Arduino Simulator for PC: 6 Best Software to Use in 2026

Posted on by Radu Tyrsina

These days, Arduino simulators make it possible for anyone, meaning both beginners and professional circuit designers to learn, program, and test ideas without worrying about wasting time and money.

Arduino simulators are the perfect platforms for programmers and designers who want to learn the basics of circuit schematics and design.

With the help of an Arduino simulator, you’ll get an avenue to learn without being afraid that you will damage your board and design equipment.

Students who face challenges purchasing electrical equipment without any clue on how they’ll work can eliminate trial and error mistakes with the help of Arduino simulators, saving both time and money.

Another advantage of Arduino simulators is the fact that they support line-to-line debugging and the user will identify exactly the spot where things went wrong.

Arduino simulators come in all kinds of forms, and they have been developed in such a way to be compatible with the main OSs.

In this article, we’re going to list the best Arduino simulators compatible with Windows PCs.

What are the best Arduino simulators for PC?

Autodesk Eagle – Powerful tools

Autodesk Eagle provides powerful and easy-to-use tools for every engineer out there.

You can now bring your electronic inventions to life with the help of a complete set of PCB layout and schematic editing tools, community-driven features, and library content.

The key features of Eagle include the following:

  • Schematic editor
  • Modular design blocks – you can reuse the existing blocks of circuitry
  • Multi sheet schematics – you can keep designs of any size organized
  • Electrical rule checking – you will finally be able to have confidence in your schematic design
  • Real-time design synchronization – you can stay in sync between schematic and PCB layout
  • PCB Layout editor
  • BGA fanout – you can escape from your BGA in seconds
  • High-speed design – you can design with the latest technologies, including DDR4, PCI Express, or USB-C
  • 3D models for PCB layout – you can unite your PCB and enclosure seamlessly
  • Complete components – this is the one-stop shop for reviewing your component needs
  • User language programs (ULPs) – you can improve your design tool process
Autodesk Eagle

Autodesk Eagle

Get into schematic wiring with a single click and enjoy all the extra perks that the Eagle brings!
Check PriceVisit website

Tinkercad – Program with ease

Tinkercad is a free web app created for 3D design, electronics, and coding that is trusted by over 50 million people around the world.

You can either choose its starter circuits to explore with no additional hardware or you can create a virtual circuit from scratch with wire electronic components.

It has an interactive circuit editor with which you can explore, connect, and code virtual projects. You can simulate with Arduino by simply opening the code editor to program using Codeblocks.

The Arduino simulator within Tinkercad simplifies your learning experience because it works on any PC with an internet connection.

Moreover, it provides an inexhaustible supply of virtual components that you can use to build and simulate your projects.

Other operations include:

  • File editing
  • File exportation
  • 3D designs
  • Presets

⇒ Get Tinkercad

Proteus – Comprehensive diagnostics

proteus vsm

Proteus is a great Arduino simulator that combines simplicity with its various features and manages to make Arduino simulation seem like the easiest thing.

This simulator managed to make inroads in all kinds of industries such as education, automotive, and IoT.

It’s compatible with both Linux and Windows, and there are lots of things to know about its offerings and its vibrant community.

The most prominent and exciting feature of Proteus is its ability to simulate the interaction between software running on a microcontroller and any digital/analog electronics connected to it.

The microcontroller model sits on the schematics together with the other elements of your product design. Just like a real chip, it simulates the execution of your object code.

Proteus includes various virtual instruments such as an Oscilloscope, Logic Analyser, Function Generator, Pattern Generator, Counter Timer, and Virtual Terminal, as also simple voltmeters and ammeters.

More than that, Proteus provides dedicated Master/Slave/Monitor mode protocol analyzers for SPI and I2C – you simply have to wire them onto the serial lines and control/interact with the data live during the simulation process.

Proteus offers an invaluable and inexpensive way to get your communication software right before hardware prototyping.

Proteus also allows the following operations:

  • Debugging: it can perform simulations in single-step modes, and it works just like a debugger.
  • Diagnostics: Proteus is equipped with comprehensive diagnostics or trace messaging.
  • Co-simulate both low and high-level micro-controller code in the context of a mixed-mode SPICE circuit simulation.
  • Proteus improves efficiency, flexibility, and quality all over the design process.

⇒ Get Proteus

Virtronics Simulator for Arduino – Sketch debug

This Victronics Arduino simulator promises to be the most full-featured one that is available now.

Here are the most important benefits that it boasts:

  • It features the ability to teach and demonstrate the inner workings of an Arduino sketch.
  • You can test out a sketch without the hardware or before purchasing equipment.
  • You can debug a sketch.
  • Using it, you can demonstrate a project to potential customers.
  • You are able to develop a complicated sketch faster than when using the hardware.

You can download the free version, try it out, and when you are ready, you can upgrade to the Pro version.

The software is designed for the Arduino Uno, Mega, and more standard Arduino boards. It performs lots of processes including the following:

  • It steps through the program line by line. If a new line is selected, the program will continue from that point.
  • Performs digital write, digital read, and PinMode for pins 0-53
  • Analog read for pins 0-16 and analog write for digital pins 0-53
  • Emulates Serial, LCD output, Ethernet, Servo, SD card, EEPROM, SoftSerial, SPI, Wire
  • If,while,for,switch, do whileloop functionality
  • Subroutines (multi-level) with arguments
  • View variables in real-time
  • Step Into, Step Over, Step Out of or Run mode
  • Ability to edit sketches or open in Arduino IDE
  • 2 and 4-line LCD support only with improvised CGRAM
  • 2-dimensional arrays (without initialization).

You also have the ability to change the font, style, and size of the simulator.

The minimize mode is perfect for demos/training. The software offers limited support for custom libraries, pointers, and structures.

⇒ Get Victronics Arduino simulator

PSpice – Performance-focused

PSpice is another solution meant to simplify your workflows and optimize your performance.

By combining analog and mixed-signal engines, this industry-leading software delivers nothing less than a complete circuit simulation and verification solution.

Performance-focused PSpice will not only provide all the high-end circuit design tools you need, but it will also streamline your processes and lower your costs while boosting productivity.

Versatile and reliable, this software will help you perform system-level simulations in a perfectly safe environment.

⇒ Get PSpice

Fritzing – Educational starter kit

Fritzing is an open-source hardware initiative that makes electronics accessible as creative material for everyone who is interested in the subject.

The website provides a software tool, community, and services in the spirit of Arduino and processing and it fosters a creative ecosystem that allows users the following:

  • Documenting their prototypes
  • Sharing the prototypes with others
  • Teaching electronics in a classroom
  • Layout and manufacturing professional PCBs

With Fritzing, you can inexpensively and quickly turn your circuit into a real custom-made PCB.

This tool can only act as a creative platform if lots of users are using it as a means of learning and sharing.

You can learn a tremendous amount of things from the many tutorials available.

It is also interesting to know that Fritzing turned from a publicly funded research project into a non-profit organization.

This means that to make it self-sustaining and to continue its development Fritzing is offering a few services that include the following:

  • Fritzing Fab – With Fritzing Fab, the PCB production service, you can quickly and inexpensively turn your sketches into professional PCBs.
  • Workshops – There are lots of workshops on Arduino, Fritzing, and everything related, which are offered to beginners and professionals.
  • Part Creation – You can also have your product featured in Fritzing, and if you don’t want to do it yourself, you can hire developers to create high-quality parts.
  • Products – Fritzing has created an educational starter and upgrade kit.

⇒ Get Fritzing

You have reached the end of our Arduino simulators list. Take advantage of the one that you think is right for your needs.

How to Update your PS5 Controller on a PC

Posted on by Alexandru Poloboc

It’s no secret that PC gamers often turn to console controllers to optimize their gaming experience and also improve their motor skills.

But nobody said that using Microsoft’s Xbox controllers or other variants explicitly made for PCs was mandatory.

Some opted for Sony’s DualShock PlayStation controllers as their go-to means of interacting with their favorite in-game hero.

Until now, there was no way to efficiently and securely update the DualShock’s firmware from your PC. That’s all about to change, though.

Can I update my PS5 controller through my PC?

Indeed, we are witnessing the day when we can receive firmware updates for Sony for our PS5 controllers without having to use the console itself.

You’re probably wondering how that’s possible, so we’re about to shed some light on how this came to be in the first place.

Now, updating DualShock’s firmware can be done from any machine that runs on Windows 11 or a 64-bit release of Windows 10.

This new application, paired with the instructions you might need to download and use it correctly, are all available on the official PlayStation website.

There are, of course, some prerequisites for using PlayStation’s new firmware update app, but the requirements will actually amuse you.

OSWindows 10 (64-bit) or Windows 11
Storage space10 MB or more
Display resolution1024 × 768 or higher
USB portRequired

How do I update my PS5 controller’s firmware on a PC?

  1. 1. Download the Firmware updater for DualSense wireless controller.

  2. 2. Run the Setup and install the application.

    ps5 gamepad update 1

  3. 3. Connect the controller to your PC with a USB cable.

    ps5 gamepad update 2

  4. 4. Follow the on-screen instructions to start the PS5 update. Ensure that you don’t turn off your PC or disconnect your USB cable during the process.

  5. 5. When the update is finished, a prompt message will appear. All you have left to do is click on OK.

    Now your PlayStation 5 DualShock controller is up to date and all of the new features added by Sony will be yours as well.

    6. It is important to update your PS5’s firmware to ensure its proper functionality. You can do this on your PC with the help of the Firmware updater for DualSense wireless controller app.

    Keep in mind that, while the process is underway, turning off, restarting, or disconnecting the USB cable from the controller is the biggest no-no you can possibly do.

If you want to update your PSN console, you first need to get it in Safe mode; read this guide to learn the steps.

Have you already upgraded your PS5 DualShock controller using the official app? Share your experience with us in the comments section below.

Erratic Mouse Movement in Windows 10: How to Fix it

Posted on by Milan Stanojevic

Computer users complain about one of the most annoying experiences: erratic mouse movement in Windows 10.

Some of the four common issues that almost always come up include mouse or touchpad freezing, mouse cursor disappearing, slow or no cursor movement, and overall not smooth mouse movement.

While there is no doubt that a glitching mouse can seriously impact productivity and cause a lot of frustration to any user, gamers tend to suffer the most from mouse stuttering.

Why is my mouse behaving erratically?

Here are the most common reasons behind erratic mouse movement in Windows 10:

  • Misconfigured mouse settings – If your mouse settings are not properly configured, then you might encounter similar issues on your PC.
  • Outdated or corrupt mouse driver – In case your mouse doesn’t have the latest driver installed, issues are bound to occur, especially over time. To resolve this issue, visit your mouse’s manufacturer’s website, and download the latest version of the driver.
  • Third-party app conflicts – In some situations, a third-party application might interfere with the input generated by your mouse, so make sure to check that you don’t have any apps installed that you’re not aware of.
  • Issues with the connection, both wired and wireless – Ensuring that your Bluetooth drivers are updated, or checking for any cuts on the cable of the mouse is of paramount importance.
  • Obstructions to the sensor or mouse ball – Ensure that the sensor of the mouse or the ball is cleaned and no other items are blocking their signal/movement.
  • Not enough free system resources – If your OS is burdened excessively with tasks and processes open at all times, this issue might be caused by not having enough free resources to correctly process the input of your mouse.

How do I fix the glitchy mouse on Windows 10?

Before we walk you through the software-based solutions, here are a few quick checks that may help:

  1. Verify that the mouse is not placed on a very smooth surface, for instance, glass. Instead, try using a mouse pad.
  2. Make sure the connections are in order and the cable is not damaged in the case of a wired one, for instance, when a wired mouse is stuttering in Windows 10.
  3. Check if anything is blocking the mouse sensor or obstructing the ball underneath, and remove it.
  4. Replace the mouse batteries if you haven’t changed them in a while.
  5. If your PC runs low on system resources, terminate a few non-critical problems in the Task Manager.

In case of these solutions work, it’s likely a problem with the mouse and, too, a software-based one, and the following methods should help.

1. Update your drivers

  1. Press Windows + X and select Device Manager from the menu.device manager
  2. Double-click on Mice and other pointing devices.mice and other pointing devices to fix erratic mouse movement windows 10
  3. Right-click on the touchpad you’re using (or mouse), and select Update driver.update driver to fix erratic mouse movement windows 10
  4. Select Search automatically for drivers.search automatically for drivers

Updating the driver should do the trick if mouse movement is not smooth. However, the manual method is not as effective when fixing erratic mouse movement in Windows 10.

We also strongly recommend a dedicated tool, Outbyte Driver Updater which will automatically find and download all the outdated drivers you need to actualize on your PC.

Outbyte Driver Updater

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2. Perform a clean boot

  1. Press Windows + R to open Run, type msconfig, and click OK.msconfig
  2. Navigate to the Services tab, select the Hide all Microsoft services checkbox, and click on the Disable all button.hide all microsoft services
  3. Next, go to the Startup tab, and click on Open Task Manager.open task manager to fix Uncontrollable cursor Windows 10
  4. Locate any programs configured to launch and Startup (will have Enabled listed under the Status column), select them, and click Disable.disable
  5. Head back to System Configuration, and click OK.OK
  6. Now, click Restart in the prompt that appears.restart

Certain services and background apps are often found to be responsible for an uncontrollable cursor in Windows 10, and disabling it through a Clean Boot worked for many.

3. Turn off mouse acceleration

    It’s very likely to fix mouse issues and erratic movement by changing the right mouse settings, as displayed in the following steps.

  1. 1. Type Mouse settings in the Search bar, and click on the relevant search result.

    mouse settings

  2. 2. Click on Additional mouse options on the right.

    fix-erratic-mouse/

  3. 3. Navigate to the Pointer Options tab, uncheck the Enhance pointer precision option, and click OK to save the changes.

    disable pointer precision to fix erratic mouse movement windows 10

Mouse acceleration is often the reason behind erratic mouse movement in Windows 10, and disabling it should fix things.

4. Run the Hardware and Devices troubleshooter

  1. Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog box, type/paste the following command, and then hit Enter: msdt.exe -id DeviceDiagnostichardware and devices troubleshooter to fix erratic mouse movement windows 10
  2. Click Next and follow the on-screen instructions if a problem with the mouse is detected.run

If the mouse cursor is shaking on its own, running the dedicated built-in troubleshooter should help.

5. Adjust the cursor speed

  1. Type Control Panel in the Search bar, and click on the relevant search result.control panel
  2. Click on Hardware and Sound.hardware and sound
  3. Now, click on Mouse under Devices and Printers.mouse
  4. Navigate to the Pointer Options tab, and adjust the slider under Motion to change the cursor speed.change speed to fix erratic mouse movement windows 10

Adjust the cursor speed as per the problem at hand. For instance, if the mouse cursor moves too slowly, increase the pace here.

How do you get smooth mouse movement in games?

Mouse movement that is not smooth in games can mean more than a simple delay. It can cost you the victory. Unfortunately, gaming-dedicated peripherals such as Razer mice can face issues like stuttering, jiggering, or latency issues.

When a gaming mouse is not smooth, it’s usually because it struggles to run the game. FPS games, in particular, tend to strain CPU and GPU levels to the max. Thus, COD (Modern Warfare) aficionados are frequently affected by mouse lags.

We hope these solutions helped fix erratic mouse movement in Windows 10. Also, these were found to eliminate the underlying cause in the case of the HP touchpad’s erratic cursor movement.

If the problem persists, there’s probably a hardware problem with your device, and it will need replacement. Luckily, we also have a list of the best mice for Windows 10 PCs for you to choose from.

If you have other suggestions, kindly share more information in the Comments section below.

Windows 11 2022 Features Update is starting to roll out and brings Tabbed File Explorer and more

Posted on by Kareem Anderson

Microsoft’s first official Windows 11 2022 Features Update is rolling out to devices today and brings the long-awaited Tabbed File Explorer UI experience and more.

When Microsoft announced and began shipping its Windows 11 2022 Update back in September, the company also made mention of a Features Update that would accompany the release schedule later this year and bring with it new experiences that just a bit more time to bake.

Here we are a month later and the first Windows 11 2022 Features Update is bringing a new Tabbed File Explorer interface, Suggested Actions, Taskbar Overflow management, expanded Share to Device options, a revamped Photos App, access to the long-awaited Amazon App Store for Windows, and new sports and entertainment apps.

As previously mentioned and reminiscent of that late Sets experiment in Windows 10, the new Tabbed File Explorer allows users to click a plus sign in the Explorer menu to add separate tabs to better navigate content between different locations in Windows 11.

Windows 11 File Explorer

The new Suggested Actions feature is a bit explanatory and will enable users to seamlessly gain contextual prompts when navigating Windows 11. Suggestions include creating events with a simple right click, launching supported communications apps such as Teams or Skype.

Windows 11 Suggestions

Users will also gain access to the updated Taskbar Overflow management experience that adds a dedicated section to neatly store the apps you don’t readily use as well as create a localized Settings Menu app for Taskbar settings.

Windows 11 Taskbar Overflow

In addition, Windows users can now take advantage of sharing files and content with more discoverable devices.

Microsoft re-teased the launch of its revamped Photos App during last week’s Surface hardware event by explaining that soon iPhone users on Windows will have support for iCloud management and back up tools via the new app.

Windows 11 New Photos App

Android apps written to the Amazon Appstore will soon be available to Windows 11 users in Australia, Canada, Germany, Italy, Japan, Spain, United Kingdom, France and a few others via the Windows Subsystem for Android. Windows users instantly gain access to over 50,000 experiences and native apps such as Audible, Kindle, Lutron and more.’

Windows 11 Amazon App Store

Last up is the new Windows app for sports and entertainment rolling out from EPSN. The ESPN app will join a growing list of AAA experiences on Windows that include Hulu, Netflix, Crunchyroll, TikTok, Disney+ and Amazon Prime Video.

If you’ve been waiting to get your hands on some of these new features since Microsoft teased them last month, you may have to continue waiting just a bit longer as Microsoft’s is being overly cautious with the way it’s rolling this pack of experiences out.

These new features and experiences will start to become available today in an optional non-security preview release and a phased rollout via our servicing technology and new apps via Microsoft Store updates5, ensuring you can take advantage of the latest Windows experiences as these new features are ready. The new features will be made broadly available to all editions of Windows 11, version 22H2 in the November 2022 security update release.

So, check your Microsoft Store for app updates and installs, or revisit the whole feature pack in November 2022, when Microsoft should have it fully released for all Windows 11 users alike.

Not Enough Disk Space Error in Hyper-V: 4 Ways to Fix It

Posted on by Henderson Jayden Harper

Hyper-V not having enough disk space is an error most users complain about frequently, so you’re not alone. This issue prevents users from running multiple virtual machines and results in many Hypervisor errors on Windows 11.

How much disk space does Hyper-V need to run multiple VMs?

Memory is one of the essential components of the Hypervisor. You need to allocate memory to virtual machines for them to be able to run.

A standard Hyper-V host requires about 4 GB of memory space to run Hyper-V and the management operating system.

However, running multiple virtual machines calls for more memory usage. So, users should assign bigger memory space.

Nevertheless, running into this error on Hyper-V can occur due to many factors. The major ones are:

  • Many virtual machines run synchronously: The free disk space on your device may not be enough to run the entire machine on Hyper-V. So, you can run into errors trying to run additional VMs.
  • Background programs: Many programs running in the background can consume your disk space. They use more disk space, leaving no memory space for the Hyper-V VMs.

Many other factors can cause a shortage in memory space in Hyper-V. You can read about fixing Hyper-V that ran out of memory errors to understand the problem better.

What can I do if there’s not enough disk space in Hyper-V?

Before anything else, consider doing these preliminary checks:

  • Close unnecessary running programs on your PC that may be consuming the disk space.
  • Check disk space on Hyper-V to know how much space is available.
  • Free some memory space on your computer and restart your computer to check if the memory error is fixed.
  • An excellent way to free up disk space in Hyper-V for multiple virtual machines is to close other unnecessary VMs. It’ll create more memory space for the new virtual machines to establish. However, we have a detailed guide on what to do if you have issues with virtual machine management in Windows 11.

If after these, the error persists, proceed to the advanced fixes below.

1. Expand Hyper-V disk size via Hyper-V Manager

  1. Click Start, type hyper in the search box, then press Enter.
  2. Select the Hyper-V Manager from the search results.
  3. Click on the virtual machine you want to expand its disk, then select the Edit Disk option to prompt the Edit Virtual Hard Disk wizard.
  4. Click on Next to locate the Disk window, then click the Browse button to find the path of the virtual hard disk.
  5. Select the file and click Open, then click Next.
  6. Choose Expand on the Choose Action page and click Next.
  7. Select the Configure Disk option and input a larger size in the New size space, then click Next.
  8. Click Finish.

Restart your PC and check if the memory issue persists. If you encounter Hyper-V error when applying hard drive changes, take a look at this guide.

2. Perform a disk cleanup

  1. Press Start, type this PC in the search box, and click Enter.
  2. Select the first search result, and right-click on the drive you want to clean up.
  3. Choose Properties from the drop-down, then click on Disk Cleanup.
  4. Select the files you want to delete and click OK
  5. Click on Clean Up System Files and wait for the cleaner to calculate everything.
  6. Select the file to delete, then press OK after selecting.

We recommend you read how to free up Disk space on Windows 11 for further information on this.

3. Initiate Compact Virtual Hard Disks

  1. Click Start, type hyper in the search box, then press Enter.
  2. Click on the Hyper-V Manager from the search results.
  3. Specify the virtual machine you want to expand its disk.
  4. Select Edit Disk to open the Edit Virtual Hard Disk wizard.
  5. Select the virtual hard disk whose size you want to reduce.
  6. Choose Compact, then click Finish.

By initiating a compact disk, more spaces will be available from the shrunk VM memory.

4. Clear deleted VM files

  1. Open File Explorer on your PC by pressing the Windows + E keys.
  2. Check for the VMs you recently deleted that are still in the folder by following this navigation: C:\ProgramData\Microsoft\Windows\Hyper-V\Virtual Machines
  3. Right-click on the virtual machine and select Delete from the drop-down. (If it is empty, close it)

Deleting the VM files of deleted virtual machines will free up disk space. However, we advise that you use Hyper-V backup software to back up your VMs to be able to access them after being deleted.

Alternatively, you can check how to run disk cleanup on Windows 11. Also, you can read our article on how to fix Hypervisor not running on Windows 11.

If you have questions or suggestions, you can leave them in the comments section. We’d like to hear from you.

Hyper-V DHCP Is Not Working: 5 Ways to Permanently Fix It

Posted on by Henderson Jayden Harper

Running into issues like the Hyper-V DHCP not working can be really annoying, especially if you are an administrator.

Also, users complain about many errors they encounter when using the DHCP network, such as being unable to contact the DHCP server on their PC. Hence, this guide will explore the causes and fixes for Hyper-V DHCP if it’s not working.

Why is the Hyper-V DHCP not working?

Take into consideration these potential causes:

  • Issues with the Hyper-V virtual switch configuration: The Hyper-V DHCP server connection may not work if there is a problem with the virtual switch configuration. Also, the Hyper-V virtual switch configuration of the DHCP is not by default, so it can be hard to maneuver.
  • Outdated Network adapters: It can result in difficulties with the Hyper-V server network setup. It impedes its connection, preventing you from accessing the DHCP server.
  • Poor or slow network connection: Establishing a connection with the DHCP server needs a stable network connection, so it may not work if it is not strong or fast.

How do I fix Hyper-V DHCP if it’s not working?

Before anything, we recommend you pay attention to the following preliminary checks:

  • Disconnect any virtual connection on your computer.
  • Verify if your network settings use DHCP instead of a manually configured address.
  • Restart the host or physical computer to reload its network connections. Try connecting the Hyper-V DHCP network and see if it works.

If, after observing the checks, you’re unable to connect, go ahead with the solutions below:

1. Troubleshoot Network Adapter

  1. Press the Windows key, input Troubleshoot settings into the search space, then press Enter.
  2. Select the first result option, then click on Other troubleshooters and select the Network Adapter to troubleshoot.
  3. Click on Run the troubleshooter.
  4. Select a network from the Select the network adapter to diagnose tab and click Next.
  5. Wait for the troubleshooting to complete and check if the diagnosis identifies any problem.

2. Update your Network Adapters

  1. Click on Start, input Device Manager into the search space, then press Enter.
  2. Select Device Manager from the search results, then click the Network Adapters option.
  3. Right-click on the adapter to update and click on the Update driver button.
  4. Select the Search automatically for updates option (Windows will install updates if there are any available for the driver).

Restart your computer afterward. However, we recommend you consult our article for a guide on updating network drivers in Windows 11.

3. Enable the DHCP Guard in Hyper-V via the Windows PowerShell

  1. Press the Windows + X keys, press Enter to launch the Quick Link menu, and select Network Connections.
  2. Navigate to the Network and Sharing Center tab, then click the LAN 01 option to prompt the LAN Status window.
  3. Click on Details to prompt the Network Connection Details.
  4. Click Start on the Virtual Machine host (VM-HOST), then click Windows PowerShell.
  5. Type in the following commands and press Enter:  Set-VMNetworkAdapter -VMName “DC SERVER=Win 2016” -DhcpGuard On
  6. Go to the CLIENT machine, right-click on Start, then click Command Prompt (Admin).
  7. Type in the following commands and hit Enter: IPConfig /release  IPConfig /renew
  8. Repeat steps 1-4 and check if there’s a DHCP Server IP Address from SUB-01.

Refresh your machines and check if Hyper-V DHCP now works.

Alternatively, for related details, users can refer to our article on how to disable credential guard to run Hyper-V and VMware.

4. Troubleshoot DHCP not working by resetting it

  1. Press Windows + I to open Windows Settings and select the Network and Internet option.
  2. Scroll downwards and click on Advanced network settings.
  3. Click on Network reset and press the Reset button.
  4. On the confirmation message, click Yes.

Restart your PC and check if you have been able to fix the Hyper-V DHCP server connection errors. The steps above should help fix errors like DHCP not enabled for Ethernet too.

5. Configure the DHCP Server function on the router

  1. Launch Pfsense Router and log in with an Admin account.
  2. Navigate to Services and select DHCP server.
  3. Click the LAN option, then select Enable DHCP Server on the LAN tab.
  4. Go to the Range tab and input the IP Address range you want to grant to the workstation.
  5. Select the option to Change the DHCP display lease time from UTC to local time and Enable RRD statistics graphs. Then, click on Save.

Nonetheless, you are liable to encounter lots of other problems with Hyper-V. Hence, we recommend you check our article on how to fix Hyper-V internet connecting issues in a few steps.

Also, read how to enable Hyper-V and container features on your virtual machine.

If you have further queries or know of a better suggestion that has worked for you, kindly leave them in the comments section. We’d like to hear from you.

Reduce Service Host SysMain High Disk Usage in Windows 10

Posted on by Tashreef Shareef

Several users have reported Service Host SysMain causing high disk usage and memory issues in Windows 10, which can be a problem since it will negatively impact your performance.

In this article, we’ll explore a few troubleshooting steps to help you resolve the issues you might have with this service, so let’s get started.

How do I fix Service Host Sysmain high disk usage on Windows 10?

If you want to skip these solutions’ rigors, you should consider upgrading from HHD to a reliable SSD. An upgrade in hardware mitigates many performance issues.

1. Stop SysMain service

1.1 Using the Services app

  1. Press the Windows key + R.
  2. Type services.msc and press Enter.
  3. In the Services window, locate SysMain and double-click it.
  4. Click the Stop button.
  5. Click OK to save the changes.

1.2 Service Host SysMain disable using the Command Prompt

  1. Press the Windows key + S.
  2. Type cmd. Click on Run as administrator to open the Command Prompt.
  3. In the Command Prompt window, type the following command and hit Enter:
    sc stop "SysMain" & sc config "SysMain" start=disabled
  4. You should see Change Service Config Success. This is how you can disable Service Host SysMain.

2. Run SFC and DISM scans

  1. Click the Start button, type sfc, and click on Run as administrator from the results.
  2. Type the following command and press Enter to run it: sfc /scannow
  3. Wait for the scan to complete, then type the following command and press Enter to run it: Dism /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
  4. Wait for DISM to complete the scan and restart your PC afterward to see if the problem has been fixed.

For some of our readers, this issue was caused by one or more corrupted system files, and the System File Checker and DISM tools fixed this problem so you should try it. You can also try specialized software to ease this process significantly.

3. Edit the DWORD value on your Registry Editor

  1. Press the Windows key + R. Type regedit and click OK.
  2. In Registry Editor, navigate to the following location:
    HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\SysMain
  3. Then, in the right pane, double-click on Start.
  4. Enter 4 in the Value Data field. Then, click OK to save the changes.

4. Update Windows

  1. Press the Windows key + I to open the Settings app.
  2. Go to Update & Security.
  3. Check for pending Windows updates and install them.

Installing Windows updates can fix the high disk usage issue caused by a glitch in the operating system.

What is Service Host Sysmain?

Service Host SysMain (earlier known as Superfetch) is a bundle of system processes. You are most likely wondering how it works.

This processes package is supposed to optimize the apps launching and speed up their starting, but sometimes it can do quite the opposite, causing high disk and CPU usage.

What causes SysMain’s high disk usage?

Have you ever wondered why is Service Host Sysmain causing high disk usage? Missing updates are the most common cause of this problem, so it’s advised to keep your PC up to date to avoid such issues.

In addition, if this service is causing problems, you might want to try disabling it. Other Sysmain issues include:

  • 100% disk usage – This occurs when your system works at 100% capacity to handle the tasks.
  • High disk activity – High disk activity means that your system’s disk is running too many apps, and reaches high levels, even though not at 100% yet.
  • High CPU usage – This is caused by your Central Processing Unit, or CPU working excessively to deal with the tasks at hand.

What is the use of service host SysMain?

SysMain is a legitimate Windows service that optimizes the computer’s performance by reducing the app loading time. It does so by continuously collecting data about the app usage pattern.

Once it has a sufficient amount and has identified a pattern, for instance, a user opening the Mail app at 10 AM, it will automatically load the required files so that the app launches quickly when a user manually does that.

If the SysMain is causing high disk usage in Windows 10, this can make your computer slow, affecting the performance of other programs and slowing down the PC.

Once you have fixed the problem, do check some quick tips to boost performance in Windows 10.

Did you find a solution to this problem on your own? Feel free to share your answer with us in the comments section below.

Teams will let users set Adobe Acrobat as a default PDF viewer soon

Posted on by Radu Tyrsina

Last year, we saw Microsoft and Adobe come together to explore new ways to meet their customer’s needs. For instance, the use of embedding Adobe’s software like PDF, e-Signature, and document automation capabilities in Microsoft 365. This is especially after most organizations started taking up the hybrid work approach to mitigate the impact of the pandemic.

Building upon this premise, Microsoft announced that Adobe Acrobat as a default PDF experience in Microsoft Teams is now available in public preview. This means that you can use it to view and edit PDF files from the chat, channel, and files app in Teams. What’s more, tenant users do not require an Adobe subscription or ID to view, search, comment, and annotate PDF files. However, the subscription becomes mandatory when the user wants to create, organize, combine, or export a PDF.

Now you can set Adobe Acrobat as the default app to view and edit PDF files in Microsoft Teams. Once done, all PDF files from the chat, channel, and files app will open directly in the Acrobat app within Teams. Your end-users don’t need an Adobe Acrobat subscription or an Adobe ID to view, search, comment and annotate PDF files. However, to Create, Organize, Combine, or Export a PDF, the tenant users will need an Adobe Acrobat subscription.

To set Adobe Acrobat as a default PDF viewer in Microsoft Teams, admins need to set up the Acrobat app to work in the tenant and then avail it on the users’ Teams client as detailed in Microsoft’s post.

And now, according to the Microsoft 365 Roadmap, the standard release of the feature tagged 95128 has been pushed forward and will now start rolling out in early November and is expected to reach wide availability towards the end of November.

Windows 10 KB5020435 comes with connection problems fix

Posted on by Alexandru Poloboc

Nothing important has been happening for Windows 10 lately, apart from this month’s Patch Tuesday rollout, which introduced a number of updates to the operating system.

Pretty soon, Windows 10 is going to get its own version 22H2, just like Windows 11 has. Until then, however, Microsoft needed to take care of some problems.

This bug that we are referring to has actually been triggered by the Patch Tuesday update rollout, so something clearly needed to be done.

A closer look at OOB builds 19042.2132, 19043.2132, and 19044.2132

Just as in the case of Windows 11 (KB5020387), Microsoft has released a new update for Windows 10 devices as well, in the form of KB5020435.

And, exactly like in the new OS, this patch is here to address an issue with Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) and Transport Layer Security (TLS) connections.

Needless to say, the highlights in builds 19042.2132, 19043.2132, and 19044.2132 are the same for Windows 10 20H2, 21H1, and 21H2.

As you know, this update makes quality improvements to the servicing stack, which is the component that installs Windows updates.

Servicing stack updates (SSU) ensure that you have a robust and reliable servicing stack so that your devices can receive and install Microsoft updates.

Highlights

  • Addressed an issue that might affect some types of Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) and Transport Layer Security (TLS) connections. These connections might have handshake failures. For developers, the affected connections are likely to receive one or more records followed by a partial record with a size of less than 5 bytes within a single input buffer. If the connection fails, your app will receive the error, SEC_E_ILLEGAL_MESSAGE.
Note icon NOTE
If you installed earlier updates, only the new updates contained in this package will be downloaded and installed on your device.

Known issues

  • Devices with Windows installations created from custom offline media or custom ISO image might have Microsoft Edge Legacy removed by this update, but not automatically replaced by the new Microsoft Edge. This issue is only encountered when custom offline media or ISO images are created by slipstreaming this update into the image without having first installed the standalone servicing stack update (SSU) released March 29, 2021 or later.
Note icon NOTE
Devices that connect directly to Windows Update to receive updates are not affected. This includes devices using Windows Update for Business. Any device connecting to Windows Update should always receive the latest versions of the SSU and latest cumulative update (LCU) without any extra steps.
  • After installing this update, some Windows devices might have issues with audio not working. Some affected Windows devices might have no audio, but other affected Windows devices might only have issues on certain ports, certain audio devices or only within certain applications. Most affected audio devices drivers have the audio enhancements setting disabled before installing this update or the sound device driver has issues with the audio enhancements feature.

This is what we are looking at for the moment, Nothing too much or over the top, as thie is simply an OOB 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.

This is everything you can expect if you are a Windows 10 user. Leave a comment below if you found any issues since installing this Insider build.

Fix: Windows 10 Activation Settings Are Not Loading

Posted on by Claire Moraa

Windows 10 notifies you to activate your copy, but the activation settings are not loading. Whether you’re doing a clean install or just updating manually, you will eventually get to the point where the activation process stops on the Windows Activation screen. 

You could end up with a blank page and get stuck. Sometimes you may get past this point but later find out that the activation key is not working. For today, let’s fix the activation settings issue.

Why are Windows activation settings not loading?

If you are stuck with a blank stage when trying to activate your copy of Windows 10, it can be frustrating. Below are some possible reasons behind this issue:

  • Corrupted system files – If you are experiencing activation issues in Windows 10, then it’s possible that your system files may have become corrupt or damaged. You need to repair or restore the corrupt system files.
  • Your computer is blocked from the internet – Make sure that your computer has a working internet connection. If you can’t connect to the internet or have slow internet, try using another device to connect to your router or modem.
  • Corrupt user profile – The most common cause of this issue is a corrupt user profile. This can happen if you have recently reformatted your computer, or if you have upgraded to Windows 10 from an older version of Windows.

Is there any problem not activating Windows 10?

Well, you still get access to most of the features. However, the answer is yes because if you don’t activate it, you won’t be able to use many other features that come with Windows 10.

Many of these features help protect your computer from malware. Failure to activate could result in your PC becoming infected with malware.

Second, your PC will run slowly because Windows is constantly checking to see if it’s a legal copy or not. This constant checking takes up CPU cycles and slows down your computer.

Also, when Microsoft updates Windows 10 with new features and bug fixes, they’ll only update the activated copies of Windows 10. 

If you’re using an unactivated copy of Windows 10 then Microsoft won’t include these updates in their distribution of new features and fixes to users who haven’t activated Windows 10 yet. 

Another small but still bothersome issue is that if you don’t activate your copy of Windows 10,  you’ll get a watermark on the lower-right corner of your desktop. This watermark won’t go away until you find a way to activate Windows but you can find a subtle way to remove watermarks.

So, how long can you use Windows 10 without activating? Find out in our comprehensive article.

What can I do if Windows 10 Activation settings are not loading?

A few basic checks before any advanced troubleshooting you should do include:

  • Unplug any devices that might be interfering with your network.
  • Switch from a wireless to an Ethernet connection.
  • Check if there is a problem with your network by connecting another device to the same network.
  • Restart your computer and router if possible. 

If all check out but the activation settings are still not loading, below are more troubleshooting steps.

1. Run the Activation troubleshooter 

  1. Hit the Start menu and select Settings.windows 10 asking for activation but already activated
  2. Click on Update & Security.update and security
  3. Select Activation on the left hand pane, and click on Troubleshoot on the right hand pane.
  4. Click Yes on the dialog box that pops up.

At times, you may be out of luck and find that even the Activation troubleshooter is not working. You can decide to wait it out or proceed to the next solutions.

2. Run DISM and SFC commands 

  1. Hit the Windows search button.
  2. Type cmd in the search bar and select Run as administrator.
  3. Enter the following command: DISM.exe /Online /Restorehealth dism
  4. Allow for the command to be executed then type in the next one: sfc /scannowrun command to find issues with gpu.

Another option you can choose to use is a specialized tool that can perform this process with just one click.

You can opt for a reliable repair program that scans your PC to detect malfunctioning files and find fresh files as replacements within a few minutes.

3. Create a new user profile 

If your current user profile is corrupted or damaged in any way, it could be causing the issue with your activation status. To fix this problem, create a new user profile on your computer and sign in with that account instead of your old one.

Remember to set the account as administrator so that you will have all the required permissions to make changes to the PC.

Hopefully, you have been able to solve the issue and the activation settings for Windows 10 have resurfaced on your PC. This should allow you to go ahead and activate your OS.

Should you run into any other issues such as the product activation has failed error, we have an excellent guide that addresses this problem.

Also, check out our article on what to do if Windows deactivates after an update as it can be a very strange instance especially if you have just recently updated it.

Let us know what solution fixed the issue for you in the comments section below.

The new Windows 11 KB5020387 fixes TLS/SLS network issues

Posted on by Alexandru Poloboc

It hasn’t been long since Microsoft released this month’s Patch Tuesday batch of security patches, but we are getting yet another cumulative update.

We also received a Beta Channel Insider build a few days ago and that is also worth looking into. Speaking of Windows 11, the new Android 12L update for Surface devices will look more like the new OS.

Now, however, the Redmond tech giant has released Build 22000.1100, which is a Windows 11 OOB update that tackles the TLS/SLS network problems.

Check out Build 22000.1100 for Windows 11

Indeed, Microsoft has released an out-of-band (OOB) update (KB5020387) designed to fix the Transport Layer Security (TLS)/ Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) handshake failure issue that users are reporting.

This nasty bug is actually leading to a failure of connection establishment between clients and servers. These were set off by this month’s Patch Tuesday for both Windows 11 and Windows 10.

Highlights

  • Addressed an issue that might affect some types of Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) and Transport Layer Security (TLS) connections. These connections might have handshake failures. For developers, the affected connections are likely to receive one or more records followed by a partial record with a size of less than 5 bytes within a single input buffer. If the connection fails, your app will receive the error, SEC_E_ILLEGAL_MESSAGE.

Improvements

  • Addressed an issue that might affect some types of Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) and Transport Layer Security (TLS) connections. These connections might have handshake failures. For developers, the affected connections are likely to receive one or more records followed by a partial record with a size of less than 5 bytes within a single input buffer. If the connection fails, your app will receive the error, SEC_E_ILLEGAL_MESSAGE.

Please keep in mind that if you installed earlier updates, only the new updates contained in this package will be downloaded and installed on your device.

If you want to download this update, apply any available Windows update or head over to the Microsoft Update Catalog.

Also, recently, Microsoft released the first major update for the new operating system. However, version 22H2 is temporarily full of bugs and issues.

Not to mention that the tech giant has leaked a photo of the new Windows 12 UI, the next operating system in line. For the time being it is still in development.

We’re going to report back next time Microsoft releases a brand new update full of fixes, improvements, and of course known issues.

What can I do if I can’t install KB5020387?

  1. Press Win+ I to access Settings.
  2. Select the System category and click on Troubleshoot.w11 troubleshoot
  3. Press the Other troubleshooters button.other troubleshooters windows 11
  4. Press the Run button next to Windows Update.windows update troubleshooter

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.

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 Insider build.

Fix Outlook if It’s Running Slow in 4 Steps

Posted on by Milan Stanojevic

Let us explore Outlook and help you fix issues connected to the service running slow. Outlook has performance issues caused by a corrupt or damaged PST file, an add-in that isn’t functioning, a corrupt profile, or a problem with the Outlook application.

This article presents all you need to know to resolve these issues.

How does the Windows registry get corrupted?

When Outlook 365 is running slow, it could be the installed add-ins to blame. To verify, run Outlook in Safe Mode, and if the performance improves, remove the non-critical add-ins.

Also, Outlook could be slow when recent updates and patches are not installed. Running an outdated version of any app can cause issues with both performance and security.

Besides, a corrupt or damaged Outlook profile, and third-party conflicts, usually from installed antivirus, can be behind Outlook 2016 running slow.

How do I fix a slow Outlook on Windows 10?

  1. 1. Adjust send and receive settings
    1. Click on File.
    2. Select Options from the lower left corner.
      outlook slow
    3. Click Advanced and scroll down to Send and Receive section, then select Send/Receive…
    4. Under Setting for group, adjust the time to a reduced value.
  2. 2. Disable RSS feeds
    1. Click on File.
    2. Select Options from the lower left corner.
      outlook slow
    3. Click Advanced and unselect the two options under RSS feeds.
      outlook slow
  3. 3. Disable add-ins
    • Click on File.
    • Select Options from the lower left corner.
      outlook slow
    • Click Add-ins and select COM add-ins, then click the GO button.
      outlook slow
    • Find the suspect add-ins and uncheck their corresponding boxes.
  4. 4. Compact data files
    • Click on File.
    • Expand the Account Settings option and select Account Settings.
    • Click on Data Files, select any of your data files, and click on the Settings option.
    • Click the Compact Now button.

We also encourage you to check the network connection and verify that you are receiving a decent speed. Slow Internet speed is a common underlying cause of Outlook issues.

Also, if you would rather skip fixing Outlook, you may try other options. For example, we recommend looking into the best Windows 10 email client apps because they provide plenty of valuable features.

That’s it! By now, you should have Outlook running again, and it won’t be slow anymore. However, for more official solutions, check out what Microsoft’s support page for Outlook performance issues.

Why are my emails slowly coming through?

There are a few reasons you may encounter delays in receiving your emails. On top of the list are the following:

  • The email size or size of its attachments
  • Your network latency
  • Issues with backing up virus/spam scanners
  • Delays between recipient or sender client

In most cases, you may not be able to do much about the delays; for example, the sender and recipient client may have a fixed interaction period spanning a few seconds to some minutes.

You may have to wait it out.

How long does it take for Outlook to send emails?

When Outlook is online and linked to a network, emails will be sent immediately after you click Send. Likewise, emails will be sent when the following Outlook is online if you send them when the service is offline.

The solutions below will work for the following error variations:

  • Outlook slow to open/send/receive emails – Adjust the send and receive settings as we have shown in the first solution.
  • Outlook slow and not responding – Delete the RSS feed in order to improve the performance of Outlook.
  • Outlook slow to load emails – You might need to delete old emails, as the storage is getting crowded.
  • Outlook slow to sync with Gmail – Disable add-ins to make Outlook perform better.
  • Outlook slow and crashing – Compact your files in order to free up more space for future emails.
  • Outlook slow synchronizing – Log out then log back into your account to restart the synchronization process.

The fixes above would come in handy if Outlook is having slow synchronizing, is slow to open emails, receive emails, send emails, or load emails. You will also find them convenient if Outlook is slow and not responding.

Repairing Microsoft Office will fix issues that can cause it not to function properly like One or more items in the folder you synchronized do not match; read this guide to learn more.

Were you able to fix Outlook running slow in Windows 10 using the solutions above? Let us know in the comments section below.

How to install and use Edge on Android

Posted on by Radu Tyrsina

Microsoft’s Edge is brimming with features that make the default browser a delight to use—it beats down using the now-defunct Internet Explorer any day.

And, if you’re a fan, it might be a good idea to bring the Edge experience to your smartphone with you. In this article, we’ll look at precisely that. First, we’ll cover how to install the Edge browser on your Android and then go over how to make the most out of it.

So let’s get started.

How to install Edge on your Android

Built on Blink, a browser engine developed through combined efforts of Google, Facebook, Microsoft, and others, the Edge android browser works as fast and efficiently as its PC counterpart.

To get started with installing Edge on your Android, first head to Google PlayStore.

Once you’re in the PlayStore app, click on the search menu from above, type in ‘edge’, and hit Search. The App Store will instantly give you the Edge app in the search results.

installing microsoft edge

From there, click on Install, and the browser download and installation will begin. Depending on your internet speed, the app download will wind up in a few seconds, and the automatic installation will start.

edge app installation

When you’re done with the installation, click on Open. The app will be launched as soon as you do that. Now, let’s look at how you can make the most out of your app.

Using Edge on Android

When you open the Edge app for the first time, it will ask you to sign in to your Microsoft account. By signing into your default account, you can easily sync your data across devices; we suggest you sign in for a seamless user experience.

If you’ve been using other Microsoft products on your smartphone, the app will pick up your email address from there and give that as an option for sign-in. Alternatively, you can click on Add account and manually type in your email address and password.

edge sign in

Alternatively, you can click on Sign in later and move ahead with the sync. For this example, we’ll go with this option.

On the next page, the app will ask you for your data-sharing preference; if you select the checkbox, you’ll be sharing your browsing data—including how you use the browser, your crash reports, etc.—straight to Microsoft. To better protect your privacy, I suggest you uncheck the radio box and click on Confirm.

You’ll then be asked whether you want to set Edge as the default browser on your Android. Choose the option you’d like, and then move ahead.

Finally, on the home screen, you’ll see a search box and a few Microsoft app widgets. When you scroll down you’ll find the Feed section, where you can find all the top news stories doing rounds in your area.

edge home section

edge new feed

Note: You can tweak your feed to your liking by clicking on the Personalise tab from the top of your news feed. Under the My Interests section, you can select a host of options from News, Entertainment, Sports, Money, and so on—the items you choose here will show up on your Feed.

From the bottom, if you click on the three-dotted menu, you’ll see other options like History, Downloads, Settings, etc. From here, you can control the workings of your device with ease.

Installing and using Edge on Android

Using Edge on your Android is not much different from using it on your Windows PC. Moreover, if you decide to use the sync feature of the app, you can synchronize your usage across your devices. Of course, the Edge Android app offers its own share of tips and tricks—real world camera search and read aloud feature, for instance— that can make your browsing experience a delight. So, make sure you explore all the features it has to offer before you move onto something else.

Asio.sys Error: 3 Simple Ways to Fix This BSoD

Posted on by Madalina Dinita

If you’re getting an Asio.sys error on your Windows PC, it’s most likely because the driver is out of date or missing. We’ll show you how to fix that and a couple of more ways to address this error.

Asio.sys handles low-latency audio communication between your computer’s sound hardware and software, ensuring smooth, high-quality audio performance, especially for professional music production and real-time sound applications.

Given how important asio.sys is for audio, let’s get started with the troubleshooting.

How do I fix asio.sys error?

Before starting any core fixes we have put together, you should consider using a specialized BSOD troubleshooter.

1. Update the Universal ASIO driver

  1. Press Windows Key + S, then type Device Manager.
  2. Expand Universal ASIO Driver, right-click on Universal ASIO Driver and select Update driver.
  3. Once done, restart the PC.

Thankfully, there is another more accessible way to update your drivers. Download third-party software like Fortect Driver Updater that finds the latest driver versions and automatically replaces the bad ones. It is safer and will save you the time of searching and doing it manually.

Alternatively, if it is missing from your PC, you’ll have to download and install asio driver anew.

2. Run an SFC

    A System File Checker is an accessible tool within Windows that can scan and repair your Windows system files.

    1. Type cmd in the Search box and click on Run as Administrator to open an elevated Command Prompt window.
    asio.sys error

  2. 2. When Command Prompt opens, enter the following command and press Enter: sfc /scannow

    asio.sys error

  3. 3. Don’t close Command Prompt or interrupt the repair process. It can take a while, so wait patiently while it completes.

3. Run a complete malware scan

  1. Press the Start button, type virus, and select the Virus & threat protection option.
    asio.sys error
  2. Choose Scan options.
  3. Select the Full Scan option.
    asio.sys error
  4. Finally, click the Scan now button and wait for the scan to finish.

Alternatively, you can run a full system scan using other antimalware tools.

How do I download and install the Realtek ASIO component?

  1. Visit the official site for the driver download (this will depend on your computer manufacturer).
  2. Once you locate the Realtek ASIO driver, click on download.
  3. You should then click the downloaded file to install it on your computer.

We also have another guide that focuses on resolving the asio.sys error on Windows, so don’t miss it.

Lastly, tell us what worked for you in the comments section below.

How to Fix Greyed Out Notification Settings in Windows 10

Posted on by Claire Moraa

If you’re using a Microsoft computer, you might have come across a common problem when you try to change the notification settings of your Windows 10. You may have noticed that some notification settings have suddenly become greyed out.

Notifications are not the only settings as your Webcam settings may also be greyed out. If you are facing the notification settings problem, then this post could help you out as we have listed all possible solutions to fix this.

Why can’t I click on my notifications on Windows 10?

When you receive a new notification on your Windows 10 computer, you can click on it to open it. However, sometimes, you may have trouble clicking on your notifications. 

So, why is my message notification greyed out? Here are some possible causes:

  • Your organization has applied GPO settings – Some settings are managed by your organization. This will block some apps from sending notifications. If this is the case, then you won’t see any notifications from any app that isn’t whitelisted.
  • Not enough permissions – When a notification is greyed-out, it could mean that the app developer has restricted access to certain parts of your computer and has not given permission for the app to display notifications.
  • You have not activated your version of Windows – If you’re a Windows 10 user and your notifications appear to be greyed out, there’s a good chance it’s because you haven’t activated your license. You won’t be able to see any desktop notifications even if they’re enabled in the settings.
  • Virus/malware – If you have a virus or malware on your system, then it might be blocking you from clicking on the notifications. You need a reliable antivirus to scan for any viruses.
  • Fast startup has been enabled – If your computer has Fast Startup enabled, it might be the reason why you can’t access notification settings. This feature enables your computer to start up faster but it also makes some crucial system files unavailable when the computer starts up.
  • The app has been disabled – If the action center is greyed out too, it means that the app that sent the notification is not currently running or has been disabled. You will need to open the associated app and enable it.

Let’s now look at ways to solve this issue down below.

How can I fix greyed-out notification settings in Windows 10?

As always, it is prudent to check off the basics before proceeding to any advanced troubleshooting. These include:

  • Ensure you have enabled the Notifications option.
  • Check if the associated app’s notifications have been enabled. You may want to get notifications from apps and other senders but not all.
  • Ensure you are running an activated version of Windows. If you run into an issue where your activation key is not working, refer to our fix guide.

If you’re lucky enough, one of these might solve your issue. However, if the notifications are still greyed out, proceed to more solutions below.

1. Disable Fast Startup

  1. Hit the Windows key, type Control Panel in the search bar and click Open.
  2. Select Hardware and Sound.
  3. Click on Power Options.
  4. On the left-hand pane, select Choose what the power buttons do.Choose what the power buttons does option
  5. Select Change settings that are currently unavailable.Change settings that are currently available
  6. Uncheck the Turn on fast startup option and click Save changes.

2. Check for viruses/malware 

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

You can also let a third-party tool scan your device for malware and viruses to make sure that is safe and secure. TotalAV is a great choice in this situation because it has a high detection rate and it can instantly remove any cyber threats.

3. Disable the firewall

  1. Hit the Windows button, type security in the search bar, and click on Windows Security.
  2. Click on Firewall & network protection then select Public network.public network
  3. Locate Microsoft Defender Firewall and toggle the off button.Turn off firewall if canon printer driver not installing.

4. Update Windows 

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

It is also important to note that if you are running a pirated version of Windows, updating it might not change anything. 

You may also get a message that says: This copy of Windows is not genuine even though your copy of Windows is from the Official Microsoft site. If this is the case, we have covered a detailed guide on how to bypass this issue.

And that’s how to fix the greyed out notification settings in Windows 10. You may also encounter an issue where some apps are greyed out. If they are unnecessary, you can get rid of the greyed out apps in Windows 10 too.

While you are still here, also check out our article on what to do when your Group Policy Editor is greyed out.

Feel free to share any additional thoughts you may have on this topic in the comments section below.

Exception Access Violation: What is it & How to Fix

Posted on by Milan Stanojevic

You can get a software error almost in any application, and speaking of software errors, today we are going to cover the Exception Access Violation error on Windows 10.

We will begin by answering some of your most asked questions and then jump into the list of solutions you need to go through.

What is Exception access violation?

Access Violation is a memory related error. It usually arises while installing or running an application if the memory allocation for the process has not been optimally done. For example, an error may appear when the program tries to access memory not allocated.

It could be outdated drivers, a problem with the RAM, or running an older version of DirectX, amongst others, behind the error.

Speaking of it, users reported the following error messages on their PC:

  • Unhandled Exception Access Violation in Visual Studio – If you have this problem, try reinstalling the affected application and check if that solves the problem.
  • Exception_access_violation in module ntdll.dll, odbc32.dll, uninstallexplorer.dll – Sometimes, this error message will give you the file’s name, which enables you to research the error and find a specific fix.
  • Exception Access Violation in Kaspersky – Various antivirus applications can cause this error message. Users reported this problem with Kaspersky, but other antivirus tools can also cause it;
  • Exception Access Violation in World of Warships, Overwatch, Minecraft, Borderlands 3 (BL3) – Sometimes, this error message can affect certain games, and users report issues with Overwatch, Minecraft, and many other games.
  • Unhandled Exception Access Violation – Unhandled exception errors are also frequent on Windows, and they occur when the software side cannot manage exceptions.
  • The program will be terminated Exception Access Violation – You should try reinstalling the application to see if it helps fix the issue.
  • Exception Access Violation C0000005 – The error is caused due to a buffer overrun.

Without further ado, let’s see how you can fix all these errors in ten different yet effective ways. Follow along!

How do I fix an access violation error?

Before we start troubleshooting, here are a few quick things you may try to resolve the error:

  1. Remove any add-ons or plugins installed on the app throwing the error. For instance, users reported issues with Excel add-ons. Removing add-ons also helps with Exception_Illegal_Instruction.
  2. In the case of games, verify that the settings are correctly configured, or you may revert to the default ones.
  3. If you see the error while gaming with the Logitech headset G35 connected, disconnect it while the game loads, and then plug it back in when you start playing.

If none of these quick fixes worked, let’s head to the comprehensive ones.

1. Check your PC for malware

According to users, sometimes, this error can appear due to malware infections. For example, many reported a fake Chromium browser on their PC that caused this error.

Therefore, performing a detailed scan with your antivirus software is advised. If your current antivirus can’t find and fix the problem, we strongly recommend that you try another solution.

In search of a suitable antivirus for your system, you should look for one that has a minimal impact on the system, has identity safety features, and has strong virus protection.

There are many good antivirus software with free trials, so you can try a few before you decide which is the best for your specific needs.

If you want a complete and thorough scan for malware and other viruses, we strongly recommend you use ESET HOME Security Essential since it has some of the most powerful technologies.

ESET works on any device and, in addition to malware protection, it guards your PC against new threats, encrypts your sensitive data, and even has extra layers of protection for privacy and banking.

ESET HOME Security Essential

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2. Add Data Execution Prevention Exception

  1. Press Windows + S to open the Search menu, type View advanced system settings, and click on the search result.
  2. Under the Performance section, click the Settings button.
    Unhandled Exception Access Violation Visual Studio
  3. Go to the Data Execution Prevention tab. 
  4. Select Turn on DEP for all programs and services except those I select, and then click Add.
  5. Locate the .exe file of the program you wish to run, select it, and click on Open.
  6. After you’ve added that program to the DEP exclusion list, click Apply and OK to save the changes.
  7. Try rerunning the program.

If a program gives you an Exception Access Violation error in Windows 10, you might want to add that program to the Data Execution Prevention exceptions list.

3. Disable User Account Control

  1. Press Windows + S to open Search, type UAC, and click on Change user account control settings.
  2. Now, drag the slider down until it says Never Notify, and then click OK to save the changes.

It has been reported that the Exception Access Violation error occurs when users are trying to install Java or when they try to run Java applets or applications.

To fix this issue, it’s advised to disable User Account Control temporarily. This solution also applies to other software, so even if Java is working without any problems on your computer, you can try disabling User Account Control to fix this issue.

We must mention that disabling User Account Control comes with a slight security risk, so if you’re not comfortable with it, disable User Account Control when you run the desired application and turn it back on.

4. Create an options.ini file

Note icon NOTE
This solution only works for Lord of The Rings: Battle for Middle Earth. If you encounter an error with another app, head to the next solution.
  1. Press Windows + R to open Run, type %appdata%, and click OK to open the AppData folder.
    Exception Access Violation Kaspersky
  2. Now, open the My Battle for Middle Earth Files folder.
  3. If the folder is empty, you must create a new options.ini file.
  4. Create a new text document and add the following lines to it:
    AudioLOD = Low
    HasSeenLogoMovies = yes
    IdealStaticGameLOD = VeryLow
    Resolution = 800 600
    StaticGameLOD = VeryLow
    TimesInGame = 1
  5. Now click File and select Save As.
    Exception Access Violation World of Warships
  6. Enter options.ini as the File name, choose All Files from the Save as type dropdown menu, and click Save.
    Exception Access Violation Java
  7. After the file has been saved, try rerunning the game.

5. Make sure that the file isn’t set as read-only

  1. Find the shortcut of the problematic file, right-click on it, and choose Properties.
    Exception Access Violation Minecraft
  2. In the General tab, make sure the Read-only option is unchecked.exception access violation
  3. Now, click on Apply and OK to save the changes.
  4. Try re-running the application.

6. Check for hardware problems

As we already mentioned, Exception Access Violation errors in Windows 10 can sometimes be related to the RAM, so it won’t hurt to check if your RAM is working correctly.

You can use MemTest86 for this purpose. Just download it, move it to a USB flash drive, restart your computer and let MemTest86 run for a while. Also, you could use reliable PC repair software.

7. Use the Compatibility mode

  1. Right-click on the application throwing the error, and choose Properties from the menu.
    Unhandled Exception Access Violation Visual Studio
  2. Navigate to the Compatibility tab. Check the box for Run this program in compatibility mode for, select an older version of Windows from the list, and click OK to save the changes.
    Exception_access_violation in module odbc32.dll

If you’re getting an Exception Access Violation error message frequently, it can be due to compatibility issues.

Fortunately, Windows has a helpful Compatibility mode feature that allows you to run older applications. Unfortunately, you might have to try several different iterations before you find the one that works on your PC.

8. Run the Hardware and Devices troubleshooter

  1. Press Windows + I to open Settings, and click on Update & Security.
    Unhandled Exception Access Violation Visual Studio
  2. Select Troubleshoot from the left, click on Hardware and Devices and then click on Run the troubleshooter button.
    Exception Access Violation Java
  3. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the process.
Note icon NOTE
If you can’t find the troubleshooter in Settings, paste msdt.exe -id DeviceDiagnostic in the Run command, and click OK.

9. Reinstall the application

If you’re getting an Exception Access Violation while trying to run a specific application, you might be able to fix the problem simply by reinstalling that application.

After you have uninstalled the application, download it from the official source. And make sure to get the latest version of it.

What is an access violation error in C++?

This Access Violation error points to an issue with a pointer in the C++ code in Visual Studio. While users had to manually identify the problematic pointer earlier, after the recent update, Visual Studio now lists it along with the error message.

Usually, it’s the memory allocation to blame. So, go through the code and verify that the pointers have been correctly assigned.

Some of the other programs that may throw the error are:

  • Exception Access Violation blender
  • Exception Access Violation SAI
  • C++ Exception Access Violation
  • Exception Access Violation Dead by Daylight
  • Exception Access violation Skyrim

Exception Access Violation errors can cause particular problems on your PC, but we hope you managed to solve this issue by using one of our solutions.

Drop a comment below if you have any other queries or managed to fix the error using another solution.

Nearby Share Not Working on Windows 11? How to Fix it

Posted on by Claire Moraa

Have you tried to send photos and files to someone via Nearby Sharing in Windows 11? How did that work out for you? Windows Nearby Sharing is a very handy feature for those who want to transfer pictures, music (MP3), videos and more from their PC to other Windows devices. 

Unfortunately, this feature doesn’t always perform its functions as expected and you may run into some hurdles at times. You can choose to troubleshoot the issue or explore other Wi-Fi file transfer software.

Why is my Nearby Sharing not working?

The most likely causes of this are:

  • You have not enabled the feature – The Nearby Sharing feature does not come enabled by default in Windows devices. To use it, you need to make sure that the Nearby Sharing option is on.
  • Devices are not in range – While you can use Nearby Sharing with anyone in your vicinity who has also enabled it, you may find that the app doesn’t work when you’re too far away from them. 
  • Outdated OS – Some older versions of Windows are not compatible with the Nearby Sharing feature. Ensure that you upgrade to Windows 11 for the feature to work on your devices.
  • Unsupported device – At the moment, Nearby Sharing only supports transfer of files between Windows devices. If you are trying to use Nearby Sharing from PC to Android or wondering why its not showing up on your Android device, this is the reason.
  • Poor internet connection – If your computer is not connected to the internet or has slow internet speeds, it won’t be able to send files or receive them from other users. Make sure that you have an active internet connection before trying to use Nearby Sharing.
  • Different networks – If you’re not on the same Wi-Fi network as the person you want to share with, you may experience some connection issues. Try connecting to the same Wi-Fi network as the person you want to share with.
  • Insufficient space – If you are using a device that has low memory, the Nearby Sharing may require more memory than it can access. This can cause it to crash or stop working altogether. You need to make sure that you have enough storage space on your device.

How can I fix Nearby Sharing if it’s not working in Windows 11?

If you’re having trouble with Nearby Sharing, here are some things to try before any serious troubleshooting:

  • Check that the Nearby Sharing feature is enabled on both devices.
  • Try turning off Nearby Sharing and then turning it back on after waiting a few minutes.
  • Make sure that Bluetooth is enabled on the devices. Sometimes Bluetooth is not able to detect devices.
  • Ensure that the device you want to share with is in range of your PC’s Bluetooth connection.
  • Make sure your devices are connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
  • Check your internet speed and ensure it is reliable and stable.
  • Ensure both devices have the same version of Windows installed (or at least Nearby Sharing supported versions).
  • Restart your PC as it fixes a lot of issues.

If all these check out but you are still stuck, here are more advanced troubleshooting options.

1. Check Bluetooth compatibility

  1. Hit the Windows key, type Device Manager in the search bar, and click Open.
  2. Find your Bluetooth device, right-click and select Properties.
  3. Navigate to the Details tab and from the drop down, select the Bluetooth radio supports Low Energy Central Role option.
  4. Scroll down to the Value option and check that it is set to <true>.

Your PC’s hardware may not support Nearby Sharing because it doesn’t have Low Energy support or enough processing power to handle sharing files over Wi-Fi or Bluetooth connections. 

If your computer doesn’t have Bluetooth LE support or it has older versions of Bluetooth LE installed, the value will turn up as <false> and you won’t be able to use this feature. You may have to upgrade to another Bluetooth adapter to use this feature.

2. Update Bluetooth driver

  1. Hit the Windows key, type Device Manager in the search bar, and click Open.
  2. Find your Bluetooth device, right-click and select Update driver.update bluetooth not finding devices
  3. Select Search automatically for updated driver software.update bluetooth drivers
  4. Restart your PC and try reconnecting.

If you want to make sure that you choose the right driver, then we recommend a professional tool like Outbyte Driver Updater. It scans your device and automatically updates not only your Bluetooth driver but all the outdated or missing drivers as well.

Outbyte Driver Updater

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3. Update Your Network adapter drivers

  1. Hit the Windows key, type Device Manager in the search bar, and click Open.
  2. Navigate to Network adapter, right-click and select Update Driver Software.
  3. Select Search automatically for updated driver software.

4. Free up memory

If your device has low memory, it might not be able to share content over the internet. To free up memory, close any apps or tabs that are running in the background. 

You can use the Task Manager to see which programs are using the most memory and close them if they aren’t needed. If more RAM is needed, RAM cleaners and optimizers will come in handy too.

5. Restart the Bluetooth support service

  1. Press the Windows + R keys simultaneously to open the Run window.
  2. Type services.msc in the Run dialog box and press Enter.Open service manager
  3. Find the Bluetooth support service, right-click and select Restart.
  4. Right-click again and select Properties.Bluetooth Support Service
  5. Under the General tab, select Automatic as the Startup type then click OK.bluetooth support service automatic startup
  6. Try connecting again.

6. Reset your network

  1. Hit the Windows key and select Settings.settings windows 11
  2. Click on Network & Internet on the left hand pane then Advanced network settings on the right pane.
  3. Click on Network reset.clicking network reset win11 settings
  4. Hit Reset now and click Yes in the next confirmation dialog box.clicking reset now for network reset win11 settings

7. Update your version of Windows

If you’re running an older version of Windows that’s no longer supported by Microsoft, then there’s a chance that this could be causing issues with Nearby Sharing. 

It’s time to upgrade. The easiest way is to visit Microsoft’s download page and follow the instructions there. 

Hopefully one of these solutions have enabled you to transfer files again using the Nearby Sharing feature if it was not working.

Should you find that the file transfer process is too slow for your liking, we also have a few tips to help you bypass this issue.

If you would like to transfer files from Android/iOS to Windows devices, we have compiled a list of apps you’ll find useful.

Let’s interact more in the comment section as you let us in on what solution worked for you.

New power options menu coming to Xbox Series X|S consoles

Posted on by Robert Collins

Xbox Insiders in the Alpha Skip-Ahead group are currently testing a new power options settings page. Apparently the new menu will allow users to “better decide how you want your console to behave when you turn it off.” Specifically, users will be able to see how much power is used both in standby and energy saver modes, and choose either as the console’s shut-down option.

This is the latest in Microsoft’s efforts to include Xbox in its sustainability measures. You may recall that last year improvements were made to the Series X|S energy saver mode whereby system and game updates were made downloadable in energy saver. Earlier this year Microsoft also stated that it aimed to make all Xbox products 100% recyclable.

You can expect the new power options menu to become available to the general Xbox gaming public sometime soon.

How to Stop Router from Blocking VPN

Posted on by Milan Stanojevic

For all online privacy needs, there is a real necessity for a router to support a VPN connection and protect your personal information.

It is possible that a VPN affects routers in a positive manner and has many benefits in terms of online security.

There are two ways to set up your VPN on your router: either buy a new router setup for the specific job or install it into your existing router – make sure to check for compatibility in both cases.

As a quick heads-up, other users have mentioned wireless router won’t work through TL-R600VPN, Windows VPN does not work through the router with OpenWRT.

In all this, though, you may encounter a situation when your VPN does not work through the router, and probably restarting the VPN app or even your computer and router doesn’t yield any tangible results.

This article lists some solutions you can try to fix the problem.

Why is VPN not working through router?

If you can’t connect to your VPN using the router, the problem may arise from both ends. The most probable reason is that your router is not compatible with the VPN software. Other causes for this issue are:

✅ The router doesn’t support your VPN connection

✅ The VPN usage is restricted by the router firewall security

✅ Your router is blocking the VPN connection

In case you discover that your router doesn’t support a VPN connection, there are other effective VPN routers you can try.

Do all routers support VPN?

No, on the contrary. There are considerable routers that don’t support VPN connections.

Generally, routers that support OpenVPN open-source protocol can support a VPN client as well, but it is best to check for each particular device.

How do I know if my router is VPN compatible?

Simple enough, you can check the manufacturer’s specifications or search for your specific model on the internet in order to see if it is VPN compatible.

To avoid VPN not working through router issues, it is essential to verify that your router supports VPN usage before buying it or getting a VPN subscription.

How do I set up a VPN through my router

There is VPN software that supports router connection and can efficiently connect with your router. This is the simple method to set up a VPN on your Windows PC:

  1. Sign up for an ExpressVPN account.
  2. Login into your router IP address with the user and password.
  3. Configure your router to set up the VPN (OpenVPN protocol supported).
  4. After you adjust the router settings for the VPN, check the connectivity.
  5. Open a browsing page to test your ExpressVPN router connection.

With native support for Wireguard, Lightway proprietary, OpenVPN, and L2TP/IPSec protocols, ExpressVPN has a network of 3000 servers spread across 94 countries worldwide to choose from.

It is as versatile, yet powerful as a VPN can get and is compatible with Asus, Linksys, and Netgear routers. For other routers, you can contact ExpressVPN support to get the firmware.

Plus, you have ultra-fast download speeds, unlimited bandwidth, and stable, or reliable connections guaranteed by coupling this world-leading VPN software with your router.

ExpressVPN

Comes with firmware to install on your router and can be set up automatically or manually.
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What to do if the VPN not working through router?

1. When experiencing slow speeds

If you’re experiencing slow speeds because of the VPN not working through the router, here’s what you can do:

  1. Disable the firewall of your primary router (ISP modem)
  2. Connect with different servers
  3. Switch between available protocols i.e. PPTP / OpenVPN
  4. Connect to the VPN servers which are closer to your physical location. For instance, if you are in the US, the servers in Canada or Mexico will get you better speeds.

Speaking about speed, you might want to consider a VPN that doesn’t slow down internet speed, while allowing you to switch between protocols and server locations.

2. Unable to browse

If you cannot browse because your VPN does not work through the router, try the following steps:

  1. Change your router DNS settings to OpenDNS i.e. 208.67.222.222 and 208.67.220.220 Or Google DNS  8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4
  2. Save settings
  3. Restart your router

3. Loss of connectivity

If you lose your internet connectivity as soon as you couple your VPN to your router, make sure that the router is not working as a modem. You cannot directly configure a VPN on your ISP’s modem/router.

As soon as you will change the modem or router’s WAN settings, you will lose your internet connection.

You have to configure it on an extra one, as you cannot configure two connections on the same router at the same time.

4. Connected, but not getting VPN IP Address

In case your Wi-Fi network has a connected status but the VPN not working through router, you can proceed with this:

  1. Change your router DNS settings to OpenDNS i.e. 208.67.222.222 and 208.67.220.220 Or Google DNS  8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4
  2. Save settings
  3. Restart your router

5. Check Error Logs on your router

To check error logs, you are suggested to follow the below-mentioned steps:

  1. Go to the Services tab in DD-WRT
  2. Enable Syslog on the Services tab, or simply go to the Administration tab, then select Commands and enter the command as cat /tmp/var/log/messages. (DDWRT)

6. What to do when disconnected:

  1. Disable the firewall of your primary router (ISP modem)
  2. Switch between different protocols i.e. PPTP / OpenVPN
  3. Switch between different servers

7. Unable to connect

If you’re unable to connect because the VPN does not work through the router, do the following:

  1. Try to connect with OpenVPN protocol if PPTP protocol is causing problems
  2. If the issue remains unresolved, disable the firewall of your primary router (ISP modem)
  3. Connect PPTP / OpenVPN protocol on any other device for testing purposes and check if you are able to connect the VPN using the same protocol

Note: Ensure that the following protocols are supported by the router: PPTP or OpenVPN.  Before configuring the VPN on your router, make sure that your router is not working as a modem.

Other steps you can take

  1. If your equipment supports NAT-T (NAT Traversal), turn it on.
  2. Contact your network administrator to understand the details of how you need to configure your VPN software.
  3. If your company uses L2TP pass-through, register your router’s MAC address with your company’s system administrator.
  4. Upgrade to the latest router firmware.
  5. Enable Port Forwarding for the VPN port 500, (for IPSec VPNs), port 1723 for PPTP VPNs, and port 1701 for L2tp- L2tp routing and remote access. Port 500 may be listed under the list of services.

Note: Check if the WAN IP is Public or Private. Ports can be opened on Public IP addresses only.

By default, the router’s firewall is configured to drop (delete) ICMP packets sent from outside your network to the WAN port. Your VPN may require the ICMP packets. To accept them do the following:

  1. Log in to the router using a browser by typing https://192.168.0.1, https://routerlogin.com, https://routerlogin.net or https://192.168.1.1.
  2. Type admin for the username and password for the password (unless you changed the default password)
  3. Select WAN Setup> Advanced > Respond to Ping on Internet Port
  4. Click Apply

Has any of the above solutions worked for you? Let us know by leaving a comment in the section below.

Best Realtek Audio Settings: 4 Tips to Improve Quality

Posted on by Henderson Jayden Harper

Most Windows use the Realtek High Definition audio driver because it offers the best audio quality Dolby, DTS, and Surround Sound support. However, installing the driver on your PC has an advanced Realtek HD Audio Manager for tuning and adjusting your device’s sound.

Hence, this article will show you how to maximize audio production by tweaking the Realtek High Definition Audio Manager’s settings.

Should I use the Realtek HD Audio Manager?

The Realtek High Definition Audio Manager allows you to maximize and enhance your sound output.

It functions as a Control Panel for your audio adapters. Users ask if it is necessary to use the Audio Manager, and the answer is no because it doesn’t affect your sound output.

However, the Realtek HD Audio Manager allows you to explore audio settings like bass management, room corrections, speaker settings, and more.

Further, it has two different audio tabs: speakers and microphones. Hence, Realtek High Definition Audio Manager ensures easy access to the sound settings on your PC and the option to customize your speaker configuration.

Also, you can adjust the volume of each speaker independently, adjust the microphone volume and perform tests for your device.

However, the Realtek High Definition Audio Manager is not necessary for your audio devices, but we recommend you use it for fast and wide access to audio settings.

Alternatively, please read our detailed guide about why you need Realtek HD Audio Manager on your device.

How do I get Realtek’s best audio setting for all sources?

1. Increase the overall loudness of your audio output

  1. On the desktop screen, navigate the system tray and right-click on the Realtek HD Audio Manager icon to prompt the audio options menu.
  2. Select the Sound Manager from the drop-down.
  3. Click the Sound Effects tab on the Sound Manager window below the Main Volume slider.
  4. Check the box for the Loudness Equalization option and click on the OK button to save the settings changes.

Enabling the Loudness Equalization feature can also reduce the volume differences in the sound output devices. Also, you can read about how to increase your volume beyond max on your laptop.

2. Set your Default Format

  1. On the desktop screen, navigate the system tray and right-click on the Realtek HD Audio Manager icon to prompt the audio options menu.
  2. Select the Sound Manager from the drop-down.
  3. Click the Default Format tab below the Main Volume slider.
  4. Set your playback default format to 24Bits 44100 Hz Studio quality and select the DVD format option below.

Settings the Default Format helps reduce sound latency and improve your sound quality.

3. Test the right and left speaker output

  1. On the desktop screen, navigate the system tray and right-click on the Realtek HD Audio Manager icon to prompt the audio options menu.
  2. Select the Sound Manager from the drop-down.
  3. On the Sound Manager window and click the Speaker Configuration tab below the Main Volume menu.
  4. Click the Play icon.

The play button in the tab lets you test the output of the right and left speakers, making it easy to identify if there are any irregularities with your sound.

4. Enable the Acoustic Echo cancellation feature

  1. Right-click on the Realtek HD Audio Manager icon on the desktop tray and select Sound Manager from the drop-down.
  2. Go to the Microphone tab.
  3. On the Microphone Effects window, enable the Acoustic Echo cancellation option.
  4. Also, you can enable the Noise Suppression option too.

The Acoustic Echo cancellation feature reduces the echo from the front speakers during recording. Likewise, the Noise Suppression feature reduces the static background noise during audio recording.

However, tweaking the best Realtek equalizer settings for gaming and other activities doesn’t work independently. You need quality headphones or speakers that produce a better audio output.

Also, you can improve your headphone sound quality in Windows 11 for better performance. Using the Realtek Audio Console can run into numerous issues like failure to detect your Bluetooth headphones.

However, you can read our article about how to fix Realtek HD Audio Manager not opening or working on Windows 11. Also, read the fixes for Realtek HD Audio Manager missing on the PC.

If this guide has been helpful, leave your suggestions or questions in the comments section.

How to Change your Microsoft Family Settings

Posted on by Alexandru Poloboc

Being the leader of a family means so much more than simply providing for the ones that matter the most to you in this world.

It also means making sure they are always protected, whether, from immediate real-world threats, or the virtual kind, that can harm people over time.

Kids can sometimes be reckless and staying on top of all situations will be its own reward over time. But how can you control all these things?

Microsoft says it’s through the Family Safety app, which gives you some control over the virtual lives of your easily distracted offspring.

The Family application is free and you can get it from the Microsoft Store anytime you want.

Knowing how to manage your family’s needs is important, so we’re about to show you how to navigate the Family app settings.

How can I change the Microsoft Family settings?

  1. 1. In order to change the settings, preferences, and permission for your family, you need to start by going to your Windows settings.

  2. 2. Open the Start menu and access Settings.

    family settings

  3. 3. Select Accounts and then click on Family & other users.

    family settings panel

  4. 4. Click on Manage family settings online or remove an account.

    family manage settings

  5. 5. Access the desired setting from the main account page.

    family settings website

    6. It is quite simple to change your Microsoft Family settings from your PC.  Needless to say, you get the same amount of control and you’re able to tweak the same settings by using the application as well.

    You don’t necessarily have to access the browser version to be able to make the tweaks you want. It’s entirely up to you what version you choose to use

How can I set Microsoft Family settings for individual family members?

We’re glad you asked that question because the answer is simple and we are about to share the entire process with you as well.

If you want to personalize these settings and manage individual permission, all you have to do is:

  1. Click on the family member whose settings you want to change.family choose member
  2. Access and modify any part of the profile you deem necesary.family categories

From this panel you can modify permissions for purchasing, how much screen time everyone gets, or what content is permitted and forbidden.

You can also track your family’s mobile devices, just in case you don’t know someone’s whereabouts, and locating that person becomes urgent.

In case you don’t plan to use this feature, you can go ahead and disable the Family Safety feature on your PC, and we have a perfect guide that will show you how to do that.

Have you managed to properly tweak the Family app settings? Share your experience with us in the comments section below.

How to View Activity History on Windows 11: 3 Simple Ways

Posted on by Claire Moraa

Today, we’ll show you how to view activity history on Windows 11. The operating system keeps a record of the websites you visited, images, documents, and other files you downloaded.

This helps you recover lost or accidentally deleted files, view recently visited sites and check if someone else has used your PC without your knowledge.

Table of contents

How do I check the recent activity history in Windows 11?

Step 1. Use Event Viewer to view activity history

  1. 1. Hit the Windows key to open the Windows Search box.

  2. 2. Type Event Viewer in the search box, and then click Open on the first result.

    open event viewer from the search box

  3. 3. Right-click on the Windows logs section to expand it.

    go to windows logs

  4. 4. You can now check whichever events want to see. For example, you can click on System.

  5. 5. You will now be able to see a current log of the number of times your computer has been on.

    6. Users who want to view the recent activity history on their Windows 11 devices can use a built-in tool called Event Viewer.

    This tool comes in very handy when it comes to checking what has been done on your PC. You can sort the events and browse those you are interested in.

Step 2. Use Command Prompt to check the computer history

  1. Press the Windows key, type cmd in the search bar, and click Run as administrator.
  2. Type the following command and press Enter: systeminfo
  3. That’s how simple it is to check computer history in Command Prompt. You will be able to see how many times your PC has been booted.

Step 3. Check the Windows 11 computer’s history with the Run command

  1. Press the Windows + R keys simultaneously to open the Run command.
  2. Type recent in the dialog box and hit Enter.
  3. You will be directed to the recent folder location and see your computer history.

How to check the history on a Windows 11 PC if it has been deleted?

To check your computer history after it has been deleted, follow the steps below:

  1. Press the Windows key, type cmd in the search bar, and click Run as administrator.
  2. Type in the following command and press Enter: ipconfig/displaydns
  3. You will now be able to see a list of all sites visited.

It is very easy to check your computer history on Windows 11. But sometimes you want to keep your activities private. In such cases, you may have to delete your computer history.

However, if small children or your employees are using your computer and you want to keep tabs on their activities, you have to check their history. But what happens if they delete their activity history? You can make use of software to track browsing history or do it manually as outlined below.

If you are using a shared computer and dealing with sensitive information, it goes without saying that you don’t want any information landing in the hands of unauthorized people.

We hope this article was able to shed light on the different ways you can access your computer’s history with ease.

If you have any additional methods you have tried that worked out for you, we’d love to hear them. Share with us in the comment section below.

How to Divide Hard Disk Space in Windows 11 [Simplest Way]

Posted on by Claire Moraa

In this piece, we’ll show you how to divide your hard disk space on a Windows 11 PC. This practice will help keep your data organized and even protect your system against a crash.

Windows 11 is known for its high space requirements so it is better to organize your drives to allow you to allocate space accordingly.

When you create multiple partitions on your hard drive, it’s easier to manage your files and back up your data. So, if you’re interested in creating a D drive in Windows 11, keep reading:

How do I split my hard drive space?

1. Use the Disk Management tool

  1. 1. Hit the Windows + X keys to open the Quick Access menu, then select Disk Management.

  2. 2. Select the disk you want to create partitions from, right-click on it, and select Shrink Volume.

    shrink volume disk

  3. 3. In the next window, select how much space you wish to assign to the new partition and click on Shrink. You will now have unallocated space.

    press on new simple volume

  4. 4. Right-click on it and select New Simple Volume to launch the New Simple Volume Wizard.

    create new simple volume

  5. 5. Continue pressing Next on the consecutive windows and assign a name to the new drive.

    click next on the wizard

  6. 6. Click Finish.

    press finish

    7. A quick and handy method to create new partitions on your hard disk is via your Windows 11’s built-in Disk Management tool.

    The tool is free and easy to use and allows you to divide your disk space however you like. Simply follow the volume wizard and the process will be done in no time.

Can I delete a Windows 11 partition to create another?

Yes, you can delete a partition to create another. Deleting it will erase all of its contents, so make sure you have transferred the files that you want to keep elsewhere before deleting. Once you have deleted the drive, the space will be available for use as part of other partitions.

To delete a drive, follow the steps below:

  1. Press Windows + X keys simultaneously and select Disk Management.
  2. Select the drive you wish to delete, right-click on it and click Delete Volume.
  3. Click Yes to confirm the deletion.
  4. There will now be unallocated space and you can follow the steps above to assign it a new name.

Why do I need to divide my Windows 11 hard disk drive?

You can divide your hard drive in Windows for a lot of different reasons (it’s not just about creating more space):

  1. Staying organized: the most common reason to do this is that you want to keep different parts of your computer separate from each other.
  2. Security: each partition is treated like a separate physical hard drive by the operating system, so it helps you to logically organize your data and make optimum utilization of the available space. 

You may wonder how many partitions are sufficient for your hard disk. It is recommended that you organize your space in terms of your OS files, software and programs, and finally your files and folders.

Wrapping up

We hope with the help of this guide, you have been able to divide your hard disk space into more useful partitions to help you stay organized. 

Remember to back up all your files before you shrink or delete any drives. Also, check out our article on what to do if Windows 11 requires more free space to avoid performance issues.

In case you’re interested in command line tools for disk management, don’t miss our new what is fdisk guide to learn more about it.

Let us know how many partitions you have divided your hard disk space into and what you use them for in the comment section below.

How to Search for a User on Steam

Posted on by Vladimir Popescu

If you’re wondering how to find users on Steam, make sure you read this article completely. We’ve compiled a series of easy solutions, that anyone can perform.

Steam, the popular PC gaming platform, allows you to search for users and add them to your friends list in a few different ways. Finding a particular user on Steam or simply adding a friend can sometimes be tricky.

Follow our guide to check out the different ways of searching for friends on the Windows 10 Steam client.

How many users are on Steam and where are they from?

You should know that Steam hosts tons of users. Our research indicated that by 2019, the service had over 34,000 games with over 95 million monthly active users.

If you’re wondering where are the Steam users from, make sure you check what we have to say.

steam users graphic
Source: StatInvestor

According to our trusted sources, most users (14.43%) come from the United States. In addition, experiments showed a percentage of 11,64% of Chinese users, 9,57% of Russian users, and 4,77% of Brazilian ones.

Now, let’s see how you can find users on the Steam app.

How can I search for a user’s profile on Steam?

1. Search for Steam users using the Steam Community tab

  1. 1. Hit the Windows key, type Steam, then open the app.

    open steam from search box

  2. 2. Head over to the Community tab, on the top side of your Steam client.

    go to steam community

  3. 3. In the right side of the window, in the Find People field, type the username or profile link, then press on the Enter key.

    find people on steam box

  4. 4. Steam will then display a list of users with that name.

  5. 5. Navigate to the list to locate the user you were looking for. To add the user as a Friend, simply click on the Add as Friend button.

    add steam user as friend

    6. An easy way to perform a Steam user search is via the app’s built-in Community tab. It allows you to search for users by username or profile link, and also add them as friends from the same window.

Before searching for other players, you may want to know your own account identifier. Learn how to find your Steam ID quickly to share it with friends or use it for account lookup.

2. Use your Steam Friends tab to search users

  1. Press on the Windows key, type Steam, then click on the first result.
  2. From the top menu, hover the mouse over your username, then select Friends.
  3. On the Friends tab, you can search through your friends on Steam.
  4. If you head over to Add a Friend, you can then search for a user on Steam and add them as a friend.

3. Search for Steam users you recently played with

  1. Press on the Windows key, search for Steam, then open the app.
  2. Next to the Community tab, hover the mouse over your username, then select Friends.
  3. From the left side of the window, click on the Recently Played With tab.
  4. Here you can search and check the users that you’ve played with on Steam.
  5. You can also add them as friends by clicking on the Add as Friend button

What percentage of gamers use Steam?

Experts also conducted research to discover what percentage of gamers use Steam, according to their gaming platforms.

As you can see, the majority of users (90,36%) are running Steam through the Windows 10 (64-bit) operating system.

In the second place, with 4,88%, we can identify gamers who come on Steam through Windows 7 (64-bit).

Other honorable mentions are Windows 8.1 – 64 bit (with 0.92%), macOS 10.16.0 – 64 bit (with 1.44%) and Windows 7 (with 0.21%)

percentage of users who play steam
Source: Statista

This is how you can find users on Steam. As you can see, the app offers several methods you can try to perform this action. In addition, you can always choose to add them as friends.

If you have any more questions or suggestions, leave them in the comments section below and we’ll be sure to check them out.

Fix: EA Anti-cheat Service Encountered an Error

Posted on by Cesar Cadenas

Electronic Arts (EA)is implementing a new anti-cheating tool in order to ensure fair play among gamers. The tool has already been implemented in FIFA 23, but you can also download the standalone software by going to EA’s website.

Because this technology is so new, users have been experiencing various problems, specifically sudden service errors that prevent people from playing their games.

What is causing the anti-cheat service error?

If you look throughout the official EA forums, the company is investigating the problem. At the time of this writing, it’s still ongoing. The developer also asks people to go into the forums and write a report on their experiences. That said, there are some likely causes:

  • Bugs – A buggy code is the most likely culprit of the service error. Perhaps the developers working on the software overlooked something resulting in a bug causing errors.
  • Corrupted files – It’s possible that the EA Anti-cheat or game had its files corrupted during installation.

How do I fix EA anti-cheat service errors?

These solutions work equally for Windows 10 and 11. We first recommend trying out these simple tips: close the game and then open it again, download the latest Windows Update since malware on your machine or a bad previous update might be related, ensure that your computer is connected to the internet, and restart it.

1. Run as Administrator

  1. Close the game and the anti-cheat app.
  2. Bring up the EA app or Origin if you have the older version on your computer’s search bar. According to the developer, it has to be either of those two apps even if you got a game on Steam of the Epic Games Store.
  3. Click Run as administrator.
  4. If a window appears asking you if you want to make changes, select Yes.
  5. Launch the game as normal.

2. Run then uninstall the EA anti-cheat service

  1. Start by first launching the EA anti-cheat app and then close it right after.
  2. Open up Windows Explorer and go to your computer’s hardware. It’s usually labeled as C:
  3. Locate Program Files and double-click it to enter.
  4. Open the EA folder then enter the AC folder.
  5. Delete EAAntiCheat.Installer.exe.
  6. Launch the EA game from either Steam or Origin.

Doing this will automatically reinstall the anti-cheat software on your computer. At this time, FIFA 23 is the only game that can do this. You can always download the software separately from EA’s website.

3. Install version specific update

  1. Start by deleting the anti-cheat app by going to the Program Files on your computer. See the previous solution for instructions on how to do this.
  2. Now find out which version of Windows you have and the KB number.
  3. First, press the Windows and R keys on your keyboard to bring up the Run command.
  4. Type in Winver and hit Enter on your keyboard. You will see the Windows version number. In this case, it’s version 22H2.
  5. For the KB number, bring up the Command Prompt on the Windows search bar and click Run as administrator.
  6. In the Command Prompt, type in this command and hit Enter: systeminfo.exe
  7. Scroll down to Hotfix and copy the KB number. In this example, there are four. This guide will choose the earliest number (KB5017271) because that is the only one available on the Microsoft Update Catalog.
  8. Speaking of which, head on over to the Microsoft Update Catalog website.
  9. In the search bar, type in the KB number and the Windows version. In the image, you will see KB5017271 22H2.
  10. Click Search and you will see the latest updates available for your Windows computer.
  11. In this example, you will see two updates: one for ARM64 processors and the other for x64 processors. Download the one that fits best for your computer. For this guide, we will download the x64 update.
  12. Head over to the file’s location and double-click it to install it.
  13. Restart your computer. Afterward, install EA anti-cheat from the developer website.
  14. Open the game you want to play and the server error should be solved.

4. Enable Secure Boot

  1. Open the Settings app and click Update & Security.
  2. Click Recovery on the left-hand side, then the Restart now button under Advanced Startup.
  3. On the Recovery page, select Troubleshoot.
  4. In the following pages, click Advanced options then UEFI Firmware Settings.
  5. Select the Restart button to reboot your computer. Launch the game again to see if the server has been solved.

Note that Sims 4 users, for example, sometimes have problems with the game’s mods. This could be because the mod files are corrupted or become disabled after an update. You may have to repair the game using Origin’s in-app tool.

If you still use the Origin app, you may have encountered the error 14-8 too. This happens when there are internal conflicts or network connectivity issues.

We also have a guide that is troubleshooting IGOProxy64.exe Origin issue, so don’t miss it if you’re having additional problems.

Feel free to comment below if you have any questions regarding the above processes. Also, do not hesitate to comment about guides you’d like to see or information about any EA game.

How to Upgrade to Windows 11 Without Losing Data [5 Steps]

Posted on by Radu Tyrsina

More and more users seem to be interested in upgrading their OS. In these terms, they frequently asked if it is possible to install Windows 11 without data loss, and the answer is yes!

Before anything else, ensure that you get it correctly, so do not hesitate to check out our complete guide on how to download Windows 11.

However, if you notice that your PC can’t run Windows 11, discover some methods on how to solve this error with ease.

Data loss is a serious problem, especially in the business environment, because it consumes time and sometimes even money to restore or recover information. But let’s take a look at some popular causes of losing data.

What are the most common reasons for data loss?

Many different factors can cause data loss, and each poses a unique problem for data recovery:

  • Human errors – We all make mistakes, some bigger than others. Without realizing it, you can overwrite important files or delete essential information. 
  • Malware and viruses – These can sometimes corrupt your operating system, stealing important data. Thus, you should keep your antivirus software constantly updated.
  • Hardware damage – Plenty of data loss cases happened because of hardware malfunctions. Hard drive failure is the most common explanation for this, and there are signs you should consider, such as frequent hard drive crashes, slow processing speeds, files not opening, or being randomly corrupted.
  • Software corruption – It seems like unexpected or improper software shutdowns can cause serious issues for your data. These will lead to data corruption or will simply delete your progress, wasting time and losing valuable information. 
  • Hard drive formatting – Last, but not least, consider that you can accidentally format your hard drive, which instantly causes losing data. Note that reformatting may also occur during system updates and result in related troubles. 

Before getting into the steps on how to install the new OS without losing data, you should check if your PC is eligible for Windows 11.

We have an excellent guide on how to download Windows 11 ISO or update from Windows 10 that also will help you find out if your PC is ready for the new OS.

Also, although the solutions we provide here were tested and work, there are a lot of other problems you may encounter, so before starting, you should create a backup of all your data to be on the safe side.

That being said, we’re going to show you some easy ways to install Windows 11 without data loss.

How can I upgrade to Windows 11 without losing data?

1. Use Windows Update to upgrade Windows 10 to 11

  1. 1. Click the Start button and select Settings.

    press the start button

  2. 2. Select Update & Security.

    go to update and security

  3. 3. Click on the Check for updates button.

  4. 4. Locate the Windows 11 update.

  5. 5. Click to download and install it. It will start to download and then, the installation will begin. You will also be prompted for a restart.

  6. 6. Watch the process carefully and when asked if you want to keep your files, you should stay on that path.

    7. The easiest way to upgrade from Windows 10 to Windows 11 without losing data is via Windows Update. Basically, you need to go to the Windows Update section and install Windows 11 from it as if it were a regular Windows 10 update.

2. Download the Windows 11 ISO

  1. Navigate to the official Windows 11 Downloads page and click on Select download from Download Windows 11 Disk Image (ISO), then pick Windows 11.
  2. Now click on the Download button.
  3. Select the language, then click the Confirm button. You will receive a download link and you will be able to click on the 64-bit Download button to get the Windows 11 ISO.
  4. Now you can create a bootable USB or DVD, or just right-click the ISO and select the Mount option.
  5. You will see a virtual drive in the File Explorer window. Just click on it and then double-click the setup.exe file to start the installation process.

The installation process will start, and along the way, you will be asked if you want to keep your files, so that’s what you need to choose.

3. Use the Windows 11 Installation Assistant

  1. Go to the Windows 11 Downloads page and click on Download now right below Windows 11 Installation Assistant.
  2. You will get an executable file and running it will start the installation process. Select Accept and install after you read the terms of agreement.
  3. Windows 11 will start downloading and installing so wait patiently until the process is over, then proceed with the instructions on the screen to finish.

This is the easiest way to install Windows 11 if your PC is meeting all the requirements because the Installation Assistant will perform all the tasks for you.

However, along the installation process, you will be asked if you want to keep your files so make sure you do that in order to preserve your data.

We also have a guide on how to install Windows 11 without using the Assistant so if you have any reasons to avoid this path, you will find out how to do that.

4. Use the Media Creation Tool

Note icon NOTE
For this solution, a USB drive with at least 8 GB of free space is required.
  1. Access the Windows 11 Downloads page and click on Download now under Create Windows 11 Installation Media, to get the Windows 11 Media Creation Tool.
  2. Run the file to start the Media Creation Tool app and accept the license terms to move forward.
  3. Uncheck the Use recommended box if you want to change the Windows language, then hit the Next button.
  4. Next, you can choose whether you want to create a bootable USB drive or just to save the Windows 11 ISO and use it later. If you select the first option, make sure you inserted a USB drive before clicking Next. We will select the first option because you already know how to download the Widows 11 ISO from the previous step.
  5. The only thing left to do is to select the drive you prepared and click the Next button.
  6. The app will start downloading Windows 11, then verify the download and ultimately create your Windows 11 bootable media you can use to install the new OS.

Although we already mentioned this in the previous steps, we can’t stress enough the fact that during the installation you will be asked whether you want to keep your files so you should follow that path.

If your PC is not prepared with TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot, this solution will not work for you because when the installation starts, those requirements will be checked.

However, we have a complete guide on how to install Windows 11 without TPM and Secure Boot that will help you avoid this issue. You can also install Windows 11 without a Microsoft account, as long as you follow the steps from our dedicated guide.

5. Use a Virtual Machine software

  1. Download VMware Workstation.
  2. Install it by following the on-screen instructions, then restart your PC.
  3. Use the Windows 11 ISO you downloaded in Solution 2.
  4. Setup your Virtual Machine.
  5. Open Command Prompt to check your PC’s virtualization, then enable it.
  6. Install Windows 11 on your Virtual Machine and power it on.

This is only a brief explanation of how to go through the process. For more detailed information, check out this guide on how to run Windows 11 on VM and test it to the limit.

How to update Windows 7 to Windows 11 without losing data?

We’re afraid that we don’t have great news in that department. If you’re still running Windows 7, you can’t just cross over to Windows 11 straight away.

Unfortunately, you will have to proceed with a fresh install of Windows 11. It’s not even possible to upgrade to Windows 10 for free.

However, you can purchase Windows 10 and then upgrade it to Windows 11 for free but if you want things to go smoothly, we strongly advise switching to the new OS directly.

We have a guide on how to upgrade your PC from Windows 7 to Windows 11 that will provide you with more details about this matter.

How can I prevent data loss in Windows 11?

You’ve seen at the beginning of this article some of the most common reasons for data loss, so here’s how to prevent such annoying situations:

➡ Use antivirus software – Be sure to use and constantly update the antivirus software on your OS. If you can’t decide which one is the most efficient, check these antivirus options for Windows 11 that you should try out today.

➡ Always keep your computer clean and dry – As we mentioned before, you might be losing data due to hardware and hard drive crashes. Thus, to maintain them safely and running properly, you have to ensure that your PC is avoiding any liquids or dirt.

➡ Back up your data – This option might be the most useful one because it guarantees success in any situation, no matter how scary it is. There are plenty of methods to do that, such as using a USB stick, an external hard drive, or Cloud Storage.

Also, we can suggest going through our list including the best local data backup software, and keeping your files secured at all times.

As you can see, there are some available and simple ways to install Windows 11 without losing important data. We ensured to deliver only the most secure options, so you won’t get into trouble.

In case you’re on Linux distribution, we have a guide on how to change from Endless OS to Windows 11 that can help you make the switch.

Any other thoughts related to this subject? If so, do not hesitate to leave a comment in the section below.

5 Ways to Fix the Unexpected Server Error in Overwatch 2

Posted on by Cesar Cadenas

Overwatch 2 has had a ton of problems since its launch from game-breaking bugs to sudden disconnecting from matches. One common problem is the unexpected server error preventing you from logging into the game.

What causes unexpected server errors in Overwatch 2?

As other players will attest, you may see red text pop up when you try to log in that reads Unexpected Server Error Occurred. There are a couple of reasons why this happens:

  • Bugs – Unfortunately for players, Overwatch 2 did not launch in the best way possible. The free-to-play title has had problems since day one. All you can do is wait for Blizzard Entertainment to fix all the problems plaguing the title. We recommend following the Blizzard Customer Support Twitter account for updates.
  • DDoS attacks – Blizzard Entertainment has gone through multiple DDoS (Distributed Denial of Service) attacks. Basically, some bad actors are trying to shut down Overwatch 2 and preventing people from playing. The developer has been trying their best to combat these attacks. You’ll have to wait until Blizzard addresses the issue.
  • Tons of people – Many people are trying to play this game. Even if things run smoothly, you may get denied entry because of the people trying to get in.
  • Third-party apps – On the client side of things, it’s possible a VPN or antivirus app is blocking the game from connecting. For antivirus apps, you need one that’s compatible with your OS.
  • Out-of-date software – And it’s also possible that your Windows computer isn’t up to date. It could be missing an important update.

How do I fix unexpected server errors in Overwatch 2?

1. Change region location

  1. If Overwatch 2 is open, close it. Then log out of the Battlet.Net app.
  2. Launch Battle.Net and click the gear icon above the login credentials space.
  3. In the new menu that appears, you will see entries for the Americas, Europe, Asia, and China.
  4. Choose a different region besides the one you live in. So if you live in North America, switch to Europe, for example.

Doing this will have you connect to Blizzard servers in other parts of the world that hopefully have better queues. You may experience increased latency and drops in connection speeds, however.

2. Reinstall Overwatch 2

  1. In the Windows 11 search bar, bring up Overwatch 2 and select Uninstall.
  2. This will take you to the Uninstall or change a program section in the Control Panel.
  3. Highlight Overwatch 2 and select Uninstall/Change at the top of the window.
  4. Follow the prompts to uninstall Overwatch 2.
  5. Go back to Battle.Net and download the game again.

3. Add firewall permissions

  1. In the search bar, type in Allow an app through Windows Firewall.
  2. Hit Enter on your keyboard when you see the entry appear.
  3. Click Change settings at the top and then select Allow another app.
  4. Click Browse and search for Overwatch 2 in the File Explorer. Once found, double-click it and select the Add button at the bottom to give the game firewall permissions.

4. Update network drivers

  1. Open the search bar on your Windows 11 computer and search for the Device Manager.
  2. Click the entry that appears.
  3. In the window that appears, locate and expand Networks Adapters.
  4. Right-click on the network card name present on your computer and then select Update driver. The image shows what it looks like on this computer.
  5. Select Search automatically for drivers. This will automatically download and install the drivers for that network card to your computer.
  6. Conversely, you can go to the network card’s manufacturer page and download the drivers from there. In this example, you would go to Intel’s website.

If Windows did find an update, you should be good to go and play Overwatch with no issues. This also helps with Voice Chat Error 1002 in Overwatch.

Otherwise, we recommend using a third-party tool for driver update searching.

Fortect Driver Updater is a tool specialized in automatically finding the latest updates for all outdated drivers on your computer. It’s fast and reliable, and it will help you in the long-term maintenance of your drivers.

⇒ Fortect Driver Updater

5. Clear out DNS

  1. Open the search bar and search for the Command Prompt.
  2. Select Run as administrator when it appears.
  3. A window may appear asking if you want to make changes. Select Yes.
  4. In the Command Prompt, type in this command and hit Enter on your keyboard. This will disconnect your computer from the internet for a brief moment: ipconfig /release
  5. Now type in this command and hit Enter. A message will appear saying that the IP address has been re-established on your machine: ipconfig /renew
  6. And finally, type in this command and hit Enter. A message will appear saying that the process has been successful: ipconfig /flushdns
  7. Close the Command Prompt and reconnect to Overwatch 2.

DNS or Domain Name System is an internet protocol that is used to identify computers across the internet. By clearing out DNS, or flushing, it removes everything from the cache, thereby refreshing it. Having the cache full can prevent connections, like towards Overwatch 2 servers, from going through.

You may also try to:

  • Just wait it out. That’s honestly the best thing that you can do. Wait for Blizzard Entertainment to fix all the problems hurting Overwatch 2, however long that takes.
  • Shut the game down and then open it again.
  • Turn off any VPN and antivirus apps that may be getting in the way.
  • Stay in the Overwatch 2 queue and wait until you’re allowed in.
  • Make sure your PC is connected to Wi-Fi or the Ethernet cable is connected. Be sure to check out what to do if you can’t find a Wi-Fi network.
  • Reboot your computer and see if that works. If your Windows 11 PC doesn’t restart, there is a series of solutions that you can try out.

With a prolific game company like Blizzard Entertainment, you have your fair share of titles to choose from and subsequent problems to deal with. World of Warcraft players had to deal with their game add-ons resetting after an update.

Solutions for this involve updating those add-ons and copying your account to a new one. Diablo 3 players sometimes have to deal with an avalanche of problems from the game freezing to cinematics not playing.

Fortunately, we have an in-depth guide for that. It may require you to open the Registry Editor to solve Diablo 3 issues.

Feel free to comment below if you have any questions regarding the above processes. Also, do not hesitate to comment about guides you’d like to see or information about any Blizzard game.

GPO Drive Mapping Best Practices: How to Do It Safely

Posted on by Alexandru Poloboc

As many of you surely know, Drive Mapping with GPO has basically replaced the good old Login-Script on Windows Servers. Also, it allows users to automatically map Network Drives via Group Policy if that is what they choose.

Needless to say that this saves you a ton of work in the long run and is the Best Practice on how to Map Network Drives on a Windows Server nowadays.

Why should I resort to Group Policy Drive Mapping?

IT admins will find this especially useful since the decisions and modifications they make impact the entire server.

This will make your life a lot easier and apply changes to multiple devices at the same time, instead of you having to do it over and over again.

Furthermore, mapping drives with Group Policy also brings with it the following advantages:

  • It’s much easier than logon scripts, as it has checkboxes and drop-down lists, so there is no need to understand scripting.
  • It’s scalable and as big as your Active Directory will grow logon scripts will scale with no problem.
  • It’s flexible, with item-level targeting you can target groups, users, OUs, operating systems, and so on.
  • The process itself is really easy.

That being said, we are also going to show you properly and safely do it, so that the entire process is understood.

We can also show you how to block Group Policy inheritance for a domain/OU, just in case that is the information you were looking for.

How can I properly map drives in Group Policy?

  1. From your Server Dashboard click on Tools, then Group Policy Management.
    group policy
  2. After selecting Group Policy Objects, right-click anywhere and select New, then right-click the newly created element and select Edit.
    group policy edit
  3. Select User Configuration, then click on Preferences, Windows Settings, and then Drive Maps. 
  4. Right-click anywhere and select New, then Mapped Drive.
    mapped drive
  5. Perform necessary changes, then press the Apply button.
    map drive

After completing the steps above, you need to link the GPO to be active. To do so, you need to drag it to the appropriate container where your users and computers reside.

For admins who prefer using Command Prompt instead of Group Policy, check out this complete guide to net use commands that explains how to map, manage, and disconnect network drives from the command line.

Keep in mind that it is also important that the Drive Map is linked to a container where both the user and the computer are included.

The last step is to either restart the computer on which you want the drive connected or open a cmd shell and type: gpupdate /force

This is pretty much the entire process so there is absolutely no need to feel discouraged or think it is some kind of daunting task.

You should definitely know that doing so actually modifies the settings of an existing mapped drive. It differs from the Replace action in that it only updates the settings defined within the preference item.

And, all the other settings remain as they are. That being said, if a drive mapping does not exist, the Update Action will create the drive.

The number one rule here is that every change you make to the path or drive letter or any other option will not be updated. In fact, you would need to delete the drive and re-map it again. With the Update Action that happens automatically.

However, what the Update Action doesn’t do is, for example, if you change the location of the share or its name.

Therefore you would need to use either the Remove Action to remove the old share and create a completely new share, or, you could use the Replace Action until all the PCs are updated.

We also made a thorough article on how to edit the Group Policy, in order to help you out a bit more.

Leave a comment in the dedicated section below if this guide has helped you better understand and map your own drives.

Enable TLS 1.2 in Windows 11: A Quick Security Fix

Posted on by ojoakinwale

Transport Layer Security (TLS 1.2), also known as Transport Layer Security, is an encryption protocol designed to keep users’ data safe when the data is transferred over a network. The TLS 1.2 protocol is similar to the SSL (Secure Sockets Layer). 

Transport Layer Security (TLS 1.2) is mainly used by client-server applications to share data and information across a network without security breaches or information leaks. 

It functions to provide confidentiality, authenticity, and integrity by employing certificates between the computer applications sharing information. 

What is the command to check the TLS version in Windows?

  1. Press Windows + X.
  2. Select Windows Powershell.
  3. Enter the following command: Get-TlsCipherSuite.
  4. Press Enter. Y

You can check the version of TLS 1.2 in Windows using the command: openssl s_client -connect www.google.com:443 -tls1_2. You’ll be able to tell whether the version is supported if you get the certificate chain and handshake. Otherwise, you will get the handshake error message. 

How do you check which TSL protocol is being used?

  1. Press Windows + R.
  2. Press Enter.
  3. In the Internet Properties window, click on the Advanced tab.
  4. Scroll to the bottom of the page and check which TLS protocol is reviewed.

There are different TLS protocols, with the latest being 1.3. You can view the currently used ones by noting which ones have checked boxes.

How do I enable TLS 1.2 on Windows?

  1. Enable TLS 1.2 on Windows 11
  2. Enable TLS 1.2 on Windows 10
  3. Enable TLS 1.2 on Windows 7
  4. Enable TLS 1.2 on Windows Server 2019
  5. Enable TLS 1.2 on Windows Server 2016
  6. Enable TLS 1.2 on Windows Server 2012 R2

1. Enable TLS 1.2 on Windows 11

  1. Click on Windows + R.
  2. Press Enter.
  3. In the Internet Properties window, click on the Advanced tab.
  4. Scroll down and check for the TSL protocol in use
  5. Select Apply.
  6. Close the browser window and relaunch your Google Chrome browser.

2. Enable TLS 1.2 on Windows 10

  1. 1. Open Google Chrome.

  2. 2. Press the Alt + F keys.

  3. 3. Click on Settings.

    go to chrome settings

  4. 4. Go to Advanced.

    chrome settings advanced

  5. 5. Scroll down and select System.

  6. 6. Click on Open your computer’s proxy settings.

  7. 7. Press on Internet options and select Advanced.

  8. 8. Scroll down and click on security and tick the use TLS 1.2box.

    click to enable tls windows 10

  9. 9. Click OK.

  10. 10. Close the browser window and relaunch the browser.

    11. On Windows 10, TLS 1.2 can be easily enabled via Internet Options, directly from the Google Chrome browser. The settings will take effect as soon as you restart your PC.

3. Enable TLS 1.2 on Windows 7

  1. Go to the status bar, and click on the Windows button. Click on Run.
  2. Type Regedit on the run page.
  3. Click OK to access the Registry editor.
  4. Clicking the OK button will give you access to Windows options 
  5. For Windows 7, enter this registry key: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\SecurityProviders\SCHANNEL\Protocols.
  6. Click the Protocols folder, click on New and select Key from the drop-down menu. 
  7. Once you complete step 5, a new folder named New Key #1 will be created.
  8. Rename the folder as TLS 1.2.
  9. Right-click the TLS 1.2 tab, and click on New.
  10. Select Key from the drop-down menu.
  11. Once step 7 is complete, a new folder will be created named New Key #1.
  12. Rename the folder as Client.
  13. Right-click the Client Key, click on New, and select DWORD (32-bit) Value from the drop-down list. 
  14. Click on DWORD (32-bit) Value and a new file named “New Value #1”. Change the name to Disabledbydefault. 
  15. Once all the steps have been completed, reboot your system to activate the changes. 

4. Enable TLS 1.2 on Windows Server 2019

  1. Press the Windows+ R buttons to access Regedit.
  2. Press Enter. 
  3. Navigate to Computer\HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\SecurityProviders\SCHANNEL\ 
  4. Right-click the right pane, and click on New.
  5. Select Key. 
  6. Name the new key TLS 1.2 and click on it.
  7. Click on New.
  8. Create a new key called Client.
  9. Right-click the client key and click on New.
  10. Select DWORD (32-bit) Value.
  11. Name the new file DWORD DisabledByDefault.
  12. Double-click it to open its properties 
  13. Make sure the base is hexadecimal and the value is zero.
  14. Create another new DWORD file and name it Enabled.
  15. Double-click it to ensure that the base is hexadecimal and the value is one.
  16. Repeat the same steps for the server key using the exact words: DWORDS and Values.
  17. Close the registry.
  18. Restart the system.

5. Enable TLS 1.2 on Windows Server 2016

  1. First, open the Windows Start menu.
  2. Type Regedit in the search bar to open it.
  3. Make sure you backup your current registry before making any changes.
  4. In the registry, go to Computer\HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\SecurityProviders\SCHANNEL\Protocols
  1. Right-click the empty right pane and click on New.
  2. Select Key.
  3. Name the new key TLS 1.2 
  4. Right-click the empty right pane again and create two new keys named Client and Server.
  5. Select the Client key, click New, and select the DWORD (32-bit) value.
  6. Click the DWORD and rename it to DisabledByDefault.
  7. Right-click it, modify the base to hexadecimal and set the value to zero.
  8. Create another DWORD and name it enabled.
  9. Modify the base to hexadecimal and set the value to one. 
  10. Repeat the same steps for the Server Key and create DWORDS with the same values. 
  11. Close the registry and reboot your server. 

6. Enable TLS 1.2 on Windows Server 2012 R2

  1. Launch the regedit.exe program.
  2. Enter the path: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\.NETFramework\v2.0.50727.
  3. Create a new entry named SystemDefaultTlsVersions.
  4. Set the DWORD value to one.
  5. Create another entry named SchUseStrongCrypto and set the DWORD value to one.
  6. Go to the path: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\.NETFramework\v4.0.30319.
  7. Create an entry and name it SystemDefaultTlsVersions.
  8. Set the DWORD value to one.
  9. Make the same changes to the 64 bits OS location: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Wow6432Node\Microsoft\.NETFramework\v2.0.50727.
  10. Please create a new entry, and name it SystemDefaultTlsVersions.
  11. Set the DWORD value to one.
  12. Create another entry and name it SchUseStrongCrypto with the DWORD value set to one.
  13. Go to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Wow6432Node\Microsoft\.NETFramework\v4.0.30319.
  14. Perform the same modifications as the earlier locations.

For more information about how to enable TLS on Windows Server, check out our dedicated article.

How can I check if TLS 1.2 is enabled?

Transport Layer Security was introduced in 1999 as an Internet Engineering Task Force and has since evolved, with TLS 1.2 introduced in 2008. 

Transport Layer Security has two levels of operation: the TLS handshake protocol and the TLS record, and the TLS operates in the application layer. 

TLS 1.2 is more than just an upgrade; it is an essential step to ensuring safe data sharing. Older versions of the Transport Layer Security have become susceptible to attacks and security breaches easily avoidable with TLS 1.2. 

Ensure that the TLS version is updated to TLS 1.2. and TLS 1.2. is enabled on your system to protect your data. 

TSL 1.2 and 1.3 are enabled by default on Windows 11. You can also read this piece to learn more about how the protocol works.

The quickest way to check whether TLS 1.2 is enabled on your computer is to search for the presence of the registry key. HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\SecurityProviders\SCHANNEL\Protocols\TLS 1.2\Client\EnabledAnd its corresponding value, 1.

How can I upgrade from TLS 1.0 to TLS 1.2 

  1. Search for Server from the top menu bar.
  2. From the list of options, select the server of your choice.
  3. Go to Server Management and select settings and packages.
  4. Click on the advanced tab and scroll down to the Nginx box.
  5. The TLS Versions will display a list of selected versions. Click on edit to make changes.
  6. Select your desired protocol depending on the requirements and click save changes.

Older TSL versions are less secure than the latest ones. So you can also read more about disabling the TSL 1.0 protocol. If your device runs the latest Windows version, version 1.3 will be present.

Sometimes, Windows 11 users can experience TSL errors. Our guide provides a comprehensive solution.You can easily restore your TLS settings by resetting them to their default configuration.

As earlier emphasized, TSL 1.3 is automatically enabled on modern Preview builds of Windows. As far as internet security deployment protocols go, TSL 1.3 is the standard. Its secure protocols are made in such a way as to facilitate endpoint-to-endpoint data transfer. That is, it provides an additional security layer for client-server communications.

The new protocol addresses most of the failings of previous versions, making cryptographic algorithms obsolete. As a result, the handshake protocol (client authentication) is greatly encrypted and enhanced.

In addition, TSL 1.3 sees a marked improvement in privacy. The implication is that the network’s visibility of your user details and information is severely limited.

Having made it this far in this article, you’re sure to have found multiple solutions to enabling the TSL 1.2 protocol on your computer. If you’ve found this article interesting and valuable, please share your experience in the comments below.

6 Ways to Fix uTorrent Not Installing on Windows 11

Posted on by Henderson Jayden Harper

It is common to hear users complain about uTorrent not installing on Windows 11. An outdated operating system, interfering apps, poor internet connection, or insufficient storage can cause difficulties with software installation.

But don’t worry. In this article, we’ll explain all you need to know to make uTorrent install and run smoothly on your PC.

What can I do if uTorrent fails to install on Windows 11?

Before trying advanced fixes, make sure to stop or pause any other background downloads or installs. Do the same for apps you’re not currently using and try to free up some memory space.

If uTorrent still won’t install, keep reading:

1. Reboot your PC

  1. Click Start on the Desktop.
  2. Select Power from the drop-down.
  3. Click on the Restart option, then OK.

Restarting the computer will fix any boot errors that may affect the software installation.

Moreover, if you are running into problems with Windows 11 not restarting, read through our detailed guide to fix it.

2. Disable the Windows Defender Firewall

Tip icon Tip
This is just a temporary fix to make sure the firewall isn’t blocking uTorrent. However, be cautious. Don’t browse any suspicious web pages and consider adding uTorrent as an exception to the firewall instead of keeping it disabled when you use it.
  1. Click on Start, input Windows Security in the search box, and launch it.
  2. Click the Virus & threat protection option.
  3. Then select Manage settings under the Virus & threat protection settings tab.
  4. Toggle off the Real-time protection switch to disable the Defender Firewall.

Restart the computer and check if you can install the uTorrent software on your computer.

We advise you to toggle back on the Real-time protect switch if you still can’t fix the issue. However, you can read our article about Windows Firewall blocking your apps and how you can fix it.

3. Update Windows

  1. Click Start and select the Settings app.
  2. Choose the Windows Update.
  3. Click on Check for updates on the Windows update page (if there are any updates available, Windows will automatically install them).

Updating Windows can fix bugs causing issues with the uTorrent installer. If you are having trouble connecting with the update service on Windows 11, you can read our guide for fixes.

4. End tasks for unnecessary apps

  1. Click the Taskbar and select Task Manager.
  2. Select the CPU and Memory usage in the Task Manager.
  3. Select the applications using lots of CPU and memory space on your PC.
  4. Click on End Task from the drop-down to stop them from running.

We recommend you restart your PC for the changes to sync. Read about other ways to open Task Manager on Windows 11.

5. Run the uTorrent installer as an Administrator

  1. Launch File Explorer on your PC, type uTorrent in the search space, and then press Enter.
  2. Select the uTorrent .exe file from the search result and right-click on it.
  3. Select the Run as Administrator option from the drop-down.

6. Try using a VPN

  1. Download and install a reliable VPN that can hide your data. We recommend ExpressVPN because it’s very private and fast enough for torrenting.expressvpn download page
  2. Install and login into your account.
  3. Click on the big power button to connect to a server.expressvpn uk server
  4. Go back to the official uTorrent download page and try installing it again.

This will work if your Internet Service Provider or Network admin is blocking access to uTorrent. The VPN hides your IP and online activity, so what you can no longer be monitored or restricted.

Close the File Explorer and check if you can install the uTorrent software. For users experiencing difficulties with File Explorer, read how to fix File Explorer issues on Windows 11.

Also, check our detailed guide on what to do if uTorrent is not responding and how to uninstall it on Windows 11.

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

How to Disable the Overwolf Overlay

Posted on by Tashreef Shareef

Overwolf is a popular software publishing platform that allows developers to develop extensions for popular games. The users can download the extensions from the Overwolf Apps Store. Now if you want to know how to disable Overwolf and the overlays, this article is for you.

You may want to disable Overwolf if it is creating conflict with other programs or games. Here is how you can do it on your Windows computer with a few clicks.

How can I disable the Overwolf overlay on PC?

1. Disable Overwolf overlays for specific games

  1. 1. From the desktop, click the System Tray icon to show the hidden icon.

  2. 2. Right-click on the Overwolf icon and select Settings.

  3. 3. In the Settings window, click the Game Overlays tab (from the left pane).

    Disable Overwolf overlay

  4. 4. Scroll through the games and locate the game for which you want to disable overlay.

  5. 5. Toggle the little switch to disable overlay for the game.

    6. If you don’t want the Overwolf overlays to appear for all the games but only specific games, you can customize the settings for each game.

    This will save you from the hassle of having to enable and disable Overwolf for each game.

2. Turn off the Overwolf overlay for the older version

  1. If the Overwolf overlays run, you can disable them from the System Tray.
  2. From the desktop, click the System Tray to show hidden apps (icon).
  3. Right-click on the Overwolf icon and select Settings.
  4. Select Overlay.
  5. Under the “Games“ section, click on Games Library.
  6. Use the toggle switch for “Enable Overlay” to turn off the overlays.
  7. Close the Overwolf window.
  8. Try to launch the game or app that was having an issue due to the Overwolf overlay.

If the issue persists, try restarting the computer. This should kill any running tasks.

How can I prevent Overwolf from autostarting when the PC starts?

  1. If you don’t want Overwolf to autostart after a restart, you can disable it from the settings.
  2. Right-click on the Overwolf icon and select Settings.
  3. Click the General tab from the left pane.
    Disable Overwolf overlay
  4. Toggle the switch for “Start Overwolf when Windows starts” to disable it.
  5. Close the Overwolf client.

The Overwolf overlays can be annoying on some games and by following the steps in this article, you can disable them on your computer.

What game do you prefer overlays on? Do let us know in the comments.

7 Ways to Fix FIFA 22 Not Launching on Windows 11

Posted on by Henderson Jayden Harper

FIFA is one of the most widely played soccer games in the market. Like other games, FIFA lagging issues can make it annoying. Even more, FIFA 22 not launching on Windows 11 is a rampant problem that users report about the FIFA franchise. It means the game client isn’t opening.

FIFA 22 not initializing on your PC makes the game inaccessible due to reasons which can include outdated driver and system errors. Nonetheless, finding the game can be done in some ways, and we’ll take you through some as we go further into this article.

Why is FIFA 22 not opening?

Many factors can cause FIFA 22 not to open on your PC. An outdated game app is one of the main reasons you can encounter these problems with your game. However, there are a ton of other factors that can prevent your game from launching. They are:

  • System startup errors: During boot, your computer may run into issues, preventing it from booting up correctly. It can affect the programs on your PC and cause difficulties like FIFA 22 not loading.
  • Outdated operating system: Lack of access to updates can cause many problems for your PC, impacting your games like FIFA 22.
  • Outdated graphics driver: The graphics driver is responsible for whatever displays on your screen. You can run into issues with it if it is not up-to-date. It can prevent your games from loading graphic content. Take a closer look at our guide on how to update drivers on Windows 11.
  • Lack of enough system resources: Games like FIFA 22 need enough system resources to keep them running smoothly on your PC.

What can I do if FIFA 22 is not opening on Windows 11?

Before attempting any advanced troubleshooting, make sure you observe the following checks:

  • Connect to a stable and fast Internet connection. You should take immediate action if you further discover that your Windows 11 PC can’t find a Wi-Fi network.
  • Unplug external devices and peripherals from the USB ports as they may interfere with the game.
  • Close some background apps you’re not using currently to free up resources and space.
  • Restart your computer and check if FIFA 22 launches on Windows. If your Windows 11 PC fails to restart, check our quick solutions.

If all the checks are intact, but the game still fails to run, proceed to these fixes below.

1. Reboot your PC in Safe Mode

  1. Hold the Shift key while clicking the Restart option to load the Advanced Recovery Options page.
  2. Click on the Troubleshoot button and select the Advanced options.
  3. Click on Startup Settings and select the Restart option.
  4. Press 4 to Enable Safe Mode and wait for the computer to restart in Safe Mode.

Rebooting the computer in Safe Mode can fix startup issues deep-rooted in the system, causing problems with your game.

However, there are other ways you can employ if you can’t go with the above approach. Check our guide on ways to start Windows in Safe Mode without any issues.

2. Update Windows OS

  1. Click the Start button, then select the Settings app.
  2. Choose Windows Update.
  3. Click on Check for updates on the Windows update page (if there are any updates available, Windows will automatically install them).

Updating Windows can fix bugs causing issues with FIFA 22 on your PC. Also, you can check our guide if you cannot connect to the update service on Windows 11.

3. End task for background apps

  1. Click on the Start button, search for Task Manager, and launch it.
  2. Select the CPU and Memory usage option in Task Manager.
  3. Select those applications using lots of CPU and memory space on your PC.
  4. Click on the End Task option from the drop-down to stop them from running.

Restart your computer and check if the FIFA 22 not opening issue on Windows 11 persists.

You can check our article on how to give higher priority to specific apps in the Task Manager to improve your game performance.

4. Update your graphics driver

  1. Press Windows + R key to launch the Run window.
  2. Type devmgmt.msc in the text space and click OK.
  3. Select the Display adapters from the search results and click the driver you want to update from the drop-down.
  4. Right-click on it, click the Update driver software option and select Search automatically for drivers.

Restart your computer to implement the changes smoothly and check if you have resolved the problem.

If FIFA still does not start, try updating all drivers using a special tool. Outbyte Driver Updater automatically detects all outdated drivers and allows you to update each one individually.

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5. Run FIFA 22 as an Administrator

  1. Press Windows + S keys to open the Windows Search tab, type FIFA 22 in the search box, and open file location.
  2. Right-click the FIFA 22.exe file and select Properties.
  3. Choose the Compatibility tab, tick the box for Run this program as an administrator, and click Apply, then OK to save changes.

Read our article on what to do if an administrator blocks you from running an app on your computer if you encounter issues after enabling admin rights for the game.

6. Disable Windows Security for FIFA 22

  1. Click the Start button, search for Windows Security, and launch it.
  2. Select Virus & threat protection and then choose Manage Settings.
  3. Locate Exclusions and select Add or remove exclusions.
  4. Click +Add an exclusion and select both FIFA22.exe and FIFA22 folder.
  5. Return to Virus & threat protection and select Manage ransomware protection.
  6. Choose Allow an app through Controlled folder access.
  7. Add FIFA22.exe and FIFA22_Trial.exe.

If you can’t find Windows Security on your Windows 11, you can follow this guide to download it.

7. Uninstall and reinstall FIFA 22

  1. Press the Windows + I key to prompt the Windows Settings app.
  2. Select Apps and click Installed apps.
  3. Search for the FIFA 22 app and click on the options icon.
  4. Click on Uninstall.
  5. Download the FIFA 22 game on your PC and launch the setup file to reinstall.

Reinstalling the game will fix the issues causing it not to launch. Users should understand that reinstalling the game is recommended as the last resort, as you can lose your game data.

Nonetheless, you may be interested in reading about other issues users report about the game. Check how to fix FIFA 22 black screen issues on the PC.

Also, read our detailed guide on how to fix FIFA 21 in-game stuttering and freeze on your computer.

If this guide has been helpful, kindly leave a response on which worked for you. Also, if you have other suggestions that have worked for you apart from the listed solutions, we’d like to hear from you.

Posted in PC

Fix: Resident Evil 2 Is Not Working on Windows 11

Posted on by Henderson Jayden Harper

Many players of Resident Evil 2 complain about the game not working on Windows 11. Although, other common bugs also plague the Resident Evil franchise, affecting its gameplay.

Additionally, players complain of instances where Resident Evil 2 fails to launch from time to time or crashes on start. Hence, we’ll explore the likely causes and provide solutions for them.

Why is Resident Evil 2 not working?

The dominant cause is the outdated Resident Evil 2 game. It impedes the game performance and your gameplay. Some other causative factors are:

  • Outdated Windows operating system: The outdated operating system may not be compatible with your computer’s current game version.
  • Issues with the graphics driver: The graphics driver on your computer can become outdated or broken. So, it can result in errors like Resident Evil 2 black screen on Windows 11.
  • Interference from other apps: The Resident Evil 2 client on your PC may encounter problems if other apps interfere with its functionality. So, it may not work due to some application activities.
  • Startup errors: Many things may go wrong with programs running on your computer if there’s a startup error. It affects how your computer relates to apps.

What can I do if Resident Evil 2 fails to work on Windows 11?

Fixing the game isn’t complicated, but we recommend you check the following before diving into further troubleshooting:

  • Ensure to close all other background apps consuming RAM.
  • Restart your computer to see if the issue persists.
  • Make sure your computer meets the minimum system requirements to run the game. The system requirements for the Resident 2 game might be worth checking here.

If after these checks, the problem persists, kindly use the advanced fixes outlined below.

1. Update your graphics driver

  1. Press Windows + R key to prompt the Run tab.
  2. Type the following into the text space: devmgmt.msc, and click OK.
  3. Click on Display adapters from the search results and select the driver to be updated from the drop-down.
  4. Right-click on the driver, select the Update driver software option, then click Search automatically for drivers.

Restart your computer after the updating process is complete. Also, we have a detailed article about how to update graphics drivers on Windows 11.

You can also easily update your drivers using a dedicated software like Outbyte Driver Updater. Its primary function is to scan your device for outdated or missing drivers that may affect your PC performance.

After providing you with a list of all your drivers, you don’t have to worry about choosing the right version because Outbyte Driver Updater locates the latest updates to all your drivers directly through its interface.

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2. End tasks for unnecessary programs

  1. Click on the Start button, search Task Manager, and launch it.
  2. Select the CPU and Memory usage option in the Task Manager.
  3. Click on the applications consuming lots of CPU and memory space on your PC.
  4. Hit the End Task option from the drop-down.

We recommend you restart your computer and check if the Resident Evil 2 issues persist.

You can check our pick of the best Task Manager software for Windows 11 to better manage all the activities on your computer.

3. Run Resident Evil 2 as an Administrator

  1. Press the Windows key + E hotkey to open File Explorer.
  2. Then locate the game’s file location, right-click on the .exe file, and select Properties.
  3. Then select the Compatibility tab and select the Run this program as an administrator setting on that tab.
  4. Click the Apply and OK options to save the changes.

It’ll allow the game to bypass security checks that may cause delays in its performance. If the Run as administrator option is not working, our guide might be worth checking out to fix it.

4. Update Windows OS

  1. Click the Start button.
  2. Select the Setting app and click on Windows Update.
  3. On the Windows update page, click on Check for updates (if there are any updates available, Windows will automatically install them).

Updating Windows will fix bugs that can cause issues with Resident Evil 2. Moreso, you can check our guide if you have issues with Windows Update and Security not opening on your PC.

5. Uninstall and reinstall Resident Evil 2

  1. Press Windows + I to open the Settings app.
  2. Select Apps from the Settings menu.
  3. Navigate to the Resident Evil 2 app and select it.
  4. Click on Uninstall.
  5. Download the Resident Evil 2 game on your PC.

Hopefully, reinstalling the game will fix the issues. However, it is the last resort we advise because you can lose your game data.

Also, we have a detailed guide on how to fix Resident Evil 5 not launching on Windows, so don’t hesitate to take a closer look.

If this guide has been helpful, kindly leave a comment or suggestion on what worked for you.

Posted in PC

Learn about Microsoft Graph and win prizes with this 30 day Challenge

Posted on by Radu Tyrsina

Today, Microsoft is introducing a 30 Days of Microsoft Graph Challenge learning program for students, fresh graduates, and professionals. Through the program, participants will not only get to learn a new skill that will propel them to the next level in their careers but they also stand to win a bunch of rewards while at it. The challenge is scheduled to run from November 1 to November 30.

With Microsoft Graph, users can access the data and intelligence across Microsoft 365 core services which in turn allows them to build applications on top of the Microsoft 365 Platform. By taking part in this program, you will be subdued to two challenges. First up, is that all participants will be required to go through all the learning material provided throughout the entire month. The top 10 Cloud Skills Challenge winners will get the chance to record a YouTube short video for Microsoft 365 Developer YouTube channel which will be circulated on Microsoft’s official social accounts.

Next up, is the final and biggest challenge that participants will encounter. During the third week of the challenge, you will have to submit a capstone project proposal for an app scenario with Microsoft Graph. Microsoft has already provided top Microsoft Graph Scenarios, which you can pick a project from.

Alternatively, you can also come up with a unique scenario that you want to work on and submit it as a project proposal. It is worth noting that interested parties will have to comment out their capstone project proposal on GitHub to prevent the entry of similar projects. The top 4 winners who present their capstone projects will get one on one mentorship sessions from both Microsoft 365 Advocacy Directors as well as Microsoft Graph Product Group Directors. They also stand a chance to be featured on Show & Tell video series for Microsoft 365 Developer YouTube which will also be circulated across the company’s social media accounts.

Aside from the gifts, participants will also get access to a lot of learning resources, interaction with the experts on GitHub Discussions, and 8 Live Reactor Sessions. Register for the challenge to win these prizes and more. Anyone interested in taking part in this challenge must register for it, have a Microsoft 365 Developer account, have an active GitHub Student Developer Account, and a GitHub Student Developer Account.

 

Fix: Hyper-V Did Not Find Machines to Import from the Location

Posted on by Henderson Jayden Harper

Hyper-V is a hardware virtualization product that allows you to create and run a software version of a computer (virtual machine). Regardless, users complain about many problems, such as Hyper-V not finding virtual machines to import from the location.

Moreover, Hyper-V importing virtual machines from a location can be affected by many factors, which include folder and file permission issues. Nonetheless, you can fix the error by troubleshooting some settings on your computer.

Is it possible to move virtual machines to another location?

The virtual machine is an emulation of the computer system. It uses software to run apps and programs instead of a physical computer.

However, it is possible to move virtual machines from one location to another in the same host system. Likewise, you move a virtual machine to a host system using a different operating system.

Furthermore, when you move a virtual machine, you move the entire files and directory that make up the virtual machine. So, you can transfer files between a virtual guest machine and the host machine.

If you run into any Hyper-V replication errors on your PC while moving the files, read our guide to help you fix them.

Where is the Hyper-V virtual machine located?

The Hyper-V Virtual Machine files are stored in the default locations. However, the cases may differ in the distinction of Host. The two host types are Stand-alone hosts and Clustered hosts.

Stand-alone hosts

A Hyper-V virtual machine can reside in one of two separate default locations for stand-alone hosts. Follow the directory below to find the locations:

  • Configuration files: C:\ProgramData\Microsoft\Windows\Hyper-V
  • Virtual Hard Disk (VHD) files: C:\Users\Public\Documents\Hyper-V\Virtual Hard Disks

However, you can move the files into a single location for easy import.

Clustered hosts

Hyper-V virtual machines can be in different default locations. The cluster uses shared storage known as the Cluster Shared Volumes (CSV) to store Virtual Machines in volumes. The locations are: C:\ClusterStorage\Volume1 C:\ClusterStorage\Volume2

Likewise, for virtual machines created with System Center Configuration Manager, it creates its path through: C:\ClusterStorage\Volume1\MyVM1 C:\ClusterStorage\Volume2\MyVM2

How do I import virtual machines into Hyper-V?

There are a couple of things you should check before attempting to use the fixes provided:

  • Familiarize yourself with which Hyper-V files and folder houses the Virtual Machine.
  • Get to know how to locate the files & folders and their respective functions.
  • Check for any limitations that may affect the Virtual Machine import to a different host.
  • Ensure the virtual machine files are in the expected virtual machine directory.
  • Check if the exported Virtual Machine folder is intact.

If none helps, proceed to the more advanced troubleshooting steps.

1. Import via Hyper-V Manager

  1. Launch the Hyper-V Manager on your device, then click on the Actions menu.
  2. From the menu, click the Import Virtual Machine option and select Next.
  3. In the Directory, select the folder that contains the exported files, and click the Next button.
  4. Select the Virtual Machine to import in the folder, choose the import type you’d like to use, and then click Next.
  5. Click Finish to complete the Virtual Machine import.

Importing directly via the Hyper-V Manager will bypass any error that may prompt failure to import a virtual machine.

2. Export the Virtual Machine again via the Hyper-V Manager

  1. Launch the Hyper-V Manager on your PC.
  2. Right-click on the Virtual Machine and click the Export button.
  3. Click the Browse button to open the directory and select a path to save the files.
  4. Click the Export button.

After exporting the virtual machine in the Hyper-V Manager, you can then import the virtual machine without having any difficulties or issues.

These are the best fixes if Hyper-V did not find the Virtual Machines to import from the location.

Also, users complain a lot about Hyper-V running out of memory errors on their PC. Our detailed guide will take you through some solutions to fix it.

If you have other suggestions or fixes that have worked for you, kindly leave them in the comments section. We’d like to hear from you.

GPO Filtering Not Applied (Unknown Reason): 3 Ways to Fix it

Posted on by Henderson Jayden Harper

The Group Policy is an advanced tool that requires a bit of understanding before use. The Group Policy filtering not applied (unknown reason) is one of the problems users complain about. It indicates a concern with the target object you are trying to apply your GPO.

Moreover, a series of factors may be responsible for this error on your Group Policy, causing it not to apply your GPO (Group Policy Object) security or WMI filtering. Nonetheless, we’ll take you through how to fix the problem and get it working again.

What could be the causes of GPO not being applied?

Local Group Policy Filtering: not applied can occur in numerous cases – for example, while implementing a security or WMI filtering.

However, a factor that causes the GPO not to be applied is incorrectly assigning your security groups. Other notable causes are:

  • Configuration issues in the Group Policy: Users need to allow permission for some options in the GPO delegation. So, the Group Policy filtering may not apply if these options are not enabled.
  • GPO Setting is for the wrong object type: Applying filters to a group object needs you to specify the object type, and a mistake with that may result in filtering errors.
  • Group Policy Object (GPO) not linked to any Active Directory network: The GPO not applied error may occur if the GPO is not linked to any AD network. You can check out how to enable Active Directory users and computers in Windows 11 to set up your AD.

What can I do to fix the Group Policy filtering not applied?

1. Link the GPO to an OU (Organization Unit)

  1. Start your device and log in as an administrator.
  2. Click on the Start button, then select the Administrative tools.
  3. Navigate to the Group Policy Management console.
  4. Go to the desired OU you want to link to a GPO, right-click on it, and select the Link an existing GPO option.
  5. Navigate to the Select GPO tab below Group Policy Objects, then select the GPO you want to link.
  6. Then click OK to save the changes.

Restart your computer and check if you fixed the Group Policy not applying on Windows 11.

2. Check the Security Filtering settings in your Policy

  1. Click the Start button and select Administrative Tools from the drop-down.
  2. Select the Group Policy Management console.
  3. Navigate through the console and click the GPO you want to modify.
  4. Scroll down to the Security Filtering tab and click on Authenticated Users.
  5. Select the Remove option (it will remove the default permission granted to all authenticated users and computers).
  6. Click Add, then select User, Computer, or Group window.
  7. Click Advanced to browse the list of groups available in the domain.
  8. Select the group to apply the GPO, then click OK.

Allowing group members to apply a GPO will fix the Group Policy filtering not applied.

Editing the Group Policy can be tasking sometimes, so we recommend you read how to edit the Group Policy in Windows 11 for easy navigation.

3. Check if the Security Filtering has Read and Apply group policy permissions

  1. Click on Start and select Administrative Tools.
  2. Select the Group Policy Management console.
  3. Go through the console and click the GPO you want to modify.
  4. Navigate to the Delegation tab and click on the Advanced button.
  5. Then, click on Add and select the security group to apply.
  6. Go to the Permissions tab, select the Apply group policy option, then check mark the Allow option (Also, check the Allow box for Read).

The above configuration will apply the Group Policy filter to the selected group. Alternatively, users can check how to install Group Policy Editor on Windows 11 home.

Conclusively, we hope we have been able to help you fix the Group Policy filtering not applied (unknown reason) error. However, you may be interested in how to fix difficulties with accessing the Registry Editor on your PC.

For further questions and suggestions, kindly leave them in the comments below. We’d appreciate your feedback.