

Here’s a glimpse of how it works:

???? Amazing test by Bing – The movable carousel of news brand tag.

cc – @rustybrick pic.twitter.com/srHXk7sK9p

— Khushal Bherwani (@b4k_khushal) October 11, 2022

In other Bing related news, it is also set to get an AI image generator which will allow users to convert text into digital art. All the user has to do is type in the image description then the Image Creator powered by DALL-E 2 image generator technology and developed by OpenAI does the rest. Once the image is created, the user can access it via the Bing Images tab, followed by clicking on the Image Creator icon in the sidebar in Microsoft Edge.

Microsoft will gradually roll out this feature first to a controlled audience, while making some tweaks to it alongside OpenAI with the aim of enhancing its user experience before releasing it to a broader audience. And finally, Microsoft recently launched a new feature that lets users launch Xbox cloud games directly from the browser when using the Bing search engine.

Via: Search Engine Roundtable, Search Engine Journal

How to Open Unknown File? 4 Best Software

Posted on October 18, 2022October 6, 2023 by Radu Tyrsina

Users can identify, run, and also access any file with unknown file extensions on Windows with the help of a few pieces of software.

If you’re on a mission to discover the best tool that can help you identify unknown files, then you must not miss out on these products for Windows 10.

This problem usually appears when you try to open specific files that are not recognized by Windows. Hence, when you try to double-click the file you get the pop-up message How do you want to open this file?

In this case, you can use some solutions to open unknown files, so bear with us to find out effective ways to open your files and overcome the issue.

How do I open unknown files?

1. Choose a program to open the file with from the default list

1. Right-click on your unknown file.
2. Select Open with from the menu that opens.
3. Choose an application from the list. If there isn’t any that is compatible with your file format, select Choose another app.
4. Browse the list for the appropriate program to open the file with.
5. Click on OK after you make your selection.

When you encounter the issue of opening unsupported files, the first step would be to find a method to open that file.

Basically, the first thing you need to do to try to open a file with an unknown file extension is to browse the list of available apps and see if there’s any in it that can do the job.

It is likely that you already have an app on your PC that can open your unknown file, without you having to download any third-party apps.

This method also works if you install third-party software and want to use it to open those specific files. You simply need to choose the newly installed app from the list.

2. Browse the Microsoft Store for an app that can open your file

Right-click on your file with an unknown file format.
Select Open with.
Choose Search the Microsoft Store.
Download and install an app from the list that can open your file.

Another method you can use is to search in the Microsoft Store for an app to open your unknown files.

You should be aware that using this method to resolve the issue might not be that efficient because there are not so many Store apps that work on desktops.

Anyway, there are chances you can find desktop available programs on Windows Store that open multiple file types, so it is worth a shot.

3. Use third-party programs

In addition, it’s recommended to search in more depth and discover other manners to open unsupported files.

For example, you have useful file extension websites that provide extensive results for various unknown files and what programs you need to open them.

What is the best software to open a file with unknown format?

Adobe Acrobat

One of the best software to use to open unknown files is none other than Adobe Acrobat.

If we’re talking about file formats – and we do not only refer to PDFs here -then, Adobe products are sure to impress you.

These powerful tools open a myriad of file extensions including the more usual Microsoft Office formats like .doc, .docx, .xls, .xlsx, .ppt, .pptx to Text, Rich Text Format.

But they also go all the way to rather unusual or very specific app restrained formats such as .wpd for Corel WordPerfect, .xps and .dwg, .dwt, .dxf, .dwf, .dst (Autodesk AutoCAD) and everything in between.

The support does not just end there. In the Pro version of the Acrobat, you also have a plethora of 2D, 3D, video, and audio formats to play with.

And you can easily convert them into editable documents that can be adjusted to your rendering needs.

In addition, you can edit or convert different types of files using this reader and manage them accordingly in a few clicks.

Adobe Acrobat

Adobe Acrobat can deal with a lot of file extensions that other software doesn’t even know about.

Free trial Visit website

TrID File Identifier

The program comes in two variants: a piece of downloadable software or an online version.

It can identify a file type from its binary signature by browsing for selecting a file that you need to analyze.

After a short wait, the results will be displayed and the file accessed and compared against pre-existing definitions from the program’s database.

This tool has multiple utilities and can assist you in opening unsupported files and support different files recovery.

Moreover, the database of files is constantly updated and describes patterns of various files you need to open on your PC.

Thankfully, you benefit from an expanding database that stores supported files and can detect unknown files accurately with useful analysis.

⇒ Get TrID File identifier

Smart File Advisor

Smart File Advisor can easily identify files that have no extension or have no known compatible software. The tool first analyzes various parts of the file content in order to determine which program to use to open it.

This small and intelligent tool can also notify you about any software updates for the apps installed on your system.

You might encounter unsupported files types now and then so you certainly need support to identify the specific file and the right software to open with.

Using Smart File Advisor you can be relaxed about opening files due to its extensive database that has infinite file types.

Plus, the tool is built to find diverse file types classified by category and it includes a plethora of categories to choose from.

The software is also free to use and is completely safe to use, so you can stay relaxed about spyware or viruses.

⇒ Get Smart File Advisor

Open With

This program provides users with detailed info about file extensions and also links to free software for opening and creating each file type.

It comes with an app that works even when you’re not online. Another great feature is how it can find out the exact software you’ll have to use to access the file after it discovers its type.

Open With is the most suited platform to detect unknown types of files and also find the programs needed to open them.

It includes a rich database with thousands of file extensions to offer you the needed support to successfully open and create file types.

This solution also offers categorized files in order to cover every need regarding Windows files. For instance, you have compressed files, disk images, encoded files, images, documents, and much more.

This being said, you should consider this free tool that can actually offer the same results as the paid software out there.

⇒ Get Open With

FILExt

This is an online tool and one of the best-known for identifying file types. The program includes a large database of file extensions and also includes the software that uses them with a site that features an alphabetical index of 1526 extensions.

You just have to enter the file extension that you’re analyzing into the search box of the program and press the Search button.

If it finds the extension in its database, a results page will appear showing the data related to the file.

In the unfortunate case, that the program does not find the extension in its database, the user will get a link to a page with information on what to do next for more research.

It’s good to mention that Filext is a popular tool used by millions of users to detect and view various files. Plus, the software is on market for over 20 years and efficiently assists the users.

Hence, if you require reliable support to open unknown file extensions on your Windows PC, this choice is more than suited for you.

⇒ Get FILExt

File extensions are used to help us find the specific type of file that we need to access — and there are lots of them.

It can sometimes happen that our computer stumbles on a file extension that is unfamiliar to the system.

And as a result, the PC will not be able to open it. Fortunately, the tools above will help your system identify unrecognized types of files.

Which one are you currently using? Share your experience with us in the comments section below.

WMIC Process List: How to Find All Running Processes

Posted on October 18, 2022October 17, 2025 by Alexandru Poloboc

When you are working on various important projects and performance is the keyword, knowing exactly what processes are running in the background is a must.

Especially if one or multiple of the above-mentioned processes affect your current work, or you could just use the extra juice.

And finding out exactly what your device is still running in the background is pretty easy. You can use the wmic tool and get all the information you want in only a matter of seconds.

How, you ask? We’re about to show you just that in this article, so you will have this information handy for future reference.

How do I find a list of all running processes with wmic?

There are, actually, a lot of useful commands that you can input into a Command Prompt window, provided you open it with administrator privileges, that can provide invaluable information.

You can get a lot of information about your system using WMIC, and we have a dedicated article on this topic.

Learning about the background processes, as well as gathering system information (BIOS serial number, available RAM, or information about available partitions) is only a few keystrokes away.

So, without any further ado, here’s how you can get all the required info about all of the processes running on your device. using wmic.

1. Press the Windows key to open the search box.
2. Search for Command Prompt in the search box and click on Run as administrator.
3. For a compact view of the processes and their memory usage, type the following command and press Enter: tasklist
4. For a more detailed view of each individual process, type the following command and then press Enter: wmic process list
5. You can now see all the running background processes, as well as their associated services.

Remember to always open Command Prompt with administrator privilege when you are requesting system information.

If you are more of a PowerShell fan, you can get the same results as the ones we’ve shown you above by inputting the get-process command.

For more ways to manage and monitor your system from the command line, check out this detailed Command Prompt commands list that covers essential CMD functions for Windows users.

Why is wmic not listing all programs?

You can’t really show all the programs using wmic, or anything else that makes WMI calls unless all the programs on the machine are Windows Installer (MSI) packages, which is a bit rare.

However, the Uninstall key in the registry is the only place that pretty much shows everything. It’s what the Programs and Features list in Control Panel uses to populate the list of all programs.

reg query "HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall" /s | findstr /B ".*DisplayName"

That’s all you have to do and, as we said, all the information you need is only a few keystrokes and a few seconds away.

Since we’re talking about wmic, other Windows users have reported dealing with wmic access is denied, and wmic alias not found errors, so we prepared some fixes for you.

Was this article helpful to you? Let us know in the dedicated comments section below.

5 Ways to Fix Your Device Driver Is Not Compatible in WoW

Posted on October 18, 2022October 4, 2023 by Loredana Harsana

Broadly speaking, users find navigating through the WoW game easy, yet at times due to certain glitches, you might come across Your device driver is not compatible error in WoW.

If you have ever encountered the above error, you have landed on the right spot. Quickly go through the guide below and pick your fix to resolve this issue!

What causes Your device driver is not compatible error in WoW?

In WoW, this error normally occurs due to outdated Windows or some incompatibility issues with the graphics drivers.

Listed above are a few causes that generally play a crucial role in Your device driver is not compatible error in WoW.

Outdated drivers – One of the most common causes of this error is outdated video or sound drivers.
Incompatibility issues – If you are using an old or incompatible graphics driver, it might also cause this error.
3rd party software might be conflicting with WoW – Sometimes, other software interferes with WoW and cause this error.

Now that you know the main causes behind this error let’s move on to possible solutions that can help you resolve this error in no time!

How do I fix Your device driver is not compatible error in WoW?

Before moving to the real solutions, let’s have some quick checks that might help you get rid of this error.

Restart your computer because sometimes a simple restart can fix all kinds of problems, including this one.
Add WoW to your firewall’s exception list.
Check the minimum system requirement.

System requirements for WoW

Operating System	Windows® 7 64-bit
Processor	Intel® Core™ i5-3450 AMD FX™ 8300
Video	NVIDIA® GeForce® GTX 760 2 GB or AMD Radeon™ RX 560 2 GB or Intel® UHD Graphics 630 (45W TDP) *Requires manufacturer's driver support.
Memory	4 GB RAM (8GB for integrated graphics such as Intel HD Graphics series)
Storage	Solid State Drive (SSD) 100GB available space Or Hard Disk Drive (HDD) 100GB available space (depending on the performance of the drive, player experience may be impacted on HDD)
Internet	Broadband internet connection
Input	Keyboard and mouse required. Other input devices are not supported.
Resolution	1024 x 768 minimum display resolution

After having the quick preliminary checks out of the way, let’s move on to some real and detailed solutions that can help you fix Your device driver is not compatible error in WoW.

1. Update the graphics driver

In the taskbar, search for Device Manager and open the application.
Within the Device Manager window, click on Display adapters and double-click on the Intel(R) Iros(R) Xe Graphics, and a window will open up.
Enter in the Driver tab in your graphic card window and click on the Update Driver button.
Now select Search automatically for drivers, and update your drivers.

At times this error is caused by corrupted or outdated drivers. In this case, updating your current device driver to the latest available version will resolve the issue.

If this method doesn’t suit you, you can check other ways to update your graphics drivers.

If you are experiencing frequent lagging, high latency, and dysconnectivity issues, then do check our guide to fix high latency and disconnection issues in WoW.

2. Reset the WoW user interface

On the main home page, click on Options, then select Show in Explorer.
Within the popup menu that opens up, double-click on the WoW folder.
Next up, double-click on the respective folder for WoW that is causing problems. It must be either _classic_ or _retail_.
Rename the WTF, Cache, and Interface folders to WTFOld, CacheOld, and InterfaceOld, respectively.
Relaunch World of Warcraft to see the changes that you made earlier.

A corrupted interface might sometimes result in Your device driver is not compatible error in WoW. Hence, resetting the WoW user interface will most probably clear the error.

After resetting the WoW interface, if you want to customize the interface according to your personal preferences, then you should check our guide for customizing your WoW interface.

3. Check for your Windows updates

Click on the Windows icon and select the Settings option.
Then, look for Windows Update in the sidebar menu and click it.
Check if any update is available, then go for it and update your PC.

Outdated Windows are likely to cause device driver compatibility errors in WoW. Hence, updating Windows to the latest available version will fix the issue.

While updating your system, if you encounter an error of could not connect to the update service in Windows 11 then you need to check this article to solve could not connect to update service error.

If you are still experiencing the same problem, reinstalling WoW is your last resort.

4. Uninstall and reinstall WoW

On the home page, select the game you wish to uninstall, then click on the Settings icon beside the Play option.
In the pop-up menu that opens up, click on Uninstall option.
A confirmation prompt will open up; click on Yes, Uninstall.
Open up the Blizzard app again on your PC and log in to your account with your credentials.
Once you have logged into your account, select WoW and click on the Install option present at the bottom and follow the prompts to install the game.

Uninstalling WoW and then reinstalling it from scratch will probably resolve Your device driver is not compatible error in WoW.

With the above error, if you face frequent disconnecting issues in WoW, check our guide to fix frequent disconnects and high latency issues.

We hope this article helped you troubleshoot the respective error for a seamless gaming experience. Give us your feedback in the comments box below.

3 Different Ways to Show Hidden Devices in Device Manager

Posted on October 18, 2022October 4, 2023 by Claire Moraa

The Device Manager is a tool that allows you to view, enable and disable the devices connected to your computer.

You can also use it to troubleshoot problems you may have with your mouse or keyboard. Some devices have multiple drivers, and the Device Manager will show all of them.

When a device is detected and configured, Device Manager will display it in the proper category. If it can’t detect it, or if the driver isn’t fully configured, then you will see an item under the Unknown devices section.

If a device isn’t working correctly on your computer, for example, the sound isn’t working, you may want to try updating the device driver.

When you go to the Device Manager list, you can find the drivers but in some cases, they may be hidden. In such cases, troubleshooting your device can be difficult if you don’t know where it is located.

Why does the Device Manager hide devices?

The Device Manager only shows information about those devices that are connected and configured on the system.

It also hides nonpresent devices that are not physically present in the system, but still, have configuration information in the Registry.

When a device is plugged in, plugged out, or otherwise removed from the system by removing its drivers, Windows marks it as nonpresent and hides it by default.

Also, if you have a lot of devices on a system, some may only be active when something specific is attached. The DVD drive for example won’t show up unless there’s a disk in the drive. There are others also that do not show when not in use.

How can I view hidden devices in Device Manager?

1. Use the Search bar

1. Hit the Windows key on your keyboard to open the Windows Search box.
2. Type Device Manager in the search bar and click Open.
3. Select the View option.
4. A drop-down menu will appear.
5. Click on Show hidden devices.

In order to view hidden files in Device Manager, you need to access the Device Manager menu and manually enable the specific option.

You can access Device Manager very easily using the search bar on your taskbar.

2. Use the Run command

Press Windows + R keys simultaneously to open the Run command window.
Type devmgmt.msc in the Run dialog box that pops up and press Enter.
Select the View option, scroll down and click on Show hidden devices.

3. Use Command Prompt

Hit the Windows + I keys simultaneously to open Settings.
Type cmd in the search bar and click Run as administrator.
Enter the following commands: SET DEVMGR_SHOW_NONPRESENT_DEVICES=1 devmgmt.msc
Select the View option, scroll down and click on Show hidden devices.

Can you remove hidden devices in Device Manager?

You can remove hidden devices in Device Manager but first, you have to unhide them.

To remove an unknown device from Device Manager, follow the steps below:

Hit the Windows key, type Device manager in the search bar, and click Open.
Find the device you want to remove after completing the show hidden devices steps outlined above.
Right-click on the device and select Uninstall from the context menu.
Click OK when prompted to confirm your choice.

If you were having trouble locating hidden devices, we hope one of the methods above was able to come to your rescue.

Remember, you can do more with Device Manager such as scan for hardware changes or update your motherboard resources.

Let us know of any tips and tricks that you use with WIndows’ Device Manager in the comment section below.

Turtle Beach Mic Not Working? 5 Quick Ways to Fix it

Posted on October 18, 2022September 8, 2025 by Loredana Harsana

Encountering an issue with your Turtle Beach headset mic on Windows 11 seems more likely these days, especially if it’s not working or being detected.

Many users have voiced similar complaints about the Corsair headset microphone, where the mic did not record any audio but provided sounds via the earcups.

Why is my Turtle Beach headset mic not working?

There can be several factors behind the Turtle Beach mic not working problem, of which one major reason could be an outdated or corrupt driver. We have to mention that this issue may also be caused by:

Microphone device settings: It could be that the Turtle Beach headset is not set as the default device on your computer, or the microphone volume is set to a very low value, so it can’t record your sound.
Connectivity issues: If your headphones are not well-connected to your computer, you may encounter this problem by using Bluetooth or your computer’s audio port.
Disabled microphone: If your PC’s audio inputs and outputs section is disabled, this problem will likely occur.

How do I fix the Turtle Beach mic when it fails to work?

Before proceeding to explore advanced troubleshooting steps, you should consider performing the following preliminary checks:

Ensure that your computer’s audio is not muted or set at a very low value.
Pair your headset with your phone or tablet to be sure it is functioning properly.
Inspect your headphone carefully to check for any physical damage.
If your PC has two jacks for separating the input and output audio for the headphone and mic, then you need to get a Y connector cable to use your headset with your PC.

If the error persists after these checks, endeavor to check the fixes outlined below.

1. Enable your headset microphone for recording

Left-click the Speaker icon on your Taskbar, then select Sound Settings.
Click More sound settings.
Select the Recording tab, then locate your headset device (if you can’t find it, right-click on any empty area in the tab, then select Show Disabled Devices).
Right-click the headset, then select Enable.
Click on the Apply button, then OK to save the changes.

Alternatively, you can check out the ways to fix your laptop if it’s not using the headset mic to set your headset as default.

2. Turn on microphone access on your PC

Click the Start button, type microphone, then select Microphone privacy settings.
Click on the Change button, then turn on the Microphone access for this device.

Enabling microphone access on your device will help fix the Turtle Beach Headset mic not working problem because you can allow all apps to use it.

3. Set the headset as an input device

Right-click the speaker icon on your taskbar and then open Sound settings.
Click Volume mixer under advanced options and locate Apps.
Expand the app and change the device for input audio, then adjust the volume control to the maximum.

The mic should work by manually setting the headset as an input device. However, if the mic is not even present in the device list, you should check our guide for what to do.

4. Troubleshoot your audio settings

Click on the Start icon on the screen, input the Audio troubleshooter, and select Find and fix problems with playing sounds.
Click on Advanced.
Check to Apply repairs automatically and select Next.
Select the audio device to troubleshoot and click Next.
Click on No, Do not Open Audio Enhancement.

Should this troubleshooting fails, there are others you can try out in the guide to fix the microphone not Working in Windows 11.

5. Update your audio drivers

Click the Start button, input Device Manager, and launch it.
Locate your audio inputs and outputs and expand them.
Right-click the driver and click on Update driver.
Choose Search automatically for drivers.

Alternatively, there’s a simpler approach to updating drivers on Windows 11. We recommend you use a dedicated driver updater software and install the latest drivers for your device automatically.

Outbyte Driver Updater is an automated tool that scans and detects all outdated drivers and safely installs selected driver updates.

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Meanwhile, some users complain about Windows 11 not recognizing their wired headphones, hence this article should help solve the problem if you encounter the issue also.

As you can see, there are plenty of solutions you can choose if you encounter a Turtle Beach mic not working issue. Ensure to follow each step strictly for optimal results.

For further queries and suggestions, you can leave them in the comments section.